Maren's Growing Ways

Maren is 10.5 months now and her personality is showing more and more.  She has become more clear about her likes and dislikes at meal time, for instance.  She used to be my eat-anything-and-everything girl, but her tongue is much more discerning now.  She prefers table food cut in baby bites, and when she gets tired of it, she flings it off the tray.  We have had a lot of flinging and not so much happy eating lately.  Her two favorite menu items are: cooked, scrambled egg yolk and semi-frozen blueberries and blackberries.  Aside from those two standbys, she also likes pureed green beans.  Unlike Ezra, she still allows me to spoon-feed her for part of the meal.

Maren isn't very verbal yet.  She has two words: da-da (which means daddy), and Eh-da (which means Ezra).  Big brother is at the center of her world and she calls to him constantly.  The funny thing is, Maren has already picked up on intonation of words, and Eh-da can be spoken sweetly, or screamed in frustration, such as when big brother grabs her toy for the fifth time.  Poor girl, she has been poked, pushed, sat on, mashed, hit, rolled over, and squished by Ezra since the day we brought her home from the hospital.  Their relationship is iffy most days.  So, for better or for worse, little Miss Maren already knows how to express her displeasure, and can turn on a dime from pleased to perturbed.  I would say that she is feisty, and perhaps a little short-tempered.

She is now crawling in the traditional hand-arm/bent knee fashion, but if she gets excited or needs to get somewhere fast, she reverts to her body flop.  She pulls herself up to anything and anyone that will hold still long enough.  She loves standing at the bottom of stairs, but hasn't yet figured out how to climb.  She loves playing the piano.  She loves balls, and has a strange habit of holding small balls with both hands up against her chest.  We have discovered that it is very comforting to her, and will often calm her cries, especially when she rides in the car.  Perhaps it is some sort of tactile/sensory connection?  It works, so we keep a lot of little balls around the house.

Maren loves being outside.  She is fascinated by rabbits and birds.  She adores riding in the baby backpack carrier.  She is perfectly still and content in the backpack on walks, but will often thrash, cry, and get frustrated when buckled into the stroller.  The phrase "go swing?" always brings a little excited smile to her face; she and Ezra both could swing for 30 minutes or more and never want a change.   

Maren is super wiggly and sitting for books and pictures is not her preference.  She has no real attachment to any doll, toy, or activity.  She is a very snugly, and giggles when we nuzzle noses.  We are learning body parts and gets a kick out of stuffing numerous fingers in my nose and mouth.  She plays peek-a-boo and "so big!" with me.  She loves the "dump it out" concept and can make quick work of pencil boxes, laundry baskets, and toy buckets.

Her hair is long and curly and her eyes are still a gorgeous clear blue.  She has been sad, restless, and uncomfortable lately and may be teething, have an ear infection, or tummy problems--or maybe a little of all three.  She wakes up in the middle of the night often for no apparent reason, and she and I spend the wee-small hours of the morning walking the house.  I am hoping my giggly girl returns soon!  She has such a great smile!

Long Time Coming

Our backyard is still a work-in-progress, but one corner of the yard has had a major makeover since we moved in last summer.  It is always encouraging to "see how far you've come", so these pictures are as much about a beautiful new garden as they are positive motivation for the work yet to do.

Our backyard at move-in had dead grass and happy weeds, several overgrown shrubs, a large cottonwood tree, rocks, rocks, rocks, and an old raised garden box full of weeds and old rabbit warrens.  (Apparently I never took a picture of the backyard looking to the right, but you get the idea). 

I decided to put the vegetable garden in the upper right hand corner of the yard.  Clearing the area was a long process of hauling rock, cutting down trees and shrubs, removing roots, and tearing apart the old garden box.

After months of removal with shovel, hoe, and pick-axe, we started to see some serious progress when it was time to till!

New garden beds looking like ancient burial mounds, with the pathways excavated.

