Don't Worry Be Happy!!!!

Dear Maizy,

My dad used to say to me "if I could go back knowing what I know now, I would do things different."  I believe this to be true for some things, but not all because that is how we learn and what makes us who we are. 

I do know one thing though I would not have worried so much about what others thought and just decided to be happy!!  Be happy for being myself, expressing myself the way my heart chose,  doing what I felt was right, just truly being my true self before the ripe old age of 30.  My superiors used to always say "what would people think?" "Don't embarrass me!"  "Why did you do that?" Etc., etc. As a child and especially a teen I never knew how to express myself without just breaking down and crying (ask Aunt Brittany) and then you lose attention of your audience (parents, teachers, whoever you are trying to defend or explain yourself to).  It was SO frustrating and just awful.  I just wanted to be happy, but was taught to make others happy!!  Well screw that!  You do that to a point, but really make yourself happy, right down to your core!! 

For example,  if you want to go dance in the rain - DO IT!  If you want to wear a big red fancy hat to McDonald's - DO IT!  If you want to steal a car - DON'T DO IT!!  If you want to tell a boy or girl that you like them or admire them - DO IT!!  If you want to color your apple purple when everyone else's is red - DO IT!!  If you want to jump off a bridge because everyone else is - DON'T DO IT!!  Then when someone asks you why you did something answer them intelligently and with complete confidence as to why you did!  Don't cry!!  Is this making sense?  I would be so happy to discuss and talk to you about this further.  I lacked confidence and still do!  It wasn't instilled in me and I never realized how important it was until I became a mother.  It's huge.  It's key!

You will never see a President of the United States, or an astronaut or a performing artist that lacks confidence.  They put them self out there!  They got there because they did what made them happy, told everyone else "screw it, I will be happy and do what I want" and exercised their confidence.  Did they always succeed?? Maybe not, but at least they tried! And why!?!?  Because they had confidence.


 Maizy, I just want you to be happy.  No one can truly make you happy except for yourself.  All the unhappy people that I know, and unfortunately there are a lot of them, blame someone else for their unhappiness and failures!!  ALWAYS!!  I can't think of one person that blames them self.  I am truly happy. Do I have regrets?  Well sure!  Just a few, but they are ones that I can still change.  Like I wish I would have gone to college, stuck to it and had a degree, but I still have time.  Do I wish I never married my x?  Well sure, but then again it makes me appreciate life SO much more and I learned many great things from that experience.

Don't worry too much about what people think.  Use your confidence to your advantage!  Be happy!!  Know that I love you unconditionally and am always here for you my darling!!

I Love You!!

Love,
Mom

Artsy Fartsy

Dear Maizy,

The three of us went to the Salt Lake Arts Festival Sunday afternoon.  It was a blast!!! You were a huge hit - NO JOKE!!  Your dad put you on his shoulders and you were loving it.  You were waving to everyone and smiling your huge beautiful smile. You were yelling at those that had their back to you then some would turn around and smile back to you.  Strangers were asking to hold you, it was unreal.  There is no greater thing than sharing your beautiful face with everyone.  You have the most contagious smile and laugh!!! 

We got there and it was freakin' HOT!!!!  So we got a beer, got you some juice and a ham and cheese crepe and watched you play in the shade, it was great!!  You were walking around, climbing all over me and your dad, playing with his wallet and waving at passerbys.  I love being with your father and you.  I am truly very blessed!!

Then after we ate we walked around and looked at all the exhibits.  Oh but prior to the festival we also stopped at the People's Market at the Peace Gardens.  An old lady gave you a crocheted barrette for when you do get hair! ; )  I bought a really cool handmade hat and you just smiled and waved at everyone, so that when we got the Arts Festival you were already primed!!

Ok so back to the Arts Festival.  We walked around  and we actually bought you this cool print from the artist.  He signed it, but it didn't make it home with us!  I lost it!!!  It fell out of the stroller when I was racing you and your dad back to the car :(

We were at the festival all afternoon.  I am just thankful for having you and your father in my life.  You are such a good, happy and beautiful baby!!  I cherish all the minutes we get to spend together.  I thank God all the time for giving you and your father to me.  I am a lucky, lucky girl!!

