Greg, Brittany, Cali and Bren Ethington

2010-04-25T17:17:00.000-07:00

June is coming soon and with it we will have Bren join our family. We recently went and had a 3D ultrasound to see what our little Brenner will look like. The first three pictures are Bren. The last two are Cali. Any similarities? Either this technology makes every baby look the same or our girls are very similar. You be the judge.

Picture Time!

2010-04-25T16:30:00.000-07:00

Here are a few Easter Celebration Pictures. We had a little easter egg hunt just for Cali. She loved putting the eggs in the basket. She had a wonderfully cute yellow Easter dress on. Thanks Shannon for all the cute clothes. Now bask in her cuteness as we do every day.

Cali and Daddy got to color the eggs together.

Blog a little blog

2010-04-23T09:52:00.001-07:00

Hey the other day I was thinking about a way to communicate what our family is doing and share photos and remembered we have a blog. Let me think of when this was last updated.....not worth thinking any longer. Besides you probably just scrolled down to find out when it was.

Cali is just about 16 months old. She is a hoot. High energy, fun, crazy, and totally the same as her mother. I got a few traits in there, but I don't think nearly as many as mom did. She is obsessed with Baby Einstein and The Wiggles. Thomas the Train is starting to creep up there in the ranks as well. She knows and can say Elmo's name very well so it is only a matter of time before Sesame Street is going to be part of the regular day routine. She makes the best animal noises. Her sheep and horse are especially intense. I don't know how she makes those sounds exactly and explaining them is too difficult, but she belts them out nice.

With Bren right around the corner, we are afraid of what life will be like with two babies. Will Bren be nice, sweet and somber to cancel out Cali? One can only hope. Yet I think of the genes their mother is passing to them and I fear the worst. My theory is that they will synergize into one super baby that will dominate our lives for....oh I'd say 18 years but I have a feeling 21 is more like it. Hooray for parenthood!!!!

Brittany is doing great with pregnancy. She wasn't sick much this time around. We are now at uncomfortable belly stage. Now it is just a race against the clock to see who will snap first, Brittany or the belly. Cali came over a month early so we didn't have to do this phase long last time. I don't know if we will make it this time either.

As for me, I am just doing what I can. Every day is jammed packed. I have a list of items to do before the day and I get a whole new list right when I get in. I love it.

Okay maybe later today I will add pictures.

AZ Trip

2009-09-22T14:10:00.001-07:00

This was the cutest thing ever! Dylan was totally rocking out to Rockband with us! I think he may have found his calling in life:)

Things were a little too quiet in the family room-

and sure enough we turn around to see the babies banging on the TV. (I'm sure it was all

Cali's idea- Dylan was just a victim of her bad influence:))...why is it they always want to play with the things they aren't supposed to touch?!

This baby loves to suck on all things metal- is that normal?

This picture PERFECTLY reflects the absolute opposite dispositions of Cali and Dylan. Happy little Dylan, smiling calmly for the camera, sitting still and perfectly behaved...and then there's Cali the disheveled, loud little girl always demanding something...27 days difference...worlds apart!

Queen of the Car

2009-08-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Our little ray of sunshine has been a challenge in several areas; one is the car. She absolutely loathed her first car seat and it took us a while to figure out why. From day one Miss Independent has wanted to sit-up and hated being strapped down in a 'laying down' position (but what else do you do with an infant???). I would dread car-rides anywhere, because it meant listening to her blood-curdling shriek the whole way. Oye.

Ever since we got the sitting-up style car seat she's been a dream in the car! I don't think she was really 'old enough' when we got it- but whatever- it works!! But it's not just that- we mounted a little portable DVD player to the headrest which plays all varieties of Baby Einstein. To add to her majesty's viewing pleasure we installed a little window shade (you know, so as to avoid any of those nasty glares). Did I mention the drink, or in her case, bottle holder- ya, that too. This baby's got it all.

I don't know how our parents did it without these little technological perks. Seriously.

Gerber Baby?

2009-08-20T18:41:00.000-07:00

People always comment on how big Cali's eyes are- and how much she looks like the "Gerber Baby"...you decide.

Offically the World's Worst Blogger!!!

2009-06-24T16:35:00.000-07:00

This baby just LOVES books.