We added compost to the garden beds, and built a fence around the perimeter.  In theory, the fence is to keep the rabbits out and help Ezra not to trample small plants accidentally. 

We built a cedar gate, and set the gate posts in concrete.  We mulched the pathways, added a small pave-stone pad at the gate entrance, and planted the spring vegetables from seed.  Summer vegetables were added in late May as transplants.  We also planted lavender, sage, chives, mint, lemon thyme, and rosemary in two little pots, and some long-blooming perennials to attract pollinators in a big pot.  

Spring vegetables were planted in the back half of both beds, summer vegetables in the front half of both beds.  From back to front, here is the spinach, cilantro, romaine lettuce, kale, and Swiss chard looking awesome.

This pea variety called Snowbird matured in 58 days and is shown here covered with pods.  I think we picked at least 3 cups all at once.

The garden has transitioned now to the summer vegetables, and spring crops are starting to wilt a little in the hot sun.  The cilantro and spinach have all gone to seed and are essentially done for the season.  As of last weekend the zucchini and squash plants were in a holding pattern, and hardly growing.  In the last few days, they have jumped in size and are flowering and starting to produce fruit.  The tomato plants are very happy too. 

Let's Try Again

This morning Ezra asked me an interesting question, "Why do you make mistakes mommy?" 

After a surprised chuckle at his astuteness, we had a nice talk about how people are imperfect and mistakes are normal.  And, then we had a beautiful discussion about how Jesus Christ is the only perfect person, and He shows us by example how to live.  I bore my testimony to him that because of Jesus mistakes don't have to be endings, but opportunities to keep trying. 

He seemed satisfied with my answer, and then repeated to me a statement we use often in our home, "Mommy, we can always try again."  What a glorious truth!  I probably say it every day: "Let's try again!"  How sweet the blessing of repentance!  How sweet the blessing of a merciful Savior who offered His life as a sacrifice for each of us!  Because of Him, we can try again.  We can always try again. 

Curb Appeal

We have lived in our lovely first home for almost a year now (!!), and have made some awesome improvements.  Here is a little picture history of how our front yard has improved:

When we moved in last summer, we had the ugliest yard in the neighborhood.  We inherited a completely dead lawn, happy weeds, overgrown shrubs, root-suckering wild roses, dying aspens, and more rocks than sense.

Job # 1 was to remove the clump of dying aspens and a small misshapen, storm-damaged honeylocust.

Job # 2 remove the overgrown shrubs, web of aspen roots, and rocks, and rocks, and more rocks.  We also hired a contractor to build a railing along our front porch. 

Next, we hired a landscape contracting company to install a sprinkler system and build a small stacked-stone planter bed in front of the porch.  To save money, we installed the plants ourselves.  We chose one small ornamental tree (weeping red Japanese Maple), one semi-evergreen shrub good for fragrant early spring flowers, and three partial-sun tolerant perennials.  We also applied fescue/bluegrass seed blend to the soil.

 

Finally, we installed drip/spray emitter heads for the plants in the raised bed, added a dozen more perennials for additional color and interest, and mulched it all.  In early May, our roof was damaged in a hail storm, and required a complete roof replacement.  Two days ago, we had a new 30-year roof installed.  The plants are happy, the grass is starting to come up, the irrigation system works, and we have some serious curb appeal now.

I will

Last year, I was a Sunday School teacher for youth ages 14-15 at my church.  I loved the calling, and I still miss it.  Occasionally, I go to the lds youth link on the church's main website to keep current with that age group.  Among so many awesome resources, there is a nice compilation of uplifting music that can be downloaded.  I was especially touched today by a song I found called I Will by Hilary Weeks.

In this song, Hilary Weeks says simply, "In a world where so many will not, I will."    

Isn't it a beautiful thing to have the opportunity to choose?  I can choose to obey, I can choose to be strong, I can choose to follow the Prophet, I can choose to have courage, I can choose to listen.  And in these final days before the Second Coming of the Savior, I can choose to part of the hastening of the work.

