Merry Christmas!

Santa came to visit our ward Christmas party and although we just knew Mason would scream, we had to have a picture of him on Santa's lap.  Everybody has a picture of themselves screaming on Santa's lap as a baby... right? So we took our child (who tends to scream when anybody, but Mom or Dad tries to hold him) to sit on Santa's lap. 

Not only did he not scream, he seemed oblivious to everything that was going on.  With Mason you just never can plan your outcome.  He lives to surprise us! What a cutie!

My Daddy sure does love me!
(Before reading it is important to inform you that the events & stories did infact happen, the emphasis however was added for humor purposes)

So this year had many accomplishments and this is not an end of year blog entry. It is however an opportunity for me to share with you another one of my White Sox stories. This year, one of the greatest things happened to Jen and I with the birth of Mason. He has been such a blessing and joy to our family and we just can't get enough of him. He has also been a great addition to the "Anderson White Sox Fan Club" by watching games, screaming at the pitchers, and crying when we lose a game or two. Some people say he likes the movement on the screen but we know better...he really likes the White Sox!
So this year the Sox did pretty good and won the American League Central Division and I was so excited because that meant more Sox baseball and the hat MLB put out was pretty cool.

Well this hat was nearly impossible to find. I wanted to get Mason one because it was a Sox hat, they won their division, and it was the year he was born. I thought it would be cool for him when he gets older. So I looked everywhere and the hat was always sold out. I had Aunts and Uncles in Chicago and Grandparents in Ohio looking everywhere for this hat and still no luck. I searched online and the best I could find was a Alternate hat, which was not my favorite, or one on ebay for 56 dollars. (Jen wouldn't let me bid on it though)
(JK, I'm not that crazy).
I even called the manufacturer of the hat and they gave me a list of stores to call that would carry or sold the hat but every store was sold out too. So as baseball season came to an end I was on the verge of giving up and accepting the fate of Mason's broken heart that his Daddy didn't get him his favorite hat, I decided to check one more time....and there it was! It was like I found a golden ticket to Willy Wonkas Chocolate factory! It was like the Sox just won another world series. The hat was for sale again! So after making sure it was in stock, and under 25 dollars, I called Jen and placed the order while asking for her approval at the same time. (Gotta ask the wife first right!) She of course said yes and three days later Mason got his first real White Sox hat!

Isn't he so cute!

That's my little Sox fan!
So the hat is going in a plastic bag and will be put away for a rainy day.
Maybe even his first game at US Cellular field. Who knows!
"I love you buddy!"

DON'T FORGET TO VOTE!

November 2nd!

Happy Birthday Babe! 

Isn't he delicious?!

Wow! Thirty Years Old! 

Where does the time go?

Here are thirty things that make my sweets so amazing!

1. He is so laid back about everything (except for if it has to do with our little Mason).  He has taught me to step back and enjoy life a little more.

2. He is so patient.  

3. He loves to joke and laugh.  He always makes sure we are having a good time! 

4. He loves playing and watching baseball.  Whenever we go to a game it's tradition to share a hotdog.... and he always gives me the first bite! When playing he is the good sport complimenting everyone and keeping it positive.

5. He treats all women with such respect.  Sometimes I wonder if we really do live in a fairy tale because of the royal treatment I receive.  He is such a gentleman.

6. He is so kind.  He never has a bad word to say about anyone.  He tries to make sure that everyone is comfortable in awkward situations. 

7. He is always serving.  He is always offering everything he has including his time to others.

8. He is very creative.  He loves spending time creating videos.  He developed this talent when he was very young, and although he doesn't have much time to practice.... he is very good at it!

9. He works hard!

10. He always helps out around the house.  He even likes to do the dishes!

11. He never complains, even though sometimes life is so overwhelming.

12. He really does love unconditionally.  Something I am trying to learn from him.

13. He gives a great hug!

14. He is the best friend I ever had or ever will have.

15. He is a good listener and when I am not to stubborn to take it, he gives good advice!

16. He loves to watch sports, musicals, and movies.  He likes to do everything and anything! He is so easy to please!

17. He makes some really great pancakes!

18. He eats cookies and ice cream with me even when he doesn't feel like it, just so I don't have to feel guilty.

19. He is such a good sport! When we disagree he always says he's sorry first (even when I am the one at fault).  He is teaching me to be less stubborn and more forgiving.  