At Laguna Beach~let's see if she likes it as much as her mommy!

Greg and Cali at 'Bodega Bay' in Nor Cal...Greg has been helping out at a facility about an hour north of Oakland, called Petaluma. Cali and I went up one week to visit. He's up there weekdays and flies home weekends- kinda stinks- but we're excited to know we'll soon been permanently placed at a facility in Chatsworth! Anyone have any tips on the area?

We all had a blast watching the playoffs (especially considering the end result- GO LAKERS!!). It's the weirdest thing~ but Cali really likes watching basketball...she even looks away during commercials- guess I shouldn't be surprised...but sooo early?

She chews on everything she can possibly get into her mouth!

By 4 months our little 'preemie' had gone from the 5th percentile to the 70th % for weight and over the 95th % for height! Yeah for Ethington genes!

2009-04-14T11:28:00.000-07:00

Grandma Ethington bought these adorable little cow outfits for Dylan and Cali- gotta represent!!

Our little narcissist just loves to look at herself in the mirror- she smiles and coos like crazy!

I know she'll hate me later for sticking these GIANT bows on her- but I just LOVE them!! I think this one makes her look like Minnie Mouse- HA!

Even while sleeping, Cali is never totally relaxed...note her hands slightly up...this one is wound a little tight- wonder where she got that?!

At two months Cali wanted to play in this wonderful little contraption we have dubbed her "spinny". Though she is too small for it she just loves the little spinners on it- so we put a little bosu guy under her feet (why not work out the core simultaneously??).

Baby Girl

2009-02-05T15:36:00.000-08:00

She much prefers our bed to her bassinet:)

Tummy Time

Matching Mohawks

Grammie and two very eager baby sitters!

Cali (dukes-up) and her cousin Dylan...born just 28 days earlier.

Love those big blue eyes!

I know, I know, this is long overdue...Here are some more pix of our new addition. We cannot believe how quickly she changes! After a somewhat scary bout with jaundice, Cali is thriving! At her one month checkup she was 9lbs 2oz and 21 1/2 inches! So some of daddy's genes did sneak in there:) She was a pretty fussy little thing for the first few weeks, but we discovered it was mostly gas pains- (thanks Susi and Staci for the tips!! They've made all the difference!) As far as we can tell she is a very determined strong little girl- both physically and in spirit. Greg recently started calling her 'Bear' due to the little noises she makes and ferocious way she eats (ouch!!) We are absolutely enamored with her and sometimes just sit and stare at her perfect little features for way too long, and are so grateful for her. What a little miracle!!

Surprise!! Cali Kaye Ethington is here!

2008-12-29T20:45:00.000-08:00

We received a late Christmas present this year, yet this gift came earlier than we thought.
On December 28th at 11:41 am, Cali was born. She weighed 6 lbs 6 oz and was 19 1/2 inches long. We are so blessed that she is perfectly healthy, especially since she came nearly 4 weeks early.
Brittany's water broke at 12:30 am and less than 12 hours later the most amazingly cute girl came to us. (I am a little biased) Brittany was just amazing. She did it all with no pain medication at all. No epidural, nothing. I am so amazed by her abilities and thankful for her effort and sacrafice.
Enjoy the pictures!

Work send-off and Christmas Party

2008-12-16T17:52:00.001-08:00

Joanne, Karen, Teri and Jackie...

Erin, Jordan, Spencer, Helen and Debbie...

Me and the giant cake!

Pic of the meeting- all decked out 'baby style'.

Trish and I at the Christmas Party.

Greg and a very prego Britt...

Greg and my cousin Eric Tanner.

November 20th was my final day with North American, and I'm officially 'retired'- haha...well as sweet as everyone is there they had a cake, card, giftcards ready to send me off. The day before I had another meeting offsite- where the field staff decorated it like a baby shower, and also had a little send off gift. Last week we had our annual Christmas Party at the Montage in Laguna Beach. As always, it was FABULOUS! As an 'Administrator in Training' Greg and I were put up across the street in the Laguna Reef Inn. Administrators are put up at the Montage for the night, and Greg and I sure are looking forward to that next year...but were very grateful for our accomodations as well. What a company!!

Thanksgiving, Dual Baby Shower, Bro-Time, Basketball Reunion and a Baby...

