Words from Zaylee and a Few Other Things

In the past couple weeks you have started saying a few things, and we find it to be the cutest thing EVER!  Your little voice is to die for, and we just think you are great. 

You still love the word HOT and use it often and whenever something is even slightly warm!

"Hi Dad!" or "Bye Dad!" are your two most used phrases.  You love him, and I love that fact (even when I get a little jealous sometimes ;)).  Today when we dropped him off at work, as we pulled into the parking lot you started waving your little hand saying, "Bye dad!"  You knew where we were and we were quite impressed!  The only person you talk to on your cell phone is Dad, and it is the sweetest thing watching you walk around with the phone to your ear yelling so excitedly, HI DAD! followed by a whole lot of Zaylee talk. 

You LOVE dogs, and get overly excited with shrieks and shrills every time we pass one on our walk, or in the car, or we see one outside our window.  You point and yell hoping to draw their attention.  You have mastered the "Woof, woof, woof" sound and now prefer to use that rather than your form of the word doggie which is so cute to hear you say!  It sounds a bit like daddy, but we know what you are saying :)  Good thing we live in an area with LOTS of dogs and a park that is full of them every day, because it makes for extra exciting walks in the afternoon. 

Along with signing "all done" you can now say it as well.  You have mimicked it for awhile now, but you are officially saying it on your own.  The sign is still used all the time, and for that I am thankful because I happen to love sign language and babies! 

"Please" is probably my favorite sign, and you do it so sweetly with a nod of the head and a very eager, wide-eyed face.  It's adorable, and we can hardly ever say no to you when doing so.  It has been such a lifesaver for our sanity as it stopped the fussing and screaming to get what you want, and we were impressed by how quickly you picked it up and learned you wouldn't get anything without saying (signing) the magic word! 

Every time you snuggle your baby doll or teddy bears, you look at me and say, "awwwww" and I melt.  It is the sweetest thing!!  Dad and I think it's because every time you give us snuggles when we ask we say, "AWW" and you snuggle more intensely. 

You know where your nose and belly button are when we ask you, and you are always proud of yourself when you use your little pointer finger to show us! 

You still love your matchbox cars, and even make a "vroom" sound sometimes when you are driving them across the floor! 

A while ago, you learned how to stack your wooden rings onto the ring holder all on your own.  We of course thought you were a genius :)  It is fun to watch you as you take each ring and place it just right into your other hand and place it over the stand and drop it on.  If you don't get it the first time you grunt in frustration, but most of the time don't give up too easily and other times I help you by holding the stand still to help you concentrate.  It never gets old, and keeps you busy! 

You love shoes, but are still trying to figure out how to get mine on your feet and walk around.  Grunts of frustration usually come with that task as well, and I find it pretty entertaining!  I'm afraid you get that from me, pretty lady!  Sorry about that :)

I am sure there are many more things I could write, but for now my mind is drawing a blank!  Life is getting more exciting each day as you learn and explore, and we love having a front row seat to watch all the changes happen firsthand.  Love you so my darling girl! 

Anniversary Family Picnic

Last week your dad and I celebrated our second anniversary!!  It was a beautiful day outside, with the hot sun beating down on us and a breeze filling the air.  Dad had to work, but surprised us when he came home with the wonderful idea of a family picnic at Herrick Lake where he proposed to me!  It was perfect.  Dad got Whole Foods veggie pizza, I got Jersey Mike's, and you ate Chik-fil-A nuggets.  A bit of a high maintenance picnic, but it was fun driving around getting specifically what everyone wanted :)  It was a wonderful time of just hanging out, watching you run around and greet all the passersby.  You are a happy soul, and it shines through your outgoing smile! 

We always think back on our wedding day with such fond, wonderful memories.  It was such a lovely day (albeit cold and windy!) with so many of our closest loved ones celebrating such an important day in our lives.  Our ceremony is something we will never forget, and were so very blessed by the beauty and heart that went into making it such a wonderful time of sharing our love and testimony through our vows, in front of so many witnesses.  It was perfect.  We loved every bit of that day, and feel so blessed to have one another to go through life with! 

Two years.  It has both flown by, and yet feels as if we have been married for a lifetime already.  We are eager to see where the Lord takes and guides our family, and are confident that He has great plans for our growing bunch!  Life is so very good and we are so very blessed!

As of Lately...

Well my dearest Zaylee, I finally feel as if I am coming out of my cloud of exhaustion that your little brother or sister had brought upon me, and am beginning to have the energy to do all the things I have been neglecting for the past two months.  Namely: your blog!

Two weeks ago we spent five days in Lake Geneva with Grandma and Grandpa D.  Dad was in Atlanta for the week with work, and it was nice to be surrounded by family in his absence!  You had a blast playing with your big cousins in the back yard, digging in the dirt and eating it too.  Lately, outdoors is your favorite place to be, and when we have to bring you inside you throw a little fit!  On Tuesday of our "trip" you got bit by a stomach bug and were throwing up all day :(  It was sad, but you were such a trooper and really didn't seem to be too bothered by it.  It made dad so sad to be away from you when you were sick.  He wanted to snuggle you and make you feel all better!  The rest of the week was pretty relaxed, and I was just thankful to be around family. 

