When we moved to Vegas in August of 2010, I jumped on an emotional roller coaster. I was excited for us to start a new adventure with our 3 month old son. Drew had a great job, we were looking for our first home to buy, and I was excited to meet new people and make friends. Unfortunately, those things didn't happen right away. (Well Drew's job happened right away, but that just added to my loneliness during the days.) We moved into a small townhouse in a semi-scary neighborhood so I NEVER left by myself. I was pretty much in the house all day every day with Luke. I quickly became pretty negative towards Vegas. When we bought our house in December of 2010, I was a little happier! It was in a really nice neighborhood, a convenient location, and a good ward. Once again I had high expectations for my negativity to turn around. I left the house more and more, and met lots of people, and I DID get happier.
Now, we are moving away from Henderson (to the North West) and I find myself so sad about it! It's the best thing for us financially and for our future goals but you definitely get comfortable with your surroundings. I still know that I don't want to live in Las Vegas forever. But I don't despise it like I used to. ;) And I attribute that to our time on Amber Rock Street.
So many memories in our home and in Henderson. Luke starting to walk and talk. Bringing our baby girl home. Many get-togethers and parties. But what I'm most sad to leave is our daily routine! We have our "stores" or "places" we go every day, even if it's just to roam around. We have our favorite restaurants and parks over here. Luke's best friend lives just around the corner. And his preschool is only 10 minutes away. I know, these things can all be replaced in the NEW area we are going to live in, but it's still hard! I worry a lot about Luke. He keeps saying he really doesn't want to move and asks every day how many more days. It breaks my heart a little bit each time. I know he is young, he will make lots of new friends, and he will adjust quickly. But, it still makes me sad to see him sad to leave the only home he's ever known. I will really miss our back yard, and all the work we put into it, as well as the work we did in our house. Our new house has LOTS more space and though I love that it has a "play room" for our kids, it will be a little sad to have them not ALWAYS on top of us and our stuff. ;) I have decided I'm just not good at change. It sucks.
24 Amber Rock, you were good to us. I will forever remember you and the good years we spent living within your walls. (Haha, cheesy or what?)
April 2, 2014
March 26, 2014
One year!
Sweet Ali girl!
I cried as I put you to bed tonight. Getting you in your pajamas and thinking about this past year, I couldn't help but feel so many emotions. Happy that you are mine. Sad that you are growing so fast. Relieved that you are finally a happy girl. Worried about the trials and hardships you'll face in life. Excited to watch you learn and grow. Amazed at how beautiful you are. So many emotions.
I can't believe the time has come for this letter. You can't possibly already be a year old! My pregnancy with you dragged on and on and sometimes I feel like it never ended. That's how fast this year flew by. I feel like we just had you in your Easter outfit, painting eggs with Luke, and we are only a few weeks away from doing that again. You have been a hard baby. We have had a difficult time figuring you out. But we are learning every day. You have also been such a blessing in all of our lives. As hard as it's been, we wouldn't have it any other way. I could kiss your chubby cheeks all day. Even when you have stinky breath (and it stinks!).
The things I want to remember about your first year with us:
-Watching your relationship with Luke blossom. You absolutely adore him. And he, you.
-Visiting Disneyland 7 times since you were born! You lucky duck.
-Having so much fun picking out your outfits and shopping for you.
-Months 5-7 that were extremely difficult on everyone, you especially. Luckily we finally figured out your food sensitivities and you became much happier.
-You have always been a cuddly girl.
-Your first two teeth coming in on March 3rd.
-Your constant need to move. Whether it's crawling everywhere or dancing or bobbing your head.
-Your kisses and loves.
-Your stinky breath.
-Your LOUD screeches that typically mean you are happy. ;)
-Your love for Mickey Mouse, Yo Gabba Gabba, and Frozen. (Thanks to it's music constantly playing.)
-Your obsession with food. Haha.
-Your giggles in the morning. When I come in to pick you up and change you, you just sit and giggle and smile. Over nothing. It melts my heart.
