Clark and Nat

Mission Palms Christmas Party

2010-12-16T20:31:00.001-08:00

Click here to view these pictures larger

Its official...

2010-04-03T23:45:00.001-07:00

I finally opened my own etsy shop a couple of days ago... come have a look around here.

And help spread the word!

Giveaway!

2010-04-02T07:51:00.001-07:00

My girl Steph and I are having a giveaway as part of CJane's online baby shower! Her baby shower is being hosted by Family Volley, so go here for your chance to win a matching tie/bowtie and headband set!

Beckett is 3! (tear)

2010-03-29T16:36:00.000-07:00

Because our little boy was growing up, we decided to celebrate the big 3 with all things UP. Kites, clouds and over sized balloons filled the party- and I'm so happy his first big birthday soiree was such a success! Every time Beckett sees a balloon now he says, are those balloons for my party? (I just say, yes they are for your party... it seems to appease him more than the 'no' I threw out the first time he asked.) Thank you to all the friends and family that came out to see my big boy on his big day.

fresh squeezed that morning by Clark

Cloud Cake Pops

must have been some juicy gossip

cute Sadie back from Austria

Bennett painting his kite

decorations for the kites

A balloon took off with someone's kite

Beckett's favorite part of the day

or maybe this was. I made him a whole cake for himself, but all he wanted was a little cloud. You can guess who ate the big cake later (me).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECK!!!

We've been doing some decorating....

2010-02-10T17:36:00.000-08:00

And now we are waiting for our guests to arrive....

Prepare for your windows to shatter.

2010-01-29T20:11:00.000-08:00

Enough Already....

2009-12-28T15:04:00.000-08:00

I can't bear to look at that halloween post any longer, so I'm going to post a few pictures of our Christmas. Yes, it has come to this... only posting on major holidays and birthdays. I guess Thanksgiving didn't even make the cut.

This year's Christmas was the absolute best Christmas I've had. Beckett is at a really fun age, where presents and stockings and Christmas trees are starting to mean something to him. For the first time, we spent Christmas morning with just our little family... something I have looked forward to ever since I got married. (Oh and, we moved to San Diego, which is why you may not recognize our new surroundings).

The Christmas tree with about 2 feet left unadorned due to a certain baby of mine that loves to grab.

The boy sees his stocking and makes a run for it.

I'm a nerd, and not ashamed to admit that I looooove my new scrabble set!

Thank you Rylanders for the Lincoln Logs! Brought back memories of trying to play these with my brother... he was always the better builder, and I mostly watched with my ponies.

Christmas breakfast... baked french toast and hot wassal.

Sad its over... only 9 more months though until Christmas season starts again! Yay for retailers that make Christmas longer and longer every year.

2009-10-31T00:39:00.001-07:00

Try JibJab Sendables® eCards today!

The Little Lady is 6 Months!

2009-09-17T22:02:00.000-07:00

I can't believe its been 6 months already since she was born! For some reason I feel like Lucy is immortalized as a newborn. Its only been recently that I've looked at her and realized just how big she is getting! And maybe its me being a bit biased... but she is such a beautiful little girl! I always tell her how she and I are going to be besties and I'll take her to all my favorite cities and buy her lots of cute coats and boots to wear on our excursions. We just love our little Lucy girl and feel so lucky to be parents to such a sweetheart!

Where a kid can be a kid?

2009-08-03T15:11:00.000-07:00

I braved the germ fest that is Chuck E Cheeses a few weeks ago, hoping Beck would have a blast. So with a firm resolve to not allow my children near the ball pit and plenty of hand sanitizer in tow, we tried it out. I think he had fun, except when I looked at all the pictures he is all seriousness and no smiles. Perhaps its that competative edge that he might have gotten from Clark?.... okay and from me. Okay a lot from me. I feel bad for his future friends he will be playing games with.

In other news... there has been strange happenings in our house. We find lines made up of all sorts of things all over the place. Shampoo bottles, DVDs, toy cars.... and this lovely hodge podge. Hmmmm. Its quite the mystery.

So cute.

2009-08-03T14:25:00.000-07:00

Thats what Beckett says whenever I'm getting Lucy dressed. So cute. So cute. Here are some pictures I took of her for a father's day present I had made that matched some of Becketts pictures. See here to compare. Its amazing to see how different their personalities are at such a young age. Beckett was and still is mr. personality. Lucy is a sweetheart thus far and loves to chat, but I have a feeling she is starting to get some guns about her. I hear the mellow babies sometimes make the craziest toddlers... we'll have to wait and see.

The Lucy Girl Gets Blessed.

2009-06-08T21:26:00.001-07:00

This last Sunday we were able to bless our little Lucy girl. It was an amazing day, full of family and friends and a lot of love for this pretty baby girl...
A very happy G-pa Pete with a not so happy Lucy.

Our backyard bbq. All the clouds cleared out and it was the perfect afternoon to be outside.

Beck and his Orange Crush mustache- classic.
My cute hubby sneaking a bite while grilling for everyone.

I just love her to pieces.

Good Times...

2009-05-24T21:49:00.001-07:00

May has been an eventful month! A weekend in Palm Springs for Chelsea and Shawn's wedding, a mother of all mother's day shows with Ellen De"generous", followed by my first camping trip with Beck. Not to mention some good times with visiting house guests, family, and friends.

Chelsea and Shawn's Wedding:

"They used to say pigs would fly when a Black man would be elected president: behold 100 days into President Obama's presidency... swine flu!" What was meant to be a wonderful weekend in Mexico for Chelsea and Shawn's wedding, turned into a swine flu panic and a last minute change to Palm Springs. The weekend in Palm Springs turned out to be a blast.

The Bride's Maids.

The Groom's Men.

My girls.

That one sexy couple.

The bridal P,A,R,T,-Y? (cause we got to...)

Nat's Bros and Sisters. (Nat, Richie, Chelsea, Trav, and Rachael)

Strike a pose.

The Fam.

Fun in the pool. I predict Beck will be swimming in the not too distant future... it will be our summer project.

Lucy lounging under the cabana.

Ellen DeGeneres' Mother of all Mother day Show!!

Nat and her friend Stephanie (who is a 1st time expecting mother), got ahold of tickets to Ellen's Mother day show where all the audience members are showered will all sorts of gifts and prizes. Nat came home will a car load of things and is most excited for her new high-techy uppa baby vista stroller (which trumps the previously esteemed bugaboo) and 6 months of free diapers!!!. yee haw. Thank you Ellen!... and Stephanie and Anthony for including us in your good fortune!

Father and Son's Campout:

Camping with Beck was awesome. He is really turning into my favorite side-kick. We played hard, ate good food, stayed up late playing with fire, and fell asleep eating oreos.

crafty me.

