Grandma Full Weekend

Dear Maizy,

We hung out with Grandma's all weekend.  Friday after work I got home and you and dad had been at the park most of the afternoon having a blast!  We just hung out in the backyard for a few. Then we went in and had dinner, played, you watched some Dora and fought going to sleep. 

Saturday morning daddy went to work so it was just you and me kiddo.  We took the car to drop it off for an oil change then Grandma met us there and we went shopping!  You were SO good - as always.  We dragged you everywhere and you didn't complain once!

After Grandma picked us up we went to Pier 1 Imports to get Grandma Donker a birthday gift.  There were some kids running around the store and you wanted to play too.  Come to find out they were an acquaintance of mine's children.  They were SOOOO cute with you.  The girls name was Daisy and she was all about you.  They took your shoes off and tickled your feet, carried you around, got the biggest kick out of the words you said and they even wanted to take you home with them.  You were sad to leave them but we had to finish shopping.

Then we went next door to Children's Place where Grandma bought you some darling, darling hot pink sandals, then a cute outfit - stretch pants that look like jeans and a yellow t-shirt with skull and crossbones on it. After that store we drove downtown to lunch.  The place we wanted to go was closed so we walked down the block to Barbacoa.  You were having a blast standing up, eating, playing with your food, taking sips of all our drinks, laughing, and just being so dang cute and happy!  Grandma and I were getting the biggest kick out of you.  Plus you looked super cute in your outfit and new shoes - black pants and a zebra balloon style shirt with pink and white flowers around the collar.

After lunch we got back in the car and you fell asleep.  I rant into Target to get some b-day cards while you and Grandma were in the car.  Then I ran into Petco for Grandma to get dog food for her dogs then when I came out to the car you were awake.  Grandma woke you up!  She was trying to make your head more comfortable and you woke up, so we all went into Home Depot.  We were getting Grandma Donker a planter full of plated flowers for her birthday.  we found the pot we wanted and put it in the cart with you and then you climbed inside of the pot!! We were laughing hysterically!!! We were both super sad that we left our phones in the car and didn't get a picture.  Bummer!!

After Home Depot we went home, ate dinner, and hung out until daddy got home.  You are totally diggin' hot dogs lately, so that is what you had for dinner.  

Sunday morning you didn't wake up until almost 11a.m.  You are so freakin' adorable when you wake up.  The first thing you asked for when you woke up was M&M's.  Grandma gave you some the day before and you were loving them, so I gave you a few while I made french toast for breakfast with strawberries.  I have to say the french toast was quite tasty!  I gave you syrup to dip it in.  

But somehow the syrup got in your hair, all over your chair and clothes!  So I carried you while you were still in your chair up to the bathroom for tub time!!

You had blue M&M all over you. 

After tub time I got you dressed in your new cute outfit, cleaned up the house a bit and watched Dora with you until Grandma Shelly came and picked us up.  We were headed to Grandma Donker's to celebrate her birthday!  On the way there I had you sign Grandma's birthday card and you did such a good job.  You take your drawing very seriously and you get very detailed, it's really cool to watch you.  On the card was an elephant with a polka dot skirt and you colored in the polka dots so carefully and was very methodical. Then after that you fell asleep for the rest of the car ride which was good considering you didn't have a nap all day.   We made it to Grandma Donker's house after a stop at the store to get her a birthday cake.  Grandma and Grandpa were SO excited to see you!  We played with your zoo and animals while the Grandma's ran to pick up Chinese take out then you wanted to go outside so we played in the dirt for a few.  Then the G-ma's got home and we had dinner.  You were hungry and ate a ton!  You are a growing girl!  Then you were done so Grandma Donker turned on a show for you upstairs.  We were all convinced you were going to fall asleep, but you didn't.  You were getting kind of grouchy and you wanted nothing to do with me.  You just wanted your Grandma's.  Seriously you would yell if I came near you and swat me out of your way. 

Then we had cake and ice cream and sang Happy Birthday to Grandma.  You got a kick out of all of us singing.  It was time for us to head over where dad was home waiting for us.  We got home and you made up for being grouchy earlier and cuddling with me.  You were SO super tired but you kept fighting it and wouldn't go to sleep.  Daddy put you to bed again for a second time at 9:30p.m.  You were loopy tired. 

Thank you for a fabulous weekend and for being so fun, cute, easy going and wonderful.

It's Monday and I am missing you liek crazy.  You are home with dad today and I know you two are going to have a wonderful day together.

I Love You!

Love,
mommy
 

Life Lessons

Dear Maizy,

As your mother I have taught you and will continue to teach you all kinds of things, some small, some big, but you have also taught me so many things and continue to teach me every day.

For example, you have taught me to live more spontaneously.  You don't plan things and just go with the flow and we tend to do this on the weekends and I LOVE it.  Plus we've had things planned before and you've decided to take a nap or be a pill, so we change plans.  I wasn't sure if I would ever adapt to living like that, but I have and now I wouldn't have it any other way. My favorite and best days are when we have no plans and we just go where the wind takes us.

I love and admire your sense of adventure.  You are always trying new things and will try and try again until you get the outcome you want.  As adults we restrict ourselves from trying new things and don't even try because we don't think we can do it, well how lame is that.  I have become more adventurous for sure since you've come into my life.

I can't get enough of watching you imagine and create things.  You have an amazing imagination and that is a great strength!  Never let that go away. Keep imaging and creating.  You will go far in life with this trait.  Imagination drives our dreams and the curiosity to chase them.  Go get them babe!  I have definitely regained my imagination since admiring yours.

I love how you want to play 99% of the time.  It reminds me that life is fun and exciting! It just comes natural to you to play and as I've gotten older I forget how great it feels to let loose and play around.  There doesn't have to be a purpose for every thing we do and you remind me of that. PLUS when you play you laugh and giggle and that is my favorite sound in the whole world. Nothing better than being silly with you!!

