BBB plus D and P

Another Late Birthday Post

2011-12-18T14:23:00.000-08:00

A Late Birthday Post

2011-12-15T18:15:00.000-08:00

So I am over a month late on posting Penn's birthday and two months on Darwin's. I'll post Penn's now because I want to put a video up of Darwin.

Brent was out of town at a conference so we pushed celebrating for awhile. Then colds hit, Brent had to go to another conference, and while he was gone Darwin threw a sharp wooden object at Penn's head and gave him five stitches. So that is the reason for the band aid above his eyebrow. Anyway, we finally got to celebrate Penn's first birthday.

What can I say about this boy besides that I LOVE LOVE LOVE him. He's just the sweetest thing I can get my hands on. He's been all around the perfect baby and he brings so much joy into our lives I can hardly stand it. He has the happiest disposition and for that probably gets a hundred kisses on those cheeks a day. My dad would probably say, "Stop muggin the kid." like he did when Riley was little and I would kiss him lots too. But I don't care because soon he won't be my little boy and I'll miss him terribly.

Facts about Penn:
He loves to eat frozen blueberries in the morning and motions and grunts towards the freezer so I will get them out.
He also loves strawberries and pomegranate seeds.
Eats, eats and eats. Is hungry almost every two to three hours and spends a lot of time in his high chair.
Loves snuggling or sitting in our laps when he's tired.
Is obsessed with peek-a-boo and dogs that he sees through our front window.
Loves Darwin so much despite the abuse he's received.(Luckily, Darwin seems to have turned a new leaf recently and instead of beating his brother he wants to now smother him and make him do what he wants him to.)
Is very good at mimicking sounds.
Loves music and waiving his hands and bopping his head to the beat.
Is a champion pooer. For a while he was consistently making a dirty diaper three or four times a day. Recently it has slowed down for which I am thankful for.
Has eight teeth that he uses to bite my shoulder and legs repeatedly.

Remembering Summer

2011-11-23T07:42:00.001-08:00

There is just something so comforting when you mother holds your children.

Dart Family Reunion July 2011

2011-11-20T18:14:00.000-08:00

We took a trip to Utah last July. Brent stayed with us a week and then flew back for work and I stayed to go to my family reunion. They planned family pictures so I got to look like the single mom in the family for the pictures. I think they turned out pretty cute of the boys. I tried to dress us like we belonged on the farm.
My brother Russell, his wife Yuliya, and their four boys weren't able to make it either.

Fall time fun

2011-10-27T11:32:00.000-07:00

The North Shore

2011-09-19T08:05:00.000-07:00

We took a three day trip up to the north shore of Lake Superior last weekend. Brent did all the planning and it turned out to be a fantastic trip. The weather was great and the waterfalls were spectacular. I was so amazed by the landscape. The lake felt so ocean-esk with lighthouses and sail boats and all.

Warning: Photo overload

Best camera face

The view from our hotel

So this picture is funny because we were just sitting there on the rocks and a guy came up behind us on the trail and asks if we would like our picture taken sitting there and we said sure. Then after he took it he said, "Now lets do one of you looking at each other." Genius. I was trying hard not to laugh and I love that Brent is all Baby Bjorned up.

brothers

twinners

First Day of Preschool

2011-09-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

10 months of Penn

2011-08-24T06:52:00.000-07:00

1 tooth(almost two)
round head(thanks helmet)
eating solid foods and still breastfeeding like a champ
poops on average three times a day
hair is almost a copper color, like Edward Cullen ladies.
no crawling
loves Darwin so much
takes his brother's battering very well, must have a hard skull
loves everyone he comes in contact with, will often put his arms out for strangers to hold him

Best baby in the universe. I can't imagine my life without this little guy, he is just SO sweet.

On a sad note, I came down with Mastitis on Sunday evening. Luckily my OB had given me a prescription that I had filled just in case. I thought I was going to go through the whole way without getting it with Penn. I got it twice in four months with Darwin and he quit breastfeeding at four and a half months, so for me not to have it for almost ten months was really nice. I know many moms haven't gotten it and all I can say is lucky you because it knocks me down really fast and zaps my strength entirely. The weather here has been fabulous so its nice to be better so we can get out and enjoy it.

Penn and Betty

2011-08-05T07:13:00.001-07:00

lounging on a furry rug at the Dart casa.

Baby City

2011-06-22T07:02:00.000-07:00

The past year it seemed like everyone had a baby. Every June some of our ward moves away so the Taggarts had the great idea to take a picture of all of the babies born within the year. Here there are thirteen of us, but really there were four babies missing. And I'll add that everyone in the picture except the last person on the right were born within an eight month time span. There were a lot of pregnant ladies running around our ward.

And I just love this picture. After we held the babies for a picture we put them on the ground by themselves for a shot or two. If you click on the picture you will see that almost all of the babies started crying. Not Penn, he was his usual happy self.

Helmet Head

2011-05-16T07:50:00.000-07:00

Penn got his helmet on Friday afternoon and we are slowly wearing it more everyday. He'll most likely have to have it on for two months. The first day he didn't mind it at all but the last couple of days you can tell he's getting more irritated with it. Hopefully when we aren't putting it on and taking it off so much he will just get used to it.
I feel sorry for the little guy. These helmets are hot and the physical therapist says that no matter what he will sweat a lot and just to expect sweat dripping from his head.
I do have to say he is the cutest little thing I've ever seen in a helmet.

The Zoo

2011-04-27T13:09:00.000-07:00

On Monday the weather was great so we headed to the zoo with some friends.

I love how this picture captures Penn's total admiration for Darwin. He loves him. Also, you can see Penn's flat head. The doctor this week said he needs a helmet, so in two weeks my boy will be sportin a big chunk of plastic. The doctor pointed out that it may actually protect him from his brother for awhile. So there's a bonus.
Brent has been calling him 'Flathead' the last few days. Poor kid.

This picture shows Darwin's new haircut courtesy of his dad. We're hoping it grows out soon:)

Fun Song

2011-04-22T10:29:00.000-07:00

Six months of fun

2011-04-21T19:15:00.001-07:00

My little boy turns six months in a few days and I can hardly believe it. I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest mom around. This guy makes me smile everyday.

What a difference a haircut can make

2011-04-21T17:34:00.000-07:00

These pictures were taken within a week of each other. He looks so grown up now.

2011-04-03T18:51:00.000-07:00

I recently found this picture that Darwin took on Brent's iphone. I love everything about it from the ABC blanket his great-grandmother made him to the pen markings on his shoes. It perfectly describes what was going on in this period of our lives.

Brothers

2011-03-08T11:56:00.000-08:00

Just Because

2011-02-16T14:54:00.001-08:00

I like to show these boys off.

Penn's Blessing Day

2011-02-10T15:59:00.000-08:00

Last month was Penn's baby blessing. Brent's parents flew out and my sister Katrina and her family drove up from Chicago. It was such a nice weekend filled with good food, good company and some fun at House of Bounce.

Penn at 12 Weeks

2011-01-21T19:49:00.000-08:00

I'm getting him started on his tryouts for BabyGap.

Merry Christmas to All...

2010-12-25T17:10:00.000-08:00

...and to All a Good Night.

7 Weeks Big and a Blizzard

2010-12-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

Penn is still a super sweet baby with his only vice being he wants to be held all of the time. But otherwise he sleeps at least 4 to 5 hrs a night, is a terrific nurser and puts up with his big brothers slaps and kisses.
We had a blizzard here in Minnesota over the weekend. 20in fell over Friday night and Saturday. Luckily, church was cancelled so we could finish digging ourselves out. Brent just completed eight weeks of a more time consuming rotation on Friday so it was nice to spend the entire time home together. Here are some shots of the D man heading out in the snow.

Penn at 2 Weeks

2010-11-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

Remember when I said he looks like Darwin but with lighter eyes and less hair. Well he doesn't look much like Darwin.
He's been an amazingly good baby.

Introducing Baby Penn

2010-11-02T05:46:00.000-07:00

Penn Jeffrey Bedke joined our family on Sunday October 24th. We arrived at the hospital at 11:30am and he was born at 5:16pm. He was 7lbs 2oz.He looks a lot like Darwin but with lighter eyes and less hair. He's a terrific eater and sleeper. Besides a little jaundice, he has been a perfect baby.

Darwin loves to help baby with his binkie and likes to hold him at least once a day.

Mark's Wedding

2010-09-16T14:05:00.000-07:00

We took a week long trip back to Utah last month for Brent's little brother's wedding. It was so nice to have Brent not working for the whole week and for him to make both the flight out and back with us. The wedding was great. We were so glad that Mark settled down with girl so cute and nice as Courtney. We ate lots of yummy food and basically just relaxed. Overall, it was a great vacation!
Here are some pictures from the big day.

Brent's family - Don't ask me why I am holding Darwin like a prize zucchini. He doesn't look like he likes it much either.

Darwin with all his cousins.

Family picture...Brent and Darwin look cute. I just look eight months pregnant.

It was a windy day.

My handsome boys.

Summer

2010-08-19T05:18:00.000-07:00

A good laugh

2010-08-06T10:35:00.000-07:00

Al-Qaeda Calls Off Attack On Nation's Capitol To Spare Life Of 'Twilight' Author

Darwin - 21 Months

2010-07-23T13:16:00.000-07:00

As you can see, likes to wear my shoes around the house. He must think mine are prettier than Brent's because he doesn't wear his.

Likes jokes and teasing. He smiles when we tell him no, like its a game.

Loves to get tickled.

Can say over twenty words, but most of the hard sounds are the sound of a g. Like 'thank you' is 'gank goo' and 'tickle tickle' is 'geego geego'.

Loves his gaggy(daddy) and is very excited when he comes home from work. Brent usually leaves for work before Darwin and I get up and lately after Darwin is up he has been yelling for him around the house looking for him.
Likes to help Brent with projects in the yard. Brent is putting a retaining wall up and Darwin is a big help:)

Favorite foods are pasta(spaghetti, mac&cheese, noodle soup), cheese, pretzels, banana bread, corn on the cob, grapes and pears. He has started to like chicken and hamburger as well. All in all, a pretty good eater, although I would like him to eat more vegetables.

Has a new fondness to babies since our friends just had a new baby and he goes over and plays at their house a lot. Plus, we've tried to get him used to the idea that he is going to have a baby brother soon. Now we are afraid he will like the baby too much!

Is either a perfect angel or laying down crying over something he can't have or wants to do. Has a very hard time sitting through sacrament meeting.

Is obsessed with Brent's iphone and cries if he can't have it the moment after Brent gets home from work.

Is still a really good sleeper. Sleeps a little over ten hours a night and takes at least a two hour nap in the day. About a month ago, stopped taking a bottle for naps. Now he goes to sleep an hour and a half later so he can eat a big lunch and fill up before going to sleep.

Just got a pillow in his crib and he loves it. He thinks he is a big boy with it.

When given the choice between watching Oprah or Ellen, he chooses Ellen hands down. If I change it to Oprah he picks up the remote and gives it to me and says, "Eh Eh." He loves the dancing and music on Ellen I guess.

If I want Darwin to do anything like come inside or stop doing something I can just say, "Want to take a bath?" and instantly he will stop what he is doing and head up the stairs to the bath tub. He loves his baths, getting wrapped up in the cute animal towels his great grandma Pett made for him and when we get downstairs to get him dressed making a naked mad dash around the house while giggling.

I have to keep clothes on him or at least shorts on or he will take his diaper off and come to me and point out his genitalia to me.

Loves reading books and stacking blocks and knocking them down.

Is overall the joy of my life. It's hard to think we will soon have another little boy and that its possible for us to love the next one as much as we love this little guy. My mom says the love just happens the same way for all of your children as soon as they are born and since she has seven, I guess I'll take her word for it.

The Red House is for Me

2010-07-15T09:08:00.000-07:00

This is so good I had to post it. I got it from my friends Ed and Sedra who live in Alabama right now and this was an actual local commercial there. For reals.

Trip to Grandma's

2010-07-02T05:51:00.000-07:00

Even though they look totally miserable, they wouldn't let me stop pulling them in this wagon.

I like this guy

2010-06-24T15:10:00.000-07:00

because he is so good at taking pictures, AND

he lets me give him bad haircuts.

Baby Bedke Number Two

2010-05-26T09:58:00.000-07:00

That's right, we are having another baby and just found out today that it is another boy! The ultrasound tech said he was quite the show-off about it.

Baby Bedke number two due October 28th.

How do you know your child is a handful?

2010-05-17T06:07:00.000-07:00

When he does this.

I was cooking breakfast saturday morning while Darwin was playing with blocks in the living room. I should have known that he was in to something because it was so quiet, and when I went to check on him I found out why. He got into a huge container of petroleum jelly that usually is out of his reach.
Petroleum jelly is suprisingly hard to clean up. Maybe that is why it works so good on diaper rashes. I finally had to throw these pajamas away because there was no getting it all out. Good thing I got them at a garage sale, but they were my personal favorites of his.
Can you tell how pleased he was with himself?

Easter Fun

2010-04-14T10:54:00.000-07:00

This cute family came and visited us. Darwin is sporting a nice scowl in this photo.

Had an Easter egg hunt in the backyard.

Meet Darwin's nemesis, Brielle. They were born just a few days apart.

Cute Olivia

Getting cozy with the Mayo brothers on our night out without kids.

Sadly for us Dave, Jenn and their three adorable girls are moving to Utah this summer so they won't be as close as they were this year in Chicago, but we are very happy for them to get back closer to home and put down some roots now that they are finally finished with the long road of med school, residency and fellowship. Well done!

Business in front

2010-03-31T12:35:00.001-07:00

Party in back.

Utah Trip

2010-03-24T13:20:00.001-07:00

We've been back from our trip to Utah for some time now, but I haven't posted anything about it yet. Let's just say it was three weeks of pure fun. Brent got to come out with us for a week but then returned to MN to work. D and I then headed out to Vernal for five days, then to American Fork for six days to watch my sisters kids and then back to SLC for a couple of days before making the flight home.

It was a really great trip but when it was time to come home, I was ready. Darwin missed his daddy but I think he is having animal withdrawals since he got so much one on one time with them.

Darwin and my sisters cat Tippy. He loved this cat so much, but she didn't like him at all. In fact, she told him so by swatting him in the face a couple of times.

He still likes to eat dirt.

Since my dad is semi-retired, he fulfilled his lifelong dream of owning a pontoon boat, aka a party barge. This is my parents and brother basking in the twenty degree weather after my dad gave us the tour.

Darwin with my little brothers blind dog Chance. I don't think that Chance liked Darwin that much but luckily for Darwin, Chance is blind and couldn't get away very easily. Darwin liked to throw dog food on to his back and laugh.

One of Riley's cats that, again, didn't like Darwin. He figured hanging out by the food was a good strategy.
Sorry that most of my pictures are of Darwin and animals. We also spent a lot of time with friends and family which I never properly document.

Favorite Picture Right Now

2010-03-21T11:16:00.000-07:00

My Boy at 15months

2010-01-14T14:34:00.000-08:00

Now when I get him out of bed he immediately pushes me away because he wants to get down to walk.
Loves his blankie that Emily was so nice to pass on.

Is most interested in things that he can drag around. Ex. belts, extention cords, my hand mixer.
Sleeps 11-12 hours a night, and most of time takes a three hour nap.
Just started liking meat.
Loves to play chase around the house. Usually it is Brent chasing him around the house and me helping him to escape, but the other day he realized that he is capable of doing to chasing.
Likes putting things into other things and taking them out. He has a big bin of blocks that he takes out over and over. But he also like putting food into cups.

Thinks he owns the computer so I can't be on it much except when he is napping.
Has had two bloody noses in the last three months. One from jumping in his crib and another from tripping and smashing his face into our headboard.
Wishes he could go out and play outside. He cries sometimes when I get him out of the car and take him inside because he wants to stay. Maybe now that it isn't -12 outside anymore we will give it a try.
Loves playing peek-a-boo.
Is in constant motion. (We'll see how he does on the plane ride to Utah next month.)
Freaks out around dogs and cats because he loves them so much.
Very eager to be around other children.

Pretty much happy all of the time.

Gives this innocent look when he knows he is into something he shouldn't be in.
Has such a mane of hair that after cutting it several times, it might be more than my skills can handle and I might be taking him to a professional for his next cut.
Likes to make faces for the camera.

His mother loves him too much.

What I forgot to ask Santa for

2010-01-11T17:36:00.000-08:00

Has the female gender really gotten to the point where we are stuffing our butts now? I feel bad for the teenagers who are going to have to get even more toilet paper now.

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-24T20:46:00.000-08:00

This will have to suffice for our Christmas card this year because I wasn't on-the-ball enough to get cards sent out. This Christmas will be spent here in Minnesota, and although we will miss seeing friends and family, we're grateful to not have to travel and spend a quiet holiday at home.

Christmas Wreath

2009-12-23T09:42:00.001-08:00

With instructions from the talented Maeve, I made this wreath last year while I was homebound with a newborn. It's been so fun to acquire handmade decorations to use year after year. I also made a much larger red one but it got a little damaged on the move here and has not yet been fixed. Maybe it will make it up next year.

Garage Sale Brag Time

2009-12-18T11:58:00.000-08:00

Some of you may know that I was an avid garage sale junkie this summer. I thought I would share some of my treasures with you.

I got this working food dehydrator for $1. It even has all the appropriate heat temperatures etched into the side.

This is probably one of my favorite purchases of the summer. This adorable lamp was $1 and I couldn't bear to live without it! Brent has no idea why I love it so much and even asked why I would buy that. It is just exactly what I imagined for a baby's room. Next summer I am going to try and find an equally cute stand for it so it can sit by the rocking chair for late nights with little ones.

After paying $4 dollars for this dresser, I knew I was in garage sale heaven. Nonetheless, still I drove off quickly just in case there was some mistake and the people were coming to let me know the price tag was incorrect. Now that we have a home large enough to have a spare bedroom we were in need of a dresser to go in it. This one, which has dovetailed drawers, was just what I was looking for. (And yes, that is The Cup that Brent won at City Cup 08'.)

