Make Me Babies

Ok, so lately a lot of my pregnant friends have been having fun with a website called makemebabies.com. Since I already have a baby, I thought it would be interesting to see how accurate it is by doing it and then comparing. I know no one expects it to actually work, but even when I specified "Caucasian," this is what Will and I got:

Apparently one of us has a little Eastern European in our background! I did it again and the same face came up, but with redder hair. Interesting! Here's what our real baby looks like:

Yes. Quite a bit cuter! Will and I may not composite well on the computer, but we sure do in real life! Ha ha (I'm funny)!

My First Birthday

Hello! It's me, Chaela. There hasn't been too much going on with me and my mom and daddy lately, except that it was my birthday on Friday! I didn't really know what a birthday was until my dad brought out a weird thing wrapped in purple paper. At first I just thought the toy part was the awesome bow, but then my parents showed me how to rip the paper and I found out the best part was inside! Well, it turned out my real birthday wasn't until the next day, and daddy was just impatient for me to open my present. Mommy says it's a problem he has.

So the next day, my real birthday, started out pretty normal and I thought maybe birthdays weren't that great after all. Me and mom went to the store for the first part and I got really tired and just wanted to go home. Then I ate lunch and took my nap. When I woke up, though, the house smelled really good, like cookies and brownies and cake! At first I wasn't very happy, because mommy and daddy were running around like crazy people and it didn't seem like they had much time for me, but then my friend Caroline got there with a bunch of balloons! I thought they might be dangerous, so I hid from them at first, but then I started poking them and they didn't do anything. I decided they were ok and played with them for a while after mommy and Caroline untangled the strings.

Then things got even better, because Aunt Kristin, Aunt Lindsay, and (future) Uncle Jacob showed up! I really like it when they come down to visit because then there are more people to pay attention to me while I do cute things. And I do them A LOT, trust me.

Well, if I thought THAT was a party, I had another thing coming! Soon a whole bunch of mommy and daddy's friends showed up, including Ben, my nemesis, and Joe, whom I like to flirt with. They played a lot of video games and ate a ton of food and watched my do my cute things. Video games, food, and attention are my favorite, so I was having a blast! But it got even better! My mom gave me my OWN CAKE! I poked at it for a few minutes, because it seemed too good to be true and I was a little dazed from all the flash photography, but as soon as I figured out it was for me I dove right in! Then after I got cleaned up from that there were even MORE presents!!! I couldn't believe it!

The party finally wound down after a while and we all watched the Office, mommy and daddy's favorite show. I mean, I think it's ok, but it's no Winnie the Pooh, if you know what I mean.

So all in all it was a great day! The next day we hung out with Aunt Kristin and Aunt Lindsay at the mall for a long time, then Aunt Lindsay went to Babies 'R' Us and got me a bunch of jammies, which I really needed, so thanks Aunt Lindsay! And everyone else, of course! Especially for my dresses, my boot slippers, my Frosty hoodie, my pink Gap pants, my baby doll and hair things from Grandma Diane and Grandpa Tom, and my blocks! Oh, and my FAVORITE, the silver bag from my friend Caroline. And a special shout out to everyone who got me tags, because I love them. Thanks for a great first birthday!

Chillaxin' till Monday

Hello! For your enjoyment: Skinny Caitlyn and Will! Also known as "Thin Hairs," ha ha!

Well, I'm feeling pretty good right now. Today I finished two tests and all of the homework I had this week, which is especially awesome, since my class on Friday is CANCELLED!! Now I have the whole weekend to just hang out. Or at least do things that aren't related to school. There are still a few things I need to do. Mostly I need to clean the house and finish up some sewing projects. Now I have time!

I'll probably post again in a few days, possibly Saturday or Sunday, with pictures from Chaela's 1st Birthday party, which is Friday night at 6:30! Yay! I'm actually going to decorate the house and everything! That's a lot for me, because if you've been to a Caitlyn "party" before you know that they don't usually involve any... what's the word... effort. Yes. This will be a party that would make Diane proud! And if you know Diane, you know that's a big deal. ;)

I'm in kind of a strange mood tonight. A little slap-happy (or more than a little). I blame brain over usage and the pill, which I recently started taking again (finally and thank goodness).

Anyways, I was just bored and wanted to say hi! You are all the best! Here is my subliminal message for you: {leave a comment, I like attention!}.

What happened?

Halloween

Our Halloween this year was quiet, but nice. The day started out like most here at our apartment, with Chaela ripping something up and eating it. Luckily, this time it was edible. Unfortunately for me, however (those were MY Sandies), Chaela decided it was a good idea to sample each one before actually eating any. Thus she picked one up, sucked on it, and dropped it. Then she picked up a second, sucked on it, and dropped it. This continued for a while. Finally she chose one. Very good, Chaela. I'm glad to know you enjoyed it. Ha ha.

