Getting to know Shawn

This is awesome. Shawn gets rides from Ty in the stroller. Keeps both of them happy and busy.

This means he is hungry.

Already getting into things! He knocks over our "ghost tree" about 3 times a day.
Boy do we love this little guy!

She's Fa-reakin' Awesome!

I'm pretty lucky to have my girl, Rachel! Have you ever seen a birthday cake for a grown, slightly overweight guy, look as good as this?? Holy cow, it was cool. Rachel worked really hard to make it a great birthday for me, and I really appreciate all her hard work. She woke up early and made me a great breakfast, brought the kids over to work so we could all go to lunch and even made Ty wear signs on the front and back of his shirt that read, "My Dad is 29 today!" (which he loved, by the way.)

She made an awesome dinner and then surprised me by getting me some golf cliz-ubs. She pretty much riz-ocks the hiz-ouse!

Thanks so much for all you do, babe. I've got a lot of planning to do over the next two weeks when your big day comes!

Yes, he fell asleep like that.

Tragedy

So it's been an emotional weekend for Ethan and me. We knew a few of the people in the plane that crashed on Friday near Moab. They where wonderful people who where good to our family while we were in Cedar City. They will be greatly missed by us and the entire community. As I was reading the Ellsworth family's statement I was touched to read of their testimony that families are forever. I am so grateful for the gospel and for those people who were such wonderful examples of service and love. We are shocked and heartbroken, but we too have a testimony of forever families.

Happy 6 months Shawn!

How many other 6 month olds can Riverdance in the bathtub? We love this kid!

Ty Visiting the "Little Temple" + a Song for Everyone!

This past weekend, Rachel's cousin was married in the Manti Temple. While nearing Manti, we kept trying to get Ty to notice the temple, only to hear him yell out, "Look! A tractor, mom/dad!" Anyhow, I guess the Manti Temple has a small building near the actual temple where they let the kids jump around, watch church cartoons, eat fudge sickles, drink lemonade from the drinking fountains, let them play Playstation 3, have them throw darts across the room at a small dart board, let them race go-carts around the parking lot, and many other wholesome activities. While nearing the temple's kidland building, Ty is yelling, "Dad, can we go in the temple?!" He ran up to the kids' center door, opened it and just ran inside. We then had to explain that it was just a "little temple" and that his parents had to go in the big temple while some cousins watched he and Shawn.

While waiting around for the sealing to start, I recorded him singing a couple songs. He's turning 3 years in late October and still loves to learn new songs. Here's one I thought would be fun to have on hand...

Ty Singing (again)

Our Twenty-Fourth

July 24th was a great day to spend with just our little family. We didn't do a whole lot until the evening until we decided to have a picnic at Fox Field (the open field just east of 300 West). It's kinda become our little spot when we want a place to hang out outside of the house. Our own yard doesn't quite work because we're uncertain as to the whereabouts of razor blades, nails, cigarette buts and shards of glass undoubtedly still in our yard -- all leftover from construction and demolition crews who worked on the house before we moved in.

Anyhow...we had Kneaders for dinner and tested Rachel and Ty's project: The Reflector Oven!
We got some supplies for Smores (s'more of what?) and went to it. It worked really well! Ty, of course, could not let the thing alone. Every time we took a break from eating to check on the treat, Ty would manage to rearrange the set up. It was funny.


After we had our dinner, we decided to light some fireworks in front of our house. It was fun, all until we broke out the sparklers. Dad was pretty dumb not to light a sparker first himself to show Ty how sparklers are "not something to freak out at." No, he had to have Ty hold one to experience it firsthand. Anyway, Rachel was there to catch all the catastrophic action with the camera. This shot below was taken right as Ty was freaking out. Ty didn't think to let go of the sparkler before jabbing it into his neck and hand. Dad was able to knock it out of his hand, but not before Ty got burned pretty good on his neck and thumb. But, he's really a tough kid and wasn't bothered by the small burns within a few minutes. We've been watching them close, putting some medicine and band aids on them (much to Ty's approval) and he should be all healed within a few days.Anyhow, back to the reason we celebrate the 24th...we're lucky to both have some great fore bearers who've made incredible sacrifices and strides of strength and faith to help care for their families. We can only hope to do our best to raise a good family and start our own sort of legacy.

