Double Double

So, I have never ever -- not even when I was a strapping teenager -- ordered more than a Double Double from In 'N Out. Tonight, Lorein ordered A TRIPLE . . . AND TWO FRIES!! And she finished them!

Lollipops and Popsicles

Carter has moved from sucking on everything to licking everything. It's funny because now when we go to kiss him, we have to be careful or he'll slip us some tongue. Watch out Nora Hawkins!!

Christmas decorations

I'm pretty underwhelmed by my holiday shopping experiences. I was excited last weekend to hit the streets and do my shopping because I thought seeing festive decorations and sharing in the hustle and bustle would help me feel Christmas-y, especially in the absence of snow (insert your "That's not what Christmas is about" comment here). The new and improved Westside Pavilion had some decorations, but not many, and then 3rd Street Promenade was just lame. The only decoration it had was a Christmas Tree in the middle put up by Oxfam. We were pretty put out because we were planning to take some pictures. Oh well. Lorein said she remembered 3rd Street going all out, but not this year. Her theory is that the shopping centers feel there's no point in putting up a ton of decorations when supposedly nobody is going to buy anything. I think they should do the opposite though -- if you want people to buy stuff, then you have to get them in a happy, festive mood. Thus, decorations equals more money spent. Anyway, here's our picture in front of the lone Christmas decoration at 3rd Street.

Roll on Carter

I don't know if Sterling gave Carter some tips over Thanksgiving or what, but Carter is now rolling over. He did it last night for the first time, and since then he won't stay on his back when I lay him down. Check it out for yourself.

Is this next video in fast forward?? Nope, he really is that fast!

He's also getting much better at sitting up by himself. He still falls a lot, but his skills are improving.

Thanksgiving in Vegas

Here's a photo diary of our Thanksgiving trip to Vegas:

Carter meets his cousin Sterling for the first time.

Carter chomping on his hand.

Carter chomping on the couch (Such actions disgust his Aunt Driel).

Carter exhausted from chomping on things all day.

Logan and I planning our next knee football play.

Calvin and Evan preparing their defense.

A video of Carter and Breezy that Driel wonderfully produced. (If you want to see more pics from our exciting Thanksgiving you can go to Driel's post.)

That's it. As President Monson would say: good food was eaten; fun games were played; old friendships were renewed; great times were had by all.

Pushing Daisies Redux

So, after reading Kent's comment to my post about "Pushing Daisies", I realized I do have to modify my initial glowing review. He was right that the episodes this season have been resolved deus ex machina. This last week was the first one in awhile that the characters actually figured out the crime and caught the criminal as opposed to the announcer coming on at the end and saying "Here's what happened . . . ". Also, the show this season has been way dirtier. Last season certainly had its sexiness -- I mean, Olive does show a lot of cleavage -- but the show itself was pretty innocent even if you the viewer couldn't help wondering how Ned and Charlotte got along living in the same apartment unable to touch. This season, however, we've seen Charlotte drop her robe for Ned, Emerson get it on with Simone, and just a general uptick in sexual references and innuendo. I'm also appalled at the direction they've taken Ned's character. He was a sweet piemaker, but now they're turning him into Rambo. He's plotting revenge, telling people he's going to kick so and so's a**, and throwing out random s.o.b.'s. Finally, what's up with the stupid plot lines of Ned suddenly having two twin half-brothers and Charlotte's aunt actually being her mother? Last season, "Pushing Daisies" was refreshing; this season, it's chasing Hollywood cliches. Writers: leave the show alone! You had it right last year, Why are you changing it? Anyway, I'm going to keep watching because it gives me something to do when I'm home watching Carter, but unless the next few episodes get a lot better, I probably won't be too sad if it does get axed.

He's intellectually gifted

So Sterling can roll over and Carter can't even though Sterling is 2 weeks younger than Carter. Big deal. Does Sterling read himself bedtime stories?

Fight On SC vs. Eight Clap UCLA

Lorein's boss was out of town so Carter and I accompanied Lorein to work. We parked in the USC parking structure and made our way across campus to Lorein's office. People kept casting sidelong glances at us, rolling their eyes, etc. I was thinking, "Haven't these people ever seen a baby before?!" After one particularly egregious glare, however, I happened to look down and realized I was wearing my UCLA shirt. I can't believe I wasn't shot! (you know how dangerous it is over by USC; it's not like the eden of Westwood Hills) I walked the rest of the way holding Lorein's laptop across my chest and was able to avoid any further incidents.

