Jul 14, 2014

Hatch Happenings

Its been quite a while since I wrote about what we have been up to so I thought I would do a spring re-cap before we get too far into summer.

Seth is doing so much better with chewing and enjoys going to OT. His speech has also made improvements. He now clearly says 4 things. Ba= Ball, grunt, grunt, grunt, ggrruunnntt = 1, 2, 3, gooo and he says go, go, go as he zooms around on his scooter. He still doesn't say mama or dada, but waves goodbuy, signs more, thank you, hungry, please (sometimes). The biggest improvement we have seen with Seth is his comprehension. Just a few months ago I wasn't even sure he knew his own name. Now I feel like if I use simple enough phrases, he can understand what I tell him. Seth definitely understands scooter, bike, high chair, park and beach. Can you tell what his priorities are?

you need pure concentration if you want to go fast.


Seth finally has a favorite aunt on the Hatch side. Brandon's brother Michael was married in May. They had a temple wedding followed by a gorgeous beach front wedding dinner. We got to celebrate again several weeks later after their honeymoon to Europe with the entire BYU mens volleyball team, something I find incredibly hilarious but totally would have done if I had been in their place.

Seth is having major separation anxiety these days...


Somehow Seth ends every event with his clothes off.




We had a great 4th of July. Seth refused to be separated from me and so he missed out on riding his scooter in the parade but he loved the splash pad and swimming pool and grandmas house. The next day we went to the beach where I showed Seth the pleasures of being buried in the sand. Now he wants to be buried every time we go. Seth is learning to swim with his life jacket and arm floaters on. He can propel himself with his arms a little bit but gets tired pretty fast. We are still working on kicking.




sparklers before bed with Aunt Diane

boogie boarding with Cory

beach baby

that smile!

Seth is almost 18 months old and Brandon has been taking him to nursery and staying with him to get him used to it. This was not necessary as he was immediately sold once he saw the train table. He also has more responsibility now. He is in charge of cleaning up his toys, washing his hands after the park or before eating using his step stool and of course, washing the car!

I redecorated my living room and am SO excited. When we got married we were given someones furniture, decorations, pretty much EVERYTHING she owned since she was moving into a convent. I am to this day extremely grateful however, I was also very excited to choose my own color theme and style. I still need to make new curtains but just love sitting in my living room and feeling like its mine!



We are also getting really excited for Seth's new baby cousins Thor and Loki to be born. We are hoping they wait until at least 36 weeks but as long as they are healthy wouldn't mind seeing them a bit sooner. We are also excited to find out what their names will be, although they will always be Thor and Loki to me.



May 25, 2014

A bunk bed for Seth

It's kind of strange but as long as I can remember I have wanted to build a bunk bed for my children. I only have one child and he isn't old enough to sleep in a bed BUT I just couldn't wait any longer. Sooo I somehow convinced Brandon that we needed a bunk bed now. My arguments were all sound such as "it would be nice to have somewhere for relatives to sleep when they visit" and we will need one eventually so we might as well do it now" and my favorite "we can put drawers under it and use it as storage." Well, it worked and I am the proud owner of a bunk bed. A bunk bed that I, kind of, helped build and got to choose how it looks.







Seth wanted to be part of the process every step of the way. He played with the tools, brought the boys pieces of wood they didn't need and threw a tantrum every time I tried to take him away. I am SO excited to get it painted in the next week and the mattresses on. I may even have to take a nap to try it out!

Apr 17, 2014

Here we go, again


This time last year we were adjusting to parenthood, physical therapy, and the possibility of Seth needing a DOC band to correct his head shape. Seth is now 15 months old, in the 97th percentile and such a joy to be around. In the past few months we have been going through the process of having Seth evaluated for Physical, Occupational, and Speech therapy. I had to fill out a bunch of forms about Seth recently and after writing 8 pages worth of things he can't do and the things he does awkwardly, they asked me this question: What do you admire most about your child? It was one of those questions posed at just the right moment that it gets you on so many levels. Here I was focusing on the negative and doing everything in my power to effectively explain why we were referred to them in the first place and suddenly I am asked to say my favorite thing about him, his best quality. Well, I would like to share what I wrote. My favorite thing about Seth is that he never gives up. He is curious and outgoing and when he sets his mind to something, he works at it until he masters it. It is my greatest joy watching him do this, lately he has taken to learning to climb certain things and can now get onto every piece of furniture in the house including the kitchen table.

