The Silly McWillie Family

I love you...

2009-01-22T15:22:00.000-08:00

you love me...

we're a happy family!

Happy New Year!

2009-01-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

and Happy 1 month b-day baby Whitney.

This first month has just flown by! All and all it's been an extremely smooth transition from a family of 3 to a family of 4! Admittedly, it does take a considerably longer time to get all of us ready and out of the house, but with practice, it will get easier!

And looking back on 2008, I'm amazed at how one little tiny person can change... not just grow and learn, but change the lives of all those around them!

Merry Christmas to all...

2009-01-12T14:50:00.000-08:00

and to all a good night!

We had Christmas Eve dinner at our house this year for the 3rd year in a row. We all had a wonderful time with great food, wine and live entertainment!

Nate brought his new girlfriend, Candace.

Mallory rocked the microphone while Bill played rockband.

Whitney cuddled and coo'ed and reminded us all just how precious our time together as a family really is!

Baby, it's cold outside...

2009-01-12T14:42:00.001-08:00

Mallory begs to go ow-side to play, and when we tell her it's cold, she runs screaming through the house, "Jacket, hat, gloves!" and brings them to us! There is no outsmarting a toddler!

Thank goodness Bill is great at accomidating and entertaining her while I tend to Whitney and stay warm inside (except for the occasional photo opp).

On this particular day, I was upstairs changing a diaper, and Mallory is downstairs in her PJs eating breakfast w/ Daddy. All of a sudden, I hear the front door slam shut and silence... I was afraid of what I would find out in the snow... a toddler in footed PJs and only a hat? But nope... Bill did a great job of squeazing Mallory into her year old snow suit, jacket, boots, hat AND gloves and they were having a great time!

'Tis the season...

2009-01-12T14:34:00.000-08:00

deck the halls, trim the trees and all that good stuff!

oh, and visit Santa Clause to tell him what a good girl you've been and what you want for Christmas... or in Mallory's case, cling on to Mama for dear life and talk about him... but what ever you do, do NOT sit on his lap or make eye contact!!!

Happy Birthday Whitney Elise!

2009-01-12T14:19:00.001-08:00

12/1/08
Today was eviction day!

We arrived at the hospital at 7am to start pitocin. After a fairly uneventful day of epidurals, contractions and hunger... She was born at 16:39 after only 3 pushes.

8 pounds 1 ounce and 19 inches of pure beauty and love at first sight!

Life as a newborn isn't easy, unless you have a big sister to show you the ropes! Mallory LOVES her baby and wants to help us with EVERYTHING!

So, now we're one big happy family!

Giving Thanks

2009-01-12T14:13:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving...I tried to eat this baby out of me today, but apparently she's in a turkey, gravy, pecan pie coma at the moment and is not responding!!!

...and if one more person calls me to asks me if I'm still pregnant, I'm gonna lose it! Surely I wouldn't just forget to tell you if she'd arrived! Now, can we talk about something else?

I nearly re-recorded my greeting on my cell phone to announce that, YES, I am still pregnant and not to worry, I will publically announce when she has arrived. I swear!

due 11/20... and still pregnant

2009-01-12T14:05:00.000-08:00

Baby Peaches was supposed to arrive 11/20, and since I was nearly a week early the first time around, I never thought I'd see this date come and go without a newborn in my arms!

I am embracing these next few days of being a mother of one... as I know not what I have in store for me, but I can only imagine... taking care of a newborn and trying to explain to a toddler why Mama can't get down on the floor and play right this very second before she has a melt down...

Queen Bee

2008-10-20T14:00:00.000-07:00

Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz, Happy Halloween

...with the real queen ;-)

...with the pirate mac Grant

Fall Fashion

2008-10-13T13:46:00.000-07:00

this seasons look is all about layers, boots and silly faces.

The Cutest Pumpkin in the Whole Patch

2008-10-13T13:23:00.000-07:00

Naturally.

We went to Carolyn's Pumpkin Patch with Grandma and Grandpa to pick out pumpkins the good old fashion way. While we were there, we road the train, fed the goats, watched a pig race and ate kettle corn.

