Cayden Merle Linton

Well the wait is finally over. We have our wonderful baby boy. Cayden Merle Linton was born on Friday, December 7, 2007 at 7:31 pm. He weighed 7 pounds 4 ounces and was 19 1/2 inches long. He looks a lot like his daddy. We are so happy to have him here.

Our doctor had told us to check into the hospital on Thursday at 11:00 pm. We were excited that Katie would be induced the next morning and we could have our baby. Thursday night Katie and I had gone to a Maya 2008 (the software that I use at school for animation - 2008 is the newest version) release party, but while there we got a phone call from the hospital saying that we wouldn't be able to check in that night because they didn't have any beds for us. So we were told to call later or else just go in the next morning. A little while later we got another phone call from the hospital saying that we would have a room afterall but it wouldn't be ready until about 11 or 12 pm. So Katie and I went to dinner at the Cheesecake Factory after the release party and had a nice meal together. Then we headed for the hospital.

We made it to the hospital just before midnight. They checked us in and got Katie all hooked up to the monitors, etc. We had a wonderful nurse named Alissa that took great care of Katie and I that first night.

This is where I got to sleep. Comfy huh?

Doesn't Katie look great? This is her that 1st

night at the hospital.

We didn't get much sleep that night. In fact we didn't make it to bed until after 2:00 am. So it was quite the long night. Friday morning came way to quickly. We were woken up at 7:00 by our new nurse Barb to start the whole labor process off. They started Katie on Pitocin which started her contractions. It wasn't until about 11:30 that our doctor, Michael Johnson, actually came and broke her water. Once that happened it wasn't long before the epidural came in handy. Once that was in place we were set. Then it was just a waiting game.

At about 6:00pm or so our delivery nurse, Autumn, prepped everyone and got everything for delivery. Our doctor showed up and it was show time. There just happened to be another lady delivering her 4th child at the same time Katie was delivering. So about halfway through our delivery our doctor announced that he had to go deliver this other baby and that he would be back. So we were just supposed to hang out and wait for him to get back. Katie was feeling cold and our nurse gave her blankets to help her feel warmer. She put one on her stomach and she wrapped one around her head.

Katie resting while our doctor went to deliver another baby. Doesn't she look like Mary?

Once our doctor returned it wasn't long until our little one made his entrance into this life. He was so sweet and precious from the first moment we saw him. He kind of gave us a scare because he had a hard time taking breath for a minute or so. But the nurses were terrific and in no time they handed us our precious baby boy for the first time.

He has been such a good baby. We stayed for another day and half and were finally able to bring him home today, Sunday, December 9, 2007 at about 4:00 pm.

He was so little his clothes didn't even fit him right.

It has been a long couple of days, but we are so happy to have Cayden with us now. He is so special and we love him very much. We hope all of you are doing well and can't wait until you can all meet him. We love you very much!

Lots of love,

Jared, Katie, and Cayden

Haircuts, Holidays, Birthdays, and Shopping days!!!

Its been a while I know, but here I am again! Life is going well. We are still awaiting the arrival of our little one and can't wait until he comes. It gets harder and harder to wait but we are trying our best to be patient. We went out and purchased our travel system and play yard and Jared put them all together on Saturday. It feels more real now that we have a place for the baby to sleep all set up in our room. However, come Dec. 7th we get to move it all to our new place. (I'm SOOO excited for that!!!)

Jared putting together the play yard

Jared putting together the stroller

About two weeks ago I had the fun and exciting experience of cutting my little brothers hair. Timmy had no objections to it and willingly sat in the chair and let me cut away. Matt on the other hand had to be forced into it. Daddy had to play the "you're not 18 for another week" card to get Matt to sit down. You see, Matt has this incredibly thick curly hair and likes having his "white man's fro" as he calls it, so he was pretty bummed to have to cut it off. But he looks SO much better with short hair.

Timmy's haircut-almost done!

