February 2019 - Baby Joshua

Tyler turned 6 and got lots of Legos, some rain boots, a Calvin and Hobbes comic book, and money to pick out new church clothes (he got new pants, shirts, and some ties including an emoji tie). He asked to do a birthday party at Kangaroo Zoo, which is full of bounce houses. He wanted sprinkle donuts instead of cake at his party.

As he was going to bed the night of his birthday, Tyler lost his first tooth! It was on accident. He hit his face on the corner of his bunk bed and it popped right out. We looked everywhere and couldn't find it--the floor, all over the bed, the dresser, etc. Two months later I found it in the windowsill when we opened the windows for the first time on a warm spring day.

Alexa and Tyler started violin lessons and they are doing great so far. They practice their bow holds every day and have a 1/8 violin. So tiny!

We went to the Ice Castles with Grandpa and they were beautiful.

We had a fun Valentine's Day with the kids that included crepes for breakfast, Chinese takeout for dinner, fancy sparkling juice and fruit in goblets, candles, and dancing. Alexa and I had lots of fun making her unicorn valentine box for school. We gradually added more sparkles every day. Kyle and I celebrated by doing a horse drawn sleigh ride in Park City. The sleigh ride took us up to a mountain lodge for dinner and live music. It was really fun. The drive home was dicey because it was snowing hard. We saw a few cars go off the road in the canyon.

For Galentine's Day this year we did a private karaoke room. I don't like singing in front of people, but it was fun to join in on group songs. These girls have become wonderful friends over the years.

Funny story--whenever Tad sees a cow he says there's a pig stuck inside trying to get out. I never realized how much cartoon udders in all of our books really do look like little pig legs. Hahaa.

We had 3 earthquakes this month. Our washing machine is messed up and I thought the first one (that woke me up at 5am) was Kyle starting a load of laundry. It was a 3.8. All have been very short, but they have been close together. We are waiting for "the big one" to hit since we're on a major fault line and we're apparently a hundred years overdue.

Liam has started waving hello and goodbye with a big smile on his face.

We found out on February 21 that our sweet baby Joshua had no heartbeat. I was 25 weeks along, but he was measuring small so the doctors are honestly not sure how old he was. He measured the length of an 18-week old baby when he was born. I delivered him in the hospital on February 26 and we held a graveside service for him on March 2. He is buried in the Benjamin Cemetery next to my Ludlow grandparents. The doctors do not know why he passed away so late in the pregnancy, despite multiple ultrasounds and tests. It was a difficult and sorrowful experience and we are still deeply saddened by the loss of our little boy. We held him in our arms for several hours and marveled at his perfect little body. We long for the chance to hold him again and wish that he could stay with us and grow up with his brothers and sisters. I have written more of our experience here for those who would like more details.