BFFs

2008-10-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

We live in an old historic neighborhood that has gone from very few children to nearly a dozen in only a few years time. We get together for play dates, neighborhood BBQs, to celebrate birthdays, and holidays. They are our extended family. The moms are my support system and their children are Mallory's playmates. We are truely blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives and right next door.

our most recent outing: The Zoo

A weekly event: walk to the park complete with snacks

fall=football

2008-10-13T12:50:00.000-07:00

Gymnastics

2008-10-13T12:21:00.000-07:00

We decided to sign Mallory up for a parent-tot gymnastics class. I'm not sure who get's the better work out out of the deal... Mama or Mallory.
We invited Grandma and Grandpa to come watch and take a few pictures while they were in town so they could see Mallory in action.

The class consists of 5 toddlers and their parents and 1 teacher. It is set up in a circuit and the mom's task is to keep the kid on task. This means no throwing balls out of the ball pit, no stealing the stuffed animals off the balance beam, waiting your turn for the trampoline and getting off when the turn is over, etc...

The class is only 30 minutes long, but leaves all the moms sweatier than the kids.
It's been a great experience for both of us. It is now clear that Mallory can follow simple instructions, when she wants to... and she can decide to disobey and she knows it. This usually results in a "talk" and sometimes a quick tantrum. Then it's back to summersaults and tunnel crawling in no time.

Several of Mallory's friends were in the class to, Kolby, Riley and Grant. The kids all get a treat at the end of class... and their favorite is sucker day! This makes for a nice sticky ride home ;-)

18 months old

2008-09-05T13:44:00.000-07:00

Happy 1/2 b-day sassy pants.
At a whopping 30 pounds and 35 inches tall, the Dr says you're off the charts and the size of a 2 year old, so slow down. Now I guess I know why random strangers look at me weird when they try to talk to you, and you jibber jabber back instead of talking in complete sentences. You have a few dozen words in your vocabulary now and you are putting them together, but a lot of them sound the same. No one knows what you are really saying except Mama, Daddy, G-ma and Papa. We have no trouble recognizing the "I love you" that sounds more like "I wha yo."

However, you have decided to start acting like a 2 year old before you're actually 2 years old.
Tantrums. Oh, the tantrums. It's so hard to decide between the red or green cup... why can't you just have them both? Choices, my dear. Life is all about choices.
Today, for example, I'm choosing NOT to accept the fact that you are getting bigger and more independent every day. Instead, I will pick you up from G-ma and Papa after work and hope that you will cuddle with me and lay your head down on my shoulder... for at least 2 seconds, like you did when you were only a few months old.

The best part about you turning 1 1/2 is that you are your own little person. You know what you want, and you usually know where it is or how to get it. The question is, are you allowed to have it? Coloring book and crayons, yes. Daddy's opened full Pepsi can, no. The thing is, you know you're not allowed to have Daddy's soda, but you still try. Every day. Multiple times a day. But you're learning. We're both learning. If we say "no" everyday, maybe one day you won't act surprised when we say "no." Maybe one day you won't fuss and make the pouty face when we tell you "no." Maybe one day you'll stop asking.

But I don't mind. I like that you know what you want and what you like. I like that you know to get your shoes before we go outside and try to put them on your feet. I like watching your curious little mind try to figure out how to get your feet into the shoes. I like that when you can't figure it out, you bring Mama her shoes to put on to watch how I do it. I like that when you give up on your own feet you will go get your baby doll, tell her to "sit down," and put your shoes on the baby doll's feet. You're kind of bossy, but that's the way most big sisters are, so you're right on track.

We tell you, "There's a baby in Mama's belly."
You ask, "where's?" with your arms raised in the air.
"In Mama's belly. You want to kiss the baby?"
You nod yes and lean forward and hug and kiss your baby sister.
"Now, can Mama and Daddy have a kiss?"
You turn sideways and push your right shoulder up and say "Nooooooooo," with inflection in your voice as if it's a question.
Ok, Fine. Maybe next time.

So, Happy 1/2 birthday baby girl. You bring us joy and laughter with a pinch of a lesson in patience every day.

