First Half Birthday

Dear Allison, 

I thought we talked about this getting so big thing. You're growing like a weed! At your 6 month appointment your head, weight, and length were all in the 85th percentile! You grew into your head! 

You are your momma's girl. You have a love of animals. We had several baby kittens born at the farm recently. Once we noticed their eyes were open we took them out to see what you thought of them. You LOVED them. 

Mommy and Daddy played with some friends on a team for a softball tournament. You were the cutest member of the team:

 This darn jumperoo. I tell you what. You LOVE this thing as long as someone is watching you. The second Mommy goes to do dishes you scream. If Daddy goes to get OJ from the fridge you scream. And that scream! my goodness child! You have found out how to make loud shrill noises and it's just as fun to scream as it is to jump in the jumperoo.

Saturday you and Mommy spent a few hours in the morning on a blanket in the from yard. We hid under the blanket from Daddy and Mommy snapped this gorgeous picture of you. You're so beautiful Allison. 

This morning Mommy took this cheesy picture of you and then....

 ...Tink thought you needed a kiss. :)

I love you Allison.

More soon! <3 Mommy

Better Late then Never

Peanut,

Clearly Mommy sucks at writing to you frequently. I feel like just yesterday I was writing to you, yet here I am finally writing a month and a half later. 

 Here's you in your baptism dress. You did soooo good during baptism. Mommy and Daddy think you looked as beautiful as ever.

A few weeks ago before we finally decided to put the window A/Cs in you got very fussy inside so we took off your clothes, (except your diaper with you can't see) and set you in your bumbo seat outside. You LOVED it!

This is Mommy's favorite shirt of yours in the 3-6 month size. I also think you look stinking cute as can be in those leggings. 

Your first Tulip Festival! Just like your momma you were less than impressed with the MOC marching band. You thought it would be fun to pull on a tulip during this little photo-opp.  Thank you for not picking it... There's a $50 charge for that you know!

Tummy time is such a hated time by you that I rarely get cute tummy time pics. Moments after mommy took this picture your spit up then started crying... yay tummy time!

2 weeks ago we went to church in the park then took you for your first adventure in the park swing. You were a big fan!

That afternoon we sat outside and you bounced like CRAZY in your jumperoo. You're pretty much in love with the jumperoo. too cute!

We recently switched from putting you in your bassinet in the stoller to the big girl seat. You were all smiles when we did a test run with the big girl seat. 

More soon (hopefully)

Love you!

<3 Mommy

Quarter Year

Holy moley. You're three months old Allison! Mommy and Daddy just got done reflecting on the past three months and can't believe how different life is now--it's so much better!

Today is the day you get baptized. Your baptism dress is made from Mommy's wedding dress. :

Mommy can't WAIT to put you in it tomorrow.

Mommy and Daddy were going to write a whol long blog tonight but it's late so we're going to instead post tomorrow after your baptism.

Sweet dreams peanut. And thanks for an AMAZING three months we can't wait to see what the future holds.

Love always,

Mommy and Daddy.

Snuggles & Cuddles

Allison,

Yesterday was Mommy's 25th birthday. You gave me my first birthday present of the day: you slept through the night!

We spent a solid hour of the morning like this:

Thats you. Snuggled up on my chest. <3

Then we went to take a cake to where Mommy and Daddy work. Daddy LOVES it when Mommy takes you to him while he's at work.

Last night Papa took everyone (except Grandma-she was working) out for my birthday. We went out for Mexican. It was delicious. Four years ago on my birthday was when Mommy had her family meet Mike for the first time--we'd gone for Mexican then too.

Here's a few pictures from Mommy's 21st birthday weekend:

Four years ago Kyli was the only little girl with Mommy's heart. Now I can't imagine my life without you!
Four years ago Mommy liked Daddy; now I'm head over heels in love with Daddy (and you!)
Four years ago I was finishing up college and worried about where I'd find a job. Now I have a job that used my degree, I'm good at, and I really enjoy (most days anyways)

Last week, Kyli came over to babysit. She read us books...

But mainly she cuddled you.

Here's a picture Mommy snapped of you and Daddy last Sunday:

And there's a picture of you and Tink.

Time for me to go steal some more snuggles with you tho peanut.

More soon,

<3 Mommy

Reflection

Dearest Allison,

Today Mommy has been doing a lot of reflecting. This morning, I got a call saying that Great Grandma (in the Big House)'s sister passed away. You and I went with Papa to go try to life her spirits. Mommy couldn't stand seeing Great Grandma cry. That loss. that pain. It got Mommy thinking entirely too much.

