The Gotch Family

Alex & Alyssa Pictures

2011-01-31T19:29:00.007-07:00

Here are some pictures my sister Shelly took of the kids in December. Yes, at the very top of the list of all of her many talents, she can sew anything and everything...and take great pictures.

Snowy, Cold Fun

2010-11-22T14:58:00.016-07:00

We had been wanting to take the kids out to play in the snow, and since last Sunday afternoon was pretty nice we decided to do it. So 20-30 minutes later we had the kids all bundled up (think of the little brother on A Christmas Story). Of course in the first 5 minutes of being outside Alyssa decided she had to go to the bathroom, which took another 10 minutes (hey, at least she told me, right?). But eventually Conley hooked the snow tube to the 4-wheeler and off they went. They had so much fun. I thought after 10 minutes they would want to come back inside. But he pulled them around for at least 45 minutes and we finally made them come inside (kicking and screaming). Here are some pictures. I have some cute video but I dont know how to attach it. Hopefully I'll figure it out soon :).

Trying out their new snow gear. Alyssa starting a new trend: shirt, no pants, with boots...actually I am sure this has already been done by many celebrities.

First Time Playing in the Snow

"Helping" Daddy get the sled ready

Off We Go

Wish I Was At Work, No Seriously

2010-11-22T14:52:00.004-07:00

So I am sitting at home, had to come home from work sick. Which on a side note is so annoying because I usually take 0 to 1 sick days per year and have had to take 2-3 in the past 6 weeks. I am beginning to think something is seriously wrong with me, my stomach, I think if it continues for another 2-3 years I will definitely get it checked out. Anyway, back to the original post, today is pretty much the only day EVER that I wished I was at work. Every year we have a Dessert Party the week of Thanksgiving, and I purchased a Red Velvet Cheesecake Factory Cheesecake for the event (that’s right people, you can now purchase a small variety of Cheesecake Factory Cheesecakes at Sam’s Club. They are frozen.) I would tell you that I will let you know if it is as good as the fresh ones, but clearly I cannot. As I am stuck at home. Someone owes me $15…

Side Note: I do not know how long these yummy cheesecakes will last. I imagine anywhere from 1-6 weeks. If you plan to attend the same holiday party as me sometime this year, and you do not know how to bake (like me), go ahead and bring one. I will not mind.*

*Disclaimer: If you have already had one of these, and want to comment on how good it was, please refrain. As we may not be able to be friends anymore.

Addition to post added several days later: Good News, they saved me some cheesecake. It was excellent, as good as the fresh ones. Yay for work friends.

Halloween Fun

2010-11-10T19:57:00.000-07:00

We had such a fun Halloween. With Trick or Treating at Melaleuca, the Annual Family Halloween Party at my mom and dad's, hanging out with Gotch's Saturday, and we even did a little trick or treating through their neighborhood. By "we" I mean Jodi and I, Conley was super busy watching the football game. But hey, I would have used that excuse too, if everyone I know didn't already know how much I hate sports...really, it's a hate. Now that I think about it, it may have been baseball, whatever. The kids got really good at saying Tick-a-Treat, and Thank You to everyone.

Usually we all match but I was already a Tumbleweed for my work Halloween Party, and Sandy let Alex & Alyssa borrow some awesome animal costumes, so we just stopped at Kings on the way to my parents for a sweet outfit for Conley (it was pretty funny with the mustache, fro, and all).

All of the fun started with the kids Trick or Treating at Melaleuca on Friday morning with their class. Overall it was a great experience for them, which outweighed my experience. I helped the class of 2 year olds trek through the entire building of Melaleuca, carrying bags of candy, convinced that every area was going to be scary (even candy land), in sweaty-hot costumes, up and down stairs. But the kids loved it. The Koala Kids ladies are saints. They didn't seem even half as annoyed as I was.

Here are some pictures of the Marketing department on Halloween (compliments of Lara, thanks). We were Wild West. For those who are unfamiliar, every department in the building (except for Finance and Legal, no surprise right) decorates their area in their chosen theme and wears elaborate costumes to match. It is so much fun. We pretend that we do it for the kids, and we sort of do. But really it is our chance to show how creative we all are, and beat out our neighbors. Our Department won best overall, duh. Complete with a Train Station, Watering Hole, General Store, Bank, Blacksmith, Jail, Tee pee, Frontier land, Gold Mine, and much more. It was our best execution so far.

Watering Hole

Gold Mine Entrance

Tee pee leading to Frontier Land

General Store

Potty Training, Superheroes, and Check-Ups

2010-11-06T19:03:00.023-06:00

I took the kids for their 24 month (er, 26 month in my case) check-up. Here are their stats:
Alex
Height: 35.25", 60th Percentile
Weight: 29.8 lbs, 60th Percentile
Head: 50.75cm, 90th Percentile (hey, it used to be in the 96th, things are looking up.)