We love you.

smiley

2008-08-05T06:41:00.001-07:00

that is what Mallory's Papa calls her...
and when she smiles, it makes me smile! She's contagious like that ;)

summertime

2008-08-04T07:09:00.000-07:00

Mallory loves her baby dolls! She kisses them, feeds them, and shares her milk with them. She carries them all over the house, wraps them in her blanket, puts them in the stoller and takes them for walks up and down the street... even when it's 101 degrees outside.

She is the sweetest little girl and is going to be the best big sissy ever!

She's learning to share. Sharing is hard. You want something you didn't know you wanted until someone else wants it too... then it's confusing because you want it more than ever.
So, in teaching Mallory about sharing, that means Mama and Daddy have to share too. Again, sharing is hard.

Mallory likes to share Mama's coffee...

and Mama's mango popcycle...

and Mama's jewelry...

She's learning new things everyday. Words, phrases, tasks, emotions, foods, colors, and animal noises.
She's know for a while that a dog says "ruff-ruff." In fact, that is the noise all animals made until this week.
Now, a kitty-cat says "meoooow," a tiger says "Rahhhhhh," and a duck say "duck." Not quack. Duck. Maybe tomorrow she's learn that one ;)

piggy tails

2008-07-21T12:08:00.000-07:00

When I picked you up from daycare today, this is how one of your teachers had done your hair. I'm flattered that she loves you enough to play with your hair!!!

and I'm shocked... You look like a toddler, where has mama's baby gone?
You have enough hair to make pig tails??? How did I not know that?
You are getting so smart, so tall, so big, so indepentent, and now so much hair. Just promise me you won't be liking boys anytime soon... cuz I certainly cannot handle that!

Happy Independence Day!

2008-07-14T08:57:00.000-07:00

Our friends, Ellen, Jeff and daughter Alex, have an awesome July 3rd party every year at their house on their 4 acres. It's the perfect setting for a great big get together in the heat of the summer.
This year included nothing short of volleyball, kiddie pools, slip-n-slide, moon walk, little tikes bouncy, and plenty to eat, drink and be merry.

Here's Mallory watching the fireworks from the comfort of Daddy's lap.
She'd explaim, "WOW" and point at the bright colors illuminating the sky.

high stepping...

water baby

2008-07-14T08:52:00.000-07:00

We went to a local water park with some friends and Mallory had a great time...
She was the youngest but it didn't take her long to catch on and get in!

READY

SET

DRINK

but she wasn't ready to go down the slide with the big kids just yet!

big girl = flower girl

2008-07-14T08:46:00.000-07:00

Mallory did great! As great as can be expected of a 15 month old flower girl...

she made it half way down the isle and dumped all the flower petals on the floor. When the guests laughed, she thought she was cute and threw the basket on the floor. After a few seconds (what seemed like minutes) I left my post as a bridesmaid and took her hand and escourted her the rest of the way down the isle.

She sure was cute trying!

SHHHHHHH, don't tell...

2008-07-14T08:39:00.001-07:00

MOM's 30!!!!!!!!!!!

15 months old...

2008-06-11T07:19:00.000-07:00

How did you get so big so fast, baby girl?
At 27 pounds and 33 inches, you're off the charts!

This spring has been so fun! You love to be outside exploring the yard and walking all over the neighborhood. You have a mind of your own and are learning everyday how to express yourself. You take my finger and say, "Come on," and walk me across the street to your friend, Sophia's house. Then you climb up the stairs and run over to the swing and point relentlessly until I put you in it. I ask, "Do you want me to push you?" You grab onto the rope and say "Yeeeeeeah!" When we drive by the park, you point and make noise so we'll stop and play. You LOVE the slide and are such a big girl you go down all by yourself!

You're becoming affectionate! This may be my favorite milestone yet! You give the best kisses in the world... you lean way in and make a fishy face complete with kissy sound effects ;) You give hugs and high-fives too! You also bring us books, turn around and back up and plop into our lap. Then you turn the pages as we read and point to all the things on the pages. For now, all animals make a "ruff-ruff" noise. We're working on that ;)

You're using sign language consistantly. Mostly at meal times for "more" and "please."

