The Christmas Story

My husband showed this video to me yesterday and I loved it. So cute. Merry Christmas!

Day 3

A picture of me and my friends.

I'm not the kind of girl that has tons of friends.  I'm a little quiet and keep to myself so it is hard for me to make good friends. But these are a few people that have come to be some of my very best friends.

Addi and Kat- I've known these girls forever. They are my best friends from High School. I got to catch up with them when I went home for Thanksgiving and it just reminded me how much I miss them!

Katherine Way-My Asian twin. We met each other one of the first days of college and we just clicked. We were together all the time freshman year and people always asked if we were sisters which is funny because she is half Chinese!

The gang. Hauni, Max, Aaron, Todd, and I. I know that technically they are family but I couldn't ask for better friends! Before Jett and Emma were born we hung out every single night. Now it is a little harder with the babies but we try to hang out when we can. I can't imagine not living close to them. :-(

Day 2

The meaning behind your Blog name

I think our blog name is just "Todd and Christianne". This blog is about the life we are building together! Pretty simple. Our url is toddlesnkrispix.blogspot.com. Toddles is of course Todd's nickname. I think his mom used to say "Toddles waddles with his bottles" when he was really young. Krispix is just one of my many nicknames but most of my family and close friends call me chris. 


Today was a great Sunday. Todd made a typical brazilian meal and we had a bunch of family over for dinner. It was so fun! Michael will be leaving for Brazil pretty soon so Todd wanted to prepare him for all the rice and beans he will be eating. We had rice, beans, beef, a vegetable platter, and guarana. There was even Brazilian music playing in the background. We are sure going to miss Michael. 


I don't know if I am getting a lot out of church these days...lol. Church starts at 2:30 which is hard because Jett doesn't get an afternoon nap. I feel like I am focused on entertaining him the whole time and trying to keep him quiet but he just wants to be loud. I'm in the nursery now so after Sacrament meeting I pass Jett off to Todd and I go and babysit other people's kids for two more hours. When church is over I don't really feel like I have been to church. I do like going to the nursery though. We sure have some darling kids in our ward.


Jett is growing up too fast. He has two teeth coming in and I think they bother him a lot. He is a really good boy though and we love him more than anything. Its weird to think that everything is about to change. We only have a month and a half left living in our apartment before we move out. It will be a sad day when we leave this little place.

Day 1

Day 1-Recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

 Okay, I'm going to do this fast because it is late.


1. I do not like "The Christmas song". You know the one that starts out "Chestnuts roasting on an open fire..." Ya. I can't stand it. Random I know, but I just won't listen to it. If Todd wants to annoy me he will start to sing it. 
2. I lived in Jerusalem for four months while doing a semester abroad at the BYU Jerusalem Center my sophomore year of college. 
3. Todd proposed to me before I left on my study abroad (August 2007) and I wore a ring on my ring finger the whole time I was in Jerusalem. He officially proposed again with a ring in January and we were finally married in June 2008.
4.. I tried to quit cross country/track after my freshman year of high school because I was tired all the time and didn't run very fast. My coach wouldn't let me quit and after some blood tests I found out I was anemic and got some iron supplements. My sophomore year I placed in state in both cross country and track. I went on to break some school records and became a state champion in the 800 meters. Good thing my coach was persistant!
5. I like to soak my feet in warm water...a lot. 
6. I have never had a cavity or broken a bone.
7. I've always wanted to gain weight but I can't. Even when I was pregnant I had a hard time gaining weight and no one knew how far along I was.
8. I visited my husband's hometown Santa Barbara with some friends the month before I met him and thought to myself, "I would love to marry someone with connections to this place!" I even ate at Freebirds before I knew that my husbands family LOVES their food. 
9.  When I was younger my mom would encourage me to stay home from school sometimes so that we could just hang out. She would then write me an "excuse" note for school the next day!
10. I memorized all the world capitals when I was in sixth grade.
11. I'm a really good listener. I'm not a good chatter.
12. While trying to get through my last semester of college I had morning sickness really bad. I missed a ton of school and I worried about passing my classes. I ended up getting straight A's and it was the only time I made the dean's list.
13. We are moving to Sydney, Australia for 10 months in February.
14. We were in a singles ward for over a year after we first got married (Todd was in the bishopric).
15. I just broke even with my little headband business and I'm so excited that I found something that I love to do and I feel like I am getting good at it.  