Alyssa
Height: 35.5", 75th Percentile
Weight: 28 lbs, 60th Percentile
Head: 48.5cm, Can't remember percentile, it was normal sized.

Alex & Alyssa are Potty Trained!!
No more diapers for the Gotch's. We potty trained Alex & Alyssa the beginning of October. We did the 3 Day Potty Training Method. It was awesome, I highly recommend it. (www.3daypottytraining.com)

SuperAlex! We bought the kids some dress-ups. Alex kept running around the house saying "Superfast" (like Little Einsteins). Not sure why Conley isn't wearing a shirt. But hey, every kids has to have a random picture where there dad has his shirt off, right?

This is the closest Alyssa would get to letting me take a picture of her in her fairy costume, or really the closest she would get to wearing the fairy costume. (Conley did her hair, pretty sweet for a dad right?)

SuperAlex considering trying out the Fairy Dress.

We went up to visit my family camping on Labor Day (notice I didn't say that we went camping). It was cold but all of the kids had fun playing together.
Alyssa, Allie, Alex, and Gracie

Disclaimer: I know that my house is a mess in every picture. If I waited until my house was clean, no one was crying, no one was complaining, I would have no pictures. Literally no pictures. I don't care (I do sort of care), don't judge me (go ahead and judge me. I probably would judge you just a little.)

Hogle Zoo

2010-11-06T18:19:00.014-06:00

We went to the Hogle Zoo the end of August with my best friend from High School April, her husband Nate, and daughter Emma who is almost 6. The kids had so much fun playing together. We stayed the night in Layton, did some shopping, and went to the zoo. We went swimming at the hotel's super cold pool Friday night and Alex and Emma became best friends. Alyssa was fast asleep by 9:30ish, but Alex and Emma play and giggled for at least another hour and a half. They were adorable. Here are some pictures from that trip.

Alex & Emma giggle late into the night. As soon as Alex woke up the next morning he kept saying "Where's Emma, I want baby Emma?" (She's not a baby, not sure what he was thinking.)

Alyssa fast asleep, not sure why she had the club hand.

We saw the brand new baby Elephant Zuri and her mom.

The first time they saw the Giraffe.

The Orangutan. He sat in this position for a long time, meditating I guess. It was funny.

Playing on the toys in the Children's Discovery Area.

Playing in the water. They have this cool ball that floats on water and even small kids can make it spin. Though it is against my nature, I let the kids play in the water. They were soaking wet and happy. They had to strip down to only their onesies, and we had to shop in the gift shop that way. I was "one of those people" who take their kids to the zoo in nothing but a onesie (or at least that is what I am sure everyone in the gift shop thought). In the future, I probably still wont give "those people" the benefit of the doubt when I see them in public, sorry if you are one. After that we went right to the car and they fell asleep for most of the ride home.

We couldn't say Emma's name for over a week afterwards or Alex would get upset and ask for her. We had so much fun. We will have to make it an annual tradition.

When Little Brothers Sneak Attack

2010-09-02T19:16:00.001-06:00

I found this sequence of pictures and they made me laugh. They tell the story well, no explaination necessary. Boys just know how to make girls mad...

And in the end he gets what he wants...
Probably worth noting, he does have his own 4-wheeler toy to ride.

Two Terrible Two Year Olds

2010-08-29T10:38:00.001-06:00

I can't believe Alex & Alyssa are already two. Suddenly, and I do mean suddenly, I have two terrible two year old toddlers. Here is a little about these two.

Alyssa's Favorite Things: Baby dolls, all baby doll accessories, books, pretty clothes and dresses, and her brother.
Alyssa's Favorite Things To Do: Lay out her babies blanket perfectly (it takes like 10 tries and several minutes to get it laid out just so) and wrap up her doll. Play chase with Alex (she loves to be chased). Play outside. Stack up and line up boxes, books, toys, or other items that are similar to each other. She loves to be silly, and dance to the theme music from her favorite cartoons.
Alyssa has invented her own language. She knows what she is saying I am sure, she will say the same thing 5 times. It is a big, long sentence too. But no one else can decipher it.
Alyssa is super sweet, and really shy. She loves to play with her brother, but wishes she had more opportunity to play without him interrupting. She has the sweetest smile of anyone I know. She gives the very best squeeze-around-your-neck hugs. She likes to go places, and loves seeing animals. She has started skipping (or what she thinks is skipping) and does this everywhere she goes. She will not sleep in the car, no matter how tired she is. And she loves to twirl the pony tail on her head, all the time.

Alex's Favorite Things: Cars, puppies, balls, books, and all animals.
Alex's Favorite Things To Do: Annoy his sister, first and foremost. Go, anywhere. Roar at you with any toy that looks like it could possibly be scary. Knock over the boxes that Alyssa had so carefully stacked up. Tell you animal noises. He loves babies. He loves to be outside. And he loves his sister more than anything else.
Alex is very friendly and adventurous. We call him the Wal-Mart greeter. He says Hewow and waves to nearly everyone who looks at him in a store. He likes to go, go, go all the time. He likes to play with the big kids, and mimic everything they do. He rarely ever sleeps in the car (though if he is really tired he will). He is starting to really talk a lot. He enjoys being the entertainer. He really like to make people laugh. And he has the best and most contagious laugh I have ever heard.