Your vocabulary is growing too... it started with Momma, Dad, Ball, Dog, and Ruff... and now you say Water (wa), Kitty, Hi, Bye-bye, Thank You (da-doo), Come on, Boo (peek-a-boo), Nose, Eye, Uh-oh, Hot, and of course you say No... even though sometimes you mean yes. You even know some of your body parts and point to them when we say them: belly (you lift up our shirt), feet (you stomp), toes (which are very ticklish), hands, eye, ear, nose, and tongue (you stick it out). You know where your shoes go, and like to put ours on our feet. And although you can only say a dozen or so words, you understand sooooooooooo much more...

To top it all off, you're gonna be the best big sister ever! Yep, that's right... you're gonna be a big sister sometime around Thanksgiving... so keep practicing feeding your baby dolls and rocking them, and kissing them, because Momma and Daddy are going to need your help! But don't worry, you'll always be our baby girl!

Sleeping Beauty

2008-05-20T08:39:00.000-07:00

She is the most beautiful thing in my world!

First Family Vacation

2008-05-06T11:53:00.000-07:00

We went to South Padre, Texas, where Grandma & Grandpa Kelker spend their winters, to get some much needed R & R. We are invited to visit every year, but it had been 3 years since we were able to make it due to new jobs, vacation time, pregnancy, yada-yada-yada.

Mallory did wonderfully on the airplane, which was a huge relief, but no major surprise, as she is an easy going little girl. We totally over packed our carry-ons with books, toys, and lots of snacks. For the most part, she sat in her carseat next to the window while Daddy kept her entertained, she took a nap, and of course we did lots of people watching.

She liked the ocean but loved the seagulls!!! Apparently they like animal crackers too.

She had a blast playing with her sand bucket and shovel from Mimi.

We went for evening strolls in the surf at dusk and Mallory ran up and down the beach for hours. She made friends with strangers, blowing kisses and being her usual flirtatious silly self.

While fishing on G-ma and G-pa's boat we saw multiple groupings of dolphins. Several got within arms reach of the boat.

We even took a trip to the Brownsville Zoo, one of the top 10 in the country. We saw monkeys, kangaroos, giraffes, zebras, a dinasaur exhibit, flamingos, and lots of other animals. Mallory makes "ruff-ruff" noises at most of them... since she thinks that all hairy animals bark. Guess we need to work on animal noises some more. Hahaaa.

One particular Orangatang and her baby followed Mallory and Mom from viewing window to window making eye contact with us. The Orangatang mom handed Mallory a handful of grass threw the glass. It was very moving.

Mallory even let us sleep in until 9:30 or 10:00 most mornings, which never happens at home. What a sweet little girl!

We spent lots of time w/ G-ma and G-pa going swimming in the neighborhood pool, fishing off the dock, hunting seashells, and eating dinner together!

Heck, they even watched the baby for us a few nights so we could get some alone time. We forgot there was such a thing, but quickly remembered how nice it is to eat at a fancy restaurant and not have to pack a sippy cup, diapers and wipes.

We had a great time and made many, many wonderful memories!

FINALLY spring weather is here

2008-04-18T13:15:00.000-07:00

...it's time for bubbles!

...enjoying the fresh air!

...eating dinner outside!

...and telling us all about it!

Happy Easter!

2008-03-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Mallory was invited to an Easter Egg Hunt with several other kiddos we get together with on holidays. I wasn't sure if she'd be into "hunting eggs." But, to my surprise, she loved it! She got 9 eggs, which isn't too shabby for a 12 month old.

Her favorite thing was just carrying them around and banging them together. Then I would point at the basket, she'd put them in and find 2 more, one for each hand.

The part she didn't like was the group photo... yep, that's my kid making the pathetic face... you'd think the Easter bunny bit her.

Once she got a snack, she was a happy camper again! Food always tames the wild animals.

We had Easter dinner at Grandma and Papa's house. Our neighbors and adopted family, Frans, Tammy and the triplets came too. It was a full house with 4 high chairs around the table. Everyone had plenty to eat and drink, as usual. We had a wonderful time and are truely blessed with such great family and friends.

Mallory says, "Next year we're dying eggs and making a mess."

Big Girl Transition

2008-03-10T18:54:00.000-07:00

3/10 holds a special place in my heart... as it was Mallory's due date.

