Pinewood and Paisley

We've had a fun time working with the cub scouts. Brandon revolutionized the pinewood derby with these little guys. And without further ado, some pictures of our little pumpkin . . .

Anyone for some cutie pie?

Last week Brandon received and accepted a job offer from Valley Crest, a landscape contractor here in Las Vegas. We are so grateful and excited about the new opportunity. We had a few days free of obligations before his job started, and Mom couldn't resist the chance to have all of her grandchildren together on Mother's Day, so she flew us out to Oregon. Here are some pictures from the trip . . .Three daughters for three sisters-- It was so fun to have the cousins together.
Hangin' out at the Cooper's

Paisley, Annabelle, and Hazel get aquainted.

We went on a hike to Drift Creek Falls. Brandon carried Paisley in the sling. She looks pretty comfortable . . . Really, she loved it. She loves the movement. Whenever she's fussy we just take her on a walk.

I'm usually bitterly disappointed to find out that things I saw in my childhood aren't as huge or amazing as I remembered them. I hadn't been on this hike since I was a kid, but it was much more spectuacular than my memory of it. I guess that comes from living in the desert.

Baby Frankenstein-- It was so funny to see Paisley sleeping in her stroller with her hands sticking straight up in the air.

pretty paisley

I can't believe how fast she's growing! We went to the pediatrician today and she weighs 8 lbs. 9 oz. Isn't this dress darling? It's preemie size so she won't be in it much longer . . .

special delivery

Paisley Eden Smith was born at 4:35 on Sunday April 5th. My water broke at 1:45 a.m., we were at the hospital by 3, and I wasn't contracting so they put me on pitocin at 4. Everything went smoothly and thanks to the epidural we were able to peacefully watch General Conference as we waited. The doctor was surprised that she weighed 7lbs 9 oz. and was 19 1/2 inches long. Everyone thought we'd have a tiny baby. She gave us a little scare when she didn't pee for more than 24 hours, but we were finally able to take her home and now she's healthy and happy. We feel overwhelmed with love and gratitude. She's already taught us so much.

Vote on Brandon's Career

Ever since Brandon was let go a few weeks ago, he's been on the hunt for an exciting new job. Career decision can be difficult, so we thought we'd get a little imput from family and friends. Which job do you think Brandon should pursue?

1) Founder of a sandwich shop: Rachel and Brando's Sando Lando--home of the peanut butter wand whatever you want sandwich. It'd be kind of like the coldstone creamery of sandwich shops.

You may even be able to talk him into giving you one of these coupons for a free sandwich.

2) A professional portrait-- This incredibly life-like portrait could hang on your wall for only $30/hour

3) Indiana Smith--We're sure there are lots of people who know the approximate whereabouts of priceless artifacts. All they need is a handsome and adventurous man to go find them.

4) Tatoo artist--specializing in pregnant bellies

5) Career-O-Matic Vendor-- After 16 plus years of being told what to learn and when to learn it by, the transition from student to employee can be daunting. With the Career-O-Matic, college grads wouldn't have to make any decisions. It picks an exciting new career for you.

6) Daddy--Of course, whatever happens, he'll be a wonderful dad.

The ever-expanding belly

Mom has been getting after me about posting some belly pictures. With the due date in less than two weeks, that's probably a good idea. The first one was taken a few weeks ago and I just took the second one. I've been bumping into stuff a lot the last couple of days and I have to turn sideways to wash the dishes. I guess that's when you know you're getting bigger.

Happy February

We decided to escape the heat and the pavement on Valentine's Day and headed to Mount Charleston. It's pretty impressive to see the desert turn into a winter wonderland. I guess Las Vegas isn't all sagebrush. Here's the pregnant snow lady we made:

Daddy's little girl

I think she won the biggest belly contest.