Trip to Tracy Aviary

Yesterday afternoon we went to the Tracy Aviary with Jeff's sister Rachel and her 4 kids. Jeff took the last few hours off of work so he could join us. We called it a "daycation."
We were hoping to do the Amazon Adventure that Jeff and I did a few years ago, where you go inside an enclosure and get to feed parrots. Unfortunately, all of the tickets were sold out. But we still had a fun time.
I loved walking around and looking at the different kinds of birds. Birds are some of my favorite animals, because I had a pet bird when I was growing up.
We also attended a show about bird eggs. Audrey was selected to help feed an emu, which was pretty cool. Then they did a demonstration where they smashed a chicken egg. It took almost 50 pounds to do it! When we talked to the worker at the end of the show, we found out that this batch of eggs is weak - she said that it usually takes about 95 pounds to smash it. My favorite part of the show was at the end when they had a bird (I can't remember if it was a falcon or a hawk) swooping back and forth over our heads. It flew right by my cheek!
A few minutes after the show ended it started raining, along with thunder and lightning. We stayed indoors at an exhibit next to the amphitheater. While we were there, Cosette started getting a little restless. Here's a picture of Jeff entertaining her:
The rest of us started getting restless being cooped up inside, so we went outside to an area covered by a tent. It was still raining, though, so we waited a few more minutes before walking around to see the other exhibits. While we were waiting for the rain to clear up, we made a few videos with Cosette for entertainment.
Audrey is the one playing peek-a-boo. Madeline is just out of sight to the right, and I think the big smile on Cosette's face was for her. At the end of the clip Jonathan pokes his head around to say hello.

It was a fun dacation. Oh, and one more thing: I learned that Pixar probably used the cry of a peacock for Kevin the bird in the movie Up, because they sounded just like him!

Reading with daddy

For a while, Cosette didn't enjoy her tummy time. I know that it's important for her, so she can exercise her muscles and become more mobile, so I looked for ideas online to help make it more enjoyable for her. One website suggested putting a book in front of them, and it's worked great!

Here are a few things I love about this video clip:

• You get a great view of the bald spot on the back of her head


• I think her interest in the book is really cute, like she's actually reading it


• It's adorable when her neck gets too tired to hold her head up and she rubs her face in the blanket

Who does Cosette look like?

A lot of people love to tell us how much Cosette looks like her daddy, or how much she looks like her mommy. Some say that she got her eyes from me, some say from Christine.
Well, we don't know which features she gets from whom, but one thing is for sure: We think Cosette got my mouth. Here is the evidence.

What do you think?

To daddy, love Cosette

Dear Daddy,
Happy Father's Day! I wanted to let you know what a special and wonderful daddy you are to me.
I loved you from the very first time I lay eyes on you, and I knew you loved me too.
Thank you for all of the wonderful things you do for me. Thank you for letting me sleep in your room for the first 6 weeks of my life and interrupt your sleep. I know it was hard for you to get up and change my diapers when you were so tired, but I was so grateful to be near you!
Thank you for continuing to wake me up in the morning while mommy gets ready to feed me. It's one of my favorite times of the day, just like it is for you! I get so excited when I hear your voice and see your face peek over the edge of the crib. I just can't contain my joy, and I have to kick and wave my arms to show you how much I love you!
Thank you for being a worthy priesthood holder. I'm grateful that you were able to give me a name and a blessing.
I miss you when you're gone during the day, but I'm so grateful that you work hard and provide for us so that mommy can stay home with me all day.
Thank you for playing with me, talking to me in silly voices, and making me smile and laugh. Thinking about you just makes me so happy!
I love going on walks with you. I always feel safe and secure in your arms.
I love when you read stories to me. I love cuddling in your arms.
I love you so much. Thank you for being such a great daddy to me.
Happy Father's Day, Daddy!

Love,
Cosette

Special Mother's Day Gift

Because this was my first Mother's Day as a mother, Jeff wanted to get me a special gift. Isn't he sweet? He had the idea to get a piece of jewelry where you add things to it for each kid.
We found these lockets online. You can put a small birthstone (I don't think they're real, but I don't care - they look nice) inside the locket for each kid. They have two sizes: the small can hold up to 4 gems, and the large can hold up to 15. I decided to get the small, because I like smaller jewelry and I thought the big one would look funny with only one stone rattling around in it.

Thank you, Jeff, for the thoughtful gift.
I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day like I did!

Trip to Ohio

Jeff, Cosette and I flew out to Ohio last week, from Wednesday to Monday, for the wedding of Jeff's sister Kate to Steve Schwope.
Cosette was a really good traveler. Fortunately, the changes in pressure during take off and landing didn't bother her. I was so grateful, because I'd heard horror stories of screaming babies. She did cry some on the plane, but that was due to the fact that we were traveling during her bedtime. On Wednesday we flew with Jeff and Rachel, and they were kind enough to help hold and soothe her, which was wonderful.
On Thursday we went to the zoo. Cosette was in the carrier with Jeff for part of the time.
Thursday night we went to a restaurant called Marcellas. It was really good food, but it was also REALLY loud. I couldn't believe that Cosette slept through all of the noise. I took a short video to show how loud it was.

Here's a picture of our table.
Here's Kate holding Cosette. She was so excited to meet her!
On Friday Jeff drove me around the neighborhood where he grew up. Here's a picture of the house he grew up in.
Friday night we had an after rehearsal picnic at Steve's parents' house (sorry, I forgot to take pictures).
Saturday was Kate and Steve's wedding. It was a beautiful ceremony and a wonderful day. And instead of doing cake for dessert, they had Belgian waffles with whipped cream, strawberries, and chocolate syrup. Fun and delicious!
On Sunday we went to stake conference with Dad, Rita and Jamie. Then we met up with everyone else at a Chinese restaurant for lunch. For dinner, Jeff and I had leftovers from earlier meals in the week. I had ordered my favorite Bob Evans meal, meatloaf with home fries, to go when we went there on Saturday for lunch. I couldn't leave Ohio without stopping by Bob Evans, because it is my all time favorite restaurant. I am SO sad they don't have any in Utah.
We also couldn't leave Ohio without getting Graeters icecream. The only time we could fit it in was on Monday afternoon before our flight. Not the healthiest lunch, but it sure was delicious!
It was a great trip, full of family, fun and good food.

Random pictures and stories

I thought I would post a few pictures and random stories about Cosette.

She took a bottle from Jeff the first time he tried.

Here she fell asleep in Jeff's arms while we were watching TV.

These stuffed giraffes attach to her pack and play.
I thought this picture of her staring at one was really cute.

I love that she sucks her thumb. I think it is adorable.
I was an avid thumb sucker myself.
I know this is a habit we'll have to break eventually,
but today is not that day.

These last two pictures show how she loves to sleep.
We used to put her down to sleep in the middle of the crib,
but we kept finding her scooted all the way to the side.

She loves sleeping next to her comforter and often rests her hand on it.