The Glasses

I just wanted to say how glad I am some people remembered the glasses. They were a source of a lot of fun. It's been a long time since I dressed up as a nerd or a libarian.

Cute Kid & Growing too Fast!

Rachel brought out some old glasses she used for fun back in school and, of course, Ty had to try them on! We did his hair all slick-lookin and it made for some funny photos.

Ty has been carrying around a little teddy bear friend through the house. He has some good conversations with the thing and loves to have us dress him and talk to him. Anyway, we went to BYU's Bean Museum tonight for family night. Upon seeing the large taxidermied bears at the museum, he was pretty impressed. Rachel said, "That's teddy bear's great, great grandpa." About the only thing he wanted to do the rest of our visit there was "go see teddy bear's great, great grandpa, mom!"

Comcast came today!

We are back! We're still working on getting all settled in the house, but pretty close. This is by far the craziest summer I have ever had, but things are going well. We miss all of you in Cedar, a ton, but we're excited to be close to our friends here! The following posts are some pictures of whats been going on.

Happy 4th of July!The Kellis Reunion!

Just love that smile!

Shawn falling over on the couch and just falling asleep.Ty and his fee-lo in the children's parade.

The hot air balloons on the 4th.

Dad and Ty going for a scooter ride on the 4th.

Shawn taking a nap outside at Grandma and Grandpa Shumways.

Update

I thought I would give an update on our crazy lives. First of all this new post is dedicated to Holly, something new to look at while you are at work. So we are moving to Provo and renting a little house by the Utah Valley Hospital. We are moving our stuff Saturday, but the house will not be ready by then. So right now we are staying at Ethan's parents house waiting to move and our stuff is in boxes also waiting to move. Thanks to all who have helped us out. We already miss you all in Cedar!

Shawn said family prayer tonight.

Ethan took Ty on the Fathers and Sons activity. They had a great time together. Ty really liked the camp fire. He would walk up to it and yell "fire" and blow on it. When they where going to bed Ty just kept whispering to Ethan, "Dad we are sleeping in a tent."

So we are moving...

to some place in Utah County. Ethan accepted a job at the American Fork hospital there. We are excited about the new opportunity, but so sad to leave Cedar City. Ethan really loved his job here and I really love my friends here. Its been an awesome two years and it's hard to believe we are already leaving. American Fork here we come.

Shawn's Blessing 4.20.08

Ethan did such a great job on Shawn's blessing. It was a wonderful day for our family. Thank you so much to everyone who came and supported us! We love you all! Isn't he so cute in his little outfit?

Best Decision We Ever Made

Happy Anniversary Honey! We made 4 years. Its been awesome! (and happy ward conference.)

Shawn's Six-Week Photos

Here are a few of Shawn's six-week photos. He did such a good job during the little photo shoot and stayed pretty calm as long as we pointed a little heater fan on him. Surprisingly, that really calmed him down! Anyhow, the little guys are both doing very well. Ty's love for Shawn seems to grow more each day. Ty loves to alert his parents when Shawn wakes up, is asleep, needs his pacifier, etc. He's also quick to run to Shawn when Shawn is upset, only to pat him on the head and say funny things ("It's OK, Shawn." "Don't be sad, Shawn.")

I think one of our favorites is this one...

I just had to throw this one on here! Shawn is six weeks this week and still dreaming of who know's what. He's been great; still healthy and strong. He's got three big fans (his family members) who are lucky to have him around.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day

This made me think of sweet Devon and Dylan. I love those two little kids and hope they are doing well.

More Easter

All ready for church.

I love him.

Easter egg hunt at Aunt Mary's.

Ty at Weeping Rock.

Easter at Zion

Newborn Pictures

Such a sweet face!

Just Love Him

At 2 weeks he weighs 7lb 4 oz and is finally pooping!

Good Baby!

So far Shawn has been such a good baby. We have been able to get pretty good sleep at night and he is eating very well. Ty seems to be handling everything very well too.

He's Finally Arrived!