2009-04-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

People have been bugging me about my one lone post while on bedrest. I thought for sure I'd have all the time in the world to post away... nothing could distract me this time. But once my doctor let me sit up I got busy doing all sorts of crafts for my Lucy girl and wanting to blog went back to the bottom of my list. Of course now I'll take the time to do a brag post- everything turned out exactly how I wanted (and that isn't easy!).

We are using this darling old crib that Clark's mom has saved from when she was raising her babies. I wish I could take credit for making the bedding, but I still have never learned to sew, and always end up having to beg people to make things for me. After ordering all sorts of fabric swatches, I settled on Heather Bailey's pop garden fabrics and found a fabulous lady on etsy to make me the bedding just how I wanted. She did a FANTASTIC job (and even made the little toy bag next to the crib with the extra scraps.) Lucy can't get enough of all the bright colors and bold designs.

Lucy is getting huge! That is a 3-6 month outfit she is in already! (at 5 weeks!)

This mobile is my pride and joy. It seriously took me forever to make, but I had time on my hands so I enjoyed it. I used a simple crossstich hoop (only like 2 bucks at the craft store), went to town with the yellow yarn, painted some wooden balls, had someone crochet me flowers, attached anthropologie ornaments and presto! A perfect mobile to go with my bedding. Fairly inexpensive, but it really took quite a while to finish.

I love love love that Lucy looks up and coos at the mobile that I worked so hard on for her.

This chandelier I found on Ebay and bought for about 30 bucks. No its not a lovely bronze color, it is coated with rust. I would have thought it was found on the bottom of the ocean if the electricity still didn't work. I painstakingly removed all the rust from every nook and cranny and then rewired it with a swag cord (so I didn't have to install it into the ceiling).

Then I spraypainted it the most amazing turquoise color! I am a HUGE fan of spraypainting after this experience. Everything comes out sooooo smooth.
You have no idea how hard it is to track down turquoise and yellow crystals. The turquoise drops actually match perfectly, but my prehistoric camera picked up different shades when I took the picture.

Trusty Ikea dresser with knobs that I covered in an adorable red with white pin dots fabric. 'Brown eyes why are you blue?' This picture has been hanging in my room since I was a little girl, and also hung in my mother's room when she was growing up. I love that its now on its 3rd generation and is just as adorable as ever.

And that is it! A room made with a lot of love from a mama with a lot of time on her hands.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-12T15:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter from the Nelsons! Clark, Natalie, Beckett and Lucy. (Its a rare occasion we can all sit for a picture together... thank goodness for the camera timer.)

Like hearding cats.

Lucy Blair Nelson

2009-03-09T15:12:00.000-07:00

Lucy Blair Nelson. Born March 8, 2009. 3:20am (after daylight savings change). 7 lbs 2.2 Ounces. 20 inches long.

The Timeline...

March 7, 10:05 pm: Nat decides that she wants to take a picture of her belly. (actual picture seen above)

Water brakes at 10:25 pm.

11:00 pm: Checked in, ready to party.

3:20 am: Mom and Dad meet little Lucy.

Beck meets lil' sis.

Great Gma Allene, Grandma Kimmy, and Lucy.

Aunt Chelsea and Uncle (to be) Shawn.

Danielle.

Aunt Jen and Uncle Andrew

One proud Dad.

Now I know how the birds must feel.

2009-01-14T13:57:00.000-08:00

Clark has been doing a great job keeping up on our blog-a pasttime I had long given up. However, looks like things will be turning around...
I've been ordered on bedrest for the next 5 weeks! We are talking laying down IN BED alllll day long bedrest. So with Clark's trusty old laptop by the side of my bed, I think I'll attempt to reconnect with blogger.
No need for worry, the baby and I are just fine as of right now. I have been diagnosed as preterm labor and have been progressing at a rapid pace. So to keep the baby inside as long as possible, I have to move as little as possible. I'm 31 weeks along right now, and our goal is to make it to 36 weeks- 5 weeks of bedrest will not be the end of the world. It is awfully boring though.
I'm accepting visitors at all times of the day, I'm a good listener, and if anyone needs anything researched on the computer- let me do it. Please. Plus if anyone has good movie or book recommendations let me know!
So to all those birds out there who have to sit on their eggs for weeks on end... I totally feel ya.

Christmas: A Winter Wonderland!

2008-12-27T21:31:00.000-08:00

We all prayed for snow...

...then we prayed for snow plows.

The Boy.

Boy + Snow = Love at first sight.

Beck, Dada and Grandmary's old hat.

Beck recievingVIP treatment... sled down, sled back up.

Choo choo.

Clark, Chelsea, Beck breaking the sound barrier.

Little diddy over the green sled.

Shifty.

Beck's first snowboard lesson... on the snow skate.

Christmas Eve Dinner... Butternut Squash Soup, 7 Layer Dip, Veggies, Lil' Smokies, Spinash Dip, and much more... yum.

Clark's wrapping job... jk. These are a few of Nat's creations. (Nat doesn't think my giant balls of paper and tape are very attractive.)

Christmas Eve! I wonder what it could be???...

New Pajamas!

Beck and Bryce posing for a picture.

The Cousins!

Beckett's Stocking.

Beck was more interested in eating Santa's leftovers then he was to look in his stocking.

Slinky, Slinky, everyone loves a Slinky.

Dancing Brobee!

Dancing Beckett!

MC Becksta'.

Still rappin'... days later.

The Loft.

Beck's new pastime... he's actually pretty good too.

What a trip! Thanks Tyler and Kristen for hosting! It was a Christmas vacation we will always remember!

Christmas Videos

2008-12-27T19:56:00.000-08:00

Crickets for brunch. Props to Jonathon and Carter.

... In case you forgot how gross a cricket is.

Air Hog Fun. The Avenger! (aka Birdman)

Beck's first sled run.

Ring around the Rosies.

Dancing Brobee.

Fun with Travis.

O' Christmas Tree

2008-12-10T20:14:00.000-08:00

So far every Christmas Natalie and I have been married we have bought a real Christmas tree to decorate and put in our home. The interesting part of that tradition is that each year we have left town for Christmas, so we have ended up giving our tree away before Christmas. Last year we put our tree outside our house with a sign on it saying FREE... we went to the grocery store and came back and it was gone. We like to think that a family who needed it thought it was a Christmas miracle. It is a fun tradition we have going. If anybody would like to nominate a family for us to give our tree to... please have them make a video and send it to us... we will review and consider.

Beck liked putting on the ornaments almost as much as he likes taking them off... Beck caught in the act.

Nothing better than a flammable tree and fire.