Alex & Alyssa Newborns

Alex & Alyssa 1 Year Old

Alex & Alyssa 2 Years Old
Sitting at a new table they got for their birthday, playing with their new toys. They were spoiled by their cousins and Grandma and Grandpa.

Alex's Birthday Cake. I decorated this one on my own (though I got the idea on the Internet).

Alyssa's Birthday Cake. Aunt Shelly decorated this one, she is so good at making cakes, well at making everything.

Alyssa eating her cake. They were pretty good, they even used forks. 1/2 way through they had to switch cakes, just in case the other's was better.

Alex eating ice cream, he didn't always use a fork. He kept saying owie while holding it (I guess since it was cold in his hand).

Sandy's new baby, Cooper. He is so adorable, and such a good baby.

Firecrackers and Helicopters

2010-08-25T19:30:00.001-06:00

Here are some silly picures from our 4th of July.

At work I was awarded a Helicopter Ride that took place during our annual Melaleuca company picnic, and was able to bring one guest (well two in my case). I, of course, chose the kids. They thought it was really cool, I thought they may be scared but they weren't. Alyssa sat in the front with me and kept trying to stretch her foot out as far as she could to touch some orange button that I am certain had she kicked would have send us spiraling into a certain and sudden demise. Okay, so maybe I was the only one scared on the ride (even now I smile a little nervously). No one else seemed to be a tense as me (imagine that). We got to go with my friend Amber from work and her kids, so that made it even more fun.

Big Animals and Even Bigger Toys

2010-08-24T20:09:00.002-06:00

I know I haven't posted in a long time (okay, a really long time). I was so busy with work all summer, and now I have slowed down a bit. I have several pictures from this spring and summer that I will try and post over the next few days.

These are some fun pictures from when we went to the zoo (2 different trips). The first are in May, and the ones with Grace are in June.

Alex, Alyssa, and Conley at the Idaho Falls Zoo.

Grandma Jodi and Grandpa Dwain bought them these fun hats, they love to wear them.

Alyssa and Grace, my younger sister Sandy's daughter (for those who haven't met Sandy. If you know Sandy there is no mistaking her little mini-me.)

This is pretty much the only picture I have of Alex on this trip, he was always running away to see what was next.

This was so funny, this big Llama would sit down, tuck his legs in tight, and soak in the tiny swimming pool. It was so funny to see.

Uncle Brian (my older brother) took the kids for a ride on his new toy (he likely uses it for work as well??, but as far as we are concerned it was fun). We drove over piles, dug in the dirt, made new hills, and had lots of fun.

In case you were wondering, the sippy cup in the cup holder is Alex's, not Brian's.

Chicken Pox and Cheesy Smiles

2010-03-22T20:32:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago I noticed a couple of red bumps on Alex's right leg. This is the same leg he has some eczema on, and so I thought it was related to that. The next morning he had a few more bumps on the same leg (no where else), so I took him into the Doctor. I was pretty shocked to hear that it was shingles (a rash from the same virus that causes chicken pox). Apparently it is very painful in adults, but in small children is isn't. He was mildly contagious, so we stayed home and played for a few days. The bumps never appeared anywhere besides his right leg. He seemed pretty normal, not in any pain, not itchy, just a little more tired. I guess it was a result of his chicken pox immunizations. Weird. Luckily, Alyssa never got it. I read that once you have had shingles, it can come back periodically, I sure hope not. Here is a picture, and some other pictures I took of them the same day with their cheesy tooth-filled smiles.

Lots of Hugs and Teasing

2010-03-16T22:55:00.000-06:00

Alex and Alyssa love to play chase. They enjoy taking each others toys and being chased around the house, antagonizing each other. Alex is best at it, stealing her cracker, handing her a toy but running away with it right before she grabs it, grabbing her sippy cup right before she does and taking big, long drinks (don't worry, Alyssa is now doing the same things to him). Alyssa has been carrying blankets around everywhere lately. So naturally her brother thinks it's funny to hurry and lay down on the blanket she is dragging around, and close his eyes like he is asleep (with a giant smile on his face). It makes her so mad. She will try and pull him off the blanket (usually by his hair), and he just thinks it is all so funny. Seriously, how do brothers learn these things? It's not like he has been taught, they are all born this way.

Hanging in the laundry basket, watching some TV.

Suckers in the bathtub (much cleaner this way)

I took these on Sunday, they both just look so big here. I gave Alex a haircut and it ended up a little too short so he has a spike for a while.