These two decorative balls were purchased not at a garage sale but at a consignment store. They were $4 dollars each which is more than you would find me spending for them at a garage sale, but I really liked them so I willing to splurge. They were originally a faded gold but I decided to spray paint them white and make them book ends for Darwin's room.

My heart skipped a beat when I saw this pair of his and hers bicycles. The $25 price tag for each bike seemed well worth it, so when the lady having the sale saw me looking at them and immediately said she would take less, I was a little in shock. So I offered her $40 for both and we both left happy. I was sceptical that the tires would hold firm but have stayed inflated which makes me think the tubes are fairly new and in good condition.

I got two of these chairs for $20 each. They are in amazing condition and a similar style sells at Room and Board for $600-$800. I did have to take a screw driver and take off the dust flaps on the bottoms for a more contemporary look.

This kitchen table and four chairs set me back $50 dollars and was my most expensive item I bought all summer. The nice thing about this table is it comes with two more sleeves so that it gets as long as eight feet.

So there are some of my favorite finds from this summer here in Rochester. Maybe it will help those who are skeptical that there isn't anything worth finding at garage sales, and maybe, just maybe, it will convince one of you to visit me next summer now that you have seen the nice dresser for your things. And if you are lucky, we may head out and hit some estate sales where the real jewels are waiting!!!

What Five Years of Love Looks Like

2009-12-17T10:19:00.000-08:00

Happy Anniversary Brent!

Favorite Song of the Week

2009-12-16T19:14:00.000-08:00

and perhaps my favorite music video ever. It is beautiful.

Pumpkin

2009-12-08T12:29:00.000-08:00

I failed to document my pumpkin at Halloween time. I got the idea from here, but mine didn't turn out as cool as the one I was copying. Yes, it is still on my front porch because it took me a long time to finish. So since it hasn't rotted yet, it might just make it to be a New Years pumpkin.

Change

2009-12-03T10:31:00.000-08:00

Today I woke up to snow on the ground. After a very mild and lovely November, winter has finally made its move. I already miss all the leaves on the tree in front of our house.

I cut Darwin's hair a couple weeks ago and I also miss that it no longer spontaneously does this anymore. Now he looks like a little boy running around everywhere. He started walking a few weeks ago and won't stop moving to take a picture. This is the best that I could get.

So Brent was hit by an Ambulance...

2009-11-25T12:25:00.001-08:00

...a block from work on his way home. An Ambulance heading to a school bus accident outside of town t-boned brent while he was driving through a green light. He was downtown and the buildings are right up to the corners of the street so Brent didn't hear any sirens at all. The ambulance was going fast enough to do this to his car and then hit another car (that driver was sent to the hospital as well) that hit into yet another car.

They had to cut him out of the car and cut his clothes off. It was a really frightening experience to get a call that I needed to head to the ER immediately because Brent was involved in an accident. I had just finished feeding the sister missionaries and just thought that Brent had to work late. The drive to the hospital and then going into the room where he was waiting test results really tested my ability to keep calm and not loose it. No one told me anything, and when I entered the room, Brent was lying on a gurney with blankets covering him in a neck brace with blood oozing out underneath and out onto the pillow underneath.

We were very lucky in that his injuries could have been so much more severe. He did sustain a concussion that hopefully won't result in any permanent damage and a four inch gash on the back of his head. This Thanksgiving, I certainly am so thankful for the blessing of protection that Brent recieved that night.

R.I.P.
1997 Purple Honda Accord
We will miss you Honda with your champ of a heater and recently purchased new transmission. We had some good times with you: dating and getting married while in Logan, our only vehicle in SLC, and more recently, Brent's companion to an actual paying job everyday in Minnesota.

Birthday Video

2009-11-05T15:19:00.000-08:00

Here is the video of Darwin getting his first cupcake. Not very successful to say the least. He was so traumatized that he didn't eat the cupcake and still hasn't eaten one yet.

I feel like I have to tell you that he was really tired when we took this and the reason I have an awesome 'Vernal Fire' sweatshirt on is I had a soccer game right after this.

Who does Darwin look more like?

2009-11-03T11:38:00.000-08:00

Happy Halloween!

2009-10-31T15:27:00.001-07:00

2009-10-30T13:48:00.000-07:00

This is probably the cutest kitten I have ever seen. I found him on Kittenwar.com

Darwin and I had a photoshoot...

2009-10-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

but he got tired and wanted a nap.

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

2009-10-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

Queen of Hearts and Alice in Wonderland Costume Set GIVEAWAY!!!!

I'm a bit obsessed with this song lately.

2009-10-21T18:03:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Darwin Dear....

2009-10-09T18:31:00.001-07:00

My Little Sunshine turned 1 today. It's amazing that we've kept him alive a whole year. The only drawback to this lil guy is that he is growing up way too fast!

11 Months

2009-09-10T07:53:00.000-07:00

Darwin is now 11 months old. Here are some things you should know.

He likes to hold a pen while he eats in his high chair. He likes to walk with his walking toy.

He doesn't mind if I do his hair like this.
He has six teeth.

Favorite food right now is bananas.

Got his first haircut last weekend because it was starting to look like this: After haircut: Has started to get shy when strangers come around. Now smiles and then ducks his head into my chest. It might get annoying one day but I love it and everyone eats it up.

He is a very good boy.

Video of the haircut coming soon.

D is for Delicious...

2009-08-23T13:40:00.001-07:00

Someone Likes to Swing

2009-08-23T13:39:00.000-07:00

For Brent

2009-08-19T14:13:00.000-07:00

Warning: Major Whisker Watch Alert!

10+ Reasons to Live in Rochester, MN

2009-08-04T19:22:00.000-07:00

10. You never have to water your lawn or plants.

9. There are parks and trails all over.

8. One hour away from the Mall of America.

7. Summer is fantastic weather... usually high 70's and low 80's.

6. Small town friendliness meets big city atmosphere. Was Money Magazine’s “Best Small City” in 2000.

5. Fireflies at night.

4. No state safety or emissions required on vehicles (thank you Jesse Ventura)

3. Anywhere in the city, you are within 15 minutes of the Mayo Clinic.(We happen to live less than five minutes away.)

2. It is green and beautiful everywhere.

1. Amazing Garage sales run Thursday, Friday and Saturday. My dreams have come true.

Also, a handsome couple with an adorabe nine month old boy who gets, "What a beautiful little girl" comments on a daily basis live there.

