Friday, June 12, 2009

Royals game...sort of...

Our big event for today was supposed to be a Royals game. We like to arrive around the third inning because Lily can only sit still for so long, but after dinner we were running late, so we actually arrived during the seventh inning! This was good and bad for several reasons...

Good: Because we were so late, we didn't have to pay the $9 parking fee...and we were able to park in Season Ticket Holder parking--right up by the Kauffman entrance!

Bad: When we arrived all the ticket counters were closed! So we tried to purchase tickets from the automatic vendor near the gates, but we couldn't find three seats together for less than $25/ticket...with only two innings left in the game it didn't make sense to pay more than $75 for seats!

Good: Oddly, we actually brought a cooler with beverages--we have never done that before! So, we returned to the parking spot to "tailgate". Being so close to the entrance (and because of the new HUGE outfield screen) we were still able to see and hear all the action!

Bad: There were only a few beverages in the cooler...and we didn't take snacks.

Good: It was a beautiful night! Lily loved playing in the back of the Jeep while we watched the game. And we had a perfect view of the Fireworks after the Royals won!

I was worried the whole night would be ruined after we couldn't get seats...but it turned into a great memory for us all!





Now we have an extra girl to get ready before we can leave the house!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

What a day!

Last night Lily warmed right up to grammy and wanted to show off all her funny faces and latest tricks! Today we had lunch at Panera (where Lily already has a little fan club), we went shopping, and then we went to Eric's game. Since grammy's last trip to Kansas City was only a few months ago, we don't really have a lot planned for this visit. We look forward to relaxing together and really enjoying such great company!
At daddy's game

Up from a nap!

Entertaining her fans

Showing her tonsils to grammy

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Grammy visits today!

We pick my mom up from the airport at 2:30 today and we are super excited for her visit!

UPDATE: Sophia missed her flight in Minneapolis so her arrival time has been delayed. We will now pick her up at 3:45.

Monday, June 8, 2009

Vintage Lily!

Recent development: Lily's special talents also include removing all tissues from the Kleenex box!

I was looking over old pictures and wanted to share a few. I hope you enjoy them! I'm know I say this all the time, but I just can't believe how quickly time has passed! Seeing these photos brings tears to my eyes because I wish we could go back and re-live the last nine months all over again! My baby is growing up...Awww...





Sunday, June 7, 2009

A little update

Here is Lily updating her Facebook status:
"I am SO into The Fray's Heartless cover right now!"



There is so much to write about Lily, I don't know where to start! Each day she continues to amaze me with how much she has grown!

We are still successfully nursing, but we also started introducing more solids into her diet after her nine month "birthday". For breakfast she eats fruit and Multi-grain Cheerios or scrambled eggs. At dinner she eats vegetables and she really enjoys chicken! We love having dinner together as a family! We pull Lily's highchair over to the dinner table so she can participate in our conversation and she does a great job of feeding herself! She also takes water in a sippy cup and a bottle, which is interesting because she never liked bottles before!

Her interest in music continues to grow and she does her little booty shake move even when slow music plays. Her most listened to CD is a Worship CD from Grandma Christy, but she even recognizes me banging on a pot as "music" and does her little baby dance. Recently she started waving her arms to Black Eyed Peas, Boom Boom Pow. I'm not a huge fan of the band, but now I love the song because Lily likes it! I wonder if she will play an instrument when she gets older? Or if she will want to take dance lessons? Or maybe she will become a DJ?!

Her special talents at the moment include removing clothes from her little hamper, her dresser, and from the dryer. She just learned how to close bedroom doors and open the tape deck on the stereo in our living room. She's an old pro at removing the cd from her own cd player so we had to move it out of her reach, but she's replacing that interest with removing stuffed animals from the cubby where her cd player used to be.

Surprisingly, Lily is comfortable navigating the layout of our house to search for me. A month ago she didn't really leave whatever area we were playing in, but now she knows where she's going! Yesterday, she and Eric were in the living room and I left to use the restroom. A few seconds later I heard her coming down the hall and then a pounding on the door. After washing my hands I opened the door, and she was just sitting there outside the guest bathroom...waiting for me. It was so sweet!