Lately Alex has been giving Alyssa big, long hugs. Hugs that linger long after they are welcome, and seem more like a trap to Alyssa. But since intentions are good he thinks he can't get in trouble. It is so funny (even though we try hard not to laugh). It is so sweet and naughty at the same time. Alyssa is finally embracing it and has begun to hug back. Despite how it sounds, these two play so well together lately. They are starting to play with each other for long periods of time, which is nice for me. They are also getting so "helpful", they always help me unload the dishwasher and pick up toys. They are growing so fast.

Comparing Bellies

Wrestling

Tag - 35 Realizations

2010-02-06T22:34:00.002-07:00

(I am not tagging anyone in particular, just everyone who wants to participate.)

1. I've come to realize that my chest-size ... is what it is.

2. I've come to realize that my job...is very difficult, and very rewarding. It is frustrating to have so much passion about something that you don’t necessarily have a lot of control over. I realized recently that my unhappiness is directly related to being too emotionally connected to my work. I have a great job, and I work with some really great people, and I need to keep that in perspective.

3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving... I am happy. I love to drive, I love long road trips (depending on who they are with), and I love to listen to music when I drive. It’s pretty much the only time I get to listen to music (though it is usually competing with whatever cartoon is playing in the back seat).

4. I've come to realize that I need.... love and praise. I have lived most of my life convinced that I don’t need things from other people. But I do, we all do.

5. I've come to realize that I have lost... who I strive to be. I get so caught up in what I do, that I forget who I want to be.

6. I've come to realize that I hate it when... people who have no right to complain feel like they have things so hard.

7. I've come to realize that if I'm drunk… then I shouldn’t post about it on my blog.

8. I've come to realize that money... makes life easier (not happier, but easier). Unless you have too much of it. Then it causes you to be so out of touch with reality that you can’t relate to normal people anymore. Every rich person should have to live for 2 weeks of every year as middle class (just so they remember).

9. I've come to realize that certain people... and I will always butt heads. That doesn’t mean that we can’t learn to appreciate each other, but I can’t change the fact that we don’t, and will likely never, agree.

10. I've come to realize that I'll always ... love being a mom. More than anything, ever.

11. I've come to realize that my sibling(s)... understand me better that anyone on this earth. And are the best, and most reliable, friends that I will ever know. And that you cannot take advantage of the fact that you will always be there for each other. These relationships take nurturing as well. Plus, they are my partners in crime. We have some good memories.

12. I've come to realize that my mom... taught us (me and my siblings) to be the strong, compassionate, reliable, loyal and loving people that we are. That she took pride in making sure her kids would be successful as adults. But that as adults we still need to let her be the mom.

13. I've come to realize that my cell phone... has become too important. But it makes life so convenient, oh I love it. I watched this comedian once who said that back in the old days you would have to wait hours, or days, for a call to go through, and now if you dial and it takes more than 3 seconds to begin ringing you get annoyed. The signal has to go to outer space and bounce off a satellite people, and we can’t wait 3 seconds for that.

14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning... I’m tired. The kind of tired that you can’t really sleep off. It’s just always there. Maybe I have Mono, just kidding. Who has time for Mono anyway.

15. I've come to realize that last night before I went to sleep... I prayed for the same things I have been praying for for a long time. But that it always makes me feel better.

16. I've come to realize that right now I am thinking... this post sounds awfully negative. I guess I am having an off day. Don’t judge me for it, we all have them.

17. I've come to realize that my dad... will always love me for me. He will always be proud of who I am and the decisions I make. He is one of the people I can relate to most in this world, and if I need anything, ever, he will be there for me. If I were to have a flat tire in Salt Lake City he would come fix it for me if I needed him to.

18. I've come to realize that when I get on Facebook... I feel like I have to have something profound to say, or news to report to post an update. But I enjoy knowing all of the little things that are going on with the people that I don’t talk to often enough.

19. I've come to realize that today... I have back problems. I have had them for a long time, and I keep thinking they will go away, it’s probably time to see a doctor. And I think I have an ulcer. :)

20. I've come to realize that tonight... I was sad when it was time to put the kids to bed (usually I am ready for bedtime). They were so adorable playing with each other today.

21. I've come to realize that tomorrow... is the day of the week I always look forward to most, because I get to spend it with my family.

23. I've come to realize that the person who is most likely to re-post this is... Sandy.

24. I've come to realize that life... is very short, and so predictable, and unpredictable at the same time. I know that doesn’t make sense.

25. I've come to realize that this weekend... I am really enjoying lots of time with the kids. But it is going by way too fast.

26. I've come to realize that marriage... is the hardest thing I have ever done.

27. I've come to realize that my (close) friends... are the people that I can talk to everyday, or twice a year. No matter the time between visits, we always pick right back up where we left off. And we always have 50 things to talk about. I love to be with people that you can say anything around, and they understand and agree.