Today is my 10 year reunion

2009-07-31T09:24:00.001-07:00

and since we just moved to Minnesota, I won't be able to make it.
But if I were attending, all I would want people to know about me would be these three things:

A. Married a hot doctor.

B. Have the cutest child on the planet.

C. Am very happy.

*These three things were not in any particular order and solely the opinion of the author.

What a morning picking raspberries with Darwin looks like

2009-07-14T12:13:00.001-07:00

Yes that is dirt around his mouth. I caught him happily shoving handfuls of it into his mouth.

Warning: Picture Overload

2009-07-04T21:40:00.000-07:00

I've been going through pictures lately and realizing there were some really cute ones of Darwin that I never posted to the blog.
These three are when he was about three months old in one of our favorite outfits given to us. It is amazing to see how different he looks now and how much he hair has grown as well.

Darwin at about five months trying carrots for the first time. He made a squinting face every time we put a spoonful in his mouth. He just kept eating it even though he didn't seem to enjoy it at all.

One of my favorites. His eyes have always been so bright and reflective, just like this pic.

This is the only picture I got of Darwin's nursery before we moved. As you can tell, we had already started to pack up our things, thus the suitcase and other items thrown about. I do wish that we would have gotten the other sides of the nursery because they were cute too.

Darwin playing peek-a-boo about a week after we moved in.

This is Darwin a couple of weeks ago. Whenever I see him with his hair like this the nursery rhyme comes to my mind, "There was a little girl who had a little curl, right in the middle of her forheard. And when she was good she was very very good and when she was bad she was horrid." Except I replace she with he and girl with boy.

I know, I know, I should probably change the title of my blog to, "Darwin, Darwin, Darwin...and a little more Darwin".

Thirty, Flirty and Thriving

2009-07-01T06:52:00.001-07:00

Happy 30th Dr. Bedke! Darwin and I are so glad you are ours!

Before and After

2009-06-23T08:39:00.000-07:00

While Brent had some time off we decided to paint the exterior of our house. It took us a week with little Darwin and the rain. We're pleased with the results but hope we never have to paint the outside of a house again:)

Before

After

Darwin Paints

2009-06-20T18:34:00.000-07:00

The other morning I got Darwin dressed in a super cute outfit given to me by a friend and took a picture since we hardly took any pictures for three months.

Only an hour later, Brent and I stepped outside to look at paint swatches for the outside of the house. When we came back in we discovered that our little man had army crawled across the entire room and was flapping his hands into the paint I was using to roll on the walls.

I have a feeling this is only the beginning...(notice how he shows no remorse for his actions).

I just can't get enough...

2009-06-15T21:15:00.000-07:00

...of this little guy.

Catch Up

2009-06-09T20:50:00.001-07:00

Well, a lot has happened over the last couple of months. I'll recap starting with May 1st. The day after I finished student teaching I graduated with my masters in secondary education. This is the only picture I have with some of my school mates. Notice the smile on my face, it was very real and stayed on my face the entire commencement. Student teaching was very hard, very rewarding and at that moment, it was very over.

Right after graduation we hopped on a plane for California where we stayed at the Lawrence Welk resort with Brent's family. No pictures but the one of Darwin with the curls on the beach is from that trip. It was a well needed vacation after student teaching, and I even got to go to Disneyland on my Birthday for free!

Then the long awaited day of Brent's medical school graduation came on May 23rd. The graduation ceremony made me cry. Most of our marriage has been centered around the completion of this degree and it seems surreal that it is now over. We have had four wonderful years living in Salt Lake City.

My cute boys.

(Somehow I am starting to look a lot like Pete's Dragon lately.)

We got our Penske truck and loaded up most of our things from storage the day before so that we could have one last party with friends the evening after Brent walked. Brent's parents were nice enough to let us use their backyard. They were great to live with for three months and I'm not just saying that.

It was so nice to see our friends one last time. We have such good friends and will miss them very much. Sorry this picture is so far away, I guess Andy and Jason wanted to act natural.

The next day we loaded up the last of our belongings and drove to Vernal for the night before making our long trek to Minnesota. The first day we drove through Wyoming and it was one of the most beautiful days I've ever seen. The clouds were so low with long cast of sunlight shining through on the green mountains.
Since it was Memorial Day the radio played, 'Proud to be an American' twice and as I was singing along I thought for sure it was a sign that we were going to the right place when the phrase,"From the lakes of Minnesota to the hills of Tennesse."

And yes James, I did cry just like Dede did when we left Utah.

So much more to write about and there will be plenty more to come. We spent a week in Virginia beach, Darwin just got two new bottom teeth coming in and we painted our house inside and out.

By the way, Darwin says hello and that he misses everyone in Utah...more pictures of him are headed your way.

Memories from Student Teaching

2009-05-17T14:09:00.000-07:00

While walking down the hallway, I see one of my more 'rambunctious' students.

Me: Hi McKay.

McKay: Hi Mrs. Dart. (I know, I need to change my name)

Me: What grade are you in McKay? (My students can be in 7th, 8th or 9th)

McKay: Seventh, but I sound like I'm in eighth grade don't I?

Me(Giggling because I think it's funny he cares about sounding older and also because he's a total shrimp): mmm sure.

McKay(Nodding his head): I get that all the time.

For those who need their Darwin fix

2009-05-13T20:40:00.001-07:00

My little babe rockin some sweet curls in California.

Flashback

2009-03-22T13:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't ever posted these pictures that my friend Allison took of Darwin when he was just a wee seven week old babe. She did a fabulous job and I will share some of my favorites with you.

The Wait is Over and Our Fate is Determined

2009-03-18T09:47:00.000-07:00

The verdict is in. The Bedke family will moving to Rochester, Minnesota for the next four years. We are very excited that Brent got into the Mayo Clinic even though we are sad to be leaving our friends and family here in Utah.

We think that we will be moving towards the end of May. This means there is limited time to party with us, so take advantage.