A few weeks ago Lily learned how a mirror works and would look at the mirror, then turn around and look at the same object behind her over and over. Now if she's near a mirror, she knows exactly how objects are oriented behind her. What still fascinates her is shadows! She watches our shadows as I rock her to sleep and she plays with her own shadow when she can find it on the ground. Its so funny to watch her try to pick up her own shadow...she sort of pinches at it for a while before moving on.

Perhaps the best of her latest special talents is that she is starting to call for Eric and me by "dada" and "mama". I know she doesn't completely understand how it works yet, but curiously, she never calls us by the "wrong" name. When she sees Eric she always says "dada" and when she's getting sleepy at night, even if Eric is rocking her, she calls for "mama" and looks around until I come. Oh, its a wonderful feeling, being wanted by her! I do look forward to the days when we start to have little conversations together!

Before I was pregnant, my friend Eva described motherhood in a way that I couldn't appreciate at the time: She said if she could give one gift to the people she loved most, it would be the gift of being a mother because it is so beautiful and special! Now I know exactly what she meant and why she feels that way: Parenthood changes us and allows us to become better than we were before! Children make our lives more meaningful and more lovely!

I thank God daily for Eric and Lily because He entrusted me with such precious treasures!

Saturday, June 6, 2009

Look who's talking!

I should know better by now, but she's so darn cute, it's hard to say "no"! I let Lily play with my phone again last week while I folded laundry and this time she called Auntie Marissa! I think that puts her count at 6 calls completed! Thankfully, she hasn't figured out how to send text messages yet!


Friday, June 5, 2009

Music class!

When we first got to to music class today, Lily was a little unsure about all the new people so she sat in my lap, watching everyone, and tapped her foot to the music. By the end of class she felt comfortable moving around and even began to clap her hands against her leg without help! We had so much fun with our friends Tara and Parker!





Thursday, June 4, 2009

Go daddy!!

Thursday nights Lily and I cheer on Eric's Softball team, Paroled. His team has only won 1 game so far, but he's the best player on the field and we are so proud of him!


Wednesday, June 3, 2009

cell phone video clips

Cell phone pictures

I uploaded 382 pictures and videos from my cell phone to our computer today. These are a few of my favorites:





Tuesday, June 2, 2009

Back to life

Today we are exhausted!! The visit from my cousin Liseth felt like just the break we needed in our routine! I haven't laughed so much in a very long time! We reminisced about growing up in our family, discussed the trials of becoming an adult, and talked for hours about weddings and marriage! We gave her a tour of KC, shopped for antiques, over-indulged on coffee and ice cream, stuffed ourselves with snacks at the Twin Drive In, and had leisurely morning brunches--the trip wasn't completely perfect, but we definitely enjoyed her company!

Again, the best part for me was having someone to just hang out with! I do have a few friends in Kansas City, but with families of their own and their careers, its hard to find time to get together. My favorite events don't require a babysitter and are usually spontaneous...It isn't always easy finding friends to join us on our family adventures. Truthfully, it seems like I keep being reminded of how important it is to have family around. It makes me curious for what God's plan is for our lives this year. Maybe a big move? Or maybe I am just supposed to appreciate our summer guests even more?

The first day without guests is always a strange one--The house feels so quiet and still. It isn't easy adjusting back to our "normal" routine. Lily really seems to enjoy the extra attention from new people and I've gotten out of the walking habit! We ended up spending most of the day in pajamas...playing, cuddling, and napping. But in the late afternoon, the cleaning bug hit and we got down to business. Lily played in her crib and listened to a Worship cd. I was able to get the house back in order. And Eric got home after a long day at work, already starting his weekend!

We love love love having visitors, but I realize we do miss our family time together--just the three of us! It was nice to just relax and spend time on the bed being silly tonight. This is actually one of our favorite things to do--Lily crawls back and forth between Eric and me, talking to us, climbing over us, and getting our attention if we pretend to be asleep.

Now we have one week to prepare for my mom's visit on the 10th!

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Goin' to the chapel and she's gonna get married!



