Disgusting, Yuck, Pee-YEW!

Have you ever gotten a good, deep whiff of skunk spray? It sort of burns the inside of your nostrils with its disgustingly, pungent burnt-rubber/million-pounds-of-chopped-onion smell. Incidentally the million-pounds-of-chopped-onion smell also (like the real thing) brings tears to your eyes and makes you cough. Disgusting, yuck, pee-YEW! Who would think that right here in the bustling metropolis of Quincy, MA (pop. 88000) your dog could get sprayed by a skunk right in your tiny front yard! Of course it wasn't just the problem of the dog since dogs can take a bath (even if it takes $20 of fancy shampoos and 5 washes plus a good professional groom the next day) but the smell penetrates your house and you can't even open the windows to air it out since now that the skunk sprayed there isn't one clean-smelling breeze in the whole neighborhood.

I do need to give a product recommendation for Febreeze. It does more than make commercials to laugh at, it (along with 3 boxes of matches burnt, some Armani cologne, and a large vanilla-scented candle burning solid for 3 days) really does help eliminate odors.

Remembering Grandpa

This holiday season Grandpa Mick passed away. It was a heartbreaking time for many people. Of course there is always relief that he isn't suffering anymore (he was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer this past July) and joy in knowing we will be together for eternity. But it was still heartbreaking and so sorrowful to know that I have to continue life without him. In remembrance-he was a cowboy. A talented, handsome cowboy. He was an example of amazing patriotism. Always the one to take responsibility and do whatever was in his power for country, community, and family. He was a loyal friend, father, grandfather... He loved to rock babies and take his grandkids on horse rides.

These pictures are from the weekend of his funeral.
These pictures are from some riding fun on Grandpa's horses.

Playing Catch-up

There's something about the holidays... I don't know if it's traveling to a time zone 3 hours different on looong flights with baby, that throws me out of whack or those extras pounds that inevitably pack on from momma's delicious cookin that weigh me down... but it always seems to take a couple weeks to get back on track after coming home. But FINALLY everything else (almost) is caught up and now I get to move on to the fun stuff. Like this sadly neglected blog :)

Khloe and I arrived in Oregon on the 14th after the most miserable and horrifically long travel day. The next morning we celebrated my birthday (drum roll please!)...the BIG 24! It was celebration for me with all the attention and nice gifts. Note the cute red watch from Ethan. But it was also celebration for Khloe since her Grammy let her try cantaloupe for the first time. As you can see-she loved it!
Khloe and Uncle Taylor, who surprised everyone on Christmas day by announcing his mission papers had been turned in. I was glad for it to be out... it was the hardest secret I've ever had to keep! Since then he has received his mission call. He's off to Argentina next month-Feb 17th!Once Wes came and met us, we got to spend time with the Karlsons. Beautiful little Julia, the newest Karlson edition, was blessed the Sunday before Christmas. Here we are getting ready to leave for the blessing.All the cousins looked so adorable in their coordinating outfits (gifts from Grandma Karlson).
Khloe and Hailey love love love eachother. They are pretty much inseparable.
Christmas celebration with the Karlsons. Our brilliant baby and her laptop. ;)And Christmas at the Atkinsons.
Snuggie. Little family joke. LOL

Decorating the Tree

My Atkinson family always had buffet style goodies (cheeses, salami, crackers, olives, sparkling cider, etc.) as part of our Christmas tree decorating tradition. This year we decided to carry on the tradition in our new Karlson family. It was yummy and fun.
Khloe got skills-made a hole in one :) right into the sparking grape-apple cider.
Khloe's Swarovski crystal pacifier from her Pappy. (Grandpa Mike)

Little Pink Dress

When we first decided to start trying for a baby I kept browsing through baby stores when I'd pass them in the mall. I saw this dress and fell in love. Then I looked at the price tag and woah. I mean WOAH. I just didn't have the money for it. Periodically I'd check that store's website until finally it went on sale and I ran and bought the set.

It hung in the closet quite a while. And of course, even when that pregnancy test finally came out positive, there was always the chance this Karlson household would be full of only boys and the dress would stay in the closet.

The day we were able to go in and find out the gender of our baby happened to fall on mine and Vendla's birthday. Weren't we pleasantly surprised when it turned out to be a girl! (Notice my blue shirt... blue for a boy since I was certain thats what Khloe was.) Here we are after the ultrasound with that dress.
And finally, Khloe was the right size for it! She wore it to church for the first time today!

Happy Baby

Various photo shoots of our always-happy Khloe:
-Everyday fun playing on our carpet. Khloe aka 'Slober Queen' has to strip the shirt off in the evening now. Her mouth is like a faucet. (Maybe some teeth soon?)
-Early morning, waiting in the highchair for mommy to fix breakfast-showing off that wild hair.

Carrot Smiles

I always look forward to adding new foods to the menu :) It's fun to see her reaction. My favorite, though, are the little "mmmm" sounds she makes with each spoonful.