Macaroni and Cheese Dinner

Little Friends

Em has just recently started to become attached to some of her toys. She's now noticing all of the plush animals that she was before kissing and tossing to the side. She loves this little pooh bear. It's actually one of the toys off of her mobile. I took them off a few months ago because she was pulling them off, but she found them on a shelf in her room. She carries Pooh around a lot.

When we are in her room she'll hold up one of the mobile animals and point to it's picture on the wall. ( I have stickers of Eeyore, Tigger, Piglet and Pooh.) She wants to know what everything is called, and we play the pick up and tell game a lot. She picks something up and I say what it is. What's funny is that she's really fast, sometimes I can't keep up with her. She'll sit in the middle of a pile of toys and just rip through them all, over and over again. Picking up one and tossing it, while she picks up another. She is very curious! I would say her favorite right now is Pooh (she has a couple), Yertle the Turtle, and Piglet.

Sweetie Update

For all those of you who may be wondering, Sweetie is starting to get her yearly spots back! She's been enjoying this warm weather maybe more than we have. She wants outside all day long. When you go out to call her in, she's usually found some nice cozy little spot to sun herself in. She's a great fur baby! Sweetie and Emma are the best of pals. They go everywhere together. I think Sweetie has finally realised that this baby thing isn't too bad. Of course, Emma feeding her crackers and cookies probably hasn't hurt their relationship. But, they really love each other. Sweetie will even let Emma "pet" her. We're working on being "gentle", she kind of pats/slaps her on the back. She is getting better at it though ,and Sweetie is really good with her. Emma gives her more kisses than either of us ever get. They are a cute little pair!

Day with Uncle Damon

On Friday, Damon came up and spent some time with Emma and me. We went to the mall and got Damon some summer clothes and then ate at Pei Wei's. It was Da's first time there, I think he really liked it. I know Emma does!! Yum Yum! Afterward we just went home and watched a movie, "Support Your Local Sheriff". It was great just to spend some time with him. We don't get to see him very often, but hopefully that will change when we move down to Utah County soon! Emma really loves him!

We've Got a Job!

On Tuesday I had my third interview with Tucanos. I was a little nervous, but hopeful that all would go well. I talked with the GM and owner of the restaurant and within an hour I was driving down to the store to start working. YEA!!!! I did it, I got another job. So Bre, Emma, and I hopefully will be moving our family once again for the last time, in a long time, down to Utah county. I am so excited to have this job! They are closed on Sundays, and I, at the most, have to work a 50 hour week. On average they work about 40-45. Tucanos has there own web site so everyone can see the menu and read about the store. www.tucanos.com So with this challenge almost behind us, I want to thank all the prayers that went up for me and our family. You are all in our prayers too.

Rumble Tumble Baby

A few nights ago Paul did a somersault over Emma, trying to make her laugh. Of course it did. He kept doing it and suddenly she put her head down with her bottom in the air. He helped her flip over. She had such a big smile when she sat up. Now she wants to do it all the time. I must say she's getting better every day. We say "tuck, tuck" and she'll put her little head down. It's the cutest thing! I guess she's starting out early, definitely a little dancer! When we say "dance, dance" or she hears music, she starts stomping her feet and rocking from side to side. We have a very musically sensitive baby, it's so much fun!

Little Miss-chievious

This little girl continues to crack us up! I still can't believe that I managed to snap this off before she moved. She certainly keeps us laughing with here random acts of hilarity! The other night the new Ironman movie trailer came on tv and Paul started singing the Ironman song. All of a sudden Emma started headbanging to it. Don't know where she picked that up. It's was so funny!! She also has started playing peek-a-boo. It's all she does all day long. She has also recently been dubbed Emma the Spider Killer. I had raised the blinds to watch the rain/snow on Tuesday. She loves to look out our big windows so she parked her self in front of one. We had put up plastic to try and help insulate the house, but she's pretty much destroyed it, filled it with little holes. I was talking on the phone and watching her look out the window, when I realised she was looking at something up close. Before I could stop her she'd smashed the spider with one little finger. Thank heavens it was on the inside of the plastic. Still, it really creeped me out!

The Little Miracles

Today I have been very overwhelmed with the feeling of gratitude for family. We've been through a lot these past couple of years! Honestly I can't ever remember feeling like Paul and I didn't have somewhere to turn or someone to talk to. Our family is truly the most giving, caring and wonderful family. They have supported and buoyed us up during the tough times ... and we've certainly had plenty!

Dacia and I went shopping today for the soon to be newest member of our family. Looking at all of the adorable baby paraphernalia really brought home to me that Emma is already 1, and growing up every second. It caught me off guard, and I had a sad moment. But, OH! what I wouldn't give to have to go through all that again!! I have truly enjoyed every second I've shared with my beautiful baby. Even the scariest ones. That sounds a little crazy, especially when I think back to all the nights we realistically had one hour of sleep each, Emma constantly screaming from the horrible colic, surgery, i.v.s, hospitals, tests so awful I cried through them, and having to give her that pink crap for so long. But, I honestly wouldn't trade those memories for anything. If anything, they have made me realize how precious every moment with her is. More over, with each other is. Our little family has had to fight for a long time to reach a level of normalcy with Em's health. I think we've finally made it! It's large part due to Mom and Dad who worried and suffered almost as much as we were during those panic filled days in the beginning. They were a constant pillar of faith and comfort that we often took refuge in. Thank you to all our family and friends who called, prayed, and fasted for us. Without your love and constant support we wouldn't have made it through still sane.

I have seen the Lord's hand more prevalently in my life these past few years than I have ever before recognized. We have had so many little things happen that could easily be shrugged off as coincidences or dumb luck, but we know better! They are certainly little miracles the Lord has blessed us with. I love my sweet husband for his faith and understanding of me. He is such a kind and patient man. Emma couldn't have asked for a more wonderful and loving father, nor I for my eternal companion. I know My Heavenly Father loves me because of all the wonderful people he as given to me. I love you all!