The Tidwells

Monday, March 29, 2010

3 Months and the Working Mama

My baby is three months. I cannot believe it. I remember it like it was just yesterday when I first looked into his beautiful eyes and heard his first (of many) cries. I still remember the overwhelming feeling of love and I can't believe how much more I love him. We have had an incredible roller coaster ride as we have learned to be parents. It's definitely not something you can learn from all of those many books out there. You just have to DO it. I never knew how difficult and rewarding being a parent could be.

Today I went back to work. I think this might be one of the hardest things I have ever done. I feel a pit in my stomach as I leave Owen. I have been praying for weeks for the strength to do this, yet I still feel so weak and I still cry every time I think about it. Maybe I'm just a baby but I have had such a hard time. Today when I was at work, I was so excited to see my class, but in the back of my mind I just kept thinking about my baby; missing him, wanting to hold him, wanting to comfort him when he cries and wanting to nurse him. Pumping without nursing is just not good enough. Although Owen is in REALLY good hands, I still wish I could be there all day. I'm worried I'm going to miss things and that he isn't going to be such a mama's boy anymore. Tyson keeps telling me that none of this is true, but of course I sometimes find myself lingering on the negative. Somehow I made it through the day today and am already trying to find the strength to do tomorrow. I know everything will work out. I feel so comforted by the spirit in knowing that I will always be Owen's mom and he will always love me as I love him. Man, motherhood really does take you for an emotional ride. But every emotion, whether happy or sad, is so well worth it. I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Owen's Stats:

He is about 13 pounds (he was 12 pounds 4 ounces at his 2 month)
He was 24 and a half inches long at his 2 month (92%!)
He LOVES his activity mat and is just now learning how to grasp and hold on to objects.
He loves to read with me, and especially look at black and white pictures.
He talks, talks, talks so much!
He smiles at almost anyone and makes everyone smile back at him.
He is the cutest little guy I have EVER seen (I know I'm a little biased)
He still loves to cuddle.
He is only waking up once! Going to bed at around 9:30, waking up at around 3:30 and then waking up for the day at around 7:30. Yay!!!
He is learning how to fall asleep on his own, which is making mommy and daddy so happy.
He loves to go one walks but still hates to ride in the car. Let's hope that changes.
He continues to be more interactive each day and it really makes it so much fun.

We love you baby Owen!!

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Next Stop, Arizona

So Tyson got accepted to Medical School!! We couldn't be happier. We have worked for this for 3 years and now we know that all of our hard work has paid off. We are moving in the summer to Glendale, Arizona for 4 years of Medical School. It's going to be a BIG change I know, but we are excited for a new adventure in life. I am so proud of my husband for all of his hard work. I have never known someone who has worked harder and has had so much faith as he does. He is truly such a big example to me. It's been a hard road, and we have definitely learned so many life lessons from it. We are so submissive to the Lord's plan for us and we know we are heading to Arizona for a reason. We are excited for the new experiences and challenges that will come with this new chapter in our lives. I must say, as a California girl, I am so excited for the warm weather!! So if you are ever in Arizona, you should come visit us!!

Monday, March 8, 2010

Blessing Day

Yesterday we had the privilege of blessing Owen. I have been preparing for this day for a few weeks now, and so when the day finally approached, we were so excited. My mom and brother flew in from California, and we had many family and friends come to support us. I have to give a BIG thank you to all of our family including our wonderful parents, grandparents, great-grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, brothers, sisters, cousins, nieces and nephews for your love and support. Owen has truly been born into a very loving family and he will be forever blessed by them. We also need to thank our wonderful friends who came to support us as well. We love you all!

Tyson did an amazing job when he blessed Owen. We were able to record it so we will have it forever. I am so grateful for such a wonderful husband who honors his priesthood and who is always striving to be the best man he can be as he takes care of us. Owen had a rough morning (ofcourse) and so by the time our sacrament meeting came around in the afternoon, he was not a happy camper. How come he is so sweet and pleasant on all other days except for HIS big day?? I guess things just happen this way. He did great for the beginning of the blessing and then he decided he needed to help daddy talk, and so he did. ;) For documenting purposes, these were the men in the circle: Tyson, Roger, Grandpa Erickson, Greg, Matt, Scott, Eric, Mike, Judd, Cory, Brandon, Pete, Mike, and The Bishopric.

I was truly overwhelmed with emotion as I listened to Tyson and as I felt the spirit so strongly. I kept thinking "man, I am this wonderful baby boy's mother and I need to do all I can to teach him right from wrong, to hold him when he's sad, to lift his spirits, to build confidence each day, to teach him about Heavenly Father, to love him unconditionally"....and the list goes on and on. I have the greatest calling on Earth and I am so grateful to be a mother.

After sacrament meeting we all went over to my in-laws house for some yummy dinner and great company. I have been married into an awesome family whom I adore and feel so close to. It was so wonderful to have my own family there with them.

So now for the pictures....there are a TON! But I have to document it all, so here goes: