Oh that Boushka!

You are moving at light speed these days with all your new developments, so I wanted to take a minute and jot down your fun facts.

A couple weeks ago you walked into the kitchen and started singing the ABC's. WHAT?

YES, you know your ABC's and it was a complete shocker to me since I had little to no hand in teaching you the ABC's. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but I don't have much time to sit down and work on these things with you, one on one. So I point things out to you as we go about our day (such as that red car, or that black cow says Moooo!, or that sign says STOP!), I read to you all the time, and I talk to you as if you understand. This is my method of teaching since it fits in with our go-go-go lifestyle. And occasionally while we are go-go-going in the car we'll sing the ABC's. It must have really sunk in because you totally surprised me with what you knew!


Around this same time you started counting. I forget what you were doing at the time, but you weren't counting anything specific--you were just saying the numbers. You counted, in order, all the way from 1 to 12. Again, I had no hand in teaching you this. I'm thinking you've listened to your sisters count and you just picked up on it. Wow! You are just a little sponge.

(Here's a fun, weird little fact about you--- you love to pick your toes. I love it!)

You also know colors. And continuing with the theme, I never really sat down and taught you the colors. You just absorbed this knowledge by paying attention to your sisters--and I like to think that I had a small hand in your learning by pointing out colors when we are going about our daily routine.

You still love to play with K & L. And Charlotte (or Char-et) is also your friend. You are always going around talking about your fends. You are such a big two. Not in size necessarily, but you act so grown up. I hesitate to say mature because you definitely still throw your tantrums and act very much like a 2 yr old. But socially you act a little older. That's one benefit of being the fourth child, I suppose!

One other thing you like via your sisters' influence is a braid. Actually, Miss Traci started the braiding and your sisters love it. So naturally, you love it too. You are proud to show off mommy's (very poor, especially compared to Traci's) work. But I'll learn!

Okay, I'm done bragging on my baby Boushka. But isn't she just so sweet and amazing? Love you, boo-boo!

3 Months old

(BIRTH)

(1 MONTH OLD)

(2 MONTHS OLD)

(3 MONTHS OLD)

Oh my sweet Scrunchie Face!

You are 3 months old now and growing and changing faster than I care to admit. In the past few weeks you've really lost that newborn look and gained the more baby-like look. No matter what your look, you're super adorable!


You recently started putting both hands together and putting them in your mouth. You are constantly sucking on those puppies. You also grab onto your toys with both hands. Such big milestones!

And we can't forget the most important milestone---
YOU SLEEP THROUGH THE NIGHT!!!!!

Mommy and Daddy would like to thank you very much. You started sleeping through the night about the same time that I had my surgery (around 11 weeks old). You'll usually fall asleep around 9 or 10, and sleep until 6 or 7. Sometimes you fall asleep around 8pm and after waking around 7, you'll eat and fall back asleep for another 2-4 hours. It's magical! And since I've been sitting on the couch healing, it's so awesome that I get to hold you while you nap.


You're still kind of fussy during the day. You used to have fussy-time during the evening and into the night, but you've really started acting that way throughout the day now. You are either asleep, fussy, or perfectly content to sit and watch your sisters play. And every once in a while you are happy to play with those hands or a toy within reach.


You weigh about 13 1/2 pounds, though I'm not sure how long you are. I'm hoping to get that measuring tape out to measure you soon.


You still wear a size 2 diaper. And for the past week I've been asking your daddy to bring up the 3-6 month clothes tub (he's been super busy taking care of all of us, but he'll get it done soon). There is no way you fit into much of your 0-3 clothing. You are my first baby to really follow the clothing size guidelines.


You nurse anytime and all the time. Since I've been off my feet for 2 1/2 weeks now, you've totally taken advantage of the fact that I'm open for feeding business 24/7. In the afternoon and evening you nurse about once every hour-hour and a half. While I enjoy it to a certain extent, I'm worried that when I'm back to my normal life, you'll be incredibly upset that I'm not available to nurse you.... say while driving, for instance. You used to never have a problem taking a bottle from me or anybody for that matter. And now you absolutely WILL NOT take a bottle from me--and most of the time not from anybody else either. Ummm... yeah, I'm kinda worried!


You are a smiley, smiley little girl. Though you have your fussy-gassy times, your personality is just oozing sweetness. You smile so hard that your big cheeks make your eyes squint. I just love the pure, unbridled joy you share. This smile can totally turn my bad mood to good. When you smile, you make me smile. Thank you, Scrunchie!


So far your favorite song/game is patty cake. Whenever I take your little hands and start singing this you give me that awesome grin. I've also made up a song about being pleasantly plump. I sing this to you as I slowly lift you above my head (while I'm sitting). This always gets the smiley spit bubbles flowing. Love those, too!

The day after you turned 3 months old, you got to meet your Auntie. She has been gone since you were gestationally 5 weeks old, and here you are 3 months old. Upon walking into our house she ran right over to you and scooped you up into her arms. I think I may have seen a little tear form in the corner of her eye. She held you throughout the afternoon, which was quite the task since your sisters were demanding her attention. But I have a feeling there will be lots of love time between the two of you this next month!


I love you my sweet gal. I love you from your chunky thighs, to your big blue eyes. Your little toes and your squishy nose. And of course those big kissing cheeks and your monster swimmer's arms. I'm enjoying all your little rolls because I know that all too soon you will thin out and the baby rolls will go away.

Unofficial, Official Start of our Summer!

Well, I'm a slacker. Here I've been sitting on my tush for two weeks now, trying to recover from foot surgery and I think I've blogged..........twice? Not sure. And I'm too lazy to check. But lazy is okay when you are given a prescription to be lazy, right?

And it's summer. Well, not officially, but we're out of school, so I deem it summer time. And here's how you can tell it's officially, the unofficial start of summer at our house!

Messy kid art outside in our swimming suits!

Drinking a tall, cool drink on a hot and windy day (and she insisted on the long sleeves despite my warning her of temps reaching the 90's)!

Me relearning the art of baby-wearing via the Moby Wrap since we'll be moving around outside a lot, and I'll need to have free hands!

Being utterly disgusting with your chocolate pudding in your clubhouse!Or being utterly disgusting with your pudding while giving a cool kid "Hey, what's up?" look! Or is this a Joey Tribiani "How you doni'?" look?

Hanging out in your bouncy seat wearing only a diaper and shirt!

Attending the annual last day of school lunch!

Attending the Last day of school ice cream social!

Looking like a dirty heathen until you get a bath waaaaay past sundown!

Practicing your poses for your upcoming dance recital!

Falling asleep on the couch in the basement whilst awaiting a tornado or riding one out!

Posing at the park!

And there's many more. But I'm going to share those at a later date...

...or maybe I won't. Seeing as how I've really been on top of blogging lately!

Award

Tiffiny gave me the Versatile Blogger award! Thank you Tiffiny--you inspire me daily. You are one of the best examples of being an advocate for your child and your child's health. You've got guts, wisdom, motivation, and enthusiasm. It cracks me up that you want to be me when you grow up... because I really feel like a kid still. Plus, you've been through so much with your little guy, so I hope I can be like you when I grow up!

Of course, with accepting this award I'm going to play by the rules. They're pretty easy to follow--and you all probably know that, at heart, I'm a rule follower.

1) Thank and link back to the award giver. I thanked Tiff above, but just in case you missed it...

THANK YOU, TIFFINY!!!

2) Tell 7 things about yourself.

* I love good, healthy food. I believe what we put in our mouths directly affects every other area of our life. That's not to say we don't enjoy a few treats in our house, but they are the exception, and not the rule.

* As I sit here on the couch frustrated with feeling lazy, I seriously can't wait to get out in the sunshine and run. I'm looking forward to meeting my goal to run a half marathon.

* I once thought that a Kindle or Nook would ruin reading instead of enhance the experience. But after using my mom's Nook for a while, I find it easier to read. Now I want one!

* Water is my favorite drink--and most people give me a weird look upon finding this out.

* I miss my sister, but I will be seeing her so soon--YAY!

* I'm a candle junkie--as well as a recipe magazine junkie.

* I'm now officisally freaked out by storms! Tornadoes suck!

There, that's 7 things about me.

3) Now I'm passing on the Versatile Blogger Award. And I'll pass it on to Amanda over at Proud Mommy of Four. Her blog covers several topics, and it's a fun read. She has 5 kids and they are spaced like mine.

I'm also wanting to give it to Jessica at Love From Texas. She has the cutest craft ideas and some pretty cute kids, too. There's always something fun to read about over there!

Surgery, etc.

I thought I would have gobs of time on my hands since having surgery, and in a way I suppose I have. However, I thought I would be posting to my blog every day, sometimes twice a day if I felt like it.

Well, apparently I haven't felt like it. And I'm surprised. I'm surprised at what I've chosen to do with my time as I lie lazily upon my throne (or the couch).

The surgery was last Thursday morning. But I'm going to start with Wednesday night, because that was a night I'll never forget. That was the night that I was shown just how awesome my friends are. Okay, I already knew how awesome they are, but they just have to keep proving it to me time and time again.

My friend, Nichole, stopped by the night before surgery and dropped off a card with a sweet message, a calendar that shows who all is bringing me a meal for the next month, gift cards for cleaning and pizza and her offer to come sit with me, get my girls out of the house, run errands, etc. etc. I was in a state of shock at the generosity. And several of my other friends have offered chit chat time, errands, and play dates. I seriously cannot thank them enough. I hope the tears conveyed just how much I appreciate their love and support. To top it off, I had to call my mom that night and tell her just how blessed I am. She agreed-- I have the best friends ever!

And speaking of my dear mom, she's been here everyday since the surgery. I'm hoping to give her a day off soon because I know my house can be a bit overwhelming (there are 5 young children who like to run, scream, cry and play loudly). But she has watched our girls, sat with me, talked with me, brought me my biggest indulgence (recipe mags, oh and ice cream), fetched me food, taken my girls out and supported me through it all. All while trying to balance her own schedule. Thank you, mom. I don't know what I'd do without you!

I also don't know what I'd do without my husband. This poor guy has had a real taste of what it's like to be me. He's been off work since Thursday, but that's not to say he's not working. Since I'm pretty limited with what I can do, he has been running non-stop, from sun-up to way past sun-down, to keep this ship afloat. To top it off, he has done a fabulous job keeping up with the dishes and laundry, all the extra school-related things (even making it to Peach's class trip to the park today), feeding the babes (well, I still do Scrunchie's feedings), and helping me with what used to be simple tasks. I think his favorite extra duty is putting on my air-tight cast before I shower. I can just tell by the look on his face--HA! He's so busy with the house, kids, and his teaching job in the evenings that I hardly speak a word to him all day. It's sad and I miss him, but I know that this will pass in a few weeks!

In addition, my MIL has made offers to help wherever needed. And, I can tell you for sure that once my husband goes back to work, I'll be needing the help. It's frustrating that I can't put my kids down for naps or pick the baby up out of her swing, but I'm incredibly grateful that I have so many people who love us enough to see us through another hurdle. Since Janurary, we've seen an outpouring of love with Boushka's hospitalization, the birth of Scrunchie and now this surgery. I will never forget this time in our lives, and I only hope that I can put all of the love we've been shown back out into the world with acts of service for others. I certainly consider it our responsibility.

So, since I'm just sitting here healing all day long, I've been alternating between cuddling one of my girls, eating, sleeping (thanks to the pain meds), watching tv and reading. I hope to include more blog posts, but I'll understand if you get bored with what I'll be writing about. I mean, considering the view from here, I might get pretty boring. Topics will probably range from how sweet my kids are, what awesome meal a friend brought over, how much sleep I'm getting and how much I love it, or possibly what book I'm reading/movie I'm watching. Exciting stuff... so stay tuned!

Moms, Mamas, Mommies

So thankful for all the moms in my life, today.

I'm so blessed to have been raised by my mom--she made me who I am today. And guess what, she loves me anyway. HA! I'm fortunate to have a mom who will go to the ends of the earth to help me or show me she cares. When I reflect on my childhood, I often wonder if I'm doing a good job on all the things she did so well.

And I'm so in love with my children--they're the reasons I'm here today celebrating Mother's Day on the "Mom" side of the day! I know I say it all the time, and it's pretty cliche, but I don't know what I'd do without them.

I can remember in the early days of motherhood, I was in such shock that I was a mom that I just couldn't get used to the idea. I loved my child. I bonded with her very well, but somehow there was a disconnect between me and reality. Though I cared for my child in every way and with pure joy, I just couldn't get over the fact that I was a MOM! One minute I was in college finishing my masters degree, and the next I'm trying to learn how to nurse a newborn. But I've always dealt with change in a very "denial" type of way. I'm still writing 1999 on the date line of my checks....

no, I lied. I don't think I was even writing checks in 1999.

Today, I feel very much like a mom. That is pretty much my whole identity. I think that's unhealthy, but I'll work on identifying with other parts of me once all parts of me sleep through the night again. Or wash every day. Or even eat 3 square meals a day. Oh, and exercise---all parts of me really miss time for exercise.

With such a young and rather large brood, I kind of have my hands full about 24 hours a day. Before our 5th child arrived, I was at least getting rest in the evening after my kids went to bed. And most of the time I'd sleep through the night if it wasn't for upset, supposed-to-be-sleeping kids. BUT NOW....

Two of our children are requiring at least an hours worth of tucking in routines. They, who shall remain nameless, are 2 and 3 (hey, I didn't say they'd remain ageless) and totally struggling with separation at sleep times. There's lots of tears from both them and me. There may or may not be foot stomping-- my husband told me that's pretty childish of me. But what can I say, I stoop when I'm frustrated and wearied.

So after all fits have ceased, there's usually at least an hour's worth of work to be done. But I'm choose to sit down for just a minute. And on cue, Scrunchie starts crying. And of course she needs mama. Calming her down can be simple sometimes, and other times it's a major hour-long ordeal. We do what we can to comfort her and then I put her to bed and I head to bed as well. But my own bedtime routine takes 20 minutes--which at the end of a long evening seems like another hour.

Suffice it to say that when my head hits the pillow, my eyes shut immediately. I can honestly say I've never been so tired. And just when it looks like rest is within my reach, those nameless, sweet babies of mine (at least one of them) are crying. And all night long one of our youngest three children is in and out of crying and sleeping. And I'm usually doing the same--I really am quite childish whilst sleep-deprived. I promise, I'll grow up soon enough.

But you know what's glorious about this time in life? The lack of sleep somehow erases your memory. You see, if you don't fill your sleep tank your memory starts to go. And mine is going, going...

but it's certainly not gone. And even if it was, I've got my blog to hold the memories, right?

Sleep or no sleep, I wouldn't want my life to change (oh, except for the crying and sleep part) one bit! I adore these little people, and in the rare quiet moments where I can sit back and watch my children just be kids, I'm reminded of the pure joy they bring me each and every day.

PS- There are pictures, but for some reason my computer is not reading my memory card. And I just don't feel like dealing with that right now because I'm going to go chase that sleep.

Mother's Day

Did you know that as I grew into an adult, I was pretty sure kids were not a part of my future? I know, crazy talk for a lady still in her 20's who has 5 little kids. I guess you could say a lot changes in just a few years. And didn't somebody say one time that having a baby changes everything?

