Rachel is 1-derful!

Teeth: 2 bottom, the edges of the 2 top in the past week

New tricks: pulling up, cruising, giving kisses, pointing, nodding, shaking her head

Signs: more, occasionally she signs thank you, please, and banana

Words: nothing consistently real! She says "eh" to mean yes, "uh uh" if she's in trouble, and babbles mama, dada, and nana sounds

Favorites: food! Especially graham crackers and sweet potatoes. She can gum down just about anything, even small pieces of chicken. Dolls. She screams if Alyssa has a doll and she doesn't. She cradles her dolls, pats their backs, smoothes their hair, and sings at them. It's adorable, except for the screaming part ;) she also loves her siblings, the bath, swimming, and my parents' dog Timbre. 

Dislikes: people taking her toys or not sharing food! Sleeping at my moms house. Getting woken up from naps to pick Scotty up from school. When she's upset, she screams like demons are ripping her arms off. Repeatedly. 

My favorite things: she snuggles and pats my back when I hug her. She is curious and explores, but actually stops and listens when I try to keep her away from something! She is so emotive and conversational, nodding and shaking her head, singing along with me. Just when she's starting to seem big, she snuggles up and nurses (at least 4 times a day still) and I get to keep her as my sweet baby :)

Rachel: 9 months

Height: 27 in (25%)

Weight: 15 lb 13.5 oz (5%)

Head: 44 cm (50%)

this is as pudgy as she gets

Teeth: zero! maybe a slight ridge, but nothing convincing. She still tries to gnaw on me though...
Hair: lots! it's a light brown with a bit of texture and curl, especially around her ears
Eyes: blue, though they are starting to have a green/brown tint in some lights? it seems late for them to be changing but it's possible
Birth mark: the inside of her belly button has a dark red birthmark. I spent the first month or so thinking it was a scab from the umbilical cord but I'm pretty sure it's just a regular birthmark

in a hand-smocked dress from Cousin Janet in England!

Likes: food! She nurses frequently, downs any solid as fast as you can spoon it in, and will squawk at you whenever she sees you holding something edible. She has great finger dexterity so she will pick up tiny specks but can't manage to gum much down yet. She loves to bang things together, especially pots from the toy kitchen. She loves to make sound, often picking up a plastic cup and singing into it and laughing at the echo. She LOVES her brother and sister and looks around expectantly whenever she hears them making sound in another room. I often have to find a quiet room and shut the door in order to nurse her because she is constantly looking for them. She still LOVES the water, whether it's a bath or a swimming pool, even if she's getting splashed in the face. She also likes to be snuggled up in a wrap so she can stay by me when I'm trying to get things done around the house

a typical Rachel pose

she LOVES faces!

Dislikes: waiting too long for things, not being able to see people she loves, getting stuck under furniture. Occasionally she freaks out about going to bed but most of the time our sweet, chill baby is still that--sweet, and chill. She will occupy herself for long stretches of time with basic toys and will follow me down the hall on her tummy if I walk away to get something. She is especially patient with her siblings, who still think she is the best toy ever and love to get right in her face.

New tricks: crawling. And by crawling, I mean this:

AWESOME. She started with baby pushups and graduated to serious planking. She often pauses on her hands and knees but continues to get mobile through fish flops and the animated worm. I hope she keeps it up! She has started giggling spontaneously when she finds something funny or makes a funny sound, though her giggle still sounds like a forced laugh and/or machine gun. She still sings and chatters all day long, and has added a new sound to her repertoire that Scotty aptly named the "Eagle Screech." She has also started signing "more", clapping, and waving.

Rachel 3-5 months :)

I like to post as least once a month. Just to keep from getting too behind and to keep in touch with family and friends who are far away.

And then the realities of three kids, a part time job, and Eric's busy season hit. Ha! I swear, if I didn't have to look decent for work everyday I would forget to shower. Have I mentioned that this job has been good for my mental health?

5 months: first time in a swing!

My newborn is no longer a newborn. When she was 3 months old I finally posted her two month stats.  I suppose it's now time for her four month stats and some updates on her new tricks.

