Picture Fun

I couldn't get these pictures to go side by side because I formatted them too big but you still get the idea. The top two are of me, the two middle are sweet pea, and the two bottom are daddy. I think she is definately looking more like daddy right now!!

Remembering Mom

Today is the 5 year anniversary of my Mother's death...

I miss her. I miss her so much.

We take for granted so many things in our lives...I know I am guilty of it but I am trying so hard to change that. Everyday I am blessed with the presence of my husband and my beautiful daughter - they are my life. It's hard sometimes to really appreciate what we have; instead, we get all caught up in needless drama and lose sight of what's really important. Sometimes, we don't realized just how important something is (was) until it's gone.

I am proud of the relationship I had with my Mother. We had so much respect for each other and always found special ways to let each other know how important the other was to us. from a young age, I always told my Mom how proud I was of her. Now that I am a Mom, I understand how wonderful and profound that must have made my Mom feel. I know in my heart and in my soul that I brought joy into my Mother's life and I will never, nor have I ever, take(n) the joy she brought into my life, for granted. I can only pray that Sydney and I have a similar relationship.

I remember the last week of my Mother's life like it was yesterday. Before my Mother started slipping away, she called us in to draw up her living will. It was awful. She asked me to write as she spoke. I wrote my Mother's living will - I still have the original! She began by saying she was sorry that she was leaving us and how sad she was that she was going to die before her Mom. After discussion on the medical treatment she did and did not want, she brought up my child, the grandchild she would never meet. It was a very emotional moment for my Mother and I. This has been one of the most difficult things about my Mother dying so young...that she wasn't able to be there with me through my pregnancy and delivery. I never got to see my Mother hold my daughter.

I write about this because I just want us all to try and slow down and appreciate what we DO have. Someone said to me when my Mom died, "Look for the miracles." I didn't understand that for some time, but since then, have noticed many miracles...most importantly, my daughter.

My Mother was way too important and amazing for me to just sit around and get lost in grief. Of course I am still sad that she is gone, but life is short and sometimes not fair, and I am not going to just let life pass me by. I will honor my Mother by LIVING and by being the best wife, mommy, step mom, grand daughter, aunt, daughter in law, cousin, niece & friend that I can be to my family. Because really, what could be more important?

I love you so much Mom and I know you are still with us. I can feel your warmth and presence frequently and know that you are proud of my relationship with Sydney. Someday...

A Nice Weekend

Man we had a fun weekend. With Daddy away, Sydney and I got out of our normal routine of things we do and tried some new things. I already told you about our excitement on Friday. On Sat., we had to clean the house up nice for another showing. During the showing we went to Walmart to get our diapers (really cheap there with my coupons) and then we went out for our first treat together. We went to this new place I heard about on the news that serves yummy frozen yogurt. We shared a mix of blueberry and plain frozen yogurt. Sydney made some very funny faces with the first few bites but it didn't take long for her to realize just how good it was!! She was like a little birdie waiting with her mouth open. It was a nice way to cool down and fill our tummies at the same time. Plus, we got to people watch. We then came home and played and before we knew it, it was bedtime.

Today, we went to a children's consignment store and bought Sydney a Holky Polky Elmo. We then came home and played with it for a long time. Zoey kept trying to attack him and Ziggy kept growling at him. Sydney loved him. She sat in front of him and kept clapping her hands and going around in circles when Elmo did. I took some video that I will try and get up tomorrow. What is it with Elmo that kids love so much!!??

We had another showing early evening so I took Sydney to the park and we went on the swings. We then came home so I could go running; however, half way down the block, the wheel broke and we had to come back home. Oh well!

Daddy comes home early in the morning tomorrow and we are very excited to see him. There's a big void around here when Daddy is gone and we don't like it one bit!! Lots of hugs and kisses will be had tomorrow!!

Video

Greg and I got a new Flip Video camera. It's very tiny and easy to use - which is very important when it comes to me. Let's just say that I am not mechanically inclined!! This is just a quick video of Sydney this morning. Anytime she hears music, she "dances". Here, she is dancing on her hands and knees. She also "dances" in her stroller and of course when she is standing up. Notice the box in the back ground...this box serves 2 very important functions: it keeps Sydney from hitting the glass on the fireplace and it serves as her little fort with all of her "animals" to sleep in when she isn't playing with them.