So we had this great idea to be silly and play dress up...I can't wait until Lily wants to play!!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Thursday, May 28, 2009

Liseth's first day


We picked Liseth up from the airport yesterday and we are so excited for her visit! Lily just adores her!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Lily's 9 month check up

Today we visited Dr. Pittala for Lily's check up and not surprisingly, he said she's just about perfect!

She weighs 19 pounds 9 ounces (putting her in the 75th percentile) and she is 28.5 inches long (putting her in the 90th percentile). Her iron level is 12.4 and she is right on track developmentally.

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Anniversary!

Today was our two year anniversary. We both agreed, it seems like we've been married longer than two years, but we weren't sure if that was because we met in 2001 or because we squeezed so much "growing up" into the last two years together!

This morning we went on a three mile walk as a family and we talked about what the last two years has taught both of us. We talked about what we hope for Lily's future and the lessons we've learned over the last eight years. It was a foggy morning and the time passed so quickly. Now that we have Lily, our "deep" discussions are less frequent, but just as amusing as they've always been.

Eric surprised me by planning a dinner date for us tonight at Fogo de Chao on the Plaza--he even arranged for our friends Jon & Tara to babysit Lily--all without me knowing! It was our first time at the restaurant and the service was incredible! We tried all 15 specialties, enjoyed a bottle of wine, and a rich dessert--it was so much fun to relax and celebrate together!

This has been the best two years of our lives and we look forward to many more together!

Monday, May 25, 2009

Memorial Day Weekend!

This morning at 5:30 Grandma Christy and Grandpa Ed left for Washington. It was so sad to see them go, but we had a wonderful, busy weekend with them and look forward to their next visit for Lily's birthday in August!

After we picked them up from the airport on Friday we stayed home and barbecued. Lily felt comfortable with them both right away and wanted to hold grandma's hands and walk around the living room for most of the evening. It was obvious Lily was going to make the most of the extra love and attention she received!

On Saturday we enjoyed a huge breakfast at the Corner Cafe and stopped at River Market. It was a beautiful day outside and very warm! Most people visiting from the Northwest agree: Its not the heat, its the humidity that is overwhelming here! After an afternoon nap we headed down to the Plaza to celebrate Lily's 9 month "birthday" (and our anniversary) at Buca de Beppo. The meal was delicious and the atmosphere is family friendly...Lily started to get a little noisy after our food arrived, but with all the action going on around us, I don't think anyone noticed.

Sunday morning we went to church and after Worship, Lily was fast asleep on Grandpa's shoulder! After lunch, Christy and I headed to Penguin Park while Ed and Eric went golfing. This was Lily's first time playing at a park with other kids and she was very observant. She had fun on the swings, she tried the slide, and she made it half-way through a crawl tunnel! Later we all went for a walk around the neighborhood and a dip in the pool. The water wasn't as warm as Lily's bath water usually is, but she seemed to enjoy her experience! Grandma Christy moved Lily around in the water and Lily even kicked her feet to help!

One of the best things about this visit (for me) was having someone here to do small things with and most importantly, to share Lily with...someone to take Lily to the park with, someone to go to Target with (this time Lily fell asleep on Grandma's shoulder!), someone to walk around the neighborhood with...having that familiar company really does make me miss being closer to home! Seeing Lily bond with Grandma & Grandpa was so sweet...It hurts me a little to see how happy she is with them but know it will only be for a short time.

The entire weekend was great and we feel blessed Ed & Christy were able to visit us!

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Sunday afternoon

A few pictures from the park and the pool

Friday, May 22, 2009

Grandpa & Grandma Smith visit!

Today we pick up Grandpa Ed & Grandma Christy from the airport!

We are excited for their visit and will share pictures of our weekend together as soon as possible!

Almost there!

Today Lily took her first two unassisted steps while playing in her crib! I took her out and tried to get her to walk on the carpet, but after standing alone for a second or two, she would squat and then sit on her bottom or fall to her knees and crawl towards her toys.

I don't know if I am ready for her to start walking yet...Its just another milestone that makes her more of a little girl and less of a baby!

We don't want to rush her, but I will post updates as she makes progress.

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

What a difference 6 months make!!

