The Bryant Family

Pregnancy update!

2011-01-25T20:46:00.000-08:00

This pregnancy has been night and day compared my first one. I've gained about 16 pounds versus the seventy-something I did with Jake. I wonder if it is because I know better than to eat a whole pan of brownies using the baby as an excuse. I think I realized, as maybe a lot of moms do with their second one, that I am not the first girl to ever be pregnant, the eating for two thing is a myth, and chasing after a three-year-old burns calories.
I am already noticing differences between this one and my first. Jake never, ever moved. This guy must be learning to tango or something. Seriously kid, the 2 am Tae-bo sessions are getting a little tiresome.
Another difference? With Jake, by 33 weeks, the nursery totally ready, all the layette clothes washed and put away, and my hospital bag was packed and waiting by the door. This one? Zero for zero folks.
So maybe I should stop blogging and start packing, or washing, or some sort of nesting activity of some sort. Wish me luck!

Normal???

2010-11-14T22:05:00.000-08:00

I know I posted this on Facebook, but I wanted to post it here too. This is a "making-sure-my-kid-is-normal" question: Jake spends a good deal of his time at home either pretending he is an animal or playing with his make-believe pets. If he's not doing either of those, he is making his cars talk to each other. I'm worried it is a sign that he is either lonely or bored. Anyone have a three-year-old who does any of the above?

TRYING...

2010-11-03T18:30:00.000-07:00

Ok. I've decided I need to build up some enthusiasm about this new baby coming. I think I am focusing far too much on the work that it will be and not enough on...well...what else are they when they are brand new? Cute I guess, but that only goes so far when you already working every second you are not playing with the first kid.
I digress.
So, to build up some enthusiasm, I have started to look around at what I want to get for this baby. Since it is a boy, the clothes, toys, bedding, crib, etc are all essentially free this time around. I am looking for some fun things to get.
Anyone out there have some fun suggestions of things you LOVE as a mom that I should not be without?
This is my first thought. How cute is the Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bag????

30...sigh...

2010-10-19T23:07:00.000-07:00

30.
Wow. Really?
I have to do this too?
I’ve decided instead of dread the inevitable, I would look back on my 30 years and figure out the 30 biggest things that I am proud of or have made me who I am. Some of these are dumb, some sad, and some even kind of silly, but it’s all me. Here we go!

I’ve lived in a different country- Everyone should do this once. It doesn’t matter where, or for how long, but everyone should do this once in their lives.
I got in to my number 1 choice for college- BYU- Loved every freaking minute of it
I graduated from said college in a major that I love and actually use to this day.
I had a child. My son is beautiful and amazing and he is mine. He is the very best part of me and he is definitely more than the sum of his parts.
I married WAY above me. My husband is awesome. Driven, righteous, my absolute better half. I think he knows it too...
I’ve lost a pregnancy.
I got a Masters degree. When I graduated from BYU, I saw a guy graduating with us who was wearing a hood with his gown. I wanted one. I got one.
I’ve been to Europe. I didn’t go for very long and I only went to Italy, but traveling is one of the best gifts I have given to myself.
I’ve lost a parent. Kurt’s father passed away right before we got married. The tragedy brought me closer together with his family and with him and made me very grateful that I believe that we can be an eternal family again someday.
I’ve never smoked, taken drugs, or had a drink of alcohol.
I was a cheerleader. I know that sounds extremely shallow, but I met some of my most wonderful friends because of it. And...it was a heck of a lot of fun.
I’ve taught in an inner-city school. It scared the living daylights out of me. It was extremely dangerous at times. I was only 21 and I had absolutely NO business being there. But, I truly hope that I had some sort of influence on those kids.
I single-handedly put my husband through his post-graduate school. Being able to earn a good living and take care of my family gives me a lot of self-confidence.
I have an extremely cool job.
My job lets me be a stay-at-home mom. Jake is never rushed out the door to daycare. I’ve never had to call in sick because he was sick. This is one of the biggest blessings of my entire life.
I’ve hiked to the top of a Mayan pyramid.
I’m about to have a second child.
I can decorate cakes. I am not artistic, not even a little bit, but I decided that I would figure out how to do one artistic thing in my life. Cake decorating turned out to be it. At last count, I’ve made four wedding cakes.
I went on pointe. Anyone who knows anything about ballet or dancing knows that this is a big deal. It is also an accomplishment because I was 28 when I got my first pair of pointe shoes.
I’ve had my heart broken.
I’ve broken a heart.
I got a varsity letter all four years of high school.
I’ve hitch-hiked.
I’m Mormon. I know that sounds trite, but it is caught up in everything about who I am.
I’m literally stupid when it comes to navigation, math or anything having to do with that part of my brain. I used to hide my failed math tests from my parents. This is why I am a history teacher.
I’ve stood in front of dozens of Tongan kids who didn’t speak English and tried to teach them all about the wide world they would most likely never get to see. But they definitely taught me more.
I worked a job that I was terrible at and that I disliked greatly for four very long years to put my husband through school. The lesson here? He owes me big.
I have a weak immune system. It’s lead to bells palsy, shingles and 3,000 bouts with the colds and the flu. I take my health very seriously.
I’m still not quite sure what I want to be when I grow up.
This one I am keeping to myself just yet. It is definitely something I am proud of. Maybe someday I’ll be ready to share it with everyone.