Well it does. It changes the way you sleep. Eat. Walk. Drive. See the world. See your own mother. See yourself. Your spouse/partner. And it can even change a heart, and a mind alike.

If anything, I thought after I'd been teaching for 10 or so years, I could possibly settle down long enough to produce an offspring, but I wasn't even positive on that. And now, shortly after having my fifth child, I can look back on my earlier days and just laugh, and maybe wonder.

I sometimes wonder what life would have been like sans kids, and this is usually when I'm throwing diapers in the trash once an hour while listening to a baby, toddler and preschooler cry at the same time as a toilet overflows and dinner is burning, and my older two are fighting....

and I spend about one-tenth of a second in the sans kids fantasy before realizing that that life is but a forgotten path on my life's journey. After that tenth of a second, I want to stop thinking about that alternate life and how dull it would be. Even if some may call my life as I live it now, what with my daily mini-van tours of my town and dirty loads of laundry, totally boring--that's okay. It probably is boring to somebody who isn't me. Somebody who hasn't invested the time and energy into making these babies, feeding them, holding them, playing with them, teaching them, and watching them grow each day.

But I have done those things. I have done much more than those things. And I want to keep doing these things--admittedly without so much whining as we have in our house right--but still. No matter what I tell myself in the heat of frustration as I curse the moment I chose to be a mom and not work full-time outside the home, I really have no desire to do or be anything else right now than a mom.

Sometimes I cry out to God in a hot mess of tears and ask why HE thought 5 in 5 years was something I could handle. Or something I would want to handle. Or even, dare I say, something I'd be good at.

Me on typical day in the past 6 weeks: You know God, I kinda think You of all people would know what I can handle. But seriously, this is the plan you had for me? Why oh why didn't you prepare me for this?


Yeah, I think this thought roughly 17 times per day. And one day, on probably the 12th time I'd thought that thought that day, I wondered if maybe I was prepared for this role. Not only to mother, but to mother all girls, ages 5 and under.

Growing up all I ever wanted was what I used to refer to as a "real family." In the late '80s that meant a mom, dad, and siblings. In 2nd grade I was totally convinced that I was the only kid with divorced parents (though I doubt that was actually true) and that everything I did different was because I was so different in the parental department. Yes, 7 yr old minds do work in mysterious ways... but nonetheless I had convinced myself of this story.

Moving right along...

As an adult, I never consciously decided to plan a family. I just didn't think it was in my deck of cards. And when our first surprise came along, it took some incredible adjusting on my part (and Matt's as well). I was mad, scared, and sad for the first part of that pregnancy. And then I was elated, excited and thrilled to meet my baby. And of course, it was love at first site.

I was hooked. Wrapped. Sucked in. Taken. Breathless. That little baby was mine and I was going to love her from here to eternity. And she was such an easy-going baby. In our naivete, my husband and I decided we'd love to have another one whenever it happened. And four months after our first dauther was born, we found out we were expecting again.

Every time we welcome a new little girl we feel the same way as we did 5 1/2 years ago. The love that fills our home is only matched by the volume level in our home. It's in these loud and crazy moments that I find myself feeling different from everyone else. Most people have 2, maybe three kids, and here I am with 5. All girls. All so close in age. A rarity indeed.

But this different doesn't feel awkward. There might be some who point and laugh at my differentness, but these days I don't give a hoot. That's when I start to believe that I was prepared for the role of Head Hauncho at Casa de Copeland!

The desire for family I had when I was a kid, I've since created in my adult life. And I certainly don't think for one second that desire is all HE gave me. I was raised by two of the most stubborn and loving women I have ever known-- my mom and Mema. And I know that with desire and will, this whole mothering 5 tiny people thing is what I'm supposed to be doing.

Yes, I was prepared to be their mom! Happy Mother's Day!

