A day in the life of Andrew- about 23 months old

I have a great kid and of course I want to remember how cute he is right now because I already have forgotten so much. And I can always use a good reminder of how blessed I am to have this little mister. We'll go through our day today and let you see a little about how adorable he is and what he's up to these days.


8:30 to 9:00- Wake up! Usually he'll just lay in bed and relax or read a book until I come to get him. The first things he asks for are "pancake," "vimins", and for me to sit "down, book." So, we usually read a book while he eats vitamins and then get dressed for the day. He is not too picky about what clothes he wears but he likes to pick out his shoes himself. Although he'd wear his clip on ties everyday if he could. Today he picks the "shine shoes." Since we've been camping at Grandma and Grandpa's he has to ask where everybody is: "Anpa-pane," "Dada-car," "Anee-car," "Anma-seepa." Then I have to repeat and correct, "Yes, Grandpa went on the plane, Dad went in the car to work, Aimee went in her car to work, and Grandma is sleeping. My favorite is when he says in a whisper with his finger to his lips, "Anma- seepa, sshh."


He's a good eater. No pancakes today so we have banana and Crispix with milk. After he's "all done" we have to "wash, soap." He has to have a drop of soap in each hand and if we wash in the bathroom he always asks, "Mama, peepee?"


10:00- Exercise with mom. When it's nice we either go for a walk or bike ride. Today it's a bike ride to the park! He gets sad when we walk or ride by parks or people's playgrounds without stopping. I hear sad comments of, "slide, slide, swing."


He made a friend at the park but the friend had to leave when he left Andrew white knuckled and dangling from the top of the slide. Luckily the friend's mom was there to save Andrew and whisk her three year old away. Andrew kept saying "sorry, sorry" as the boy picked up his tractors and left against his will. With friends gone, Andrew gets tired of the park and since we'd been there about an hour we head home for lunch.


Today lunch is peanut butter and apple with milk. Grandma Sauvageau still thinks he shouldn't eat so much peanut butter since my brother Philip is allergic but Andrew loves it and has had no reactions to it so it's a staple. Plus she doesn't understand how anyone could like that stuff.

If I am across the room while he's strapped into the high chair sometimes he will make a kiss sound, "mmmmm" which mean I'm supposed to run across the room like a crazy person and give him a kiss. Which I don't mind doing!


12:30- Then it's off to quiet time. I read a book and then he has a couple hours where he naps, listens to music, and looks at books. Grandma is worried that he will hurt himself with all those books in there with him so we tried to take all the books out and he just said, "book, book, book," and pointed to the book box until we gave him some. I guess he's just used to running into a book every now and then in his sleep and he wouldn't have it any other way. He loves his books. Today he requested, "baby, baby song," one of his Baby Signing Time cd's. He doesn't sign as much as he used to but his first words were signs he knew, so it's still paying off and if we don't understand what he's saying he'll still sign it. You can see his best friends with him in his crib, Blane, Cocoa, and Roger (or RR as he says) along with his favorite "kees." Even if he doesn't have has favorite friends and blankets he's pretty flexible.


4:00- Yes, four o'clock, I go to peek in on him and he's kind of awake. Monday he usually takes a long nap because with church at 1:00 he usually doesn't get much of a nap if any at all on Sunday. But, he is a good napper all around anyway. He made it through his nap dry so we go sit on the potty. Today there is success! "Yeah, peepee!" We aren't really intensely working on potty training, but when he says he wants to "peepee" or "stinky poop" we let him sit there and see what happens.

Andrew said, "Blane-cheese," so I took Blane's picture, too.

Time for a snack! We don't eat until later at Grandpa and Grandma's so we need a good snack. I'm so used to starting to cook at about five but here I have to wait until about six-thirty to wait for Aimee and my dad. Anyway, today's snack is yogurt, fruit leather, and a couple nila wafers to dip in the yogurt, even though the fruit leather got dipped in the yogurt, too. He hasn't mastered the fine art of getting the yogurt to the mouth without "mess, mess" but he loves the stuff.