Matt and Tim-What nice haircuts

Thanksgiving was great! Jared got a phone call at 8:30am from Timmy asking if he was going to play football with them. It was about 30 degrees and there was snow on the ground. But he happily went and the 4 boys enjoyed themselves. Then we went home so we could get ready to go back to mom and dad's house for our Thanksgiving dinner. We had a wonderful day.

Thanksgiving also happened to be Matt's 18th birthday. What a lucky boy, not everyone gets a huge feast for their birthday. I can't believe how grown up he is. He is such a HUGE help to my mom and dad and rarely complains about it. Its so strange to think that my little brother is now an adult and that in a year he'll be leaving for his mission. But what an AWESOME and special man he is. WE LOVE YOU MATT!!!!

Matt and cutie Spencer

Jared and I went Midnight shopping on Thanksgiving this year. The outlet mall just south of us started their "Black Friday" sales at midnight. SO we got up at 11:30 to drive down there and sat in traffic until 1:15 when we finally pulled into the parking lot and were ready to shop. Our main goal was to find a robe for me to have at the hospital and we couldn't find one. We shopped until about 3 and got home at 3:30. Then Jared had to get up and go to work at 6:30. He was such a sweetheart to take me shopping. So I went to my parent's house on Friday and they took me to Kohls where I walked straight back to the sleepwear and found a robe in 30 seconds. It was only $18 too. Then mom and I put Dad in the line that wrapped around the store and we shopped a little more. We were quite successful at Kohls.

Since it would be silly for us to put up our Christmas tree and then move it in 2 weeks we helped put up Mom and Dad's tree on Friday. It is quite the large tree but we always have fun putting it up. Jared was the head honcho of the tree committee this year. I think we got it up faster than we ever have.

Matt and Jared putting on the last few branches

Now I get to start packing up our apartment and Jared is finishing up his semester. And hopefully its only a matter of days until we can give you all a call and tell you our little man has arrived.

Hope all is well with everyone. LOVE TO ALL!!!!!

Growing and Expanding

It seems that as I expand with the pregnancy everything around me expands too. Life just seems to get more and more crazy and it seems as if I never have a free moment. So this week has been nice. The schools are on Fall Break so I have had the week off. Its been nice to get somewhat organized again. I have been able to sleep in too, which I relish because I'm sure that won't happen very often once "little man" comes along.

Jared and I have been counting our blessings lately. I think that its a really good thing to do when I feel like I have no control over what is going on in my life. We have been planning to move as soon as our lease was up but really wanted to be able to stay in our ward. Well, our ward is mainly houses and town houses and the apt. complex we live in now is SUPER expensive. HOWEVER, I went on-line to check prices at our complex and found that they have 2 bed 2 bath apts. for a price that we can actually afford. So, WE ARE MOVING!!! On Dec. 7th we get to move into our own apt. again. I'm SUPER excited. It is definitely going to be a hard time to move, with a brand new baby and Jared's finals week. But it is going to be GREAT!!!

So, life is crazy but good. Jared is working Saturday's again which is a blessing and a curse. I only have 3 weeks left of work until I start maternity leave. We have been trying to spend as much time together as we can. We went to our ward Halloween party which we actually enjoyed! One of the games there was eating a donut off of a string, I didn't play but Jared did.

My car finally hit 100,000 miles. I thought it was cool so as I was driving down the road I pulled out my camera to take a picture. (I know, I'm kind of a dork.)




Kimmy and Tyson just moved up the street from us! They got a wicked deal on renting a house. So, its fun to have them closer. Plus I get to babysit cute little Spencer.

Spencer sleeping while I babysat

Houdini Helping me babysit

Jared and I actually got to spend Halloween together! His teacher basically cancelled class because she figured no one would come anyway. So, we went to a Trunk or Treat with my sister and her husband but it was over by the time we got there. So then we went out to a diner type restaurant called Gunther Toody's. They have 5 cent burgers on Wed. We went with Kimmy and Tyson, Chris, Matt, Tim and a friend of Tim's. It was a fun night. But I just enjoyed being with Jared.

Jared, me, and my growing belly on Halloween

Kimmy, Tyson, and Spencer on Halloween

So That's been our life lately. I really will try to blog again soon.

LOVE TO ALL!!!

I am a SERIOUS slacker!!!

I have to apologize to those of you who actually take the time to look at our blog. I have been a huge slacker. Now that I'm back to working again I pretty much come home, eat, take a small nap, wake up to watch my shows, and then I back to sleep for the night. I didn't realize how hard it was going to be to work while I am pregnant. I do enjoy my job though. There is just something about special needs children that I love and its such a blessing to me that I get to work with them.



Things have been going really well for us though. Jared is back in school so I NEVER get to see him during the week (except on Wed. when he comes home to spend time with me before he heads off to school). He is doing well though and is creating some really cool things. I love it when he is home and wants to show me what he's been working on, he is SO talented.

The past month has kind of flown by. At the beginning of Sept. we were able to go to Utah for Labor Day weekend. It was a special trip because we went for the blessing of Jared's sister's new baby boy, Jayson. He is such a precious little boy. We always have fun when we go to Utah because we get to see Jared's mom and sister and her family. We just love playing with our nieces so whenever we get the opportunity to we take it.

Jared with our new nephew Jayson

Jared and Jayson (doesn't he look GREAT with a baby in his arms?)

Me and Rylee (she was enjoying playing with our camera)

Jared in the play tent with Rylee and Tayler

Then came my birthday! Woo hoo another year older and I'm not sure I feel a whole lot wiser. But my birthday was fun. We woke up and had a yummy breakfast and then just hung out until it was time to go to church. After church we went to my mom and dad's house for my FAVORITE spaghetti dinner and cake and ice cream. Kimmy and Tyson came down and my brother Mikey was even visiting from Florida. So it was an extra special day because I had most of my family there to spend it with. (Thank to all those who sent birthday wishes!!!)

My sister Kimmy made my birthday cake

We also ended the month of Sept. in Utah. Jared's wonderful Grandpa B. passed away on Sept. 24th. He was such a great man and I'm so thankful that I had the opportunity to know him. We were able to see him quite a bit in our travels this summer and every time he saw him was special. He always made me feel loved and that he genuinely cared about me. He also always made sure Jared was taking care of me of smiled big when I told him Jared was doing a wonderful job. I'm so thankful that Grandpa B. was the one who sealed Jared and me and I'm thankful for the many times I heard his testimony. What an awesome man!!! While in Utah for the funeral we were able to spend time with ALL of Jared's brothers and sisters. It was special for Jared to be with them all again but it was wonderful for me too because I'm still getting to know most of them and I LOVE spending time with them. I always like I'm with my own family when I'm with them, which is such a nice feeling.

Jared and Grandpa B. on our wedding day Grandpa B. on Jared and my wedding day

Last but not least Happy Birthday to my baby brother Timmy who turns 16 tomorrow. He is such a wonderful and special boy and I couldn't ask for a better baby bro. I LOVE YOU TIMMY!!!

OK, so I hope this can tide everyone over until I have more exciting things to write. Our life really isn't all that exciting right now. We are just awaiting the arrival of our little man. Only 9 weeks to go!!! Until next time!

LOVE TO ALL!!!!!

Spencer Scotlyn Moore

My oldest sister Kimmy had her baby on August 20 at 6:20 pm. He weighed 8lbs 4oz and was 20.5 in long. She went in that morning to be induced and was at 2cm ALL DAY. Finally I got a phone call from my dad saying Kimmy wasn't doing well and that they had to do a C-section. Little Spencer wasn't so little and Kimmy couldn't deliver on her own. So they prepped her for surgery and he was out in a matter of minutes. Kimmy was in the hospital until Wed. afternoon and is recovering amazingly well. She has always been tough. We are very excited that both Spencer and Kimmy are home and healthy. CONGRATULATIONS to Kimmy and Tyson!!! We LOVE you!!!!!!!!