It's ironic that today at school, the director decided to let Mallory spend some time in her soon-to-be new toddler class room to get aquainted. I have been very nervous about this transition. Along with the room change comes the demands of eating in a chair at a table instead of in a highchair, napping on a cot instead of in a crib, and only 1 nap a day instead of 2. Well, apparently she's more ready for it than I am! She was there from 9:30 am until 4:15 pm. She ate (some) big kid lunch: goulash, pears and milk. She even napped on her cot like a big girl for 1 1/2 hours. That's more than I ever would've expected on her first day!

When I picked her up, she anxiously pointed out all the new things in her new room. The sink, toys, mirror, table, etc... We went outside to check out her playground where she'll get 2 outside playtimes a day! She was so proud of herself. She even pointed out her "art" project on the wall; an elephant cut-out w/ crayon scribbles. What a big girl she's becoming!

Once loaded in the car to go home, she let out a big sigh, reached for her blanket and gazed at me with half-opened eye lids. She was asleep before we hit the highway. It was a quiet ride home, like the old days of riding with an infant.

Once home, it was our normal routine of dinner, play, bath, PJs and nursing. Then she surprisingly laid her head down on my shoulder and snuggled me for a long time while I sang to her. This is not normal Mallory behavior. She's usually too busy to lay her head down at all, let alone for more than 10 seconds. She must've known I was sad about her getting so big so fast, and I needed it. Thank you punky, you made my night! You are, and always will be, my sweet little baby girl!

Don't mess with my Tutu...

2008-03-07T09:31:00.000-08:00

Mallory LOVES her birthday tutu from our friends and neightbors, Jim, Jessie and Sophia. She ran around the kitchen showing me all her moves.

Mallory is ONE today!

2008-03-05T14:49:00.000-08:00

Your Momma and Daddy have been reflecting on the sequence of events in our lives one year ago... as we anxiously awaited your arrival. What a wonderful day it was.

March 4, 2007. 5:02 pm.
Bill and I were making a plaster cast of my enormous pregnant baby belly, when G-ma and G-pa Kelker came to take us out to dinner. Then the phone rang. It was Mimi; she wasn't feeling well. Bill called an ambulance. We took a rain-check on dinner and rushed to her house to meet the emergency crew. Her blood sugar was dangerously low. As they made arrangements to get her to the hospital, I went to use the restroom... which I frequently did in my third trimester. As I stood up, I felt a gush... did I just wet myself? Did my water just break? I didn't expect it to be bloody, so I was scared! Thankfully one of the paramedics checked me out. Everything was fine, and our baby girl was on her way!

March 4, 2007. 6:20 pm
We called Dr Matile, and he advised us to get to the hospital "sooner than later." But I was still hungry! We got Mimi in route to the hospital, drove home to pack our bags. Pack? Yes. We had NOT done this yet, my due date was over a week away. Then off to the hospital we hurried... still without anything to eat!

March 4, 2007. 7:34 pm
I was dialted to a 2 at check in. It was a long uneventful night. I had cervidal gel to help dialate my cervix so I had to stay laying down. I couldn't sleep I was too excited and nervous! Bill stayed the night with me and got only a few hours of shut-eye himself.

March 5, 2007. 6:00 am.
Dr Matile started pictocin to "get things moving" as I was not contracting on my own.

March 5, 2007. 7:54 am.
G-ma & G-pa Kelker and G-ma & Papa Williams arrived at the hospital excited to meet their new grandbaby! The morning was tollerable, with contractions every few minutes. I was able to breathe through them at this point. We all hung out together and laughed and joked and had a good time. I was overjoyed that all 4 of my parents could come together to share this wonderful journey with me. However, I was sad that Mimi was stuck in another hospital fighting to her get vitals stable and not able to be part of this very special day.

March 5, 2007. 11:33 am.
The soon-to-be new granparents went to get a bite to eat. When they returned, they found me in a much different state. Full on contractions that were nearly unbareable. At this time, I requested my epidural. It took 45 min to get the Anesthesiologist in my room, and he had to adjust it a few times. In the end, my left side was completely numb, but I could still feel my right side. It was better than nothing.