Sam came home after snack. That boy loves his "Dada" and who could blame him. He's pretty much the most awesomest, greatest guy on the planet! Seriously! We all play together a little and then Sam wanted to take Andrew on a bike ride so I went to pick some things up at the store. While I was gone they went on their bike ride, played basketball, and had fun outside.


Then time for dinner. He ate lots of cantaloupe and green salad and a little bit of the Spanish rice casserole. After we cleaned up dinner we went on a family walk. Andrew was very ready for his bath by the time we got back from our walk. He loves water and will usually play as long as we let him in the bath. But he recently went though a phase where after he was washed he was all done, luckily he got over that, I like watching him play in the water. He likes to brush his teeth with someone else so whoever is getting him ready for bed or getting ready in the morning gets asked to brush with him, "Mama teeth?" He also likes to pretend to spit out his toothpaste. I say pretend because he's never really spit anything out. Story, kisses, and good night. He would have a million stories before bed if we'd let him. He's already mastered that diversionary tactic to stay up a little later. He loves to kiss between the bars of his crib. Our favorite show, Castle, starts it's new season tonight so we make sure he's in bed by 8:50, which is pretty close to normal.

We love Andrew and are so blessed to have him in our lives. I'm glad we've made the necessary sacrifices so that I can spend my life with him and enjoy this day with him.

What's my password again?

Well it's been almost two years since I blogged. Many may say it's on it's way out with Facebook but I'm going to start up again now that I have more regular access to internet. If not for the family and friends out their who might read this blog for a more indepth look at our life than I'd ever share on Facebook, than because I can eventually print and bind this. I'm horrible at journal writing. I will be taking it private soon though so send me your e-mail addresses.

He's Here!

I had contractions all Thursday night. Sam didn't go to classes on Friday and we went around town and got things done. The contractions had only moved to ten minutes apart so we went to my parent's house to see if anything more would happen. After hours of being at ten minutes apart they went down and started getting harder. We went to the hospital and passed their test to be admitted. I got and epidural that didn't work so I went until about one in the morning and then they realized it wasn't working and so they poked me again. I only had to push for a little over an hour. He was turned to the side so the Doc had to use the vaccum to turn him.

Andrew Joseph Tingey was born at 5:08 am, weighed 8.5 lbs, and was 21 inches long.
With the H1N1 flu going around we are only allowed two visitors so only Sam and my mom have been able to come to visit in the hospital.
Sam is a very proud papa and earned his red badge of courage from his brothers because he went through the whole thing without fainting. He said nothing could prepare him for the feelings he felt as Andrew was coming out.
He's a sweet little guy and doing well. As long as you're healthy, he'd love to meet you when we get home!

Baby Showers

I'm so lucky to have tons of people who are looking forward to the arrival of our little guy. I had four very fun showers. The Egnew side of Sam's family, the ladies at work, the Lubeck family, and some gals from church. Having all the baby stuff around the house sure makes it look like another little person is going to be living there. I've loved having him in my belly, especially when I can feel him grooving in there but I'm very excited to meet him and get to know the special little guy inside of me! Thanks again to all the friends and family who love an support us. We love you!

Shout out to the McClellan's

Our bestest buddies the McClellan's moved to Arizona. These pics are from moving day. I didn't feel like I was too much help but I took the kids for a walk and got them out of the way for about an hour. Evie was very excited that she got to stop as often as she wanted and look at whatever she wanted instead of having to keep walking. Every garden had "pumpkins" but we had to talk about how really some of them were grapes and tomatoes and other produce. And we saw the ducks which she loved until them wanted to be her friend, then she was out of there.

We will miss all the fun games and the treats that always accompanied them. And there aren't that many people that you can just stop by any old time and do any old thing and have a great time. And of course we will miss playing with Evie and Sulli while their mom and dad took a break from them.