My happy boy, he loves water.
 Seth had his evaluations today and is 55% delayed in speech. The youngest they usually start speech therapy is 15 months but Seth is so delayed that his speech is in the 3-6 month range (he just started babbling). This means that he is not ready for speech therapy so in the meantime he will start a therapy called infant stim. This therapy will help develop his mouth muscles and comprehension and get him to the point where he can start speech therapy. The concern is even greater because of his family history, both Brandon and I needed therapy. Brandon along with all his brothers and my sister needed speech therapy and I had to go in to learn how to swallow properly.

Seth will also be needing occupational therapy for several reasons, the biggest being his spacial awareness, or lack there of, and perception but his scores were not high enough to qualify for the government program we are working with. They are going to try and petition an exception based on their assessment that he is "a danger to himself". I am not sure how I feel about that but after two split lips, a chipped tooth, walking off ledges, lots of goose-eggs, scabs and gagging (one of the things he needs to work on is chewing and realizing how much is in his mouth) I kind of see their point. He doesn't need physical therapy as most of his gross motor scores are off the charts awesome!

Seth got a major haircut. We all miss his blonde hair but things are so much easier now.

Seth's first drawing, he gave it to grandma.

He LOVES running down hills.

Feb 15, 2014

Valentines Day-- Through the eyes of a mother

Yesterday was Valentines day. I love Valentines day. Even as a child and single young adult I still loved valentines day. I guess it's partly because my mom always made it special by decorating the breakfast table and giving us all a small valentines treat or toy. At school you got TONS of candy and sweet cards from all the girls in class and funny ones from the boys. Maybe it's because I always felt that valentines day as more about physical proof of the love that surrounded me all year than about having a sweet heart. My first valentines with a boyfriend, who just happened to be my future husband, was pretty horrible. I had built up all these crazy expectations in my head of what valentines day would be like once I had a boy as my valentine. Thanks to the BYU business school and their decision to have a HUGE junior core project due on February 15, my valentine didn't even take one second to think of me. He was inexperienced, I was inexperienced and neither of us thought of the needs of the other. I think the night ended in Brandon asking me to tell him what I wanted him to buy me and me saying it wouldn't matter now anyway because he didn't think of it himself. I know, we were so mature. After cooling down we both realized we had been in the wrong and since then have had pretty awesome valentines days. Nothing crazy, but I got flowers and he got food arranged in some special way.

Last year, everything changed. We had a 3 week old! Our Valentines day was spent in the pediatricians office after finding a lump the size of a golf ball in Seth's neck. I think we ate at burger junkies after because we were too starving to wait for anything else. (For those who don't know, the lump was just muscle and after 6 months of physical therapy he was all better)

This year I had planned a couples massage for Brandon and I and then a dinner after. Seth would be asleep by then so to save money on a babysitter I planned to rent a movie and spend the evening at home. Well, This is how my day went. Wake up to find the trash bag I had left out overnight had been attacked by a raccoon or skunk and trash covered the entire driveway. Then Seth wakes up with a fever and is pretty cranky unless we are outside. Nap time finally comes and I get to write my talk for church on Sunday. Usually I really enjoy writing talks and this one was a wonderful strengthen your testimony kind of topic but I didn't have any personal anecdotes to share or stories that would fit in. (I'm afraid it won't be very good and can only hope that the spiritual-ness of it will make up the difference). Seth wakes up and still has a fever PLUS he has thrown up ALL OVER his crib. Awesome! So whats a mom to do but call the babysitter and ask her if she can come at 6 instead of 4 so that Seth will already be in bed for the night by the time we leave. I still sent Brandon to get a massage while I cleaned up and did laundry, filled Seth with medicine and water, and wrote extensive notes for the babysitter.  Romantic, huh?