Out of Touch

2009-03-10T09:11:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged for over a month and probably won't be putting up anything new soon, but I will update everyone on what is going on in our lives.
We sold our condo after only ten days on the market. Much, much sooner than we expected, so we moved out on the 28th of February and put most of our things in storage(as well as our digital camera cord for downloading pics). Brent is living at his parents house because he still has school to go to. I started my student teaching on the 17th of February down in Lehi and my sister who lives in American Fork is taking care of Darwin for the most part. We stay at her house during the week and then we join Brent at his parents house in Sandy for the weekends.
Darwin has been such a good baby considering he has be shuffled off back and forth many different nights. He just started eating rice cereal this week and loves it. We love it as well because it seems to keep him more full and he is starting to get chubbier everyday. His latest thing is to shrill like a girl for extended periods of time.
We are counting the days down until we find out where we are matched for residency. March 19th(next Thursday)is the day we open the letter that tells us where we will live for the next four years. I haven't been anxious to find out where we are going until now and that is because of a whole different reason which I will explain after match day.
Student teaching is going well and I am so lucky to work with the teachers I have been assigned to but I will be so glad when it is over. Being away from Darwin kills me a little everyday and I look forward to being back home with him where ever that home may be:)
We will post as soon as we know where we are going. Until then...

Bumborific

2009-01-27T19:12:00.000-08:00

FOTC

2009-01-14T21:56:00.000-08:00

For all of the Flight of the Conchords fans there is a really good piece that NPR did on them a couple of days ago.
http://www.npr.org/templates/player/mediaPlayer.html?action=1&t=1&islist=false&id=5288016&m=5288017

Included is also a sneak peak into the upcoming season. Can't wait for January 18th and so glad I have HBO for a few months!

12 weeks big

2009-01-03T21:12:00.001-08:00

(Waiting for Santa)

And this is his proud father on Christmas Eve after he stole this nerf gun away from a fifteen year old at the white elephant gift exchange.

For Fergi

2008-12-12T13:31:00.001-08:00

Fergi and Andy gave us this adorable hat and shoes before Darwin was born. I just wish that I had a more fancy outfit to go with them.

He loved staring at his red shoes which fit him perfectly.

Thanks Fergi!

For the fans

2008-12-06T21:20:00.000-08:00

My new favorite picture. He looks like a japanimation character.

After late night dinner.

Darwin giving the cutest bird. He's already a rebel.

Twilighted

2008-11-26T11:50:00.000-08:00

Maybe it was because I went with girlfriends...maybe because it was my first night going anywhere without the baby...or maybe it was because I haven't had enough sleep for several nights in a row, but I really loved the movie Twilight. Most likely it was because I didn't drag my husband there and therefore didn't have to constantly look over at him as he took notes at all the cheesy lines with which he would rehearse to me afterward.

Sure the movie was cheesy and over the top, but so was the book, and they actually pulled it off much better than I expected. I loved the music, the look, the casting. I even loved Edward with his cherry chapstick lips and all. He did an amazing job of playing a part that is pretty much impossible to personify successfully.

The only person I wasn't pleased with was Victoria, even though her part was small in the film there is one short scene where she ruins it for me. I won't say what it was because I don't want to make those who haven't seen it notice it.

Everyone go and see this movie and tell me if you laughed at Jasper's face as much as I did. I just might have to go and see it again just for that reason (totally not to pretend that I am Bella).

More of Darwin

2008-11-11T20:18:00.001-08:00

Since baby Darwin is pretty much all that consumes my days and nights, all I have is more pictures of him to post.
Brent is leaving for four residency interviews tomorrow so I am heading out to Vernal for the next eight days while he is gone. I am afraid that Brent will miss the baby too much. Afterall, he is going to be gone a sixth of his entire life by the time he gets back. I even caught him trying to pack Darwin into his luggage.

He likes to sleep like this.

This is what his hair looks like after we give him a bath. It's super curly, but dries straight.

He humors us with a half smile occasionally. Doesn't he look like a little old man?

Father and son at the Halloween party. If you are wondering what Brent is, he is a cat (his favorite animal).

Side profile of Dracula.

This picture makes me sad because he looks like he is stressed out because no one is taking care of him.

I wish that I could say that I will soon be posting more regular things and not just pictures of my baby but that would be lying. Maybe I will do something cool to blog about by Christmas. Until then prepare yourself for more of this...

Halloween

2008-11-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

I stole this picture off of Brad and Maeve's blog because it is better than the ones we took of him. Darwin was our little Dracula for Halloween night. Unfortunately, he didn't win the baby contest, but maybe we can train him to work the crowd a little more next year.

2 Weeks and counting...

2008-10-25T20:05:00.003-07:00

Darwin Andrew Bedke

2008-10-13T16:19:00.001-07:00

Arrived @ 18:31 10/09/08
Weight: 7.3 lbs.
Length: 21 in.

Mommy and Baby are doing well.

As a side note, the father thought the yellow duck outfit was a bit feminine. Darwin agrees.

Pregnantism

2008-09-17T08:06:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I discovered something really disturbing. It seems that when I go into McDonald's to get my ice cream cones they are significantly smaller versus when I go through the drive through. I think those teenagers behind the counter are judging me...

Trying to blog...

2008-09-09T07:24:00.000-07:00

So I'm a bad blogger. Probably everyone has figured that out.

So not much of anything too exciting besides waiting and getting ready for this baby to come. The other night I had a dream that I gave birth to our little one. He came out with clown make-up on his face and a red joker smile around his mouth. Then he smiled this evil looking smile and I thought, 'Oh no, we have an evil child.' But I still thought he was really cute.

In July we had a family reunion at my parents new house. It was really fun to have so many of my nieces and nephews around. Here are some pictures from the reunion and our hay ride one evening on the farm.

My sister and I are due a day apart. She is having a girl and I am having a boy.

I wasn't kidding when I said that Brent really loves kittens.

Lately I seem to attract strange men to me who want to guess the sex of the baby. I've had four really weird guys come up to me and say things like, "Male or Female?" without saying anything else. Or tell me that they know I am having a girl. I think it must be a combination of the neighborhood we live in and riding Traxs. It's interesting how being pregnant automatically exposes you to strangers who feel it's their obligation to talk to you.