Florida Trip!

I really did try my hardest to blog sooner but life just kept getting in the way. So its time to catch up AGAIN.

Jared and I got to enjoy a beautiful week in Florida at the end of July. We left on July 28 and returned home on August 4th. The purpose of the trip was supposed to be a family reunion for my grandparents 65th Anniversary. However, not everyone was able to make it down at the same time. But my grandparents were able to see most of their family this summer through spread out visits.

We spent most of our time in Florida relaxing. We did A LOT of swimming, went fishing, did some spray paint art, went to the beach, played some tennis, and Jared even got to go to Universal Studios for a day with my brothers, Mikey, Matt and Timmy. I would have gone too but to pay that price and not get to ride anything just wasn't worth it. Plus, my mom and grandmommy planned a baby shower for that night. So the boys played and the girls partied.

Timmy and Jared doing Spray paint art

The boys at the beach trying to boogie board (the weather wasn't all that great)

Jared sleeping after our trip to the beach

Mikey, Timmy, and Matt swimming in the rain (what daredevils!!!)

Matt, Jared, and Timmy on the way back to the house after fishing

Me and my cousin Jeannie, and Mikey





Me at my baby shower





Me and Mom





My cake



Me cutting my cake ( I just love Publix cakes!!!)

The night before our return home we all went out to dinner at Iguana Mia to celebrate my grandparents anniversary. Its the best Mexican restaurant on the planet! We had a party of 18 people and we had a blast! It was a GREAT week!!! It was so hard for me to come home and leave them and Florida. I just hate being so far away from my Grandmommy and Granddaddy.

My AMAZING grandparents after 65 years. ( I just love them so much!!!)

Their first date was to a Mexican restaurant.

When we got back Jared was back to work and I was back to, well, I was lounging and sometimes nannying. This has been a really relaxed summer for me. I have been putting out resumes so hopefully I'll have a real job again soon. Jared and I have been enjoying the time we have together since he goes back to school soon and we probably won't see too much of each other. It will be hard but we'll get through it. We just keep telling ourselves that we just have to get through this year of it and then he's done.

Anyway, we hope all is well with everyone. We miss you and send you our love!!! Until next time! Take Care!!!

ALL OUR LOVE!!!!!!!!!

We finally found out what we are having....

IT'S A BOY!!!

We are happy to announce that our dear little niece Alyssa, as well as two of my brothers and my sister Kimmy, were wrong!! Our little one was all curled when we had the ultrasound sound yesterday but somehow he was curled up with his legs spread wide open. We are very excited that our first is a boy. I have always said that everyone needs a big brother.

But even better than finding out its a boy, we found out that our baby is growing healthy and everything is just as it should be. Woo Hoo!!!

Here are some fun pictures from our ultrasound.

Baby Boy Profile

Baby Boy Feet

Baby Boy Parts (no mistake about that)

Ok, well until I write again!!!

LOVE TO ALL!!!!!

Vacations are so GREAT!!!

It is true that vacations are great,

but vacations to go visit family are even better.

Jared and I returned home on July 8th after having been away for 9 days. Our travels started out with a business trip to Park City. The company Jared works for, Ideations, had a install to do there and I got to go along too. We left Denver at 4:30 pm on Friday the 29th and arrived in Park City, UT around 2:30 am. Jared had to drive the company truck which left me driving alone in my car. I did alright until about 11:30pm and then I had to have Jared come and drive for me. So Jared worked long hours and I played. I got to hang out in a nice hotel room, shop and visit my family. I met up with my sister Kimmy in Salt Lake and we drove down to visit our Grandma. Much to our surprise we got to meet our cousins new baby twins. THEY ARE SO CUTE!!!