I think our busy weekend wore you out.  You slept a lot yesterday and was still kind of recovering Tuesday as well.  This weekend is the 4th of July and it's going to be SO fun!!!  Plus your Aunt Brittany gets in town - YAY!!!

Love you!!

Love,

mommy

First time SWIMMING!!!!

Dear Maizy,

Friday June 24, 2011 was your first time in a public pool!!  You looked SOOOOOO freakin' cute in your very first swimsuit that Grandma Annette got for you. I met you all at Grandma Annette's house after work.  You and Sienna got all ready then we headed to the pool.  You got in this cute floating penguin the first time.  You liked it well enough but your teeth started chattering - the water was FREEZING!!!  So you got out and cuddled with Grandma for a few.

Then Sienna was having a blast in the pool with Aunt Deb that we gave it another chance.  This time we put a life jacket on you - so cute!!!  You liked these water fountain things that shoot water into the pool.  You would play with it and get water in your face - you didn't care!

Then we put you in the pool.  That only last about 5 minutes.  Still too cold!!

If I had my suit I would have gotten in with you.  Your dad is a little bit more risky than I am!  I was getting mad at him a little.  What else is new!?!?!  Overall, I think you enjoyed the experience and will like it more if the water was so freezing!!  I mean you do love the tub, so why wouldn't you love a giant one!?!?

Then we hung out for a few at Grandma's then we went home and played!!

Thanks for such a fun evening!!!

Love your face!!

Love,
mommy

Gilgal Adventure

Dear Maizy,

We sometimes go on adventures.  This adventure took place Thursday night at the Gilgal Sculpture Garden located around 750 E. 500 S. I got home from work, we went and got a pizza and breadsticks and some drinks and off to the park we went.  We had never been there before.  It was an absolutely beautiful night and we just walked around and looked at all of the art.  You LOVE being outside!!  It was a great, great night!! See................

Love you!,

Love,
mom

 

Manners

Dear Maizy,

You will have good manners, no "ifs", "ands" or "buts".  My mom taught me good manners and I will return the favor to you.  I can not tell you how many times I have been complimented on my manners as a child and as a grown-up.  I even taught my friends manners since they were so impressed.

Here are just a few manners, tips and reminders:

• Always say "Thank you" or "No, thank you!"  and "Yes, please!".
• Say "may" instead of "can".
• Don't talk when others are talking.
• Wait your turn.
• Treat others the way you'd like to be treated.
• After meeting someone and departing say "it was nice to meet you."
• Wipe your shoes when entering a home and even offer to take your shoes off.
• Always ask "may I be excused from the table" when leaving a meal.
• Look people in the eye and smile
• SMILE.
• Make eye contact.
• Don't curse.
• Sit up straight.
• Don't gossip - I've done this numerous times and it never ends well. I still have to remind myself of this one.
• Don't say "i wasn't talking to you!" If someone asks "what?" just simply say who you were talking t. Example: Oh I was actually asking Bob a question.
• Don't say "never mind" it's rude!
• Always be polite.

These are just a few that are on the top of my head.  I have had the great pleasure of working with someone of the most intelligent people I have ever met and will most likely meet and they have HORRENDOUS manners!!  They would interrupt while I was talking, disrupt my conversation with other adults, never say "please" or "thank you!" And it was the biggest turn off.  Although this person was uber intelligent I lost respect for them.  Needless to say their kids were downright awful.  Manners go a long way and will take you further in life.  No lie! Please don't get this confused with standing up for yourself and having confidence you can accomplish all and still remain respectful and polite.  That is my problem I was never taught to have confidence and standup for myself which you will know and learn!!  I love you so much and will always protect you as much as I can.  Please just remember to always do the right thing, listen to your gut, be confident, kind, caring, loving and standup for yourself!!

I love you!!

Oh and last night I didn't make it to the park.  You and your dad went on an adventure while I took a mini nap.  Tonight we are going to go outside and play hopefully. 

Love,

mommy

I'll have my cake and eat it too, thank you!!

Dear Maizy,

Last night was my last night of my cake class.  There is one more course but I am going to wait to take that one.  I just really want to make an awesome cake for you for your birthdays!!  This is the cake I made for my final and it tasted delicious too!!  I even shared a little with you.  Hhhhmmmm I wonder if that sugar had to do with the fact that you had a burst of energy  11 o'clock at night, hhhhmmmm!?!