For those that are confused why our apartment looks so different...we recently moved into my parents house in Huntington Beach... while they are in Boston serving a church mission. We love having the extra space and backyard. We will be calling my old home our new home for the next 12 months. This picture is for family interested in seeing the new family room layout.

Curiosty kills cats and burns Beck.

2008-11-23T13:38:00.000-08:00

Our first trip the ER! Hopefully Beck's first and last trip, but if Beck is anything like his Dad, this will be the first of many wonderful ER experiences (broken finger, broken toe, sprained back, sliced thumb, broken ankle, concussions, meningitis, etc.). I felt right at home in the waiting room, we played the "try to guess what is wrong with that guy" game while we patiently waited for Beck's name to be called.

Beck handled the whole experience like a champ, he had all the nurses wrapped aroung his finger (no pun intended), figured out how to use all the hospital equipment, played peekaboo with our serverly injured and sick neighbors behind the curtains, and thought his bandanges were pretty cool.

Beck was determined not to let this accident prevent him from going to nursery. "...No unhallowed (or burned) hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, Prop 8 protestors may combine..."

Lotion... at least it's good for the skin.

2008-11-19T23:22:00.000-08:00

Just when you realize the boy has been quiet in the other room a little too long... it's already too late...

Vampire Weekend!

2008-10-31T23:45:00.001-07:00

Introducing....

... Count Beckula!

"...Is my bat tie straight Dad?"

Beckula and his Newport posse.

Mr. vampire on his way to the first house.

One piece of candy... ah ah ah. Two Piece of candy... ah ah ah.

The living amoung the dead.

Beck finding out that Mom and Dad's first date was in a cemetery.

If you can't tell... I am a prop 8 sign.

The Boyacks!!!

Falloween Trippin' Boo

2008-10-29T23:27:00.000-07:00

If a picture is worth a 1,000 words, then this post is worth 26,000 words... plus some real words.

Since Nat and I love the Fall and since we love Halloween, we took a trip to celebrate... Falloween. We spent 7 days exploring Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire.

Our timing was perfect...

Newport, Rhode Island... home of the worlds largest tennis museum... and what might you expect to see at the worlds largest tennis museum???....

... the world's largest tennis balls.

Naturally Beck found the one place within the museum's property that is hazardous.

The cliff walk... one glorious mansion after another.

... If I had to live in Rhode Island, this would be my house.

... and Nat picks this one.

The boy.

Daddy teaching beck how to do a backflip off a picnic table.

Knuckles... for a backflip well done.

An apple picking farm.

Baa.

"Hay. Hay. He's a monkey..."

"Welcome to the Pumpkin Festival, please follow the pumpkin on rollerskates to your parking spot."

Ridiculous amounts of carved pumpkins... and this wasn't even a fraction of them.

Thank you Liddles for coming to hang out with us. It was so fun to see you guys.

Cambridge, MA. CES Institute Bldg. Mom and Dad's (Nelson) home away from home while they are serving their mission.

Harvard. About 200 steps from the Institute Bldg.

Salem, MA... spooky. If you don't know why it's spooky... google it.

VOTE!

2008-10-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

Today is the LAST DAY to register to vote!!!! Go to this link to register and tell your friends!

http://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/elections_vr.htm

PLEASE READ TODAY!

2008-10-20T11:58:00.000-07:00

I just sent this out as an email to a lot of you, but I'd thought I'd blog it so more people will have a chance to act upon this. Please copy this and email it to every mother and every teacher that is for proposition 8 TODAY!
As most of you probably already heard, the CTA (california teacher's association) has donated 1.25 million for the NO on prop 8 campaign. Here's a little overview on why this is of such great concern for us. In 28 states a teacher is practically forced to join a union in order to teach. So a teacher will pay $900 or so a year to their local union, which in turn sends two thirds of that money to the CTA. Millions of this then goes to political causes, whether a teacher agrees with it or not (the majority being democratic causes). In the case of Prop 8, the CTA (which represents over 300,000 teachers!) has donated 1.25 million to defeat the measure, without seeking input from its memebers. Of course many members are indeed against the measure, but there are still many many members who are in favor of it! Please refer to this Los Angeles Times article for more information:
http://www.latimes.com/news/printedition/opinion/la-oe-sand18-2008oct18,0,7329834.story
WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT:
Many parents are choosing to fight back against CTA by taking their kids out of school tomorrow (October 21st). I know that is a tough thing to do for a lot of parents, but please consider it heavily. The campaign asks that if you feel it is appropriate, tell the school administrator that you will spend the day teaching your child about the political process, democracy and how citizens standing up together can make a substantial difference in our State's governance against organizations like the CTA. I think an even more important thing we can do is to tell EVERY teacher that you know who is for Proposition 8 to get a refund for their portion of the union dues. Here is the website which tells them how to do it:
http://www.nrtw.org/special-legal-notice-california-teachers-how-get-least-300-refund-cta-nonbargaining-expenses
All we need is 3,333 teachers to do this and the donation will be completely null and void!

So please try to think of every teacher in california that is for Prop 8 and get them to get their refund. It will send a clear message to the CTA!

Yes on Prop 8

2008-10-09T09:10:00.000-07:00

Pass it on.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkv6miGIcTU

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmZaHbGgXH8

September Madness

2008-10-09T08:55:00.001-07:00

The Boy Gets Older

2008-10-09T08:34:00.000-07:00

The 4th.

2008-07-16T13:38:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago Clark and I decided to go eco chic and buy some bikes! We are loving riding around town on them, doing all our errands via 2 wheels. On the 4th we seriously rode our bikes from dawn until dusk. Right when Beck woke up we put him in his bike seat, gave him a waffle and headed on down to Balboa for breakfast.

Do you see all those people on the sidewalks? That is the line for the ferry to go over to Balboa. We definately waited in it too~ They close off the island and the ferry is the only way on.

An hour later... Beck loved the boat ride! And a nice guy gave him a red balloon (balloons are his newest obsession.)

Loving the American spirit.

We ate breakfast at Charlie's Chili on the boardwalk. Its a bit of a dive, but I'm obsessed with their french toast.

Riding around Balboa.

Taking the Back Bay route home.

After Beck's nap we did some barbeque hopping at friend's and families houses, and then jumped on the bikes again to catch some fireworks. My entire family rode from my aunt's house down to the beach. They close off PCH on the 4th so its really fun to ride in the middle of the street with hundreds of other bike riders.

Love this picture of Beck... the first firework scared him just a bit. But he loved them once he was used to the noise.

After the festivites we came home, Beck and I went to bed, and Clark played Settlers with my brother and cousins. It was daylight when he finally rolled into bed.

Not a bad 4th huh?

Me and my boy.

2008-06-30T22:02:00.001-07:00

Sooooooo Beck and I might have been matching one Sunday and I might have taken a photo shoot. How corny can I get?