Kimmy with baby Jasmyne (Kimmy's baby is due Aug. 16)

My Grandma with baby Aspyn

We left Park City in the morning of the 3rd and headed to Stansbury Park to stay with Jared's mom, Leslie. That night we went and saw Ratatouille. It was such a great movie. We really enjoyed it. The next morning, the 4th, we headed up to Clearfield to spend the 4th of July with Jared's sister, Jessica, and her family. Before we got to Jessica's we stopped to see Jared's grandma and grandpa, which is always fun and interesting. We had such a great time hanging out with Jess, Sean and the girls. We had a barbecue and then kinda chilled until we were ready to go watch the fireworks. The fireworks show we watched was amazing. It was like the grand finale the entire time. It would have been nicer though if the ash and flaming canisters weren't falling all around us. Our nieces, Taylor and Rylee, were a little afraid of the noise but by the end Taylor enjoyed it. We spent the night there and on the 5th we stayed and played with the girls until Jess had to go to work. They got Jared and I to play beauty shop with them. We also played hopscotch and with Spud Buds that we brought for the girls. We stayed at Leslie's house again that night and the next morning we headed up to Idaho to see Jared's sister, Jenny, and her family.

Jared teaching and playing hopscotch with Rylee (above) and Taylor(below)

Playing with the Spud Buds (they are a smaller version of Mr. Potato Head, it comes with a potato head, a carrot head, and a corn head) Rylee really loved them.

This was her favorite thing to do with them. She also would take the pieces off the potato head with her mouth and then laugh hysterically. It was super cute.

Jared playing "Beauty Shop", he even had his book to read while he was getting "his hair" done

On the 6th we left Stansbury at about 8:30 am and got to Ashton, ID around 12:30. It was a nice drive, boring, but scenic. I have never been to Idaho and it was interesting to see how bare it is. There was A LOT of farm land. Jenny and Steve were staying at Steve's mom's house in Ashton and Blythe, Steve's mom, was kind enough to let us stay there as well. We felt bad crashing Jenny and Steve's vacation but we were happy that it worked out for us to see them. When we got there everyone got a bite to eat for lunch and then we jumped in our swim suits and headed for the river. We floated down a river for a few hours and enjoyed the beauty around us. Jared and I had our niece, Meggy, in the kayak with us. She rowed most of the time so I didn't have to do anything (except for when those .5 rapids popped up). When we got back to the house we cleaned up and then played for a while. Jared and I had planned on heading home on the 7th but we wanted to spend more time with everyone so we stayed an extra day in Idaho. That morning we got up and played with the girls. We gave Emmy the High School Musical board game so we promised we would play. And boy was it FUN! Later we went up further into the mts. to feed fish and to see the falls. IT WAS BEAUTIFUL!!! However, sitting in the back seat with Emmy and Meggy was my favorite part of that trip. (I just have the cutest and most fun nieces in the world. I was glad I got to spend time with 5 of them on this vacation)

Meggy "pouncing" Jared

Me with 2 of my super cute nieces

Meggy took this picture of us. Isn't the sky amazing?!?! There was the coolest lightning storm that night.

Playing High School Musical. It was actually a fun game.

Jared and Meggy doing a ballet dance to get their cards for the game

In the car driving to feed the fish and to see the falls. Meggy wasn't really sad. (I promise)

These were taken at the lookout point at the top of the Lower Falls (below).

Emmy(10), Lyssa(3), Meggy(7) Meggy is such a little model.

This is at the Upper Falls (Steve ,Blythe & Alyssa, Emmy, Jenny, Meggy, and me and my belly)

Sadly Sunday (the 8th) rolled around and we had to say our goodbyes and head home. The drive home wasn't all that bad. It is way more fun to drive 11hrs with your spouse than it is to drive it alone. It helps too that I have a VERY entertaining husband. I was sad our vacation had to end but I was glad we could do it. It is always so nice for me to get to spend time with Jared's family because I'm still getting to know them and visa versa. So its nice when it actually works out for us to visit them.

Well, I hope this can tide everyone over until next week when we can post the gender of the baby!! Alyssa told us we were having a girl. I love you Lyssa but I hope you are wrong. ;)

Anyway, we hope everyone is doing well. LOVE TO ALL!!!!!!!!