4 months

Stats at four months (on 1/11/13)

Weight: 12 lb 4.5 oz (10%)
Height: 24.75" (50%)
Head: 40.75 cm (30%)

4 months: getting some snuggles

Based on her stats two months previously, she's still a lightweight, no longer tall for her age, and her head is growing at an alarming rate. Realistically, her weight is consistent because she flirts with the nurse while on the scale, her length fluctuates because she stretches out when she's excited, and her head measurement is a complete guess because she's fascinated by everything and successfully yanked the measuring tape out of the nurse's hand.

5 months: giving some sass

She started rolling back to front occasionally over Christmas break, just before four months, but didn't really get good at it until 4.5 months. At five months she suddenly flipped front to back after a bath and hasn't looked back since. She spends her time rolling back and forth and occasionally log rolling across the rug. She's a sneaky thing. I'll put her down on the floor somewhere, glance away to get something for another kid, and turn back to find her facing a different direction or in another place. Yet when I sit there and watch her, she doesn't seem to move very much!

3 months: tummy time

5 months: rolling and grabbing

Favorites

Things to look at: people. all people. Her whole lights up whenever a face appears in front of hers. Except for the first deep brunette she met, which apparently freaked her out about dark hair. Topping the list is Scotty and Alyssa, her two favorite people by a substantial margin. She also loves her Nani a lot.
Things to do: roll around, put everything in her mouth, make excited noises
Songs: the Rachel song, When I am Baptized (I like to look for rainbows) - she sings along every time!
Books: anything the bigger kids are looking at. Very tasty.
Places: anywhere outside, in someone's arms (or my wrap or sling)

5 months: in the wrap

Least Favorites

Things to look at: anything that's not moving or singing at her. She gets lonely without hyper kids in her face or snuggles from mama.
Things to do: get stuck on her stomach, get tickled (she rarely giggles and when she does it sounds like a bad fake laugh!)

My favorite things about Rachel

5 months: loving her Scotty

She was meant to be the third child with very high energy siblings. A head appears inches from her nose, bouncing around and singing loudly in her face--and she smiles. EVERY TIME. And occasionally grabs a nose or a handful of hair. I call it her self-defense mechanism. She falls asleep easily 90% of the time and sleeps through the chaos of kids running in and out of a room only a foot away from hers. She'll fall asleep on the floor with kids running in circles around her. She can transition from sleeping to waking instantly without being thrown off for the entire day--especially if she gets a solid morning nap. Unlike the first two, she doesn't mind her carseat or rides in the car. She likes to snuggle and calms to me, but she mostly just wants interaction. If she was my first kid I probably wouldn't think she was so easy because she likes constant entertainment--which Scotty and Alyssa are much more equipped to provide.

5 months: pat-a-foot with Alyssa

She is so engaging! I took the kids to story time at the library last week and the librarian commented to me how aware the baby was. She watched the kids help with puppet show, and looked at the pictures in the book. She even caught some of the bubbles at the end. She watches everything and is always trying to grab things, eat things, and communicate. Her whole face lights up when she seems someone and she coos and sings and yells happily all day long.

5 months: Alyssa was singing her songs when she woke up and Eric walked in to discover this

 She is working on sitting up independently, and can balance fairly well without tipping. She gets excited when she sees her toes and tries to eat them, so she often folds in half but she is very capable of holding herself up. The next adventure is starting solids but I'm in no rush. She nurses well (especially since I cut my hair and she can no longer tangle it all up) and doesn't seem interested in regular food. I've sneaked her an occasional bite of ice cream and she is still clueless about spoons or opening her mouth.

I love: Alyssa

Lyssabelle. Syssa. Where do I even begin with this girl?

My dear Syssa,

When I imagine myself at age two, I picture you. You are such a character, full of spunk, determination, and sweetness. You are probably more sweet than I was! My days with you are a roller coaster. One second, you are yelling in frustration as you are trying to master a new skill, which you want to figure out and problem solve and complete ALL BY YOURSELF. You have been getting yourself dressed since you were 18 months old, including shoes. You have even taught yourself how to successfully wear socks with flip flops. You can put yourself in footed zip up pajamas. Best of all, you have learned that there are some limitations to your abilities, so after trying a few times, you will ask me to help you do the final snap or to hold your diaper down so you can pull your pre-snapped pants over it. You are insistent about doing things yourself, and often times your learning is accompanied by weeping, wailing, and gnashing of teeth (though I have recently taught you to say "this is really really hard!" instead of yelling. at least sometimes). Amazingly, once the task is mastered or the tricky shoes are on, you come bouncing out of your room, so proud and ready to show me the great skill you have learned. You don't carry resentment or frustration. Once the hard thing is done, you are right back to your sweet, cheery self.

