Sad Day

This is a hard post Baby Girl, but I know that you are too little to remember him right now, and he was really special to you. Doobs, our dog, got too sick and he passed away. I am posting these pictures so that you will always know what he looks like. You loved that dog SO SO much. The first thing you did every morning was run to the window and say over and over, "Good dog, good dog". When we got home in the afternoons, you went right over to his food bowl and snuck him some food. We had Doobs for a long time and I am so glad that you loved him as much as we did. We will never forget that sweet old boy and we know he is with Bull now. Bye Doobs- we love you.

My Beautiful Girl

We came back from Mexico and you are more tan than I am even though I lathered you with sunscreen hourly- you are lucky to have inherited the Hayen skin tones over mine! We had one of our first warm days here in Colorado and I could not resist the opprtunity to take some pictures of you- you are growing up so fast and I have not been doing a good job of keeping track. Gosh- you are beautiful!

Catching Up

Dear Little One,
It has been a whirlwind few months and things don't seem to be slowing down. As you can see in the previous post, I posted some pictures of your first vacation. You and I had a great time, but we both missed Dadda like crazy! In case you hadn't noticed, you are a water baby! You spent the vast majority of your vacation in the pool and refused to get out. We had to take it in shifts. I wish I would have taken more pictures.

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.