Ellie the Model.

When I was in Rupert for mother's day, I got this email.

So naturally, I sent Ellie's picture in. I really didn't think they'd email back but...

She was in! SO I got really excited and really nervous that she'd cry the whole time or she wouldn't let anyone else hold her or it was all a scam and someone was going to kidnap her... 

I actually was pretty worried about a scam or something because the first photo shoot was a residential address in Plesant Grove, and as I drove closer and closer the neighborhood wasn't looking too great. But then I turned down a road and all the houses got bigger and better. However, I was still a little worried, so I waited in the car until other Moms and babies got there. 

The house was GORGEOUS. I could have taken pictures of the house all day. 

 

Something I thought was funny was that the models were all super super skinny. And wearing 6 inch heels, tank tops, and skinny jeans. One of the models had never even been around babies before so she was a little nervous. It made me laugh that they were pairing up babies with model "moms" because there was no way these ladies just had babies! 

 The first shoot was for Udder Covers. Ellie was the first one to go and she did ok for a minute and then wasn't too happy to be under a cover and not be getting fed..

 playing with the other babies. She had to wear a bib because she got her onesie dirty .5 seconds before they needed her and I only had one extra!

 waiting for them to get ready to put her in the shoot.

 This was the end of the first day. She was tired and had been in three shoots that day.

The second day was a shoot in Salt Lake and was for Seven Slings and Hot Slings. It was in this building that was designed for photo shoots. They realized this day to keep the moms completely out of the room for the shoots so that the babies would be more cooperative. Melissa, the marketing coordinator, took some pictures for me in some of the shoots.

 They always had three or four people there to make the babies look at the camera and smile or laugh or whatever. The founder of the company, Jenny, is in the polka dot shirt.

 Since I was in the other room with the other Moms and Babies, I didn't see Ellie a lot this day. She was with this blond model for like 2 hours. I could hear her in the other room and I kept peeking in at her just to make sure nothing was going on, of course. I was sitting by the stairs and as they were going down them to go outside I followed behind. There was no way they were taking my baby outside without me! haha

 They did some more shoots outside and then gave her back to me and the day was over!

The second day she was in 4 different shoots. They kept asking for her, probably because of her sweet hair. :) Her model "mom" was so nice and Ellie even fell asleep on her! She was just in the sling and fell asleep while waiting to do some more shots. I was jealous because Ellie never falls asleep in my arms!

There were over 1500 applications for these shoots and only 13 babies were chosen! They told us that on the first day and I was shocked! I really didn't think that many babies applied for it, so obviously my thinking that Ellie is the cutest baby in the universe is true. haha  

It was a really fun experience and I had a lot of fun talking with the other moms and playing with their babies while we were waiting around. And it was about time Ellie started earning her keep! Just kidding. But really, she got some money out of it and some sweet products. I'm glad we had the opportunity to do this, I'd do another photo shoot in a second! 

Jurgensmeier Cousins!

In June, Cory and Darin finished their residencies and while they were studying for boards/finishing up work their wives and kids came to Idaho! So Ellie and I caught a ride and played with them in Rupert for a few days.

We were so excited for them to finally meet Ellie and for her to meet them! We played and played and had tons of fun being together. 

 

Smores in the backyard.

 

One day I made a scavenger hunt for the boys. Beau was the most excited, but I think he was disappointed that the "treasure" at the end was ice cream and not something made out of paper. I'm not sure why, but he kept asking for the paper toys ha 

My mom got these dresses for the girls. We tried to get some good pictures with all of them, but its harder than it looks! Kaiya was so cute sitting there smiling and Ellie and Vivie would crawl away or look away or cry or something. oh babies! 

 

 

Meeting cousin Vivian for the first time! These cute girls are only 3 weeks apart and I hope they can always be cousin besties! 

The Montgomery grandkids that were at my grandma's for dinner

This is Corbin, my cousins little boy. He is so cute! Ellie and Corbin played together one afternoon and it was so cute to watch. 

 My dad gave all the grandkids rides on the 4 wheeler. (Ellie did like it)

 ELlie absolutely adores my Dad. It is so fun to see them play together.

 She probably loves him so much because he does crazy/fun things with her. Like helping her ride Max the dog.

After our fun in Idaho, Darin and Linsy and their family came and stayed with us for a night. We took the girls to the pool before the boys got to Midway. 

When we got home from our trip, Ellie started talking way more. Its fun to see her interact with her cousins and pick up new things from them. She definitely wants to be a big kid and do whatever they do. I just wish all the cousins lived in the same spot so we could have fun all the time!