You are my little singer. Your adorable mispronunciations and sing-song melodies (which are fairly true to pitch) fill the house. And the car. And the hallway, late at night when I think you are sleeping. Your favorite songs to sing: I am a child of God, I love to see the temple, the family name songs (Scotty, Nani, Papa, Lyssabelle, Rachel), The Wise Man and the "Fuelish" Man, Follow the Prophet, and Pickle Pickle Little Star. Last week, after dropping Scotty off at a birthday party, I thought you might be sad to be left behind. I asked you if you had a happy face about a special outing with Mama, and you treated me to "no one likes a frowny face, change it for a "file" - both verses, on endless repeat. I smiled all the way home. A month ago we were celebrating a typical Saturday in LarsenLand; when the college football refs signaled for a false start, you joined right in with them: "do as I'm doing, follow, follow me." Following in your brother's footsteps via bed time song requests, you have walking around the house this week singing "Jingle Bells, Batman smells." Sometimes I forget that you are only two because you carry on such intelligent, two-sided conversation. "How was your day at school today, mama? Did anyone choose to do bad things?" Your dad and I often exchange bemused and amused smiles over your antics.

From birth you have struck me as such an expressive little girl. You pulled tremendous faces! You have since learned how to use those big green eyes of yours. You flash them at me with shrugged shoulders and a sweet impish smile when you are being a mischievous. You are quick to lower your eyebrows and give daddy the evil eye if he starts teasing you, calling you a silly goose (you always reply: "I'm not a silly goose! I am TWO!"). You still unconsciously sign please when you ask nicely.

Basically, every day with you is an adventure. I am always wondering what new thing you are going to try, and master. Because you never give up. I am so delighted to have you for a daughter!

All my love,
Mama

P.S. I'm amazed that with your determination and independence that you are still content to wear diapers. I'm definitely not going to push that issue until you tell me you are ready! I don't think I could survive the pushback :)

I love: Scotty

A few weeks ago, after a late night feeding when I found myself regrettably wide awake, I began composing letters in my head to each of my children. I took advantage of the peace and quiet to take a step back and see my kids from the outside, from the "I can enjoy the little moments and see how special you are without thinking about all the things I'm trying to teach you as you grow" sort of view. I suppose that is the grandparent perspective.

So here it is (at least some parts. Not EVERYTHING that passes through my head is for public consumption!).

Dear Scotty,

Sometimes I see you running around the house and I realize my gerber baby is in full kid mode, complete with karate chop action. You run, jump, and climb on everything. I'll try to do more playing and less telling you to tone it down or just sit still. I'll watch when you say: "mama, look how high I can jump! I can jump all the way from the couch to this tile!" instead of cringing about all the ways I imagine you hurting yourself or breaking something while you hurtle through the air.

I'm amazed by your ability to remember small details and conversations we have. When you see a friend you remember exactly where and when you last played with them--even if it's been months. When you ask me groggily in the middle of the night if we can go to the zoo next Thursday, I have to think twice before I agree because I KNOW no matter how dazed you appear, you will store that bit of information and hold me to it!

You have a natural knack for math and numbers. You used to count from 29 to 2010. Yesterday, instead of singing to yourself while you were helping me clean, you counted to 59. I'm not sure when you realized your mistake or how you corrected it; I just know I miss getting to 2012 using your (much faster!) counting strategy. You constantly ask me questions like "what's 3 + 3 + 4?" and quickly answer them yourself. I take no credit for your apparent math knowledge except for possibly genetics. Can a kid be born knowing how to do math?

I love seeing you put your mind to something and working to achieve it. I often lament that you would rather ask for help than figure something out yourself, but you are starting to see how much you can accomplish by practicing. I credit your music class for that, and for bringing out the music in you. You were never the baby that cooed along with me, or the toddler that walked around the house singing, or even the kid that sang out loud in primary. When you sit at the piano, you finally seem comfortable enough to express yourself musically and it makes my musical heart sing! I'm so glad that at the end of the day, especially our hard days, I can sit by you at the piano and play our little duet.

