It has been a long, long while since I've posted! We are in the middle of a move now so things are extremely hectic as you can imagine.
We are relocating to a home that is only a couple of miles away from our current house. So convenient for making trips with our belongings. I'm thrilled about our new place. It gives us much more space to entertain, which is a big thing for us. Brooklyn will have her own playroom and we will have a nice little wet bar downstairs.
Pics to come!
XOXO
Wendy
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Thursday, October 25, 2012
One Year Ago Today
We welcomed Brooklyn Sydney Bankhead into this world on October 25, 2011 at 9:36 pm. She was born at the Ogden Regional Medical Center by C-section. Cody and I were definitely not prepared to have her on this day as our due date was 10 days later-November 4th.
Today, we reminisced about what we were thinking and how our day went one year ago. We went to my normal doctor appointment that morning at 9am and Dr. Lesser told us that we were going to need to go to the hospital immediately and that our "sweet angel" was coming that day. We were stunned. We didn't have our bag and we were directed to go straight to the hospital. We checked in around 11:30 am. Cody was the sweetest. I have a terrible habit of popping my neck and he can't stand it. I mean, no one can! I know it's gross, but I have to do it or it gets really stiff. I told him I would have to do it and he told me to do anything I needed to do to be comfortable. He refused to leave me to go home and get our bag. We had no idea what was going to happen. We called our family on the way to the hospital and my parents had left to drive to Ogden. Cody told them he really wanted them to come. They somehow also arranged for my brother, Jeff, to fly in.
Sid and Pauline and Craig and Marmie got to the hospital at exactly the right time. My doctor decided we couldn't wait any longer and in I went to have my sweet baby! Cody was a true champ. He was by my side the entire time and I really don't know how he handled watching the surgery. When they got Brooklyn out he went back with the staff to clean her up and came back and told me she was 4 lbs. 8 ounces. WHAT?!! We had no idea she would be so tiny. She was perfect and healthy. They had to watch her under the lamp that night to be sure her body temp rose and it did. What a whirlwind of a day and night!
XOXO
Today, we reminisced about what we were thinking and how our day went one year ago. We went to my normal doctor appointment that morning at 9am and Dr. Lesser told us that we were going to need to go to the hospital immediately and that our "sweet angel" was coming that day. We were stunned. We didn't have our bag and we were directed to go straight to the hospital. We checked in around 11:30 am. Cody was the sweetest. I have a terrible habit of popping my neck and he can't stand it. I mean, no one can! I know it's gross, but I have to do it or it gets really stiff. I told him I would have to do it and he told me to do anything I needed to do to be comfortable. He refused to leave me to go home and get our bag. We had no idea what was going to happen. We called our family on the way to the hospital and my parents had left to drive to Ogden. Cody told them he really wanted them to come. They somehow also arranged for my brother, Jeff, to fly in.
Sid and Pauline and Craig and Marmie got to the hospital at exactly the right time. My doctor decided we couldn't wait any longer and in I went to have my sweet baby! Cody was a true champ. He was by my side the entire time and I really don't know how he handled watching the surgery. When they got Brooklyn out he went back with the staff to clean her up and came back and told me she was 4 lbs. 8 ounces. WHAT?!! We had no idea she would be so tiny. She was perfect and healthy. They had to watch her under the lamp that night to be sure her body temp rose and it did. What a whirlwind of a day and night!
In the hospital
Our tiny girl
On the couch with Dad
Big Girl!
For Brooklyn on her 1st Bday
We love:
-Your tiny hands; when you clap them softly after you see one of us clap.
-After you eat crackers your face smells like them.
-The way you madly swing your feet in your high chair or a shopping cart.
-Your sweet, high pitched squeal/screech when you're happy. You love your voice.
-Your messy hair right after a bath.
-How you grab your binky and twist it around until you find the right way to put it in your mouth.
-Your baby teeth. You have 2 bottoms and 4 on top.
-That big, incredible smile and your eyes sparkling along with it.
-How you crawl around the corner now when Mom is in the bathroom.
-When you come up to our legs and stand yourself up using them as a base.
-Your concentration when you're holding a new toy. Your lips purse together and it's adorable.
-Those darling little breaths you take through your mouth.
-When you say "Oh Oh Oh Oh"!
-When you're done eating and we try to give you another cracker you just drop it off the side of your high chair.
-Your "da da da's" when you first wake up in the morning.
-When you lay your head down on one of our shoulders.
-When you nap sitting next to Mom in the late afternoon.
-How when we lay you into your crib for the night you immediately flip to your tummy in your "I'm going to do a push up" position.
-The way you stick your tiny bum up when you're sleeping.