And just for the heck of it, here's a picture of Carter planning how he will continue his Machiavellian and tyrannic rule over our apartment.

Carter and Me, Me and Carter

Now that Carter is officially 4 months old, I feel it is time to compare his personality to mine in order to see how far the apple fell from the tree. I have devised this controlled double-blind scientific study to determine with exactness whether he's a chip off the old block or not. The methodology consists of a list of our similarities compared with a list of our differences; whichever list has more will answer the question.

So, here are our similarities:
1. We both love to watch football
2. We both like it when Lorein furnishes us with dinner
3. We both like to take naps
4. We both like to take walks
5. We both like baths
6. We're both morning people
7. We both like luxury vehicles
8. We both like fountains
9. We both like to wear pajamas
10. We both dance by wildly flailing our arms and legs.

















And here are our differences:
1. I don't cry when I have gas
2. I don't have blue eyes
3. I don't cry whenever the organ starts playing
4. I don't cry whenever a bus drives by
5. I don't cry whenever I enter the apartment and the lights aren't turned on
6. I don't cry when I'm tired
7. I'm okay if other people want to sit down; I don't cry until they stand up

















Well, the final tally shows 10 similarities and 7 differences. Therefore, this scientific study proves by a wide margin that Carter is a chip off the old block (as this picture further evidences).

"Yo People! Bring me a soda and some nachos!"

Adventures in Relief Society

I took Carter to Relief Society with me today. Because I'm a counselor, I sit up front where everybody can see me. So, at one point during the lesson, the teacher turned around to write on the chalkboard and Carter sneezed a couple times. The room was super quiet so the sound drew everybody's attention to us. Of course, right then, Carter let out the biggest poop ever. It was so loud!! Everybody started to laugh, my face turned red, and I apologized to the teacher. I don't know why I was embarrassed though since I wasn't the one who pooped.

Voting

A couple of times I've thought it would be neat to participate in a transformational election where people stand in line for hours to cast their vote. You know, like the elections you see on BBC World News where people trek from miles away and there is a palpable excitement surrounding the whole affair. I thought it would be a great experience to actually have to sacrifice to vote -- that it would show people how important the whole process is. Well, on Tuesday, we got to our polling station at 8:30ish and the line stretched out the door, down the sidewalk, around the corner, along the building, and then out into the parking lot; we stood in line for just over an hour. I can now officially say that standing in line for a long time to vote is not neat. There was none of the excitement of an election where it's the first time the people have gotten to vote in decades, and all I got was a sore back from standing still with Carter in the baby carrier. When I drove by an hour later and saw there were only five people in line, I realized that's the true American way to make one's voice heard, and the method I will be using in the future. No more of this voting at peak polling time!
Anyway, here's a picture of Carter enjoying his life in the lap of luxury.

What do I do now?

Congratulations to the Phillies on their World Series victory -- it was nice to see the National League win it. But alas, another baseball season over and gone. I must now shift to off-season mode, where I check Dodgers.com and ESPN.com multiple times a day to read about possible moves, trades, and free agent signings; where I scour the earth for every tidbit about the Winter Meetings; where I ponder and debate what various teams should do . . . wait, this sounds like my normal routine anyway. Needless to say, Lorein's first sentence after Brad Lidge struck out Eric Hinske was "Yeah, Baseball's over!". Yes Lorein, baseball is over, but at least pitchers and catchers report in February!

Carter cried out in anguish when he heard he had to wait four more months for Spring Training to start. Or maybe it was because his jacket was so tight.

Pushing Daisies

I read on Yahoo the other day that "Pushing Daisies" is in danger of being canceled. Despite rave reviews from critics and good ratings last season, it's struggled this season. So, in order to save it, I want all of you to watch it. I mean, it's got something for everyone: it's artsy for all you Blue State elitists; there's a crime solved every episode for all you Red State law-and-order types; there's no mention of government for all you Alan Greenspan libertarians; and the main protagonist makes fruit pies for a living for all you Green Party vegetarians. Seriously, "Pushing Daisies" has fantastic acting (most of the actors were plucked from Broadway), snappy writing, interesting plot lines, amazing visuals, and it's funny. You have no excuse not to watch it Wednesdays at 8/7c on ABC. Do it for me so it doesn't get canceled! Oh, you can also watch full episodes online at abc.com. I wish I were getting paid to plug ABC like this.