I guess everyone has to grow up sometime and we are very glad that Mike got a good job but they are irreplaceable and it will be along time before we find friends even close to as cool as them!

Winner and still champion!

Sam was able to compete for the fourth time at the state bus roadeo. It was held in Park City again this year. It was my Friday off so I was able to spend the day shopping a the outlets while Sam went to training and took the written test portion of the competition. Sam's buddy David was able to check out his friend in action Saturday morning. Sam was very nervous as usual. He did a great job on he cone course but was still very unsure of his status. He was glad that he got all of his points on the passenger assist, which he'd never done before. And the bus inspection went well, he even found the bomb. As they announced the winners at the awards luncheon Sam, who plays only to win, was nervous as third place and second place were announced and it wasn't him. As the returning champion he thought he would at least place. Then he was very relieved to find out that he had one first place again. So now we have more money, another beautiful plaque, and a trip to Long Beach next spring! We still think it's funny that Sam, who only drives 18 hours a month, beat all the full time drivers but, when you've got skills, you've got skills!

We love Grandma Tingey

We knew we were going on to be leaving early on a Tuesday for our Nauvoo trip so we had planned to go down on Monday to visit Grandma Tingey and spend the night at my parent's house. We got a call from Sam's mom that Grandma wasn't doing well so we were glad that we had planned to go visit her.

Sam's brother, Josiah, was able to go with us. It was difficult for me to walk into her room and not see her as bubbly and happy as she had been when we had seen her just a month before. Sam's Aunt Mavis said to just chat with her. I thought she might like some music, too. Joe and I tried to get her organ working while Sam talked with her but we weren't very successful. So, we just stood by her bed and sang hymns to her for awhile. She opened her eyes and showed interest in our singing. I'm not much of a singer but I think we did well. Once our voices were to tired to continue singing we sat down next to her bed and talked. It was much easier to talk to her when she was awake and making eye contact. She even chuckled as some of our attempts at funny stories and jokes.

Then came a moment I will never forget. It was getting late. Josiah needed to start driving back to Provo, we needed something to eat, and the pregnant lady needed to use the bathroom so we were getting ready to leave. We told her we were going to leave and she actually talked back and asked if we were really leaving already. Josiah and Sam took their turns saying good bye and I was the last to say good bye. I said, "Bye Grandma, love ya!" And as I turned to walk away she stretched out her hand, waved, and said, "Love ya, bye!" I knew that would be the last time we would be able to talk to her and I'll treasure that moment.

While we were on our trip, my mom's birthday actually, we found out that Grandma finally got to go back to be with Grandpa. She had a beautiful memorial service that was attended by many of the people who loved her and I know many more wished they could have been there. Sam's dad even was asked to speak and did an eloquent job. Sam also had the honor of being a palm bearer a the services. With well over 300 descendants it was a privilege.

Sam will always remember her viewing the night before. President Monson was able to come and soon after he left Elder Perry came. Sam is not one to go up to general authorities from the church. He just lets them do their thing but Elder Perry came right up to Sam and asked if he was a Tingey. Sam said he was and Elder Perry told Sam he was too short to be a Tingey and that he needed to eat more so he could grow tall like a Tingey. I think it's a very amusing anticdote.

I know I've only been part of her family for a very short time but I love her very much. She's so talented, willing to share her life experiences, and love of life. I learn so much from her. Now I only hope one day that I can have a daughter and give her Grandma's name. (Which Grandma said was okay as long as I didn't use Fransis as her middle name) It would be a hard legacy to live up to but a beautiful one.