Time to sleep. Goodnight!

30 Day Challenge

Okay...I know my blog has gotten really boring lately. I never know what to write about so I decided to do this little challenge. I took this idea off of Janica's blog who took it from her sister. Such a fun idea. It will probably take me longer than 30 days to finish this but I will try and keep the blog posts coming. 
30 Day Challenge
Getting to know me. Each day of the month, write a blog post according to these guidelines below:

Day 1-Recent picture of you and 15 interesting facts about yourself

Day 2-The meaning behind your Blog name

Day 3-A picture of you and your friends

Day 4-A habit that you wish you didn't have

Day 5-A picture of somewhere you've been

Day 6-Favorite super hero and why

Day 7-A picture of someone/something that has the biggest impact on you

Day 8-Short term goals for this month and when you'll accomplish them

Day 9-Something you're proud of in the past few days

Day 10-Songs you listen to when you're bored, happy, sad, mad, hyped

Day 11-Another picture of you and your friends

Day 12-How you found out about blogger and why you have one

Day 13-A letter to someone who has hurt you recently

Day 14-'A picture of you and your family

Day 15-Put your ipod or shuffle on-first 10 songs that play

Day 16-Another picture of yourself

Day 17-Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Day 18-Plans/dreams/goals you have

Day 19-Nicknames you have and why you have them

Day 20-Someone you see yourself marrying or being with in the future

Day 21-A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 22-What makes you different from everyone else

Day 23-Something you crave for a lot

Day 24-A letter to your parents

Day 25-What I would find in your bag

Day 26-What do you think about your friends

Day 27-Why you are doing this 30 day challenge

Day 28-A picture of you from last year and now-how have you changed?

Day 29-In this past month, what have you learned?

Day 30-Your favorite song

Headband Heaven

Hey everyone! If you haven't had a chance to check out my new little business feel free to visit my blog BlossomchicBoutique.blogspot.com or my etsy site BlossomchicBoutique.etsy.com.  These fun accessories make great gifts for babies, little girls, teenie boppers, or even adults (having a baby doesn't stop me from wearing them).  I would love to customize a headband for you if you would like it a certain way. Thanks for looking :-)

Blessed!

Today I was just looking through some photos and I came across this one taken at a wedding reception a couple weeks after Jett was born. I can't believe that he used to be so tiny! He sure is growing up. When I look at this picture a flood of memories come back of what it was like to be brand new parents. What an adjustment. It feels like it was just yesterday and at the same time it feels like it was years ago. This little boy has definitely changed our lives. It was rough at first...you can definitely see how tired we both look in this pic...but Jett is the biggest blessing in our lives. His smile melts my heart everytime I see it. There is nothing I love more than waking up on a saturday morning and all three of us get to snuggle (even though Jett isn't much of a cuddler).

Sure life isn't as easy and carefree with a baby now (I can't imagine having more than one!) but I think it has changed me for the better. There is no room to be selfish. Todd has always been one of the most unselfish people I know but I have really had to make an effort to put my needs and wants aside and give my full attention to this little boy. I have to admit that it hasn't been so easy for me! When I look at this picture I get so emotional. I think the first couple weeks of Jetts life were some of the hardest of mine. But I'm so glad that I have so many people that love me and took care of me and Jett during that time. It is a good reminder to me that God really does watch out for His children. Jett is such a good boy! He is at the perfect stage right now and I don't want him to grow anymore. Gosh, I love my family so much. Life is good.