Anyway, I couldn't wait to get home and see you after class.  You were being an absolute crack up last night.  You had a ton of energy and wanted to play, play, play - so we did!!  Well until I went to bed at 11:30pm.  We read books, chased each other, I would "tickle monster" you - you have the most contagious laugh - and toss you in a big pile of blankets.  I think yesterday was a good day for you, at least I hope it was.  You and your dad went to the park and played!  You are starting to like grass a bit more, the first time you were not a fan and as you can see you even like to nibble on it.

The plan for tonight when I get home from work is we are going to the park to play - YAY!!!  The rain finally stopped and the sun is shining and we are going to enjoy it.  Thanks for being such a fun, fun baby!!

I love you!!

Love,

mom

YOU DID IT!!!!

Dear Maizy,

You did it!!!  You walked!!!  You did it all by yourself!!!!  It was Saturday June 18th.  Your father and I were in the living room and you walked from the coffee table to me!!!  You took about 2 1/2 steps - it was AWESOME!!!  You did it a little bit more that afternoon but you mostly walk or run while holding on to things.  Our favorite game is I say "I'm gonna get you!!" And you run fast along the couch.  We both get the biggest kick out of it!!

That afternoon we went up to Grandma Shelly's for a Father's Day BBQ where you gave Grandpa Donker this

And Grandpa Glen this

They adored their gifts.  I was even told that Grandpa Donker's stepping stone is placed in their living room!  You are SO loved my sweet baby.  The bbq was a lot of fun and super delicious.  I love your Grandma's very, very much but when we hang out with them it's very stressful for me - "Where's Maizy's blanket?" "Do you have a hat for her?"  "Is this the only blanket you brought?"  "Where is another bib for her?"  "What else did you bring for her to eat?"  "Does she have another shirt? This one has a spot on it."  "Is she wearing sunscreen?"  And this is only the first 30 minutes of being with them!!  *SIGH*

When I complain to your father or my dad about this they just remind me that the cavemen survived and you will too regardless if you have a hat on or not!  They just love you and are super protective.  I am too of course but we all have different ways of showing it.

To celebrate Father's Day with your dad we got him a bbq and a card that recorded you screaming into it.  Then Grandpa Frank came over for dinner too!!  It was a wonderful, wonderful weekend.

Monday back to work was really hard for me.  You and I get SO attached to each other over the weekend that it makes Mondays really hard for me.  Your dad said you woke up Monday morning looking for me, it broke my heart.

I love you and think about you a gazillion times a day!!

Love,

mommy

Busy, busy girl!

Dear Maizy,

I took Friday off of work.  I was just missing you too much and needed a day off.  We woke up got ready for the day and went out to breakfast.  We went to Dee's.  You were being super hilarious!!  You were talking to everyone, enjoying your fruit and dancing in your highchair.  Friday we just played and played!  We also went shopping for Father's Day cards.

Friday evening Grandma picked us up to go have dinner at her place with some friends of theirs.  Daddy had to go help G-ma Annette.  You looked SOOOOO cute.  I bought you this dress and new shoes to wear!!



You got tonz and tonz of attention from the dinner guests as well as Grandma and I of course.  You played and played and played some more.  Grandma drove us home and when we walked in the door your projectile spit up.  It was SO sad!!!! It was all over you, out your nose and all over your new dress.  Dad decided to put you in the kitchen sink to clean you up.

As you can see you were feeling better and was back to your happy self!! 

Love your guts!!!

Love,

mommy

Big Girl!!

Dear Maizy,

You have been sleeping in your crib now for almost a week.  You are such a big girl!  You were sleeping in a play pen in our bedroom and even though your crib was set up I was hesitant to have you sleep in your room all by yourself.  Well come to find out, it was more for me than you! It was no thing to you.  Your room is coming along we just have to figure out where to put all your clothes!!

You are such a good girl too!  At night when you get tired we give you a bottle, lay you in your crib and it's sweet dreams for you.

I love you!!!

Love,
mom

Muah!!!

Dear Maizy,

You are SO entertaining.  Friday night I got home a little early and you and I got ready for my friend's wedding. You looked darling!!  I put you in a dress that we received from a friend at the baby shower you and I missed!  You looked absolutely darling!  I also put a headband on your head and you had cute little sandals on.  We met Grandma Shelly at the wedding.  A lot of my friends were there, so it was great that they got to see you since it'd been a while.  You were having a great time smiling at all of the other kids, eating the yummy food and crawling/walking around. Um, yeah, you don't sit still for nothing!

