Standing Tall and First Steps

Our little lady  had been doing an awful lot of standing without support this past month, so we knew first steps were not too far off. Leah did take those first darling, independent steps on April 19, one day before her 14 month birthday. Since then, she has only done about 3-4 in a row, but she is getting more and more confident, and like getting up and falling over and over again.

She is such a nugget!!!!!!

Welcome, Little Serena!

We are all happy and blessed to have a new addition to our family of friends, little miss Serena Lee!

She arrived this past weekend, and she is healthy and beautiful! How lucky areour kids to get the chance to grow up with one another? 

Congrats, Craig and Somer!

Just having fun

Here is some randomness from the last month or so!

Welcome, Little Liam

Some friends of ours had a long and difficult journey to become parents, and their little miracle, Liam, joined their family a couple weeks ago. We finally got to go snuggle this little bundle of love.

We are so happy for this family of three!!!

Leah trying to play with Liam. I can't tell if her wants to laugh or cry.  :)

Is he a doll, or what???

Birthday Boys!

Happy birthday to our dear boys, Ben and Jack!  Benjamin turned three, and his baby brother turned one! It was a great celebration of two awesome little guys.

Leah gave Jack a big birthday smooch!!!

14 months old!

Darling girl, you have been a one year old for two months now. You have grown and learned so much since then!

- Having just turned 14 months old, you still don't quite tip the scales at 20 pounds yet. We are waiting for that day so we can flip you in your carseat!
- You are a blabbering fool, and now say about 15 words. You love to chat and label everything you see. The top three most adorable words you say are bubble, hot, and Mommy.
- You took 2 steps the day before your 14 month birthday, but that is as far as you have gone. Cruising along furniture for hours is one of your favorite pass times, but you just don't seem to want to walk too far just yet.
- Food is still a favorite of yours. You love just about everything, but you have a fairly serious fruit fetish. You would eat nothing but grapes, plums,  oranges, berries, pineapple, cantaloupe, kiwi, and bananas if we let you.
- Some of your favorite toys and activities are your walkers, your playhouse in the yard, bubbles, your baby, stuffed animals, egg cartons, blocks (knocking them over, anyway), the swings, climbing stairs, imitating people and dancing.
- You are starting to really "play". We build you forts that you climb in and out of, you like to play tea party, and you love to feed and tuck in your baby.
-You really could care less about books most of the time these days. The flap ones hold your attention for longer, but you are a busy girl who likes to be on the move.
- Snuggling is starting to become something your enjoy. You frequently crawl into my arms now and curl up with me, and when you put your head down, you say "Ahh".
- Bath time is your favorite part of the day. We ask you if you want to take a bath, and you start flailing around and smiling. We are having a blast watching you splash and giggle.
- You love to stand now. You got up to stand, all by yourself with no support, on April 18. Now, that is about all you want to do. Up and down, up and down, all day long!
- You have 12 teeth now- 6 on the top, and 6 on the bottom.
- There is almost always a sock in your hand when you crawl and walk around, and one of your first words was "shoe". I think you are going to be a shoe designer.  :)
- Still sleep wonderfully at night, but naps are now a struggle. You are too busy walking around your crib and playing with your blankie to lay down, and many naps are an epic fail these days.
- Have the most infectious smile, the greatest dimples, red curls on your darling noggin, pearly white, oh-so-soft skin,  and the most incredible eyelashes I have ever seen.
- I know I am a little biased, but I think you are the best person ever. Oh man, little girl, you are a miracle and a blessing. We love you!

My little daffodil

Reason #435 I love the Morton Arboretum. We discovered Daffodil glad a couple of weeks ago at the Arb, one of our favorite places to spend time as a family. It was glorious!!! Just about as far as you could see, there was a blanket of yellow beauty. We plopped our little beauty in the center, and got some great stuff! 

Emmalemma is 3!

Happy birthday to one of the first kids I truly fell head over heels in love for, my little niece and God daughter, Emersyn.

You are such a blessing to all of us. Your smile is contagious, your wit adorable, and your heart is caring, even for a three year old. Aunt Erin, Uncle Paul, and your baby Lelah love you so much!

The day we welcomed you!!!

Make a wish, three year old!

Sassy three year old!!!

Easter Season was a blessing

We are thankful for Spring for so many reasons, but one of the greatest is the renewal it brings! I am happy to have some sunshine and great excuses to celebrate as we get closer to summer.

This Easter was so special. We were lucky enough to spend it with both sides, as usual, and we also got in a lot of quality time with our friends.

Thank you, God, for the amazing people surrounding my family.  We are blessed.