A Boy

2010-09-21T21:12:00.000-07:00

So, if you don't follow us on Facebook, you are probably unaware that we found out we are having a boy today. This met with some mixed reactions. I was hoping for a girl, just for the sole fact that I have AWFUL pregnancies and if I at least have one of each, and I were done having kids, it would be ok. So this news pretty much sealed my fate for try number three. Also, Jake is an ever-loving handful, so him times two seems outright ridiculous.
So I had my short moment of disappointment- But a short moment was exactly how long it lasted, because an hour after the news, everything changed.
I was sitting at my computer working and a very strong, clear-as-day impression came to me. THIS little boy has work to do here. THIS little boy needs to come now. I didn't have that same experience with either of my other pregnancies, this was different. I just get to be the lucky one to bring him into the world.
So bows and ruffles are on hold for a while. And I couldn't be more at peace with it.

Bad Mojo

2010-09-15T21:32:00.000-07:00

I should be excited.
But I'm kind of...not.
I'm in my 14th week of pregnancy. What that means for me is that I get to take a trip to the ultrasound place to find out whether this child is going to be wearing a whole new wardrobe or gets all of Jake's hand-me-downs.
But I haven't made the appointment. I'm just not excited.
Is it the fact that I've already had well over 20 appointments for this baby when a normal pregnant woman would only be on her second, maybe third? And this is just yet another appointment?
Is it the fact that work and taking care of this nutty two-year-old are draining the life out of me?
Is it the fact that I still for some reason, am not accepting that this baby is going to live and giving it a gender, and a name soon after, will make the possible loss that much worse?
Maybe it's all of the above.
Whatever the reason, I am truly hoping that as work calms down, I get off the hormone medication, and I stop having such a bad aversion to chocolate, I start having better baby mojo.
By next Tuesday we should know. I think that may be just the thing to kick start the excitement.

New Baby

2010-09-09T21:05:00.000-07:00

This has been the worst 12 weeks of my life, without any type of hyperbole. The. Worst.

I've been in and out of the doctor more times than I can count for more blood draws and fetal tests than I care to remember. I've been sicker than I could ever imagine being and I've shed more tears than I thought I had in me. At the start of the pregnancy, we just couldn't stop the bleeding, so we really thought the pregnancy was lost since that was exactly what happened with my first pregnancy- the one that we lost. Somehow this little one stuck around until I could get on the right mix of hormones to keep it. My health has slowly deteriorated because I can't keep myself hydrated or nourished, but the baby is measuring just right. I conclude that that is because he/she is a CANNIBAL! And I've never been so ok with something eating me from the inside.

It's strange how the concept of suffering changes when you are doing it for someone you love. One of my sisters-in-law (one without kids) was talking to me after a bad bout of sickness asking me how I kept sane after being so sick and on bed rest. I remember thinking, for your child, you'll do anything. The suffering is nothing if it has a purpose. This has a purpose.

So, with that said, I can't wait to meet you little cannibal. I love you already and I'm so happy you're mine. But please let this be the worst thing you put me through. I am expecting an angel baby, a perfect child, and a spectacular teenager. That's not so much to ask for in exchange for nine months with my head in the toilet, is it?

Christmas 2009

2010-01-17T10:47:00.000-08:00

So Christmas has come and gone and there are so many pictures, it would be ridiculous to try and post them all here. Most of them are on facebook though. Here are a few of them to document how big our little man is getting. He is old enough where the first question out of everyone's mouth is, "so when is number 2 baby coming?" As soon as baby number 1 goes to college, is usually my very witty retort. We are just having a grand old time here, just trying to live in the moment with our little one. No definite plans for a second.

My favorite thing he has learned over the Christmas break is to say hi to all of his favorite books when he wakes up in the morning. I can hear him from my bed saying hi to his train book, his fish book, etc. He is the cutest darn alarm clock in the world and we are lucky to have him!

Sawdust Festival and Christmas Tree Lot

2009-12-06T15:44:00.001-08:00

We went to see Kristin's mom perform at the Sawdust Festival In Laguna Beach. Jake loved the fake snow and also the petting zoo. We also got our tree the other night. Jake loved putting ornaments on the tree and then immediately pulling them down.

Halloween and Jake's Birthday

2009-11-24T22:33:00.001-08:00

On Halloween, Jake turned 2. We can't believe how fast the time has gone by. He is full of energy but such a joy to be around. For Halloween he was Dash from the Incredibles. Those that know him know that this was a perfect costume since he never stops running. Kurt was a good sport and was Mr. Incredible. He had a birthday party and of course had to have a train cake. He loves trains more than anything right now.

4th of July

2009-07-05T20:07:00.001-07:00

This year, we spent the 4th on my dad's boat, which was a change for us. Normally we go to the beach. We had a barbeque and hung out until the fireworks went off. We had fun hanging out with family and friends!