28. I've come to realize that this year... is hopefully going to be a big year for me. I am ready for changes.

29. I've come to realize that my ex… anything ex helps you learn and grow. These are the experiences that help you realize what you do and don’t want from situations. And then you move on to new adventures.

30. I've come to realize that maybe I should... try new foods. There are a lot of things that I am certain that I hate, but I never remember trying them.

31. I've come to realize that I love... chocolate. I could eat it every day, 5 times a day. I may have an addiction.

32. I've come to realize that I don't understand... constantly unhappy people. People who can change the things that make themselves unhappy, but choose to sit on the a$# and do nothing about it.

33. I've come to realize my past... has been great, totally worth the hard work. It has gotten me to where I am now.

34. I've come to realize that parties... with family and friends are the best way to unwind and rejuvenate. I look forward to them, have fun at them, and am re-energized after spending time with loved ones.

35. I've come to realize that I'm totally terrified... of big change. I am such a creature of habit. I like to know what lies ahead. I am not a risk taker.

Little Tough Guy

2010-01-04T22:36:00.006-07:00

Last week Alex and Alyssa had head colds, and were/are each getting several teeth. Starting New Year's Eve Alex hadn't been acting like his usual self. He only slept for a few hours Thursday and Friday night (and hardly took any naps during the day). He was a little clingy and fussy so I thought maybe he had an ear ache, but wasn't sure because he didn't seem to be in pain, just a little off (meaning he wasn't climbing Christmas trees or herding the dogs around the house, but still trying to escape out the doggy door and climb on couches and tables). Saturday I took him into the doctor just in case and it turned out that he had two ear infections and his right ear drum had ruptured (I'm pretty sure it happened on the drive up to the Dr because it definitely hadn't been too long since it had happened). It was so sad. He is such a little tough guy. He is always happy, silly, and somewhat crazy, even when he is sick.
Alex is proof that real men can play with trucks and dolls at the same time and still be cool.

Alyssa hugs the dolls and carries them all over the house patting their backs, putting them in strollers, and talking to them. Alex mostly just holds the corner of the blanket and shakes until the dolls falls out, and brings it back to get re wrapped but he will occasionally give them hugs (we have a doll that crawls and they both try and "drive" it all over the house, apparently she isn't fast enough for them on her own).

Christmas 2009

2010-01-04T22:21:00.004-07:00

We had such a wonderful Christmas and New Year, we hope your family did as well. The kids are starting get the idea of unwrapping presents and getting excited about the toys inside (instead of the boxes or paper they came in). We spent tons of time with all of our family, and enjoyed many, many days off work at home together.

Of course Alex & Alyssa enjoy sharing each other's new toys. So anything one has the other wants (notice the necklace Alyssa AND Alex have on Christmas morning, he is going to be so embarrassed about those pictures one day). Here are a few of my favorite pictures from the week of Christmas (be sure to turn on the captions on the bottom left corner of the slideshow).

Fancy Dance Moves

2009-12-12T23:43:00.005-07:00

I finally got a new camera (yeah!). Technically it is for Christmas, but I had to test it out before the big day, to work out any kinks. :)
Alex & Alyssa love to watch Veggie Tales and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. They especially love the songs, and will run from wherever they are to dance along. The problem is that they have to stand at the entertainment center right in front of the TV (for dramatic effect I suppose). Alyssa has a new trick when dancing to the songs, she does this weird back bend move. Here is a picture, and of Alex trying to do the same, but with obviously, and painfully, less flexibility.

(notice off to the right of Alyss's picture Alex's belly poking into the picture)

Giggles and Fun with Boxes and Baskets

2009-12-12T23:35:00.012-07:00

I know moms say this all the time, but Alex and Alyssa seem to have the most fun playing with empty boxes and laundry baskets. They love to throw them around, get inside them, slap them, steal them, stand on them, and can do this for hours.

I attached a video I took with my phone, the quality stinks but the giggles were too adorable to not post (sorry about The Wizard of Oz in the background, but when I turned the volume down they stopped playing, so I had to turn it back up for them to resume). They are playing with an empty box.

Alex using the basket as a stepping stool to get inside the toy bin, are you surprised? I wasn't.

They love to tip over their toy box (Alex usually does the heavy work) and get inside the bin.

Playing with an empty 12 pack of pop box. Hopefully the video works, I don't really know how to post them yet (again, sorry about the crappy quality and loud background noise, but too funny not to post)...

Pushing your sister/brother has never been so fun...

2009-12-12T21:13:00.006-07:00

We have had these 2 doll strollers for years, that we bought for Katie and Allie to play with when they came over. We got them out the other night so they kids could push their dolls around, but of course they decided to get inside and push each other around. They just giggled and laughed the whole time. It was so cute, they have so much fun together.

Hopefully this video post works, I have never posted one before.

