Koa's First Christmas ..

This year we celebrated our first christmas at our house.
Usually we got to my parents house, but this year we decided to do it with everyone at our house.

We got up early to try to get everything ready before everyone got to our house, but when we took a look out the window there was like a foot of snow, so Stephen had to go out and shovel the drive way while I got the kids ready.
The snowfall from the night before pushed everything back, so everyone showed up a little bit later than we had planned, but they all arrived safely.
We took Mana and Koa downstairs to start opening there presents.
Koa feel asleep the minute he lay down on my dad, his favourite person.

For the first couple of presents Mana was giving the COOL and OH YEAH responses, but he got sick of opening presents pretty quickly and wanted to go and play.


Stephen got these little MP3 players for my little brothers, sister and Mana, so the kids were jamming to there music while the guys cooked up breakfast.


Everyone opened there presents and I thought we were finished, but Stephen had a little surprise for us.
So I've wanted Rock Band for like a year, but Stephen said no because he doesnt particularly like it, so I dropped the idea ages ago.
Stephen kept telling me to open the last present under the tree, and I wasnt that keen on it since Mana wasnt interested in sitting with me to open it, but Stephen insisted, so I sat down and opened it.
When I opened it I found it was Guitar Hero, which I was more than happy with, but my little brothers were like, theres only one guitar and Stephen went to the closet and pulled out Rock Band 2, I was stoked !

So after playing Rock Band for a few hours, I thought we were done, but no, Stephen had hidden in his car a little surprise for me.

I saw these Breaking Dawn bookends at Barnes & Noble, thought they were pretty nifty, but a bit pricey, so I didnt say to much about it.

Stephen told me to go look in the boot (TRUNK) of his car and have a look.

I lifted up his jacket and this is what I saw.

The box set of the Twilight Saga and the bookends.

I already had the books, but lent them out to people and also gave one away, so I didnt have them anymore, so Stephen decided to surprise me, so cute.

Also we were able to talk to my brother Luke on his mission and my brother Phillip who lives with his wife and son in Australia.

And if Stephen had've heard his phone, we would have been able to talk to Crystal and her family in New Zealand.

We watched Mamma Mia, well some of us did and some of us didnt, and stayed inside, and I can honestly say I had a great christmas, I loved it !

Stephen, you are the sweetest husband, and so cute and thoughtful, I love you and thanks for a great christmas!

Snowboarding

On Saturday a bunch of us went to Brighton for the Ski for Gold day.

The weather was pretty crazy, there was a snow storm, and on the way up the canyon, we saw a ton of cars sliding, some cars had veered off the road, and people were parked in the most random places.

It was the first run of the season, get excited people, we're hoping for many more !

Technology SUCKS sometimes ..or is it me ?

I havent posted in awhile, and over Thanksgiving we had Stephens mother visit.
I took a bunch of pictures at that and at my sisters birthday party and a bunch of other pics, I went to upload them onto the computer and then clear the memory card.
For some reason they didnt save and I wiped all the pictures.
PAINFUL

Twilight .. The Movie ..

So Thursday Night I went out with some of the girls to watch the midnight showing of Twilight.
I thought it was pretty bad after watching it, one of the worst movies I had seen since Max Payne.
But then on Saturday Night, I went with Stephen to watch the movie, he thought it was ok, since I had given it the worst review ever he expected alot less than they delivered.
I can honestly say after watching it a second time, that I really liked the movie, I actually thought it was good.
This has never happened to me before. I usually hate watching movies a second time, and I've never actually liked a movie after pretty much hating it.
So people who hated it the first time, maybe try and watch it again, its not as bad as you think the second time around.

My brothers and football

Last week my little brothers had there football finals.

Both Tapua and Josiahs teams made the finals.

Josiahs team won and Tapuas lost.

Both my brothers love playing football.

They trained two hours a night every night for the first couple of months, then a few nights a week for a couple of hours, football is a BIG commitment, and I'm glad it was something they enjoyed.

A couple of random thoughts on football in Utah since I'm sure we are going to put Mana into it.

I STRONGLY dislike that they put a big X on the helmets of the kids who are "overweight" and the make them play on the line.

I know that right before everyone gets weighed at the beginning of the season, there are little boys sitting in steam rooms trying to lose weight, taking laxatives, running in trash bags etc.

For little boys to be doing this I think its ridiculous.

Mana is a solid chunk of a kid, and if he has an X on his helmet, I'm wondering how that will affect him, I know thats like 5 or so years away but still ... makes me think.

Koa Baby Pics

We got some new born pics done of our little dark boy Koa Koa as Mana likes to call him.

We were lucky enough that Sanae took the pics, they look good Sanae, THANKS

Friday Night Lights

We like to watch Friday Night Lights, and anyone who has Direct TV may have seen the ads that come on for the show.
Everytime the ad comes on Mana does his Tim Riggins impression and lifts his arms and head to the sky .. such an actor !
If you click on the picture you can see Friday Night Lights on the TV and what Riggins is doing.

Happy Halloween

This year was pretty good for Halloween, we actually got our monies worth out of the costumes we bought.