Also notice later in the video when she is heading towards the stairs - how do you like the road block made up of a toy basket, a box of diapers, and the ottoman. We cannot find a gate that is wide enough to cover this area that we can use. We can't utilize the hardware gates since the house is up for sale and we constantly have showings...so, we get creative!

A Beautiful Day

I had an amazing day with my daughter today. Daddy is out of town with Jordan for soccer so it's just Sydney and I. I think today was one of my favorite days with Sydney. I feel like we bonded so much today.

After her morning nap, we ate and then went to the mall. We started our visit by interacting with the dogs at the pet store. Sydney was getting such a thrill watching the puppies play. At one point, she was laughing so loud that we drew a crowd. The worker took it up a notch and brought one of the puppies out. The puppy kept trying to crawl into Sydney's stroller. This made her laugh even harder - I seriously have never heard her laugh so hard. Everyone around the store was laughing by the time we were done. I felt so blessed to be in the moment with my daughter - laughing!

We then went to the play area. It was very hot today so the play area was packed. I decided to let Sydney join the fun and let her crawl and climb with the other kids. I was by her side the entire time because there were so many big kids running around. Sydney had no fear and was having a blast. She just couldn't get from A to B fast enough. It was sooo cute! When we finally left, Sydney threw a fit - not wanting to leave of course!!

We then went home, ate, and then she took another nap. After her nap, we did some rough housing on the floor. She was full of kisses and hugs!! Again, I just felt so in the moment with her and really had so much fun with her. Then, it happened...my little baby took her first two steps all by herself. I clapped, cried, and then called Daddy!! It's all happening so fast!!! Daddy wanted me to record her walking again...do you know how hard that is? Needless to say, she didn't end up doing it again. After a quick snack and after it cooled down some outside, I put Sydney in the jogging stroller and went for a run. We then came home and I put her in the tub...which she of course loves! I was pretending my hand was a fish and she laughed so hard - a big, loud, belly laugh - over and over. We both laughed so hard for a long time.

After her bath it was time for bed. She is beginning to wean herself off of the breast. She breast fed for just a bit and then I tickled her face lightly for a few minutes. I then put her into bed with her soft stuffed bear. She grabbed on to the bear and dozed off. What a perfect ending to a beautiful day. I am so lucky!

Pictures

I took Sydney in for her 1 year old pictures this week since we will be gone over her birthday. She did a little better - meaning we did get some pictures of her smiling - but it didn't last long. Here are a few of the shots they took. I have copies of some of them for everyone, so no need to worry.

My Sweet Angel

YUMMY!!!!

Today is your lucky day...

two blog entries today with pictures. These pictures were taken after my morning blog entry. I just couldn't resist! Below are pictures of Sydney eating organic children's ravioli...

Can you tell she liked it!!!

We had another nice weekend here at the Wade residence. After a nice run/hike on Sat. I had my 2nd toe surgery, YUCK!! It's really not that big of a deal once the shots are in and my toe goes numb!! Hopefully, this will be the last time and the nail won't grow back! Daddy and Jordan kept an eye on Sydney for the rest of Sat. since I couldn't walk much.

Jordan left for the Nationals soccer tourny on Sunday so everyone send positive thoughts his way please!!

On Sunday, we started our day by sitting out front in our P.J.'s (Mommy, Daddy, Sydney, Ziggy & Zoey). Mommy and Daddy had coffee, Sydney had yogurt and Ziggy & Zoey chased lizards!! We went to church and lunch with our neighbors. Sydney really did well in church. There was a ton of upbeat music, guitar, drums, and singing which Sydney loved! She also got to try some new foods at lunch. Later that night, after Sydney was in bed, Mommy and Daddy sat out back enjoying a beer and watched the sky turn shades of pink and purple as the sun set. We were in bed by 9pm!!

Enjoy the pictures...

More Adventures

I took Sydney to the park yesterday (not something we can usually do this time of year due to the heat) and she loved it. At first, she wasn't too sure about the swing...

...but after a few minutes, she liked it and the smiles were endless.
This is Sydney walking with her push toy. You should see her cruise around with this thing!!! Look at those yummy chubber-wobbers!!
And here she is eating her peas...what a performer she is!!

Her favorite toy at the moment is a huge card board box that looks like a tunnel. We put all of her stuffed animals in there and she disappears for an adventure. It's so cute because I can hear her talking away to her "friends" inside.