March 5, 2007. 1:02 pm.
Time for Bill to get a bite to eat and for me to relax for a while before the real hard work began. My mom stayed with me. I was very nauseated. Then, only a few minutes after Bill left for the cafeteria, I told the nurse I needed to potty. She said, "No honey, I think it's time to push, let's check you." I was dialted to a 9! Showtime? Quick, someone find my husband! He didn't even get through the lunch line before he was rallied back to the delivery room. Now we both were starving!

March 5, 2007. 2:32 pm.
Before I knew it, Dr Matile was in position, Bill on my left side, Mom on my right, and I was pushing with all my might. I was exhausted. I was hungry. I was in pain. But most of all, I was excited to meet our Princess Petunia Pickle-bottom.

March 5, 2007. 4:24 pm.
Mallory Lynn McWillie was born, weighing a stout 8 lbs 12 ounces, and a lengthy 21 3/4" long. She was very alert, but not crying like they wanted. The nurses "worked" on her for a few minutes, suctioning out her airways. She never did cry, like you see in the movies. Once her stats where stable, she snuggled right up to me and latched on for her first drink of milk. She was so thirsty from her long stressful afternoon. Neither of us knew what we were doing, but together we figured it out. I felt so bad it took me so long to push her out. Her little head was cone-shaped, but we knew she was the most perfect baby ever!

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl!

Motherhood

2008-03-03T12:21:00.001-08:00

Today, a friend asked me how I've changed since becoming a mother. What a difficult question to answer... I'm sharing my reply...

I don't know where to begin. My priorities have changed in so many ways since Mallory came into my life! I'm learning to be a patient person. I watch my language because I know she is a sponge and will one day regurgitate everything I've said. For the first time in my life, someone else's needs and wants come before my own. I could stare at her all day long and not get bored. I use coupons. I wake up at the slightest noise or whimper. Her smile is contagious no matter how mad or sad I am. I carry a huge purse, not a cute clutch, full of diapers instead of make-up and lip gloss. She get's new clothes, I wear old ones (my friends warned me this would happen, but I didn't believe them... they were right.) I am the pony-tail queen, there are too many other things to do than my own hair. I am anal about my floors being clean, but I don't mind the clutter of toys across the room. I understand the phrase "unconditional love." I sit on the floor instead of the couch. I like making funny animal noises. I cry at sappy commercials and love songs I hear on the radio. My heart physically hurts when she is sick, and I would do anything to take away the pain. I talk about her 24/7. I plan play dates with neighborhood kids instead of "girls night out" with friends. Sleep is optional. I breastfeed in public. I wear flats instead of high heels. I wear sports bras outside the gym. I sing silly songs and know too many nursery rhymes to count, but I have no clue what songs are on the top 40 count down. I talk to myself outloud in public and play goofy games with her in the check-out line. I lick my finger and wipe her face and don't think it's yucky. Now it takes me twice as long to leave the house. I scrapbook. I'm home by 9 pm every night of the week and really don't miss the bar scene. I appriciate my parents and know they love me more than I understand. I return phone calls the same day so no one worries. Instead of hurrying, I take the long way home so she can finish her nap in the carseat. I slow down at yellow traffic lights. I talk about bodily fluids, their consistency and frequency. I plan dinner menus in advance. We eat at the dinning room table, not in front of the TV. I worry. I'm organized. I could go on and on... I'm a mom. It's the most indescribable feeling! You don't know what you were missing in life until you have a little miracle of your own... then you wonder how you ever lived with out them!

PARTY TIME!

2008-03-03T06:55:00.000-08:00

We had Mallory's FIRST birthday party this weekend. She LOVED being the center of attention! Daddy picked out her dress, G-ma Kathie and Papa got her dressed, G-ma Nancy and G-pa John made her a special b-day bib, and Momma and G-ma Nancy made her cakes (strawberry w/ cream cheese icing and vanilla wafer polka-dots). Papa tied a balloon onto the back of her dress and she ran around with the balloon hovering above her little head squealing and showing off. She carried more balloons from room to room all afternoon and weaved her way in and out of the crowd as fast as her little legs would allow.

The guests included family, friends and neighbors. We gathered around to sing Happy Birthday, and Mallory froze. She stared at everyone with a puzzled look and we wondered if she was going to cry. We gave her the cake, and she barely touched it, delicately licked the frosting off her fingers and put little pieces of cake in her mouth as if it was no big deal. Bite after bite, she gazed around the room at all the guests staring back at her. She was so careful, she didn't even need a bath afterwards!