Halloween 2009

2009-11-19T21:24:00.005-07:00

This year for Halloween Alex was Peter Pan, Alyssa was Tinkerbell, Conley was Captain Hook, and I was Wendy. The kids looked so adorable. I didn't get very good pictures (my camera is so crappy). Here are a few I took and one my cousin Jessie took for us at my parent's Halloween Party. We had so much fun, thanks mom and dad for having us over.

I had to post this one because Alex was so grumpy, and when I took his binki away for the picture he was so mad (as Alyssa is taking her slippers off).

Naughty or Nice?

2009-11-18T21:26:00.015-07:00

The babies are growing up so fast. It's crazy to see the new things they learn every day. They took so long to get here, and now I can barely remember life without them. Here are some of my favorite stories from recently:

At least once a week I have a coworker tell me stories about something silly Alex has done at daycare. Like that when one mom goes to pick up her son, Alex (being a pretty fast runner) will make it to her first to give her a big hug before her son can make it over (he actually does this to a few kids). So, either he is the sweetest kid ever and loves giving out hugs to strangers, or he knows that he can out run his little friend and beats him to his own mom every day just because he can. We'll give him the benefit of the doubt.
I think we are going to be in trouble with this kid. He is always going and going, seeing how far he can throw things, testing the amount of weight he can lift (a 12 pack of pop is nothing to him), climbing up and standing on anything he can (laundry baskets overturned, his ride-on toys, any sort of box), seeing how many times he can steal his sisters binki and run before he gets in trouble. He's such a nice brother though, if she is crying (and he wasn't the cause) he will always take her his binki, a blanket, a sippy cup or toy to make her happy. He is such a sweet and silly boy, with a laugh that contagious you can get away with anything.

I have so many sweet stories about the things Alyssa does, but I find myself telling the naughty, funny stories more often (which of course always involves Alex). Like when Alex is standing tall on the seat of his ride-on toy clapping for himself Alyssa is laughing along with him and usually decides to give him a push on the car (after all that is what they are for).
Alyssa can get herself up on pretty much anything she shouldn't be on. If she can't stretch her leg high enough to get enough leverage to pull herself up, she will find whatever toy is lying around that can give her that extra few inches. And she is quick about it. In the time you can fill up two sippy cups, she has climbed on the ottoman, gotten on the couch, changed the channel on the TV, gotten the junk out of the end table drawer, and is calling someone on my phone. But the cutest part is that when she sees you walking over to her, and knows she is caught, she stretches her arm as high as it will go to hand you the phone with the sweetest smile on her face. Like she was just holding it for you while you were away. And if she sees anyone with a medicine dropper in their hand, she immediately pops out her binki and opens her mouth. She loves taking medicine (not sure why, but it works out well?). Even if the medicine is for Alex, you have to then put the dropper in her mouth so she thinks she got something. She gives out the best hugs in the world, but you have to earn them. They (especially Alyssa) love to dance to songs they knows, they will run from anywhere in the house to watch the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Hot Dog song on TV.

Alex's Eye Surgery

2009-09-17T20:32:00.006-06:00

Alex had a minor surgery this morning. He has had a sealed tear duct since he was born, we have tried several treatments but nothing worked. So today they put a tube in the ducts of his right eye, it will stay in for 6-8 weeks and they can just remove it in the Dr's Office. Dr Affleck from the Center for Sight is his doctor, he is awesome. Apparently they discovered today that in addition to the duct being sealed the tube was very narrow which is why nothing worked up to now. Anyway, he did great. The surgery only took 15 minutes after they got him sedated (by the way, if your child ever needs day surgery I recommend the Idaho Falls Surgical Center. They were great and the took Alex to the OR, gave him some gas to relax him, and then put his IV in. This enabled them to get it in on the first try with no trouble (and no pain). The doctor compared inserting the IV without the gas first to a rodeo...I can only imagine the mess). When he woke up he was mad...very mad. He wasn't in pain, just confused and grumpy. He was growling like a bear (seriously) for at least 1/2 hour in the recovery room and for another 1/2 hour with me. Finally he fell asleep, we went home, and he slept most of the day. He is doing great, you would never know he has surgery today. He is such a good boy. I tried to get an after picture to show, and I literally had to hold him down to get one, he is running around like a crazy man now days. I am so glad this is all behind us now.

I had to take a picture of him in this teeny, tiny hospital gown he wore. It was so funny.

His diaper hanging out of the back was the best part...

I took this tonight. You can barely tell anything is wrong, the inside corner of his right eye is a little red and swollen and he's had a little bit of a bloody nose throughout the day. But he is doing great!

Everytime I tried to take a picture of Alex's eye tonight Alyssa would hurry over, push him out of the way, and flash the cheesiest smiles. I had to post them.