I have felt recently the need to do my work as a mother more completely.  I may not always love all the daily routine things about being a mom, but I love teaching the gospel to my children.  I will teach with power.  I will bear testimony of the Savior Jesus Chirst.  I will help my children know that repentance is real.  I will prepare them to make covenants with their Father in Heaven.  I will create a home environment where the spirit can be felt.

I will.

Family Visit!

Ezra, Maren, and I are just back from a two-week visit with my parents.  It was a lovely time for all, but I think Ezra especially benefited.  My five siblings who live near my parents were all able to visit both weekends we were in town.  I feel so grateful that my children are so loved by my family!  My sisters are so affectionate and cuddly.  They are warm and attentive, and more than willing to read stories, go on walks, play with cars, and listen to my animated little boy.  My brother Aaron is an awesome uncle too.  He is silly, fun-loving, and a big tease.  He and Ezra engaged in a good bit of playful banter whenever they got together.

 Grandpa taught Ezra how to play Marble-works.  They worked on the sprinklers together, they played at the park together, they watched movies together.  Grandpa, Ezra, Maren, and I took a road trip to northern Utah and had a picnic in front of the Brigham City Temple and Tabernacle.

Grandma was always available for Ezra.  She dressed, bathed, tickled, cuddled, fed, and loved my little sweetie.  She took Ezra on outings, read him stories, tucked him in bed, taught him, played with him, encouraged him, and made him feel special.  Grandma and Ezra rode a Ferris wheel together, they had chocolate-vanilla swirl ice cream cones together, they worked on home improvement projects together.

Ezra and Aunt Kristen snuggles

Ezra telling Aunt Emily all about bulldozers.

Ezra and Uncle Aaron helping Grandma open her Mother's Day presents.

Brigham City picnic with Grandpa

All the sisters and Miss Maren.

Grandma and Maren--all smiles.

Family picture plus Molly's fiance (!!) John

     

My Family Tree

In the most recent General Conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Quentin Cook shared this story:

A 36-year-old mother of young children recently exclaimed to me, “Just think—we have gone from microfilm readers in dedicated family history centers to sitting at my kitchen table with my computer doing family history after my children are finally asleep.” Brothers and sisters, family history centers are now in our homes.

 I really resonate with that story; the advancements in family history research are truly miraculous!

My first exposure to family history work was in my mid-teens.  When my family was living in Salt Lake City, I went with my mom to the library downtown on Friday nights to search records on microfilm readers.  Later, as a student at Brigham Young University, I took several family history classes, and did my research the same way.  After graduating and moving to Atlanta, I sometimes requested a family history "project" from my mom, and she gave me the name of a deceased ancestor to research.  My research in Atlanta required me to go to a local family history center in a church building, find information that looked promising, order the microfilm record from Salt Lake City, and then wait several weeks for it to arrive.   It was an exciting challenge, but progress was often very slow.

Last summer, I requested another family history research project from my mom.  This time, however, I searched census records, marriage records, birth records, and death records at home on my laptop.  The huge reservoir of on-line records is incredible!  After several weeks of searching, I found many more family members, linked them together in family units, and made some exciting discoveries and connections.   The crowning blessing was then to take those names to the temple.  I have felt my heart turn to my fathers; I want them to receive all the blessings of the gospel that I now have.  This is the purpose of family history research.  

In the last few weeks, I have also added photos to the family search website.  I feel more connected to my deceased family members as I upload their photos; they seem so much more real to me now.  Ezra and I look at the "grandma and grandpa" pictures together sometimes too.  A portrait-style family tree is so much more meaningful to him; he loves pictures.  What a beautiful resource to connect our children with their ancestors!  Have you tried it yet?    

On Growing Gardens & Growing Children

It is amazing what a week can bring.

