San Diego trip

We had a great little trip to San Diego last week. From the 9th to the 16th we were able to escape wintery Utah and visit a place we could wear shorts. We stayed at Noah's Grandma Joyce's home and had a wonderful time spending time with her.



After we flew in we visited Noah's mom and a family he is friends with. Since the sun was setting and it was nice and warm we decided to stop by Ocean Beach too. Savannah loved it. She headed straight for the water after falling once in the sand.











Wednesday we went to Sea World and had so much fun. Their little kid area was all redone with Sesame street and we spent hours there before exploring the rest of the park. Savannah loved everything there, especially the flamingos that walked in front of us and the sea lions that made her laugh really hard.





















Thursday we walked around Balboa park and met with Noah's Grandma Joyce where she works at the art musuem. There was a beautiful exibit with large kimonos that we really enjoyed. We also looked for Coy fish in the pond, which Savannah could not get enough of. Then we went to Noah's brother Spencer's place and went out to eat with him and his girlfriend to Moe's. It used to be Hamburger Mary's. Same place, just a new name. Look it up online. Its a really fun place, and the waitress kept taking Savannah to the dance floor.



Friday we went to the zoo. I had wanted to go here since I was little, and was not dissappointed. It was no Animal Kingdom, but it was really fun and I fell in love with the new baby Koala with its mom. The pandas were really awesome too. I had never had the chance to see one before. After the zoo we went to Hodad's in OB. Its featured on Diners, Drive ins and Dives.. a favorite show in our family.





Saturday we did a little shopping and visited Noah's great grandpa George before going to dinner at Great grandpa Tom and Great grandma Rita's. Savannah opened up some Christmas presents and we had such a great time



Sunday we went to church were Noah was converted. His mom met us there and after we went to brunch at Tom and Rita's, then Dinner at his Aunt Bridget's. It was a day of seeing lots of family and we loved it. Savannah loved chasing around the other kids at Bridget's house and got lots of really cute hand me downs from the very well dressed little Emily (Bridget's daughter). It was such a great day and Savannah got a few more really cute Christmas presents.



Monday was super rainy and not very typical weather. We met Noah's mom Gale and Aunt Jenny for lunch before Savannah was shown off to a few friends of Gale's. We finally relaxed before heading off for some goodbyes.


Overall we had a wonderful time. it was not much fun to come back to lots of snow, but it is nice to get back to life and normal sleeping patterns. We are so grateful for family, and I am especially happy with the one I married into.

Little Flashback

I just sat down to look at some pictures and began to tear up. Its been almost 15 months since Savannah came into our lives and the time has flown by so fast that its hard to believe how much she has grown and changed. I was looking at pictures from the first 2 weeks of her life and so many feelings came back to me. I remember feeling lost, unworthy, and scared. Most of all I remember when I held her those first few weeks and was so worried I wouldn't be a good mom to this little person I didn't really know.

Oh how things have changed. I still feel scared, especially since she is so much like me. I don't feel as lost, but I still feel unworthy to have her. I still have a hard time believing I am a mom, and that I helped create her, because she is so amazing. She talks all the time, runs everywhere, loves to explore, and seems to always have these little tasks she sets her mind to and will not be bothered until she is done. I remember worrying about what she was going to be like, and if she would like me. That first day we held her was like meeting a little stranger you cant help but love. I remember looking at her and wondering who she was going to be and what she was going to be like. I have a feeling she is only going to become more and more amazing, and full of surprises.

Getting ready for Christmas!

Noah and I are very excited to have a camera again. Well, I think I am more than Noah, but now I will not bug him about how we have not been able to capture 2 months of our child's life. It's a plum colored camera too! I think its very pretty. We got it just in time for our trip next week to San Diego, but until then, we decided to play with it a little at home. Savannah would not stop posing with cheesy smiles.

We got our Christmas decorations up and I love it! There is something about having a tree, and little lights and a nativity that just makes a home even more comfortable. I have always been very into the holidays, and have actually been watching Christmas movies and taking decorations inventory for almost 2 months. I have my playmobil nativity up, which I have loved since I was 16. Savannah now gets my pink Barbie tree in her room, which I still love, but am happy to share. I love our fake tree, and though it only has ornaments on the top half to not tempt Savannah, its perfect! With the table decor, lighted garland down the stairs, stockings hung on the wall, and a candy cane message board I made for Christmas cards, we love the feeling of the season in our home.

Amazing people

I am constantly amazed at how much other people love and help me. I am not one to ever ask for help, but when I am desperate there is always someone there. I have been proven time and time again that people are not always out for themselves in the world. I grew up with many fair wether friends, but in the past few years have met some truly amazing people.

Last night my car broke down on the way to work and without hesitation they guy at work said it was not problem if he had to wait a little longer, Noah came to rescue me, and my neighbors came over (even though they are teachers and up and out of the house very early) to be close to my sleeping baby. I hate feeling out of control, but its so wonderful to know there will always be people there for you... just like last week when my friend Elise said it was no problem watching Savannah at 6am, when her own baby would still be sleeping. I don't feel worthy enough to be around such amazing people.