You begin everyday with a smile and I LOVE it.  Seriously, it brings tears of joy to me when I go get you out of bed in the morning and you are just smiling and chatting away.  Life doesn't get any better. It reminds me to smile and just be happy!

You have taught me to enjoy life's simple pleasure.  You don't need the newest and greatest toys to have a good time or be happy.  You can have a blast with a paper sack and nothing else.  Life is full of simple pleasures and those are the best!!  you remind me of this all the time.  The other night we were all playing and laughing and I thought it wouldn't matter if we lived in a huge mansion or a shack.  We are happy!  It doesn't matter where we are.

I thank you for all these life lessons and can't wait to see what else we teach each other and for that I thank you!  I thank you a million times!

Our weekend is about to begin and I can't tell you how super, duper excited I am!!!  Woo hoo!!

Love you sweet girl!

Never change!  Keep your enthusiasm and that gorgeous smile.

Love,
m




You at the park yesterday picking flowers.



You at the park today with dad.

Sassy pants!

Dear Maizy,

As of 4/26/2012 12:20:11 PM MST
You are 1 years old.
You are 20 months old.
You are 89 weeks old.
You are 621 days old.
You are 14,918 hours old.
You are 895,081 minutes old.
You are 53,704,871 seconds old.

Can you believe it?  I can hardly.  You have grown so fast and so much.  I know I say that all the time but it's just a weird thing to grasp.  I always think what if I never let you sleep - would you never grow and stay this way forever?  I would LOVE that. I think.  Well not really, but this is a fun, fun age.  You are changing every.day!!  It's insane.

Just think you say and learn at least one word a day. Yesterday I heard you say two.  You said "fine!" and just like that.  You were being sassy back to your father.  You weren't cooperating at dinner and dad said "fine, have it your way" and you responded with "fine!" Really!?!?  Wow sassy pants. 

Then you were eating a sucker and said "taste" as you shoved it in my face for a taste.  I've never heard you say that before and you even used it in the right context. 

You say so many words I can't keep up. 

You still love to color and draw. I love watching you do that because you get so into it.  It makes me wonder if you'll be an artist when you grow up but you definitely seem to have an artistic side to you. 

You enjoy sitting and flipping through the pages of your books.  You look at each page and it's like you're studying them. 

You love bath time still.

You LOVE being outside and I don't blame you.  You love to dig in the dirt with your pail and shovel at Grandma's, it's the cutest thing ever. 

Your hair is growing quite long and it curls in the back.  It is just this beautiful golden color but in some lighting it looks strawberry blonde - even other people have commented on that.  Please just promise me you'll never dye your hair!! 

You are still such a good little eater.  You will always at least try something and spit it out of you don't like it, but I admire you for at least trying different things.  You LOVE dipping your food in sauces and even ketchup (gross! I despise ketchup).  You point to whatever it is you want to use as a dip and say "dip, dip" and point to your plate. 

Every time you're in our bedroom playing you will find a pair of my underwear and out it on over your head and wear it around your neck!  It's awesomely entertaining.  Just last night you were in our room watching t.v. - that's your favorite place to watch your "show" - you came downstairs to check on us while we made dinner and you had my undies around your neck.  I just love you!

You are starting to hit people - not random people but me, your dad, Grandpa Glen - anyone that comes towards you for a kiss or hug and if you don't feel like it you swat them.  I am not quite sure where you learned that, but let's hope it's just a phase.

Your favorite shows are Dora the Explorer and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  These are definitely shows that I approve of, but Dora is definitely your all time favorite. 

I sure love your face!  You definitely brighten my days.  Thank you for being such a good, good girl!

Love always,
mom

Look at you!!  you were just a few hours old here.  I remember how soft your skin was, how quietly you breathed, how peacefully you slept. This seems like yesterday. I have been permagrin now for 20+ months.    xoxoxoxo

Busy as a Bee!

Dear Maizy,

We had an awesome, super, fun-filled weekend.  You are saying more and more.  You are also speaking your mind more and more too - maybe not always with words but definitely with actions.

Friday you were home with dad.  You two had a great day!  After your bath you went outside to enjoy the sun for a few.

Friday night I got home from work and was super excited to see you and was rethinking the evening plan's.  Your father and I had a date night planned with some friends.  We really wanted to stay home and relax as a family, but I had already cancelled on my friend earlier in the week, so we decided to go.  We took you up to Grandma Donker's where you would be spending the night.  She was SO excited to have you overnight and spend time with you.  You two have quite the awesome relationship.  Plus Grandpa Donker was there too and you two have grown quite fond of each other, it's cute.

So we took you up to Grandma's so we could hang with these yay hoo's. Your dad and I actually had a pretty good night out with friends.

Saturday morning your father and I woke up and we both had been dreaming of you!!  Your dad was dreaming you were saying the alphabet for him and I was dreaming that you and I were driving around looking at animals. We are silly!!!  But we obviously missed you and thought about you a ton. 

I called Grandma to check on you and you were still snoozing!  At 11a.m. So she told us to take our time before coming to get you since she was going to feed and bathe you once you woke up.  Your father and I decided to go to breakfast.  Then we went to get you.  We couldn't get there fast enough.

You were excited to see us I think, I hope.  You and Grandma and Grandpa had fun.  Even though you stayed up until midnight!!  Grandpa commented on what a good girl you are and how you never cry. This I know.  

We got you in the car and we were off to go find a park for you to play in since it was such a beautiful day!!!! We found a park and got out to play, but it was crowded and really wasn't that fun of a playground. We drove around and found a park at an elementary school and we were the only ones there, it was AWESOME!!!  You were having a blast.  You even walked up the slides all by yourself.  You are becoming quite the pro at the park.  Then another girl came to the park with her parents and she was lame.  You were so cute though you said Hi!  And was showing her all around the playground.  Luckily she didn't stay too long. 