Yes another video...

2008-06-29T14:15:00.000-07:00

Did anyone watch that new game show wipeout? Kinda cheesy, but Beck loved it! Sorry to post yet another video... but he just cracks me up, so I must share it with the world. Anytime anyone fell, this was his reaction. Where does he get this stuff?

Dance Off

2008-06-07T22:09:00.001-07:00

Recent Happenings.

2008-06-04T11:18:00.000-07:00

Beach Day! We had a spontaneous stop by the beach and let Beck play in the water fully dressed. Those huggies can hold some serious water! He loves loves loves the water just like his Dad.

Shiner. Beck has had some unfortunate run ins with the cement the last couple of weeks. His entire eye and nose were covered in scratches. Poor boy!

Apple love. This boy almost has a full set of teeth! He gets them in four at a time and doesn't even get fussy! I just discovered that all his back teeth popped up, and he never had one restless night. Is that normal?

Disneyland! We are official pass holders so if anyone wants to go call us up! Disneyland has this fabulous system called 'the baby pass' where parents can use the fastpass lane while they switch off watching the babies. Beckett loved all the sights, and I'm so excited to take him all the time!

Clark took a picture of our Tower of Terror photo.

Loving this.

2008-05-25T12:33:00.000-07:00

I'm buying this and putting it over Beck's bed asap. Thank you etsy.

Funky style.

2008-05-24T14:33:00.000-07:00

Check out this SNL skit~ Definately not the funniest of SNL skits, but I'm loving the Anthropologie clothes they used! Hilarious that I spend hours and hours folding and hanging these same clothes up every week... I kept thinking, that dress goes there, that sweater is folded there, that shirt's been pulled.... it's just like seeing all my little babies on TV!
http://www.nbc.com/Saturday_Night_Live/video/play.shtml?mea=250056

Kisses.

2008-05-08T12:45:00.000-07:00

My cousins have a cat named Hazel that Beck is obsessed with. After noticing that the cat would come whenever someone made kissing noises, Beck wandered around the house kissing the air, hoping Hazel would come to him. I love seeing the things this boy picks up! And also... isn't he walking like a champ??

Beck's new trick.

2008-04-12T22:52:00.000-07:00

Awful footage, I know. We took this last week within the first day of him actually walking. I'll post a better video of him in action soon. We are so excited!

Easter Weekend.

2008-03-26T00:39:00.001-07:00

We had a busy but fabulous Easter weekend. Saturday was my Grandma Jackie's famed Easter egg hunt where she hides eggs all over the beach in front of her house and about a hundred kids show up for all the fun. We missed it barely, but Beck still loved playing in the sand with his new shovel and pail.

And how HUGE does this boy look in his new carseat?? Hallelujah for forward facing carseats, he is no longer the nightmare he was in his infant carseat.

Easter family picture! We went to San Diego that morning for our nephew, Tanner's, priesthood ordination.

Later that day, at the Mason's house, a skydiver almost landed in the backyard!

Trav learned to play the Ukelelee and Beckett couldn't have been more amused.

Love that fake smile!

THE BIG 1!!!

2008-03-26T00:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my Beckett!! I can not even begin to tell you how weird it is to have a 1 year old. We decided for his birthday to forgo the party (seeing as how he wouldn't know what was going on anyways) and instead do everything we could so he would have the best day ever. We gave him lots of attention all day, fed him his favorite foods, took him to a fabulous playground on the beach in Balboa, played on the ocean shore, and came home for cake. It was such a great day. Too bad that I noticed the memory card was missing in the camera after we had left the house. But at least we have cake pictures!

Such a boy.

2008-03-26T00:08:00.000-07:00

Beck is turning into such a little boy these days! He loves finding cubby holes ANYWHERE we go and then sitting in them. The top picture is super dark, but we were in the lobby at church and he crawled over to a cabinet, opened it up and then sat in it for a few minutes smiling at us. At our house, Beck takes out the basket of blankets in our TV hutch and then sits in that spot. We found a cool little tunnel at IKEA for like 7 bucks, and Beck has been absolutely loving it. Soooooo darling to watch him exploring his little world!

Lovin' Life.

2008-03-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

Sup y'all. Its been a while since we've posted on the b-spot. Nat and I have been crazy busy these last few months... but we are finally feeling settled and we are absolutely loving our life back at the beach. There is so much to talk about, I don't really know where to start. I don't really want to overwhelm anybody so as quick as can be... here are a few of the major events within the last few months.

I graduated.
We sold our condo.
I quit my job.
We had a garage sale.
We moved to CA.
I started a new job.
We found an apartment.
We never want to leave.

Nat and I feel really blessed to be where we are. Not just because we're by the beach, but also just how the last few months have played out. Finding a job the suits my personality so well, selling our condo smoothly (relatively), and finding a place to live that is close to work, close to the beach, and close to friends and family. 4 months ago I thought I might be taking a 45 min subway into downtown Boston for work at a really stuffy consulting firm. Instead, I drive 8 minutes to work never hitting traffic, park in my own spot, stay as long as I feel like staying, come home spend time with the Nat and Beck, go the the park, maybe play some tennis, or paddle out for a sunset surf session. Granted, work will not always be as relaxing as it is right now... I'm enjoying it while it lasts.

Welp. Here is our little home by the sea...

The Patio/Community:

Looking out of the Living Room:

The Lemon Tree:

The Herb Garden & BBQ:

View "straight out":

View to the "Right" (Tennis anyone?):

The Market (Grocery Store), Dry Cleaners, Business Center, Hair Stylist, and Administration Building:

View to the "Left" (Fashion Island in the Distance)

Living Room Wall:

Reading nook:

The Kitchen:

Where mama works her magic.

Neat-o Rack-o Spice (I picked it out):

Living Room Couch (super comfy):

Beck and Dad:

Nats Disclaimer: "Decorating is still in progress... but we're getting there."

It's been awhile....

2008-02-05T08:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry to not update in so long! How fast they grow- Beckett now has 7 teeth, can stand up for a whole second and a half, and can grow a five o'clock shadow :)
We've been in limbo for the last month, trying to move and find a place to live. We are moving into a darling Newport Beach apartment in a week and a half and I promise I'll pick up blogging again when we're settled. Until then, have a happy Valentine's Day and eat lots of chocolate ladies!

Christmas in Seattle.

2008-01-03T09:26:00.000-08:00

This year Clark and I decided to make the trek up to Seattle to spend Christmas with my dad's side of the family. We stayed with my Auntie Lynda who was the most AMAZING hostess! (Thanks auntie!) It actually even snowed on Christmas day, something that hasn't happened in that area for years and years. It was the perfect day. Here are pictures of my little Beckett's first Christmas morning....