Blossom Bands

The etsy shop is open! BlossomchicBoutique.etsy.com. Just thought I would let those of you who are interested know so you can check out the blossom bands. If you see something you like but want me to modify it in some way...let me know! Special thanks to Janica Ellsworth for doing the photography. She did an amazing job!! Check out her website at http://www.janicalarae.com/.
Also to my awesome cousins, sister, and neice who put themselves out there to do the modeling- Thank you!! My cousin Natasha did the beautiful header and button for my blog and etsy shop! Many of you know my sister Hauni. She is currently working on some cute stuff to add to the shop so be excited!! So many talented people. I'm so grateful for all of you. Special thanks also to my family and hubby. They have been hearing nonstop about Blossomchic Boutique for the past month. My poor husband. He has been so supportive of everything. But thanks everyone and I hope you enjoy looking around the site! :-)

Blossomchic Boutique

I know I haven't posted in awhile...I have been pretty preoccupied lately! About a month ago I decided that I wanted to start selling headbands and made my first trip to the fabric store. I've been pretty busy ever since. My friend Janica just took some amazing pics of the blossom bands yesterday and she posted a preview on her website. Check it out: http://www.janicalarae.com/headband/  
Aren't my cousins, my sister, and my niece so cute? I just look like a dork but oh well! It was a blast taking pictures with them. Once I get the pics back then I will be ready to start selling my first headbands. My new blog still needs a lot of work but I'm hoping it will be lookin good soon!

Happy Birthday Toddles!

My sweetheart is 25 years old today! Here is Todd and Jett at our birthday outing to Tucanos. Yay for birthdays! (This was our fifth trip to Tucanos in about 4 months...Are we addicted? yes!)


Happy Birthday, Handsome :-) I couldn't ask for a better husband, best friend, or daddy for our sweet little boy.

Thank you so much for...

going to work everyday to support our family,
coming home from work ALWAYS in a good mood,
helping out with Jett when you come home to give me a break,
giving Jett the most awesome bath time every night,
taking care of Jett every Friday night so I can get some sleep,
being a better cook than I am,
always being patient and never raising your voice to me,
saying I love you 5 million times a day,
enforcing family home evening, prayer, and scripture study :-),
watching chick flick and girly movies with me (Emma, Sense & Sensibility, Pride & Prejudice),
opening the car door for me,
trying to remember to put the toilet seat down,
educating me about aquatic hitchhikers,
being worthy to give me a blessing whenever I ask you for one,
running a marathon with me,
letting me go to Jerusalem,
putting up with a very sick me for 9 straight months while preggo,
telling me I look beautiful when I don't feel like it,
smiling at me the first time I saw you,
taking me to the temple,
AND
Thank you for giving me the most precious, vivacious, and beautiful little baby boy. I think he looks more like his daddy every day. I love you! Happy Birthday!

P.S. Be sure to check out Todd's new blog about social media! He is the Pepper shaker at http://thepeppershaker.wordpress.com/. I could never convince him to write on our (I mean...MY) blog but he has been doing good so far on updating this one.

Garden Reception in SLC

Last night Todd and I headed to Salt Lake for a wedding reception. It was at a ward meetinghouse so we were expecting the typical reception inside a church. Boy were we wrong! This was probably one of the coolest receptions I have ever been to. This old church building had the most beautiful garden area in the back and that is where the reception was! It was gorgeous. I was talking to a girl there and she said everyone in salt lake wants to have their reception here.

Todd and I with Liz and Dave. Such a cute couple. Liz had on the most amazing wedding dress. We are so happy for them!

I actually knew BOTH the bride and groom before they even met.

Liz and I became friends while on a study abroad in Jerusalem- Fall 2007

Dave and I were in the same ward and even went on a fun camping trip together at Zions in the summer of 2007. So after knowing both of them seperately...I think they are even more wonderful together! Congrats, guys!

Daddy and Jett

Mommy and Jett

I also got to see a couple more really good friends and introduced them to our little boy!

Sarah Jane and I (Jerusalem buddies)

Veda! Our matchmaker.

And a family picture had to be taken since everyone was dressed up. I love my little family.

We were both trying to kiss Jett but he would have none of that.