I am AMAZED with how much Lily has changed in the last six months! I remember thinking she was a big girl when I took the black & white picture back in November!
Tonight I spent time after dinner just playing with Lily in her room. We both squeezed into her little Dora the Explorer ball tent, we crawled all over the house, and she climbed all over me--it was so much fun!
I will forever be grateful for the opportunity to stay home and raise Lily! Every day with her has been such a treat and each new experience is perfect in its own unique way!
I am blessed beyond belief!

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Happy Birthday!

Today would be the 22nd birthday of my brother Jacob Matthew.

As a mother, my understanding of his death has been changed...The empathy I feel for my own mom having to grieve her infant son...and the impact his short life had on our family...its all so overwhelming.

Life is such a precious gift. To love and be loved is icing on the cake.

A friend has this quote on her blog:

"Life is too short to wake up with regrets. So love the people who treat you right. Forget about the one's who don't. Believe everything happens for a reason. If you get a chance, take it. If it changes your life, let it. Nobody said life would be easy, they just promised it would most likely be worth it." - Michael Gartner

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!

I want to wish the Happiest Mother's Day to all our friends and family who are already moms or soon-to-be moms!

Friday, May 8, 2009

Another fabulous day!

Tonight after dinner we spent some time outside making bubbles for Lily to play with. Unfortunately, she didn't really care for them...but we still enjoyed the fresh air!








Thursday, May 7, 2009

Our perfect day!

If you look closely, you will notice that Lily was giving the #1 sign in a few pictures. She just started doing it at the ballpark without any help or prompting from us. I guess she's a true M's fan!




Today was absolutely perfect! Exactly the kind of day I dreamed for my future, years ago!

I woke up with the rain falling against the window and pulled the blankets up higher, grateful that I didn't have anywhere else to be. When the rain stopped and the sun filled the house, I finally rolled out of bed and headed to the kitchen. The birds outside were singing as I made breakfast. It was the start of a beautiful day!

After breakfast together we headed our separate ways--Eric to the gym, Lily and I for a three mile walk around the neighborhood. The sky was so blue, the sun was so warm, and for once there wasn't any construction going on in our subdivision! Everything was so peaceful!

Getting ready for the day I checked the baseball calendar on our fridge to see if the Royals had a home game. And what luck? They did! At 1:10 they played the Seattle Mariners! So we packed Lily up and headed to Kauffman Stadium for the afternoon.

At the game, our tickets turned out to be ideal seats--in the shade (it was 81 degrees today) and near the aisle! Lily's first game was last September, but she was only four weeks old so she slept through it. This time she danced to the music, watched all the people around us, and even cheered and waved her arms at the appropriate times! We had so much fun!

During the ninth inning, I looked over at Eric and Lily playing together and thanked God; for my wonderful husband, for my healthy baby girl, for our happy home, for the freedom to be spontaneous together, for my incredibly blessed life! I certainly don't deserve sweet days like this, but I am so grateful for them!

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Ah the joys of parenting!





Before we had Lily, I thought parenting was more of an event--or maybe a series of events--but in my mind, things were black & white. Now, being able to look back at our time with Lily, I understand that parenting is actually a process--with lots of gray areas! And we still have so much to learn!

We all start out with an idea of what type of parent we are going to be, but the truth is that parenthood often changes us in unexpected (and wonderful) ways! Pre-Lily, I promised that I would not give my children sweets until they could ask for one by name (brand and flavor specific). I would try to avoid all messes possible. I would put them to bed promptly at 7:00 and I would never, ever, throw my one-year-old a birthday party (it's a total waste of money)!

Post-Lily...things have changed. I must admit, "My children" were an idea...no faces or personalities to love. "Lily" is a precious gem! Sugar & spice, and everything nice--she's enchanting! Even though she hasn't asked for sweets, she has tasted them...just because I wanted to share them with her. After three or four months I realized putting her to bed at 7:00 meant she was awake at 5:00 AM (hey--one luxury of staying at home is sleeping in!) so now she goes to bed around 9:00 and wakes up around 8:00. And of course, I started planning her one year party when she was six months old!

As for avoiding all messes possible? Life it too precious to not be fully enjoyed! Sometimes chaos is better than order! Besides, blackberries in the summer are a necessary childhood memory. Just ask my sister.