Last Sunday (Easter), Maren cut her first tooth.  Yesterday, she cut her second tooth.  Yesterday, she also discovered the army crawl, which in her case looks more like a roll-and-reach body flop.  She is my buoyant little happy girl once more.  Her tooth pain is lessened, and she can play with any toy in the room.  Alas, our season of peaceful sibling relations is coming to an end (again).  We are all learning to adapt!

Last Sunday (Easter), our little early spring hardy vegetable garden was barely poking through the soil.  Today, every row of vegetables displays a healthy crop of little seedlings.  Rocky, clay soil notwithstanding, there is green life out there!  We now have spinach, kale, Swiss chard, green onions, carrots, romaine lettuce, two types of peas, and cilantro growing in the garden.

Last Monday, Daddy taught our family home evening lesson.  We talked about planting and nourishing our faith like a tiny seed.  We let Ezra plant his own little pea seeds in one corner of the garden.  He is now very interested in the garden and its watering need; he comes out with me every morning to "help the garden grow."  We often sing the Primary song On A Golden Springtime as we water.

Yesterday at church, Ezra had some extreme wiggles, so we took left the chapel and took a hallway tour to talk about all the paintings on the wall.  When we came to a picture of the First Vision, I asked Ezra to tell me about what he saw.  "This is Joseph," (pointing appropriately).  "This is Jesus and Heavenly Father," (pointing to each one).  "And then Heavenly Father says, 'This is my Beloved Son.'"  Ezra's faith is growing!  He understands, and he loves to learn about the gospel.

We have started to have more piano exploration time.  It is hardly a "lesson"; Maren is banging on one end, while Ezra and I find white and black keys on the other.  But, he enjoys it, and comes to the instrument more often of his own accord to play little songs.  He will also occasionally play me a song on his cardboard violin.  Without any prompting, he holds his violin under his chin with one hand, and moves his bow with the other hand.  His favorite song is one of his own creation: "Mommy," he will say, "I play 'Cat and the Hat' now."
   

        

My Little Miss

My Maren-girl is eight months old!  She is so happy to be alive.  She is full of energy and spunk.  She loves to be part of the action, and has lots to say.  Lately, she has been noshing on anything and everything.  If she had teeth, she would have a mean bite, thankfully though, she is just working on her first tooth--in earnest.  Maren has an intensive baby aerobics routine, but is not yet crawling.

One of my favorite Maren antics is her constant attempts at "flying."  In a sitting position she flaps her wings and rolls her ankles anxiously.  In a lying-down position she flails her arms and legs up and down vigorously.  It is hilarious to watch!  Ezra and I joke that we need to get some Tinkerbell pixie dust and send her flying with Peter Pan.  I think her little spirit is ready to run and jump with Ezra, but her body is slower to respond.  She works so hard; I am sure she will be on the move soon. 

Maren is a great night sleeper.  She sleeps ten hours literally every night.  She is starting to nap more regularly too, usually an hour in the morning and up to two hours in the afternoon.  Often when I go into her room after a nap, she has pulled the bumper pad down so she can peer through the crib railing.  So cute! 

When I sing songs, Maren will now join in and vocalize with me.  When we clap and cheer, Maren will thump and holler in accord.  She loves to eat, and has never turned her nose up at anything.  Just this week I introduced the sweet potato-flavored Gerber puffs (little melt-on-your-tongue cereal bite).  I use them sparingly, if needed, to hold Maren off until I can get her food ready.  She gobbles them almost as soon as I put them on the tray.

Changing her diaper or her clothes is often a fight to the finish.  The goal: get it done as fast as possible!  She kicks, thumps, squeals, rolls, and turns during the entire process.  Cheap entertainment!  

And then, there's the hair.  Because we don't have a lot of humidity here, Maren's hair is sort of wavy most of the time.  If however, she gets sweaty, the wild-child curly craziness comes out.  I am never quite sure how to fix it, so she often looks a little disheveled, but oh, what a cute mess she is!  I love my little miss!

