Sisterly Love

This is a picture of my sister Melinda and myself. I do not think we could be mistaken for twins, but I think it's pretty obvious to most people that we are sisters. We both were expecting our first child around the same time. I had my baby boy first on May 15. She saw the pictures Brad sent out after Johnny was born, and I remember her telling me she thought her baby would look similar to mine. Lo and behold five weeks later baby Henry came into the world on June 19. I was surprised when I saw his pictures. Melinda got over her surprise as well, and we're hoping these two cousins become great friends!

Baby Henry on the left, and Baby Johnny on the right. Both are about six weeks old in their pictures. And yes, that baby does have blond hair!!

Wishful Thinking

I was looking through my pictures trying to find a profile view of myself before I became pregnant. But let's be honest here, when you're not married and pregnant, who wants a picture taken of themselves from the side. So after much searching, I found this one, which is from a few years ago.

This beauty was taken a few weeks before I had Johnny. Yes, I did get quite large and in charge. But thankfully a lot of it has come off already. It's crazy how much a baby can take over your body, but Johnny was worth every bit of it.

Are You Kidding Me?

All right, so I know that kids grow fast. My own kid has practically quadrupled in size since he was born. Ok, so really he just added a few pounds and a couple inches. I just looked at these pictures of me with my niece and nephew taken about two years ago and it's like they're different kids now. Emma just barely turned 3 and Brother will be 2 at the end of September. It's been a year since I saw them last, but I'm excited that I'll see them soon. Emma, I know I didn't give you Lucky Charms and Doritos like Uncle Stevie did, but you still better be ready to play with me when I see you!

Emma in August 2006

Little Stevie at his blessing in November 2006 (age 6 weeks) I know, he's huge

Fran took this picture like two weeks ago

Celebration!!

This week marks the end of classes for Summer term at BYU, and Brad will finish with both his finals on Wednesday. We're celebrating the end of the term and taking advantage of the break before fall semester, by going to Washington this next week. It will be the first time since we were married that we've been back, and we're very excited for all the time we'll be able to spend with family and friends. None of my siblings have met Johnny yet, and my Grandma and Grandpa Goodrich are excited to see him for the first time as well.

Brad has been to Washington twice before, both times were a year ago exactly. He came in early August when I went to the temple, and then we came together two weeks later for our wedding reception. They were both extremely short visits, which meant that I didn't get to show him around town at all. One of the places that I love is Kerry Park, which is downtown on Queen Anne hill and where the picture of Seattle above was taken. I also want to take him to Pike Place Market, a Mariners game, Alki Beach, Snoqualmie Falls, and a bunch of other fun places.

Here are some of the pictures of places I'd like Brad and Johnny to experience:

Pike Place Market (obviously)

Seattle Waterfront

A Mariners game at Safeco Field even though it's definitely not their best season

The Seattle Public Library - This place is amazing

If any of you have a favorite or must-see place in Seattle let me know. And yes Fran, we definitely will be hitting up the Kent Station.

It's Official

No last-minute name changes for our baby, it's official. His name is John Bradley Perkins, and he was blessed last Sunday on August 3rd. It was a beautiful blessing, and the day was also special because the 3rd is my Grandpa Delgado's birthday. Johnny was such a little angel, and didn't cry at all during the blessing, or even the whole time we were at church. Unfortunately he cried while we were taking pictures after church. Thanks to my Mom for helping me find his outfit for the blessing, and to my Uncle Ricky for making the beautiful white afghan to go with it.

My Mom was excited to see Johnny and how much he's grown, since the last time she saw him he was only 9 days old. I didn't get a good picture of my Dad with him, but he was excited to meet Johnny for the first time.

We went out for a delicious dinner with Brad's parents and mine also on Saturday night at the Joseph Smith Building. Afterward we decided to take a stroll around Temple Square. It was such a nice evening and Johnny loved the walk. Especially in this great stroller that my cousin Tina gave us. I just had to take a picture for her so she could see how happy he is in it. Thanks again for the stroller!

I was excited for Johnny to be at Temple Square for the first time and really wanted a picture of him in front of the Salt Lake Temple, because it's the temple where Brad and I were married.

It was such a great weekend, and we were so happy to be able to share Johnny's special day with everyone that came. We know not everyone that wanted to could make it, but we're grateful that Brad's parents, my Mom and Dad, and Daylen and Ashley were able to be at his blessing. Thanks for coming, and Johnny says he hopes to see everyone again soon!

Chesterfield Adventure

We started out this adventure by packing. Johnny was not pleased when I laid him in his pack 'n play while I tried to accomplish this task. He still wanted out even with the mobile and the music playing. I was wondering how I was going to pack all three of us when this kid just seemed to want to be held. I picked up my sweet baby, and asked him if he'd stop crying if I let him help me pack. So I propped him up on our bed and he was quite happy and watched with a big smile on his face as I finished the job.




We got into Chesterfield late after some bad traffic, construction work, and a detour eating dinner. Daylen brought Brooks over so he could meet his cousin. I think Brooks looks so adorable here with his eyes wide open. I've mostly only seen him while he's sleeping. Even though these two are only 7 weeks apart, you can see what a difference that makes when they're this little.

Look what proud Dads these two are

Ok, I know nobody else liked this unwelcome guest and I don't blame them. Stray cats can be kind of a pain. But I sure love petting any playful kitty. Brad was nice and drove me up to his parents' place and found this little guy for me just so I could pet him.

Brad was quite pleased to climb the ladder inside the Perkins' Cabin. It was so much fun seeing all the places Brad has told me so much about.

But apparently not exciting enough to keep these two awake. It was such a fun weekend and great to be able to visit with everyone in Idaho. Brad also blogged about our trip, which you can read about it on his blog. I will definitely be posting the videos of Brad and Daylen and Maurie jumping off the high platform in Lava.

My Wonderful Husband

This is my husband Brad. There are many reasons why I think he is so wonderful, and I will share a few of them with you.



Reason 1: He loves taking naps on the couch. Especially Sunday naps. He looks so adorable when he's fast asleep without a care in the world. Until someone (never me) comes by and accidentally wakes him up because they are bored.



Reason 2: He doesn't laugh at me when I ask him to constantly take my picture next to random things. This picture was taken last fall at the Utah State Fair. I love going to a fair of any kind, and I was so excited to go to this one in Salt Lake. Even though we didn't go on any rides because I was pregnant, we still had so much fun just being together.

Reason 3: He is always so thoughtful and kind. He surprises me often with notes, little gifts, and even flowers. And he always gets "it's the thought that counts" points when he forgets the hidden flower in the trunk.


Reason 4: He is such a wonderful father. Johnny loves him, and he loves Johnny. The kid lights up when he sees his dad, and the two always have such a good time together.



Reason 5: Ok, I know looks aren't everything, but seriously, this guy is just so handsome. I married a wonderful man who is smart, kind, funny, thoughtful, and pretty much amazing in every way!