-Your tantrums. (Lately, if you are crying or sad and we try to pick you up or comfort you, you'll flail your body in the opposite direction, usually hurting yourself and creating more problems. Diva.)
You have made me one happy mama. I just can't believe it's come so fast and tomorrow you will be my big girl. You are changing every day, and becoming more and more beautiful by the minute. I am so thankful for the joy and happiness you bring to our family, and especially for the way you are constantly pushing me to be better. I always want to be a better mom, friend, wife, and person because of my children. YOU make me want to be the best I can be, so that I can teach YOU how to be the best you can be.
You will always be my sweet baby. I know from experience with your brother that time does not slow down, no matter how much I beg. So as the time inevitably flies by too quickly, I will be smothering you with my kisses and hugs and reminding you all the time just how much I love you. I can never express just how much that is in words. You are perfect, and I'm so thankful you are mine.
Love you forever baby girl.
Mom
I cried as I put you to bed tonight. Getting you in your pajamas and thinking about this past year, I couldn't help but feel so many emotions. Happy that you are mine. Sad that you are growing so fast. Relieved that you are finally a happy girl. Worried about the trials and hardships you'll face in life. Excited to watch you learn and grow. Amazed at how beautiful you are. So many emotions.
I can't believe the time has come for this letter. You can't possibly already be a year old! My pregnancy with you dragged on and on and sometimes I feel like it never ended. That's how fast this year flew by. I feel like we just had you in your Easter outfit, painting eggs with Luke, and we are only a few weeks away from doing that again. You have been a hard baby. We have had a difficult time figuring you out. But we are learning every day. You have also been such a blessing in all of our lives. As hard as it's been, we wouldn't have it any other way. I could kiss your chubby cheeks all day. Even when you have stinky breath (and it stinks!).
The things I want to remember about your first year with us:
-Watching your relationship with Luke blossom. You absolutely adore him. And he, you.
-Visiting Disneyland 7 times since you were born! You lucky duck.
-Having so much fun picking out your outfits and shopping for you.
-Months 5-7 that were extremely difficult on everyone, you especially. Luckily we finally figured out your food sensitivities and you became much happier.
-You have always been a cuddly girl.
-Your first two teeth coming in on March 3rd.
-Your constant need to move. Whether it's crawling everywhere or dancing or bobbing your head.
-Your kisses and loves.
-Your stinky breath.
-Your LOUD screeches that typically mean you are happy. ;)
-Your love for Mickey Mouse, Yo Gabba Gabba, and Frozen. (Thanks to it's music constantly playing.)
-Your obsession with food. Haha.
-Your giggles in the morning. When I come in to pick you up and change you, you just sit and giggle and smile. Over nothing. It melts my heart.
-Your tantrums. (Lately, if you are crying or sad and we try to pick you up or comfort you, you'll flail your body in the opposite direction, usually hurting yourself and creating more problems. Diva.)
You have made me one happy mama. I just can't believe it's come so fast and tomorrow you will be my big girl. You are changing every day, and becoming more and more beautiful by the minute. I am so thankful for the joy and happiness you bring to our family, and especially for the way you are constantly pushing me to be better. I always want to be a better mom, friend, wife, and person because of my children. YOU make me want to be the best I can be, so that I can teach YOU how to be the best you can be.
You will always be my sweet baby. I know from experience with your brother that time does not slow down, no matter how much I beg. So as the time inevitably flies by too quickly, I will be smothering you with my kisses and hugs and reminding you all the time just how much I love you. I can never express just how much that is in words. You are perfect, and I'm so thankful you are mine.
Love you forever baby girl.
Mom
March 1, 2014
11 Months
Ali-gator-
I.can.not.believe you are almost 1 year old. I want to freeze time just for a little while because you are in SUCH a fun stage. You learned a lot this month and do all kind's of cute things. ;) You LOVE giving kisses to everyone. You blow them with the back of your hand, just like your brother used to do. And you even give a select few kisses on the lips or cheeks! Your favorite is to give them to your brother. You two just give hugs and kisses all day long. It's so fun that you play together already! You love Luke 99% of the time unless he takes something from you. Sometimes it's him being protective but usually just being a pesky brother. I feel like you two will always be super close, and that makes me happy.
