I'm In Love

*Love Them*

Tummy Time!

Bath Time!

"Mommy, Get this kid away from me!!"

Putting the kid to good use.

Midnight Bath after spitting up all over himself.

Total Money Makeover

Travis and I just got done reading The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey because we were just sick of feeling like we were living paycheck to paycheck and not building up a savings very fast, etc. So, now we are dedicated to going through Dave's steps in order to acheive financial freedom!! :) We've cut back on some things and I've actually made a Budget! (for the first time ever!) And its so empowering knowing where our money is dissappearing to! One of the quotes in Dave's book is: (this is referring to the importance of a budget)

"A budget is people telling their money where to go, rather than wondering where it went!"

We were always wondering where our money went, and it was so frustrating. So, I made a budget and we are sticking to it (for the most part!)

I've also been on a huge couponing kick lately. My husband probably thinks I eat, drink, and breathe coupons, but its been so fun and amazing to see how cheap i can purchase things! Plus- and this is the best part- it gets my shopping kick out of the way without me spending tons of money!

Here is a picture of some things I've gotten for FREE, or less than $1. Most of them were free, only a few were less than $1:




Awesome huh?? Its exciting- if you haven't taken up couponing, I highly suggest it! I have some great blogs I follow that help newbies like me- they even put out weekly lists of what you can get for free or cheap with the sales that week paired with the coupons! If your interested, they are:





http://www.hip2save.com/

http://www.passionforsavings.com/

http://www.homemakingexpert.com/



And of course, if you want to start printing coupons of your own to save you some money, you can go to:



http://www.coupons.com/

http://www.redplum.com/

http://www.smartsource.com/


Or get your local Sunday paper.



I have tried couponing a couple times in the past but always ended up giving up because I never thought I was getting a very good deal ("I can get it cheaper if i just buy the generic brand at full price!") But after following these blogs and learning a few things, I think I finally got it down!

Bonding

Travis doesnt spend a whole lot of time getting to know little Kaiden, because he is always so busy with Xander. Plus, its harder for him to play with a newborn than it is with a 2 year old! But last night, lil Kaiden was on his chest just smiling away and being super cute! I loved it!

Speaking of Travis being busy, he just got called as the new Ward Mission Leader. We were previously ward missionaries and our Mission Leader, (also a Brother Jones), was a firecracker- a go-getter, and very good Mission Leader. When he had to move, Travis told me, "Whoever has to replace him has some big shoes to fill!" and then the Bishop calls him into his office! Lol! You should have seen the look on his face when he was called! He is extremely nervous but only because he wants to do as good a job as the last Brother Jones! But I know he'll do a wonderful job. He is not afraid to talk to people and get things done, so I have total confidence in him!

8 Weeks Old!!

So, holy cow- Kaiden is growing much faster than Xander did! he is already out of his newborn clothes and into his 3-6 mo size! He's a chunky monkey thats for sure.. and I love every inch of him! :) He gained 4 lbs in 6 weeks when the average is 2 lbs each month!

Xander is loving him very much- alittle too much- I now know the meaning of "loving someone to death"... sometimes I'm afraid Xander just might do that! We are learning to become more gentle!

Kaiden is very dependent still- when he is awake he wants to be held allll the time! He will be screaming bloody murder, but the second i pick him up- Silence! It is definately a hinder when I need to get things done and deal with Xander, but overall, I dont mind the constant cuddle time :) I am soaking it up!

Can you say, "awww"?

There are no words.

My Favorite Feature

So these are my absolute fav.. Kaiden's dimples! Well, only 1 on his cheek, and another on his chin... its sort of a cleft in his chin. Anyways- just like his Daddy! SO cute! I just about jumped up and down when I saw it! I had been saying all along, "I hope he has your dimple Trav!" I got my wish!

Kaiden Pateman Jones is here!

So we got an unexpected surprise 3 weeks early! Kaiden Pateman Jones decided he couldnt wait to join our gorgeous family and was born February 7, 2011 at 11:42am...

I woke up with what I thought might be contractions, and sure enough, they got intense pretty quickly and within about 3-4 hours I had him at home with my wonderful midwife, Dixie!

It definatly felt like it went alot slower than last time, but still quick enough for me to bear through the pain :) (as much as you possibly can)

He was:

6 lb 14 oz

20" long

Light Hair- I have a feeling he will have pretty light hair- probably blonde/dark blonde

Has Daddy's dimples- one on his cheek and on his chin!

I had a feeling he would be early cuz Xander was 2 weeks early, but wasn't expecting this early! He was born 5 days before Xander's birthday- which is this Saturday, the 12th. So, they are just under 2 years apart.

SO glad he is finally here, SO glad he is perfectly healthy despite the early arrival, and SO glad I am done being pregnant!!

Thank you SO much to Dixie Story (midwife) and Jennifer Budge for helping out with this wonderful experience! We love you both!