Zoo Lights!

Dear Little One,
We had so much fun last night! We took you to Zoo Lights. It was the most beautiful night and you were so excited to ride in your little red wagon. You danced, you clapped hands, you were one happy baby. I have never seen a grown adult eat as many french fries as you! This will go down as one of my favorite memories! Hope you enjoy these pictures!

Happy Birthday!

Dear Little One
I didn't realize how emotional I would be about this. A year ago today to the minute you arrived in this world. On 11/4 at 11:04 you changed our lives forever. You were tiny and perfect. 5 pounds 15 ounces, a shock of black hair, and a 10 on the APGAR. I have never been so happy and excited to meet someone I had already known all my life. Look how much you have grown up. I love you baby. Happy Birthday!

Crazy Countdown

Dear Little One,
Your first birthday is drawing near and since going on Fall Break, I have often found myself in nostalgia these last few days. I cannot believe that a year ago today, I was as big as a house. I thought for sure you were going to be this nine pound monster as opposed to the tiny little creature with delicate features and a shock of black hair that actually came out. After nine months of throwing up and wicked heartburn, I was so ready to see your beautiful face (and to be honest, stop kicking the crap out of my ribs). I think, in my heart of hearts, I knew you were a girl all along, and I am so infinitely glad. It was such a long road getting to you that I can honestly say that I have appreciated each precious moment that I have spent with you. You have flipped my world upside down and I don't know how I ever lived without you. Perhaps in ten years, you will read this and be embarrassed over my mushy words, but I want to make sure it is said loud and clear- You are my sunshine. Funny that song never meant anything until you came along! Over the coming days, there will be plenty of birthday pictures, but I wanted to take a minute and write to you as you lie sleeping peacefully in your bed. I love you Bear- Happy early Birthday!

Our precious baby girl

Here are a few of my favorite videos from this summer. I apologize for the major oops at the end! I didn't realize that I put a 7 instead of a 9 in- long day! Anyway... enjoy!

She Walks!

I apologize to all of you have been so kind as to read my blog. It has been way too long since my last post, but it has been quite the adjustment going back to school and to be honest, I have been treasuring every last minute I have with Maryn in the evenings. But... I could not pass up the opportunity to share the biggest milestone yet. Maryn has been ready to walk for a month now, but too afraid to let go. Tonight she took the plunge. She took three or so steps in between Matt and I tonight at least ten times or so. So CUTE! Dear little one- my... you have grown!

Bike ride to Copper Mountain

Dave (Matt's Dad), Lynsey and her 3 kiddos- Henry, Hayley, and Harley, and myself rode from Frisco to Copper Mountain. It took everyone half the day to lug those kids up the mountain and less than a half hour to get back down, but we stopped for lunch, bumper boats, and a little beach sand. Matt and I can't sit today because out butts hurt, but other than that, it was a terrific day!

Day at the pool!

We woke up to a cloudy morning, but it burned off quickly for a beautiful day at the pool. So much fun! (looks like th date on my camera is a little off- sorry!)

No rest for the weary- crawling has begun!!

Dear Little One,

Okay- I know I was excited for you to crawl, but I didn't realize that it meant yet again, you were growing up before my very eyes. I cannot believe that you are crawling already and even though it has only been a week, you are already frustrated and would prefer to walk! It is going by so fast- I can't even keep up.
P.S. I apologize for the crappy carpet honey- I feel terrible every time I look at those rug-burned knees!

The best laugh in the world

Dear Little One,
Despite your dad's and my best efforts to make you laugh a big belly laugh, the one thing in the world that makes you sublimely happy is Doobie. Yes, that tubby furball just does it for you. Yesterday we had some crazy weather in the neighborhood, which left us with several inches of hail. I knew Doobie loved snowballs, so I thought I would check to see if he liked hail. Here is what followed:

Summer is here!

Dear Little One,
It was time for your first swimming experience. We knew you would love it because of how much you love the bathtub. We picked up your favorite cousin Henry and loaded you guys into the car to take you to GiGi's pool. We had such a great time!