Last week we went to two Halloween parties, one at George and Jenny's club house and one at Jess and Faleni's house, it was fun to get out and take the kids out.
Mana enjoyed it this year, since he was a bit older, but he was terrified of so many peoples costumes.

Thursday we went to my parents Trunk or Treat.

It was cute, people decorated their boots and all the kids got heaps of lollies.

Then they went inside and there was a mini carnival set up with games and prizes.

Then today for Halloween we went to Nu Skins Halloween party to watch Stephen and Syndee do there skits for the costume finals.

Stephen was Hancock.

Syndee was Jessie from Toy Story 2.

Then we went to the Fredricksens for Trick or Treating for Mana and some good chilli !

Happy Halloween !!

Lately ...

Thought I would post a few pics of the boys lately ..
cross eyed Koa

Mana loves to eat popcorn, and he thinks he can throw it up and catch it in his mouth.

We went to Moni's 30th on Saturday.

We went to Ruby River for dinner and the to My Noah's after and kicked it with everyone, it was fun.

Mana "playing" Halo at Noah's

First Snow

We woke up Sunday morning and there was snow on the ground.

Great.

Husband Tag

Just because ... I didnt post for Stephens Birthday because I was HAMMERED .. so this is my mini tribute to him

1. WHERE DID YOU MEET YOUR HUSBAND? Playing Halo at some guys house, not long after I got to Utah, well thats where he saw me, I saw him a few months later at a Potluck at a park, actually talked to each other at my brothers wedding
2. HOW LONG DID YOU DATE BEFORE YOU WERE MARRIED? 11 months
3. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN MARRIED? 4 years
4. WHAT DOES HE DO THAT SURPRISES YOU? Lots of things. Too many to name, but Stephen is FULL of surprises, hes sweet !
5. WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE FEATURE? Everything !
6. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE QUALITY OF HIS? That he always puts us before everything else
7. DOES HE HAVE A NICKNAME FOR YOU? Baby, Babe and Dayn
8. WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE FOOD? He loves to eat most things.
10. WHEN & WHERE WAS YOUR FIRST KISS? September 22nd 2003, on the back of Beka's truck .. hahahaha.
11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING TO DO AS A COUPLE? Talk and joke with each other, we can talk for hours about everything !
12. DO YOU HAVE ANY CHILDREN? Mana and Koa, our two beautiful boys !
13. DOES HE HAVE ANY HIDDEN TALENTS? Yeah, hes a great cook, thats not hidden since he cooks most of the time, but hes thoughtful
14. HOW OLD IS HE? 29, one more year til your 30 buddy !
15. WHO SAID I LOVE YOU FIRST? He did
16. WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE MUSIC? Hes a fan of alot of different types of music.
17. WHAT DO YOU ADMIRE MOST ABOUT HIM? How hard he works, how he takes care of us, and many many more things
18. WHAT IS HIS FAVORITE COLOR? Blue
19. WILL HE READ THIS? yeah coz I texted him and told him I wrote this

TAG

Tagged- One Word
Tagged by Nimo.
Fill in your answer, using only one word. Tag 7 others.
1. Where is your cell phone? COUCH
2. Where is your significant other? WORK
3. Your hair color? BLACK BROWN
4. Your mother? AMAZING
5. Your father? CLOWN
6. Your favorite thing? LIFE
7. Your dream last night? CRAZY
8. Your dream/goal? NOT TO WORRY ABOUT MONEY ( one word doesnt work for this question and a bunch of the others)
9. The room you're in? LIVING ROOM
10. Your hobby? SURFING THE NET FOR INTERESTING FINDS
11. Your fear? LONELINESS
12. Where do you want to be in 6 years? ANYWHERE
13. Where were you last night? HOME
14. What you're not? A MODEL
15. One of your wish-list items? HAVE MY OWN BUSINESS
16. Where you grew up? HAMILTON, NEW ZEALAND
17. The last thing you did? WASHING
18. What are you wearing? WHITE
19. Your TV? ON WATCHING LAW & ORDER RE-RUNS
20. Your pet? NOT KEEN ON CLEANING ANIMALS HENCE NO PETS
21. Your computer? FROM WORK IS A PIECE !!
22. Your mood? CHILL
23. Missing someone? YES, STEPHEN, ANYTIME HES NOT WITH ME
24. Your car? SUFFICIENT
25. Something you're not wearing? HAT
26. Favorite store? COSTCO
27. Your summer? HOT AS HELL
28. Love someone? YES, MANY SOMEONES
29. Your favorite color? GREEN and GRAY
30. When is the last time you laughed? EVERYDAY I LAUGH
31. Last time you cried? YESTERDAY BECAUSE I'M SOFT .. NAH, MAYBE WHEN I HAD KOA AND THEY WOULDNT LET ME SEE HIM.

I love being a Mum

Usually I'm a blog-a-holic, I like to write down everything we do, but lately I've been so tired and busy with our two sons that I haven't even remembered to get on here and write anything.

Over the last 2 weeks I've truly enjoyed being at home with our boys.