First Haircut

2009-06-12T21:32:00.000-07:00

We finally took Jake to get a haircut. Yeah he is 18 months old but the kid has no hair. As crazy as Jake is, we figured this would be a horrible experience but he surprised us all by sitting perfectly still the whole time. Maybe it was the sweet car he got to sit in or the TV but whatever it was he turned out pretty cute. Good job little Jake.

Pool Time

2009-04-17T21:48:00.000-07:00

I know many parts of the country are still getting snow but in Southern California we got to about 90 degrees today. We decided to brake out the pool and put Jake's slide in it. He had the greatest time. It was definately hard for him to come back inside and get some clothes on.

Easter Time!

2009-04-12T21:54:00.001-07:00

You are looking at the happiest kid in the world. It is amazing what a new Easter outfit and some candy can do! We had a wonderful time with his grandparents and cousins today.

On the news

2009-03-10T21:36:00.001-07:00

I was on the news in San Francisco and San Diego the other day. Here is the link if you want to watch!
http://cbs5.com/video/?id=47295@kpix.dayport.com

At the Zoo

2009-03-06T21:34:00.000-08:00

Since Kurt has Tuesdays off and I am in the house most days, we decided on a random Tuesday to take a field trip to the local zoo. There weren't many animals of which to speak but that was ok because all Jake wanted to do was run around and climb in the water. We will have to give it another few months in order for him to be more interested in the animals than in the pools.

Christmas 2008

2009-01-19T20:34:00.000-08:00

I know this is a little late but here are a few shots from this past Christmas. We went and saw Christmas lights at a place in Santa Margarita called Candy Cane Lane. It is a street where all the houses go nuts with Christmas decorations. They had a snow machine that Jake enjoyed. Jake did ok with Santa this year. He was a little scared but we were at least able to get one picture. Hope everyone had a merry Christmas.

Jake's Birthday

2009-01-04T15:56:00.001-08:00

Jake's First Birthday cake! I made it with two bunt cakes stacked on top of each other.

Jake going trick or treating with dad.

Jake's own little cupcake that we allowed him to destroy.

This is a picture of the cake I made. As you can tell, my Bells Palsy was in full swing, which is why I am smiling so strangely.

Grandma Bryant and all of the grandkids ready to go trick-or-treating!

Jake at Gymboree with Grandma and Grandpa Barrus and, as always, mom and dad. It was a costume party!

Ok, I am PAINFULLY aware that these pictures are way overdue, being that it is past Christmas and all. Our computer hasn't been able to upload pictures for the longest time. But it is working now (finally!) so here are the pictures of Jake's first birthday party. Since he was born on Halloween, I wanted to have a Haloween party! We started the day off by going to Gymboree in costume and then we had a big party with all of Jake's counsins, aunts, uncles and grandparents. It was quite the shin-dig. And it also marked the day that Jake and I have coexisted without killing the other. Now THAT is the biggest milestone yet...

The Big Bang Theory

2008-12-18T22:45:00.001-08:00

In my quest for good tv, I sometimes come across a gem that I think I should share. I never wander over to CBS very often except for "The Amazing Race"(another guilty pleasure), but I have gotten hooked on this new show that is truly smart and very funny. I give it two very enthusiastic thumbs up--fine holiday fun (yes, that's a clueless movie reference).

One of my favorite quotes:

"You have about as much chance of going out with Penny as the Hubble Telescope has of finding that at the center of each black hole there's a little man with a flashlight trying to find the circuit breaker."

In Sickness and In Health

2008-11-14T22:59:00.000-08:00

I've been sick. MRI tests, CT scans, steroid treatments, antiviral meds, emergency rooms, the whole nine yards. I have learned a lot. I have learned how important health is to being a mom. I have also learned how little my own health matters in the big picture when I am trying to make sure my son is taken care of. I now also have a firm knowledge that Heavenly Father loves moms, hears prayers and knows exactly what we mothers need to take care of these little babies He has given to us. I truly have a testimony that there are higher powers that help mothers get through the day. I know every mom who reads this has been there before. Can I get an AMEN?

Jake's 1st Birthday Pictures

2008-10-30T14:57:00.001-07:00

Ok, so these were the BEST pictures we could get. I had such grand ideas... multiple outfit changes, props, the whole bit. That was not going to happen! These were the smiles we got in between the screams and tears. Poor little man! He did not like getting his picture taken. And by the way, having to take pictures of screaming kids all day would be my own personal hell. Those are some brave people to take that job! Anyway, happy birthday Jakers! We will post b-day pictures soon!

Crazy Jake

2008-10-22T10:01:00.000-07:00

Here is a quick video of Jake. It is mostly for my brother on his mission in Brazil who has still not met Jake, which is still weird to me, but if others have not seen him recently, now is your chance. He is almost one. He turns one next week on Halloween. Enjoy.

Lucky...