First Sippy Cup

Dear Little One,

I know that one day you are going to ask why I published every tiny milestone on your blog, but I did it for you to see how much fun you are, but also for your family in South Africa to see. I want them to feel that they are a part of your life. So... without further ado, the next tiny milestone- the sippy cup!

First Cracker

Oh what a mess! Today we gave you your first biter biscuit and you LOVED it! You gummed on it forever, then you wiped it on the carpet, wiped it in your hair... I even found some in your ear when I bathed you later on. It did keep the screaming for fun down to a minimum for awhile.

Wanna hear the most annoying sound in the world?

Get ready because there are milestones coming by the minute here!

Dear Little One,

It seems as though you have found your voice! I don't know what is more amusing, your screaming or the expression on your face as yu try your very best to make it as loud as possible.

Buuuubbbbbbles!

Dear Little One,
I am reminded of one of my favorite Disney movies when I watch this movie. In Finding Nemo, there is a little fish in the aquarium that is obsessed with bubbles and yells, "Bubbles!" every time he sees them. If you could talk, you would have been saying the exact same thing! You are just too cute! I am counting down to summer- I can't wait to spend every precious minute with you!

Little fish swimmin' in a big pool

Sorry to everyone that it has been awhile since the last post, but things are always a little crazy at the end of the school year! Four more weeks! As you saw from the last slideshow, Maryn is sitting up like a champ, so much so that she has moved on to the big bathtub. No matter how cranky she gets, bath time takes all the stress away. She LOVES it! Enjoy!

Next Big Step

We took you to your 4 month check up yesterday and unfortunately you had to get more shots, BUT... the doctor gave us the go ahead to start playing with food. We are free to dive into the realm of rice cereal. The timing could not get any better since we just got our new video camera in the mail, so we took the opportunity to capture the moment for everyone to see. Hope everyone enjoys it as much as you enjoyed your first adventure into (semi) solid foods!

Wet wipes have taken on a whole new meaning!

Itching for Summer

When Ouma and Oupa asked me what I wanted for my birthday, my response was quick and easy. I wanted a backpack to fit you in because I am dying for summer vacation when you and I can be outdoors the entire summer. When I found this backpack, I knew it was the one. It is like aregular backpack with tons of space for food, water, and Doober's leash, but there is a spot especially for you. Of course, as soon as we got home, we had to try it on. You were a little wobbly as we have to adjust the straps, but we are going to have so much fun. Thanks for the birthday present Ouma and Oupa!

Daddy is a fashionista

Dear little one,

I could not help but giggle this afternoon when I got home and saw your outfit. Today was Dad's day off and he did such a great job getting you up and dressed and taken care of for the day, but I had to laugh at the outfit he chose for you. Pink striped pants with a white onesie with purple and tan hearts all over.

You did not care though. I came home and you guys were smiling at each other. I am so glad you get to have that time with Dad!

The gift that keeps on giving...

What better birthday present than this face? There has not been a single morning when I have walked into your room and found you grumpy. You always turn on the biggest smile and show me your amazing ab strength. How could I possible ask for anything else on my birthday when I get this?

Daddy's Little Girl

Every night we lay out your blanket and we do your physical therapy exercises and play with toys. I don't know who has more fun- you or us. You have this funny little habit of pushing both your legs high in the air and crashing them down to the ground. I can't help but be jelous of your rock-hard abs! Anyway, you have us so wrapped around our fingers that we cannot help but imitate you. I could not pass up a photo opportunity of you and Dad getting in some play time. Who is having more fun? You or him?

Girls Just Wanna Have Fun!

Dear Little One,

It obvious you are bored stiff with lying on your back and that combined with my incessant worrying about your flat head has pushed me over the edge! You need exercise... you need fun... you need an EXERSAUCER! Yes, my friends. This is the cadillac of exersaucers. The seat rotates (which took you all of two seconds to figure out) and every darn little toy on there makes an obnoxious sound. I put you in there and it was immediate sensory overload! You did not know where to look or what to play with first. The cacophony of sounds coming out of there made my stomach hurt. But boy, howdy! You loved that exersaucer! You have been playing in it for a week or so now and it cracks me up. You are all about that toy for about 15 minutes, and then it is just too much. Overstimulation is putting it lightly.