-The way you never give up on your quest to get to the satellite box!
-Those amazing, soft, sweet little cheeks on your beautiful face.
-The way you splash in the tub with a straight little arm and flat hand.
-When Mom sticks her tongue out and blows, you do it back.
-How we bump heads and stare into each other's eyes and smile.
-Your soft arms-we love lightly squeezing them.
-Those chubby baby feet. It's hard to put socks on them because we just want to see them!
-You never get sick of "Rio" or the "Lorax".
-How when we lift you out of the carseat you look around so intently to see what's going on on the "outside".
-When you giggle. There isn't 1 better sound in the entire world.
-How you constantly tug on your ear.
-Those big, brown, doe eyes and long, thick eyelashes. They melt us.
-When you look at our faces and touch it like you are studying it.
-After you find a toy, you grab it, roll onto your back and shake it!
-How your little feet barely stick out of the stroller.
-When you have a little tantrum and vigorously throw your head back as if you can't believe what's happening.
-How well behaved you are in restaurants. It's unbelievable!
-When you act shy and bury your head into Dad's shoulder.
-When you eat Dad’s shoulder.
-How big your smile is and how excited you are to see Dad when he returns home from traveling.
-When we give you new food for the first time and you automatically pull a face like it’s the most disgusting thing in the world, yet you love it and always want more.
-That you tune the rest of the world out when you’re watching the Lorax on the Ipad in the car.
-When you spit your binky out to let us know you want a taste of what we are eating.
-How you wave goodbye when we are putting you to bed.
-When you drink Mom and Dad’s shakeology and fruit smoothies through a straw.
-How you make sure to eat every last crumb of the cracker.
-When we say bye bye you start waving right away!
-Your tiny hands; when you clap them softly after you see one of us clap.
-After you eat crackers your face smells like them.
-The way you madly swing your feet in your high chair or a shopping cart.
-Your sweet, high pitched squeal/screech when you're happy. You love your voice.
-Your messy hair right after a bath.
-How you grab your binky and twist it around until you find the right way to put it in your mouth.
-Your baby teeth. You have 2 bottoms and 4 on top.
-That big, incredible smile and your eyes sparkling along with it.
-How you crawl around the corner now when Mom is in the bathroom.
-When you come up to our legs and stand yourself up using them as a base.
-Your concentration when you're holding a new toy. Your lips purse together and it's adorable.
-Those darling little breaths you take through your mouth.
-When you say "Oh Oh Oh Oh"!
-When you're done eating and we try to give you another cracker you just drop it off the side of your high chair.
-Your "da da da's" when you first wake up in the morning.
-When you lay your head down on one of our shoulders.
-When you nap sitting next to Mom in the late afternoon.
-How when we lay you into your crib for the night you immediately flip to your tummy in your "I'm going to do a push up" position.
-The way you stick your tiny bum up when you're sleeping.
-The way you never give up on your quest to get to the satellite box!
-Those amazing, soft, sweet little cheeks on your beautiful face.
-The way you splash in the tub with a straight little arm and flat hand.
-When Mom sticks her tongue out and blows, you do it back.
-How we bump heads and stare into each other's eyes and smile.
-Your soft arms-we love lightly squeezing them.
-Those chubby baby feet. It's hard to put socks on them because we just want to see them!
-You never get sick of "Rio" or the "Lorax".
-How when we lift you out of the carseat you look around so intently to see what's going on on the "outside".
-When you giggle. There isn't 1 better sound in the entire world.
-How you constantly tug on your ear.
-Those big, brown, doe eyes and long, thick eyelashes. They melt us.
-When you look at our faces and touch it like you are studying it.
-After you find a toy, you grab it, roll onto your back and shake it!
-How your little feet barely stick out of the stroller.
-When you have a little tantrum and vigorously throw your head back as if you can't believe what's happening.
-How well behaved you are in restaurants. It's unbelievable!
-When you act shy and bury your head into Dad's shoulder.
-When you eat Dad’s shoulder.
-How big your smile is and how excited you are to see Dad when he returns home from traveling.
-When we give you new food for the first time and you automatically pull a face like it’s the most disgusting thing in the world, yet you love it and always want more.
-That you tune the rest of the world out when you’re watching the Lorax on the Ipad in the car.
-When you spit your binky out to let us know you want a taste of what we are eating.
-How you wave goodbye when we are putting you to bed.
-When you drink Mom and Dad’s shakeology and fruit smoothies through a straw.
-How you make sure to eat every last crumb of the cracker.
-When we say bye bye you start waving right away!