Last week we spent a lot of out time inside as most of my days started out hugging the toilet!  You were a good sport though and took great long naps which then allowed me to do so as well! :)  Dad took you out a few times when he came home from work, and it was so nice to have just a little break.  Have I mentioned how great your father is?!  You adore him and your time with him.  When he comes home and you run to him, sometimes you will look back at me and say bye while you wave your little hand.  That hurts a little if I'm being honest, but I know you love me just the same!  This past week you have actually shown much more attachment to me when leaving you in the nursery, or just leaving the room sometimes.  I secretly love it, but am thankful for your independence as well.  Last Sunday we left you with Grandma and Grandpa D for the afternoon to go celebrate Amy Bristow's wedding.  It was the longest we have left you in your almost 14 months of life, and about half way through the drive dad said, "Let's turn around and go get Zay.  I miss her!"  As much as we missed you, it was so nice to be with your dad for a whole day and just hold hands and talk and laugh.  You were fast asleep when we got home, but were so happy to see us in the morning as you peeked over the side of the crib to see us laying in bed!  You had a blast with your cousins once again, and despite not feeling the greatest, you were great for Grandma and she loved having you.

Life has been so full lately, despite my lazy ways.  You bring so much entertainment and life to each and every situation and well, I just can't seem to get enough of you!  Your sweet kisses with your little smooch sound effects, your tight hugs around my neck, our morning snuggles in bed, the way you squeal in excitement whenever you see dogs or little kids, your sweet voice and the constant babble that comes out of your little mouth, your goofy fake laugh and cheesy smile to go along with it, your little wave as you greet or say goodbye to every person that passes you by.  You are quite possibly the sweetest little girl with your father's quiet, soft heart (and a little of my spunky fire too!).  You are an observer.  You are brave, but yet you startle easy.  Our life couldn't be richer now that you are in it! 

Big Sister!

Back in November, Dad and I decided we wanted another baby.  A playmate for you.  A newborn to have in my arms because you keep growing up so fast!  I missed having a baby in my belly, and got a little tinge of envy when I saw a pregnant lady touch her belly as their baby moved inside them.  It's a beautiful thing.  A miracle.  A blessing I feel honored to be given.  We knew we wanted our first two children, Lord willing, to be close in age with a break between any others that may follow.  I knew it would be a lot of work at first, but all that would race through my mind was the joy that would fill our home with not just one baby, but two!  Our plan was to start trying after the New Year, and low and behold, Aunt Bethany went into labor on New Year's Eve sending me in to a tizzy of so many emotions and excitement for the possible opportunity to go through the labor process again!  I was a wreck the entire day from the flood of excitement, and I was never more eager for the hope of another baby.  

A strong heartbeat.  Praise the Lord!

January came and went with no baby news, and although I was sad for a few days I knew I needed to let go and trust in the Lord's plan.  February came and we quickly discussed how maybe we should wait a little longer, but honestly I was already so set on being pregnant it took a few days to convince me that it was a decision I was willing to accept.  The week of Dad's birthday I was feeling all sorts of funny, and suspected I may be pregnant after all, but was in complete denial.  I went out and bought super skinny jeans and some cute spring tops, all of which I could most definitely NOT wear if I was in fact pregnant.  The morning of the 22nd, Dad's birthday, I decided I was late enough to be convinced that maybe, just maybe, a test would show what my heart really desired--two pink lines.  I tip-toed to the bathroom in hopes to not wake Dad, did my business, waited a minute or so, and picked up the stick as I made my way back to the bedroom.  A smile crept across my face, in both excitement and disbelief, as I kissed Dad's shoulder to wake him.  He rolled over and saw what I was holding and before I could say anything he said, "What?  No way!  Get over here!!"  I smiled and said, "Happy Birthday love! We're having a baby!!"

We were both in a state of shock.  It was surreal.  I hadn't thought about how emotional I would be about not having just you anymore, but I was a bit of a mess.  I was overjoyed with the little life just starting inside my womb, but couldn't shake the fear of our bond dwindling away.  I had crazy, untrue thoughts flood my mind (thanks to hormones) and quickly I would be overcome with tears.  Once again, your Dad came to my rescue and erased every last one of them filling me with truth and peace as he always does.

The first trimester is over, and was so very different from my first few months with you growing inside me.  I had about four weeks of feeling blah, and a mixture of extreme hunger and nausea, but for the most part I felt great.  Great with a whole lot of tired.  I take a nap every day, sometimes two, and still feel beyond exhausted.  The housework has suffered immensely, but your Dad has been so helpful and kind.  I can't express enough how thankful I am for him, and his loving kindness through  the overload of complaining and whining that goes on in the first trimester.  Oh boy!  Honestly, I can hardly handle myself.  It is bad, and am so thankful with each day as I am feeling a bit more energy and a bit less blah.  God bless your father and his overflowing kindness and his immense amount of patience. 