A new trick

Warning: This post contains graphic material and may not be suitable for children.

Carter has finally learned how to wrestle monsters into submission (and then eat them because we've taught him not to waste anything). Actually, his new trick is that he grabs everything and puts it into his mouth. His favorite are blankets and towels; we think he spits up just so we have to wipe his mouth.

(Warning: The following image has been edited for content.)


He's also learned that if you take away his blanket/towel/snake, he has other options. In fact, those options might actually be better because they're always there!

Sucking on his hand w/ Grandpa.

Sucking on his hand w/ Grandma.

And sucking on his hand w/ Daddy. Maybe it's his way of seeking comfort after watching BYU get smashed by TCU.

A BIG Thanks!

Carter would like to thank his Grandma Phyllis and his Aunts Kristi, Kathy, Jeanette, Driel and Breezy! His new quilt is adorable and it looks even better in person. My camera work doesn't do it justice.

It's a tradition in our family for the girls to embroider blocks for a baby quilt whenever someone has a baby. Then my mom sews appliques on the other four blocks, sews it altogether and then hand quilts it. That's right, I said HAND quilts it. What can I say, my family is amazing. Here's the fabulous quilt:

This is a true sign of Carter's love for the quilt. He immediately spit up on it. He spits up on everything he likes.

Hopefully you can click on this picture and get a better idea of all the details that go into the quilt. It's pretty impressive. Thanks everyone!!!

Short political comment

And now for a break from our regularly scheduled programming for a short political comment: I was against the bailout before I was for it. Actually, I was never for it. My commentary isn't really about that though -- it's about the way it got passed. Originally, the Republicans shot it down because of moral hazard, an opposition to government intervention, etc. In response, the bailout's supporters stuck some tax breaks into it in an overt attempt to get some of those Republicans to support it. AND IT WORKED!! I just thought it was funny that Republican politicians are so slavishly pro-tax cut now that they'll support stuff that goes against everything else they believe in if you throw one in. Like tossing a steak to a guard dog to get him away from the window.

Baseball

Carter attended his first baseball game on Saturday, and when I say "attended", I mean he and Lorein left after the second inning. It was a disaster from the beginning. First, it was supposed to be a cool evening, so we bought him some Thermal underwear which Lorein supplemented with a onesie, a pair of pants, another onesie, and a jacket. After a few minutes, he was sweating like crazy and started to cry. Second, the baseball game started at 7p, so it was right in the middle of his time-to-get-ready-for-bed time. We thought he would just sleep at the game, but then we got to the stadium and realized it wasn't going to happen. It was a playoff game. Which meant it was a playoff crowd. A normal baseball game involves a few exciting moments which energize the crowd, but a playoff crowd is excited the entire time. The crowd was so loud even during pregame introductions that Lorein couldn't hear Carter screaming his head off. He was not a fan of the noise. He also has a stubborn streak that won't let him eat when people are around. So, he spent the game hungry, tired, and screaming. Supposedly he immediately got happy when Lorein (accompanied by my mom and Mary Ann) got to the car and he realized he was going home. I hope I didn't traumatize him against baseball forever!
As for the game, it was awesome. Well, it was awesome for me. Skip and his family came out to support the Cubs, and it wasn't awesome for them. I really can't believe the Dodgers swept them. The Cubs had the best record in the National League and the highest run differential, and they got swept. This really was supposed to be their year. I honestly thought destiny was on their side. I mean, 100 years is a big round number. But I guess now it'll just be 101.
Anyway, I don't think I traumatized Carter because when I got home and told him the Dodgers won, he was pretty excited. Or maybe it was just because he was imagining himself as Tom Selleck.

(**Note from Lorein: The way Chris told the story it sounded like I just let Carter scream until the second inning and kept him in his hot clothes. Don't worry I'm not that immune to his cries even if I couldn't hear him. I immediately took off his layers and went and found an area by the ticket office that was open and out of the stands. He was perfectly content to let me walk around up there in the open air away from the boistrous crowd. It just took me until the 2nd inning to realize this was pointless since I wasn't watching the game anyway. And I knew Carter was going to need to eat at some point and Dodger stadium doesn't exactly have quiet places to nurse, especially at a playoff game. So we left. I would also like it noted that I warned Chris that it would most likely end in tears, but even I did not comprehend how loud the crowd was going to be. Oh and he forgot to mention that I got lost in the parking lot because I couldn't remember where we parked. Of course we couldn't reach Chris or anyone in the game on their cell phones, but I did finally find the car. Thanks to Mary Ann and Shari for not get frustrated with me. Go Dodgers.)