Most of all, I love all of our talks. Yes, we are ALWAYS talking, but I try to imagine all of the times in the next 15 years where you won't want to talk to me and it makes me cherish your chattiness. You also have a knack for saying the best things. While watching a presidential debate this election season, you surprised both your dad and I by knowing the names of both the candidates. Your fact checking was followed by this gem of an observation: "Why is Obama even trying? He already had a turn! Doesn't he know that you have to share?" Out of the mouths of babes...

I am so glad I got you, my Scotty, with all of your love and personality.

And I'm glad I have this letter to come back to when we're having one of THOSE days and I find myself forgetting just how lucky I am :)

Love,
Mama

The Story of Rachel Marie

My baby is 3 weeks old today, and I still haven't posted her birth story or any pictures of her! I've been waiting to get pictures back from my doula, who got some amazing shots of the very first moments, but also because this story isn't as detailed or documented as my first two. If I had to pick a theme for Rachel's birth it would be "Let it Be." I wasn't micromanaging every detail of my labor plan or researching up a storm on natural childbirth like I was with Alyssa. The whole experience this time around was very hands off, very peaceful, and very perfect.

It all started with tears. My official due date was August 31, but by my calculations I would have put her due on the 28th. My predictions have been more accurate for my other two, so I felt pretty confident that this little girl would make her appearance during the last week of August, and I really expected her around the 26th. I had planned my chemistry classes to be on maternity leave during that week, with a test and an independent in-class research project. Every day, my students would look up when they walked in the room and exclaim: "you're still here!" When September 1st rolled around, I hit a wall. I was officially overdue, I was tired from not sleeping and being uncomfortable, I was stressed that my maternity leave would roll over into the next (and harder!) unit, and I was just DONE. Eric could sense this and suggested I take a nice warm bubble bath and zone out. He even lent me his iphone with my birth music playlist so I could listen to my favorite tunes. I don't think he expected the deluge of tears. After sitting by me for awhile, he asked me if I wanted alone time or if I wanted him to hold me. Through sobs I told him I just needed a hug and that wonderful husband of mine didn't hesitate--he jumped right into the tub with me, fully clothed!

40 weeks pregnant!

After a few more tears, I accepted that she would come when she was ready and I just needed to stop thinking about it. I even joked to Eric that the advantage of birthing a 3 year old is that they come out potty trained...

the family line up

While I had months of constant Braxton-Hicks contractions, I have never had painful contractions start and not turn in to full blown labor. So when I started feeling some twinges during dinner on Sunday night, I knew it was probably that time. We put the kids in bed and I glanced at the clock occasionally, noting that my contractions were about 15-20 minutes apart. It was only 8pm, so I decided a nice long, distracting game of Monopoly would be just the thing. I sat on an exercise ball and snacked while we played--and within 2 turns around the board I had landed on (and purchased!) all four railroads. Eric then proceeded to land on 3 within the next round. Even when he purchased Boardwalk to supplement his ownership of Park Place it was too late. He ended up selling off all his houses and mortgaging his property and within 5 rounds of the board, I had completely wiped him out. SHORTEST MONOPOLY GAME EVER. I took it as a sign to get some rest and laid down for the next two hours while Eric mentally prepared for labor (aka played Call of Duty MW3). At this point my contractions were about every 10-15 minutes and painful but not too terrible. I wasn't able to sleep but I felt fairly relaxed. Eric called our doula, Diane, to give her the heads up. The plan was to call her to come over when I felt like I needed her.

Wendi says they need to make one that says: "I caught my own baby"

We called my mom around midnight to come over and watch the kids while we took a stroll around the park, just as we had the night I was in labor with Alyssa. I continued to have contractions but they weren't any stronger or closer together, still about every 10 minutes. We got back from our walk just before 2am and I suddenly felt very tired. I tried to lay down on the couch while Eric finally went to bed. I managed to doze through a few minor contractions when suddenly I had 2 that caused me to leap off the couch. I could NOT lay down through contractions anymore! I went to post something on facebook so all the well-meaning friends would know this little girl was FINALLY on her way, and the contraction I had while sitting in the computer chair about knocked me on to the ground. I woke Eric up and told him it was time. "Time?" he says. "Yep, time. Call Diana. Tell her it's time." He just looked at me while I had a major contraction. He rubbed my back gently. He waited for more information. Through gritted teeth, I replied: "Eric, pick up your phone. Right now. Call Diane and tell her it is TIME." My legs were starting to shake and suddenly I knew that if I didn't get in the car soon, I wouldn't be leaving my house.