The evening ended up being pretty great despite my changing everything up. Brandon loved his massage and it relaxed him so much he didn't even get frustrated when I made several blunders in a row. We still got to go out to eat and instead of a night at home we got to see FROZEN!!! I could rave all day about it but I know you all feel the same way so I will spare you! I will say, however that the movie fit into my valentines day perfectly. Its not about having a sweetheart to buy you flowers or pamper you or kiss you. It's about being there for those you love no matter what. It's about taking care of family and laying awake all night while your baby is coughing wishing you could cuddle him in your bed and make him better but knowing his personality enough to know that he would rather be left alone in his crib. Its about sending your love off to get a massage without you because you know he needs it. Its about the siblings who may not always agree with you but will love you and be there whenever you need them and its about the parents who give everything to make your life better than theirs was. And of course, its about the couples who put their valentine before themselves because their greatest wish is to see the other one happy.

I love valentines day and I always will.







Fruit and nuts from mom and dad :)

My favorite flowers from my favorite man

Jan 27, 2014

Personality

I took this personality quiz recommended by a cousin-in-law and really liked how it described me. I often feel as though I am contradicting my own self in the way I act and in what I say. I am such an odd mixture of things that my entire being is a complicated. Anyway, this quiz described me almost to a T (especially the personal space part, which refers to personal life NOT actual contact) because it contradicts itself several times. So if you want to understand the crazy that goes on in my mind everyday go ahead and read on. Sorry it is quite long.

Because no blog post is complete without a picture of Seth. Am I right?
 People with the ISTP personality type possess many interesting traits that can easily baffle outsiders. They are usually very rational and logical, but can also surprise everybody by suddenly becoming more spontaneous and enthusiastic. While most other types tend to be easily recognizable and have clearly outlined traits, this is definitely not the case with ISTPs – even people who know them well may not be able to anticipate their reaction to something. This stems from the unusual combination of Thinking (T) and Perceiving (P) ISTP personality traits. People with this type lean towards mechanical, rational projects and ideas and they can be very calm and rational for a long time. However, their inner spontaneity does not go anywhere – it simply stays in the background, accumulating the energy and awaiting the right moment to release it at once. It is that release that often surprises everyone around the ISTP, especially if they have not seen anything like this before. People with the ISTP personality type are likely to be very good at controlling their energy and saving it for things they consider important.


ISTPs are relatively private individuals (after all, Introversion is one of their personality traits), which makes it even more difficult for other people to tell what is really going on in their minds. ISTPs can also become unexpectedly stubborn and vocal, especially when their principles and habits are being criticized – this kind of behaviour is uncommon among SP types and may confuse other people even further.


People with the ISTP personality type tend to have a very good sense of humour, which may either help defuse a tense situation or make things even more complicated if the ISTP makes a joke that could be interpreted as insensitive. ISTPs are not naturally emotional and they may have difficulties recognizing the boundaries of what is allowed and expected in emotionally charged situations – consequently, they may unwittingly hurt people belonging to more sensitive types.


Unlike most other introverted types, ISTPs do not really care much about personal space. This goes both ways – ISTP personalities do not hesitate to express their interest in something that another person is working on, and may be surprised if their reaction is less than friendly. On the other hand, ISTPs do not mind if someone else wants to get involved in one of their own projects – as long as that does not threaten the ISTP’s principles and lifestyle. ISTPs should try to pay conscious attention to this particular trait as they generally do not see anything wrong with such behaviour. However, this can cause major problems both in the workplace and in personal relationships – most other people are quite protective of their personal space and act very defensively when it is violated


ISTP personalities are brilliant in areas that combine creativity, freedom and practicality. They tend to be great engineers and mechanics, but these strengths stem from their practical experience and vision rather than scientific theories. ISTPs may get bored very quickly while studying, especially if they do not really see a way to apply that knowledge in practice. Consequently, this often leads to difficulties in the academic environment, even though ISTPs can do quite well in areas that require hands-on approach. ISTPs always soak in lots of facts from the outside word (especially when they can experience something first-hand) and this makes practical activities much easier for them.

