Alpine Loop

When Porter was 10 days old, I was feeling extremely stir crazy (still am 4 weeks later...) so we hit the road and headed over to American Fork Canyon to drive the Alpine Loop.  We were a little late for the reds & oranges, but the golden Aspens were beautiful!

 

 

We stopped at Cascade Springs for a quick walk around the boardwalk. 

Owen was a little less than thrilled whenever we stopped for pictures, he wanted to be "exploring"!

 See?!  Thrilled for another photo op!

 



 

Since I'm still in recovery mode, we've pretty much been homebound the last month except for this adventure.  One more week, and then hopefully we can get out and enjoy this beautiful Fall weather!  My favorite time of year!

First Week at Home

I was lucky enough to have my Mom & sister Taryn come out and help me with for 10 whole days after I had the baby!  It was wonderful.  Taryn was the best helper with Owen... he adored her.  Sometimes he "adored" her a little too much, but overall they had a lot of fun together.  My mom was so much help to me & baby as I recovered from delivery.  I don't know what I would have done without them. 

 

 

 

 

 

Owen & Taryn... best buddies!

 

 

 

Porter sporting the BYU Baby Burrito look! 

 

 

 

 Aunt Taryn getting in some quality Porter time

 

 

 Owen's new obsession... good thing, because we have been watching this movie daily and it gives me 1.5 hours of quiet time.  Ah!

 

 

Catching some sleep whenever we can!

 

 

 Porter was pretty bruised on his eyes when he was born.  You can still see it a bit in these pictures.  

 

 

 

 Although he still has his moments, most of the time this is how Owen is with the baby-- a doting big brother.  He loves to alert me when "baby Porter" is crying, spits up, or needs a pacifier. 

I sure do love these two little guys!

Newborn Pics

Last week we had some pictures taken of Porter.  Although he was highly uncooperative throughout the entire shoot... the photographer still managed to catch a few really cute pictures. 

 Porter Mark Hardcastle, 10 days old

Photos by Captured by Amy Lee Photography

 

 

And just for fun, here is Owen's picture from about the same age.

 



I was surprised how different they look when comparing the pictures side-by-side, because they've seemed a lot more similar to me!  It will be fun to see how Porter changes over the next few months and how alike/different they end up!

Porter Mark Hardcastle

Porter Mark Hardcastle joined our family on Friday September 21 at 8:06 am.  He weighed in at a hefty 9 lb 4 oz (now I know why I was so miserable those last few weeks months), and measured 19 1/2 inches long.

He is a cutie!  We have had so much fun comparing all of his features to Owen's and seeing who he looks like.  So far he is pretty mellow... which is great for balancing out a wild 2 year old!

We love him and are so happy he's here!!

 

Hooked up and ready to get the show on the road. 

 They couldn't switch the weight to lb, but if it was it would say: 9 lb, 4 oz.  Big boy!

 

 He was pretty swollen... and had some bruising on his face.  :(  Guess both of us were pretty uncomfortable towards the end!

 

 Look at the rolls!

 



 He was having a little trouble breathing, so they monitored him for about 45 minutes... all was well, so they got to bring him back to me. 

 

 All my boys!

 

 Family of 4... wow!

 

Notice the apple in the previous picture and Cheetos in this one... a certain 2-year-old was more interested in the hospital food than his new little brother!

 



Swollen (Porter & me) and tired (Brad & me), but happy to be heading home (all!)

Puzzle Them Home

I had to take a second to tell you all about an amazing family I have the priviledge of knowing.  They are in the process of adopting their 6th & 7th children with special needs.  They also have 3 biological children, making them a family of 12!  They are in need of a new home, to help accomodate all of the needs of their children (blind, autistic, wheelchair bound, etc.).

Please, please take a few minutes, read their story, and help be a piece of the puzzle.  I promise you will be touched!!

Puzzlethemhome.org

Seven Peaks

On Owen's actual birthday (Labor Day holiday) we gathered up the family (& in-laws) and headed to Seven Peaks for a few hours.  This extremely pregnant momma relaxed in a chair, while everyone else enjoyed the slides, lazy river, wave pool, and kiddie area.

 Good thing we bought a season pass, because Owen loved it and I am looking forward to many a summer afternoon spent there next year!

Owen is TWO!

This little guy turned two on Monday.  TWO?!  That is just crazy.  On Saturday we invited the family over for a small birthday party.  In honor of Owen's favorite show, we themed the party around Sesame Street.  I'm sure all the grown adults we invited thought it was a little weird to have all the themed food, etc. but Owen loved it and that's what matters, right?!

The night before the party, Brad decided to give Owen his present.  His very own "Dorothy" goldfish.  Owen was so excited... he absolutely loves 'Dorotie' and enjoyed feeding her, talking to her, and showing her everything he is doing. 

 

We had a yummy spread of food, topped off with cupcakes for dessert. 

(I can't take credit for these cute veggie trays-- Brad did them!)

 Owen & Grammy ready to get the party started!

 Owen loved all of his presents-- especially Cookie Monster.  But we can't forget his new fishing pole & backpack or his tool bench.  Thanks everyone!

After last year's cake fiasco, I decided to spare myself the time and effort and stick with the cupcakes. Owen still wouldn't touch it-- this kid does not like frosting-- so he settled on a chocolate chip cookie while everyone else chowed down. 

 

 

Thanks to all the family who came to celebrate our little guy!  (And to our California family who was there in spirit!)  We sure think he's pretty special!