Also today, one of Mommy's friends posted a link to a memory book for their daughter, Paige. Paige is a beautiful little girl. She was born December 31 of last year. She has lots of pretty dark hair and long fingers/toes just like you. Due to an issue with Paige's umbilical cord, Paige went straight to heaven rather than spending time here on earth like you.

I know you and Paige would have been best buds. I could always picture you two having sleep overs together, pulling on kitten's tails together, cruising the loop on Sunday nights during the summer together, getting in to trouble together. Obviously God had a different vision for Paige-- Mommy doesn't really understand what God's vision is right now. Hopefully some day Mommy will be able to answer that question.

Mommy's heart breaks for Paige's parents. Allison, I've spent hours just staring at you and thinking about what they're going through. It moves Mommy to tears.  My heart hopes that looking at you/pictures of you doesn't cause them pain. I know you'll be a constant reminder of their daughter. You two should be about the same developmentally. You two should be in the same grade level of school, you two should be taking your first steps at about the same time, you two should both be here. Mommy really wants you to know about Paige.

I can't imagine my life without you, my dear. I can't imagine not waking up during the night to change your diaper and make a bottle while you're screaming at me cause you are 'starving'. I can't imagine not being sleep deprived. I can't imagine not getting those snuggles when you're fighting being sleepy. I can't imagine not feeling your finally place your head on my chest when you give in to your exhaustion. I can't imagine not having to monitor the diaper and wipe situation to make sure we never run out. I can't imagine not having the poop-splosions that result in a dip in the tub for you. I can't imagine getting to time my potty breaks around your schedule.

You aren't yet able to say "I love you, Mommy", but that look in your eyes when I'm feeding you a bottle says those words clear as day. You've shown Mommy a whole new level of love. I have this new found, constantly growing love for you and also a much deeper love for your Daddy. You're starting to stir so I'll wrap this up for now. I love you, peanut.

<3 Mommy

One Month Old

Dearest Allison,

You just turned one. One month old that is! Where, oh where, has the past month gone? I feel like just yesterday I was on bed rest praying for your arrival while dreading the whole labor process. Now here I am watching you sleep peacefully from your 'milk coma'.

You're such a silly sleeper, Allison. You constantly move, wiggle, squeak and even cry in your sleep; all without waking up.

This past month has been full of sleepless nights, sleepless days, tears, dirty diapers, pee fountains, and lots of gas (from both ends, lil miss!). But more importantly, it's also been a month full of late night cuddles, mid-afternoon naps, gassy smiles, lots of laughing on the part of Mom and Dad, and love. So much love.

Last night I had your Daddy watch you when he got home from work so I could take a nap. Hearing your Daddy sing you songs and tell you stories until I finally fell asleep made my day. You definately have Daddy wrapped around your little pinky, my dear.

It's amazing how much we've grown over the past month. The first week I remember feeling so overwhelmed and almost terrified of doing something wrong. I remember taking the first 2 weeks to just learn about you; your quicks, your schedule, your noises.

I've gone days without bathing and days without brushing my teeth (gross!). My hair is almost always in a ponytail anymore. I haven't worn make-up in a LONG time. but I don't care. You're more than worth it.

Would I do it all again? That's a good question. Yes, you were worth it. But Daddy and I are in no hurry to give you a sibling. We want to fully enjoy every minute and milestone with you. Someday maybe we will discuss giving you a sibline, but for now, our family is perfect and complete and we're so content with where we're at.

But you're starting to wake up so I'll write more later.

I love you sooooo much little one!
<3 Mommy

12 Days Young

Miss Allison,

You are 12 days old. Hokey petes!

What a crazy 12 days it has been. Mommy would be lying if she didn't admit that she's been feeling overwhelmed. Breast feeding is what's best for you, but it's been really stressful for Mommy. Today Mommy had a lactation consultant come over to help make sure you were latching correctly, etc and so far it's REALLY helped. Mommy's hoping that we can go formula free today!

Daddy was amazing today. He took care of you while Mommy took a four hour nap. Now he's currently cuddling you while Mommy writes this letter to you. Mommy just got done ordering your birth announcements. Mommy and Daddy are excited for them to arrive so we can show you off.

I love you peanut. I'm going to go steal some cuddles and kisses from you now.