After the park we went home to relax!!  It was super nice to do just that!  You fell asleep on the way home.  Then daddy BBQ'd us a really yummy dinner!  We had chicken, bacon, blue cheese sandwiches!!  YUM!!  You like blue cheese!  That kind of surprises me since it's such a smelly cheese.  We ate dinner outside on our new little table Grandma Shelly bought us.  You were in your highchair and you wanted down, even though dad and I were still eating,  you were getting so impatient that you started yelling "help! help!" We started laughing because we have never heard you say that before, then you started saying "pleeeeeeeeease"!  It was so cute and comical, so we let you down from the table.

Then Sunday we woke up and it was not only beautiful outside but HOT!!  Dad got the soap and water out to clean off the patio.  You decided to help him. 

What are you wearing you ask?  Well when you woke up as I was changing your diaper you grabbed this shirt and put it on over your head and wore it around. After you two cleaned off the patio we got your pool out and ready for you to swim in.  YAY!!  The water was freezing so we dumped a few pots full of hot water.  We also let you swim naked!!  You were in heaven.

You were having a blast getting in and out of the pool, pouring water in and out of the pool and playing with your bath toys.  It was such a great day to sit out and enjoy the sun with you.  I got butterflies in my stomach of excitement for the awesome we are going to have.

After a few hours of playing outside it was time to come inside and take a nap.  After your nap we played, snacked and relaxed. Then dad made a yummy dinner of pork ribs - delish!  We sat outside again, it was beautiful.  I just love my little family.  You bring so, so much love and happiness to our lives.  Your dad and I seriously crack up at and with you.  We're constantly saying "did you hear her?"  "Did you see her?"  Because you are always saying and doing something new and funny. 

I am always super sad to see our weekends come to an end, but then I am reminded that every day with you is a good day!

Thank you for being so fun and cute!  Check you out!

Check you out!  These pics were taken exactly a year from each other.  I wish the other one wasn't so blurry, but can you believe how much you've grown!?!!?

Love you babe!

Love,

mommy

Awesome

Dear Maizy,

I got home from work last night.  You were sleeping, but I needed t run to the grocery store and you are my little shopping buddy.  I went in to check on you - you were awake!! YAY!!  I changed you and out the door we went.  It was such a beautiful night.  You were fun as always at the store.  We weren't gone long, so we got home fixed dinner and hung out.  Then we all hung out in the t.v. room and played.  Then I said "awesome" and you kept saying it.  We were cracking up!  You say it SO freakin' cute!  "Awesome, awesome!"  You would say it over and over again.

Then we had to return a movie so we walked as a family to the convenience store to return the movie.  I am so very proud of my cute and happy family.  You were just loving being outside and I was just loving every minute of being outside, pushing you in your stroller with your dad and holding hands with him.

It was a fabulous night.  Tonight daddy and I are going out with some friends.  We are having mixed feelings about it.  We are dropping you off at G-ma Donker's house for a sleepover and we are going to miss you like crazy!!! We would much rather just stay home and be together but this sort of stuff is good for all of us or something like that.  Grandma is just ecstatic to get you overnight.  She LOVES you SOOOOO much and has missed you this week.  The last time she saw you was on Tuesday and I know she misses you and I am sure you miss her.  I love that you and her have this great relationship.  Most children don't get to even meet their grandparents let alone a great grandparent.

I am going to go pick you up first thing Saturday and we are going to have an amazing weekend together.  I just know it. 

Love you!!

Thanks for being so AWESOME!!

Love,
mommy

you and dad playing outside 4.19.12

LOVE

Dear Maizy,

I LOVE you so much!  But what exactly does that mean?  I've been thinking about this a lot lately.  The thing that brought it up is that I have been thinking about love and how I love a lot of people and they may not always love me back or maybe they don't know how much I love them or maybe they have a funny way of showing it.  I  want to clarify a little bit just in case you ever wonder or doubt that I truly love you.

I LOVE you so much that I am going to make you do chores and to take care of the things you do have.

I LOVE you so much that if any one makes you uncomfortable or hurts your feelings I will address the issue. Boys don't tease you because they like you.  They tease you because they are jerks and they need to know they can't get away with it or that it's ok because it isn't.

I LOVE you so much that I will stay up with you for hours on end getting your homework and school reports done.  I want you to succeed and I love you so much that I will help you in any way I can.

I LOVE you so much that I am going to teach you to work hard for the things you want.

I LOVE you so much that I will stop what I am doing to read you a story, get on the floor and play dolls with you or whatever you want.  My phone calls can always be continued and the house work will always be there.

I LOVE you so much that I will cook and bake for you.  Nothing shows love like a delicious, homemade cooked/baked good in my mind.

I LOVE you so much that I will obey all traffic laws while I have you in the car.  I definitely drive different with you in the car as opposed to being alone.

I LOVE you so much that I will always share my opinions with you whether you want to hear it or not.

I LOVE you so much that I will work 5+ jobs if I have to so that you can attend a school that you have word hard academically to attend.

I LOVE you so much that I will attend all of your class activities, performances and recitals I possibly can.

I LOVE you so much that I will try my hardest to make our home beautiful, clean and comfortable.

I LOVE you so much that I am going to teach you to appreciate and love the outdoors.

I LOVE you so much that I am going to teach you to be kind, patient and smile.

I LOVE you so much that I will listen to what you have to say.

I LOVE you so much that I hope you know you can always sit on my lap and cuddle no matter how old or big you are.

I LOVE you for you and all of you.

I hope this helps in case you are ever in doubt or unsure.

Thanks for being so easy to love!

Love,
mommy

BAMF!!