Easter 2011

Easter Fun! Two weeks late? Yes...

...but I am attempting to catch up.

Life just slipped away from me these past few weeks. Too many excuses for me to list, really...

So we'll just go with a photo review from Easter. Much simpler that way!

(Our family of 7 posing outside of church on Easter Sunday)

(Pre-egg hunt after church. One little gal slipped out of her dress and into play clothes before the hunt started.)

(Peach holding the special egg--she found it first. We accidentally skipped dying this egg, so I figured I would draw a cross on it and make it the ultimate egg to find on the great hunt.)

(Giggly girls after Easter service)

(My husband took these playground pictures while I sat inside eating cake and nursing Scrunchie--rough life, right?)

(Brownie and Peach are taking a small break from playing so they can enjoy the treats as well.)

(My five little girls in their Sunday Best right before church started. I often wonder if one of the reasons they love going to church is because they get to dress up.)

(How many do you have in your basket?)

(Our Easter math: 12 eggs divided by 4 girls = 3 eggs each, to dye. These are Brownie's beauties)

(As you can see, the on-top-of-the-counter approach is perfectly acceptable for dying eggs.)

("Awww, sissy you've got some made egg-dying skills!" Yes, I'm totally sure that's the conversation going on here!)

("No, daddyyyyyy, I do it by myself! I don't care if mom said to help me because I'm wearing white.... I AM miss INDEPENDENT!" or something like that...)

("Why, yes you are cute, sweetie. Your smile is just awesome!")

And that'll do it for the name that Easter photo caption contest. Maybe now I'll write more provocative posts!

Some thoughts...

In light of the news that Osama is DEAD, some things have crossed my mind...

1) I love seeing all the people on television waving American flags. Hearing the cheers and seeing the smiles tonight is a stark contrast to 9 1/2 years ago when we also saw people waving American flags on television!

2) I feel so fortunate to have had a childhood in the pre-9/11 era. A time when I felt safe and never worried much about wars, flying, politics, bombs, terrorists, etc, etc...

3) When the hunt began, I was a college student worrying about my studies. I can remember wondering what it would be like to have to explain the events that day to my child. And I'm glad I didn't at that time...

4) ... but I'm wondering how to share these details with my children now. Or do I share? I have a very sensitive Peach who would ask too many questions and scare herself... maybe I should let her read it in the history books?

5) It's weird to celebrate death, even if it is his death. More importantly, I think it's important to celebrate what his death signifies--we hunted and hunted and we got him.

6) I'm thankful that America is showing the world that we will carry through on our promises.

7) I'm hoping we don't see pictures. I'm afraid they'd haunt my dreams... or nightmares.

8) I feel that this one, significant event has the potential to unite our very politically divided country. Much like the climate right after 9/11, we all joined on team USA. Of course, now we can do this with higher spirits. But who knows, I could just be wishfully thinking!

9) In church today, as I was hearing all 19 names of the soldiers who died this week in Iraq and Afghanistan, I did wonder when we could stop fighting in these wars. I know we aren't done with our work, but I do feel like we have made a major milestone in our journey!

10) I'm eternally grateful to our military. To their families and loved ones. And especially to all those who have given their lives for us to get to this point in history.

11) Ahhhhh..... no more videos :-)

12) I think Memorial Day/July 4th decor comes out early this year :-)

13) I'll always remember where I was when this went down. Mom called as I was cooking several meals for the days when I'm healing from surgery. I turned on the TV and watched in awe for a few minutes. But then I had to get right back to work. I did take a break to watch Obama, though.

14) I'm hoping that today's events do not spur other attacks against the west.

15) I wonder if my sister knows yet... Allie, hit me up!

16) God Bless America!

Don't worry. I have lots of family things to share still--EASTER POST to come!

Happy Birthday to My Boushka Girl!

Boushka turns 2! I wish I could capture you just as you are right now, and never forget it--- blogging and photographing as much as I can is my attempt at bottling up the sweetest 2 yr old in the world!