I'm So Glad When Daddy Comes Home!

Boy, I love to see this face at the end of day full of busy little people!  Ezra and Maren are wonderful, and tiring, and entertaining, and challenging, and such fun, but it is such a pleasant relief when this handsome husband walks in the door.

I know for a fact, I would make a lousy military wife.  I need back-up, I need my team-mate, I need Dallin!  I feel so grateful for his willingness to walk in the door and immediately join the ranks in dinner preparation or snuggling a needy child.

The working world is not always so kind, and lately, my sweetheart has been working longer and longer hours.  Though it may be distracting and cluttered and noisy, I hope it is a brief refuge from the daily battle at the office.

We love you daddy!  Welcome home!    

Let Us All Press On!

This past weekend was the 184th Annual General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  As always, it was two days full of inspiring messages and music from the leadership of the church.

I loved the entire Sunday morning session of the conference.  Every speaker's message and piece of music was so uplifting, and just what I needed to hear.  The Mormon Tabernacle Choir performed an arrangement of "Let Us All Press On" that gave me goosebumps.  Courage!  Fear not!  The Lord is on our side!  I wanted to stand up and march in triumph when I heard it; it is such an encouraging message.

Later in the session, Elder David A. Bednar spoke, and his message acted as a second witness to the words of the hymn "Let Us All Press On".  In part he said, 

"We are not and never need be alone.  We can press forward in our daily lives with heavenly help. Through the Savior's Atonement we can receive capacity and strength beyond our own.  It is one thing to know that Jesus Christ came to earth to die for us, but we also need to appreciate that the Lord desires, through His Atonement and by the power of the Holy Ghost, to enliven us — not only to guide but also to strengthen and heal us."   

March Madness, Remembered

March was a busy month for Dallin.  "March comes in like a lion, and goes out like a lamb" is an apt description of what he experienced. 

In the first week, he transitioned into a lead position at work that has been a difficult uphill climb.  It was a position he neither sought, nor a change he requested.  Our immediate family, and many of our extended family members have prayed, and continue to pray for him, constantly.  I believe as we look back on this period of life, we will see how gently, kindly, and lovingly our Father in Heaven has carried us, and especially Dallin, when we were unable to walk on our own.

In the second week, there was great cause for celebration.  After almost three years, Dallin completed his master's degree program, and took his final exam for his most difficult class.  The timing was truly a miracle.  Dallin completed his master's just a few days after taking on a much more stressful work position.  We are counting our blessings!  Graduation from The George Washington University is officially in May, but for all intents and purposes, Dallin is done!  There have been many weeknights and weekends--after working a full day at his regular job--devoted to this effort.  Hooray for finishing!  Congratulations sweetie!

In week three, we celebrated again--this time for Dallin's birthday!  It may not have been the best birthday ever, but there were warm homemade brownies with Blue Bell ice cream, which made up for a lot.  Ezra sang "Happy Birthday To You", with all the gusto and fervor of an opera star, and Maren concurred with her own celebratory laughter and highchair tray banging.

In week four, Dallin was the hero of our front yard landscape renovation project.  He hacked through a beastly web of aspen roots, some of which were six inches thick and six feet long.  Dallin and his trusty pick-axe spent many hours removing roots, rocks, thatch and weeds.  He hauled more wheelbarrows of landscape debris than should be counted, and cleared the area in preparation for a front lawn make-over.  The aftermath of the project resulted in sore muscles everywhere, lots of Advil, and ice packs.  Kudos to an incredible husband!    

More Vegetables, Please

One of my lesser goals for 2014 is to cook two vegetarian meals per week for dinner.  It is more of a personal challenge with several purposes: 1) save money on the food budget 2) broaden and diversify our palettes for different foods 3) keep my kitchen time from getting too monotonous and 4) eat more roughage.  Thus far, it has been great fun.  I think we have eaten a wider variety of foods, and I have enjoyed the puzzle of "What's for dinner?" with my new requirements.