Diane didn't even ask how far apart my contractions were (still about 7-10 minutes). She just knew that I knew! She told us to meet her at the birth center at 4:15am, about 45 minutes later. We finished packing our bag, woke the kids, and sent them off in Nani's car to spend the night with Papa.

30 minutes after birth

The car is the worst place to have strong contractions. You are stuck in one position, with a seatbelt to add extra pressure, and there is nothing to distract you. Also, whenever the car turns even slightly, your muscles tense to stabilize you. It's a perfect storm of AWFUL. Fortunately, I only had to deal with 3 contractions during the drive as Eric decided 80 mph was an appropriate speed. We arrived at the Babymoon Inn at exactly 4:15am and were greeted by the smiling faces of Doula Diane, the nurse Roxanne, and the midwife on call, Wendi and her student midwife. No paperwork to fill out. No hospital intercoms and bracelets. No sitting in OB triage strapped to a billion monitors and listen to the heartbeats of 10 other babies in utero. I just walked in and kept doing what I was doing. Diane and Roxanne were filling up the ginormous jetted tub for me and Wendi asked me how I was doing and we just let it be. Wendi said she would check my dilation whenever I wanted her to, but that she never needed to check if I didn't want to be interrupted. At this point I didn't want to lay down, and labor was definitely moving along so I didn't think twice about waiting.

I spent most of my early labor minding my own business. At the birth center I had the support of Eric and Diane and emotional support from my mom, but I mostly just did my thing and let it happen. It wasn't all fun and games, but it was probably my easiest labor of the three. My contractions varied from 3 minutes apart to 10, and sometimes I could still talk through them and occasionally they threw me a curve. I threw up (3/3 on that end!) but Diane draped a washcloth dipped in peppermint oil over my shoulders and I never felt nauseous again, even when Roxanne was digging unsuccessfully for veins, trying to place the IV for my antibiotic. I also had a washcloth dipped in ice water to keep me from feeling lightheaded or overheating. After cranking through the antibiotic (Roxanne got that bag through in 2 minutes, instead of the 40 it took at the hospital before having Alyssa!) I could finally get in the tub!

The tub was awesome. All 15 minutes of it! Ok, it was probably closer to 20, but that's about it. I had a few minutes contraction free to really relax and breathe, and the I had 3 very intense contractions back to back. I kept shifting to find a more comfortable position and ended up kneeling and leaning my head on Eric's lap while he sat on the edge of the tub. Wendi had said she could check me in the tub if I wanted her to, so when I started feeling pressure during the last 2 contractions I called her in. I think I was the only one who WASN'T surprised when she announced that I was complete and the baby was at a +3! At this point I realized that I hadn't gotten a priesthood blessing from Eric, so I asked for a minute and everyone left the room. Eric gave me a wonderful and very brief blessing that my body would know what to do and that Rachel would be strong and healthy while I had 2 more contractions. And then the room was a bustle of activity with Roxanne prepping things for baby's arrival and everyone gathering. At some point Eric joined me in the tub, and when I opened my eyes I saw the midwife Wendi, Doula Diane, the nurse Roxanne, and my mom all kneeling along the edge of the tub, watching me. The student midwife, Ashely, channeled her inner spiderman and was straddling the tub to give me a little extra support. Rachel decided to come barreling through and on the first contraction she was nearly out! I could tell it was too fast so I actually held her back and told her to go slowly :o) On the second contraction it was much less uncomfortable and I knew she would be coming quick. Sure enough, on the third contraction her head was out!

Wendi told me to lean back onto Eric, and together we reached down and lifted this tiny, beautiful baby girl out of the water and into my arms. She was gorgeously pink and screaming merrily away, with a full head of dark hair. She seemed so tiny to me! I later learned that my mom managed to catch that perfect moment on video! Watching it makes me (and everyone else!) cry at how peaceful and natural it was. It's also pretty PC and completely gore-free for a birth movie. I'm not going to post it to a public blog, but if you're interested in seeing it let me know :)

I stayed in the tub holding my tiny baby girl while she started up at me until after I delivered the placenta. We got out to shower off, but I was bleeding more heavily than they would have liked so after a quick 30 second scrub of shampoo in the hair I was back in bed with a shot of pitocin in the leg. My bleeding quickly slowed and the worry was over. After nursing and weighing her in at a tiny 6 lb 4 oz (gestational diabetes? ha!), I handed her off to my mom and curled up by Eric for a nice long nap is a full size bed.

smallest baby ever! ok, at least for me

Papa brought the kids to visit, and while Scotty was more interested in the toys than his baby sister, he did tell me she was really cute :o)

SO excited to be a big sister!