Collage by Uncle Jeff
XOXO
Wendy
Sunday, October 14, 2012
Little Lady
This week I'll be prepping for B's 1st birthday party. We thought about how big we wanted it and decided this first one will be family only. With just our immediate families there will be 20+ attending. Whoa. That's plenty!
Cody and I chose Ladybugs as the theme because we have always called Brooklyn "Little Lady" and we thought it fit just right. Trust me when I say this will be a pretty simple party. I have seen lots of really cool and elaborate 1st birthday parties but I just don't think that's us. At times I feel like I'm not a good mom because we are doing such a low key party, but I think it will be perfect. As long as our little girl is surrounded by the people that love her most all will be right, right?
XOXO
Wendy
Cody and I chose Ladybugs as the theme because we have always called Brooklyn "Little Lady" and we thought it fit just right. Trust me when I say this will be a pretty simple party. I have seen lots of really cool and elaborate 1st birthday parties but I just don't think that's us. At times I feel like I'm not a good mom because we are doing such a low key party, but I think it will be perfect. As long as our little girl is surrounded by the people that love her most all will be right, right?
XOXO
Wendy
Wednesday, September 26, 2012
Independence
I was holding Brooklyn on our couch today while watching "Rio" for the millionth time and she decided she wanted to get her pacifier in her mouth. She's becoming so independent and I am just amazed by her and how she works to get to the bottom of things. She must have put the "binky" in her mouth upside down five or six times.
She didn't give up.
I just watched her and resisted the urge to turn it right side up for her. She has to learn things on her own, right? Her little eyes and hands worked together to finally get it right and I cheered inside for her victory. My baby girl has come so far and will be turning 1 soon. It is truly incredible to see her learn to do things on her own. I feel abundantly blessed to be able to be home with her to see it every day. Thank you, Cody, for giving us this life. You are the best father and husband in the world!
She didn't give up.
I just watched her and resisted the urge to turn it right side up for her. She has to learn things on her own, right? Her little eyes and hands worked together to finally get it right and I cheered inside for her victory. My baby girl has come so far and will be turning 1 soon. It is truly incredible to see her learn to do things on her own. I feel abundantly blessed to be able to be home with her to see it every day. Thank you, Cody, for giving us this life. You are the best father and husband in the world!
Here are a few pics of our little darling!
Brooklyn helping Dad set his Fantasy Football line up. She offered him great insight!
Kickin' back during a shopping trip at Target. Doesn's she look relaxed?
B and Uncle Jonny getting a drink during our road trip to Butte. She doesn't want to let go!
XOXO
Wendy
Friday, August 3, 2012
Are We Insane?
Yes. Obviously.
Cody and I decided...okay...I decided that we were going to do Insanity approximately one month ago. Let me tell you, the title of this little fitness program is 100% fitting. It is fast, challenging, sweat inducing, muscle burning and has been known to cause occasional swearing. We love it.
I am so glad that Cody's doing it with me. What a guy I landed! Having a partner is the very best; we hold each other accountable to doing it every day and to eating pretty darn healthy. Full disclosure, I actually have TWO partners doing Insanity with me. My lovely friend, Jen Rook, is my long distance partner. Having a tele-partner is just as helpful, I swear!
We are now in our 5th week which is the "Recovery Week". We go into the second phase next week and I am JACKED! It is going to be more difficult but we are R-E-A-D-Y. The results so far are fantastic for us. The scale is not the way I choose to measure success, so I am trying not to weigh. However, my clothes are looser and my arms are toned. I know they are because I flex or look at them in the mirror multiple times per day. Yep, I do. I'm not afraid to admit it. (Cody and Jen do, too. I know they do.)
Maybe I'll post before and after pictures in 30+ days when we've finished....maybe I won't. Stay tuned to find out!
If you or someone you know wants to get Insane you can find me online at:
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/wendybankhead
http://www.facebook.com/wendybankhead
http://www.twitter.com/wendybankhead
XOXO
Wendy
Cody and I decided...okay...I decided that we were going to do Insanity approximately one month ago. Let me tell you, the title of this little fitness program is 100% fitting. It is fast, challenging, sweat inducing, muscle burning and has been known to cause occasional swearing. We love it.
I am so glad that Cody's doing it with me. What a guy I landed! Having a partner is the very best; we hold each other accountable to doing it every day and to eating pretty darn healthy. Full disclosure, I actually have TWO partners doing Insanity with me. My lovely friend, Jen Rook, is my long distance partner. Having a tele-partner is just as helpful, I swear!