Family fued III. My cousin Joey got us the most recent version. We are FF fanatics.

SIGHT SEEING AT PUGET SOUND
My dad drove us around the darling town of Puget Sound where he and my mom went to college. It sits right on the water and is the cutest old harbor town. Apparently the school was ranked as a top ten party school when my parents signed up, but by the end of their schooling it was ranked high as an academic school. I couldn't tell which my dad was prouder about....

My dad's fraternity house (where he lived), Beta Chi.

This bush was my parent's "spot." They have a picture in front of it too.

My mom's house during college.

Picture of the Sound (a couple block's from my mom's house).

EMP (EXPERIENCE THE MUSIC PROJECT)
We love going to the EMP in Seattle. It has all sorts of Rock and Roll memorabilia, but our favorite part is the little jam session rooms. We spend 99% of our time playing around on instruments.

Me trying to remember my guitar lesson days. My dad amazing as usual.

Clark learning the drums.

Classic picture of my cute dad.

IVARS SALMON HOUSE
My dad's favorite restaurant in Washington. The food is seriously amazing.

I love that little food face!

My brother Trav.

Look at that salmon please! And its wild. I loved it.

Sisters

Outside on the dock. No Clark's hair is not bleached, I tried to lighten the picture so you could see the city behind us.

MHYRES.
This restuarant has been in the family for generations. It was the first restaurant in Port Orchard and is the oldest establishment in all of Kitsap County. My grandpa just sold it a couple of years ago, but we still go visit for tradition's sake. My great great grandpa started it and there are pictures of my ancestors throughout the restaurant. The Rylanders are small time celebrities when we go into this place.

Beck with his great grandpa Dick

We've been elfed!

2007-12-02T13:01:00.000-08:00

Click HERE to see our little jig.

Thanks Jonina for the idea.

Thanksgiving.

2007-11-25T21:08:00.000-08:00

So I had my first try at a turkey this Thanksgiving. Clark and I decided to stay home and I was soooo excited to make my first thanksgiving meal. After debating all week long (or maybe longer) over which turkey recipe to go with, I finally turned to trusty ole Bon Appetite and made their lemon herb version (with the lemons baked under the skin- not the most fun process). Not bad for my first time! But the sides are always the show stopper for me. Sweet baked yams, garlic mashed potatoes, spinach salad with bacon and pears, oh and of course stinko (Rylander family fave). Our table has never seen so much food!

Boston.

2007-11-13T11:35:00.000-08:00

Last week Clark had an interview out in Boston and we decided to make a trip out of it! Boston is my all time favorite city for so many reasons, its so clean, so unique, so walkable, so historic, so charming... I could really go on and on. Needless to say, I was in heaven. We saw the fall colors, had a lot of New England Clam Chowdah, rode the "T," walked around Hahvahd, ate Boston Cream Pie and tried to squeeze in a little of the freedom trail. I would just love to live there! Here are some pictures of our adventures...

The fam at Harvard... it is the most gorgeous campus I have ever seen.

Clark and Beck in front of Harvard Library.

Walking around Cambridge. Do you see those streets? I did not see one stroller that wasn't a bugaboo... it's a must have when the streets are made out of brick.

Beck's hoopty ride. We put the stroller in bassinet mode for most of the trip and he was kept oh so cozy and warm. He took the best naps ever that week! The sounds of the city just lulled him right to sleep.

Clark's sister Suzanne lives in Connecticut so her whole family was nice enough to come up and see us. We spent a whole day with them at the Museum of Science. Thanks Liddles!

It's always a thrill to see your name on a sign.

I am holding a Cannoli from the famous Mike's Pastry Shop in Boston's North End (Little Italy). The store is behind me, but you can't see it that well.

The fam meets Paul Revere.

Can you see why I love it there so much? It is so picturesque, you feel like you are walking around in a storybook or something. Sigh. Perhaps someday I will live there... or perhaps I'll just visit a lot.

Sharks and Mermaids and Pirates, Oh my!

2007-11-11T22:08:00.000-08:00

Beckett's first Halloween and boy was he cute! We couldn't get enough of him in this shark costume. Bennett Lark and Sadie Holmes came over to play and all three looked so darling! I've always loved Halloween, but having kids around (to dress up) makes it a million times better.

Fall has come, and then left, and has come again.

2007-10-23T22:05:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely in love with all things fall. It has been the perfect weather up here, just crisp enough to put on some boots and a sweater. And then last Saturday a huge snow storm hit! I was so scared that I had experienced the shortest fall ever, but true to Utah weather, it has warmed up a bit again and fall is back in action. Here are some pictures of a few fall activities. A yummy dinner, hee-haw farms, and "witches night out" at Gardner's Village.

My attempt at a fancy dinner. Orange Roughy surrounded by
fall veggies- turnips, parsnips, carrots, and potatoes.

Sinking in corn kernels.

Clark is apparently six feet tall.

Beckett was not nearly as amused by this as we were.

Poor piggies.

Spooky family picture. (My finger was blocking the flash.)

Every year Gardner's Village has a weekend called "Witches Night Out," where 95% of the people who come are decked out, head to toe, witch. These pictures do not nearly do it justice, hundreds and hundreds of women walking around like this. I loved it. And Beckett wasn't scared in the least bit.

The most magical birthday ever.

2007-10-23T21:11:00.000-07:00

October 7 was my 25th birthday, so to celebrate we all went out the night before to CPK. I noticed Rachael talking to this really odd looking man, but I just thought it was another weird guy trying to pick up on her or something (not too far fetched if you've seen some of these guys!) Turned out my big brother Richie and my Dad hired a magician to come and entertain us all! I absolutely loved it and couldn't have asked for a better birthday!
Side note- I of course forgot my camera so I stole these pics from other people's blogs (thanks Ashly and Julie!)

Somehow, the card I picked ended up inside the orange Julie is holding. How does he do it?

Me and Mont. And my certificate as an official member of the Mont the Magician Club.

The Boudoir

2007-10-23T20:23:00.000-07:00

We meant to post this a long time ago, but I wanted to wait until our lamps came. I've been wanting bedside table lamps for quite some time and there is no way our bedroom would be complete without them. So then they came... and then a month went by... and now we are finally posting our finished project . Headboard made by us (okay mostly Clark) and bedside table painted and reknobed (is that a word?) by us. I just love it! We both swear we sleep better now that it looks like a real bedroom. And yes, Clark loved the idea to use pink- I did not force him. What do you think?

I was pretty exhausted from all the work. Okay maybe from watching all the work.

Before picture of dresser.

Clark's art.

Finished!

Why we love daddies.

2007-09-30T22:47:00.000-07:00

Need I say more?

6 months!