20. He is very, very forgiving.

21. He likes to travel.  A few of the places we've been together.... Mexico, San Diego, Australia...

22. He is spontaneous! One time he planned a trip to take me to Six Flags in Colorado for our Anniversary.  He even packed my bags for me.  Daring huh?

23. He loves his birthday! He makes it fun to celebrate!

24. He also loves Christmas! I love that he has a little lego train that he puts around our tree every year.  He even starts listening to Christmas music... well, actually.... he will listen to it any time of the year.... if I allow it! :o)

25. He is pretty darn smart, especially when it comes to movies and music.  He also knows a lot about computers.  If there is anything he doesn't know, just give him a little time and he will figure it out.

26. He is very sweet, and again... patient.  He has stayed up late many, many nights listening to me cry about something I've been stressed about.  Even though he can barely keep his eyes open, he will just let me keep talking until I feel better.  Sometimes till the early hours of the morning. 

27. He is a great dancer! He danced in some shows in New York before we met.  I love it when he breaks out into some of his old moves! He also did me a favor by taking a ballroom dance class with me just for fun.  He was a fabulous partner!

28. He is very sensitive.  I didn't know how truly sensitive he was until we had our little Mason. The second he entered the world and was placed on my stomach Josh's tears began to flow.  It was so precious!

29. He really loves his family! He has proven that he would do anything necessary to make sure they are safe and well.

30. He is Josh! He is truly authentic! I have never met anyone so perfect.  He is the love of my life! He is a wonderful husband and daddy!

The Carving Clan!

We are so glad Christensen's came over to carve pumpkins with us.  They made it so much fun and because of them the pumpkins actually have legible faces! (Aren't their kids so cute?!) They brought some fun little gadgets that made it possible to carve A+ pumpkins! Unfortunately we did this activity during little Mason's bedtime, so Josh found a way to include him.... 

Notice Josh's pumpkin... He is one of those talented carvers with an idea! He saw my sister Michelle put her little guy in a pumpkin a couple years ago and has been wanting to do it with his boy every since.  Well, the pumpkin was carved and ready, all we needed was to wait until the baby woke up to execute the plan!

Mason didn't think it was such a "cute" idea! In fact we tried a couple of times and then by the intense cry we could tell we were pushing a little too hard just for a cute picture! Maybe we'll try again next year with a bit bigger pumpkin!

The Pumpkini!

We had so much fun growing a vegetable garden this year.  We had lots of tomatoes, green peppers, and zucchini.  We also have a whole bunch of pumpkins that are ready to be carved.  This particular zucchini was huge and I had planned on making some bread with it.  

There was just one problem! When Josh and I cut it open, we realized our zucchini was one of a kind.  Oops! We must have planted the pumpkins too close because this was what you might call a 'Pumpkini'.  It smelled and looked just like a pumpkin on the inside.  I was still going to use it, but Josh laughed at me like I was joking.  This poor vegetable.... rejected because it was different from the rest.  

The Best Gift Ever!

We were so lucky to receive a visit from some very special friends a couple days ago. I worked with Dr. Palmer for about three years and he became family to Josh and I. He and his wife are so much fun to be around! Dr. "P" is very talented with his hands, and with the knowledge that Mason's room had been done in trains, he made us a train from wood for Mason's room. It is so amazing! Every little detail is so perfect! It is just what Mason's room needed and we had just the spot for it!
We do wish we would have taken a picture of Dr. "P" and his wife, Ilene, with Mason and the train. Josh and I both couldn't believe we didn't think of it! Oh well, another excuse to see them again! :o)

The train is situated right next to the changing table and Mason is so fascinated with this new addition to his room. We can't even begin to express how much we love this incredible train! Thank you so much!