2008-10-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

I was at my wits END today about the house being a mess, having a stack of phone calls I needed to make to my students, my husband being away at work and me at home being left to deal with a baby who was unhappy...unhappy being an understatement. Then I remembered the fact that I had a house, a job I LOVE, Kurt has a job that he loves, and we have a healthy, sweet son. I am freaking lucky...but I will still have to come back and read this when I am at my wits end tomorrow!

Who Unleashed the Monster

2008-09-09T10:20:00.000-07:00

Jake is just crazy. He is not only walking everywhere but running all over the place. He thinks it is hilarious to get into everything. We have lost a few remotes to the toliet. He gets into the trash like you can see in the picture. I guess we still love him. There are some pictures of him at Gymboree where he loves to play with other kids. It is a good chance for him to burn off some energy too. He definately is a handful. Who signs up for more than one of these things?

It's been a while...

2008-08-21T21:49:00.000-07:00

Where to begin? It's been a crazy month!

Jake: Jake is now 9 1/2 months old. He started walking on his eight month b-day. Now he RUNS everywhere. I can't keep him down. He is very tactile and physical. He loves exploring and running through the house with new "toys" he has found to put in the toilet. Toys like remote controls for the TV...

Kristin: I spent a week away from the family to go back to Virginia for a work conference. The awful separation was made MUCH better by two things: My old roommate Shanna who took me to dinner (thanks again Shan!) and her generously stopping by a bookstore to pick me up the third book in the twilight series (double thanks shan!). Have you people read these books? Seriously, the fifteen-year-old giddy high school girl in you will JUST DIE! I am actually really liking my teaching from home job, much more than I thought I would. It suits me perfectly because I can work while Jake is sleeping and play with him while he is up. I really can't complain... though I do anyway.

Kurt: Kurt just got called to be the Young Men's President. I didn't take it as well as I should have. I figured they would release me from the relief society presidency...nothin' doin'. So he is now not just busy, but super busy. Good thing he is awesome...

Baby Jake and the Earthquake

2008-07-29T12:48:00.000-07:00

We had a large earthquake today centered two or three miles from us. It knocked a lot of things off shelves and walls and pretty much scared the living daylights out of me! Jake was playing on the floor and would have thought the earth shaking was a ton of fun if things weren't falling off the walls making loud noises. Kurt grabbed Jake and we ran outside where it was clear and rode the rest of it out. So now Jake has been officially welcomed to earthquare country. Welcome Jake! Now let's really get our food storage together. This was a wakeup call for me!

Be gentle...

2008-07-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

So, I am just starting to learn about digital scrapbooking. First and foremost, I need to first build a small word shrine to my scrapping mentor Nikki, to whom I owe my sanity from age 14-20. Without her, my life would have been quite dull and I would have laughed about 90% less which isn't healthy. She has been teaching me over email all about this brave new world and I just love it. So be kind. This is my first foray into digital scrapbooking and I know a lot of you out there have lots of experience. These are two different pages and I just joined them together to put on the blog. It is of our trip to Hawaii when I was pregnant with Jake. I would love any tips or hints that any other scrappers have learned out there. Here's to technology and how I love it so. And here is to Nikki, who is just awesome.

4th of July

2008-07-07T22:09:00.000-07:00

We spent the 4th of July in San Clemente Beach watching the fireworks off the pier. Of course we got there before the sunset and 10,000 armies couldn't have kept Jake from the water. He loved playing with Grandma and Grandpa Barrus and loved the fireworks. We were a little nervous that he would be scared but we forgot that this kid doesn't know the meaning of fear...which will one day get him and us into a lot of trouble.

Grandma's House

2008-07-03T14:46:00.001-07:00

These are pictures of Jake hanging out in grandma's hammock after getting out of his mini-pool. When I was working for Sanofi, (before I got the job of my dreams), I had to take Jake down to Grandma Barrus' house on Wednesdays. Because she is a new grandma, I had to take all of Jake's gear down for the first month which proved to be very tough. Stroller, toys, booster seat, etc. By the end, Grandma Barrus had a three-ring circus for Jake all set up. He loved his days down there and it was such a relief knowing that the person that is watching your baby loves him just as much as you do. Now that I am working from home, we both get to go down to play! Thank you grandma Barrus. You were a life-saver!

The happiest day of my (professional) life!

2008-06-26T22:34:00.000-07:00

So, I finally got a new job that will allow me to work from home! NO MORE SELLING DRUGS OUT OF THE BACK OF MY CAR! They were always legal drugs, but drugs none the less. No more doctors telling me that they don't have time for me. No more patients giving me the stink eye for "cutting" in front of them "to see the doctor"...though I never, ever saw the doctor. No more fat nasty ladies telling me that I didn't get enough mayo on their free sandwiches and by the way they didn't want sandwiches in the first place. No more trying to sell lame medications that do the same thing as seven other medications and I have to figure out a way to make a doctor prescribe my medication even though it is more expensive and not in any way better than the cheap stuff. NO SIR! THE PHARMA INDUSTRY NO LONGER HAS KRISTIN BRYANT TO PUSH AROUND ANYMORE! But I digress, being a drug rep pays great money if you are willing to put up with the abuse and I have been fortunate enough to support my family very well on it. I will be joining an online high school that will allow me to teach from the comfort of my own home. I FREAKING LOVE TECHNOLOGY. I am so excited to be a stay-at-home mom. The whole working mother thing was getting tired. Hale-freaking-lulliah! Free at last, free at last, thank heaven above, I am free at last.