In the process, I have discovered that Ezra--lover of almost no vegetables--adores fresh steamed broccoli.  He will eat half the bowl, if given the opportunity.  I have also discovered that I adore kale.  I never dreamed something so raw and curly and stiff could taste so delectable.  Recently, I coarse-chopped some kale, threw it in a skillet with olive oil and garlic, tossed it until it started to wilt and turn a gorgeous deep green color, sprinkled some salt on it, and tried hard to leave some for Dallin.

Here are some of my favorite recent vegetarian fixes: 
Butternut Squash Lasagna
Lentil-Barley Burgers with Fiery Fruit Salsa
Creamy Parsnip Soup
Vegetarian Korma
Vegetable Lasagna (Pioneer Woman)
Curried Carrot Soup
Gnocchi with Squash and Kale

So, I am still new at this, and I am running out of yummy ideas.  Any suggestions?    

Almost Spring

Winter with a toddler is not my favorite thing.  I am feeling really itchy for warmness.  We spent a great deal of time indoors this winter because Ezra had no desire to play with the snow in any form or fashion.  (We know our public library very well.)  We are on the cusp of spring, even though March weather is such a tease.  Here's a little sampling of our recent warmish day activities:

The local botanical garden has many free days, and we took advantage of that on a sunny March morning.  When we got too cold, we ducked inside the orangery and the tropical conservatory.  Ezra was very interested in picking the citrus, tearing apart all the primrose flowers and fern fronds, and filling every tulip with dirt.  Luckily, no garden employees witnessed his behavior. 

 
About five minutes from our house is a large man-made lake with a pier and walking trails.  One warmish day, we made paper boats, launched them from the pier, and watched their progress.  Then we took a little walk, stopping every two minutes to throw any available projectile into the lake.  Next door to the lake is a large acreage.  The owners have a horse and two miniature donkey-like creatures.  On this particular day, the animals were out and close to the fence.  We made our introductions, and found the little donkeys to be incredible gentle and curious.  Ezra is not an animal person, but he had absolutely no fear in approaching, talking to, and touching these new friends.  Maren was riding in a backpack, and I felt comfortable in putting her closer too.  As soon as I put her down, and before I could do anything about it, one of the donkeys stuck its head through the fence and touched its nose to her cheek.  Maren had a small panic attack at the large nostrils in close proximity (arms flailing, high pitched squeals), but did not cry.

 

  

   

Teamwork

From my perspective as a daughter, I believe my parents strengthened unity in their marriage by working on projects together.  I found that endearing as a child in their home, and it inspires me now as a young married person.  I appreciate that both my mom and my dad brought a unique set of talents and abilities to the table, and then found ways to pool their resources to make something greater.  I see evidence of those efforts in both physical, tangible things, and in emotional and spiritual ways as well. 

Dallin and I have been working on a project together, and I have found a lot of satisfaction in what our combined efforts can contribute.  In our family room, we have a vertically short, horizontally long wall, which tended to become a clutter zone with no real purpose.  After some brainstorming, we decided it needed some kind of shelf, and might be a good place to store toys.  We soon discovered that because of the odd dimensions (82" long x 24" tall x 16" deep), and a return air vent that couldn't be blocked, nothing we could buy at a store would fit the space.  So, I studied the wall again, and drew up my own plan.  And then we bought wood, had it cut, learned a little about wood construction and assembly, and made our own custom toy cubby.  Dallin marked and drilled all the holes because he is more accurate and disciplined about exactness than I am.  I sanded and sawed because my mommy arms are more in shape for endurance exercises.  Teamwork was required in the assembly.  When the weather warms up, we can take it outside to be painted.  It was such a great project!  Ezra loves the special toy bins, the area stays very tidy, it fills the space perfectly, and sweet husband and I did it together! 

Next on the list: vegetable garden.