Then it was time for presents. She received lots of gifts to her college fund, a savings bond, and, of course, several toys and super duper cute spring and summer clothing. She is the best dressed little girl in school, thanks to all our family and friends!

It's FUN to be ONE!

We're blessed to have so many great people gather to celebrate with us and help her enjoy her special day. She had a wonderful time!

PLAYTIME... in your room

2008-02-20T09:20:00.001-08:00

you're so good at this game... you drop the balls, and anything else you can find, "down the shoot." No matter how many times you do it, you're still facinated that they come out the other end. You look at us with surprise and then we clap. Yeah! You did it!

this is The Concentration Face....

and this is The Toy Pick-Up Stance...

Where are you going?

2008-02-20T07:56:00.000-08:00

up, Up, UP! "Hey, are you watching me?"

here I go... all the way to the top!

Apparently climbing stairs is fun! She will do it over and over and over if we let her... and when we say "no-no," she looks at us like, "huh? really? why not?"

Our bedtime routine....

2008-02-20T07:52:00.000-08:00

it's her FAVORITE time of day!!!!

1. get naked...
2. run around the house screaming...
3. splish splash in the kitchen sink...
4. lotion rub-down massage...
5. cozy comfy footed PJs...
6. breastfeed and cuddle time...
7. silky blanky & night night, sleep tight!

Dearest Darling Daughter

2008-02-19T07:08:00.000-08:00

Miss Mallory Lynn,

We cannot believe you're almost ONE! We're in denial and secretly think if we don't prepare for your birthday party, it simply won't happen...

The past year was full of amazing memories and emotions. While making your birthday video this weekend, we reflected on how much we've changed. Not just how big you've gotten, but how our love as a family has grown. We cannot imagine our life without you, and honestly can't remember what we did with all our spare time pre-Mallory. We watch you sleep and are still in awe that we created you. You are so perfect in every way.

Your Daddy and I got pregnant with you the month we got married. We knew we wanted you, but didn't know you wanted us too, so soon. We were shocked and overjoyed. We spent the next 9 months planning for your arrival. We had a lot of work to do to our 112 year old house. We stripped trim, ripped down wallpaper, painted, built a new closet for your fancy wardrobe, purchased pretty pink decore, and daydreamed about holding you in our arms.

The pregnancy went by quickly, but not in comparison to the first year of your life. Just yesterday we were delicatley supporting your little head as we gently passed you around the room while you slept. We were searching through your tiny clothes to find the smallest outfit in hopes it would fit. We bounced you like your Great Grandma Goldie said to do to calm a colicky baby, swaddled you to sleep tight, and put the paci back in your mouth over and over again. We dangled toys above your head and got excited when you showed the slightest interest in them. Every day brought something new for you to learn or do. We egged you on to roll over, sit up, crawl and even walk.

These days you are the boss. You bring us toys to play with, books to read, and you even point at the dog and say "ruff." You've taught us what foods you love: cheese, mashed potatoes, frozen peas and turkey... and foods you hate: green beans. You rub those beautiful hazel eyes when you're sleepy, and we know that means it's time for your bedtime routine of a bath, lotion and footed PJs. If we stall, you get fussy and persistant and remind us you're on a schedule. You are a big girl! You point to your silky blanket in your crib begging to get in bed. You even sleep all night (most nights). You entertain yourself in your room and walk back and forth handing us toys with the intention that we will tell you what it is and hand it right back. We love watching you play and wonder what's going on in that brilliant little brain as you discover what your toys do and the noises they make.

After a long day at work, you always put a smile on our faces. One little gummy grin or giggle melts away all the cares and stresses of the day. Your sweet slobbery kiss and brief cuddles reminded us that you are the love of our lives.

You have taught us so much in this single year. Lessons about unconditional love, patience, and the most important thing in this world... our family. Thank you for making our lives so wonderful and colorful.

All our love baby girl,
Momma & Daddy

You're invitations that we hand made with love. Daddy even helped, and Momma thinks he secretly liked being crafty ;)