Four things

2008-06-21T23:08:00.000-07:00

Four things you may not know about me:
1. Wheel of fortune scares me. Have you ever noticed that when you go to old folk's homes, all you can hear is the sound of Pat Sajak echoing through the halls? Nights after nights of wheel of fortune seem to be the way we will all end up at the end of our lives...and it scares me. I hate wheel of fortune.
2. I have been paralyzed. I had bells palsy in my face and have had temporary paralysis right before seventh grade. Would have been a good look for me walking into the self-esteem death trap of middle school. Good thing it went away!
3. I have to smell every piece of laundry I fold. I don't know if I am making sure it is clean or what... I just do.
4. I hate the mountains. I know they are supposed to be peaceful and majestic. But to me, they just mean cold and snow, two more things that I hate.

Four places that I go again and again
1. Disneyland
2. The beach
3. Church
4. Pink berry- so freaking good

My four favorite foods:
1. Pink berry- see above
2. A really good and inventive salad
3. Anything Italian
4. Anything Mexican

Four places that I'd rather be:
1. Tonga
2. Italy's Amalfi Coast
3. Fiji
4. Anywhere that work is not

Four favorite movies
1. Much ado about nothing- Thank you Nikki!
2. Better off dead- Thank you Lo!
3. Pride and Prejudice- The BBC version- Thank you Julie!
4. A Christmas Story- that one's all me

Day at the Beach

2008-06-12T23:02:00.000-07:00

Jake with some of his cousins

On Memorial we decided to go to the beach. We thought Jake would need some convincing to play in the water. Sadly, this child knows no fear and absolutely loves the waves. In fact, he started crying when we took him up to the blanket. Kristin is going to have to super glue water wings to him.

Master Bryant

2008-05-25T22:38:00.000-07:00

Kristin just recently graduated with her Master's degree in Education from Cal State University, Fullerton. I am so proud of her. She managed to do it while working full time and also while she had a baby at home. The program was a hybrid so she had one semester of classes at school and the next semester online. She hopes to be able to do some teaching online so she can keep herself busy while she stays home with Jake. She never ceases to amaze me. Congratulations Kristin.

Congrats Jen!

2008-04-13T21:20:00.000-07:00

My little guy and I at the temple waiting for Aunt Jen to come out. It was almost 100 degrees!

The wedding cake we made for their wedding

Our baby Jake...Check out those styling socks! Not everyone can rock the argyle!

The Happy Couple

Kurt's sister Jen got married this weekend to an absolutely great guy. They were married in the Newport Beach temple and had their reception in Brea. Welcome to the family Richie...and good luck! You have to learn to hold your own with the Bryant women! They also let us make their cake, which was very brave of them. Again, no idea what we are doing!

I love my son

2008-04-07T22:27:00.001-07:00

I love my little guy more than anything. There are times where I can't wait for him to wake up from his nap so we can play. He is one of the best things that have ever happened to me. I can't wait for tomorrow when I get to do it all over again.

Funniest website ever

2008-04-02T22:09:00.000-07:00

So I heard about this website on the radio and thought it was hilarious. Kurt and I both did it. Kurt could take on 20 and I could take on 17 (due to my fierce martial arts experience from when I was 10). I suggest all go and do it. It is very funny. http://www.howmanyfiveyearoldscouldyoutakeinafight.com/

Tag I am it!

2008-03-25T21:56:00.000-07:00

How long have you been married? Almost five years…is that right???
How long did you date? Wow, a long freaking time. We dated on and off over the span of five years.
Who eats more? Kurt does…sorry babe.
Who said “I Love You” first? Kurt did. We were having a bonfire at the beach before he left on his mission and he finally let me know how he felt…and then he left for two years.
Who is Smarter? Kurt has a higher degree than I do. I call him doctor, but he has to call me master (on account of my degree… and the fact that I rule the world).
Whose temper is worse? Mine
Who does the laundry? I do, especially now that I have been staying home with little Jakers. Now that I am going to work, I fear no one will have time to do the laundry and we will wear potato sacks.
Who does the dishes? We both pitch in.
Who sleeps on the right side of the bed? I do.
Who pays the bills? Kurt pays the bills since I have been making the money. If it were up to me, our water and gas would always get turned off.
Who drives when you are together? Kurt, I drive for a living. I hate driving.
Who is more stubborn? I am.
Whose parents do you see the most? Since we live across the street from Kurt’s mom (a la “Everybody loves Raymond”), we are over there fairly often.
Who proposed? Kurt did even though the day before I told him not to. I am glad he did. I am an idiot.
Who has more friends? Wow, good question. I keep in touch better with my friends.
Who has more siblings? Kurt- seven sisters- nuff said.
Who wears the pants in the family? I think we both wear one leg of the same trousers.

