Tagged again!

I have been putting this off. My long-time friend, Lisa tagged me a couple weeks ago, and I am just getting around to it. Lisa is one of those people who never went through an awkward stage. I always looked up to her for her amazing voice and beauty (and we met when we were around 11). She lived with us for a year when we were in 8th and 9th grade. She's pretty dang funny, too (scrunchies for sale?). So, here you go, Lis:

I had to take the letters of my middle name and use words to describe me.

A--AFFABLE: Here's dictionary.com's definition:
1. pleasantly easy to approach and to talk to; friendly; cordial; warmly polite: an affable and courteous gentleman
(woman for me).
2. showing warmth and friendliness; benign; pleasant: an affable smile.

When I am out and about people are not shy to talk to me. I like to think that is is because I'm affable. Usually they are just commenting on my beautiful children, especially Little man's eyelashes. However, I like to think they feel they can approach me because I walk around town with a smile on my face (unless my kids are being super crazy).

N--NOT NAUGHTY: I hate breaking the rules. I can't even handle it when S. pays the money on a toll road, but still makes the buzzer go off because he went too fast through it. I try to do all in my power so the lifeguards don't blow their whistle at me even though I am twice their age--why would I even care? I hate when I get chastised for doing something I shouldn't. Oh, and on a side note: I can't take criticism very well.

N--NOISY: It has been said that I am the noisiest of the Atk girls. S. likes to especially shush me when I'm on the telephone. And I apparently laugh loud.

We finally got a new camera. Ours died and that's why I haven't posted here or on my flog. Look forward to some pics of the growing (but not sleeping well) baby and some grub.

Cherry Blossoms

One of the top 10 reasons for living in D.C.
(Check out Boo's cherry blossom jeans, too!)



I recently read an article in Newsweek, "Liar, Liar Parents on Fire" that talks about how we lie to our kids (the article was written after the author's 7-year-old asked why it was "embarrassing that former New York governor Eliot Spitzer was involved with a cowgirl ring"). Basically according to the pros it is okay to lie to our children (Santa, Easter Bunny, etc) and to teach them to lie to spare someone's feelings. It is a "developmental milestone" because they have empathy. Well, here is our little white lie about this statue of Einstein--he is the Little Einstein's great-grandfather. Hopefully our children won't be in therapy in 20 years after that one.

Blessing Day and Easter

Our camera has been sporadic in functioning, so I relied on my sister for some pictures of Flaca's blessing.  She was blessed during our 9:00am church, and EVERYONE (three of my siblings + spouses+kids, 1 of Sam's siblings + spouse + friend, both sets of g-parents, Great G-ma, Uncle P., Cousin K.) made it on time (Well, family was.  A friend+daughter were a little late).   It was a beautiful blessing and she didn't even cry.  We pulled a "Utah" (no offense, Utah friends) and skipped out after Sacrament meeting (hey, Ben and Amanda had to drive back up to NY) and everyone came to our house for brunch. After naps we headed to my parents' house for Easter Dinner (the third picture is the same day there).

We don't have pictures of the kids finding their Easter baskets because they found them just before we headed to church early to save seats for everyone.   S. started a great tradition where he hid the baskets and left a note for the kids about where the basket was with a hint incorporating Jesus.  

P.S. Thank you Easter Bunny for my Dance Dance Revolution for the Wii.  

Ode to the Wrap Dress

Oh, wrap dress. How I love you.
You treat me so well...
You fit when I am skinny,
You fit when I have a baby in my belly,
You are the ONLY dress I can wear when I am nursing.

Thank you for being so good to me.
I will pay lots of moolah for you to help me disguise my post-baby body.
And thank you to sisters-in-law with discounts.

(Thank you Banana Republic for making this fabulous one I wore for Easter--I didn't have the cute clutch, but I did have my yellow shoes!)

Confessions of a new mother of 3

I didn't take a shower yesterday.
I cooked for the first time in at least 16 days tonight.
I got 3 1/2 hours of sleep last night, 2 1/2 the night before.
I haven't cleaned my bathrooms for 3 weeks (hey--you try 9+months pregnant).
I ate 20 Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies yesterday.
I lost 20 lbs in less than a week without doing anything (well, see above).
I haven't gone to ANY store in 16 days. I have only been to the Dr. and the playground.
I love my newborn even though she doesn't let me sleep.
I love my mother-in-law for taking the older kids and playing with them so I can sleep.
I love my two older kids who play so well together and are patient while I have a baby attached to me.
I love my husband who handles my overtired tears and helps me keep my sanity.
In spite of it all I am happy and it is so worth it!

One talented Auntie

The talented Reb came to town (made a 4 1/2 hour drive each way w/ three monkeys--in two days) and took some pics of the new addition as well as a couple of her cute siblings. Check out Reb's photo blog to see the older kids, but here's a sneak peak.

Reb is going to be in Boston and Utah in the coming months if you want to schedule a session (I'm allowed to advertise here, right?).

Naomi Jane

Yeah, I know it's late, but it took this long to persuade Julie to hand over her password. -Sam


On Tuesday, February 26, 2008, at 5:20 A.M., Julie was dreaming of a getaway in Hawaii when she was awakened by the literal "pop" of her water breaking. 13 all-natural-no-epideral-I'm-serious-she-didn't-use-any-drugs hours later we welcomed Naomi Jane into our family. Naomi weighed a slight 7 lbs. 14 oz. (Julie was visibly disappointed not to have broken the 8 lb. threshold) and was 21 inches tall/long. I use the past tense because she has lost a few ounces since, which she is steadily gaining back, and because we opted to get her legs "lengthened" to prepare for what will surely be a record-breaking career in the WNBA.

Julie was AMAZING throughout the entire labor and delivery. Her strength and calm have only deepened my love and respect for her. She even managed not to scream "GET IT OUT OF ME!", like last time. As she recovers I'm sure she would appreciate comments here and emails of support.


For everyone who voted "girl" on the poll, we'll be sending out autographed used diapers within the week.