Painting Mother's Day

My mom has wanted to repaint the kitchen for a long time, and since Josh just acquired 30 new clients and would be working even more than usual, Ellie and I decided to go to Rupert and help my mom out, spend time with Grandma Montgomery, and be there for my friend Ashley's baby shower. 

 

 The purple splotches are no more! I actually loved the purple, but it is nice to have a change and my mom loves the fresh new look.

 We didn't just do the kitchen though, since we had a few more days, we also did the living room, entry, and hallway a different color.

 Ellie was a champ while we painted. She took great naps and then was basically content to play with the thousand toys that surrounded her.

 When that didn't work, we brought out the pot lids and she banged and clanged and was happy for a little bit longer. Or when grandpa was home from work she played with him.

 

We went to Grandma Montgomery's a few times as well.

 This is my friend Ashley's niece! Ellie and Sierra look a lot a like-specifically in the hair department! They played ok together until Ellie stole Sierra's book and Sierra stole it back and then started hitting her with it. ELlie doesn't know how to play well with others yet!

A few of my friends! It was fun to see them and celebrate Ashley's baby coming! Finally a boy to add to the two girls we have now! 

On the way to church on Mother's day. 

 visiting with Grandma after church0-ellie soaked her clothes, that's why she''s nakey.

Talking to Elder Kevin! HE comes home so soon! August 12th!

 THis was my first official Mother's day (if you don't count last year with my baby in my belly..) And I am so grateful for this little babe who made me a mother. It has been the hardest, most tiring, challenging, most rewarding and best thing that has ever happened to me. I absolutely love being a mother. This is what I was made to do and to be. I love everything about it, yes, even sometimes getting pooped on and my hair pulled every day. I am so grateful for the blessing of Motherhood and I will never take it for granted. Ellie is already very independent, stubborn, funny, and oh so sweet and loving. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't already nervous for when she's a teenager, but I am so excited to see her learn and grow. She has already discovered so many new things- it seems like its something new everyday! And I love that I am able to watch her learn new things. Hooray for being a mom!

I'm glad that I got to spend the week with my mom and celebrate Mother's day with her. She lives for her kids and I am so glad that I am one of them! She's the best mom that I could ever ask for and I am grateful that she is mine!

Grandpa Montgomery

My sweet Grandpa Montgomery passed away the end of February. His funeral was the first part of March. Ellie and I went a few days early to help out and spend some time with my Grandma and mom and dad. Unfortunately I wasn't much help the day before the funeral as I was sick with the flu! I haven't thrown up since 7th grade guys! Even when I was pregnant, I did everything i could not to throw up and i didn't. 11 years of not throwing up just went down the drain... However, it was nice that my parents were there and they took care of Ellie while I laid around miserable. 

Anyway! My grandparents are basically the cutest couple in the world. When they got married both of their watches stopped and they claimed that their love made time stand still. Whenever one of them were sick or feeling bad, the other would sing I love you a bushel and a peck. I can't ever remember a time when they weren't waiting on each other or helping each other or holding each others hands. They are just too cute! I am so glad I was able to grow up just a mile from their house and run over there to swim, play, and explore with my cousins.We would go to birthday dinner with them every year for our birthdays and then shopping at Christmas time. It was always so fun to be with them! They helped to make my childhood so awesome! 

Here's some pictures of ELlie enjoying her time with her fabulous grandparents

 Going for walks outside with Dad and the dog Max

 Baking cookies with grandma

 First time on a swing with grandpa!

 Sleeping like an angel

 Trying out the Jurgy Jumper!

 Grandpa trying to teach her how to crawl

 passed out after jumping away!

 and sleeping again. this time grandpa was too

 Listening to Grandpa play his guitar.

 SO focused on what he was doing!

Watching my Dad play songs on his guitar to her was so sweet. My dad is silly and makes up crazy words and songs alllll the time. He sang and played his guitar for us when we were little. (Little red riding hooood you sure are lookin' gooood you're everything that a big bad wolfie would want.. ou ou ouoooooooo! That was one of my favorites :) )

 the day of the funeral was absolutely gorgeous. There couldn't have been better weather.

 It was fun to see all my cousins and hear more about my Grandpa. He was one tough guy!

In the past 6 months, both of my grandpas died. One was finally reunited with his wife and the other left his behind. While I was sad at both of their funerals, I was also happy. Happy because they are now free of the pains and troubles their old bodies were causing them Both were farmers, both were hard workers, both loved their families, and both loved the Lord. I am so grateful for their examples and the way they lead their families. And I am happy because I KNOW that I will see them again.I cannot imagine not knowing that truth, that families are forever! I am so grateful for a Father in Heaven who's plan for us is centered in families. And for Jesus Christ, who died to make it possible for us to live with ours forever.