P.S. Daddy keeps eyeing your toy corner warily as it is growing by the day! =)

Eskimo Kisses

After a nice long weekend, I was bound and determined to get you and I out of the house for a walk. But when I woke up this morning, it was COLD! I went back and forth a few times, but decided that you and I are in desperate need of some fresh air and come hell or high water, we were going out there. So... the layering starts.
I left your jammies on (no need to put new cold clothes on)
I then layered on another fleece onesie
I tried on a few hats until one covered your ears and most of your face.
How about some little mittens?

Into the stroller you go.
Add a blanket
Cover with waterproof, windproof, coldproof, any kind of weather proof fly and you are good to go!

You promptly fell asleep while your momma lumbered around the school track a few times with a fat Doobers in hot pursuit.

Maybe cold days are not so bad after all!

Blue Jean Baby

I got a total reality check this weekend when I realized you could fit into your first pair of jeans. A woman is not a woman without a great pair of jeans and you can finally fit into them- SCARY! You are growing up way to fast! Soon I am going to be telling you that you are not leaving the house in those jeans. It is going way too fast! Will you slow down just a little bit?

Oh well, at least you look darn cute in those jeans!

Where is the time going?

I can't believe I have been back at work for five weeks now. It is still hard to leave everyday, but I know that you are in great hands! We have a great morning routine. Everyday, I wake up, shower and get ready. By then, you are starting to wake up. When I go in your room to let you out of your "burrito" (your swaddler), you stretch like you have had your arms tied up for weeks. From the second you wake up, you have the most beautiful smile on your face. How could I possibly have a bad day when they start out like this? We get you up, feed you, dress you, and do your hair (you have to have a matching barrette for your hair everyday!). Then Ouma comes over and I leave for work.
Daddy usually gets home before me, so you get to have some quality time with him before I get home and snatch you back up!
You are three months now and getting SO big. Just last week, you started grabbing for things. Last night, I watched you wiggle your way to the edge of your swing. We are going to have to watch you closely now!

Bath time is so much fun

My favorite part of the day is bath time. Every night around 7, I give you a bath. You love lying in the water. You love it so much that in the last few weeks, you have been falling asleep in the tub almost every night! A few nights ago, you were so fast asleep, that I caught you snoring. Of course, I broke out the video camera to get it on tape. I am sure you will look back in 13 years and be mortally embarrassed that I taped you naked in the bathtub, but these are my most favorite moments. I love you so much Mar-bear!

Shots on so many levels...

Today was a painful day for you, for me and for daddy. First of all, we took you to the doctor for your first set of shots. Of course, it makes sense then, that this morning, you woke up the happiest, smiliest baby I have ever seen. I felt so bad for what we were about to do to you! You smiled at the doctor while she examined you and then to pay you back, what did they do? They poked you four times in four different places with needles- just so mean! I have never heard you cry like that before!
Well, I managed to keep myself together because I have to prepare for the next needle: going back to work. Today is my first day back. I felt terrible leaving you, but I knew Dad would take good care of you.
I called him about a million times, but apparently you slept most of the day. However, when you woke up, you were one unhappy little lady. Daddy got the Tylenol and your lunch ready and you knocked over the entire bottle of Tylenol. So much for easing your pain! By the time I got home, Daddy was looking a little rough around the edges, but he did a great job taking care of you.

An Ugly Reality

I have had the longest, most wonderful maternity leave ever, but today I faced the ugly reality of going back to work. I miss my job and all the people that I work with, but I cannot imagine spending an hour never mind a day away from you. I never thought this would be the case, but it is the hardest thing I have ever had to do. I wish I could be with you every hour of every day, but you have the best babysitter in the whole wide world! I am sorry I have to leave you soon!