11 Months Old!

Oh my gosh, 11 MONTHS OLD!!! Unbelievable that my baby is soon going to be 1. This last year has seemed like it's raced by and yet, at other times, it seems like it's been a lifetime! Tonight, before bath time, Sydney, Daddy, Mommy, Ziggy and Zoey all sat outside and let the light rain drip drop on us. It was a very nice moment. Everything I have always wanted was right there.

Sydney almost took her first steps yesterday. I am sure she will be walking by the time we go to Minnesota. She is already standing on her own and cruising the furniture. She also said the word "Doggy" for the first time last night in front of Jordan and Greg.

Greg and I had a date night last night (our 2nd one since Sydney was born)! We went out to a nice dinner with our neighbors. Brother Jordan and his girlfriend watched over Sydney while we were gone. Jordan did very well and seemed very happy to do it. He is so good with Sydney and I know he is going to miss her so much when he leaves for school. Whenever he is around, Sydney gets the cutest little smirk on her face and just loves to show off for her big brother. I still cannot believe he will be leaving soon.

Well, time to put the little one to sleep!

Our Busy Girl

Can you believe it, Sydney has two more teeth that just cut through...that makes 8 teeth!!! She is doing this funny thing the last few days, she will not say "Mama" she will only say "Dada" or "Daddy". When I say "Mama" she says "Dada" and then laughs - that little stinker!!!


She now says "baby" "Ziggy" and points out birdies and airplanes when she sees them. She also dances and is working on waving. She loves to be on Daddy's shoulders and walks very proudly with her push walker all by herself.


Because I know very little about computers, I am having a terrible time downloading video - it takes hours and then freezes up my computer. Below is the beginning part of a video that I took of Sydney but the 2nd half didn't download...sorry!

Picture Overload!!

Finally, we were able to get our Minnesota trip scheduled. I am so excited that we will be in Minnesota surrounded by family, for Sydney's first birthday!!! I cannot wait for her to meet all of her cousins, aunts & uncles, and my friends!!! I am a little nervous to fly with a child so any suggestions from all of you moms would be great!!

Sydney is growing so fast. She is now cruising around the furniture and standing alone for short periods of time. She is very quick on the steps so we have gates everywhere. She is now taking showers and sits in the big tub for baths. She continues to love the pool and anything else that has to do with water. Everyday I am amazed by her ability to learn things so quickly and love to watch her attempt and succeed at new tasks.

Enjoy the video and pictures!!

Look at those chubber-wobbers!!! They are yummy!!

She loves to empty these two cabinets out and climb inside. I now put books and toys and such in here so she can keep busy emptying it and exploring.

She is such a comedian during meals!!

My two favorite sweeties!!

She loves Daddy's hats!

YUMMY!!!

An outing at a splash park. She loves to play in the water!!

After a morning of serious playing!!

She loves to play with Zoey and Zoey's toys!!

Holy POOP!!

WARNING: The following content may be difficult for some viewers to read. Viewer discretion advised!

OMG!!! Remember the Holy Poop blog entry I wrote when Sydney was much younger and still had explosive poops? I really didn't think it could get anymore gross than poop bubbling up over the diaper onto her belly and pink papason chair!!! Well... it DOES!!!

It was so hot again today so at around 3pm, I decided to lather Sydney down with sunscreen and take her out into the pool to cool off and to get out of the house. I put on her little swimming diaper and into the pool we went. We were in there for a long time playing. Finally, Sydney had enough (actually, my arms were getting tired) so we got out of the pool. I took her up to the lounge chair where her towel was and sat her down to dry her. I looked down and saw brown all over the blanket and on me. What the heck? I then looked at Sydney's swollen diaper and saw that she had pooped, very lose poop, and it was coming out of the diaper at ALL openings!! What to do? I couldn't take off the swimming diaper right there because we would have had poop everywhere... So, I did the only thing I could think of, I wrapped her in the towel and we high tailed it upstairs into my shower. I took the pants off in the shower, there was poop everywhere. Did I mention that she had carrots today!! There was poop on her, poop on me, poop on the shower floor, poop in the swimmy, poop on the towel and there was my beautiful blue-eyed girl sitting on the floor with the water coming down, laughing and kicking her chubber-wobbers and squealing! I am glad someone was enjoying this! All I could do was sit down next to her (our shower is huge) and laugh with her.

What a day!