Awesome Tricks and 12 Month Stats

2009-08-24T21:03:00.004-06:00

Alex & Alyssa had their 12 month check-up. Everything went well. Here are their stats. (They did get the flu for the first time this weekend, it was so sad, I hate daycare germs).
Alyssa
Weight - 20lb 9oz (40th %)
Height - 30.5" (75th %)
Head - 46cm (65th %)

Alex
Weight - 23lb 3oz (50th %)
Height - 29.25" (35th %)
Head - 48.5cm (95th %)

Grandma Debbie and Grandpa Ivan bought Alex & Alyssa this cute little couch for their birthday. They love it. They can get on and off of it on their own. They love to sit in it and watch TV.

Grandma Debbie, don't read any further...
In addition to sitting on the couch watching TV like perfect angels, they have learned to do a few new tricks. Needless to say this couch makes dad a little nervous. Despite the quantity of awesome tricks, the injuries have been minimal...totally worth it.
They are going to think their names are "ALEX SIT DOWN" and "ALYSSA SIT DOWN".

Brother is pretty proud of himself, he decided to applaud.

Looks like Sister is going to be a gymnast.

Luckily for them no one can get mad at you when your face is this cute...

Have your cake and eat it too

2009-08-18T22:17:00.017-06:00

Alex and Alyssa had such a fun first birthday party. They were spoiled with tons of gifts (thank you everyone) and family to help celebrate, and Grandma Debbie made them the cutest cakes. But first, we have to take a look back...what a crazy year.

HAPPY FIRST BIRTHDAY BABIES!

Chillin at the Pool

2009-08-18T21:30:00.002-06:00

We have discovered that Alex & Alyssa love to swim. Grandma Jodi and Grandpa Dwain let us use their pool this summer and the kids love to swim in it (just like their mom). The first time they got in they learned to kick their legs to get around the pool while in their floaties. I just wish there were more hot days...

In the blink of an eye...

2009-07-20T22:07:00.003-06:00

I can't believe the babies (I am pretty sure they will always be "the babies" to me) are almost 1. Alex finally got his first 2 teeth and Alyssa got number 5 last week. I am hoping to get pictures, but they aren't very cooporative. Alyssa took her first steps yesterday, it was crazy. I tear up thinking about it, I am one of those people who wants my babies to stay babies forever. Alex is racing around the house on his hands and knees just tearing it up. He can get across the room and halfway up the stairs (or to the dog bowl with a fistfull of food) in 5 seconds flat. Alyssa is mostly interested in walkng around the furniture all day...eluding her brother.

You got a little something on your cheek.

2009-07-20T21:56:00.004-06:00

I never knew feeding yourself dinner could be so messy...seriously.

Yes, Alex is wearing a pink bib...you get what you get at our house.

If you look close you'll see that Alex has a post-dinner Spagetti O earing (remember when that was cool...uh, no offense to anyone who still has one...).

Blessing Day & 9 Month Stats

2009-05-27T20:32:00.007-06:00

Uncle Bryan blessed Alex & Alyssa May 17th. It was such a beautiful day outside. We did it in Grandma Debbie's backyard. We are so grateful to everyone that could be there. Bryan did such a great job (as I knew he would, he gives such good, strong blessings).
The babies are 9 months and growing so fast. Their growth is right on track with the average. Here are the stats from their 9 month appointment.
Alyssa 27.25" Tall (45%), 18lb 13oz (50%)
Alex 28.25" Tall (50%), 20lb 15oz (50%)

Bunny Ears and Binki Bandits

2009-05-07T15:40:00.002-06:00

Alex & Alyssa's First Easter

They have this new game where they steal each others Binkis & Toys. They both think it is so funny. It's fun to listen to them laugh and laugh.

First Haircut & First Tooth

2009-05-07T15:26:00.002-06:00

Alex had his first big boy haircut the beginning of April. He looks like such a little man.

Alyssa got her first tooth the beginning of April (not sure if you can see it, but this is the best picture I could get so far). She already has her second one now.

Alex & Alyssa 7 Month Pictures

2009-03-16T10:22:00.006-06:00

We had Alex and Alyssa's pictures taken last week by Caralee Case. She did such a great job, and was really affordable. Let me know if you want her contact info. Here are some of my favorites.

The best six months of our lives

2009-02-19T21:23:00.004-07:00

The babies had their six month check-up this week:
Alyssa is 25.75 inches tall and weighs 16lbs 13.5oz.
Alex is 25.5 inches tall and weighs 18lbs 11.5oz. Needless to say, he will be able to ward off the little boys chasing after his sister in a few years (his daddy will be so proud).

Happy Valentine's Day

2009-02-19T21:17:00.001-07:00

Finally, real food...well sort of...

2009-02-19T21:11:00.003-07:00

Alex & Alyssa eating their first baby food. Probably more on their face then in their bellies, I am pretty sure I was a little more excited then them though.

Disneyland Family Vacation

2009-01-18T19:24:00.007-07:00

We had so much fun on our Landon Family Disneyland Vacation, everyone was able to come for at least part of the time. The first picture is at the Pixar parade Sunday night and the second is of all the kids in their Mickey & Minnie outfits Monday. More pictures to come...

