Easter

Easter was really wonderful this year. For a long time, I didn't think we would make it! We started back church the Sunday before Easter but then we were hit with the stomach bug on Monday...Luckily Blakely and Parker never got sick, so we were all good by Sunday! 

Dawson is so wonderful...I just am so passionate about their preschool ministry. They go over and beyond for our family! They didn't even hesitate when I told them they would have to help Parker go potty and wheel him around. They were more than eager to take on the challenge.

We went to Kaki and Wolfie's the day before to celebrate Kaki's birthday and had ourselves a little egg hunt!

The kiddos were so so so excited!

This picture down here is an accomplishment...let me just say. Little miss AK is on. the. move.

Look at that sweetheart.

These two sure do have fun together!

Alli Kate got her own little section of eggs to find.

and so did Parker man.

He opened each egg when he found it and got SO excited! If there was candy...he enjoyed it right away. (until I caught wind of what Wolfie was watching him do)

This one just tried to eat the eggs.

I catch her being sweet sometimes!!

The next morning was a lot of fun!

After church, I had the family over for an Easter/Parker's birthday Lunch. It turned out great! We had Pork Tenderloin, mac and cheese, green beans, sweet potato casserole, stuffed eggs, salad, rolls and cake! I still can't believe I pulled it all off!

Blakely chasing sister!

Although some days are hard, these are years I cherish. Right after a terribly hard moment, I see these little bits of heaven. God sure is gracious with us mommas.

February

I'm continuing on with the worlds least creative post titles. I'm doing good to take pictures and get them on here. =)

Since Parker's accident was February 2...February was a month of survival. Our friends and family made life so much easier. We had friends take Blakely to birthday parties, pick her up from school, bring us dinner every single night for two months, and come just sit with me at home.

 We got out for a few lunches while Parker was in his 'chair'.

 We celebrated this amazing lady.

 with this deliciousness...

 We tried our best to get creative and have fun at home on the weekends...

 We finally braved it out on occasion  in the bob to some stores. And practiced bribery at its finest upon arrival to each store! =)

 We spent a whole lot of time on our leap pad and tv...

 I'm like a fly to the light when I get on the floor! every. single. time.

 So proud to finally have him crawling around!!!

 Sweet friends showered this boy with borrowed toys!

 We celebrated our favorite 8 year old!

 and had a lot of dance parties!

All in all, I can honestly say we made the most out of our February. I've got no complaints =)

12 months

My sweet Alli Kate, 

You bring joy with your smile. 

You bring comfort with your 'hugs' (you will cuddle your forehead into my arm or chin)

You bring peace in your happiness.

You are a blessing in this family. 

 I truly cannot believe you are one, yet it feels like you have always been a part of our family.

 We went to the doctor this month for your one year check up and you are looking great! 

30.5 inches Long (90%)

21lb 7 oz (75%)

18.75 inches head cir. (98%)

 You are so close to walking. You stand unassisted often but as soon as you realize that you are not holding on to anything you hit the ground.

You are a crawling machine. You are so so so fast! 

This month your favorite things are things have been toilet water, brother and sister's small choking hazard toys, wall outlets, crayons, Zizi's water bowl, cups filled with water or coffee, breakable dishes in kitchen cabinets, rubber bands, chalk, markers. You are in to EVERYTHING girl! 

 I've been trying to move you from bottle to sip and it isn't going great. You like your bottle. I have finally basically transitioned you into milk, but you are still having 2 oz of warm formula mixed in those bottles. You are not taking to cold milk at all. You love that temperature warm!

You LOVE your paci. There is very little time each day that it isn't in your mouth. You have become very attached to your blankets. They are the swaddle blankets that you've had in your crib since birth. You don't seem to prefer one over the other, which is nice. You don't seem very interested in any stuffed animals like Blakely and Parker, but those blankets sure do bring you comfort.

You love to be held and will often cry at me until I pick you up!

Other things you love:
1. You love the vacuum and will squeal in delight if I turn it on. You follow it and are so happy the entire time it is turned on.
2. You love your sister and brother and follow them around everywhere. This month with Parker home all day every day, you don't often leave his side. He sometimes gets annoyed with you crawling all over him, but you are none the wiser.
3. Food, you LOVE food. You eat everything and Mommy and Daddy are so so so thankful! You have eaten kale, tuna, salmon, broccoli (You love broccoli), bell pepper, rice, potatoes, steak, chicken, green beans, sweet potatoes, squash, apples, blueberries, strawberries, pineapple...

 Things you don't like:
Baths, you really really do not like baths.
Diaper changes!
Being hungry.
Waiting in the car for Blakely in carpool (when every other baby on the planet normally has been napping for an hour or two..)
Sitting in a poo poo.
Being told 'No" It hurts your feelings.
Church, you very much do not like getting dropped off!

Your hair is getting curly the longer it grows. I love your 4 teeth that peek through with your smile.
I love your eyes-so many comments from strangers come in regard to your beautiful blue eyes. I love your laugh. It is contagious. If I am feeling down, I make you laugh and I instantly feel better! I love your toes, your belly button, and your tiny fingers. You are my heart little doodle. (or one 5th of it anyway).