Dear Maizy,

You are such a bad ass.  Pardon my french but you are.  I just can't get over how clever, smart, witty, happy, beautiful, fun and easy going you are.

Friday I got home from work about 7 p.m.  You and dad were on the back patio drawing with sidewalk chalk.  You two are quite the artists.  Then we hung out, had dinner, then we all lounged on the couch and played video games.  I am not sure if I mentioned it or not but we bought a Wii and it's pretty fun!! And addicting. 

Saturday morning we slept in.  YAY for sleeping in.  We were all SO tired from our busy, hectic week.  We woke up and daddy fixed us eggs and cheese - YUM!!  I cherish our meals when we all get a chance to sit together at the table to talk and laugh.  Meal time with my parents and sis was also my favorite time growing up.

Then we got ready for the day.  You insisted on wearing your "hat".  You have been wearing your "hat" around the house for some time now.  Which I find very interesting since you refuse to wear a headband or anything else on/in your head/hair for long.  Your "hat" or helmet, as I like to call it, is the top to a toy.  You wear it while playing in your room, your head has since grown and doesn't fit like it used to,  so you hold the "hat"  with one hand and play with the other, it's all very entertaining and awesome to watch. So we, including your "hat", got  in the car and went on an adventure. 

We met Uncle Paul for minute at a house that he and daddy are working in.  You and I walked around while they wrapped up some last minute details.  We were in a really fun neighborhood with big trees and lots of flowers.  We walked around for about 30 minutes then it was time to go.  We were on the hunt to get you an outside play thing - a thing to climb on with a slide.  You were SO awesome while we dragged you around town.  We went EVERYWHERE!  Wal-mart, Target, Lowe's, Home Depot, Toys R' Us and Shopko.  You eventually fell asleep. We ended the adventure at Harmon's to get stuff for dinner and treat ourselves to some gelato!!  Yum!!  We got you the mango sorbetto which you devoured!!!

We finally made it home - no play thing in hand, but a tummy full of gelato.

Then we just played around, ate a delicious dinner, played some more then it was bed time.  Our days definitely go by way too fast!! Insert sad face here.

Sunday morning your dad went to work early so it was just you and I kiddo.  We slept in again - woo hoo!!

When you woke up you needed a bath since your diaper leaked, so in the tub you went.  My two favorite moments of the day - getting you out of your crib with your messy hair and scratchy little voice and then bath time.  I love watching you interact with your toys, play in the water, we just sit and talk.  I love it!! 

During your bath you said "potty" jumped out of the tub and went potty, pee-pee to be exact, on your Dora potty.  I was SO excited and proud.  I even cried a little.  YAY!!! Then you jumped back in the tub. See you are a total BAMF!!

Then we went downstairs and I fixed us a yummy breakfast of chocolate dipped strawberries, cheerios and sugar/cinnamon wheat tortilla chips - which could also be dipped in chocolate. 

Then we started cleaning the house, it was a disaster!!  You were a big help while I cleaned.  you helped me throw stuff away and kept your self busy while I did the dishes and laundry.  Thank you for being such an awesome girl.  At one point you got bored with me and went and played in your room by yourself.  I would go spy on you and watch you play.  You have such a creative mind.

Throughout the day you said some new words.  "Shelly" for Grandma Shelly. "Morning".  Then I said "shit" and then I heard you say it, I didn't make a big deal of it and started saying "shoot" instead.  Oops!!!  Now that we have been playing video games and swear more because of it we have to seriously watch it!! 

Anyway, I was in the kitchen at one point and you were in the living room watching a show and they said "What's your favorite color?" And you responded "Green!!"  I couldn't believe it.  You little smarty pants!!!!  Plus that's my favorite color and Grandpa Frank's. 

I got a lot done on Sunday thanks to you.  You were so awesome and entertained yourself so I could get stuff done.  I did take breaks to come snuggle with you on the couch, read you a story or two, draw and play with some toys. 

Then we had dinner.  You had noodles and green beans - my heck you LOVE green beans.  Then I ate a spinach salad.  You LOVED the beets but didn't care too much for the mushrooms or dressing. 

After dinner I went to change you and you needed another bath.  Your diaper leaked again!!
That's ok.  I love bath time. Then you said "shower" so you were sitting in the tub with the shower going.  You were loving it.  Well when the water starts getting cold bath time comes to an end.  I got you out and got you in your jammies.  I laid you in my bed and turned on a movie for you and you were out!  You were pooped babe!!

It was an awesome weekend and I hate to see them end.  Seriously.  I experience a little anxiety every Sunday night.  Ugh!

You are such a special little girl.  You make my heart melt with your smile.  You make me laugh every day!  You make my days brighter.  I love you more than I can ever, ever put into words.

Thank you!

Love you!!

Love,
mommy

Stuff, stuff and more stuff!!

Dear Maizy,

Life can be SO hectic and as a mom you try to make your kids believe that you have it all together.  Not sure if I that can always be accomplished.  For example,  our house is a disaster right now!!  UGH!  I just can't seem to get on top of it all.  I work all day, drive 25 miles after work to go get you, drive home, unload the car, relax, make dinner, then it's bath time and before you know it, it's bedtime and I got nothing done around the house like planned. I'm not complaining I'm just giving a brief run down of our week nights when daddy works and how our nights go by way too fast.  Then the weekend comes and the last thing we want to do is stay home and do chores.  I feel like we have to cuddle, play and enjoy each other's company as much as possible.  You're just supposed to have fun, enjoy life as much as possible, learn new things and play not be bothered with the fact that your mother can't get her crap together.  

Anyway, I'll get it all figured out soon.  Hopefully.  I'm considering hiring a maid or taking a week off work to Spring clean our home.  Remember our house is messy not dirty - there is a difference.  I vacuum, dust, scrub and clean around the toys, clothes and clutter. 