You learned how to say "hi" and it's the CUTEST thing ever. Your tiny voice forming an actual word about makes me melt to the floor every time I hear it. You yelled it over and over at Costco the other day and made a lot of people smile. So now you say, "dada" "mama" "baba" and "hi".
Your new favorite toy is your baby. You LOVE her. A lot of times you'll completely stop playing with someone and just look around for her, then give her kisses ("mmmmmmaaa") and go back to playing with other toy. It makes me so excited for girly things! I can't wait to play princess tea party with you. ;)
You are no longer my good little eater. You don't even like snacks which is so weird to me. Goldfish, cheerios, crackers..you usually eat a few and then throw the rest on the floor. I'm wondering if it's just because you're teething? You are FINALLY cutting a tooth as of this morning. You are super sad so I hope it makes it's debut soon.
You had a pretty serious virus this month, that was initially diagnosed as pneumonia. The X-ray machine you had to get in was the most disturbing/sad/horrible thing I've EVER seen. It was so traumatizing for both of us, and I hope we never have to do that again. You couldn't breath well and had a nasty double ear infection. It's the first one(s) you've had which is opposite of your brother. So I'm hoping you don't start having horrible ears like him. We'll see.
I put a pony-tail in your hair for the first time last week! It was tiny, but it was cute! I've done it a few times since and hopefully by playing with the hair you have now, you will get used to "hair time" for when it grows more. ;) I have a lot to learn in that department!
You are the princess of your family and I'm sure it will always stay that way! Our little diva. You dance at the sound of ANY beat and I hope you always love music. As soon as you hear any type of melody of rhythm you rock back and forth and bounce your head. You LOVE Yo Gabba Gabba and could watch episode after episode. It's the only show you actually watch and enjoy.
I think you could walk soon. I don't want it to happen. My little baby walking! But we'll see. I have exactly 26 days until you turn 1 and I plan on snuggling, kissing, hugging, and loving on you as much as possible until then. Of course I will always want to snuggle and kiss you, but you won't be my baby anymore very soon. (But..you'll always be my baby.) I love you little one! You bring so much happiness our life and I'm so grateful you are ours.
Love,
Mom
I.can.not.believe you are almost 1 year old. I want to freeze time just for a little while because you are in SUCH a fun stage. You learned a lot this month and do all kind's of cute things. ;) You LOVE giving kisses to everyone. You blow them with the back of your hand, just like your brother used to do. And you even give a select few kisses on the lips or cheeks! Your favorite is to give them to your brother. You two just give hugs and kisses all day long. It's so fun that you play together already! You love Luke 99% of the time unless he takes something from you. Sometimes it's him being protective but usually just being a pesky brother. I feel like you two will always be super close, and that makes me happy.
You learned how to say "hi" and it's the CUTEST thing ever. Your tiny voice forming an actual word about makes me melt to the floor every time I hear it. You yelled it over and over at Costco the other day and made a lot of people smile. So now you say, "dada" "mama" "baba" and "hi".
Your new favorite toy is your baby. You LOVE her. A lot of times you'll completely stop playing with someone and just look around for her, then give her kisses ("mmmmmmaaa") and go back to playing with other toy. It makes me so excited for girly things! I can't wait to play princess tea party with you. ;)
You are no longer my good little eater. You don't even like snacks which is so weird to me. Goldfish, cheerios, crackers..you usually eat a few and then throw the rest on the floor. I'm wondering if it's just because you're teething? You are FINALLY cutting a tooth as of this morning. You are super sad so I hope it makes it's debut soon.