DIVISION CHAMPS!!!!!

"GO GO WHITE SOX!"

Mason was so excited, almost more than Josh that the White Sox were actually on TV in Utah for the "Tie-breaker" to see who would be the division champions.

Mason and I suited up for the game first thing in the morning! We thought we would make daddy proud! He has all sorts of superstitions about who should wear what when. It turns out that Mason was not allowed to where his gray White Sox Onesie because the last time he wore it the White Sox lost. I promised him that "this time" it would bring good luck!
I'm sure their win tonight had something to do with his request for dinner! He sent Mason and I out to get Brats and maple bars. Somebody told him it was amazing and so we gave it a try. It was actually really good.....and super nutritious? Uh, I don't thing so! We'll have to limit our intake on brats and maple bars! :o)

When family comes to town...

There's never a reason to frown!

(Better late than never?)

Mason got to take his first trip to the zoo! I'm not so sure he was all that interested, but he did get a cute little sun hat out of the deal! We had fun watching our cute little nephew, Asher, get excited about all the fun things to see and do.  We don't get to see him much because he and his family live in New Mexico.  I can't believe how cute he is.  He is such a little boy!

Asher and his daddy on the merry-go-round!

Our little Mason just wanted to share his fascination with his tongue.  He sure loved his Aunt Michelle (my big sis.)!

Asher was so cute with his little cousin, Mason.  He is going to be a great big help to his mommy when his little brother or sister arrives!

My Boys.....

There is something so special about pictures of daddy and his boy! 

Josh is such a good dad! When he gets home from work he immediately wants to see Mason.  Even after a long day at work he still wants to be the one to change his diaper and put him to bed.  Mason sure knows and loves his daddy!

Mason's first flight! I think he definitely earned his "wings"!

Mason and Mommy after his first plane ride (to Chicago)! He didn't actually start acting up until we had to wait in line for the rental car.  Mason was such a good boy for all three hours of the flight.  We were such nervous first parents that I basically nursed him the whole time (up, down, and in between) just to make sure he didn't cry! The funny thing was that we received so many compliments on how we were "such good parents".  If you can keep your baby from crying for a whole three hours on the plane you just might be nominated for the 'best parents of the year' award!  :o)  Oh well, we still appreciated the compliments!

Happy 90th Birthday Great- Great- "Nanny" 

We really wanted Mason to meet his Great- Great- "Nanny" and what better time than for her big birthday celebration.  We were really glad we were able to make it.  She was so happy to have all of her family there with her.  I must say, it was quite the "fancy, shmancy" party! Mason and I were best friends during the event as we had to sneak him a few snacks every once and a while.

Josh kept busy entertaining our cute little nephews and niece! He's so good with kids!

Mason and Mommy at the Party! Wow! You would think he meant to pose like that! What a cutie!

Mason really loved meeting his Great- Great- "Nanny".  She was really good with him.  There was one morning where Mason and her had some time without the rest of the family around.  He was smiling for her like he hadn't really smiled for anyone before (besides his mommy and daddy).  He even fell right to sleep on her lap- no rocking necessary!  It truly was a special experience for them to meet!

Mason's blessing day!

Mason was blessed on August 3rd.  We were so blessed to have so many of our friends and family come (many from out of town) to see our little "angel" (don't be fooled by the pictures.... he really was a happy boy that day.... it just doesn't show).  What a special blessing he received! While giving the blessing Josh really felt how special this little guy really is... to us....and.... to our Heavenly Father.   We truly are so blessed!  

Thank you so much to all who were able to come! We love you!

Happy One Month Mason!!!

We cannot believe our little Mason is actually one month old! This past month feels like one long day! During the month Mason has grown about two inches and now weighs seven pounds! We are so proud of him! 

Mason should have been born on the fourth of July, but we decided he still deserved a picture with the flag... coincidentally he was born on flag day (three weeks earlier).  Mason got to celebrate the fourth with his cousins, Koleson, and Allyssum (from Iowa), and grandma and pa Pettit.  Unfortunately his curfew was so early that he missed the fireworks (and so did we)! Happy first fourth of July Mason!