This morning when you and I were on our way to Grandma Donker's your dad called and told me that I left your bag at home!!  Blah!!  Great! Just great!! That bag has all your clothes, diapers and wipes in there.  So, we get to Grandma's and I tell her this, but she said it was fine, she has everything you need, but I believe it makes her question me and my motherly abilities.  Maybe not, it's just how I feel.  Mornings are rough!

Ok, so we got that out of the way.  I also wanted to talk about what a good, good girl you are and even though you are an angel you are still a toddler, a toddler that wants her way and is testing her boundaries.

You will definitely cry if you don't get your way or get something you want.  Like the other night you found my chapstick, took the lid off and was digging your finger in it to get the gunk out to put on your lips.  I kindly took it away from you to show you how to apply it to your lips, but you freaked out!!!  There was no reasoning with you.  You lost it.  You were so mad at me.  You even backed yourself into a corner to get away from me. Ouch!  That hurt a little.

I decided you cry more over not getting your way than you do when you get hurt.

You are starting to tug and pull on me to get your way.  If I am sitting down and you want me to get up and do something you will pull on my arm, shirt or whatever you can and will drag me to what you want me to do.  I find it hilarious.

You yell if you want something and if you're not getting your way.  I always tell you to use your words, but the closer it is to your bedtime the less words you say.  I get it.  I understand.

You like to get in the fridge, look around and grab things.  You LOVE apples and the way you say "apple" is adorable.  You like to eat apples whole, you spit out the peel but will pretty much eat the whole thing.

You LOVE to dip your food in ranch, ketchup, BBQ sauce, pretty much anything you can dip.  Then you like to put your hand in it - palm down - right in the center of the dip and then lick your hand.  You get super messy, but you like it and everything is washable so I don't mind too much.

You are continuing to talk more and more.  Here's what you are saying as of late:

Shoot.  Egg.  Candy.  Money. 
Mickey, Minnie, Pete, Belle, Daisy - all from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. 
Grandma Donker taught you forehead, cheek and chin - you point to them too when you say them. 
Bunny.  Trouble.  Outside.  Dog.  Cat.  Horsey. Car.  Shoes. 
Show - then you tug at me to put in a show for you. 
No - as you shake your head. 
Bottle - which we are still struggling to take away from you. 
Hair.  Earring.  Ouch.  Color.  Bee.  Bug.  Green.  Yellow. Orange. Red. Brown. Blue. Purple. Blankie. Baby.

Today I called Grandma to check on you and she said that Grandpa was washing his hands and you said "Grandpa wash hands!"  Gosh you're so smart!!

We also started kissing your owies better, it's SO cute!  The other night you and I were playing in your room and your hurt your hand, you put your hand up to me to kiss it better and I did, then you were holding your baby doll and made her kiss your hand better too!!  SOOOOOOOO freakin' adorable!!

Well I can't wait for the weekend to get here!  Woo hoo!!!!

Thanks for being a fun, fun baby!!  And for always keeping me on my toes.

I love you!!

Love,
mommy

Constant

Dear Maizy,

Since you have been in my world I can't stop thinking about you.  I think about it all - the past, future and present.  I want the best things in life for you.  Always.  I have a very important job in helping you obtain all the best things in life. 

See, you are the only constant in my life.  Jobs come and go.  Boys come and go.  Friends come and go.  Parents come and go. Siblings come and go.  Metaphorically speaking of course - people may come in and out of your life. But you are my constant.  I know that I get to see your beautiful smiling face everyday, take care of you, make sure you are fed, taken care of and all of your needs are met. This is my favorite part of my life.  I LOVE seeing you in the mornings.  You are always SO happy.

When I peak in on you when you're sleeping it takes everything I have not to jump in your crib and cuddled with you.  I love the peace you show while sleeping and seeing the side view of your long, beautiful dark lashes, it reminds me of how great life is and you are the reason I do everything I do.

I am truly blessed to be your mom.  Every time you smile and laugh I know I'm doing something right and when you cry because you are sad and you run to me, even in a group of others, I know I must be doing something right.  I am your mom.  Crazy.  That statement still blows me away.  I am your mom.  God loves me and trusts me with such an amazing little spirit.  Wow!  I am so lucky.  A while back someone used to tell me that I was going to do some great things, he didn't know what or when, but that I was going to do some thing great.  I was waiting for what it was he was talking about and here you are.  You are the great thing that I did and the great thing I get to do - be your mom. 

Part of me wants to be selfish and not share you with any one but then part of me wants to share you with every one and show you off.  This may sound silly but if we are at the grocery store or somewhere I see a person that looks sad or just down I intentionally walk passed them with you, they see your smiling face, they smile and mission accomplished.  I've shared your beauty, smile and kindness and we all feel better. 

Last night I was cleaning my room - see even mom's have to clean their rooms - anyway, I turned on a movie for you and you were laughing.  You were laughing at the funny parts of the show.  Now how do you know what's funny!?!  I've always wondered that, but you do.  You have a fabulous sense of humor and that adds to the list of a billion things I love and admire about you. 

Thanks for the being such a wonderful girl and being the great thing I did!!

Love you!

Love,
mommy

Ok so now it's picture time.  Last night daddy worked so you and I had a yummy dinner then for dessert we dipped strawberries in chocolate.  You loved it! 

 Then we headed upstairs to the bath tub!!  Bath time - your favorite!!!

You LOVE your bath tub time.  We fill the tub up at least twice.  I have to say it's my favorite too!

Check you out!  This pic was taken on April 4, 2011.  Can you believe how much you've grown and changed!?!?  I can't.



I love that face!!! xoxoxo

Monday Came Too Soon!!