You are such a hoot to hang out with.  After the wedding we went home and hung out with dad before you went to bed.  He was changing your diaper and getting you in your p.j.'s, but in the meantime you had something really important to tell me.

Then Saturday I found out that your Grandpa Frank had accomplished something really important to him and there was a celebration that evening, so I had to make him a celebratory cake!!  And find you a baby sitter!  Not really ever a problem since all the Grandma's love hanging out with you. Saturday I got you bathed and dressed super darling - like always.  Then we played for a few and I made my cake.  Then we took you up to Grandma Shelly's to play.  You and her had a blast.  She has lots of cool toys for you to play with and a swing in a tree just for you!!


In the meantime, your father and I went up to Ogden to congratulate Grandpa and hang out for a few.  Then we stopped at a local place up there for a drink.  Then I called Grandma and she said that you two were having so much fun and for us to go to dinner or something, so dinner we did!  We had sushi! YUMMY!!  Then we picked you up.  We miss you when we're not with you and talk about you!!

Sunday morning your dad had to go to work so it was just you and me kiddo!!  We woke up. Ate breakfast. Played.  Did laundry.  Played.  Then Grandpa came to visit us for the first time at our new place.  Unfortunately you don't see him enough so you were acting shy for a minute.  Then you started talking and warming up to him.  When we went up stairs for the tour you lead the way.  You would climb a stair then turn around and look at Grandpa - it was really cute!!!  Then after the tour we just sat in the living room and chatted it up.  You bit me on my left shoulder 3 times while we were on the floor talking to Grandpa. Not sure what that was about , but it just made me laugh!!

Then we just continued playing and cleaning house after Grandpa left until you went to bed. 

I missed putting you to bed one night this week (I had a friends birthday party) and it made me terribly sad.  When I put you to bed at night I thank you for the great day we had and when I lay you down to sleep I want to make sure that you had a great, great day!!  The time that you and I spend together is full of laughs and smiles.  I know that is the case with others that get to be so lucky to be with you as well.

I love you sweet girl!!  Thanks for being such an amazing baby and daughter!!

Love you!!

Love,
mom

Bathtub Pics!!!

Dear Maizy,

As a mother it is my duty to take bathtub pictures of you!  You are so freaking adorable and you love taking baths.  I believe all kids do.  You are SO cute in the tub.  You love to play with your tub toys, splash, play with the bubbles, chew on the washcloth and slide around the slippery tub.  You are such a good sport when water gets in your eyes - I admire that because I freak out when water even gets near my eyes - then your dark, long eyelashes get all wet and it's super adorable!!

You would stay in the tub for hours if I let you! But we eventually have to get out before you turn into a prune!! Then after your all dried off I rub lotion all over and you smell all pretty!!  Then I kiss your soft cheeks and top of your head the rest of the night!! I think bath time is both our favorites for different reasons!

Love you!!

Love,
mom

No Regrets!

Dear Maizy,

I was supposed to go to Wendover last Saturday for a bachelorette party.  Two hours before I was supposed to leave you overnight for the first time I called and cancelled!!!  I just couldn't do it!!  Yes, I ticked a few people off by cancelling, but I had NO REGRETS with my decision.  After I bailed out I instantly felt better - no more stress and that fact that I wasn't going to miss a day with you I felt a huge sigh of relief.  That decision goes on my Best Decision List - you are on the top of that list by the way!!

So the three of us went to breakfast to Dee's in Bountiful.  That place wasn't as good as I remember, but the the service was great and it was a beautiful day!!!  We were among a HUGE senior citizen population for breakfast.  A very old lady with a only one good eye and a walker strolled towards you and you didn't show one ounce of fear - your father and I did.  She was half dead and kind of scary looking.  You are SO great! You just smiled at her and made her day!!!  She touched your arm and then she cradled your face with her wrinkly hand!  I know it was all in good intentions and supposed to be sweet, but we are not a fan of strangers touching you.  Then another elderly patron did the same thing, but this time she rubbed her hand on your head!!  THEN another elderly couple exiting the restaurant did the same thing.  It is all very, very flattering, but we would just never go up to a baby and caress their face. Know what I mean!?!?

