Introducing Lucy Mae Johnson

Welcome to this world Lucy Mae Johnson!

What a crazy weekend it has been! We went in Friday morning to have our little Lucy....start to finish labor was only 4 hours (it's really fine to be jealous if you'd like!)....and Lucy joined us Friday May 21, at 11:47am. She weighed 8 lb. 1 oz. She was a little bruised up in the face from coming out so quickly, but is still ridiculously beautiful (in my opinion!)

She looks so much like Simon did when he was born.

This was Simon getting to hold his baby sister for the first time! It was a pretty great moment!

Simon LOVES to hold her! He can go from being a total monster to being the sweetest thing ever when he gets around her. He is so protective (he does NOT like flash photography around her!) and doesn't like to take turns holding her...he just wants her all to himself!

Stay tuned for more pictures to come! My mom took a lot more than I did so far....that's what grandma's are for, right?

Our First Rodeo!

You may have seen before in previous posts that our little Simon has decided he is part cowboy. I have absolutly NO IDEA where he is getting this from, but I will admitt it's pretty cute!

Anyway, he practices his bull riding on grandpa's back and has also learned about mutton bustin'. So, we decided to have our very first family rodeo event on Health Days and let Simon give the Mutton Bustin' a try.

We have been talking about it for awhile now, and made sure he knew just exactly what Mutton Bustin' was (for those of you that don't know...it's when the kids ride a sheep and basically hold on for dear life.) He totally wanted to do it!
Simon's cousin Sid even decided he would give it a try! Don't they look like awesome little cowboys? Simon even went over by himself to get registered, and to pay his money.

After a very long day sitting in the sun waiting for his event....it was finally time. He went with dad, waiting in line....meanwhile I was being a very nervous mom! He did good till it was actually his turn to get on a sheep and than he bailed out. I guess seeing all the other kids fall off and start crying made him think "this is crazy....I'm out!". So, I guess I am still the proud mom of someone who does not succumb to peer pressure! :)

And I think he is still the BEST LOOKING COWBOY in the entire world! Love you Sim's....it was a good try! There's always next year!

Happy Mothers Day!

Happy Mothers Day to all those amazing moms out there! For some reason this was kind of an emotional mothers day for me....not a sad one in any way- but I guess being 9 month pregnant and simply the idea that I have a whole new mothering experience on the horizon there were a few times I got a little emotional! I can't think of anything I have done in my life (or will ever do) that is more challenging than being a mom. There are so many days and nights that I absolutly hate the fact that I have to be a working mom! I often hate that my house is usually a disaster. And I hate that it's usually my husband that ends up cooking our family a hot meal. My kids will probably never come home from school to their mom cooking yummy cookies. But, I also can't think of anything that I have ever done (or will do) that is more rewarding! I am amazed every day at the new things my little man learns. Today Cody asked Simon what he loves about mommy....here are a few things he said (and yes I got teary!)
-"she says it's OK to get hurt and cry"
-"she takes good care of me."
-"she says we should always be nice to people"
-"she always tells me to be a good example."
Who knew he was actually listening???
But I do want to thank my mom for showing me the greatness of motherhood! I am 30 years old and I still need my mom! She is my best friend, and the best example I have ever had in my life! When I think about my mom the number one word that comes to mind is "Service". If you know my mom you know exactly what I'm talking aboout. She is the only person I know that will purchase something just in case someone might need to borrow it. She puts everyone else's needs in front of her own. She has done so much to help me....there is no way I could ever repay her! She is such a hard worker and is constantly "doing". There are very few times that I can recall seeing my mom just sit!
I love the worrier in her, and I think she passed down that gene to me! I remember growing up hating the fact that I had to check back in with her when I came home at night, cause she had to know all her "chick-a-dee's where safe and sound", but now I'm glad I had someone to worry about me. And still 10+ years later when I travel for work there are times when I'll call my mom before my husband to let her know I got there safe and sound.
I love you mom and I'm so greatful for the lessons you have taught me, and for the mother that you have taught me to be!