 

This was Mason's first outing to the mall.  He likes to cry at all the wrong times and I was worried he would have one of his little outbursts in the mall; however, he was pretty much a perfect angel!  He is definitely my child..... feels at peace while shopping! :o)  We couldn't believe we actually fit he and his cousins all in the back seat.  It was so cute!

Like Father, Like Son!

These two were both napping at the same time..... different rooms, same position! Is that not so adorable? My two babes!

We went for a walk to the park and Josh gave Mason his first experience on the swings! Mason watched his daddy closely the whole time making sure that he was playing by the rules!

Isn't he so precious? 

A few things about our little Mason:

• He always has to have his hands close to his face.
  
• His stretches and yawns are very exaggerated
  
• He turns on the hose every time he gets mad.  (When I start feeding him a few minutes later than he'd like he leaves me with a nice little wet spot to remind me never to be late again). 
  
• Somehow he manages to wait until the moment our heads hit the pillow to begin crying for our attention.
  
• He likes the outdoors; however, he's not quite sure how he feels about his stroller because he's not big enough to be comfortable inside of it.
  
• He likes hand rubs, singing, and tickles on his face.
  
• Josh says he likes to watch baseball, but he has yet to stay awake through a whole game.
  
• He is finally too long for his preemie clothes, but too small for the newborn outfits.  He likes to hang out in his diaper!
  
• He seems to know what he wants and when he wants it.  He doesn't stop until he gets it! The problem is that we are not sure how to speak his language quite yet.
  
• He is the most kissed baby on the face of the planet! We just can't keep away from him!
  

Happy Birthday Jen!

So before you read on yes I know my wife's birthday was yesterday but I was so busy in trying to get home to celebrate I had no extra computer time so here it is now!

YEAH HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY!

So we have a tradition in my family that started with my Dad that on your birthday you don't get the same old Happy Birthday song sung to you in the morning (sorry if I offended anyone), but my Dad raised me to know good rock and roll when you hear it and nothing beats the Birthday song by the Beatles to celebrate your birthday. Here you go! Get ready Mason!

So let me tell you why I am married to the most amazing person. This past month has been so exciting and we both have grown so much as we have become parents (not to mention the lack of sleep and trying to get used to that yeah right). But Jen is something else! She is the best mom ever. She is so loving and caring with our little Mason that words cannot describe. I just went back to work after a 3 week hiatus and everyday I come home I see her holding our little guy in trying to calm him down as he has been fussy, making sure he eats enough so he can grow a bit more, even teaching him by laying him on the floor and working with him to look or lift his little head. She is awesome.

(This picture was taking by Jen's Aunt Jackie...who is also amazing. She took the most beautiful pictures of Mason and our family. Thanks again Jackie! We cannot thank you enough)

She is also an amazing wife! Let me tell you why...

1- Jen is so patient with me and has been for a long time. Through school and work. Everything I get myself into she is so loving, and helps me work through my situations

2- She is a hottie! I mean come on did you not look at the picture above. She is precious. It's like that feeling when something just goes right in your life or day. It just completes a moment. Jen does that for me. Everyday!

3- Jen is the most loving person I know. Her heart is in the right place. She loves not only our family but takes time to love others as well. She is always telling me something that she wants to do for her family, friends, and loved ones to make there day a little brighter.

4- Jen has passion! She loves to complete a project or finish a to do list (which we will be doing this weekend). She strives to the end of everything.

5- She cares for me. Everyone knows I am a baseball nut and she goes out of her way to share some baseball moments. She even plays softball with some friends to give me my fix.