2008-12-16T16:48:00.000-08:00

Bro-Time in full force...

Bro-Time shirts, wigs and all... Soon to be dad Steve...

Britt, Mom Ethington and Lisa awaiting Dylan's arrival...Excited Grandmas:)...

Kiera with Dylan minutes after...amazing! We couldn't get over how little his diaper was!

What a cutie! A very tired Dad and Grandpa- what a night!!

Thanksgiving weekend Greg and I traveled out to Arizona to spend the holiday with Greg's Family...we got a whole lot more then we bargained for- and we're so glad we did!! We started with a fabulous turkey dinner that not only tasted delicious, but was beautifully decorated for. The following day Mom Ethington and Lisa threw a double baby shower for Kiera and me (and none-to-soon as it turned out!) while the boys had their 'Bro-Time' mini-golfed, guitar heroed, ate a lot and did whatever boys do together... (this and the Ethington Campout are the two times I year I'm forbidden from giving Greg grief about his soda consumption:)). The next day Greg attended a "Gilbert High School Basketball Reunion" of sorts. It was really informal, it just started out with one of his buddies sending out a facebook message assessing interest in some pick-up play- and quickly ballooned into 30-40 alumni players showing up to play! Though his ankle is still not fully recovered he popped some pills, wrapped it well and had a blast reconnecting- and I loved getting to meet some of the bball buddies he talks about. Saturday night Lisa gave Kiera a 'labor inducing' foot massage complete with essential oils said to do the same- and wouldn't you know--- within 12 hours she was in the hospital with labor pains! Darling baby Dylan arrived around 12:30AM Monday morning! Kiera was amazing- we were in the room talking to her just hours before such- what a champ!!

Engaged!!

2008-11-10T19:36:00.000-08:00

KC surprised the lovely Amanda Hyer on a recent weekend trip home from BYU with a romantic dinner at the Ritz Carlton in Dana Point...he brought a bag full of 'memories' from their courtship (i.e. the ticket stub from their first date), and went through one by one culminating with him on bended knee with a gorgeous engagement ring!!

The Hyer family joined us in congratulating the couple at our home, where KC and Amanda retold the events of the night, and we toasted with Martinellis. We were happy to share this time with the Vickers' (visiting friends from London).

KC has a funny thing for stroking soft hair (see above)-

better get used to that Amanda!

They are SO in love-

and we are SO happy for them!!

Congrats you two!!

Cali Kaye- 29 weeks...

2008-11-05T09:30:00.000-08:00

Greg and I did a 3D-4D ultrasound yesterday- this is when I love technology...wow- so amazing!! Before we went I very shyly bought a diet coke, because someone told me if you drink one before the ultrasound the baby will be more active. I felt so guilty buying it- as if I were buying cigarettes or alcohol...for those of you who don't know- I have a thing about soda. I just think it's such an unnecessary evil in this world- bad for your teeth, the carbonation is bad for you as an athlete, not to mention the unnecessary calories! HELLO- we have discovered Crystal Light!! Anyway, despite my feelings of hypocrisy, I went through with the purchase...but could only choke half of it down. Truly- I don't see the appeal??? Anyway, it didn't work- Cali slept right through the ultrasound- I guess she inherited her dad's ability to sleep well:). It was amazing to see her little features already- we are in love all over again!!

Rubbing her eye...

Look at those chubby little cheeks- I already want to pinch them!!

So those are the feet that kick my ribs all day:)

I LOVE this one- (check out those long fingers!)

We even got one of her smiling!!

Cankle Update

2008-10-31T21:06:00.000-07:00

Okay this is going to sound silly but my foot is no longer broken. The doctor sent me to an orthopedic and he concluded different than the doctor did. The orthopedic looked at the x-rays and said not broken. However my non broken streak is not back on. The orthopedic said that he saw evidence of past bone chips on the inside of my ankle that had healed and smoothed over. Strange isn't it. So my 27 year streak wasn't really there.

Good news is that the swelling is going down and I am getting back to normal.