You my baby girl, have been so sweet and accepting of our long, boring days at home as I lay around trying to just get through.  It's like you know what I need, and rest being the majority of my needs as of lately.  You have taken long, beautiful naps (accept right now as you are fighting it with full force!), slept a bit later some mornings, and just over all been a sweet little girl full of life and always giving kisses and snuggles when I ask.  Oh my precious Zaylee, I love you so very much, and can't wait to see you as a big sister.  Your love for people is something we never grow tired of, and know you will be so loving to your little brother or sister.  You have made our first year as parents so easy and enjoyable.  We feel a bit spoiled, but mostly just thankful for YOU and the perfect fit you are for our little family of three and our first born baby girl! 

Our little peanut at 8 weeks!

Sitting, Waiting, Wishing

My little love, you adore chairs.  Small chairs, lawn chairs, big chairs, rocking chairs, benches, any kind of chair really.  You aren't choosy. 

You are most content when you find a comfy chair to just sit down and watch the world around you.  In stores, at the park, restaurants, anywhere we are you always find an empty chair to climb up on and sit with the cutest, overjoyed smile.  Lately, your favorite spot in the house is the rocking chair.   You will sit there so content for close to 30 minutes, just rocking, talking to your self, smiling into the mirror as you giggle with pure happiness.  It is my new go-to if I need to get something done without you running around.  I simple give you a snack, put you in the rocker, and you don't complain for a second!  You have mastered how to climb up on it and get down all on your own and have yet to fall.  Your balance is something that amazes dad and I on a daily basis.  Your balance and your fearlessness.  The joy you have brought into our lives still overwhelms us at any given moment of the day.  You are so precious and full of so much life!  May you always find joy in the small things like you find joy in a simple chair!

I Would Walk 500 Miles!

On March 28th, you decided you were ready to walk and just like that you stood up all on your own and walked about 15 steps towards me!  You had been taking lots of steps for about a month before that, but just didn't have the desire to make it a regular event just yet.  You were so steady on your feet, and Dad was always impressed by the fact that you had no major falls.  Within a month you were "running", prancing through the grass, playing all over the park wishing you were one of the big kids, and just all around ACTIVE!  :)

You sure keep us busy, but we wouldn't have it any other way.  Love you and your sweet little legs. 

Easter 2013

Easter weekend was a much needed getaway to one of our homes away from home, Lake Geneva.  It was just the three of us with Grandma and Grandpa for most of the weekend, and was such a wonderful, relaxing, no agenda needed kind of weekend.  The weather was much nicer than it had been, and even reached the high 50's which felt like summer to us! :)  We walked around town and in and out of shops without our heavy jackets.  It was perfect.  To finish off our Saturday night, we FINALLY watched Les Miserables with Grandma and Grandpa and LOVED it.  We all woke up still humming the songs, and each recalled dreaming about the movie as we slept that night.  It is such a beautiful story.  We actually almost named you Cosette after we saw the show on Broadway!  One day, you and I will watch it together and sing our hearts out to the beautiful songs.

Bathed and ready for bed!

Bringing some mascara to Grandpa

Moving on.
Easter morning, we all woke up late (you slept until 8:30!), and still managed to make it to the 9:15 meeting!  Impressive.  It was a great time of worship with hundreds of other believers, hopefully some seekers, and a wonderful reminder of our risen Savior and the price He paid to wash us white as snow.  One of my favorite songs is one I think of often, but most definitely during the Easter season, Jesus Paid It All. 

"Jesus paid it all,
all to Him I owe.
Sin hath left a crimson stain
He washed it white as snow.
Oh praise the one who paid my debt
and raised this life up from the dead!" 

I pray you grow to know this deep in your heart, my dear Zaylee.  May you know Him at a young age and seek Him in all you do!  You are so full of joy, and I pray you use that light of yours for His glory; that it be from Him that your light shines!

When we came home, we all took part in preparing the meal for everyone that afternoon.  Uncle Craig, Aunt Janine and the kiddos joined us after church.  It was so nice to spend time with them and so fun to watch you and Cohen play together.  You are finally at an age that he can relate to, and it is pretty entertaining to watch the two of you together!  Grandma and Grandpa prepared Easter baskets for you all, and you had so much fun trying to eat all of the candy, wrapper and all.  Sadly, for you, the candy was really for Dad and I! :)  You even got your very first little baby doll, and have loved snuggling her every day after you wake up.  We had lamb, pork tenderloin, potatoes, corn, roasted veggies, pistachio salad, and you loved every bit of it, especially the meat!!  You showed off your new skills by walking around in your white Easter shoes, and looked absolutely adorable while doing so. 

Cohen had a huge piece of chocolate in his mouth, and you wanted one too!

It was a great day, filled with good family time, and an extra sweet little lady!  You gave lots of snuggles and we all accepted them with open arms. 

Blessed.