Your father has decided next time we go out that you will be accessorized with a "DO NOT TOUCH" sign!  Don't worry - I will make sure it coordinates with your outfit.

You are such a beautiful, happy and uplifting little girl that I know I can't keep you to myself and nor do I want to I love going places and spreading your cheer, exuberance and happiness everywhere we go!

After breakfast we went furniture shopping.  We ran ALL over town and you were such a good, good sport about it.  I LOVE you!!  We went into furniture stores where women asked to hold you - I had to let them!  They were nice sweet older women.  One lady got the biggest kick out of you and said you were "hilarious" and that you must be a "yellow" personality!

I know that your car seat isn't the most comfortable for you when you really want to get out and play, but you did SO well and it made our running around town easier with you being so good.  Don't worry!  We won't make a habit of that.

Here is the dining table we ended up getting after shopping around all day! 

I was having a terrific day and loving my decision to stay home even more!!  Then that evening you and I went up stairs to attempt to put your room together and your father stayed downstairs to clean the kitchen and setup our new table and chairs.

Oh Maizy, Maizy, Maizy!!  You have more clothes than any other little girl known on earth.  You could clothe all the children in Africa!!  And that is where I would like to send all your clothes after you out grow them! SERIOUSLY!!!

We put your crib together this weekend as well.  It was hilarious!  We put you in there for the first time and you were doing "burn outs" as your father called them.  Crawling super fast from one side to the next.  You were cracking us up!!  While I attempted to clean your room I put you in your crib with some toys and you played for a good hour.  You would peek over the side to check on me.  Adorable!

I have a feeling your room is going to take a couple of good solid days to get it put together!! 

Right now your favorite food is mashed potatoes and gravy, buttered toast and anything sweet that I give you tastes of.  You can stand on your own and for a very long time.  You want to walk so bad but I think you psyche yourself out and sit down, it's cute!  When your father and I tell you "no" you smile and do it anyway.  You sleep really well and almost through the whole night.  You love to laugh and put EVERYTHING in your mouth.  You love to kiss, bite, smack and touch dad's head while he is sleeping.  You get the biggest kick out of pulling my hair!!  You are getting better and better at waving hi and goodbye.  You have a Dora ball that you and I sit on the floor and play with that you get a big kick out of.  You love to play and are very good at it!  You love your mommy and daddy TONZ and really enjoy when we're all together.  I can tell that in your smiles and expressions.

You are such a sweet, sweet girl and so much more fun than I ever imagined.  You make me a better person and I have no regrets in declining offers that would pull me away from you!  You are always guaranteed a fun time for me.  Plus you are growing SO fast that I don't want to miss any more than I have to.

I love you!

Love,
mommy

Too cute for words!

Dear Maizy,

You are too cute for words but I still type them anyway.  I think this was your hint to me to up my dinner conversational skills.

It was the cutest thing.  You were finishing your dinner while I was doing the dishes.  I could hear you eating your food and so I kept talking to you then I heard your chewing slow down and then STOP!  I look back at you and you were out - ASLEEP!!  I left you alone so I could get a photo of course then I carried you up to your bed.

I sent this pic to your Grandpa Frank and Grandma Shelly and they both said the same thing "her mother used to do the same thing!"  At one time I was notorious for falling asleep while eating!  I even have a pic where my face is right in my bowl!! Ha ha ha!!  Like mother, like daughter!!

Well the weekend is finally approaching - YAY!!!  Tonight we are going to hang out and get stuff done around the house.  You will probably be worn out from playing with Grandma Shelly and GG-ma Donker. Then tomorrow afternoon I am headed to Wendover with the girls for a bachelorette party.  It will be my very first night away from you and I am SAD!!! I am going to miss you like crazy!!!

Honey, I don't know if you realize how much you are loved.  I love your smile, your hair, your teeth, your tongue that you have been sticking out the last couple of days, your sweet baby smell,  your chubby little toes, chubby little fingers, your cute little pierced ears, your soft belly that is great for tickling and kissing, your giggles, your screams, even your little wimpers and cries melt my heart.  You are a part of me and your dad and I love you both like crazy!!  You are everything great and wonderful!!

Love you!!!

Love,
mommy