Today marked the arrival of Shawn Raymond Shumway, who was born at 10:55 a.m. (Feb. 20).
Weight: 7 lbs. 13 oz.
Height: 20.5 in.
Sass: 100%

Rachel did such an awesome job throughout the labor and delivery! Around 1 a.m., we were still up talking in bed (Rachel couldn't sleep cause of her discomfort and I had just finished some homework) when she thought her water broke. She almost dismissed it until it was soon apparent her water definitely broke. So, we grabbed Ty, hopped in the car and took Ty to the Wilson's home (friends of ours) to hang out for the rest of the night. We rushed to the hospital and, to make a long story short, had Rachel get an epidural, watched her labor progress until she finally gave birth just before 11 a.m. She only had to push for about 30 minutes. I'm so proud of how well she did!Now, for the kid. He's pretty much awesome. The funny thing is, he looks a lot like a mini version of Ty. They have a lot of the same looks. Shawn is just a little smaller (Ty was 8 lbs. 10 oz.). Shawn is eating very well (which we're really relieved about and keeping our fingers crossed that it will continue), he's sleeping well, and he's already starting to say a few words and laugh at our jokes.

Ty was pretty funny around Shawn while visiting today. During the first visit, Ty pretty much masterfully acted like the new one didn't exist. No eye contact, no desire to say "hello," no wanting to hold his brother. As his personality came around during the second visit, however, things got a little better. Two funny happenings: 1) Shawn is crying because he's uncomfortable. Ty very firmly looks at Shawn and says, "Stop! stop! stop! stop!" 2) Shawn is crying during Ty's second visit. Ty climbs on Rachel's bed to get a better look at Shawn in the little cart he's in and gently pats him on the head repeatedly. He even tried kissing him on the head to calm him down. There's some compassion in there somewhere.

Bottom line: We're very blessed to have experienced this day.

Tagged

I am no good at replying to being tagged! I thought I would at least do one and apologize to all I have let slip through the cracks. Just be warned that I am very flaky when it comes to the tags!

The rules of the game are posted at the beginning. Each player answers the questions about themselves. At the end of the post, the player then tags 5 people and posts their names, then goes to their blogs and leaves them a comment, letting them know that they have been tagged and asking them to read your blog.

10 Years Ago
I was a sophmore in high school and had just gotten my license. My parents let me have their station wagon, it was huge. This was proably my favorite year in school, everyday was an absolute blast at school. Sometimes I wish I could repeat this year at least once.

5 things on my to do list
Put new songs on my ipod
Clean
Get Ethan something for Valentines Day
Do some stuff for Primary
Doctor appt on Thursday

Snacks
Anything that is chocolate, in my opinion if it does not have chocolate it is not worth the calories.

What I would do if I was given a billion dollars
Start building my dream house, buy a mini van, save some for the kids, give some to my favorite charities, tell Ethan to quit his job and school.

3 bad habits
Playing with hair
Wanting more money
Crying over Oprah shows

5 places I have lived (I only have 3)
Taylorsville, UT
Cedar City, UT
Provo, UT

5 jobs I have had
Secretary at Jody Wilkinson Acura
Discovery Zone (Kid Play Place)
Hogi Yogi
Longview Elementary after school program
Working with kids with Autism

5 things people don't know about me
Once I was on this candid camera type show on the travel channel
I love, love my family history
I read the Twilight series just to fit in
Once I was driving past a truck with livestock in it and poop flew all over my windshield and I was screaming and all by myself.
One of my biggest fears is turning 30

5 people I am tagging
Michelle Berg
Laurie Mackay
Heidi Phelps
Marie Lefler
Sally Anderson

Poor Ethan!

So last night Ethan was going to babysit while I had a girls night out. Well, he calls around 4:00 and says "They just found that couple that was lost and they are bringing them to the hospital now. I think I will be getting a lot of media calls so I probably can't babysit tonight." Of course I said, "They are alive?" and they where. So luckily I found a babysitter and had a great time, but poor Ethan was at the hospital until 12:30 am. He did two press conferences and then came home. The back of his head was on the 10:00 news and you could hear his voice telling the reporters who they could direct their questions to. I thought that was pretty cool because I hadn't seen him all day. Well he also had a test this morning in class so started studying when he got home, but the media kept calling till around 2 am, so after that he studied some more, then came up, showered, and said goodbye to me at 4 am, and left for work to take more media calls. Any way I feel so bad about his all-nighter. I hope he can come home and take a nap. So far he has had calls from all the local stations and other media, the Today show, Good Morning America, CNN, NBC Nightly New, CBS Evening News, The Ellen DeGeneres Show, and Inside Edition. Crazy Night!