Rain Slicker

Don't worry guys- even though it has been raining/snowing here all day, Kaylee is totally ready to take on the storm.

The Big ONE

Yesterday was Kaylee's first birthday!  I can't believe what a big girl she is now- she is definitely not a baby anymore. She refuses to take a bottle and since her birthday just yesterday she has taken more steps than ever before.  She went from only taking 1 or 2 steps before falling to walking about halfway across the room overnight! I guess she decided that since she's one now, she has to start walking since only babies crawl :) My sister put together an amazing birthday party for her on Saturday and we played some awesome games, watched a slide show of her 1st year, and opened lots of fun presents.  It was a great day and I am so grateful to have this amazing little girl in my life.  She has taught us so much and is tons of fun!  Every day I think I love her more and more and know that I am incredibly blessed to have her with me all the time.

 Playing with her birthday balloon

 Opening one of her many presents- thank you everyone!

 Enjoying her first taste of cake

Showing off her adorable new Cinderella dress!

A Rare Occasion

Most of the time, I'm too hard on myself.  I always feel as if I should be doing something more.  I don't spend enough time with Kaylee, I don't get enough done around the house, I don't get ready like I used to, I don't give Richard enough attention, etc, etc, etc.  But the last four days I was pretty much passed out on the couch from being so sick and Richard had to take over 90% of parent duty.  So yesterday when I was feeling better, I actually had enough energy to play with Kaylee.  We read books and I chased her around and we went to the store, and I taught her some new things and we laughed together.  And at the end of the day I sat down with a smile on my face because I. felt. like. a. good. mother!  That is so rare to give myself enough credit and actually feel that I am doing the best I can.  I guess the contrast between not being able to do anything and finally feeling normal again was enough to show me that a lot of times, I do more than I think I do. It was a great feeling :)  Besides, how could you not feel good with this face smiling at you all day??