Improvement

I have a list--a long list--of home improvement ideas.  This is not to say that I don't love our house, I do, but I like to look for ways it can be better.  I suppose it is my creative vision at work.  Vision and elbow grease, however, are two very different things.  My projects are slow going: an hour here, an hour there, with a lot of dreaming, waiting and, hoping in between. 

Among other things, I am working on every warmish day out in the (future) vegetable garden to prep the ground for spring.  Lately, I have been hacking my way through roots as big as my arm and weeds and thatch more than an inch thick.  It is invigorating, exciting, and tiring at the same time.  Progress is slow, and hard to see.  I keep working, though, because I know my little bit of earth has some incredible potential.      

As I work I see a spiritual analogy.  I have a list--a long list--of personal improvement ideas.  I understand my divine nature, and my potential to be something more than I am now.  The creative vision of my better self is motivating.  It is hard work, it is slow going, and I rarely see my progress.  But, I do hope in the enabling power of Christ to magnify my efforts.  My weaknesses, my personality flaws, my daily shortcomings can be made better with righteous desire, elbow grease, and divine grace.   

New

My little buddy got a new haircut.  I felt bad for giving him so many hack jobs, so we finally went to a haircut establishment and got some help.  Ezra wouldn't sit in the chair without me, and he wouldn't stay without a sucker for a bribe, but all things considered, he did pretty well. 

Ezra got a new shirt, which--wonder of wonders--he will keep on his body for at least half the day.  Every three or four months we have kid consignment sales in our area.  The events boast enough stuff to fill a department store-sized area and have every possible type of clothes, shoes, toys, books, strollers, cribs, etc.  We went this week and got more clothes for Maren, who is wearing 12-month clothes...and growing out of them...

But, we also were on the lookout for a new race car or dump truck shirt replacement.  When we found this red Cars shirt, there was much squealing, and "Mommy, I'm psy-gic.  I'm psy-gic!" [excited].  $3.50 shirt, and a very happy kid--nice.

Ezra's new tag line is "honey."  He says it at the end of nearly every sentence.  "Can we watch a movie, honey?"  "Is it time for dinner, honey?"  "Will you ready me a tory [story], honey?"  Cracks me up.  But, once again, I am his little social mirror, I shouldn't be surprised.  I guess I just didn't realize I said it that often.       

So Big!

My little miss is six months!  She learned to sit up without support this week!  Maren is an incredibly happy baby.  Even if she is hungry and needing food right now she will giggle and talk and smile for a few more minutes while she is waiting.  She loves to laugh.  She loves to eat.  I have introduced avocado, butternut squash, and sweet potato and it was all love from the first 1 1/2 bites.  There was the slightest of funny faces as she discerned a new taste, and then it was just big open mouth for the rest.  Ezra is her favorite entertainment.  She adores the bath.  She kicks and squirms and squeals and laughs for the entire adventure.  Trying to wash body parts just makes her giggle more.

It is rather fascinating to note the differences between her and Ezra.  Ezra was a super mellow baby, perhaps a little lazy, cool to just hang out, not prone to explore extensively.  He was a lover of books from very young, soft squishy toys were a favorite, slept like a champ, enjoyed long naps, liked a strict feeding schedule (and was not pleased when it was disrupted), and was super cuddly.

Maren seems kind of hyper, animated, involved, more active, and prone to giggle at anything and everything.  She is more distracted, less tied to a schedule, and thus much more flexible.  She is not a great sleeper, in fact, her stamina is rather awe-inspiring.  She seems to like books, but has trouble holding still to hear the ending.  She likes her little plush monkey, but she likes ten other toys just as well.  She is cuddly and oh so smiley.  

Love Notes

Dear Dallin,

This makes me smile. 

This is the I-just-woke-up-but-I'm-doing-perky-plum-dandy-glad-to-be-here-hope-you-are-too face.  And I love it, and I love you, and thanks for making my day--everyday.  Thanks for making me smile.  Happy Valentine's Day!
 
Love always, Liezel