6- She is spiritual! This might sound weird to be on my list to some but she understands our plan together. Jen has this peaceful feeling about her that I know all of you have felt when around her. She is just so easy to be around.

the list could go on and on how she is an amazing baker and cooker, she has a beautiful singing voice (at times she sings Mason to sleep and you would think oh I am sure if anyone sings he will go to sleep, but not when I sing to him, just Mommy), she is an awesome dancer, she has a beautiful smile that make her eyes sparkle....again i could go forever but I just want her to know that I love her. And I know that Mason loves her just as much.

Thanks babe for choosing me!

Mason Joshua Anderson has joined our family!

Wow! There are not words to express the little miracle we now have in our home! On Saturday June 13th we went to the hospital to have an ultrasound (because our little man was measuring to be a little smaller than the "norm"). It turned out that my fluids were really low and my doctor decided that I would need to be admitted and induced to have the baby that night! It came to me as quite the shock and all I could do was cry. We thought we still had three weeks.

After 19 hours of pain (including three visits to the operating room) we finally had our sweet baby! I love this picture because it was such an amazing moment when they put our baby on my belly and Josh could do nothing, but cry! It was so sweet to see him as a daddy for the first time. We are so excited Mason is here!

5 pounds 14 ounces

19 inches long

Born at 10:48 Saturday June 14th

His daddy just can't get enough of him!

I can't believe he is actually here! After about three and a half years of waiting we have finally received the special little miracle we've been waiting for.  He was so worth the wait!

He is so tiny!

Isn't he adorable! He loves to have his hands up by his face.  We can't believe how easy it is to pass the time just staring at our little miracle.  We just don't want to miss one little movement or expression.  

Oh the battle wounds!  Our poor little Mason was put under the lights for a little sun tan while at the hospital, and then has received a heal prick at the hospital every day since he's been home just to make sure we don't need the lights at home.  We keep telling the doctor that we think he's tan enough as is!  The IV was put into his hand because of the fever I had while in labor.  We have an appointment for an ultrasound today to make sure that his spinal canal is completely closed and then.... well, we hope we will be done torturing this poor child!

Every once and a while we catch him smiling in his sleep.  

We are so excited for all the adventures we have to look forward to!

My wife is the cutest in the world!

Ok so this is a quick post, but I am so excited. I ordered some White Sox stuff for the little guy on Ebay and it came in! This is only a small piece of what I ordered, but Jen makes this pacci look good! She's a hottie!

Baby Showers!!!

My sweet friend Becky had a fabulous baby shower for me about one month ago. It was so fun to get together with friends from Pemberley and celebrate! Josh and I are so thankful to everyone for all of the amazing gifts we received for our "little man" to be, and to Becky, Beth, and Carol for helping out so much to make the shower so much fun!!! I have to admit that before the shower I was so nervous because I always feel so uncomfortable at parties given in my honor. If only people gave the shower for the 'dad to be' instead of the mom as Josh does better with the attention! It turned out to be a blast and I realized I had nothing to be worried about!


The second shower was put on by Kayla and Danna (and of course my mom helped out quite a bit as well). Most who attended were family and friends from outside of Pemberley. It was so fun to see so many people I haven't seen in so long. Some of the young women from my last ward (where I was part of the presidency) came to the shower and it was so fun to see them. I just love those girls! I am so lucky to such wonderful friends and family! Baby showers are a lot of work and I really appreciate all those who played a part. Our baby will definitely not go without... thanks to all of you!!

Josh's parents, Sergio and Shari, and his sister, Robyn (and her daughter Jordan) came from New Mexico to be here for the shower. What amazing family... They came all the way from New Mexico! It was so fun to have them around! Josh borrowed rock band from one of his young men and boy did we rock! Robyn and Josh even stayed up until about 1:30 a.m. to try to unlock more songs. I couldn't make it past 11:30! :o)

It was fun to have my family and Josh's family for dinner! It was a little tight, but we eventually found a chair for everyone!

After dinner we played a little croquet! Or should I say "extreme croquet"! Josh gets very into his croquet... although my brother who was lagging behind from the beginning somehow managed to win the game! Josh didn't take it too hard! :o)

My brother.... The Winner!!!

It was so great to have you all come visit! Thank you so much for such a fun time!! We love you!