Persistence

I've decided that you have to be a stubborn person to breastfeed.

I know we all have our streak of stubbornness.

However, you have to be amongst the most stubborn.

It takes unwavering persistence. At every turn, people will tell you that it is okay to give up, that you tried your best.

Thus far, this has been the biggest challenge of my life and the most painful thing I've ever overcome.

I am proud of my stubborn self.

One Year Ago Today

June 22, 2008

Dear Little One,

Your father and I got the news today. The news of your existence. Oh, the excitement!!! We are in Orlando, FL right now. Your dad had a business trip during my summer break, so I came along. We have been hoping to conceive sometime and lately my body has been giving me signs. I told your dad of my symptoms and he couldn’t wait for me to take a pregnancy test. I wanted to wait a little while longer, but that night the pregnancy was running over his mind so he rolled over to me and whispered in my ear, “I hope you are.” I woke up and grinned. About a week later, my period did not come. So after having French toast at Denny’s this morning, we stopped by Walgreen’s for a pregnancy test. When we got back to the hotel (Hilton Grand Vacations, room 6213) I took the test and was shocked with the super fast results! The box said it would take 2 minutes, but it took less than a few seconds for that little blue line to show up. We are both so excited! We have been waiting for you! The rest of the day was spent relaxing and processing the big news. I feel you are a boy. Maybe twins. I’m guessing maybe 7 weeks along; your dad thinks 6 weeks. Our dog Sabi told me I was pregnant, quiet a few weeks ago, when he kept sniffing me a lot, as if he was catching my new scent, the mommy scent.

Welcome little one.
Love,
Mommy

Happy Father's Day!

Top 10 things that make Julia's pappa the best of all...

10. Makes Julia smile more than anyone else can.
9. Happily takes care of her, including tons of dirty diapers.
8. Provides for all of us so mommy can stay home.
7. Is silly with Julia.
6. Cuddles her in his big, strong hands.
5. Has Julia's good looks.
4. Wants what is best for her in every choice he makes.
3. Comes up with special songs for her.
2. Loves her in a way no one else can.
And the number 1 reason why Julia's pappa is the best of all...
He has a special laugh that came about the first time he saw her in an ultrasound. It is a laugh that sounds like... a soft, tickled heart.

Giggle Giggle

Julia has the most adorable laugh. We haven't gotten it on video yet, however, this is a sneak peek of her terrific little giggles!

Four Months

Julia is already four months old. She must be teething because she chews on her hands all day and drools nonstop. She has discovered her laugh and it is adorable! Jules likes to be up doing things, so being strapped in her car seat is her least favorite place to be.

I think she really likes our cat, Ms. Pixel. Every time Pixel comes near us, Julia reaches out and pets her. Pappa and I love to make Jules laugh by blowing raspberries on her tummy. She is now somewhat in a routine of eating, playing and napping. She still does a great job of sleeping all night. She still loves bath time and standing up. Julia is talking all day, usually with fingers in her mouth. We love, love, love watching her grow.

A Day with the Fishies

Julia got to see lots of fish, seahorses, starfish, sea turtles, tigers and... more fish. Though, I wonder if she liked the people watching best.

The Drive In

Mommy has been wanting to go to see a movie lately. However, the movie theaters are not very baby friendly. On Saturday, pappa came up with a great idea! He took us to the 'Drive In' movie theater in Fort Collins, Colorado. We watched Up and Star Trek. Then, we stayed in a hotel. All three of us had a fun time!

In this picture you can see the movie screen if you look closely. The picture is blue because the sun was setting.

Splish Splash!

Julia liked the pool. Mommy helped her splash the water with her little hands, which makes her giggle every time!

You Can Do It!

Julia has a new trick to show you! The day she turned 12 weeks old, she surprised us with this new talent. Catching it on video was mommies latest challenge.

A Day in the Shade

We laid together looking up. We studied the big, fluffy cumulus clouds, the brilliant blue sky and the green leaves on the maple tree. Jules seemed to enjoy her first time lounging on a blanket in the yard.

(Notice her signing the 'I love you' sign.)

The Denver Zoo

Our day at the zoo started out great. We had the stroller (AKA the 'Land Yacht'), our sunhats and the camera.

Julia got to see lots and lots of animals, like zebras, giraffes, fish, swimming turtles and peacocks. Her head jolted back and forth as she took in all of the sites.

Then, it started to rain. And rain. And poor. So we went into the elephant/rhino/hippo building for shelter. Oh, the smell. There is nothing like having a good rain to magnify the smell...

Then, it started to hail. That is when Scott asked, "Whose idea was it to come to the zoo?"

I gave my sweet, innocent smile :)

Happy Girl

Julia is now using her exersaucer! Thank you to Landon, whom let us have it when he outgrew it.




Julia loves to stand in it, play with the interesting toys and spin the seat around. Oh, the fun!





She has a new trick... laughing and giggling!

Balloons!

Julia has been hitting the party scene! Our close friend Carmen recently had a birthday and Julia discovered just how exciting helium balloons can be!

Chewing

Julia's new favorite activity... chewing on anything and everything. However, her hands are usually most readily available.

"Awe, she looks just like her dad!"

She is a lucky girl to have such attractive traits!

Grandma Joanne

Grandma Joanne came all the way from Pennsylvania to visit us. We went shopping (lots of shopping), had a BBQ and hung out at the house. Grandma Joanne is crazy about her first grandbaby!

Skype

Are you on Skype? If so, let me know so we can have live video chat! It's free and lots of fun! Scott and I were just chatting on Skype. He is away on travel and during our talk, I asked if his hotel room is nice. He replied, "Let me show you." He then carried his computer around the room so I could see it and it is nice with a 55" flatscreen and big glass shower.

The best part of Skype... Scott talking to Julia on live video and making her smile from hundreds of miles away!

Call me!