Happy B-Day to Dr. Bedke

2008-07-01T08:09:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to my husband Brent. He is 29 today so he has to enjoy this last year in his twenties to the fullest.

My friend Emily did this for me on my birthday so I am going to do it for Brent.

29 things I like about Brent

1. He's very smart. Whenever he talks about something he usually knows the source of where he learned it from.

2. He never takes anything too seriously. Even when it's me throwing fits or him having cancer.

3. He is a money saver. Sometimes this attribute drives me crazy but at night I go to sleep feeling really grateful that I have someone who is in control of expenses.

4. He can tease someone about anything. I really mean anything. Even the things I tease him about he will manage to switch it around on me and start teasing me for the things he does.

5. He has great hair. I love the color and it is very thick which I hoping will stay that way. So far so good.

6. He likes to hike and is always thinking of a new place to go.

7. He is a planner. He knows what he wants way ahead of time.

8. He calls me princess which when we first got married I thought he was just a joke but he still does it everyday.

9. He is probably the lowest maintenance person on the planet.

10. He is a bad ass at badminton.

11. He knows almost anything you ask him about. I don't know how he manages to keep up with so much information along with med school.

12. He likes to cuddle which to him means to lay on top of me and breathe hot air into my face.

13. He has never lost his temper in all the time I have known him.

14. He is just like little boy who wears shin socks and sneakers all of the time.

15. He really wants a kitten and asks me constantly when we can get one.

16. He is very handy around the house. He put in the wood floors in the kitchen and tiled the bathrooms. He says next he is going to make me new carpet.

17. He was MVP at City Cup. He didn't even care that he threw up in front of everyone.

18. He throws up if he runs too much.

19. He likes modern design almost as much as I do.

20. He is very helpful around the house, doing dishes or cleaning up.

21. He is going to be my birth coach and has been attending a 12 week birthing class with me even though the teacher is a hippie who obviously doesn't like the medical world or hospitals. Also, he has promised me that he won't tease me during labor. That is a feat in itself, or maybe he just fears for his life.

22. He is going to be a doctor in less than a year. A real life doctor. Enough said.

23. He is reliable, good person who I can trust all of the time. He is always so good about doing what he needs to for his church callings, etc.

24. His first kiss was when he was thirteen with some girl he met at Disneyland. They kissed going down Splash Mountain.

25. He was a rebel in high school. Once he threw a party when his parents were out of town and his grandma was upstairs sleeping. He thought she wouldn't hear them downstairs but she ended up calling the cops on him.

27. He listens to me whenever I need him to.

28. His dancing skills are amazing.

29. He is all around the best package of a husband and I am so glad that I tricked him into marrying me. Translate that sentence anyway you want to because I know exactly how Brent will translate the words 'best package' in relation to himself.

P.S. On my way to TRAX this morning I saw a pigeon with a four inch needle through it's foot. I felt like I was a kid watching the movie of the birds who choke because they put their heads into the six-pack plastic rings. I wonder who leave needles around for pigeons to step on.

Saddened by the death of Tim Russert

2008-06-18T07:29:00.000-07:00

I know that everyone is hearing about the passing of Tim Russert. All weekend I have been very torn up about what the country has lost and at an age younger than some of our fathers. I am really going to miss him. I enjoyed watching Meet the Press and when he was on the Today Show. He was the only person involved with the 'political media' that I felt didn't have an agenda of getting his views out amidst a rampant abundance of shows that are so extreme. His only agenda was to get the information out to the people and it also didn't hurt that he was just a likable person. For these reasons I trusted him and what he said. I always felt that I could rely on him to give the facts.

I think that is why there has been such an outpouring at his death. We value real people who give us what they love in the most honest way they can. He loved politics and we knew it from the way he dealt with interviewing and making commentary. I don't know who they can get to replace him and I feel sorry for whoever has to fill those shoes.

Big Brother

2008-06-13T08:08:00.000-07:00

My brother's finished table was featured on Moco Loco awhile back. I guess Moco Loco is a Modern and Contemporary Design Blog that my brother was excited just to get on to for his first piece. You can look at it here.

They must have like it because they said this about it.

Ryan has been pursuing his love of furniture design on the side of his full-time job and family. He's always been really talented with making things. Also, he may just have the cutest kids in the world....that is until Brent Jr. is born.

Also...

2008-05-21T12:43:00.000-07:00

If you didn't notice I cut all my hair off. It's been over a month so it's not very new, I just hadn't taken any pictures of it until now.

Old me with long mermaid hair.

Everyone has been asking me if I cut off my hair because I'm pregnant and the answer is no. I just got really sick of my heavy, tangled locks. The only problem with short hair is that I have to cut it more often than once every year or so.

Fit to Cruise

2008-05-19T10:35:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago, Brent and I went on a cruise. When I told my sister we were going on a cruise she said that she didn't think she will go on one until she is old. Brent and I must be old because we love 24 hour access to a soft serve ice cream machine, shuffleboard, and someone feeding us and making our beds every day.

I got a bad sunburn from not blocking up properly.

Snorkeling at Lovers Beach in Cabo.

We saw sea lions basking in the sun. There is a baby one on the lower left corner.

I love to frolic on the beach.

Here's all the loot I won at the slot machines. I don't have to pay tithing on it because it's the devils money.

This is Papa Kim. He was our server at dinner every night. He would mumble under his breath and then tell me what to order instead of what I told him. We loved him because if you changed your order he would just bring you both things as well as whatever extra deserts were lying around. Plus he is a super sweet dancer. ( Pay no attention to my belly, I ate a lot of steak at dinner.)

Rock slides in Puerto Vallarta were excellent and free.

mmmmm more ice cream.

And here are some rare pics of Brent dancing in the Beauties Night Club. See how hip we are? Notice all our friends crowded around us? That's because we went in at 10:00pm because I go to bed early but we were the only ones there.

The cruise was fantastic and so relaxing. I highly recommend it to anyone who is four months pregnant and hungry. Or anyone just needing some sun and some R&R.

ps. This post is titled so because Carnival made me get a note from my doctor saying I was 'fit to cruise' in order to board.

Bedke Baby

2008-05-13T10:53:00.000-07:00

The Bedke baby is......

baby manhood.