You had a pretty serious virus this month, that was initially diagnosed as pneumonia. The X-ray machine you had to get in was the most disturbing/sad/horrible thing I've EVER seen. It was so traumatizing for both of us, and I hope we never have to do that again. You couldn't breath well and had a nasty double ear infection. It's the first one(s) you've had which is opposite of your brother. So I'm hoping you don't start having horrible ears like him. We'll see.
I put a pony-tail in your hair for the first time last week! It was tiny, but it was cute! I've done it a few times since and hopefully by playing with the hair you have now, you will get used to "hair time" for when it grows more. ;) I have a lot to learn in that department!
You are the princess of your family and I'm sure it will always stay that way! Our little diva. You dance at the sound of ANY beat and I hope you always love music. As soon as you hear any type of melody of rhythm you rock back and forth and bounce your head. You LOVE Yo Gabba Gabba and could watch episode after episode. It's the only show you actually watch and enjoy.
I think you could walk soon. I don't want it to happen. My little baby walking! But we'll see. I have exactly 26 days until you turn 1 and I plan on snuggling, kissing, hugging, and loving on you as much as possible until then. Of course I will always want to snuggle and kiss you, but you won't be my baby anymore very soon. (But..you'll always be my baby.) I love you little one! You bring so much happiness our life and I'm so grateful you are ours.
Love,
Mom
February 8, 2014
Month 10
Dear Ali,
Sweet baby girl. You have changed so much this month. You stand on your own. You move from couch to couch and chair to chair with such ease, I think you'll be walking in no time. You blabber allll day long and think we know exactly what you're talking about. You throw a ball. (Pretty good I might add…) You give kisses. (Mostly open mouthed, slobbery ones….they're the best.) You give hugs. (You seriously put your head on my shoulder and pat my back every morning when I come get you. LOVE it.) And my personal favorite this month is you DANCE like crazy. You hear music or a beat and just start bouncing up and down or flapping your arms. You smile and rock back and forth until the song is over. It's the cutest.
You aren't quite as good of an eater lately, and I'm thinking you are getting more picky. Probably because now that you've tasted everything, you know there are things that taste better than others. ;) You still love food and will eat anything, but you protest a lot more than you used to. We are counting down the days until you are done with formula. A)It's the most expensive stuff out there for your sensitive tummy…. B)You are becoming a little attached to your "baba". I really hope you get some teeth soon too! No teeth makes eating solids pretty difficult.
You stayed with Grandpa Chad and Grandma Deb for a few days, and then Grandpa Ron and Grandma Lori for 2 more. I missed you like crazy and was so excited to come back. I was afraid you would be angry at me because whenever I would call or face-time you, you would cry. :( But you were so happy to see me and it made my heart happy. You were a pretty good girl for them. But you and your brother were so spoiled that coming home was almost a punishment. ;)
You are beginning to really play with Luke. Luke comes to your crib every morning and you two play and talk in there until I come in about 10 minutes later. I hope you two are always best friends. You will follow him around or play peek-a-boo or sometimes you two even play with your princess castle together. :) Luke senses your growth and feels like he can wrestle with you now. You don't seem to mind most of the time. We'll see how long that lasts. The other day you were laying next to each other on the ground and Luke said, "Ali, you are my best friend. I love you and you are so pretty." He always tells you how pretty you are :) He is right, and I hope he never stops reminding you.
I can't believe how fast the time is going. I am starting to plan your 1st birthday party, and as I think about the past year, it went way too fast. Thinking about each stage that you have gone through, even the ones that were extremely difficult, I get tears in my eyes. You have brought such happiness to our home. We are all head over heals for you and I am so thankful you are in our family. I thank Heavenly Father every day that you are here, healthy, and happy.
I love you forever sweetie pie.
Love,
Mom
Sweet baby girl. You have changed so much this month. You stand on your own. You move from couch to couch and chair to chair with such ease, I think you'll be walking in no time. You blabber allll day long and think we know exactly what you're talking about. You throw a ball. (Pretty good I might add…) You give kisses. (Mostly open mouthed, slobbery ones….they're the best.) You give hugs. (You seriously put your head on my shoulder and pat my back every morning when I come get you. LOVE it.) And my personal favorite this month is you DANCE like crazy. You hear music or a beat and just start bouncing up and down or flapping your arms. You smile and rock back and forth until the song is over. It's the cutest.
