Pool time!

We got to take Lena to the pool today. We took her a few times last summer, too so this wasn't her first experience. But it was the first one she can remember. Like always with Lena, it took her a few minutes to warm up, but quicker than usual, this kid was growling, splashing, kicking, and smiling until we finally decided we should go home.

mid-growl!

I'm willing to bet she loved it. Can't wait until next time! Maybe tomorrow! 

Motherhood

Today, I'm grateful to be a mom. Most days I'm grateful as well, but today I'm feeling especially happy about it. Even though yesterday was hard. And today might be too. And I'm willing to bet my bottom dollar that I have a few more hard days ahead of me in the next 60 or 70 years or so.

But she's just too cute that the hard days are just worth it sometimes.

Here's a quote that's gotten me through some of those hard days. Raising children is a commandment. Gods not going to let us just do it on our own. Besides, these are His children just as much as they're our own. They were His first:

This is not our work that we are engaged in, it is the work of God. We are directed in our movements by a superior intelligence. (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Lorenzo Snow, Chapter 9: Sacred Family Relationships)

favorite memories of the year

I wanted to make sure that I wrote this down while it’s fresh in my mind. There have been so many sweet moments since Lena was born, most especially in the last couple of weeks as she’s become more bonding, interactive, and cuddly.

Easter egg hunting around the house

Her baby blessing at church

pointing out the caterpillar for the first (and every) time

When she learned to give kisses

her first time in the sled

first time at the library. She wanted all the books

first time sitting up

looking for Spot in her book. She'd always get so excited when she found him

her pure joy when she's outside

the first bike ride. she sang the whole time

digging through her toy bucket. pulling toys out, tossing them aside, looking for the perfect toy

learning to feed herself!

first time using a straw!

her 6:30 a.m. wake up face

when she finally used her hands for the first time! yay!

her super blow out, which required a mid-morning bubble bath

the very first smile. made those first few weeks so worth it

There are a lot of other memories, but they don't come with pictures. These are some of my favorite as I've watched her grow. So grateful we get another year to make favorite memories. And then years to come after that.

kisses

A few weeks ago, sweet little Lena learned a new trick.

And it melts our hearts every time.

Dad gets kisses before he leaves for work, when he comes home, and before bed (if she's not too sleepy).

Mom gets kisses when she remembers to ask.

And even her new toy panda gets kisses. She was hesitant at first, but warmed up to him after a few days.

Lena will even give high fives, is starting to clap (intentionally), and wave good-bye.

Keep learning sweet Lena!

Mommy daughter photo shoot

She's the star in all of the pictures. I just tried to follow her lead. Please excuse my big mouth and big tongue. I tried to make mine as small and cute as hers but it didn't work.