Brenan Asher West

Here are some hospital pictures (in no particular order) for all of you!! Details will come soon!

In the midst of all the election blog posts that are sure to come pouring in at any time - either proclaiming that the second coming is going to be ushered in even sooner because the voice of the people voted for the "evil" side OR the "HAPPY DAY - we are FINALLY going to see some change around here - take that republicans!!" posts - I am going to ask for your opinion about something VERY important to me. =) Haha!

I found a diaper bag at Babies R Us that is normally $64 but was on sale for $29. I like it because it's simple but has LOTS of pockets and room but doesn't seem too big. Problem?? It is brown with pink lining. My thoughts were that I could get away with it because I also have 2 girls and I'M a girl but Nathan says no. It must be blue. Or some other boy color. I sort of see his point but what do you think??
And I'm sorry. I shouldn't have been sarcastic about the elections. I guess I just fall somewhere in between and didn't really like either of the presidential options. So - for you McCain voters (and I have to say I voted McCain) I'm sorry that the election didn't go your way - but at least it's looking good for the Props in AZ and CA - right?? And for you Obama supporters - get out there and celebrate! If it were me - I'd hit up the local DQ and get a nice big BLIZZARD. But since I'm on the losing side I think I'll stay home and sit on my couch all day and stare at things. Actually, that's what I would do anyway because I can't move very well! Maybe someone could bring me a blizzard and I will join you in your rejoicings? I would like a Kelyn creation - Oreo cookie, cookie dough, and cocoa fudge - and please make it a medium. Thanks!!

All Hallows Eve

That's what they call Halloween on HOCUS POCUS right?? Great movie. I wish we'd watched it last night! I don't think that Nathan has ever seen it!

We had a pretty fun time trick-or-treating last night! The girls were so darn cute! We also had a great time carving pumpkins the other night for FHE. As you can see, we didn't take too many pictures! Sorry! I think I'll keep these costumes out for them to play with - they have LOVED tromping around in them the past couple weeks! Nathan's family always came home from trick-or-treating and had donuts and hot cocoa so that's what we did afterwards. I can't believe it's NOVEMBER!!

I know I'm pregnant but sheesh! I'm driving myself CRAZY.

First of all, how is it that I can be so grouchy at these 2 cute little monkeys? All I know is that they seem EXTRA whiny these past couple days and it's not helping that my patience level is on the low end of the spectrum.

Secondly, I am tired of dropping EVERYTHING. It seems like if it's in my hands, I drop it.

Thirdly, why can't I walk by our kitchen table without jabbing my leg on the corner?? The bruise just keeps getting bigger.

Fourthly, why did I cry yesterday when I had to take a detour to get to a friends house? Come on Brittanie. Get a hold of yourself!!

Little things - right?? All I know is that I've cussed more in my head these past couple of days than ever before. Sometimes a good curse word is just what the doctor ordered. When I am a normal functioning, not hormonal crazy lady I stick to the substitutes. DANG IT is a favorite. DAD FREAKIN' GUMMIT is another one I use frequently. CRAPPPER comes in handy. I'm not sure why but I sometimes favor SHOOT DOG. Not cute - I know. Anyway, thanks for letting me vent!

By the way - I am being induced on Novemeber 8th at 10:30 pm so we should have our baby by the 9th!!

Happy Birthday to THE MAN!!

That's right folks! Nathan has entered the last year of being in his 20's!! He turned 29 on Saturday!
We sure love him! In Keslie's words: "He's a pretty cool good guy". =) Poor guy started getting sick on his birthday and had a full-blown cold by Sunday. We did our best to spoil him on Saturday and let him sleep in really late and then we had a fun breakfast. Afterwards, we went to a pumpkin festival, then took a nap and then we left the girls with a friend and went on a date! It was fabulous!

We did his cake on Sunday and so he is sick in this picture and just pretending to blow out the candles. =) I'm always super fancy with our birthday cakes. =)

I feel so lucky to have him. He really is a dream come true and I thank my lucky stars that he's mine!! We love you Nathan!!

My Dad, the Hero.

I went out and bought Indiana Jones yesterday and once again I saw my dad looking out at me from the cover. We had a cereal box with Indiana Jones on it for awhile and I felt like I was having breakfast with my dad every day. Indiana Jones reminds me of my dad. The way he looks, runs (I'm not sure if he really runs like my dad but I always associate his run with my dads), his jokes, and the way he always saves the day! Ever since I was little I've thought my dad was a superhero. He used to tell us that he could fly and that when my mom was sick or having a baby or something (can't remember) he picked her up and flew her to the hospital. Every morning when he left for work and walked by our front windows he would put his arms in the air and jump like he was taking off. I LOVED it when he did that. He had a way of making us believe things that just couldn't be. EVERY year on April Fools Day he would come in early in the morning and say that there was an escaped elephant in our front yard!!! Or a dinosaur, or a giraffe - whatever he felt like saying - and we ALWAYS crawled out of bed to go see. As I got older he became my hero in a different way. I was well aware of how well he knew the scriptures and watched him pray by the side of his bed my whole life. When my mom died, I watched him take on the trial of being a single dad - making food - transporting us here and there - doing laundry - dealing with me turning 16 and dating - and dealing with dating himself. I can look back and see what a horrible year that must have been for him. I'm so glad he found Angie. She's been just what we've needed and is now my very best friend. I've always been grateful for the way he dealt with me during my teen years. The letters he's written to me are treasures that I always keep close. I hardly ever get to talk to my dad on the phone but I know he loves me and I hope he knows how much I love him and how grateful I am for the example he's been to me all my life. Thanks Dad!

Imagine him with a grim smirk and a dirty face and a hat - don't deny. He's totally Indiana Jones.

Keslie is 3!!!

Our sweet Keslie turned 3 today!! It is amazing how fast the time has gone. We had a really fun day! When I asked her if she wanted a party she said "No - I just want to hang out with all of you guys (Anika, Daddy, Me) and go out to eat!". She chose Chuck E. Cheese's - of course. =)

We started off the day with pancakes and pumpkin cookies (at her request).

Actually, she opened her presents before breakfast so that Daddy could watch. Anika had just woken her up and she was a little out of it! Anika was ever so helpful. She picked up Keslie's hand and guided her along. =)

Here she is in her new big girl carseat!

We painted toes

Then we went to the Westmoor Park to see the animals and go for a walk. AND get eaten alive by mosquitoes!!

Beautiful Autumn!!

A couple of the big sister! Anika was all about posing today!!

We ate with our friends at Chuck E. Cheese's! The girls had a ball and won 112 tickets and they both chose a squishy bug and temporary tatoos. =)

We ended the night with birthday cake!!

Being a mom is the most amazing experience of my life. To love someone else so completely is a feeling that is REALLY hard to explain. My girls are a part of me. Watching them grow up is so fun but it kind of gives me a heart pang. It's a bittersweet feeling. I want them to stay little but love each new stage so much! Keslie is an angel. She's sweet (with just enough sass). She's hilarious. She's cheesy as can be. She has the cutest voice imaginable and says the funniest things. She has the most kissable cheeks and is so fun to snuggle with (except for that crazy hair!! It can be bothersome when it tickles my nose and I'm trying to sleep!). She LOVES Anika! We just love her so much and wouldn't be complete without her!! I'm so grateful to be her mom and I'm looking forward to the fun we're going to have with her over the next year!!

Show some love people! Leave a comment with your favorite Keslie memory or just a Happy Birthday!! I'll read them all to her and she'll love it!!