You aren't quite as good of an eater lately, and I'm thinking you are getting more picky. Probably because now that you've tasted everything, you know there are things that taste better than others. ;) You still love food and will eat anything, but you protest a lot more than you used to. We are counting down the days until you are done with formula. A)It's the most expensive stuff out there for your sensitive tummy…. B)You are becoming a little attached to your "baba". I really hope you get some teeth soon too! No teeth makes eating solids pretty difficult.
You stayed with Grandpa Chad and Grandma Deb for a few days, and then Grandpa Ron and Grandma Lori for 2 more. I missed you like crazy and was so excited to come back. I was afraid you would be angry at me because whenever I would call or face-time you, you would cry. :( But you were so happy to see me and it made my heart happy. You were a pretty good girl for them. But you and your brother were so spoiled that coming home was almost a punishment. ;)
You are beginning to really play with Luke. Luke comes to your crib every morning and you two play and talk in there until I come in about 10 minutes later. I hope you two are always best friends. You will follow him around or play peek-a-boo or sometimes you two even play with your princess castle together. :) Luke senses your growth and feels like he can wrestle with you now. You don't seem to mind most of the time. We'll see how long that lasts. The other day you were laying next to each other on the ground and Luke said, "Ali, you are my best friend. I love you and you are so pretty." He always tells you how pretty you are :) He is right, and I hope he never stops reminding you.
I can't believe how fast the time is going. I am starting to plan your 1st birthday party, and as I think about the past year, it went way too fast. Thinking about each stage that you have gone through, even the ones that were extremely difficult, I get tears in my eyes. You have brought such happiness to our home. We are all head over heals for you and I am so thankful you are in our family. I thank Heavenly Father every day that you are here, healthy, and happy.
I love you forever sweetie pie.
Love,
Mom
January 15, 2014
Quarter Life Crisis
I have been extremely hard on myself the past few days. I can't get a few things off my mind.
My parents were very good at helping me feel talented and beautiful my whole life. They helped me try lots of different things to discover my talents, then helped me in achieving many goals and accomplishments. It wasn't until recently, I started feeling kinda worthless. (For lack of a better word.) I know I have talents and I know lots of other things my parents (and now Drew) help(ed) me believe about myself.
But I'm feeling completely stuck right now. I know being a wife and mother and holding 3 part-time jobs isn't worthless. I know that motherhood is a HUGE gift and a huge job, and I am thankful for my children every minute of every day. I have my Associates degree. I have my Medical Assistant certification. I have my phlebotomy certification. I teach piano lessons. I do eyelash extensions. I work front desk at an Ultrasound studio. I cook (sometimes), clean (sometimes) and play with my kids every day.
But for some reason, it's not enough. I keep going back and forth on finishing school, and always come to the conclusion that it's not time. But then a few months pass by and I just feel like THIS again. It's even more depressing when I look at my Associates degree/credits and realize I was .this. close to getting into a Nursing or Ultrasound program. It's what I wanted my whole life but for one reason or another didn't do. I love being a Medical Assistant, especially in the OB/Pediatric fields, and could maybe be happy doing that forever. I'm being trained to do 3D ultrasounds (for entertainment purposes only), but do I need to diagnostic ultrasounds to feel accomplished?
Am I just being human or is this a real problem? Do I NEED to become a nurse or a diagnostic ultrasound tech to fill the void I keep feeling?
Those are the questions I can't seem to answer. Anyone want to help me figure it out? ;)
In the mean time, I will continue on with the things I am proud to have. But I'm also going to accomplish these things this year:
Write some new music
Finish AT LEAST a half, but hopefully a full, marathon
Continue with my established work-out/training regimen and healthy eating
Read a new book each month
Finish the Book of Mormon
Take time with each of my kids each day (doesn't matter what fills the time or how long...just take time.)
