Delightful Dani

I don't even know where to begin, so I'm just going to ramble on about you in hopes that some of it will make sense.  Dani, you are sooooooooooooo much fun - 8 has proven to be a very "delightful" age. Your personality is ever changing and growing; you can quite literally go from a silly quirky ball of bliss to a reserved and quiet saint. You are still too smart for your own good and continue to keep us on our toes with your wittiness. You just finished up fall soccer and are beginning to practice for basketball season. You love to paint and you're amazingly good at it. You're pretty handy in the kitchen and recently made your first apple pie; it looked delicious. You are a people pleaser and only want to make everyone happy, even if it sacrifices your own happiness. Our time with you is always well spent; however that time is also a short piece of what it used to be. You have some big things happening in your little world in the next year. Your mom is getting married so you will have a stepdad (he's a genuinely caring and nice man) and your dad and I are grateful that he loves you so much. We struggle to keep up with the awesome lifestyle that your mom and Rich provide you. At the end of the day it is our hope that you know how much we truly love and adore you. We can't wait to see what amazing things the next year brings, if 9 is anywhere near as fun as 8 we are in for a real treat.  

"One-der-ful -- ONE"

Today, you turn 1. It amazes me to look at you and realize how much you have grown and changed over the past year. Every milestone you reach and every new experience that delights you puts a smile on my face. I simply love to watch your eager mind. There is so much for you to encounter these days. You're intrigued by everything. Yet, just one short year ago, you were a beautiful, healthy, newborn baby asleep in my arms. A year has brought so much change, so many smiles, and so many tears (good and bad). It's hard to believe that just one short year ago we waited so patiently for you to join our family. In the past year, you have made me love you even more than I thought possible! My love for you grows each and every day. Just when I thought I couldn't love any more, I love you even more! My heart melts when you look me in the eyes and I hear your soft voice say, “mom." In the past year, you have taught me an abundance of patience. We snuggle (though a lot less than we used to), we cuddle (again a LOT less than we used to), and we play together. Your love for me is evident and that alone makes my heart sing. There is nothing quite like a mom/daughter relationship and there is a definite bond that is distinct and undeniable. We'll grow into all the good things (and the bad) that come from that relationship as you grow older. You are sooooo busy, always on the go and chattering up a storm. You love what you love and want what you want and nobody stands in your way (well Kanyon does at times but you don’t tolerate it well). You make the silliest faces, always scrunching up your nose and squinting your eyes (my favorite is when you blink like nobody can see you). You are the easiest baby to put down for a nap and bed and will eat anything put in front of your pudgy little face. You climb, scoot, crawl, and take steps to where you feel you need to be. You blow, spit, and play patty cake. You understand the word “No” and repeat it well. You love little people but are leery of adults unless you know them well. You love baths and would stay in the tub long after the water has drained. You hate people in your face and smack them away (again mostly Kanyon). You are so squishy and soft awww it just makes me want to squeeze you all of the time (you hate it). A year! Seems like such a short amount of time. Yet, in a year, you have gone from the fragile, tiny newborn in my arms to the rambunctious, adventurous one year old beauty you are today. All of the milestones and growing in one short year have created so many wonderful memories. It's like a lifetime condensed into 365 days. In that span of time, my life has forever changed. Nothing, no part of me, will ever be the same. You make my life more joyous, you fill it with more laughter, and you make my heart smile more than I ever dreamed possible. I love you more than I ever did before. Happy Birthday, my sweet Kimbree Jo!

I Will Never Forget You - Sweet Angel of Mine

I barely got to hold you, and kiss your little head. I'll never watch you sleeping soundly, all snuggled in your bed. I can't count your fingers, or your tiny toes. I won't see your smile, or your cute little button nose. I know you are in heaven, where there's no pain or tears. You'll never have a broken heart, or have to face your fears. And though I'm sad you're not here right now, for us to hold today I know we'll hold you in our arms, When we're in heaven with you someday. Sweet angel of mine - I think of you often and feel your spirit presence near. I love you with all of the fibers a mother is capable of possessing. I hope you are running with the angels (especially Grandpa Great) and having a birthday party in the sky. XOXO

11 DoWn 1 MoRe To Go

Our little squishy is so close to 1 - it's scary!!! This last month has been a month of "new" for Kimbree Jo. She is taking solid steps now, she mocks sounds, and her vocabulary is ever growing. She's a climber,she loves to climb the stair case and onto different toys. She had her first ear infection :( no fun and loads of crappy diapers - a $hitty deal all the way around for poor squish. Her personality and voice are growing by volumes daily. We say she's a sassy girl - probably not the best idea to put in that little noggin of hers. She loves what she loves and doesn't like for anyone to get in her way. She does not like to share mommy and will squeal if anyone else has interaction with mom (not the best trait). She pulls out her hair pretties and tries to get away from every diaper change. When's she's upset she clinches her fists and shakes (not epileptic). She loves to eat but she's actually starting to slim down now that she's so mobile. People always comment on her thighs - why can't people squeeze my thighs and deem how cute they are - not fair people. Kimbree is an overall joy and we are looking forward to making her first birthday a memorable one.

Carbon High Dino

Once upon a time I had a little boy that was playing flag football - that little sport slowly turned into tackle, ran sackle, and smash your opponent into the ground type of sport. Kaleb started the year off well let's just say exhausted from the time and effort a "high school" sport takes. I love football - I've always loved watching it, so having a child that participates is kind of a big deal to me. Sadly football, scouts, school, girls (yes girls), etc. became too much for this football star and he had to drop the sport due to slipping grades. School is important it's a small stepping stone in the puddle of life and no matter how discouraging it can be to a child, it's a parents prerogative for thier child to succeed in academics.