Dear Maizy,

Well Monday morning came too soon!!  After a crazy/busy weekend, your super runny nose and lack of sleep I was just not feeling it Monday morning.  Daddy went to work and I was slow getting ready and you didnt' have much sleep, so I decided to call in late to work and let you sleep.  You slept until 11 a.m.!!!  You were in the best mood when you woke up, it was such a beautiful day that I called in to work and we were staying home!! Woo hoo!!!

It was SO nice that we hurried and got in the tub together, got out, got dressed, packed a bag and we were out the door.  We were going to the zoo!!!  Woo hoo!!!

We had a great drive there, singing and enjoying the sunshine.  I brought your sunglasses for you to wear. I would wear mine but a certain someone, um, broke my sunglasses! ; )
Anyway, I pulled up to the zoo and it was PACKED!!!  I couldn't believe it!!! I was tempted to turn around and find something else for us ladies to do.  I decided that if I couldn't find a parking space in 10 minutes we'd leave, well I found one.  I put you in your stroller, put some snacks on the tray of your stroller, handed you your drink and we were on our way.  It was a beautiful day!!

We saw the monkeys first, then the elephants and walked over by the carousel.  We got right on the ride.  We rode the baby giraffe first.  Then when the ride came to a stop you started crying that our turn was over, so we got right back in line and the line was LONG!!! You didn't pretty well but was getting impatient.  Once we got back on the ride you rode the baby elephant.  Then when the ride came to a stop again you starting crying!  Poor girl.  The line was way too long so we got back in the stroller and headed towards the tigers.  There were four of them and one was quite active and was walking around, it was cool to see.  Then we walked over to the gift shop and checked it out.  You were starting to get tired and so was I so we headed toward the exit but not before riding the train.  The line was SUPER long full of SUPER annoying people!!  The train asked for a single rider, so we got to skip in line.  Woo hoo!!  You didn't want to sit on my lap you just sat next to me on the train and your cute little feet were dangling.  I am really sad that I didn't take one picture of our adventure but I have all of it in my head and you were super adorable and amazing. 

After our awesome train ride we went back to the car and headed to Red Robin for lunch.  I knew you'd fall asleep on the way home and I didn't want you to starve.  We sat in a booth at the restaurant and you colored, looked out the window and drank your apple juice while I drank a nice cold beer.  Then we got our food - apple slices and chicken fingers for you and a chicken salad for me!  You were the best lunch date I've ever had.

I had such a fantastic day of playing hooky with you. I want to have mommy and Maizy dates all the time.  They are favorite!!

You fell asleep on the car ride home, then woke up once I got you out of the car.  We went and laid in bad and watched Dora. Then I got started on cleaning the house for company.  Grandpa Frank was coming over with a friend for a light dinner and to give you your Easter present.  We cleaned, had a bath together and Grandma Shelly dropped over briefly and read stories to you while I cleaned and got ready for dinner, Grandma left them Grandpa arrived shortly.  Grandpa fed you some dinner while I made ours.  Dinner was delish!!  We all sat at the table - daddy was still at work - we talked and you entertained us.  After dinner we went into the living room where you opened the gift from Grandpa - a darling Princess sippy cup FULL of coins for your piggy bank!!  What an awesome gift!?!  Then I brought your piggy bank down and we put all the coins in there.

Then Grandpa and his friend left,  we went to bed shortly after.

Thank you for the funnest day!!  You are such a good, good girl.  I LOVE you to the moon and back!!

Love,
mommy

Easter Craziness!!!

Dear Maizy,

We had an awesome Easter, but I must say I am glad it's over!  It felt like Christmas all over again.  No joke.

Friday you spent the day with Grandma Shelly while daddy and I were at work.  She had you ALL day.  No really.  She didn't bring you home until 8:30 p.m - you didn't have one nap either.  Then we had to hurry and head out the door to Grandma Annette's where we were sleeping over. 

I felt so bad for you.  You didn't sleep all day with G-ma Shelly, your nose was running, you didn't feel 100% and had to breathe out of your mouth, then we slept at an unfamiliar place. G-ma Annette gave us her big comfy bed to sleep on which you fell off of, it was the saddest thing ever and everyone showed real concern for you.  I felt horrible!!  Even though you had a comfy bed made you wanted to sleep between your father and I and none of us got any good sleep. Morning came WAY too soon. You and daddy went out in the living room to get coffee and start getting ready for the Easter Egg Hunt and um, you fell asleep so soundly on the couch.  I didn't want to wake you up but everyone insisted and that you'd be sad if you missed the Easter egg Hunt.  I was like "eh!" but woke you up since I was outnumbered on letting you sleep.

We waited to wake you up until we really had to.  We got you dressed in a darling pink and brown Puma track outfit, with a brown puffy vest. Aunt Jenn did your hair so cute and we were out the door. Look how stinkin' cute you are.

We arrived at the Riverton City Park where the Easter Egg Hunt was taking place. They already had the candy laid out on the grass and roped off areas for each age group.  You wanted to go get the candy first,  but we had to wait for about 30 minutes.  I was just as impatient as you!!  They had an Easter bunny while we were there, so your dad went and stood in line then when he got closer we cut in.  You were so adorable.  You were just staring at the bunny and then you grabbed his ear.  I got a kick out of watching you.  Other kids much older were screaming and kicking, it was quite funny to me!!

Then the siren went off and the "hunt" was on.  Your dad took you out on the grass and kind of huddled over an area so you could put stuff in your basket.  You did quite well kiddo.  You got a baseball cap, a foam giraffe mask thingy, some rubber duck/bunny thing, plastic eggs full of candy and just candy.  Wow!!  A lot of stuff that's for sure. Then it was over that quick.  We got in the car and got out of the crazy/busy parking lot as fast as we could.  Then we went to Wal-mart to get our Easter cards and we decided to buy a Wii with my birthday money - Woo hoo!!!!