2007-09-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

Beckett has made it to the big six months! Look at this boy sitting up and playing with his shoes... what a curious little boy he has become. He is ALWAYS searching for anything around him to examine and then put in his mouth, and is very busy trying to figure out how to crawl. We just love discovering new things about his personality... what makes him laugh (anything dad does), what makes him cry (being alone... even for one second) and all the new tricks he learns as he grows. He is the perfect addition to our little family and we couldn't love anything more!

Its a tie!

2007-09-13T16:11:00.001-07:00

How handsome can a boy be? Becks just wore his first tie to church and I about died.... such a natural all dressed up. Now that my baby is in teething mode, he drools over anything we put him in, but the tie caught it all! No one could tell how absolutely drenched it was. Talk about form and function!

Aspen Grove

2007-08-29T12:02:00.000-07:00

This post has been long overdue, but here we go anyways! My brother, Richie's family came to visit us a few weeks ago and Beck finally got to meet his only Rylander cousins! The first two pictures were within minutes of their arrival...

Almost every year, my mom's family comes to Aspen Grove (a little past sundance) for Family Camp. Sounds cheesy, but its an absolute blast. I of course was slacking on taking pictures, so I stole this one off of Richie and Maria's website. About 30 people from my family were in one cabin, and we were lucky enough to be the closest to the tennis courts. Clark and my mom took first place in the doubles tournament of course!

My brother with his only nephew...too cute

Fun at Art City Trolley.

I miss these guys so much! I hate not knowing when I get to see them again. Richie and Maria have raised some gorgeous kids and it breaks my heart saying goodbye, knowing that next time I see them they will be so much bigger. Babies grow too fast!

Feel like Dancing?

2007-08-10T23:07:00.000-07:00

This is hilarious... click on the link below.

Link Below

Who crosses the finish line first? Drew or Ashly?

2007-08-03T09:22:00.001-07:00

Fun at the Orange County fair.

2007-08-01T00:28:00.001-07:00

Summer Lovin'

2007-07-31T22:42:00.000-07:00

The hardest part about taking a trip to Huntington is eventually having to come back to P-town. But will that always be the case? Maybe not. Only 5 more months until we gather our belongings and move elsewhere... back to Orange County? Only time will tell. All we know for sure is that the past week at the beach was a blast.

Fair parking $5. Fair entrance $8. Carny games $15. An 8 ticket ride $4. A deep fried twinkie that will most likely stop your heart from beating... priceless. (don't worry, we did not really eat one)

They should have called this ride... "The ride that last a minute too long and gives you an amazing headache."

Seth told us about this awesome place in town that serves coconut french toast for breakfast. Anybody who knows Natalie, knows that all you have to say is coconut and breakfast in the same sentence and Nat is all about it. Well turns out that the Hawaiian cafe didn't really have coconut french toast like Seth promised... it was just a trick to get us to come to breakfast. Grrr.

A friendly game of football on the beach... minus the friendly. Forth and one...to kick or to stick, that is the question.

Beck loves his cousins... but sometimes just needs a little mama in his life. (Nat loves this one because Beck is reaching for her) :)

Smithy's Wedding Reception...
and where are the moms?...

oh i see.

Waiting for the Bride and Groom.

Sean and Brooke. Newport Beach Temple. July 27th, 2007.

What?!?! Smithy is really married! Welcome to the club buddy. Now multiply and replenish.

Baby's first plane ride. Jet Blue flight from SLC to LB.

Nat's it.

2007-07-19T15:28:00.000-07:00

Thanks for the tag Clark and Chelseabug!

Four jobs I've had:
1. Tony Roma’s Hostess- home of the endless slab
2. Movie Extra (see “Like Mike”- be jealous, I was thisclose to Lil’ Bow Wow)
3. Summer BYU Sports Camp counselor
4. Ebayer (I’ve sold three things so far! But have bought oh so much more…)

Four movies I can watch over and over:
1. The Family Man
2. 9 to 5 (Rylander sister classic)
3. Clueless
4. Life is Beautiful

Four places I have lived:
1. Trudy Lane, Huntington Beach (still miss it)
2. Helenbrook, Huntington Beach
3. Miss Flo’s House, Hopkins Village, Belize
4. 9 different addresses in Provo

Four favorite TV shows:
1. Reruns of 90210 (guilty pleasure)
2. Reruns of OC (another guilty pleasure)
3. Reruns of Dawson’s Creek (okay, what else am I supposed to do when I feed the baby?)
4. LOST (24 has been replaced)

Four places I've been:
1. Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands
2. Tikal, Guatemala (The ruins are one of the most amazing things I’ve seen)
3. St. Lucia
4. Ogallala, Nebraska (Now that’s a place not many can say they’ve been)

Four favorite foods:
Currently they are…
1. Grilled Wild Salmon
2. Waldorf salad, with vinaigrette and blue cheese dressing
3. Sink peaches (so juicy you have to eat them over a sink)
And always a staple…
4. Pina Coladas

Four websites I visit daily:
1. Lots of blogs
2. gmail.com
3. ebay.com
4. anthropologie.com

Four places I'd rather be:
1. At home, playing Scrabble and watching a movie with Clark
2. South Coast Plaza
3. In clothes without spitup on them
4. Anywhere with the ocean

Four blog buddies I want to tag:
1. You are all off the hook.

Tag! Clark's it.

2007-07-17T23:31:00.000-07:00

I've been hit, so here it goes...

Four jobs I've had:
1. HSS (Huntington Surf & Sport) – (Just pretended that I was really good at surfing to fit in)
2. Andrew Boyack Wedding Photography Assistant (Went to random weddings, occasionally changed the camera backs with new rolls of film, and flirted with the bridesmaids)
3. Dental File Destruction Manager – (Managed and oversaw the utter destruction of thousands of outdated dental records… just me, the files, and a really slow shredding machine)
4. Wedding dress salesman – (enough said)

Four movies I can watch over and over:
1. North Shore (“When are you going to stop calling me a Barney?…When you’re not a Barney anymore, Barney.”)
2. Tommy Boy
3. Office Space (TV edit)
4. The homemade video about a thief who stole a special ring. (“Lying on the couch…. hey mom, I swear I didn’t hit Wendy!”)

Four places I have lived:
1. Huntington Beach, CA
2. Provo, UT
3. Friendswood, TX
4. TBA

Four favorite TV shows:
1. The Office
2. The Simpsons
3. Man vs. Wild
4. Lost

Four places I've been:
1. St. Lucia (when there is a sign posted with a picture of a sea urchin on it… it doesn’t mean “come run into the water here”.)
2. Chicago (Garret’s Carmel Popcorn anyone? yum)
3. New Castle, England (“Don’t worry Dad, we don’t need to book a hotel right now, we’ll just find one later.” oops)
4. Quebec (Parlez vous Anglais ? Merci beaucoup!)