While many ISTPs are drawn towards engineering or related professions, some embrace activities that other types would normally consider stressful and dangerous. ISTPs shine in crisis situations as they give them a chance to combine spontaneity, practicality and excellent control of all five senses, as well as do something noble and good. Such personality traits make ISTPs great EMTs, rescuers, athletes, racers etc. ISTPs also relish the idea of bypassing the rules and guidelines that they would otherwise be forced to obey – that influx of adrenaline can keep them excited for quite a while. Some people with this type choose to combine those risky activities with more relaxed jobs, thus meeting the needs of all their personality traits.


Fairness and equality are two other ideas that are very important to ISTP personalities. ISTPs would rather bend or break the rules of the existing system rather than fail to meet their own personal standards when it comes to these things. Consequently, you will never see an ISTP in an environment where their personal rules are likely to be violated. ISTP personalities are also extremely loyal to their friends, but they may need a lot of “alone time” to recharge.

In general, ISTPs tend to be very optimistic, generous and confident in their abilities – as long as they are not pushed into a corner, burdened with rules and guidelines, or asked to commit to something they are not yet ready for. Unique and mysterious traits of this personality type may never cease to amaze people close to them, but it is also possible that ISTPs themselves will be surprised by them every once in a while.

And if you want to take the quiz for yourself, here is the link: 16 Personalities

Jan 20, 2014

One Year Old

Seth Turns One


I can not even begin to explain how fast this year has gone. NEVER in my life can I remember a year that even compares with how fast this past one went. Most the time I can't keep track of what day of the week it is. I have the first day of the week, run with Lara day, run with Cerise day, and the rest just kinda blur together. We have been super busy all year long and I feel like I have grown a ton emotionally, spiritually and in maturity. I have a very clear picture of who I want to be and try really hard to become that person. I have had a lot of successes and a few meltdowns. Brandon has been a champion through it all and works so hard to provide for us and allow me to stay home.




On January 18, 2013 we welcomed our little Seth into our family at 6 lbs and 18" long. We didn't know what his personality would be or how he would change us. We have been blessed beyond measure to have been able to choose our own timeline and means of having our first child and were further blessed by getting such a mild tempered and easy going little guy.


On Saturday, we celebrated his first birthday by inviting all his friends and their families and his family to come "Eat like The Very Hungry Caterpillar." I decorated an area of the park near our house and Seth had a blast with all his friends. When we got home, he was so into all his new toys that we had to pry them away from him to go to bed. After 20 minutes of complaining, we let him go down and play for 10 more minutes before making him go down for the night.
I made this caterpillar with a picture of Seth for each month since he was born.

Little gift bags for everyone to take home full of all the fruit the hungry caterpillar ate in the book


Brandon had the idea to put out copies of the pictures I used for the caterpillar to see if people could put them in order. It got pretty hard toward the end.

I think my favorite part was the balloon caterpillars crawling up the trees near the party.


Caterpillar fruit kabobs

Hungry Caterpillar cupcake-cake!!

I'm quite pleased with myself

I had labels for all the food. Apples, pears, strawberries, cheese cubes, and even pickles!!

Seth likes eating cars so much he decided to let his friend try one.


Getting pictures of kids is painful...

But we will take what we can get!!!

Seth did not eat any of his birthday cake on his own. I gave him a few bites and he did not like it. He tried to pull it out of his mouth but gave up when he realized his hands were covered in frosting. He did, however LOVE squishing it.







He LOVES squishing things!


Seth is, like I said before, a very happy and easy going little guy. He is extremely friendly and his laugh is contagious. Despite his friendly personality, he is a solo player. I try to play with him but it never lasts long because he prefers to play with his cars and other toys by himself. He likes to give hugs and kisses but makes them fast so he can get back to playing. He walks, says ball, mam, da and sometimes "yesh." Seth likes to pick things up that are way too big for him and carry them around. He climbs ladders and climbing walls at the park and can dribble a soccer ball. He prefers hot meals, doesn't much care for sweets, and loves the beach. Seth is a big, sturdy kid and weighed in at 25 lbs and is 31.5" tall putting him in the 95% for height and the 91% for weight.



















And there you have it. A Hungry Caterpillar party for a hungry little one year old!
Thank you, Seth for making our lives so wonderful.