Then more of our usual since having Will home. Daddy-daughter gaming time! Yes, in her own little camp chair with her own "special" (i.e., not plugged in) controller.

You know, when I found out I was having a girl, I was happy. "At least she won't be a gamer," I said to myself. If only I had known then what I know now...

This is her sitting on our stoop. At 5:00 pm on Halloween I started carving the pumpkins. Will didn't want to do one this year, but I insisted there be one for each person. So I carved them all myself. Well, I cheated with Chaela's and painted a spider on it, but I'm pretty sure it was too small to carve anyway.

Yay for carved pumpkins and fake spiderwebs! Yay for Halloween!

Finally it was time to put on the lovely princess dress and go Trick or Treating!! It was a little short-lived; we only knocked on three doors because she's so little and doesn't care anyway. Also she was kind of cranky, so she had her pacifier in the whole time. Princess Pacifier!

Lovely.

Then when we got home, Chaela decided to sample her candy. Delicious! And, of course, sucking on one wrapper is never enough!

So now most of her candy is crushed inside the wrapper, but still good!

So that was us on Halloween! Oh, and I backed some pumpkin seeds later, but spilled them all after eating only a few. I was really sad because Will had never had them before and liked them! Oh well, we'll just have to buy some at Wal-Mart.

I'm go-...zzzzzzz

I really want to post about my weekend in VA, but it's one AM and I'm dead. All I'll say is mom I'm sorry I forgot to call you back, I'll call you tomorrow. Also, Diane, send me that CD of pictures from the trip as soon as you can so I can post them on here. Thanks!

Here's a few to keep certain whiny people (whom I love) happy.

Practicing for her birthday.

Chaela annoys Norman.

Trunk or Treat. I made all three of these dresses. Two of them in about 14 hours total.

Princess Daisy. Diane did the ruffle on the bottom and the cute daisy accent things.

Blurry, but this is the best my camera will do these days.

Today we were going to go to the Branch Halloween party, but then Will's kilt wouldn't fit him, so he didn't have a costume. We decided to get ice cream instead. I've decided that next year we're going as a Scottish couple. Weirdly enough, I already have a Scottish highlands costume. I'm crazy. I'll have to find the same tartan as his kilt, though...

Chaela had just woken up and she is NOT a morning person, hence the cranky expressions.

This is a lot longer than I intended it to be. I'm tired. Goodni-... zzzzzzzzz...

Pumpkinland!

Whoa! Hold the phone is Will actually posting? Wait...and you're telling me it's not Halo related? Who is this really posting and where are you hiding Will?

So the first part of the video is really random and the rest just saves me posting 5 videos and tons of pictures. Hope you enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PE5LjW3_76c

Stupid Online Class

Well this will be a short one, since I have to be up in less than three hours. I'm taking an online class, and it's been going well. However, I've spent the last two hours doing practice finals (it's a block class) and when I went to do the real final it wouldn't work. What a waste of my life. Honestly, if they don't let me take it later I'll be cranky. I think I've decided I don't like college anymore. I'm too old for this nonsense. Ha ha.

There are a ton of pictures and a few videos I want to post, but I guess it's going to have to wait until I get back. Will said he might get on and put them up, so nag him if you talk to him.

Here is something to tantalize you regarding pictures to come:

Also this one, because she looks like WILL'S CLONE!

I'll talk to you all again next Tuesday when I get back from VA. Later!

Catch-up

You know (mom!), people might expect this title on a blog that hasn't been updated in months. I guess, however, certain people can't live without me posting at least once or twice a week, so here I go.

The first thing I will do is respond to Jana's tag. Here's the fourth picture in my Pictures folder:

This is from April (if you couldn't tell by the date in orange)
_________________________________________

The next thing I'll do is respond to Brooke's tag. It's a little more involved, but here we go:

Four Random Things I love about my husband:
1. His sense of humor
2. How hard he works for our family; I know it's not easy for him
3. His easy-going-ness... sometimes I am crazy, yet he stays ; )
3. When he plays with Chaela. It's amazing!!

Four jobs I've had:
1. Joann Fabrics (blah)
2. Donatos Pizza (blah)
3. The BYU Telefund (awesome)
4. Mountain Bloom Floral (interesting, kind of cool)

Four movies I've watched more than once:
1. The new Pride and Prejudice
2. Surf's Up
3. Just Friends
4. You Don't Mess with the Zohan

Four TV shows I watch:
1. House (!!)
2. The Office
3. Pushing Daises
4. Law and Order: CI and SVU

Four places I've been:
1. Nauvoo, IL
2. Lake of the Ozarks, MO
3. Utah
4. Ohio (this isn't an exciting one for me)

Four of my Favorite Foods:
1. Ice Cream
2. Chicken Enchiladas
3. Italian
4. Something my mom made

Four places I would like to visit:
1. Japan
2. Australia
3. The UK
4. A tropical island

Four Things I'm looking forward to in the upcoming year:
1. Thanksgiving w/ the Hairs
2. Christmas w/ the McFarlands
3. GRADU-freaking-ATION
4. Possibly not living in UT

Four People I Tag:
1. Mom
2. Diane
3. Jana
4. Brooke
(The last two can do the opposite of what they tagged me for if they want. It's only fair.)