We are now in our 5th week which is the "Recovery Week". We go into the second phase next week and I am JACKED! It is going to be more difficult but we are R-E-A-D-Y. The results so far are fantastic for us. The scale is not the way I choose to measure success, so I am trying not to weigh. However, my clothes are looser and my arms are toned. I know they are because I flex or look at them in the mirror multiple times per day. Yep, I do. I'm not afraid to admit it. (Cody and Jen do, too. I know they do.)
Maybe I'll post before and after pictures in 30+ days when we've finished....maybe I won't. Stay tuned to find out!
If you or someone you know wants to get Insane you can find me online at:
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/wendybankhead
http://www.facebook.com/wendybankhead
http://www.twitter.com/wendybankhead
XOXO
Wendy
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
In the Crib
We finally decided that a change had to be made.
Brooklyn hasn't had the best track record when it comes to sleeping. She despised her bassinet so we bought her a cradle swing which was a life saver. She has slept in that plush, musical, little swing since she was just shy of 2 months old. Well, our little girl needs more space to sprawl out and twist and turn so we had to change the scene. We tried the crib a few times but could only handle listening to her cry for about, oh, 3 seconds. Seriously, isn't it heartbreaking to hear your little baby crying?
We obviously are first time parents and just weren't ready to let her cry it out, so into our bed she went. Four or five weeks have passed and I swear that none of us have slept more than three broken hours a night in those weeks. "Fairly cranky" is a phrase that could be used to describe me when I'm sleep deprived and my poor husband has to work for a living! Most importantly, Little B needs her beauty rest.
We knew what we had to do.
On the fateful day of July 22, we had the resolve to lay her down in her crib. Cody and I prepared for it all day. We read passages from a book that was given to us, "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" and we reassured each other that we must try again and it is the very best thing for our baby. We went downstairs, watched "The Bachelorette" (Yay for Jef!) and listened off and on to her cry for about 25 minutes while we squeezed each others hands in solidarity. She woke up a few times during the next two nights but on the THIRD night, that little princess slept from 9 pm until 7:00 freaking AM!
Happy Baby!
Parents, this stuff is hard and it puts you to the test. RIGHT?!
Brooklyn is 9 months old today and she was ready. We know it will help her in the long run and it's pretty great for Cody and me, too. I like to call this a WIN WIN WIN!
XOXO
Wendy
Brooklyn hasn't had the best track record when it comes to sleeping. She despised her bassinet so we bought her a cradle swing which was a life saver. She has slept in that plush, musical, little swing since she was just shy of 2 months old. Well, our little girl needs more space to sprawl out and twist and turn so we had to change the scene. We tried the crib a few times but could only handle listening to her cry for about, oh, 3 seconds. Seriously, isn't it heartbreaking to hear your little baby crying?
We obviously are first time parents and just weren't ready to let her cry it out, so into our bed she went. Four or five weeks have passed and I swear that none of us have slept more than three broken hours a night in those weeks. "Fairly cranky" is a phrase that could be used to describe me when I'm sleep deprived and my poor husband has to work for a living! Most importantly, Little B needs her beauty rest.
We knew what we had to do.
On the fateful day of July 22, we had the resolve to lay her down in her crib. Cody and I prepared for it all day. We read passages from a book that was given to us, "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child" and we reassured each other that we must try again and it is the very best thing for our baby. We went downstairs, watched "The Bachelorette" (Yay for Jef!) and listened off and on to her cry for about 25 minutes while we squeezed each others hands in solidarity. She woke up a few times during the next two nights but on the THIRD night, that little princess slept from 9 pm until 7:00 freaking AM!
Parents, this stuff is hard and it puts you to the test. RIGHT?!
Brooklyn is 9 months old today and she was ready. We know it will help her in the long run and it's pretty great for Cody and me, too. I like to call this a WIN WIN WIN!
XOXO
Wendy
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Summer Favorites!
I'm back from my girls trip and finally recovered...I think. It was incredible! Now that things are back to normal, I thought I'd share some of my summer must haves. Take them or leave them--they're just what I'm really into at the moment. Enjoy!
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1. "Rock Your Hair" Hairspray (Marshall's-$9.99)-I LOVE this can of hairspray. Mostly, I love the look of the can! It works well and is light, but honestly, it's more about the packaging. Just being honest.
2. L'Oreal Sublime Bronze *Gelee* (Walgreens $10ish)-My very favorite self-tanning product. It looks so natural and is easy to apply. While I was pregnant, I used it a TON to help my self esteem :) I often use it after I've done my airbrush tan at home to blend in my streaks. I have lots of practice to do with my little at-home airbrusher, but that topic is for another day!
