Fun With Crayons

Caught Genni playing with the crayons.  I thought she was going to start chewing on them, but instead...

 

Such a cutie!!

First Day Of School

The girls started school a few days after Genni's first birthday.  They were pretty excited about a new school year, new teachers, and new friends.

 

Georgia started Preschool this year.  She was so very excited...I can't believe how big she's gotten!!

 

I thought I would also put up some photos of the other two and compare how much they have grown over the past few years.

 

Gracie on her first day of Preschool.

 

Gracie's first day of Kindergarten.

 

Grace is in 1st grade this year...so crazy how much she's grown up!

 

Gwen's first day of Kindergarten.

 

Gwen's first day of 1st grade.

 

Gwen is now in 2nd grade!!  She's grown and changed so much!!

 

I love looking back and seeing how much they've grown, and reflecting on how much each of them has changed.  It's hard for my to acknowledge that Georgia will be starting Kindergarten next year, and that I'll only have Genesis around the house.  I am excited though to see what the start of the next school year will bring.  I am looking forward to once again having this chance to look back and remember how small my babies were, and think about how amazing and awesome they are now!!

A Birthday Letter to Genesis

Happy Birthday Genesis Eva!!  I can't believe you are one already!  You were such a special miracle to us that I constantly wished you would stay small forever.  I am amazed at how much you have progressed and grown though over the last year!!

 

We were so anxious to have you join our family!!  Even though there were some big scares at the beginning of my pregnancy, Heavenly Father wanted you to be a part of our family.  When Daddy and I saw you we were so overcome with joy and I just cried and cried.  I couldn't believe how perfect you were, and how much hair you had (and that it's curly likes Mommy's)!!

 

The next few months were kind of rough.  You wouldn't nurse right, so I had to pump and feed you, but it was worth every minute.  I also got really sick the weekend of your blessing, and had to stay away from you for a whole day.  It was around that time too that we noticed how badly you had reflux...I think we changed your clothes about 6-7 times a day!!  Every cuddle, nap, and eventually smile and coo made all the trials worth it-you were our sweet Genni Penny!!

 

Your reflux still continued to be a problem over the next few months.  So much so that we had to switch you to formula to help you gain some weight better.  You thrived and met all your milestone markers, despite being a very tiny baby.  You really enjoyed eating rice cereal and most fruits and vegetables, though you really hated peas at first!  Vegetable became your favorite food, and we had so much fun getting you to laugh and smile that your sisters tried everything they could to get a reaction out of you!

 

 Not long after you turned 6 months you started crawling, and by the time you were 9 months old you had your first tooth.  By this time you had done so many firsts-cereal, solids, an airplane, your first Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas...even a long car trip.  It seemed like time passed way to fast, and you grew up so quickly, but because you were still so tiny, it also seemed like you were our little baby.  Your personality continued to change, grow and shine, and we continued to love you more and more.

Now you're a year old.  You're walking now, saying some words, and so ready to eat normal food.  You love to explore, and go wherever your curiosity takes you.  You adore your sisters, and love it when they take the time to sit and play with you or read a book to you.  You love to wear shoes and hats, and drink out of regular water bottles and cups.  Your favorite thing to do right now is get in the stroller and go for a walk.  You are a giant mooch in a tiny body, sneaking food from everyone that will let you. 

 

You are also very free with your smiles, your hugs, your excitement over everything, and your love.  You bring so much light and joy into each of our lives, and have brought our family even closer together.  I am so grateful and feel so blessed that Heavenly Father sent you to us, that you have such a special and amazing spirit about you, and that I get to be your Mommy.  I love you so much Genesis...Happy 1st Birthday!!

Happy 1st Birthday Genesis!!

Some pictures from Genni's 1st birthday back in August.

 

Ready to celebrate the day by claiming Georgia's bed as her own!

 

I got her dressed in her special outfit for the day, and we just relaxed and prepped her older sisters for the start of the new school year before opening presents with Daddy later that night.

 

She didn't really understand how to pull the paper off the presents, but sure loved playing with her gifts!

 

Hooray for new toys!

 

 

We did cake after presents because we knew she would be a big mess.  This was her "smash" cake.  Nothing special...just a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting.  We have done the same thing for each of the girls.

 We were able to Skype with family while she ate her cake.  She was fascinated with all these people cheering her on!

Gotta lick the frosting off the fingers-it's too yummy to wipe off!

 

My happy 1 year old!!

 

 I can't believe my baby is a year old already.  Happy Birthday Genesis Eva-we sure love you!!

Genesis Learns To Walk

A week and a half before Genni's first birthday, she finally took her first steps and learned how to walk!!  We were so excited...and so was she!!

 

 

 

Face Painting

One weekend this summer, Walmart had someone come in on a Saturday and do face painting for any child who wanted it done.  Of course our kids were willing to stand in line to get it done too!!

 

Gwen got a flower.

 

Grace's was supposed to be a cat...not so sure what the red dots on the cheeks, chin and forehead were for.

Georgia went with a rainbow.

I love it when we come across things that bring an extra ounce of joy into my children's daily lives!!

My Mysterious Aztec Superhero

While getting dinner ready one night, I had a visit from a very special superhero.

 

It was the famous Aztec Warrior Supergirl!!  I was so pleased to see her!!

I don't know where she came from, or what brought her to my home, but I am so glad she did.  I only wish I knew who she really was so I could give her a great big hug and thank her for brightening up my day and rescuing me from the worries and cares that had been weighing on me.  Thank you Aztec Warrior Supergirl!!

(sure love you my sweet Gwen!!)