Pray with my husband every day
Attend the temple every month
And finally:
STOP being so hard on myself. ;)
My parents were very good at helping me feel talented and beautiful my whole life. They helped me try lots of different things to discover my talents, then helped me in achieving many goals and accomplishments. It wasn't until recently, I started feeling kinda worthless. (For lack of a better word.) I know I have talents and I know lots of other things my parents (and now Drew) help(ed) me believe about myself.
But I'm feeling completely stuck right now. I know being a wife and mother and holding 3 part-time jobs isn't worthless. I know that motherhood is a HUGE gift and a huge job, and I am thankful for my children every minute of every day. I have my Associates degree. I have my Medical Assistant certification. I have my phlebotomy certification. I teach piano lessons. I do eyelash extensions. I work front desk at an Ultrasound studio. I cook (sometimes), clean (sometimes) and play with my kids every day.
But for some reason, it's not enough. I keep going back and forth on finishing school, and always come to the conclusion that it's not time. But then a few months pass by and I just feel like THIS again. It's even more depressing when I look at my Associates degree/credits and realize I was .this. close to getting into a Nursing or Ultrasound program. It's what I wanted my whole life but for one reason or another didn't do. I love being a Medical Assistant, especially in the OB/Pediatric fields, and could maybe be happy doing that forever. I'm being trained to do 3D ultrasounds (for entertainment purposes only), but do I need to diagnostic ultrasounds to feel accomplished?
Am I just being human or is this a real problem? Do I NEED to become a nurse or a diagnostic ultrasound tech to fill the void I keep feeling?
Those are the questions I can't seem to answer. Anyone want to help me figure it out? ;)
In the mean time, I will continue on with the things I am proud to have. But I'm also going to accomplish these things this year:
Write some new music
Finish AT LEAST a half, but hopefully a full, marathon
Continue with my established work-out/training regimen and healthy eating
Read a new book each month
Finish the Book of Mormon
Take time with each of my kids each day (doesn't matter what fills the time or how long...just take time.)
Pray with my husband every day
Attend the temple every month
And finally:
STOP being so hard on myself. ;)
January 7, 2014
Little Star
Dear Luke,
It's been too long since I've written to you and you are such a little man now. You are no longer a toddler, that's for sure. You've turned into a little boy who: goes potty by himself, plays quietly by yourself a lot of the day happily (pirates, blocks, and coloring "maps" are your favorites right now), is sweet to your little sister, knows how to write your name and recognize most letters, and my favorite of all (sarcasm), developing a greater sense of independence from your parents. You are sweet most of the time, but recently you have a little attitude. You say "Oh my gosh" "oh my heck" (and once..."Oh my hell", thanks Drew) or grunt when you are frustrated with us or yourself. You shout/talk back, and you say "no" almost every time we ask you to do something. I guess it's normal but it's very hard for me to know how what to do. We are learning together, I hope.
You still love preschool, Little Stars, and you are thriving there. :) Your school is something I am very thankful for because you get a lot of attention and I know that is contributing to your learning. You always have the most exciting things to tell me when you get home (or if I have carpool and pick you up). Ali sure misses you when you are gone, though.
You would play disneyjunior.com games or iPad games all day if we'd let you. We usually give you 30 mins or so a day to play games because they are pretty educational! I hope I'm not justifying it, but I do think you are learning a lot. Even if it's just hand-eye coordination, haha. You were really into Christmas and loved watching Christmas movies or just talking about our tree. You were so sad when we took it down.
We were able to go to Disneyland again (once in October for Halloween and again in December for Christmas..you spoiled little...jk) and both times were so much fun. We had lots of fun in Heber over the holidays and you asked if we could move there. You'll have to talk to your daddy about that one. ;) For Christmas you got a train table, a pirate island, and lots of little things that mommy got DEALS on at yard sales ;) So you got kinda spoiled this year! One of your favorite things is a new Wii game called "Infinity" where you can pick different Disney characters and you play as them in the game. You and dad play it every night before bed. It's fun to hear you two play and talk strategy. My boys.