Viva Las Vegas

2008-10-28T10:43:00.000-07:00

Recently Greg and I took Tori and Whitney to a gymnastics meet in Vegas...(not my favorite place to visit by any means, but we thought it'd be a fun weekend getaway nonetheless). Tori had gotten a nice little shiner the week before while playing with cousins. Greg agreed to come on one condition- that he could go to one of those famous Vegas all-you-can-eat buffets. I was excited to see Tori compete (and somewhat relive one of my own favorite pastime sports), and to shop!! (I have found that it is suddenly waaaay more fun to shop for the baby then myself now...) So off we went. We stayed at 'The Orleans' (closest hotel to the gym)- which aside from the yucky casino smoke, was great!

CANKLE UPDATE!!!

2008-10-28T09:28:00.000-07:00

In a recent visit to the doctor, x-rays confirm that this Cankle is no ordinary sprain. I thought that after a week of steady ice and rest, my cankle would return to ankle form. But when the swelling didn't go down I decided to get a picture taken. And there is was, a small chip fracture. My long 27 almost 28 year streak of unbroken bones comes to an end. And FREAK it is just a small little guy. All the years of serious basketball and sports competition with no broken bones and then this little tiny guy break. I have a follow up doctor visit today with my primary doctor and hopefully I can get copies of the x-ray to post.

Please remember that all sympathy and spoiling is appreciated and deserved at this time.

Ankle, More like CANKLE!

2008-10-21T19:44:00.001-07:00

I don't think I can really do justice with words what can be said with pictures. You probably looked at the pictures which sparked your interest in what I have to say anyway. So here is the story of my ankle sprain.

I recently joined a city league basketball team nearby in Chino, Ca. We play every Monday night and have been playing for over a month now. I have been playing well and having a lot of fun. It does help when you are the biggest guy out there. Well about 7 minutes into last night's game I went up high for a rebound. As I grabbed the ball I sensed that there was someone around my legs. The smallest guy on the court decided to park himself right under me after I jumped. I looked down in time to see him sliding right in under me. Now I have gotten used to this as many of the players in the league don't have a lot of game experience. Every game I have guys pushing on my legs as I jump in the air. I have to be a little cautious every time.

So as I am coming down from the rebound I tried to avoid the little man underneath me, but there was little I could do. My left foot came right down on the back of his foot. There was nothing I could do as I watched my ankle bend under the strain of my landing. Brittany said she doesn't remeber me yelling when it happened but did as I lay on the ground. It hurt like crazy, but mostly I was just really annoyed and aggrivated that I had sprained my ankle.

First comes love...

2008-09-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

Greg and I met in 2006 while both living in South Orange County...following our first fabulous date we just couldn't get enough of each other, and saw each other almost every day following such. By November we were engaged...(for full story see the awesome DVD created by Mark and Camielle Arnett- you guys are AMAZING!!)

Then comes marriage...

2008-09-20T17:08:00.000-07:00

Greg and I were married March 24, 2007 by Greg's Grandpa Arnett in the Newport Beach Temple. It was such a wonderful day~ thanks to the hardwork of so many. (I remember my mom saying she was tired for a month afterword!) We then honeymooned on Oahu for the next week, it was amazing.

Then comes the baby in the baby carriage!! (Well almost...)

2008-09-18T12:27:00.001-07:00

Watch out Lisa Leslie- here comes the next big female athlete to hit the hardwood (or, at least her parents hope so) but athlete or no...we found out 'she' is in fact a 'she' last week, and could not be happier! Cali Kaye Ethington is due to arrive January 21, 2009. As obsessed first time parents Greg and I have watched this ultrasound over and over (and this is the abridged version!)- if you can make it past the first minute or so more power to you...nonetheless, we wanted to share. Greg had the ultra-sound tech busting up, as he relayed he 'felt her pain' being trapped in a space much too small for her body...he said, "It's like me in a car! It's okay little Cali, just a few more months, then you can get out of there!"

This is how I blog!

2008-09-17T15:31:00.000-07:00

Blogging, You want it, You got it! We are going to be blogging and making all the updates on here. At least for a while. We are working on getting a website going, but until then you can find all your great Greg & Brittany (soon to be Cali) updates. First things to be added; 1. Wedding video by Mark Arnett 2. Ultrasound video of Cali Kaye Ethington. (I know weird right) 3. Awsome pictures of Greg and Brittany. So take this for now and then come back later for the rest.