You have grown and changed so much in the last two years. You started out the tiniest of all the babies at a small 7 pounds even. When we brought you home you were right around 6 1/2 pounds--so tiny! And now look at you... so big, yet so small!

You weigh in around 24 pounds and are about 33 inches tall! Yes, that 's tiny-- but you've got a lot of personality. Since you've been talking so well for so long, it amazes us what comes out of your little mouth. The way you can string words together to make coherent thoughts come out just blows my mind. You are one smart cookie--book and street smart!

Today as I was tucking you in for bed, I just looked at you and saw you getting on the school bus going to your first day of kindergarten. This came out of nowhere, really; although I suppose that I'm realizing just how fast a 2 month old turns into a 2 yr old, and eventually (though suddenly it feels) a kindergartner. I couldn't help but sob-- it started out innocently enough with a mere tear in the corner of one eye--and then they just started pouring out. You came over and hugged and kissed me. I didn't want you to see me cry because I didn't want you to think it was your fault. And of course, after the affection you asked, What's wrong, mommy? Awww, the way you said those words just made me cry even harder. Luckily daddy was right there and he must've known where the tears were coming from because he told you that mommy was okay and it was not your fault. You hugged and kissed me some more--thank you, sweet baby. That was just what I needed.

So I guess I'm crying because of how fast you grew from this

to this. (holding your birthday invitation--you were totally stoked)

How days of changing your newborn diapers turned into days where I'm asking you Are you ready to use the potty? When I used to put away these little onzies that hung on your tiny body to now where I'm putting you in T clothing (like 2T). How I used to nurse you several times a day and throughout the night, and now you eat every meal at the table (in a booster seat) with us. I can't believe you can voice your opinion about everything from Mickey to avocados, feeding the ducks, and what you think about the weather.

Boushka, you are the cutest little thing with the biggest dark eyes. You have incredibly long lashes, unruly hair, pudgy little feet, skinned up knees, and sweet little hands that you like me to hold. You almost always smell like Graham crackers (though you don't eat those) or some kind of sweet mixed with a little sweat and dirt. And I'm not surprised since you are constantly asking for candy or chocolate or cookies, and you never stop running around and getting into mischief. Oh that little spirit of yours is strong.

Bed time is usually not your favorite time, but every once in a while you do go to bed nicely. We do your "wettas" or letters on your back. You tell me not to wet da bed buds bite, mama (let the bed bugs bite, mama)! And I, of course, say it back to you. And you tell me your favorite part of your day was me. You won't lie down until you've had several huds (hugs) and tisses (kisses). This is certainly one of my favorite times of day with you.

You also enjoy playing outside, watching birds and dogs, feeding the ducks, coloring (you make scribbles very well), wearing your Ariel nightgown, anything Mickey, anything sweet, helping me cook or bake, swinging, going down slides and most importantly you have made two new friends, K & L (yes, Traci, these are your sweet babies). You talk about K and L all day. You refer to them as your fends (friends). I think you think of K as another big sister to you. And L is certainly the boy I've arranged for you to marry :-)

You communicate so very well. For several months now you've been able to say 6 word sentences. I think this is pretty much unheard of, but when a girl needs a cookie she learns to get the words out (your first 6 word sentence was "Daddy, I need more cookie, please!"). You've been cracking us up all the time with the funny things you say, but more importantly with the inflection in your voice. It's always right on target!

I'm just in awe as I sit here and look at your first two years of life. Stunned by the lessons that you teach me everyday. Amazed by how much I can love somebody who can seriously drive me batty. Honored to be the woman who brought you into this world, will watch you grow and hopefully someday say See, it really is worth it! as you hold your new baby for the first time. Humbled by the fact that you look up to me to set an example (for everything). Beyond thankful that I can have your unconditional love. And blessed by God for your sweet life.

Muuuuaaaah! Loves ya!