This weekend my wonderful friend Amy coming into town, and she is one of those amazing people. Someone who was one of the first to prove to me what a true friend is. I am so excited to continue to have the opportunity to surround myself with greatness. I hate to think what the world would be like without these people.

Just another quick example. Noah and I have been talking about ways to strengthen our marriage, because there is always room for improvement. I just got home after working all night and getting the car fixed, to find a dry erase board he bought and wrote on. He split it into 8 boxes and wrote the days of the week and upcoming events. In each square were goals and things we had talked about. Its so wonderful to know that we are both in this full hearted and that little things, like being better at brushing our teeth at least twice a day and saying family prayers more often, written on a board can show how much we want this to work forever.

Not too much to report... but I can always leave a little

Life is pretty much the same as always. We are loving our time together and really excited that we will be taking a short drive to Park City, UT this weekend. My very generous parents have given all their kids a week to divide at a resort there. Noah and I will be the first to stay a few nights. I think I am most excited for the change of scenery and to spend some time together. I have been very emotional since weening Savannah and I think my hormones are all out of balance. Poor Noah has to deal with the slightest things making me cry... just like the entire time I was pregnant, so I think this weekend with fresh air and quality time will be very good for us.

Its crazy to think we have been married for 2 years now. So much has happened since then and its so wonderful how much better life can get. For the first time in our marriage I really feel like we are home. That may sound odd, but it feels like we are finally in the right place, at the right time. I know we wont be here forever, and someday I would love to not be renting, but for right now we seem to just fit. I love the friends that we have here and the close family. It will only get better when my parents move out here. Noah and I have for the first time in our marriage actually made friends together. We love all our friends, but there is something different about those you knew before and your spouse met, and people you meet as a couple and decide to spend time with. Savannah is making friends too! Noah and I had work schedule conflicts last week and luckily my friend Elise saved us by watching Savannah for two mornings. Savannah and her little boy played so well together and Savannah was so excited to see him again yesterday. I love this state more than I ever thought I would and am so grateful for the opportunities that brought us here.

Hopefully we will get a camera, or get ours fixed so we can have pictures from this weekend. Its amazing how much Savannah has grown up. She is 14 months now! Crazy!

Voting Day!

Today we are going to teach Savannah about being politically aware and civic responsibility. Who knows how long the lines will be, but when Noah gets home from work any time now, we will be heading to the Elementary School to vote. I am excited as this is only my second presidential election I can vote in, and the first Savannah is alive for.

Everything else is going well. Savannah loved Halloween. She got the concept of holding out her bag for candy quite quickly. Sadly our camera is broken so I did not get pictures, but it was fun. There is nothing else really going on, other than going to cornbelly's with my sister and my nephews. Savannah liked the train ride, but the kids were a bit to young for the David Archuleta corn maze... wow, you don't hear that too often.

Life is good. We are excited to see family and friends in the coming months and I am looking forward to black friday to buy a camera. Hope everyone goes out to vote!

Life is good

Just to catch up on life... Savannah had a good turnout for her party. It was a bit of a windy day, but at least it did not rain. Many great friends and family members came and I think it went pretty well.

Since her birthday quite a bit has happened. Savannah went for her 1 year Dr apt and she got lots of shots. Apparently she is still tall and thin due to her 90% height and 25% weight. I know she didn't get it from me.

Savannah also got her free photo shoot at kiddie kandids that kids get for their birthday. We decided it would be fun to get hers done in her Halloween costume. She LOVES wearing it. She was like a little model in the mall. She had the studio in the front that a passerby can look at. She ate up all the attention. While I was viewing the photos, she actually moved a bench and sat in the window waving at people.

Savannah is still in Little Gym and loves it. She cries everytime we leave. She is getting so fast and is starting to run a little. Noah and I really enjoy being able to see her run around and walk on the balance beam, do forward rolls, hang on the bars, etc. Its a really good outlet for all the energy she has.

Savannah's 1st Birthday

Its been an amazing year with our little girl. She is the most wonderful baby. Wednesday was her birthday so we had some fun. We made her a little cake to destroy and went out to lunch with my sister Erin and her family. Savannah loved being able to show some of her presents to her cousins. We are having a party on Saturday so there will be more pictures then, but for now here is a little video.

Savannah and Amy go to Gotham City

Savannah and I had the wonderful chance of going to Chicago for 9 days and spending time with Amy and Lauren (two former college roommates). I had never been to the white city, but had spent enough time studying it, so I was very excited and not disappointed. Savannah is quite the walker now and is getting very fast, so though there was quite a bit of chasing, it was wonderful.

My best friend Amy got married and moved away in April, and life has been very lonely since (leaving a large void and nowhere to go during Noah's night classes), but it was amazing to see her and have little adventures. We had the chance to go to the zoo, the aquarium, a boat tour, the field museum (with Sue the biggest t-rex), and spend some much needed girl time. We even got to help Lauren do a little maternity clothes shopping and spend a lot of time chatting up the various stages in our lives and how when living together three years ago, we never imagined our lives would be the way they are now. We are all so lucky. Its amazing to have such great friends, especially ones who will invite you to invade their life for 9 days. Chicago was beautiful and we hope to go back again soon.