Just relaxing...Alex kept doing the cutest thing, while cruzin around in the stroller he kept propping both of his feet up on the handbar.

The babies first swimming adventure. They seemed to really enjoy it.

The Best Present(s) Ever

2008-12-20T22:31:00.005-07:00

This holiday season we hope your homes are filled with love, your hearts are filled with compassion, and your life is filled with lots of little surprises.

Big Smiles and Big Stories

2008-12-18T18:06:00.002-07:00

The babies were both in such a good mood last night, telling lots of stories. I tried to catch them smiling but didn't have a lot of luck. Alex can talk for hours, his stories are complete with lots of smiles and angry eyes. He's a good story teller. Alyssa likes to talk a little, but likes you to tell her the majority of the story.

Star Wars - Halloween 2008

2008-11-01T20:22:00.004-06:00

Dressed Up For Darren & Lacey's Wedding

2008-10-20T20:34:00.000-06:00

Holding Hands

2008-10-20T20:33:00.000-06:00

I’ve Been Tagged!!!

2008-10-20T20:17:00.004-06:00

My 8 obsessions right now:
1. Alex & Alyssa
2. Getting the babies to smile at me
3. Trying to snap pictures of the babies smiling at me (not so easy)
4. Spending ANY quality time with Conley
5. Hanging with the family
6. Shopping
7. Waiting for Conley to get home, from anywhere/everywhere
8. Having to go back to work in 3 weeks :(

8 words or phrases I use often:
1. I love these babies
2. I Love You
3. Will you get me a diaper (wipes, new jammies, etc.)?
4. Hurry!!
5. Ya know what I mean, Jelly Bean
6. Cuss words
7. Come over here and I’ll show you how that feels…
8. You wish

8 TV Shows I Love to Watch:
1. Survivor
2. The Office
3. Greys Anatomy
4. The Real World (I know, I am embarrassed)
5. Private Practice
6. George Lopez
7. Intervention (don’t knock in until you’ve seen it)
8. King of the Hill

8 Things That Happened Yesterday:
1. Had dinner at my Mom & Dads
2. Changed over 18 diapers
3. Made at least 15 bottles
4. Finally decided what we were going to be for Halloween
5. Did lots of laundry
6. Got good at making the babies smile at me
7. Slept in while Conley took care of the babies
8. Updated my blog, finally

8 Favorite Places to Eat:
1. Home
2. Moms
3. Texas Raodhouse
4. Wendy’s
5. Mick's on Thursdays (Cream pie day)
6. The Prime Steer
7. Sbarros
8. Johnny Carinos (mostly for the chocolate cake)

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:
1. Watching the babies grow up
2. Experiencing all of the Holidays for the first time again
3. The 2nd annual Halloween Party
4. Grandma’s 100th B-Day Party with ALL the family present
5. Retirement
6. 8 straight hours of sleep
7. Having another baby(s)
8. Summertime

8 Things on My Wish List:
1. My dream job where I work from home for the same salary
2. For Jeff, Dwain & Jodi, and all other family to live closer to us
3. A big family cabin
4. For all four of my sisters to have another baby right now so my kids have cousins their same age…
5. For those I love to be content with life
6. To retire early and travel the world with my family
7. A new house, with no mortgage (as long as we’re wishing)
8. For life to slow down

8 People I Tag:
1. Sandy (who tagged me) already tagged the only 8 people I know with blogs :)

Alex & Alyssa

2008-09-24T17:47:00.003-06:00

August 20th 2008

Twenty Tiny Toes

2008-09-24T17:45:00.003-06:00

August 20th 2008

Fair Day - September 2nd 2008

2008-09-24T17:22:00.004-06:00

Alex & Alyssa's First State Fair Trip

Morning Snuggles

2008-09-24T17:08:00.006-06:00

One morning I laid the babies side by side on the bed about 6" apart, and when I came back in the room 5 minutes later, they were snuggled up together.

Princess Alyssa!

2008-08-17T21:16:00.005-06:00

She has a name! Alyssa Ann Gotch.

Alexander The Great!

2008-08-17T21:13:00.007-06:00

Our Boy has a name! Alexander Conley Gotch.

Snuggle Bunnies

2008-08-16T20:44:00.003-06:00

Two Peas in a Pod

2008-08-15T14:01:00.000-06:00

The Twins are Born!

2008-08-15T10:30:00.011-06:00

We are so excited! The twins were born today and everything went very well. Alyssa Ann was born first at 1:37pm. She weighed 5lbs 10 oz and was 18 3/4" long. Alexander Conley was born at 1:46pm, weighed 6lbs 5oz and was 18 1/2" long. Kristy did a fantastic job and is doing well. The nurse said it went better than she could have hoped for. The labor and delivery both went very fast and the the babies are perfectly healthy. Conley and Kristy look so cute with the babies and have not stopped smiling since they were born. We are so happy for this sweet little family!
Posted by Aunt Shelly