3. Old Navy Water Bottle ($8)-It is super cute and the lid pops up and reveals a rubber straw that just folds over once the lid is closed. I carry it with me everywhere. I like how stylish it is and that I don't have to keep buying individual water bottles. Look at how environmentally aware I've become!
4. Shea Moisture, Raw Shea Butter Lotion (Target-$10)-It smells delish and is really softening. It brings such a different smell that lasts. I also snagged the body wash.
5. Sally Hansen "Complete Care" Base and Top Coat ($5 or so)-This product has been in my little nail polish bag for years. I have tried a variety of others and this is the little nugget that seems to work the best. The true test is happening now-I just used some cheap nailpolish (NYK-$1.73 at Target) with this base and top coat. I'll let you know how long it lasts.
6. Leather Wrap Bracelet-Nordstrom's sells these little cats for around $12. Bracelets are my top accessory of the moment and they need to be sturdy so B can't break them but can mess around with them. I am rarely caught without this guy.
7. "W" Necklace-This is straight from Billings, MT. You NEVER see a "W" on necklaces. I guess it is a weird letter? I saw this while shopping with my MIL and picked it up and put it down about 41 times before I decided it was a must have. (I'm trying not to spend as much...) No regrets about this sweet purchase. I've worn it just about every day.
8. Weleda Rosemary Hair Oil (Target $14)-Truth be told, I've only tried this once and it was yesterday. It was nestled in by the Shea Butter lotion I spoke of above and looked intriguing. It smells so fresh and reminds me of the Aveda products. It softened my ends with only a few drops. You can also use it as a deep conditioner when you have the time. That will be my next experiment.
9. Garnier BB Cream (Walmart $10)-BB cream is taking over the skincare market. If you haven't heard of it yet, you will. This one is inexpensive but excellent. It has SPF 15 and moisturizes and evens your skin tone with the non-dense color (I can't think of a better way to describe this. Ha!). I love it for the summer because most of the time I am not interested in doing full make up. Try this!
Let me know what you think of this list and of any faves YOU have! I'd love to hear your comments!
XOXO
Wendy
1. "Rock Your Hair" Hairspray (Marshall's-$9.99)-I LOVE this can of hairspray. Mostly, I love the look of the can! It works well and is light, but honestly, it's more about the packaging. Just being honest.
2. L'Oreal Sublime Bronze *Gelee* (Walgreens $10ish)-My very favorite self-tanning product. It looks so natural and is easy to apply. While I was pregnant, I used it a TON to help my self esteem :) I often use it after I've done my airbrush tan at home to blend in my streaks. I have lots of practice to do with my little at-home airbrusher, but that topic is for another day!
3. Old Navy Water Bottle ($8)-It is super cute and the lid pops up and reveals a rubber straw that just folds over once the lid is closed. I carry it with me everywhere. I like how stylish it is and that I don't have to keep buying individual water bottles. Look at how environmentally aware I've become!
4. Shea Moisture, Raw Shea Butter Lotion (Target-$10)-It smells delish and is really softening. It brings such a different smell that lasts. I also snagged the body wash.
5. Sally Hansen "Complete Care" Base and Top Coat ($5 or so)-This product has been in my little nail polish bag for years. I have tried a variety of others and this is the little nugget that seems to work the best. The true test is happening now-I just used some cheap nailpolish (NYK-$1.73 at Target) with this base and top coat. I'll let you know how long it lasts.
6. Leather Wrap Bracelet-Nordstrom's sells these little cats for around $12. Bracelets are my top accessory of the moment and they need to be sturdy so B can't break them but can mess around with them. I am rarely caught without this guy.
7. "W" Necklace-This is straight from Billings, MT. You NEVER see a "W" on necklaces. I guess it is a weird letter? I saw this while shopping with my MIL and picked it up and put it down about 41 times before I decided it was a must have. (I'm trying not to spend as much...) No regrets about this sweet purchase. I've worn it just about every day.
8. Weleda Rosemary Hair Oil (Target $14)-Truth be told, I've only tried this once and it was yesterday. It was nestled in by the Shea Butter lotion I spoke of above and looked intriguing. It smells so fresh and reminds me of the Aveda products. It softened my ends with only a few drops. You can also use it as a deep conditioner when you have the time. That will be my next experiment.
9. Garnier BB Cream (Walmart $10)-BB cream is taking over the skincare market. If you haven't heard of it yet, you will. This one is inexpensive but excellent. It has SPF 15 and moisturizes and evens your skin tone with the non-dense color (I can't think of a better way to describe this. Ha!). I love it for the summer because most of the time I am not interested in doing full make up. Try this!
Let me know what you think of this list and of any faves YOU have! I'd love to hear your comments!
XOXO
Wendy
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