You are still my sweetie pie, even though you are growing up by the second. You still love kisses and hugs and every night you say, "BIG kiss" and then proceed to kiss me HARD on the lips. Not sure how long that's gonna last so I'll cherish them now.
I love you, little man. You're the funniest one in our family and I look forward to all the new things you teach me each day.
Love,
Mom
It's been too long since I've written to you and you are such a little man now. You are no longer a toddler, that's for sure. You've turned into a little boy who: goes potty by himself, plays quietly by yourself a lot of the day happily (pirates, blocks, and coloring "maps" are your favorites right now), is sweet to your little sister, knows how to write your name and recognize most letters, and my favorite of all (sarcasm), developing a greater sense of independence from your parents. You are sweet most of the time, but recently you have a little attitude. You say "Oh my gosh" "oh my heck" (and once..."Oh my hell", thanks Drew) or grunt when you are frustrated with us or yourself. You shout/talk back, and you say "no" almost every time we ask you to do something. I guess it's normal but it's very hard for me to know how what to do. We are learning together, I hope.
You still love preschool, Little Stars, and you are thriving there. :) Your school is something I am very thankful for because you get a lot of attention and I know that is contributing to your learning. You always have the most exciting things to tell me when you get home (or if I have carpool and pick you up). Ali sure misses you when you are gone, though.
You would play disneyjunior.com games or iPad games all day if we'd let you. We usually give you 30 mins or so a day to play games because they are pretty educational! I hope I'm not justifying it, but I do think you are learning a lot. Even if it's just hand-eye coordination, haha. You were really into Christmas and loved watching Christmas movies or just talking about our tree. You were so sad when we took it down.
We were able to go to Disneyland again (once in October for Halloween and again in December for Christmas..you spoiled little...jk) and both times were so much fun. We had lots of fun in Heber over the holidays and you asked if we could move there. You'll have to talk to your daddy about that one. ;) For Christmas you got a train table, a pirate island, and lots of little things that mommy got DEALS on at yard sales ;) So you got kinda spoiled this year! One of your favorite things is a new Wii game called "Infinity" where you can pick different Disney characters and you play as them in the game. You and dad play it every night before bed. It's fun to hear you two play and talk strategy. My boys.
You are still my sweetie pie, even though you are growing up by the second. You still love kisses and hugs and every night you say, "BIG kiss" and then proceed to kiss me HARD on the lips. Not sure how long that's gonna last so I'll cherish them now.
I love you, little man. You're the funniest one in our family and I look forward to all the new things you teach me each day.
Love,
Mom
9 months
Dear Ali,
This month was full of firsts and fun! Not only did we have your first Christmas, (and New Years Eve shortly after you turned 9 months old), you also started pulling yourself up onto things, got really good (and obsessed) with stairs, and said "nana" for the first time. I was pealing a banana for your breakfast and you just smiled and said "nana". I died. So cute and unexpected. I have loved watching you explore this month as you are into everything. You are always on-the-go. Still so much crazier than your brother! You love music and have started bouncing up and down/dancing. It's the cutest. I think you got those skills from Luke, for sure!
We had such a good month hanging out with family and daddy for the two weeks he's been off. You have finally learned that not everyone is a stranger and have started letting others hold you. It took a few days to warm up to everyone but now you LOVE your grandparents and cousins. They love you too. Everyone comments on how beautiful you are and how you just look like such a doll. And like you're brother. You guys are practically twins. I love it. Such good memories when I look at you and think of Luke too. You two are two of my greatest blessings. :)
You still LOVE food. You are obsessed with everything and anything and love snacks throughout the day. You love all food but your favorites are bananas, peas, and apples. We have your 9 month check up this week so we will see how you've grown! You still have a good amount of chunk on you, but I'm pretty sure you've thinned out since you started crawling all over the place. You are completely weaned from breast feeding and you seem to be doing just fine on formula. It's been hard for me because I loved that time with you, but we are still best buddies. You are definitely a mama's girl, and I wouldn't have it any other way. You do say "dada" A LOT. Sometimes you just are babbling and others you know what you're saying. You wave "hi" and "bye bye" and it's so cute because you do it with your whole arm up and down and your arm just kinda flops around. Makes everyone smile that you are waving too. You LOVE baths and splashing your brother! (He doesn't really love it.)