And last but not least, a smile from my little man. He is my favorite :-)

Introducing the Jumparoo

A few days ago Todd and I set out in search for some sort of Jumper toy for Jett. This little boy is so energetic and wiggly...he just likes to go, go, go! We needed to get something to entertain him since he tires us out so quickly! He fights sleeping and his favorite time is splashing in the bathtub (besides eating of course). We went into Target with him and started pulling down all their toys from the shelves and putting Jett in them to test them out. When I first saw this Jumparoo I laughed at the thought of getting it because:
1. It was ginormous. The king of all jumpers. We definitely don't have room in our little basement apartment.
2. It was expensive.
But our cute little Jett looked irresistible in it and we decided that the pros of getting the toy outweighed the costs. I haven't regretted the purchase (good thing we had gift cards!). I'm looking forward to the hours of entertainment this toy will provide Jett and our future kids. Not to mention the great exercise he gets!

Jett doesn't know what to think of it sometimes...I think all the toys and music confuse him, but he is getting used to it.

There are so many cute toys on it that he will love when he gets older!

Oops! Probably not a good idea to put him in the Jumparoo right after he eats. Future track star in the making? I think YES!

Casper Cousins

When my family was in town for my sister's wedding in June we were able to take pictures of all the Casper grandkids. Hauni arranged the photoshoot with her friend who is a photographer and she was able to take some really fun pictures! There were 3 new babies born this year on the Casper side (Everett in March, Emma in April, and Jett in May). It will be fun for them to look at these pictures when they are older!


Easton, Everett, Max, Emma, and Jett


Jett wasn't too happy because we wouldn't let him sleep!

Poor Emma.





We took a few more newborn pics for Jett. He is about 2 weeks old here.

I miss this face! He used to do it all the time. So cute.

Our little monkey!

Growing boy

Jett (5 days old) on his way home from the hospital. He weighed 6 pounds 2 ounces.

At about 1 month (At his two week appointment he weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces).

Chunkin up at 2 months! He weighed 11 pounds 7 ounces at his last appointment.

Newborn pics

These were taken at the hospital when Jett was a day old.

The story

It has already been 5 weeks since my little baby was born so I figured that I better write the story down before I forget it! Wow, how come when you are pregnant 5 weeks is an eternity but now that I've had him it feels like a blur?? (Warning: this is going to be long!)

So on Tuesday, May 25th I had a doctors appointment with the same doctor that delivered my sister's baby. It was also Todd's first day of work at his new job. I decided I would get up early and make him pancakes before he went to work. We had a nice breakfast together and then Todd left for work. Right after he left I threw up everything I had just eaten. Then I got on facebook and updated my status to "I'm sick of being sick, won't this baby come already?" Little did I know that would be the day!

I went to my appointment alone at around 10:30. I hadn't gained any weight...and of course I was measuring small...as usual. In the previous weeks I had always measured small and they had done numerous ultrasounds and a nonstress test to make sure the baby was okay. The conclusion was always the same: I was just going to have a small baby. I hadn't seen this particular doctor before (the OBGYN I go to has about 5 rotating doctors) and he was concerned and said he wanted to do an ultrasound. I told him that they had done an ultrasound 3 weeks before and had estimated the baby to be around 6 pounds. The doctor did the ultrasound and it felt like he was looking at the screen for an eternity without saying anything. He concluded that the baby was still a little over 6 pounds and wanted me to go over to the hospital and get another nonstress test. His concern was that the baby was not growing anymore. They don't normally induce first time moms until a week after the due date but he told me to have a bag packed just in case they decided to keep me in the hospital. I was still 3 cm and 90%.

I was basically shaking as I left the doctor's office. I wasn't ready for all of this! I didn't want to disturb Todd at his first day of work unless I absolutely had to. But I called him to give him a heads up on what was happening. We decided I would go to the hospital and call him once I knew what was going to happen. I drove to Hauni's house and just started crying...I was so scared! She dropped the kid's off at her mother-in-law's and drove me to the hospital. It was around noon when we got to labor and delivery and a nurse told me that she thought they were going to keep me but wasn't 100% sure. I got a gown on and they hooked me up to some monitors. The next thing I knew the doctor came in and said "well...let's break your water!" He broke it before I even knew what was happening.