Mana is a little monster. He is a typical rough boy who loves to tackle, punch, kick, jump and just basically abuse us. All the while he is smiling and laughing. But when its time to quiet down, he loves to kiss and cuddle, he is a little sweet heart. He and I have been "talking" alot lately. He doesnt really say so many words but he is copying alot, and he likes to pull my face and make me talk to him.

Koa is a beautiful baby, he is such a good boy. I love looking at him, it seems like is face changes every day. At first we thought he looked like Mana, and now I think he looks nothing like Mana.

He is alot darker than Mana ever was, his eyes are alot bigger, at the moment he is our skinny little baby, but he is gaining weight quickly.

He eats more than Mana did at this age, but he sleeps longer, if its possible.

He is sleeping 7 - 8 hours a night, so I am pretty lucky.

Koa is sleeping with us at the moment, since I'm nursing .. and lazy, its easier for me.

I would be luckier if Mana didn't creep into our room every night and hop in the bed with us.

He's a bit vicious when he sleeps, kicks and rolls all the time.

I'm truly enjoying being at home, I'm sure I will cry when I have to go back to work, but I know I have to do what I have to do.

Busy Weekend

We had a bit of a busy weekend this past weekend, Koa's first weekend out.

Friday Night we went to Tucanos with George, Jenny, Carlos and Sia to celebrate Stephen and Jenny's birthday month.

Then we decided to drop by Faleni and Jess' house to meet there beautiful baby boy.

Mana and Carlos at Tucanos

Then on Saturday we went to watch my little brothers play football and Stephen and I went to the movies to see Eagle Eye.

Tapua
Josiah

And on Sunday, my little brother was ordained a Deacon. So we went to my parents for dinner and to Tapuas setting apart. His actual birthday was the day after Koa was born, and it was a bit of stink birthday for him, we had cake at the hospital for him.

Cant believe your 12 Tapua.

Tapua, Mana and Josiah

Brotherly Love

So we were a little worried about how Mana would take having to share all the love and attention he is showered with.
Surprisingly he's been really good about trying to kiss and cuddle Koa.
Every morning he tries to hold Koa, and when hes finished kissing and cuddling his little brother, he tries to push him off his lap.
Mana is a bit rough, but we know he's only trying to play with his brother and we TRY not to growl him too much.
Its been so nice to be home and just start to get into a routine and just really enjoy being together.
Koa is a good baby, cries like a little bird when hes hungry and when he needs to be changed.

kisses for Koa
Nice yawn buddy
gummy
bung eye ..
They were very tired !

Introducing KOA METEKINGI GILES

The clot at the base of the umbilical cord

This morning Koa Metekingi Giles was born, at 4:24 am.

He had a bit of a rough start.

I had dialated to a 6 by the time we got to the hospital, and it only took an hour and a half to get to an 8, by the time I was at a 9 the doctor came over and was all ready to deliver, but our poor babies heart rate kept dropping, it was supposed to be between 110 and 160, it was over 160 during the contractions and dropped to 60 once the contractions were over.

I expected to go natural as I did with Mana but there were a ton of complications with this baby.

He was face up, or sunny side up as the nurse kept saying, and the doctor couldnt turn him.

Then with his heart rate so low they were worried he wasnt getting enough oxygen, and then he had already had a bowel movement, so the decided to give me a c-section.

Once he was out they could see his umbilical cord had a clot at the base, so they figured that was the reason his heart rate was dropping so low.

He spent his first few hours being monitored in the nursery, and he was brought into our room at 11 am.

He is alot smaller than Mana, he was 7 pounds 6 ounces, 18 1/2 inches long and he has ALOT of hair on his head, face, back pretty much his whole body .

He is a beautiful little boy!

Atleast I went early this time and didnt go two weeks over due.

Slippery ..

So usually I try not to carry Mana, hes too heavy and I'm too far along in my pregnancy and its just really not a good idea.
But yesterday I was carrying Mana into Smiths, I couldnt be bothered putting his shoes on and we parked really close so I figured we'd be fine.
I walked into Smiths carrying Mana and went to grab a cart, as I stepped off the mat there was a small puddle of water, which I slipped on.
I dropped Mana, he hit his head on the floor, and I somehow managed to avoid landing on my stomach, and landed straight on my knee and twisted one of my ankles.
My poor son is so tough when it comes to getting hurt, he had tears coming out of his eyes, didnt really cry, and he was trying to pick me up.
There was an older guy there who was freaking out, he was in the middle of cleaning the floor.
The Manager came running down to see if I was ok, they were nice and very apologetic, and trying to check the floor to see if there was any water.
They didnt see any water on the floor, I was like, look at my jeans, the knees on my jeans were soaked!
I guess they were worried I was going to try to sue them, but since I was fine and Mana was fine, we got our food and left.
They said to come back if I had any problems or residual effects of slipping, but I'm sure we will be fine.
I think I was more embarrassed than anything really, I must've looked like a whale sitting there on the floor.

This picture has nothing to do with anything, this is from the pics Sanae took, but I like for my blog to have pics with everything .. like a picture book.