So much

Life has been crazy the last few weeks. My baby sister got married last Wednesday, so everyone was in town for the occasion. We threw a shower for her on Saturday the 18th, immediately followed by a birthday party for Ada and Kate. On Sunday we ate dinner at my parents' house and had a special FHE for Abby. On Monday we threw a surprise 60th birthday party for my dad in a suite at the Bee's game. Tuesday night the girls all went out to eat, and Wednesday was the wedding. On Thursday, we went to Raging Waters with Angie and Hyrum. Friday night we attended a barbecue at my grandparents' house, followed by an outdoor movie at the Squires'. But all of that will be for later posts. I just want to give a few updates on my girls.

Ada:

-Turned three on the day of the wedding
-Learned how to write her name a month or so ago
-Has mellowed out a little bit. I realized that she doesn't respond well to anger and impatience. I had to change myself before she started behaving better. I was having a hard time for a while there, but things are much better.
-Loves to color. She is getting better at staying in the lines.
-Loves Nursery. She loves using the potty in there because it's just her size, and she loves playing with all the kids. I think she knows all of their names.
-Loves playing with toys (especially ones that Kate is playing with) of all kinds. She can keep herself entertained with anything. Once we were on a long car ride and used her fingers as little people since she didn't have anything else to play with.
-Is signed up for preschool and will start in September. She's very excited to go!
-Went to her first movie. Tyler took her on the 4th to see Up and she had lots of fun.
Kate:

-Took her first steps almost two weeks ago. For the next several days she took up to four at a time, but has since decided that she's rather just stand instead of walk. I'm sure she'll pick it up again soon, but I'm in no hurry for that to happen!
-Learned how to say 'pretty' all on her own. She just started pointing to things and saying it. It's the cutest thing ever.
-Today she crawled into Ada's room and said, "HI ADA!" Her vocabulary is slowly increasing.
-Loves books, dolls, balls, and anything Ada is playing with.
-Sleeps through the night, but wakes up WAY too early (like before 6:00 some days). Not sure what to do about it.

Besides all of the wedding/birthday stuff, we've been busy boating, swimming, and going to Lagoon. This summer we still have lots to look forward to, like our anniversary, camping with my family (in a cabin), more Lagoon, and I'm sure more boating and swimming. Can't wait!

Birthday Girl

Dear Kate:

On Friday you turned one year old. Oh, how I wish I could have that year back! You have been such a joy to me and everyone around you. I've tried cherish every minute of your babyhood, but it still flew by way too fast. Since the moment you were born I've felt like you were a very special person. While I was in labor and dilated to a seven, your oxygen levels started dropping. The doctor went down to put a probe on your head to get a better measurement, but she had to wait for a contraction to finish first. During that contraction I dilated the final three centimeters and was ready to start pushing! She said she'd never seen anything like it. I pushed a few times and out you came. You didn't cry or make a peep. The nurses and doctor were concerned because the umbilical cord had been wrapped around your neck and they thought you weren't crying because you couldn't breathe. Oh no, you were perfectly fine and as content as could be. I've always felt like there was divine intervention during your birth. You were so tiny and perfect and we were so happy to meet you. You have been the sweetest, most content baby I've ever met. To this day you are still tiny, sweet, content, and perfect. I can't go anywhere without someone making a comment on what a cute and happy baby you are. You have brought me so much joy. Your smile melts my heart. I love how you still love it when I hold you and cuddle you. Everyone absolutely adores you.

It was fun to see you on your birthday, although your real party won't be until Saturday. I made macaroni and cheese (your favorite) from scratch for dinner. It was fun watching you "open" your presents (Ada did all the opening) and seeing your reaction. You were more interested in the babies on the toy boxes than anything else. But you love your Busy Ball Popper, your Lullaby Gloworm, and your block set. It is the cutest thing to watch you play with them. After presents you got to eat a lemon cream cupcake. You enjoyed the frosting, took a few bits of the cake, and scooted the rest on the floor. I can't wait to see you at your party.

Your latest trick is to stand up without holding on to anything. You do it on command and it's the cutest thing we've ever seen. You are so proud of yourself. You can't walk yet, but this is still a big thing because most babies can't stand up without an obliging wall or couch until after they've started walking. Another thing you love to do is to get into the pantry, pull out the bag of Magic Stars (fake Lucky Charms), and pick out the marshmallows while leaving the remaining pieces all over the floor.

Kate, I love you more than words can describe. I love everything about you, including the fact that you now sleep longer than 6:00 a.m. every day. Thanks for being so sweet and easy and for always making me happy.

Love, Mama

Happy Birthday, Princess

Day of birth


One month


Two months


Three months


Four months


Five months


Six months


Seven months


Eight months


Nine months


Ten months


Eleven months


Happy Birthday!