Happy Easter

2008-03-23T21:09:00.000-07:00

I think we realized early Sunday morning that good parents probably take their kids to a studio to get Easter Pictures done. We are still new at this so here is our photo shoot. Happy Easter to all!

Foo Fighters for Me!

2008-03-18T22:14:00.000-07:00

Kurt surprised me for Valentine's Day with tickets to one of my favorite bands...the Foo Fighters! Yes, we got to get out with the young people for a night. It was an amazing concert. I love the Foos because their music is really pretty clean...and that's because they save all their swearing for their live concerts. Ow, my freaking ears!

Just a hot mess...

2008-03-18T22:01:00.000-07:00

Well, Jake has started "solid" foods. Since when does slightly-thicker-than-water rice cereal count as solid food? Anyway, it is just dang funny. I can see a whole lotta mess in my very near future. Good thing this kid is cute...

Strike A Pose

2008-02-19T12:48:00.001-08:00

Life with Jake

2008-02-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

Life with Jake is a ton of fun because his favorite thing to do now is squeal and smile. Now that Kurt is working I get tons of time to play with him. It is so fun.

Dodger Blue

2008-01-27T22:29:00.000-08:00

Kurt received these outfits when Jake was born but they didn't fit him till now. Kurt reminded me that spring training is starting in a few weeks. Oh happy day! I am sure I will find Kurt on the couch with Jake watching many games to come. I hate baseball season.

Jake Vs. Disneyland

2008-01-14T17:29:00.000-08:00

Because Kurt is still looking for work and I am still out on maternity leave we decided to use our annual passes and take Jake to Disneyland for the first time. If he didn't have ADD before, he does now after all the bright lights and loud noises all around him. His favorite was ...gasp... Its a Small World. Kurt vows that as soon as Jake knows what is cool, he will pick another ride. All in all, he did a really great job for an 11 week old boy. We are both so proud of him.

Tummy Time

2008-01-03T20:38:00.000-08:00

Jake's new talent is holding his head up while on his stomach...thought we'd share.

First Christmas

2008-01-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

Well, just when Christmas was starting to get a little boring, run-of-the-mill, and old... a baby comes along AND CHRISTMAS TOTALLY REDEEMS ITSELF! Yes, that absolutely was a dumb and dumber movie reference. Suffice it to say, Christmas is a lot more fun when you are looking at it through the eyes of a child. I can't wait till Jake can do more than drool at his gifts. Because Jake was good, his stocking was full of diapers, wipes, and new socks. Sorry, Santa was on a budget this year buddy.

FINALLY, KURT IS DONE!!!

2007-12-26T16:15:00.000-08:00

Well, I never thought I would live to see the day that Kurt finally graduated from school. He graduated from Chiropractic School on Dec. 14 with a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, Magna Cum Laude. He is now Dr. Bryant. He has been interviewing at various offices and has received multiple offers which gives him the luxury of choosing which one is best. Hopefully we can stay near family. I can't believe that he will be making money soon. That is such a good feeling.

Happy Holidays!

2007-12-13T16:10:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone! We just wanted to say Merry Christmas from our family to yours. Don't you ever wish the U.S. was more like Europe? You can get from one end of a country to the other in just a few hours, which would mean we could get to all of our wonderful friends who are strewn all over the country much easier if we all lived in...say... Italy. But here we are strewn all about a very large country, so Merry Christmas wherever this finds you and a happy New Year.

My newest accessory

2007-12-02T14:31:00.000-08:00

What do all these pictures have in common? Yes, I am holding Jake. And that wouldn't so bad except I am always holding Jake...because he won't let me put him down! At home, church, random Christmas tree lots: it's all about Jake screaming like he just he just found out he has been adopted by Britney Spears if I leave him for one minute on his own. Also, I only have so many outfits that match Jake's outfits...because he is my permanent accessory I feel like we need to match. He's like a new Coach bag, only he poops, which is nothing like a Coach bag is it? So I am using my blog yet again for advice. Anyone have any idea how to remedy this situation OR when do kids grow out of this stage? I hope it is sooner than later. I am not looking forward to having to carry him to his prom. I don't think his date would approve.

Go Cougars

2007-12-02T14:14:00.000-08:00

Kurt thought it would be fun to watch the BYU vs SDSU game with Jake, as if he would really care. Jake's grandma bought him a BYU hat so Kurt put it on him which was way too big. It was still cute. Why Jake has no clothes on is beyond me. That is what happens when Dad is in charge.

Random Pictures

2007-11-25T16:38:00.000-08:00

I don't have much to do during the day but follow Jake around with a camera. Here are the fruits of my labor.

Baby Blessing

2007-11-25T16:35:00.001-08:00

Boy do we feel way to young to be blessing a baby. But here we are! We had to bless Jake on a non-fast Sunday because family was in town which was a plus because we didn't have to get up after and talk.

Enrichment HELP!

2007-11-15T15:13:00.000-08:00

Hi Ladies!