You are in my favorite stage and I'm trying to cherish each and every day. Though we had a really tough time a lot of months up until now, you are slowly growing out of all of that nonsense and becoming happier by the minute. In fact, we haven't had a rough day in a LONG time. You are sleeping through the night and soon your early morning bottle will be cut out too. Wish us luck for that one, right?
In a few weeks you are spending 5 days with your Grandparents. I have anxiety about it, because you have been such a high maintenance baby. But I know you will be in good hands.
Your brother has come up with some cute (and some not so cute) nicknames. To date you have been called: "Ala" "Kitty" "Al" "Little girl" "Ali-gator" "Ali-phant" and "Princess."
We love you sweetie. Thanks for being my cuddle bug and making us all so happy. We are so happy you are part of our family.
Love,
Mom.
This month was full of firsts and fun! Not only did we have your first Christmas, (and New Years Eve shortly after you turned 9 months old), you also started pulling yourself up onto things, got really good (and obsessed) with stairs, and said "nana" for the first time. I was pealing a banana for your breakfast and you just smiled and said "nana". I died. So cute and unexpected. I have loved watching you explore this month as you are into everything. You are always on-the-go. Still so much crazier than your brother! You love music and have started bouncing up and down/dancing. It's the cutest. I think you got those skills from Luke, for sure!
We had such a good month hanging out with family and daddy for the two weeks he's been off. You have finally learned that not everyone is a stranger and have started letting others hold you. It took a few days to warm up to everyone but now you LOVE your grandparents and cousins. They love you too. Everyone comments on how beautiful you are and how you just look like such a doll. And like you're brother. You guys are practically twins. I love it. Such good memories when I look at you and think of Luke too. You two are two of my greatest blessings. :)
You still LOVE food. You are obsessed with everything and anything and love snacks throughout the day. You love all food but your favorites are bananas, peas, and apples. We have your 9 month check up this week so we will see how you've grown! You still have a good amount of chunk on you, but I'm pretty sure you've thinned out since you started crawling all over the place. You are completely weaned from breast feeding and you seem to be doing just fine on formula. It's been hard for me because I loved that time with you, but we are still best buddies. You are definitely a mama's girl, and I wouldn't have it any other way. You do say "dada" A LOT. Sometimes you just are babbling and others you know what you're saying. You wave "hi" and "bye bye" and it's so cute because you do it with your whole arm up and down and your arm just kinda flops around. Makes everyone smile that you are waving too. You LOVE baths and splashing your brother! (He doesn't really love it.)
You are in my favorite stage and I'm trying to cherish each and every day. Though we had a really tough time a lot of months up until now, you are slowly growing out of all of that nonsense and becoming happier by the minute. In fact, we haven't had a rough day in a LONG time. You are sleeping through the night and soon your early morning bottle will be cut out too. Wish us luck for that one, right?
In a few weeks you are spending 5 days with your Grandparents. I have anxiety about it, because you have been such a high maintenance baby. But I know you will be in good hands.
Your brother has come up with some cute (and some not so cute) nicknames. To date you have been called: "Ala" "Kitty" "Al" "Little girl" "Ali-gator" "Ali-phant" and "Princess."
We love you sweetie. Thanks for being my cuddle bug and making us all so happy. We are so happy you are part of our family.
Love,
Mom.
Luke and You at 9 months in the tub
And again. Twins!
Disneyland at Christmas was tiring!
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