Savannah's first ear infection

Yesterday was eventful to say the least. I worked the night and got home quickly at 9 to pick her up and go to Little Gym. She was a little tired, but participated and I thought she just might need a nap. I let her sleep for a while as I drove to meet up with my sister Erin and her two little boys. Savannah woke up very clingy then vomited all over herself and quite a bit on me. I don't think I have ever been so sad, and strangely i did not care that I had vomit all over me.

Luckily my sister, who is my mommy mentor and should be mother of the year, calmed me down, helped cool Savannah, help clean her off, and even caught vomit in her hands, while getting her boys ready to have their pictures taken. Savannah is one of the most active babies, but for the three following hours she hardly moved while i held her and waited for the Dr.'s appointment I set up for her.

We spent two hours at her pediatricians office. They had to give her a catheter to test for a bladder infection, performed a strep test, and after a few things did not go according to plan (which the Dr. blamed on lighting), it turned out she has an ear infection. She got a shot, which did not cure all things, but after a 102 fever at 9:30pm, a call to her Dr, and a trip to walmart for meds and ice cream, she finally went to bed at 11 and luckily a very long day came to an end. She is still sickly, but better and i am so grateful we have insurance.

Some new pictures

Life is going well. Noah has been really busy, however yesterday we had the chance to take Savannah to get some pictures done. Noah wanted to get family pictures, but i need to lose some more weight first. I am losing, but have a lot more to go. I will get some pictures out in the mail soon, but here is a preview of the photo session.

We are so blessed

Today has been a great day. Noah is in St. George for work, but just getting to talk a little on the phone, and spend so much time with Savannah, I can't help but think how blessed we are. We never expected to start having children so early on in our marriage, but we could not have a better baby. She is so smart, and so happy all the time. Today we got her a doll stroller and she has walked around the house so many times just taking care of her baby dolls and stuffed animals. We never showed her how to do it, however somehow she just put the two together and took them for a ride. Then later, right before bed, we were playing with some toys and she knew immediately which shapes went in which spots, and when to turn the page in the book. We have a genius child, and I can't wait to see her keep growing and exploring. Sure when you think of people being blessed you think of wealth, but even though we don't have the largest savings and still rent, I wouldn't trade our unexpected, but absolutely amazing baby for the world.

Walking video

We took a little video of Savannah walking around after bath time tonight. She sure loves to walk. I did a lot of chasing at church today. I have a feeling this is only the beginning

Savannah is walking!

I know it has been a while since I wrote and SO MUCH has happened!

Life is going really well. Noah will be going to St George in a couple weeks to help fix up some of the Hollywood Video stores down there. He has been very busy with work this summer, so he took some of his vacation time and we have been having family bonding at home for a week. I realized sometimes its nice to just stay home.

Savannah has 8 teeth now, she is starting to walk, and she is a chatterbox! She is such a creative little girl. About a month ago she started to become really independent and loves to just sit and play. She loves books and taking things in and out of containers. Everyone tells me how advanced she is and I am so proud.

I'm doing alright. I hate this heat (it hit 100 today), but life goes on. Noah took me to Mamma Mia yesterday and I loved it. All day I have been humming and singing Abba songs. We are still waiting for the Dark Knight crowds to die down so we can go see it. Savannah sleeps in movies theaters, but we prefer small crowds just to be safe.

My 23rd birthday

Yesterday was a happy day. I turned 23! Almost time for the quarter life crisis. It was a great day. We all slept in a little, did some shopping, went out to eat, then had a good long walk followed by giving Savannah a super long a splashy bath. It's funny how birthdays change when you have a baby. Even though its supposed to be "your day," you will never have your own day again. Nothing will ever really be about me again, and I am totally fine with it. However, it was very fun to feed her some of the wonderful cake Noah made me. :)

I finally catch up with the times

So i decided it was time to blog. Life is going pretty well. Noah and I live in Pleasant Grove, UT. We love it here and have great neighbors and friends. We have been here since August of last year and were shortly thereafter blessed with our baby girl. She is an amazing little bundle of joy. Savannah Addison Bongard turns 9 months on the 17th, and to celebrate she is going to the Dr to get her checkup and then maybe we will go get some pictures taken. According to all the books and developmental charts she is very ahead. She has been crawling for two months and is starting to stand on her own without holding on. We are working on her vocabulary. She has said five words clearly. She loves to play peek-a-boo and watch Bunny Town.

Noah is enjoying his job. He is the store director of a Hollywood Video store in Saratoga Springs. Its only about 15 minutes away, so with rising gas prices we are happy he is at this store and not in Salt Lake County anymore. He will be back to school in the fall, and for right now is stuck spending more time with Savannah and me.

Im doing great. I turn 23 on the 12th, which I am not that excited about. I am not enjoying getting older, but its one of those things you can't avoid. We will just have to see what happens this year. I was engaged at 20, married at 21, had a baby at 22, so we will see what 23 brings. I am excited to take cake decorating classes, which is what I asked Noah for. I used to bake a lot before I went to school in Idaho. I am trying to get back into it and am pulling out all my old decorating and cake making things. I want to make Savannah an amazing first birthday cake.