So I had a baby and have been a bit preoccupied...I know a lot of you know how that feels. I have been even too preoccupied to come up with any ideas for our ward's Enrichment Christmas activity!! Have any of you gone to a great Christmas Enrichment night in the past? I need ideas for ours coming up! I greatly appreciate any and every idea out there!

Jake and Mommy and Daddy

2007-11-13T20:11:00.000-08:00

Here are just a couple of pictures of Jake with his mom and dad.

First bath!

2007-11-08T20:48:00.001-08:00

Little Jakers got his first bath a few days ago. He held up pretty well though he is still not very happy about them. At least he gets to wear a really cute towel afterwards.

He's Here!

2007-11-03T18:26:00.000-07:00

Face right after circumcision

First Picture

Our little Jake-o-lantern

Proud Dad bringing his son to his mom.

We finally had our baby! Jacob Mason Bryant was born on October 31st (yeah, we know) at 2:13 pm weighing 7 lbs 13 oz. He was delivered by emergency C-section which Kristin was none too thrilled about. But mother and baby are both doing well after three days in the hospital. We are thrilled about the new addition to our family ad can't wait to see what parenthood has in store for us.

The Nursery

2007-10-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

A lot of people have been asking for pictures of the nursery. We decided to do a beach theme. We are as ready as we will ever be. We are only missing one thing...the baby. It just seems that he doesn't want to come at all.

I think my unborn baby is trying to kill me...

2007-10-24T14:55:00.001-07:00

Or he just loves me so much he doesn't want to come out...ever...ever... I feel like it is the former, sadly. I went to the doctor yesterday. I have been having weekly visits now for about three weeks. It consists of me sitting in the waiting room, dreaming that the doctor will check me and say, "Well, actually, here he comes now!" at which time I glide into the hospital just in time to deliver (painlessly and completely modestly) and the clouds part and angels sing and Kurt and I go home as perfectly happy parents. The reality is much more painful. The doctor gives me the frustrating news that while I am perfectly ready for labor, the baby hasn't dropped yet, though he should have a week ago. The baby seems content to mock me from his hiding place and I die a little more inside.

So, have another week of push and shove for dominance over my stomach. Most of the time, my baby and I are not on speaking terms. I can tell he is frustrated by the lack of space and I am frustrated by the lack of sleep. What he doesn't know is that the more he makes me wait, the more I have time to concoct terrible names for him like Horace Lester or Mortimer Pubert. Let's see how he likes them apples!

So, I need any and all advice on what I can do to get this baby extracted from me once and for all. Remember, this is a family show, so keep it G-rated please. I appreciate any old wives-tales and potions you heard from your friend's, sister's aunt Sally. I am getting a bit desperate...and so is Mortimer.

Why Al Queda might hate us so much

2007-10-18T09:09:00.001-07:00

I saw this video on the show "The Soup" on E and figured this may be a good reason why so many people think America is the great evil. So please join me in scratching your head as you wonder why a country made of people like this became a super power.

V Hall Fantasy Football Widows

2007-10-07T22:34:00.000-07:00

Is there anyone else out there that has lost their husband to fantasy football? Kurt is playing with his V-Hall roomates from college, which is awesome, except for the fact that I become completely invisible to him from 7 am Sunday morning until about Monday night at 10 pm. When he is in the room with me, he has his laptop out checking scores...and I don't exist. When we are in the car, he is checking scores on his cell phone... and he can't hear me! Don't ask me how he is checking scores on his cell phone. I've stopped asking. Any other wife out there feeling my pain? On the bright side, he keeps telling me that football season is almost over. I may be a sports idiot, but I think he's a lying liar who lies. Here's to a very short fantasy football season! Let's just hope I don't go into labor during my invisible time, or I am having this kid by myself.

Paper Chain

2007-09-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

We made a lovely paper chain (thank you 2nd grade arts and crafts class) to count down the amount of days until big events happen in the near future. Kristin stops work at the end of the green chain, the baby comes at the end of the orange and Kurt graduates at the end of the red. Yes, we are about five years old, and yes, we are cool with that.

8 1/2 Months Pregnant

2007-09-16T13:15:00.000-07:00

Many have complained that they would like to see more pictures of me pregnant. Kurt finally convinced me...and as I write this, I am still rethinking this picture. Oh well, if our son came today, I wouldn't be mad at him. I really am ready to be anything but pregnant right about now.

Our 4th Aniversary

2007-09-16T13:07:00.000-07:00

For our 4th aniversary we went to a restaurant called La Fondue. For anyone familiar with the Melting Pot, it is very similar. You order a cheese fondue, then certain types of meat and then a chocolate fondue. They provide all the items to dip. It was very good and a great place to celebrate our aniversary. We recommend it to everyone.

Belle's 2nd Birthday

2007-09-16T13:05:00.000-07:00

I decided that until our son is born we have to celebrate our dog's birthday.

RIP V Hall

2007-08-26T09:07:00.001-07:00

We went up to Utah this weekend to move up siblings and we drove by V Hall, Deseret Towers where Kurt and many of our friends lived freshman year at BYU. To Kurt's sadness, V Hall is no more. What stands is a pile of gravel and sand. How sad. The place it all started is now gone. A moment of silence please. Kurt wanted to pour a 40 out on the curb for our dearly departed...but you know, honor code and all...he had to settle for some caffiene free diet Coke.