____________________________________________
So, as far as my real life goes there isn't much to report. Next week you may not hear from me (mom) because I'll be going to Virginia to see Diane. But that won't be until Thursday, so if I get everything done there could be another post before then.
My amazing friend Caroline suggested trying to get a job at a gym when I get back to earn a little extra money. Also, they wouldn't need me for "Black Friday," AND I could conveniently work off this weight that's been bothering me for the past two years. That would be nice.

Will has also been feeling a little unhappy at work lately, so there may be a change in store for us on that front, as well. We'll see. It's ok though, just more motivation for him to go to school and get a job that he likes!

And as of today, since everyone asks about this a lot, Chaela seems to have taken another bog step towards really walking (ha ha, pun)! Up until early this afternoon she was only taking about two or three steps at a time. Then, all of the sudden, she just started walking halfway across the room! It's pretty amazing and every time she does it I freak out like a maniac. I'll try and get a video up here soon. In the mean time, here's one of Chaela developing another large motor skill:

And finally, pictures!

This picture strongly resembles one taken around Christmas last year, except she's older...

More messy pasta eating.


I went into her room and she had actually fallen asleep like this! Cute. Needless to say I laid her down and put her blankie over her after I took the picture.

When Marie gave me this RED outfit, I'm pretty sure she meant it for the U of U. But I had something else in mind, hahahaha! Notice the amazing socks... I am so clever!


So there you have it, folks! Life can go on as normal once again, at least for a few days. For those of you dependent on my blog for your well-being (mom), I'll try not to let such a long time pass again!

And to the people who do read and comment (and also to you lurkers), thanks. I really do appreciate that you take the time!

Unemployed

Some of you know that my voice has been bothering me for a long time, especially when I talk for extended periods of time. I've been to the doctor three times, and the only thing they've been able to tell me for sure is that it's not strep. Good one.
So today I went in to see my wonderful boss, David, and told him that being on the phones wasn't working for my voice. He was really nice about it, which made me happy.
I really feel like I tried everything I could to keep my job there. It was flexible, the people were great, I got holidays, football games, and general conference off, plus I made a decent amount, but for some reason it's not meant to be. I'm surprised at how sad I am.
So now I need to find a new job that I can work very part-time at until I graduate. In the mean time, I'm not sure what we're going to do. If anyone out there needs a Halloween costume, and wants to pay me to make it, let me know!! Or if you know of anything (legit) that I can do at home for $$. Thanks! I'm totally serious.

On a happier note, I know I haven't told many of you, but Chaela has teeth! Finally! She's had the one for a few weeks and now has a second growing in! Here's a video of her being cranky. If you watch there's a part where you can see her teeth! Also you can see that she's not well behaved all of the time. I told you so. ; )

I <3 October

Fall has finally arrived, and with it, my favorite month of the year, October! There are a few different reasons that this month is the best:

- Cooler temperatures

- Harvest time! (Apples and fall squash, anyone?)

- Beautiful scenery

- Our Wedding Anniversary

- HALLOWEEN!!!!!!

Here in Utah, the leaves don't put on as much of a show as they do back East, they mostly just turn brown and fall off the trees. On the mountains, though, they turn all sorts of colors for as long as a week or two before they're buried in snow, so that's nice.

Also this month is one of my top 3 holidays, Halloween! Seriously, it falls right after Christmas and Thanksgiving for me, and not by much! I don't know why, probably because I'm a freak of nature who likes to dress up in costumes even though I'm 23. And, as I was just thinking, because Halloween, to me, is a celebration of Fall and harvest time more than Thanksgiving, when it's usually snowing. It's worth celebrating to me, since I LOVE growing things and gardening. This year I don't know if I'll be dressing up, but it's ok, I have a daughter who can wear costumes! I keep telling Will he should wear his kilt, but he won't listen. Haha.

Speaking of Will, our two year anniversary is on the 21st. Yay for two years and NOT being pregnant the second one! Yet. Maybe next year. I'm on an off year from everyone else in the world, haha.

Other than that, of course I have to mention my dad, Diane Walker, Jacob (Buffington), Gemarie, and I think Jake (Will's brother) ALL have birthdays are this month, so Happy Birthday to you guys (and anyone I forgot)!!

As always, to end my post, here are some random pictures of Chaela!