Rachel passed her newborn exam with flying colors and after eating some lunch, we headed home around 1pm.

 For those of you who are curious, the pros and cons of the birth center versus the hospital, and more details about the medical care I had during labor are coming in the next post!

Birthday Girl

 Alyssa is Two!

It's handy to stack birthdays, isn't it? August is kid birthday central around here, with another one likely imminent. Fortunately, they follow birth order so I can keep all the numbers straight.

Without further ado, here are things I love about Alyssa!

2010

1. Her drive to learn new things! This girl wants to do everything, and she wants to do it now, and she wants to do it herself! I have a love/hate relationship with this quality in my two year old, but I admit it's one of the things I most admire about myself so I appreciate where it will take her. She jumps into life with both feet and no hesitation.

2011

2. Her genuine sweetness and willingness to listen. It sounds ironic, because the girl won't accept any help (if I even reach to touch her shirt while she is getting dressed she will take it all the way off, back away into the corner, and start over!), but she will listen to my guidance and try to follow my example. If she it yelling and trying to shove her feet into the wrong shoes, I can tell her that they are on the wrong feet and she will actually listen to me! If she is all worked up and crying hysterically, Eric will scoop her up in his arms and tell her that she needs to calm down--within seconds, she will reply with a shaky "o-tay..." and stop sniffling. If she is trying to get my attention by repeatedly whacking me in the stomach and yelling "mama!", all it takes is a quick reminder from me and she will flash me the sweetest grin and say "please mama?" in a very polite voice. Whenever she hears another kid crying, she immediately notices, comments, and wants to help. She has a special sweet spirit about her that is completely endearing. These sweet smiles are the high points in days filled with battles over everything she is determined to do herself!

2012

Second birthday stats:
Height: 33" (20% --she's actually a little taller but she stands knock-kneed)

Weight: 24.3 lbs (5%)

Hair: long, with the shorter layer now falling around her shoulders, blondish, and curly at the ends

Eyes: big, beautiful and clearly green/hazel

Words: a billion. With such a talker for a big brother she has no need for speech but finds plenty of reason to talk. She's picked up Scottish phrases, which crack me up, and usually speaks in complete sentences, including please and thank you. Not always understandable, but emphatic!

Favorite book: Moo, Baa, La La La or The Colors Book

Favorite song: Do As I'm Doing, The Nani Song, I Am a Child of God, The Wise Man & the Foolish Man

Favorite color: yellow or purple. I'm making this up since she doesn't know colors, but she tells me everything it either yellow or purple so I'm assuming she favors them :)

Favorite toy: Mickey Mouse! Her eyes light up when we wander the mall and she sees the Disney store. Can't wait to take her to Disneyland....maybe next summer? She also loves bags and purses.

Favorite activities: slides, swings, coloring, and bubbles

 We love you, Lyssabelle!

Let's Play Music

For the past year, Scotty has been part of a class called Let's Play Music taught by a good friend. It teaches some basics about music, mostly through singing, activity, and playing bells, but mostly just lets him have fun with something that I love. Bless his heart, he's pretty much tone deaf and I think he knows it because he tends to not sing. Now he can somewhat match pitch and he seems to enjoy music more, so I consider it a win. He has also picked up a lot of information about rhythm, intervals, recognizing parts and counter-melody, and is starting to learn the basics of reading music from a staff.

A few weeks ago he had his recital. I get to go to class with him every other week so it's all familiar to me, but the rest of the gang (Eric, Nani, and Papa) got a kick of seeing him jump around. He is very enthusiastic and he definitely stands out--he's not the loudest singer, but he's the one bouncing up and down the whole time :o)

he's the only one dancing ;o)

all 3 classes combined

jumping out a scale

demonstrating "skips"

major chords

playing the bells

Alyssa had a good time too