Anyone for cake?

2007-08-12T20:28:00.000-07:00

A couple of years ago I dragged Kurt, sadly willingly, to a cake decorating class because I needed a creative outet. We started with the Beginner class and then made it through the Intermediate and finally the Advanced course. We learned the basics of cake decorating and I decided that I really liked it. Since then we have made three wedding cakes, a bridal shower cake and many birthday cakes. If anyone ever needs a cake, I love doing it and I am cheap. Here is a sampling.

This is the bridal shower cake we did for Kurt's sister, Shannon.

I made these wedding cakes for my fabulous friends, Nate and Jeanine Arnold

This was my first attempt at incorporating fresh flowers into a wedding cake...had no idea what I was doing.

Here is my brother Jordan's mission farewell cake. He was off to Curitiba, Brazil.

My brother Adam and new sister-in-law wedding cake.

Kurt's nephew Logan's 5th birthday cake. Is anyone else amazed that Transformers are popular again?

Why I hate my job

2007-08-11T22:34:00.001-07:00

Sadly this is so close to my job it almost hurts.

Flying Samaritans

2007-08-11T17:48:00.000-07:00

Kurt had the opportunity to go with the Flying Samaritans down to Jesus Maria, a small village in the middle of Baja. The Flying Samaritans are a group of various doctors that travel to impoverished areas to provide free health care. A chiropractic doctor was going with the group and they called the school asking for one student to join them. Kurt was chosen to go. He flew down on a small Cessna plane that carried four people. It was quite a ride, that lasted four hours. When they arrived, there were hundreds of people waiting to see the MDs, dentists, and chiropractors that were with the group. Kurt was able to see about 60 patients and had to help many translate. It was an awesome experience. Since he has gone with groups from the school down to Tijuana to treat patients there. I guess knowing Spanish has come in handy.

Hawaii 2007

2007-08-11T17:34:00.000-07:00

Since Kristin was a ticking timebomb of pregnancy, we decided to take one more trip by ourselves before the baby came. Kristin wanted to go to a different country, but Kurt wanted to go somewhere inside the US that had competent doctors just in case we needed medical attention. We started our trip off in Oahu. We stayed right on the beach in Waikiki and had a great time swimming and sunning and doing nothing much at all. We did spend a day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. Kristin was able to dust off her Tongan and speak to some of the natives there.

After Oahu, we took a puddle-jumper over to Maui, Kurt's second home. We stayed in Kehei, which is on the South side of the island. We amused ourselves with long walks, lots of snorkeling and trips into Lahaina and Hana. It is hard to come back to reality after a great trip like this. We didn't come back willingly.

Cancun, Mexico 2006-2007

2007-08-11T17:21:00.000-07:00

For Christmas break, we decided to take a trip to Cancun, Mexico. Kristin wanted to see the ruins, Kurt wanted to go to the beach. We did a little of both. We saw the ruins at Tulum, Chichen Itza, and our favorite, Coba. We did some repelling, zip-lining, and canoeing in the jungle as well. We stayed at an all-inclusive resort which meant all the food, drinks, and room service desserts we could handle. We even celebrated Kurt's birthday and the New Year while we were there. We ordered all our fruity drinks off the kids menu. Kurt made Kristin order them becuase he felt like a sissy ordering a Pato Lucas (Donald Duck in Spanish) and a Sponge Bob shake. On one of our trips through the jungle we saw an LDS chapel which looked more like a tin shack. Good thing the church is true no matter where it is held.

Italy 2006

2007-08-11T17:10:00.000-07:00

Last April we visited Italy with Kristin's parents. We went to the Amalfi Coast, Rome, Florence, and Venice. Italy is quite possibly one of the most beautiful countries we have ever seen. Our favorite city was Ravello on the Amalfi Coast. For more pictures and our itinerary in case you are planning a trip you can visit kristinbryanttravels.com.

Little Belle

2007-08-11T17:06:00.000-07:00

This was our first foray into parenthood, our miniature schnauzer, Belle. As you can see, she is still alive so we decided that we could keep a baby alive.

Here Goes Nothin'

2007-08-11T16:59:00.000-07:00

Ok, we have finally joined the bandwagon! After years of enjoying everyone else's blogs, the Bryant Family has rocketed into the 21st century to start letting everyone know about our sordid little lives in Southern California. We figured we should wait until we have kids so we have pictures of someone other than ourselves to post. Everyone out there would have gotten mighty sick of looking at pictures of our dog (though, there will be pictures of our dog, dont' you worry).

We are, and have been living in Orange County, CA for about 3 years since moving from Provo, Utah. Kristin is seven months pregnant, working as a pharmaceutical rep, and working on her Masters degree (April 08' baby!). Kurt is currently finishing up his internship for his D.C. degree (December 07' baby!). So we are keeping busy until the baby comes, at which time we will actually become even more busy. And we are ready for it...maybe...not at all...