We went back to Grandma Annette's house played for a bit.  You and Sienna play pretty good together and you are getting to be a pro at telling her "no!" like she tells you.  It happens in every cousin relationship - the oldest one likes to dominate and claim every toy as theirs and not share.  I am sure you will do the same and it's completely normal.  Well it got old to you and you decided that you were tired so you went in Grandma Annette's bed and passed out!!!  Dad and I decided to take a break while you slept and went and got a drink.  Then we came back, you woke up just in time and we had a yummy ham lunch. 

After lunch we headed home and it felt SO nice to be home.  We just relaxed for a few then we dyed Easter eggs!!  We were super excited to be dying Easter eggs with you for the first time.  I was getting the cups of warm water ready and bringing them to the table while daddy put the color tablets and vinegar in the water.  We sat down to dye the eggs and just then you spit out an orange color tablet!! Ha ha ha!!  You must have grabbed it while dad was busy doing the rest.  We laughed and you had orange dye all over you then, then blue and every other color.  You were more into playing with the water and tasting it.  Eeewww!!!

After we dyed the eggs we went and relaxed in the living room then when the eggs were dry you added stickers to them.  They were the cutest eggs I've ever seen.  Then we went to bed since we had a long couple of days.

Sunday morning we woke up and you were in a terrific mood as always.  We went downstairs to see what the Easter Bunny had left you.  You went straight to the Dora movie and then into the candy but wasn't really into it, but I will tell you that the Easter Bunny spoiled you!!  You got eggs filled with money for your piggy bank, fruit snacks, goldfish crackers and m&m's.  You also got another movie - Planet 51, 5 shirts, 3 pairs of pants, a pair of shorts, colored pencils, 5 books, 2 windmills and a new sippy cup.

Then we had Easter eggs for breakfast - you love them!  Then I got cleaning and ready to bake a cake for dinner at Grandma Shelly's house.  Grandpa Frank stopped by to say hi while he was out and about on his bike. Your poor nose was super runny - we think it's allergies, but you and Grandma played for a bit and you even sat on his motorcycle and honked the horn!!

Then you and daddy showered while I finished my cake and we headed to Grandma Shelly's house.  We opened your gifts as soon as we got there and you got S.P.O.I.L.E.D.  Seriously it was like Christmas all over again. You got a ball, a stuffed dog, Dora sneakers, pink sandals, a stuffed bunny with your name embroidered on the ear, coloring books, a Mickey Mouse movie, about 10 outfits, Easter eggs full of candy and money, a Dora book and I think that's all I can remember for now, but no doubt you got too much stuff.

After presents we went outside and played in the sun and we had changed you out of your dress into your new comfy clothes and you and Dad walked around the yard, visited the doggies in their kennel and explored Grandma's serene backyard.  Then we had chocolate cake for dessert.  I have to say it wasn't my best - a little dry, but the frosting was to die for.  Anyway, after that you had a bath - Grandma Donker's orders!!  So I watched you play in the tub, we got your dressed and pretty much left.

We got home and played the Wii and hung out.  Then it was bed time and we all had a rough night.  I think you were too wound up from the crazy weekend plus you couldn't breathe out of your nose and I think that was tickin' you off.  Poor girl!!

Well thank you for the most wonderful Easter yet!!  You are SO much fun!!

I am so proud of the happy, smiley girl that you are.  Thank you!!

Love you!

Love,

mommy

Sweet Dreams

Dear Maizy,

as the day turns into night

keep your worries out of sight

no matter how tough the world may seem

you still deserve the sweetest of dreams

good night

Love you!

Love,
mommy

p.s. watching you sleep and your chest go up and down from your soft breaths brings me so much peace

1st Temper Tantrum

Dear Maizy,

Last night I witnessed your first, real temper tantrum.  I picked you up from Grandma Donker's yesterday and every time I go to pick you up you get hyper and all excited to see me.  I LOVE IT!!!! 

So we drove home and sang songs as usual.  Right when I pulled in the driveway I received a phone call.  I took it and was trying to talk on the phone, carry all the stuff in from the car and keep you entertained all at the same time.  I went upstairs to change my clothes, you followed me then I went in the bathroom to brush my teeth and stuff.  You saw your Dora "spray" bath time soap on the counter - you wanted it!!!  While I am still on the phone I put you up to the counter, push up your sleeves, give you some soap and let you play in the water for a few.  You were putting the super foamy soap all over your face so it looked like a bear, it was super adorable and funny.  I am sad I didn't get pictures.  I let you play like this for about 10 minutes while I wrapped up my phone conversation.  After I hung up the phone I put you down on the floor and washed the soap off your face.  We are still laughing and having a good time at this point.  Then it hits you, you realized that we were done playing and you lost it!!  I mean really lost it!!  You started crying, then screaming and threw yourself back on the ground and continued to scream, you stood up grabbed my leg and was pretty much pleading with your actions to let you play again in the sink with the soap.  I explained we had to leave and had played enough.  I really did feel bad.  I've never seen you act like that.  I picked you and was trying to hug you and calm you down, but you wouldn't have it.  Then you saw your super sad face in the bathroom mirror and started crying more and even harder. 

I was giving you the benefit of the doubt on this tantrum.  I mean you were with your Grandmother all day and I am sure got to do whatever your beautiful heart wanted and you have probably never heard "no" from Grandma.  I remained calm, loving and understanding.  i felt bad too!  Believe me I much rather would have loved to stayed home and played too but Grandma Shelly was waiting at her house for us to join them for dinner.

Anyway, that tantrum sure was something.  I am hoping and praying that it doesn't become a habit.  I am understanding though as to why you acted that way.

You really are such a good, good girl that I am sure I can handle this sort of behavior once in a blue moon and it's completely justified - you are spoiled by many, so it's not entirely your fault.

I think your tantrum wore you out because when we got to Grandma's house you were way tired and didn't have much to say for quite some time. 