Nauvoo Trip

We went with my family on an awesome trip to see Nauvoo and the surrounding areas in August.
I know I'll mess up the order on things somewhere along the way so I just give a run down of some of the sites we saw. This sign is from the outside of the Truman museum. I really like the era of history during which he was president so it was very interesting. I probably could have spent the whole day there. While in Independence we also visited the visitor center and the sites of other churches.
I think that the Liberty Jail was my favorite of the church history sites that we went to. It seemed a little more personal and less of a destination spot. There was a real sense of reverence there. But of course after the fact as we were taking pictures outside Sam and Aimee were ready to get some wiggles out, or bounces out I guess.
We visited Mark Twain's home town and some of the sites that were inspiration for his stories. This is the Tom Sawyer house and the white picket fence and the might Missip is just a stone's throw down the street.
And no Sauvageau family vacation would be complete now without our tour guide Sam with his trusty old books and maps to help us find our way and to know what we've found once we've got there.
I was glad to find out that in Adam-ondi-ahman they raise cattle, potatoes, and corn. So, steak and potatoes with a side of corn on the cob is a celestial meal!

We also visited Farr West on the way to Adam-ondi-aham.
I know the computer doesn't like to rotate my pictures but this is the outside of Carthage Jail. It was definitely a solemn place and it was a rainy day which added to that atmosphere. It's hard be in a place people you revere died for what you believe.
Nauvoo was a fun place to go around from house to house and see what life was like during the mid 1800's. We also were able to go to several fun productions that volunteers put on. It's just amazing the size of city they were able to build in such short of time. And as you walked down Parley's street to the river and looked back it would have been tremendously hard to leave such a beautiful place even if they would have known that they were on their way to the desert of Utah.
To end the trip we went to St. Louis. I hadn't been there is years so it was fun to visit again. Their temple was beautiful and we were able to go up into the St. Louis Arch, too. Sam had never done that before and with all his new engineering knowledge he found it even more fascinating.

There were times when I was feeling very hot and pregnant but it wasn't nearly as bad as I had imagined and for the most part the family was pretty understanding. They took way more potty stops than they would have liked to but me and and bladder sure appreciated it!

Thanks again Mom and Dad for a wonderful experience that we'll remember forever!

July

July went by way to fast! But I've got some highlights from the month. Mostly the ones I have pictures for.The first of July was Aimee's birthday so my aunt Janet arranged for a spa and lunch day for the girls. Aimee and I had our first pedicures. I liked it but Sam does a pretty good job, too. Sam's mom, Renee, was in town so she helped celebrate Aimee's birthday.That night we went to dinner and the Oquirrh Mountain Temple open house. Sam's brother Josiah drove up from Provo with a friend to come with us.While Renee was here we also went to the Northern Utah Parade of Homes. There were lots of beautiful houses and some really expensive and ugly ones, too. It was fun to look for ideas but I really was glad to go home to my house, it's great for us!
Sam and I have had red, white, and blue pancakes every 4th of July since we've been married and Renee was able to share in this much anticipated tradition with us. We also had a BBQ with my family and went to fireworks with them at my old high school.
We went up to Rexburg to attend the wedding of one of Sam's old roomates, Yanni. It was an action packed day for us. We ran into a cat on the freeway that did more damage than you would think a cat could do. It cracked the front fender and tore off part of the rock guard under the car. We were able to see lots of people we love while we were in Rexburg. Sam saw some of his other old roomates. Our bishop from our student ward was at the temple, too, along with our "grandma" Patty. We were also able to go to dinner with Shawnee and Dustin, some of our favorite cousins from my side of the family.
We stopped by the bookstore while we were in Rexburg to get Junior a t-shirt. The one we purchased was just a generic one, but we also liked this onesie that they had for sale.

Pioneer day was another fun day for us. Most of the activities for the city were in the park that is just over the train tracks from our house. Basically in our backyard. Sam and I were in the doubles bracket of the horseshoe tournament. We were up against some tough competition! There were a couple beginners like us but most of the teams had been competing for years. Luckily the teams we played were good sports about completing against a pregnant lady and her hubby. That took most of the morning. Then we watched the parade. We were surprised to see real floats amidst the traveling billboards that are usually in parades. Later Sam was in the pie eating contest. He choked, literally. He had too much in his mouth to swallow and keep working on the next part. Sam's brother Chris, Becca, and Will came up for a BBQ that afternoon. I'm so glad that Junior will have Will to be buddies with growing up. (and in case you are wondering our kid's name it's really going to be Junior but my mom doesn't like it when I just call him the kid) I hope we can be great parents like Chris and Becca! They are so good with Will. After they headed home that night we went back to the park for a concert by Peter Brinholt and then walked back to watch the fireworks from the comfort of our beautiful backyard!

