California

We just got back from a week long vacation in Newport Beach. So Much Fun!! We went with my whole family and had such a great time. We hung out on the beach, stayed in the most beautiful hotel, girls went shopping, guys went golfing, we went down to San Diego, went to Disneyland, played games....it was a blast. It was so fun to take Lily to the beach. Anton grew up in La Jolla, so he was right at home on the beach, and couldn't wait to take Lily. She hated it when we dipped her toes in though...it was too cold. Disneyland was a blast!! Lily surprisingly liked the rides...I think all the bright colors and sounds were fun for her. It had been a long time since Anton had gone to Disneyland, so it was fun to go with him...we both had so much fun!! Lily was such a great traveler, I couldn't have asked for a better baby. Thanks Mom and Dad for such a fun trip - we had an absolute blast!!

Ramblings

Things I am loving right now....

*I am in love with this weather. Especially today. The over cast sky reminds me of my amazing trips to England. I wish I was there...what a fun memory.
* I LOVE that our dear friends Dustin & Jamie Tate became parents this past week. She is a darling little bundle, and is so lucky to have them as her parents. Adoption is simply amazing. I couldn't be happier for them!
*I love my new hobby of baking & decorating cakes. I made a cute one this past weekend...I was very proud. I can't wait for a reason to bake another one.

A few things that Lily is loving right now....
* She had discovered her voice. We no longer watch TV in silence....She is always singing along, letting us know she is there.
*She has also discovered that she has hair....and she has learned she can pull on it. The more she pulls, the more upset she gets...therefore, the tighter her fists get. Good thing she has her mom to rescue her! I am a terrible mother - I think it is so funny.
*Turns out she likes you to blow in her face. She thinks that is really funny. I am glad I have a child that is easily entertained.

St. George

We just got back from a fun visit to St. George. Anton had to be down there for work on Thursday, so we decided to make a whole weekend of it, and stayed through Monday. It was so fun to be with Antons family. It was the first time Lily had been down to St. George - and she was such a trooper. She was so good on the drive down, she slept well at night (although she didn't nap very good) and was so happy and mellow the whole time. We went swimming, played tennis, made cookies, went out to dinner...it was so fun. I even saw my first scorpion and black widow...so creepy! It was such a fun trip!

Lily in her new favorite chair. She loves it!

Swimming...she actually really likes the water. She kicks and kicks.

With her Aunt Nicole

Reading with her grandma and Prentice. Yes, that is a Rolling Stones onesie...

Making cookies!

Blessings

Anton is hiking, Lily is asleep…my house is so quiet and peaceful. I sat down at the computer to check my email and read my favorite blogs. I started reading one that really made me look at my life and helped me to realize how richly blessed I am. I became so emotional while reading this woman’s blog. It’s like it helped put things into perspective for me. I have an amazing husband who is not only my husband but my very best friend. I don’t know where I would be if I had not found him. And knowing that I will be with him for eternity is simply amazing. Then there is Lily. All I hope for is that I will be a good mom to her – the kind of mom she deserves. She is so innocent and so sweet – she is straight from heaven. Sometimes I look at her and wonder why I am so lucky to be her mom. I went through some sadness and heartache in the past…and I know Heavenly Father blessed me and sustained me through that time. I realized during that time that I was being sustained. Now as a mother, I know I am being blessed. When Lily was born and the doctor announced I had given birth to a little girl I wept. I was so overwhelmed with emotion that I was sent a beautiful little girl. What a tender mercy. Heavenly Father knew in my heart of hearts I wanted a little girl…I needed a little girl. My prayers were answered. I talk all the time of my family, and how much I love them…it’s because they are my everything. I want to be the kind of mom that Lily is proud of and looks up to. I want to make her feel safe, and help her to know how special she really is. I love her so much and recognize that she is one of the greatest blessings I could be given. I am humbled to be her mom and honored to be Anton’s wife.

All about her

Our Lily is growing and growing. Each day it seems like she is doing something new. She is the sweetest, most happy baby - we are having so much fun with her. I can't believe how chubby she is getting - I am having a hard time snapping the bottom buttons on some of her outfits because he thighs are filling out so much! I love it! Here are some pictures of her over the past few weeks. Her latest things are...


*She loves to watch Mickey Mouse Clubhouse in the morning after she eats...she laughs and talks the whole time.
*She likes when I am putting a shirt or onesie over her face, and I say "peek-a-boo!". She thinks that is so funny!
*She loves to be held by Anton. The other day I was doing something in the kitchen, and asked Anton to hold her...within two seconds she was comfortable, and closing her eyes. She loves Anton.
*The other thing I absolutely adore about her is she loves to be snuggled. Lately she has also loved having a blankie up to her face when she is settling in - like mother like daughter!!

I saw a saying that says "You Hug My Heart". Lily hugs my heart. I love her.

This was yesterday, just hanging out with us on the couch.

Sorry Anton - your eyes are closed in this picture. It is so cute of Lily though, I couldn't resist. This is one of my favorites of her.

She smiles like her dad - her eyes almost close all the way. So darling!Hanging out in her cool chair while I get ready for the day.

U.S.A!!

This was one of the most incredible things we have ever seen!! We stayed up to watch the men's 4x100m freestyle relay....especially once we heard that France was going to "smash" the Americans. Unreal! I was on the edge of my seat, waving my hands saying "hurry, hurry hurry!", and Anton was standing up with his hands on his head....once we saw the screen say that America had one the gold, we cheered and yelled! I thought for sure Lily would wake up because of how loud we were. It will go down as our favorite Olympic moments for sure. It was incredible!

Wow

Yesterday I went to the home show with my mom and sister-in-law Megan. My parents went the other day, and fell in love with this particular home, so my mom took us yesterday to go see it. And, Oh My Gosh! This home was beyond beautiful, and just oozing class. The designer did such an amazing job incorporating old with new...for example the kitchen had the original brick in it. And mixing old and new can be so difficult, so in my opinion the designer did a fantastic job. It was so refreshing to go into a house that was full of beautiful art and furniture...rather than one that is filled with TVs and electronics. My parents are remodeling their home, and my mom has asked for some of my help...I think we got some great ideas yesterday. So, thanks Mom - that was so fun!