Four favorite foods:
1. Sushi (Happy Sumo)
2. Caesar Salads
3. Cafe Rio
4. Whatever Nat makes.

Four websites I visit daily:
1. My favorite blogs (see list to the side)
2. www.gmail.com
3. www.blackboard.byu.edu
4. www.natisthebestwifeinthewholewideworld.com

Four places I'd rather be:
1. Home
2. The beach
3. The river
4. The beach

Four blog buddies I want to tag:
1. Natalie
2. Drew Larkie
3. Suzanne (time to start a blog sista’)
4. Seth Braithwaite

The Giggles

2007-07-12T22:11:00.001-07:00

Mama's Boy

2007-07-12T22:00:00.000-07:00

Beck loves to look at himself in the mirror. He fits right in with the rest of the family.

4th of July.

2007-07-05T08:42:00.000-07:00

Well this year's 4th of July celebration was a joyous occasion. We slept in, ate Mexican food in celebration of the fact that we don't have to live in Mexico to enjoy delicious Mexican food, and we taught Beck how to safely light a firework.

Wendy and Abram introduced us to the best place in Provo to watch Stadium of Fire. We camped out on the lawn behind the BYU visitors center (where Abram works). It was perfect, not many people, a beautiful lawn, comfy blankets, and it was on a hill with a perfect view of the stadium.

I decided it is impossible to take a good picture of a firework. The camera makes them look pretty wimpy. The show was quite impressive though, over 35 min of amazing high-budget fireworks.

Beck was fascinated. Here he was trying to figure out how much potassium perchlorate, sodium hydrogen carbonate, and dextrin the engineers must of used to produce such a vibrant blue.

Fireworks 101: The Sparkler.

Wendy, Abram and Sam joined us to watch the show.

Who knew Abram liked sparklers so much?

Cascade Springs

2007-06-17T00:20:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we decided it was time to take baby on his first hike, and with the ever so handy baby bjorn we knew it could be done. So we started off small with Cascade Springs, a sparkling little oasis a few miles past Sundance. For all you baby owners in Utah- this is a must do... as long as the baby is sleeping for the winding half hour drive up the mountain. Once you make it though, its worth the wee bit of car sickness. Isn't it pretty??

Softball Champions!

2007-06-16T23:54:00.000-07:00

Last Wednesday our team won the BYU men's intramural softball championship... proving to the world that you don't need cleats, uniforms, or even an actual team name to dominate the competition. Team 67 (that's us) was the only undefeated team in tournament play. What up now?

When times got rough, I brought the heat. I was known for my nasty curveball and a fierce 10 ft arch.

Clark, Jared, Matt, and B-diddy. Showing off the coveted intramural Champion shirt... that I will most likely never wear...but at least I have one.

I love my brother.

2007-06-11T12:44:00.000-07:00

Congrads to my baby brother for making it through three long years of middle school! Only four more years left... and then another four more years of college... and then even more if you go to grad school... but at least you made it this far! I'm so proud of you and just love you to the moon and back. (And good job Rach and Chels for the fab balloon bouqet). Wish we could have been there! xoxoxo

Two months later...

2007-05-30T22:05:00.000-07:00

Nat always likes to daydream about the good ole' days when nurses would come rushing to her aid with endless supplies of happy pills, happy buttons, and all sorts of happy things. Tonight she got to take a trip down memory lane. Mama and Beck, together in the hospital again.

Sam I am.

2007-05-30T21:42:00.000-07:00

Introducing Sam Huntington Cordell... weighing in at 6lbs even. Beckett Andrew Nelson, weighing in at 12 lbs. Beck's no longer the little guy on the block.

Sam and Uncle Clark

Sam and Auntie Natalie The cute Cordell family!

Sam vs. the pacifier. Either the pacifier is made for adults or Sam is just a little guy. You decide.

Beck and Mom's Photo Shoot

2007-05-23T21:13:00.001-07:00

Nat has taught Beck how to model for a photo shoot. Lesson one, "strike a pose". Here are a few of Beck's creations. He's still working on "blue steel" which Beck says he is not completely satisfied with yet. We told him it was great, but Beck is such a perfectionist. So stay tuned for more.

Pose 1: "Reflecting"

Pose 2: "Innocence"

Pose 3: "Blue Steel" (still in progress)

Pose 4: "The thinker"... (with a hint of Elvis)

Pose 5: "Show me Tiger baby! Grrr."

Pose 6: (not really a pose, this was actually just a candid in between shots... he was just thinking about a joke he heard earlier that day)

At the Park before Dark with Clark and the Larks (and Beck and Nat)

2007-05-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Beck was not into sharing the blanket... (he gets it from his mom).

I taught Beck to hold on for dear life... while I tried to jump off the swings as far as I could into the sand. (j/k, I didn't jump as far as I could...just pretty far... and it wasn't sand... it was wood chips.)

The other day we found a secret park in the middle of a secret location. It was a like a little oasis in the middle of the desert. It had a pond with ducks, the best playground imaginable (swings that go around like a merry-go-round, rock climbing walls, a really tall and twisty slide...etc.), and outstanding landscaping. Now, I admit, I am no park expert, but this was definitely a cool park. I cannot disclose the exact location because we don't want our secret spot to become crowded. Unless you bribe me, I might tell you.

Roadtrippin'

2007-05-06T13:02:00.000-07:00

Beck had his first road trip last weekend to Huntington Beach for his baby blessing. It was a little scary thinking of a nine hour drive with a newborn, but lucky for us babies just love to sleep in the car. About halfway there he started to get fussy so we pulled over at a trucker's stop and baby Beck calmed right down the second Dad picked him up. Nothing makes me happier than a good Dad and Beck moment!

Buddies

2007-04-25T12:56:00.000-07:00

Beck and his good buddy, Bennett Lark were hanging out the other day on our guest bed where both were acutally awake and not crying or eating- a small miracle. Then we noticed that the two had linked arms! It was so adorable that we had a quick photo shoot. Then of course one of them started crying and the other needed to eat, and the moment was over. But here in blogworld, the moment lives on.

At Beck's request.