Well there's July in a flash! But it was great while it lasted!

Family Fun

Sam and I spent a few days back in California to see family and his youngest sibling's graduation from high school. The whole family was there. Nobody is on a mission or out of the country right now and that hasn't happened in awhile. We drove on Thursday and got to his brother Abe's house in time for a family BBQ. We stayed at Abe and Christy's and hung out with them Friday morning before the graduation. Sam loves to play with all of Nathanael's toys and as you can see he doesn't seem to mind when Sam is around to play with him. Christy took me shopping to hunt for baby boy things. She looked at baby girl things with hopes that her baby which is due at the end of the year will be a girl.
Friday night was Nick's graduation. His class broke with tradition and had it outside which was very pleasant considering the fair weather. It was interesting to me because I graduation with about 600 other seniors at my high school. His class had 80 graduates. Graduations are at the bottom of Sam's fun things to do list but he bore the burden well in support of his "little" brother.
On Saturday we all took a trip to the train museum. It was an adventure with the bunch of us but I think everyone had an enjoyable time. Sam loves trains and I wouldn't be surprised if he doesn't get out his wooden train set and put it together in the next few days. We were able to ride on the train in this picture. Sam pulled the emergency break and gave everybody a good laugh when the conductor told him he'd have to get out and walk back to the station.

My oldest nephew, Wesley, has always loved Thomas the train and the other kids seemed to share his interest with the toys they had out to play with in the museum shop. Christy and I were very hungry so we left before the others. Nathanael was heart broken that he had to leave the trains. As he fell asleep on the ride home he kept repeating, "the train, the train..." and other ramblings about the trains. Once he was jolted by a bump opened his eyes and asked about the train before he settled back down.Sam joined us again that afternoon and we went into Berkley to some parks. I thought it was a great afternoon and all the boys had lots of fun on the playgrounds and going down the huge cement slide. Nathanael says the funniest things. On our way to find a place to eat, after we had been to the parks, he was saying how much his tummy hurt and he needed some snacks. Abe gave him some fruit snacks but that wasn't enough and he said he needed more. I don't know if I was supposed to or not but seeing as I am always prepared with snacks for myself these days I got a granola bar out of my purse and his eyes lit up as he proclaim, "Ooo, she's getting out a snack!" Oh, the mood swings of a toddler. From near death with hunger to elated in seconds. Another great one was Sunday night when Abe was trying to get him to go to sleep he told his dad, "I don't need to sleep. I'm happy!"

Sunday we went to Sam's branch for church. My niece Cali was blessed and it was great to see the men in the family surround her to help with the blessing. Since I work the kids at our church it was different to sit through the adult meetings. After church was had family pictures in Tiffany's backyard. Then we had chicken curry that Renee made for us all. The "boys" went and played bat golf and the kids ran around having a great time with each other. Then we said good by to everyone and went back to Abe's. He made us pizza for dinner and let Christy rest. He does a pretty good job taking care of things when she's feeling sick from the pregnancy. Hopefully she will be done with all of the that soon. It sure makes me grateful for how easy I have had it with my pregnancy. The boys took it easy and watched a movie and the girls turned in for the night. We left Monday morning and were able to tag up with Sam's brother Josiah as he drove to school in Provo and we dropped off a package to Sam's brother Chris in Salt Lake as we made our way home since he took a plane to California.

I am so glad that I married into a family that has accepted me and that I love being a part of. They are great and I'm grateful that we get to see each other. Some more often than others, but we have a good time no matter how long it is between visits. Love you guys!