Happy Easter

2008-03-24T08:27:00.001-07:00

The Easter bunny left us a special surprise this Easter... a baby in my tummy.

Due October 6, 2008.

condo for sale

2008-03-18T07:39:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Ali and Curtis, are sadly moving to D.C. for grad school. They are selling their super sweet condo and you can get info on it here www.millcreekcondo.blogspot.com. If you are not in the market for a condo, spread the word to others. Having seen this place in real life, I can attest that it is very very nice and in a really good location. Whoever gets this place is going to be totally hooked up.

Stuff White People Like

2008-03-10T13:29:00.000-07:00

I saw this link on apartment therapy. It's called Stuff White People Like. It's funny for everyone.
Check it out here http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.wordpress.com/

Why oh why?

2008-02-26T07:48:00.001-08:00

*Anyone who plans on watching the Felicity series do not continue reading.*

Can the Felicity lovers out there (Fergi perhaps) please tell me why Felicity chooses Ben over Noel? I finished the series weeks ago and I am still pretty distraught over the whole thing. I don't know if anyone can console me but I just wanted to hear peoples thoughts on the whole thing.

ps. My favorite character in the show is Megan.

Debt Shopping

2008-02-06T07:20:00.000-08:00

So Brent and I went to a car dealership last Saturday. Why I'm not sure, because we don't need a car right now; we just wanted to look. So the salesman gives us his shpeel about how easy it is to buy a car even with bad credit, no credit; they can get us into something today. We let him know that we aren't buying today, just looking. The salesman gets the point eventually after I said a couple of times that we aren't buying anything today. Before we left he had us go into the floor manager just to let him know that he treated us well, which is obviously just another attempt to get us to buy. So we go inside to let this guy know that we aren't here to buy a car, I just wanted to sit in a pretty new car and daydream. When we get into the building and talk to this guy, he asks us our situation and we tell him that I am the only one working and Brent is in school. He asks what he is going into and we tell him he is in his third year of medical school. Then comes the whole, "Oh, you're going to be a doctor. So you will have plenty of money to pay for a car." After that we just threw out that we are thousands of dollars in debt right now and we aren't ready to add more to that total.

After leaving it really bothered me that anyone can go to a car dealership and drive away with a new car even though they can't afford it. If we wanted to, we could have driven away in a brand new car. Now I know that the car dealership people don't care because it is the banks problem after they sell a car, but I think there is something wrong with a society that feels that they need, and have to have, something that is beyond their capacity to pay for. In addition, there is something wrong with banks who would lend out money to people like Brent and I. Why is it that people have the mentality that it is okay to purchase something they can't afford? I know this is true with the housing market as well, and this is exactly why we there seems to be a crisis now, so why isn't anyone concerned with changing it? I'm not trying to be self righteous because I know that Brent and I are lucky to have loans that pay for his schooling and to be able to get a loan to pay for our condo, but does anyone else feel bothered by this 'I can buy anything I want' mentality?

Coincidence?

2008-01-25T14:50:00.000-08:00

Deseret news released a sketch of the road rage driver.

Not to name names, but I think we all know "someone" that looks awfully similar...

What Is It About Mormonism?

2008-01-16T10:03:00.000-08:00

As I was backstocking at Banana last night, I listened to RadioWest with Doug Fabrizio. He interviewed Harvard professor Noah Feldman who wrote an article in the New York times about how Mormon culture and religion are perceived by mainstream America. They also talked about Mormon politics and the Mitt Romney campaign. It was such a good interview that I thought I would share it with you all.
Here's the link: http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kuer/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1211628

Grandpa Sprouse

2007-12-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

K. SPROUSE 1923~2007

Harold 'Kelly' Sprouse, age 84, passed away December 1, 2007

Harold “Kelly” Sprouse, age 84, of Roosevelt, passed away peacefully at his home December 1, 2007. He was born October 2, 1923 in Roosevelt, the firstborn son of Harry A. and Helen Winters Sprouse.

After high school graduation he worked in an airplane factory until he enlisted in the US Army where he served overseas. After World War II he married Gwen Case December 29, 1947 in the Manti LDS Temple. They were married 60 years. They have five children.

He was a long-time member of the American Legion and enjoyed talking about his war experiences. Kelly was an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in many callings including High Councilor, Counselor in the Bishopric, and High Priest Group Leader. He served many years as scout master and was instrumental in the lives of many young men. He and his wife Gwen served Temple Missions in Provo, Vernal and Atlanta, Georgia.

Kelly always had a joke and was a good father and neighbor. He spent a great amount of time in the service of his fellow men, including coaching Little League Baseball and 40 years of service for the Roosevelt Fire Department, some of that time as Fire Chief. He retired from the US Postal Service after 34 years as a Rural Letter Carrier. After retiring he owned and operated Sprouse Insurance.

He is survived by his wife, Gwen, of Roosevelt; five children, Susan (Ralph) Dart, Vernal; Shelley (Larry) Nielsen, Roosevelt; Laurie (Steve) Ames, Altonah; Tom (Mohea) Sprouse, Roosevelt; and Keith (Lori) Sprouse, Vernal; 25 grandchildren and 25 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a brother, Don (Mary) Sprouse, of Sandy and sister, Betty Jo Hanson, of Salt Lake City.

He was preceded in death by parents, a granddaughter, Lacey Ames, and faithful dog, Brown Eyes.

Goodbye grandpa, you will be missed.

Recap

2007-12-21T07:18:00.000-08:00

So I haven't posted in awhile. The last month was really busy. Here are some pictures from my trip to Chicago. I know, I know, I have way too many pictures of my nieces and nephews, but hey are just too adorable for words.

I went to the Art Institute for a whole afternoon by myself. I really loved it. They featured Jasper Johns Gray pieces. Previously, I wasn't a big Jasper Johns fan but I have to say I was impressed with his pieces. We also went to the contemporary art museum but I cannot say the same for it. Yikes!

The gigantic silver bean thing was fun to take pictures at.

The three Dart Boys. They are expecting another little brother in January!

I wonder if these little girls...

will turn out anything like these girls?

Olivia was my little red headed elf. She is even sweeter than she looks.

This one wasn't feeling well that day. Can you tell?