Notes to Baby #19

Dear Eve,

A few mornings ago, while cuddling together in bed, I looked over at your cute little face and felt a flood of emotions. It was one of those moments where I was overwhelmed with love and gratitude. I'm your mama. You're my baby. I never forget that honor and privilege, but I don't always focus on it, either. That morning, however, it hit me. Hard. And I just wanted to scoop you up and snuggle with you forever. Unfortunately, you're a little too squirmy these days to allow for long snuggles. So I made do with a few seconds before you rolled over and started clawing and pinching at my face. I couldn't help but grin, even though my hair is an inevitable casualty of your pulling.

And then you looked into my eyes and smiled back at me. 

Moments like this are so precious. Too precious to put into words, really, but I just had to try. 

I love you baby girl. So, so much.

Love,

Mama

Fathers

29 years ago, I became the daughter of a truly amazing, devoted, compassionate father whom I love very, very much.

Almost 3 years ago, I gained a wonderful father-in-law who has been such a tremendous support and ray of sunshine.

And almost 3 years ago, I married my best friend. I couldn't have chosen someone better to be the father of my children. Eve loves him and, I must say, I'm quite fond of him myself.

I'm grateful for the fantastic father figures in my life. Life would not be so rich if you weren't in it.

Happy Father's Day!

Lately

This dog can sleep in the strangest positions.

What a smart pup does when baby's not feeling the stroller.

Someone is almost mobile! Not sure I'm ready for this . . .

Oh you know, just chilling in the library with Belle and the Beast. Typical Friday night.

Mater! One of the funnest rides around.

Just seeing this castle fills me with so much happiness!

Disney cow. Cutest (and luckiest) cow on earth!

Only Disney would be able to tame the beast and convince him to make popcorn for us all.

Birthday flowers from the husband. Mini roses. AKA cutest roses ever.

I'm not in many pictures because I'm usually the one taking them. So . . . here I am in a picture. To prove that I still exist and I haven't grown any unusual limbs or grotesque features.

A Sunday evening walk in Peters Canyon Park. And Eve's first time in the carrier. She was a trooper, but not the biggest fan.

Mr. Darcy during Eve's nap? Yes please!

Riding Radiator Springs Racers on my birthday. I hope the people behind me could see behind all that crazy hair!

May the force be with you.

Eve's Latest Trick

Our baby's favorite new activity. It's especially delightful when she has a mouth full of sweet potatoes. 

The First Six Months

I still can't believe this as I'm writing it, but Eve is six months old today. Six months! Our sweet little baby is growing up. And while part of me wishes time would slow down, the rest of me loves each new milestone she achieves. She rolls in both directions all over the room, babbles nonstop, laughs, sits up with support, eats solid food (and looooves carrots!), and is trying so hard to get onto her hands and knees. Crawling is just around the corner! Guess we've got to get around to baby-proofing our little home.

Everyone that meets Eve comments on how happy she is. And it's really true. So easygoing, smiley, and full of joy. She's got her parents wrapped around her finger, that's for sure.

I can't adequately put into words how much I love this daughter of mine. And that love grows everyday. She adds so much to our family; life is so much richer now that she's a part of it. And I just love seeing Graham interact with her. He's simply smitten with his little girl, and I love him all the more for it. 

Eve is a blessing. We are so blessed to have her!

First Try of Rice Cereal

About a week ago we decided to introduce Eve to the world of solid foods by giving her some rice cereal. Her reaction was not what we were anticipating! Most of the time was spent easing her confusion and soothing her cries. 

We've kept at it with the feedings. Sometimes she loves it and sometimes she is just SO relieved to go back to her bottle! 

And yet even with those meals that are a struggle, she still loves blowing bubbles and spitting food all over the place. It's the cutest thing, except that I'm nervous my laughing will encourage her to do it more. Suffice it to say, we've entered a whole new world of messes and stickiness now that we're progressing past just bottles!

Here's a glimpse of Eve's very first taste of solids.

Memorial Day

This Memorial Day weekend was, in one word, perfection. Getting to spend extra quality time with my little family, watch new episodes of "Arrested Development," see extended family, and take a trip down to San Diego? Yes please! It was especially wonderful spending so much extra time with the husband. I miss him when he's working long hours during the week!

I've been a bit lazy with taking pictures lately. I suppose I could put a positive spin on that and say I've been taking mental pictures instead of harassing people with constant requests to pose and say "Cheese!" But on Memorial Day I made sure to have the camera ready. I'm so happy I did. The photos of the littles are especially delightful.

 ^^ Can I have some Daddy? ^^

 ^^ Brothers. They share a connection. ^^

 ^^ Eve was so excited to see her Aunt Eliza, visiting from Phoenix. ^^

 ^^ Love that belly on Levi! ^^ 

 ^^ Cousin love ^^

 ^^ Petco Park. AKA one of Graham's favorite places on this green earth. ^^

^^ How we all felt by the end of the weekend. ^^