2007-04-19T11:39:00.000-07:00

Beck wanted to post this one. He says he really likes his cousin Tanner and wants everybody to know it.

yo ho yo ho a trucker's life for me

2007-04-18T14:53:00.000-07:00

Last week, I had some business to take care of in Vegas. No, not due to a gambling addition. It was a wedding dress addiction. In addition to my pre-planned trip, my company needed somebody to drive all of our merchandise down. Since I already had to be there, I figured I would save some miles on my car, and I accepted the offer. The truck needed to arrive at the Venetian at 8:00 am sharp on Tues. in order to be unloaded. Because I had some other responsibilties to take care of first, I was not able to leave town until 1:00 am Tues morning. Bad idea I know. Well as luck would have it, a mighty storm blew in that night, and winds were estimated to have reached 90 mph (give or take 75 mph). I found myself stuck between a rock and a bigger rock. Should I stay or should I go...now? If I stay there will be trouble (I'll be late)... if I go it will be double (I'll most likely tip over into a ditch). So as any dedicated trucker would do... I decided I would rather die in a ditch then have my delivery be late. So I put on my trucker hat, gathered my favorite cassette tapes, kissed the wife and boy goodbye, and hit the road. After many gusts of wind causing unexpected lane changes, a few drag races with semi-trucks, and incredibly loud music, my shipment of goods was delivered on time. I was one proud trucker.

Although I did not die in a ditch, and my delivery did make it on time... I still decided that... yo ho yo ho a trucker's life is not for me... Arrr. booty booty booty.

For more information about a trucker's life... visit http://www.thetruckersreport.com/trucker_lingo.shtml and learn all the trucker lingo.

For more information about a pirate's life... go to disneyland.

Meka leka hi, meka hiney ho!

2007-04-08T23:02:00.000-07:00

Thank goodness for the Diaper Genie 2. The only thing it doesn't do is actually grant wishes. My only wish is that Beck would not poo right after he gets a new diaper. Oh well, at least our house still smells so fresh and so clean, clean.

A day in the life of Beckett Andrew... whoever can guess how many diapers in this diaper genie bag... wins the bag.

I told Beck that he goes through more diapers than anybody I know... and then he said "rock on."

-Dad

Beck and Dad

2007-04-08T20:33:00.000-07:00

Dad daydreaming of Beck becoming a pro surfer. Beck daydreaming of how he is going to explain to his friends that his Dad used to sell wedding dresses.

I love him.

2007-04-08T20:08:00.000-07:00

1st Bath

2007-04-05T12:45:00.000-07:00

I was a little nervous for Beck's first bath. He hated the sponge downs we had to give him before his cord fell off. Suprisingly, he stayed very calm for the whole thing- mama was so proud! No peeing, pooping or spitting up in the tub either. A complete success.

He was a little scared when we rinsed his hair, but still such a good boy!

My mom showing me how its done.

Still the most adorable boy in the world.

Grandma Kimmy Comes to Visit

2007-04-05T12:26:00.000-07:00

My mom has been here since Saturday helping out with baby. I've been spoiled with having someone to watch him whenever I want to nap. And Clark has been spoiled all week with having someone to play tennis with everyday. Everyone is happy when grandma's in town!

Fake N' Bake

2007-03-25T01:09:00.000-07:00

Beck has been through a lot in the first few days of life, he is really a tough kid though. He always seems to find the good in otherwise difficult situations. He has risky levels of bilirubin and has to be under UV lights all day to get his liver to stop acting a foo'. Over here at the Nelson house, Beck has his own personal tanning salon...

Mom and Dad didn't want Beck to feel bad that he had to wear eye protection... so we showed him how cool it can be and all joined in on the fun.

Beck just getting comfortable.

Dad thinks he looks like an Aquabat or some sort of superhero with his mask on.

Mama's Favorite Picture

2007-03-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

I am in love with my little boy!! This is my new favorite picture of Beck, just lounging in his crib taking a nap. I can't get enough of that little angel face!

Going home!

2007-03-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

The Nelson Family. Dad living it up on no sleep and Mom still loopy from Percocet. Beck has no idea what he has gotten himself into.

Beck's going home outfit, courtesy of Stephanie Lee (stevieinthecity).

Beckett and Mama.

" This hospital thing is lame, I'm out, yo." - Beck

Beck's Hospital Stay

2007-03-22T19:27:00.000-07:00

Mom looks like a million bucks... and Beck is pretty cute too.

Beck livens up when Aunt Wendy is in the house (hospital).

Beck and GrandMary. (showing off Beck's party in the back)

Beck meets Aunt Rachael.

Beck's 1st black friend.

The Hospital stay was pretty chill. Beck had visitors, and Nat was doped up on drugs. Daddy's bed was about as good as a pile of rocks... but at least I didn't have to sleep with a ice pack on my crotch.

Beckett's 1st Day

2007-03-22T19:10:00.000-07:00

Beckett Andrew Nelson

8 Pounds 7 Ounces

Born March 20th, 2007, at 5:04 a.m.

Natalie went into labor Monday night around 11:00 p.m. She made me run two red lights on the way to the hospital, and I was pretty sure Beck would be born in the front seat of the accord. Boy was I wrong. After an extremely long hour and 1/2 at the hospital Nat was finally able to get her epidural and was then making jokes and having a ball. Beck took a while to come out because his muscles were extremely big and toned. Nat started to push around 2:00 am and Beck was vacuumed out at 5:04 a.m. Beck came into the world with a double cone head and wide open blue eyes.

Nursery Update

2007-02-26T00:16:00.000-08:00

I know we already have a picture of our crib on here, but doesn't it look a thousand times cuter with the mobile and little toys on the shelf?

Baby's walk in closet. We got a ton of clothes at the baby shower, and now the closet is stocked. I love that he has more clothes than I do and he's not even here yet. Go baby!

Glider chair with side table- we bought it online without sitting in it- pretty scary-but it turned out to be great.

Baby Shower

2007-02-26T00:07:00.000-08:00

Sprinkles cupcakes.... So good they deserved a picture on the blog.

My baby shower started with the game 'name that poop.' All of these diapers were filled with various mushed up foods that people had to make guesses about. The most disgusting? Cream of spinach with hershey's syrup- yuck. I'll spare you the upclose picture of that one.

HUGE lilies

2007-02-25T23:56:00.000-08:00

Valentines Day! Clark did amazing this year with the hugest bouqet of stargazer lilies ever. The enitre house smelled fabulous for a week, and now only a couple are left hanging on for dear life, but I can't bear to throw them away!

OREGON

2007-02-25T23:41:00.000-08:00

Okay, so we're actually updating the ole blog. Since its been a good couple of months, some of these pics are a little old now- I'm just getting the hang of this blogging thing!

Here are a couple pics from my trip to Oregon to visit my brother Richie and his cute, cute family. His little boy Isaac is getting used to the newest addition in their family, 2 month old Abby. And eventhough he looks a little nervous in his picture with her, he's actually trying to say "cheese." You can sort of see it in both pictures (he thinks that you're just supposed to say cheese and then he doesn't smile- i love it!)

Baby Crib

2007-01-03T21:27:00.000-08:00

We got our baby crib and put it together tonight!