A day in the life of Carter

Lorein went back to work this week and it's been quite the transition. Here's how it's gone from Carter's point of view:

When mommy is with me in the morning, I have a great time . . . I lounge around

and I go exploring.

But then, (oh no!) Daddy comes home!

He scoops me up and takes me to his torture chamber

where he dresses me up in hideous outfits and puts me on the rack!

And then he makes me do homework with him! And not just any homework -- he makes me read Professional Responsibility, which is quite possibly the worst class ever!

I'm just so glad when mom gets home and restores some normalcy.

Thanks Grandma Ginny for making me this sweet hat!

59-0!

Here's Carter when he learned BYU beat UCLA 59-0!

Fight!

I saw a fight between two fifty-somethings at Costco yesterday. One of them was leaving the produce freezer while the other was trying to get in, and neither would budge. They stared each other down and argued for a little bit and then the guy going in pushed the other guy's shopping cart and started to walk away. The guy leaving put on a really annoyed look and it seemed like he was just going to move on, but then the rage boiled in his face and he slammed his shopping cart into the other guy's back. The guy going in whipped around and pushed him. Then the guy leaving pushed back. Then the guy going in slapped the guy leaving's arm. Then I yelled "Fight!" and everybody in the store ran over to the produce freezer and surrounded the two in a big circle -- just kidding. Instead, a Costco guy came over and asked what was going on. The two pleaded their cases and the Costco guy was like "whatever" and the valiant warriors went on their way. It was awesome. As Richard Hawkins can attest, you see amazing things when you hang out at the produce freezer in the Marina Del Rey Costco.
And in other disturbing news, I learned today that Lorein knows the names and can identify all the kids on "Jon & Kate Plus 8". Let's get that girl back to work!

Trip to Vegas

For the holiday weekend we went to Vegas to visit with my family. Driel, Evan, and Moriah drove down from Provo to hang out with us. It was great to see them and my parents. We also got to see my sister Breezy and my brother Chandler for one night before they headed back up to BYU. Something of note that we learned from the trip is a confirmation of Carter's expensive taste in cars. He hated the drive there and back from Vegas or anytime we put him in our car, but he loved riding in Justin's Cadillac and in Driel and Evan's Infiniti. It's luxury cars or nothing for this kid. Here are some highlights from the trip:

Carter and Driel just chillin. I'm pretty sure the spot on Driel's dress is from Carter's drool...not her own. I'm sure Driel will appreciate me
pointing that out:-)

If you ever wanted to know where Moriah was all you had to do was find Grandma. Moriah was glued to her side and very protective. She did not want Grandma holding Carter. She didn't really like it when her mom or dad held Carter either, but it was much worse if Grandma did. A girl's gotta defend her territory.

Here's Carter relaxing after getting out some major "miseries" as my brother Ammon calls them. To everyone else it was just a bowel movement. But he really felt so much better afterwards that he fell right to sleep almost instantly.
My brother Justin walked around with Carter like this for a long time and Carter loved it. Notice how our little chubbo's stomach is overflowing his diaper even when Justin is trying to help him out by sitting him up straight.

This is what Moriah looks like after enjoying some sweet rocky road ice cream. Who can blame her?
And this is just proof for my dad that Carter really does smile. He was a pretty serious little guy most of the time we were there.

Family Pictures

When we were in Temecula for Carter's blessing we were lucky enough to take family pictures with the Crall side of the family. It was great to get some shots of our new little family. On the flip side however, I've never dreaded family pictures before. Granted it is usually not the most exhilarating experience, but how hard is it to show up and smile? Well that was before Carter. I don't know if I've ever worked harder in a 2 and 1/2 hour period (yep, you read that right 150 minutes!). It was really tricky trying to keep him happy for the photos while also trying to get him propped up enough so people could see him. I know it will probably only get harder as he advances into toddlerhood and I feel for anyone who has more than one young child and takes family photos. You deserve a medal. Here are some of the shots:

I know, I know, most of them are of Carter...I think that's how everyone in Chris' family felt too. But isn't he great?!