Thanks for being an angel 99.9% of the time.  I can handle that for sure.

Overall we had a great, great night together.  I love you tonz and tonz!!!

Love you!!

Love,
mommy

This is the closest pic (taken 2/11/11) I could find to you having a tantrum.  See how adorable you still are??
Love you!

Easter Pics!

Dear Maizy,

Here are the rest of your Easter pics!!!  You are SOOOOO adorable!!!  I get told all the time that I should put you into modeling.  I am torn on the idea since there seems to be so much shadiness to the business and the people in it, but no doubt about it - you are gorgeous!!

I LOVE them all but I think this one is my fave.  You look like a little princess.

To get you to smile I was hopping like a bunny behind the photographer, it worked!

Anyone who receives a pic of you for Easter should consider themselves super lucky!!! 

Love you!

Love,

mommy

Funny Girl!

Dear Maizy,

You are quite the funny girl.  I was reading in a book that around this age you like to please your parents and make people laugh.  Well you go above and beyond that.  You please us more and more every day and you are hilarious!!

i had such a fun weekend with you and you being such a good, easy going girl makes our days much more enjoyable.  Your laugh and smile is SO contagious!

Friday night I got home from work.  You were taking a nap so I hurried and went to the gym.  I got home and we played and played.  Then I made this yummy basil, cheese, mushroom, onion pizza for dinner.  You liked it too as long as you had dip to dip it in!

Then we just played, had bath time,  read books and went to bed.  Our night went by too fast but it was awesome knowing that we could sleep in and just enjoy the next couple of days.

Saturday we woke up and had a quick breakfast.  Then we kind of slowly got ready for the day.  You were so good and entertained yourself while mommy and daddy got ready for the day.  Look at you just reading books to yourself.  Cutest thing EVER!

Then we got you dressed and brushed your teeth - with your sunglasses on of course - so that we could go on our picnic at the park.

Saturday was absolutely beautiful, windy, but warm and sunny!!  We drove around to see if there were any cool yard sales or anything on our way to the store.  There weren't any.  We went to the store and got sandwiches, salad and drinks for lunch, drove to the park and oh my gosh!  It was SOOOOO crowded, so we drove to another one and no one was there, it was awesome!!!  We had our picnic on the actual playground - we owned the place.  You are a "park playing pro"  you know your way around and know just what to do.  You would get a bit of sandwich, go down the slide and then come back for more food.  You were just too busy to sit down and eat.  Then after a while a little boy and his Grandpa came to play too.  They were really nice and cute.  We were there playing for a good hour even with the crazy wind!

Then we went home and got kind of cleaned up and headed to Todd and Sara's to get Glitter Toes!!  Todd's daughter, Maddison, is going to nail school, so she is learning to do glitter toes and wanted to do ours.  Sara was first and they turned out SO cute.  You were next!  i chose a cute light sparkly pink for you.  You did SOOOOO good.  You sat still and everything.  You were totally into it.  Then after it was my turn and you put your feet back up there - you wanted to do it again!! Ha ha ha!!

You had a blast playing with Colton and Christian.  Grandpa Frank came over and visited for a few, it was great to see him.  You were chasing Christian in the yard, it was a crack up and you were having SO much fun!!  You really are such a good, good girl.  You read books and colored in Christian's room while us girls had girl talk and everything.  I am such a proud, proud mama.  There were a few people that stopped over while we were there and they all commented on how darling you are.  You and I played outside too, it was a wonderful day!!  We didn't get home until after 11 p.m. and with only a 20 minute nap that day you were a total rockstar!!  Dad missed us but I am pretty sure he enjoyed his day of lounging around watching sports. 

Check out the pics of you at Sara's playing.  Yep that is marker on your arms and q-tips in your ear and nose - hey what else are you supposed to do with them! Ha ha ha!

We slept in until 11 a.m. on Sunday. When I went to get you out of your bed you decided you wanted to read about 10 books before even heading downstairs, so we did!  Then we went downstairs to a yummy breakfast prepared by dad - ham, eggs, toast and hashbrowns - YUMMY!!!  It was kind of crappy outside so we stayed in most of the day. 

After breakfast you were horsing around and playing in your stroller - even though we told you, you were too big.  Who cares though really!?!?  You were having fun!!  I LOVE your smile!!!  And I love it even more that you are always smiling!!!



Then you decided that you needed your sunglasses on to watch Dora.  Then it was bath time!!  I took your jammies off and noticed that you only had 2 of your glitter toes still on - you play and climb so much that they all fell off.

After your bath we read books, colored, ate lunch, you took a nap and I went grocery shopping, then when you woke up daddy made dinner - his  ever-so-delicious- beef stroganoff - while i made homemade chocolate molten cake.  You wanted to be part of the action, so I set up a chair right up to the counter.  When I turned around from grabbing another pan you were busted with your hands in the bowl of batter!!!! Ha ha ha!! I can't blame you though - that stuff is delicious!!!  Then I gave you the whisk to lick - so cute!!!  I swear you could have at least 3 baths a day if we had the time!  Your face was a mess!!!  Then we had dinner, dessert and since it was getting late we went and laid down in my bed and watched Dora.  You decided that you needed your sunglasses on to watch Dora. 

You are always cracking me up and melting my heart with your sweet anecdotes and that contagious smile, beautiful eyes and sweetest voice.  I love you babe!

Thanks for a wonderful weekend.  Next weekend is Easter!!  It's going to be a fun filled crazy weekend for sure full of candy, Easter egg hunts, family and yummy food!!!

Until then I know we are going to have a great week together.  Dad is working all week up in Ogden and he might stay a night or two up there, so there might be some girl nights only this week - FUN!!!

You are at Grandma Donker's today and I know you are going to have a good day!!  It's inevitable that you get spoiled no matter where you are!

Love you!

Love,
mommy