I'm so glad Hauni was there to get me through that first part. They put in the IV and then I finally had a chance to call Todd and tell him he needed to come to the hospital. It was such a relief when he finally walked into the hospital room! Hauni went home and that just left Todd and I to wait for things to progress. Todd gave me a blessing and we both felt like everything would be okay. They started me on petocin and gave me my epidural which relaxed me a ton. The nurse said that she had never seen a baby's head so low at this stage of labor. We thought that meant I would go fairly quickly but it actually took awhile for me to dilate. Todd got a nice lunch from downstairs and I was stuck with jello and popsicles...not much considering I had thrown up my breakfast. By early evening I began to shake uncontrollably...we asked the nurse and she said it was the body's response to pain, even though I couldn't feel it.

It wasn't until 10:30 pm when the nurse said that I could start pushing. I could feel the pressure of the contractions so I knew when to push. Todd and the nurse held my knees and told me when to push for about 40 minutes. Honestly, this was not my favorite part. It felt like I was giving it everything I had and not making any progress. I remember how excited I was when the nurse said she could see lots of dark hair on his little head. She finally called the doctor in and after a couple of pushes he said I was beginning to tear, gave me an episiotomy, and his little head popped out. Everyone in the room laughed because the baby turned his head toward the doctor and gave a little cry before he was even all the way out. It was such a relief when he was all the way out and I could see his little body full of life. It was 11:11 pm when he was born. He weighed 6 pounds 8 ounces and was 18.5 inches long. He was so beautiful! They cleaned him up while the doctor stitched me up and then I got to hold him for awhile before the whisked him and Todd away to the nursery. By that point I was physically and emotionally exhausted and I just wanted to sleep.

Later that night they brought him into our room for a little while and I could enjoy him a little bit more. We got to sleep at about 3. At around 5 a nurse came in to tell us that he had been moved into the level 2 nursery which is basically their NICU. He was breathing too fast and had an elevated white blood cell count so they had to monitor him to make sure he didn't have an infection. Sadly, he couldn't come to our room anymore and I had to go to the nursery to nurse him. It wasn't very fun learning to nurse a baby hooked to all sorts of monitors.

I was discharged Thursday night but they had to keep Jett for a few more days so we boarded a room at the hospital so I could be close and continue to nurse him. We had some great nurses watching over Jett and got really close to a couple of them. We were finally able to come home on Sunday night. I had a little bit of a hard time recovering and I begged my mommy to prolong her stay in Utah and help me out. She did and we were able to figure some things out and get me back on the road to recovery. I was in much better shape when she finally did go back to Washington. Todd's mother also came and helped us out a ton. We are so grateful for such a loving family! At Jett's two week appointment he weighed 6 pounds 12 ounces and they clipped his tongue.

Well...I think that is enough info for now! Its 2 and I haven't showered yet and Jett is asleep so now is my chance. Here are some pics to enjoy:




Wait wait wait...hold on. This is Todd writing now. As you can see from the above picture, I played a part in this too! (Although it was like 99% Christianne.) And I just wanted to add a couple things from my side of the story:

1. I knew Jett was going to be born on my first day of work! I just knew it! You know how in life, when it rains, it pours? Well, it was like El Nino, okay? I just met my boss in the morning my first day and he asked how things were going. I replied, "Things are great! My wife is due any day now." He said, "Any day?" I replied, "Yep. Any day." Well, it was that day. 3 hours later I told him, "Um, well, my wife just called and she is in the hospital, so I'm thinking I have to go." He said, "You better!" And I was off to the hospital.

2. Christianne was so tough! I didn't realize how much pain a woman goes through until now. It all came to me when she was finally pushing and the nurse motioned for me to take a look "down there." I did, and lo and behold there was the top of this little head with dark hair! It was crazy! I had no idea how that little body was supposed to come out, but she did it. It was incredible.

3. Jett looks different every day. When they first started cleaning him up and honestly thought he looked a little wierd. I was like, "OK, I still love him, he's still cute.." But just a day later the swelling went down and he was the cutest little guy. Now, one month later, he is getting rounder and plumper, and doens't look anything like he did even a week ago. I wonder what he'll end up looking like.

Anyway, I just wanted to throw that in there! Gooooo Jett!