love you always

If this image doesn't sum you up, I don't know what does! Beautiful, funny, and full of spunk! My most favorite part of 23 months old? That you are asking for cuddle again. You are still on the move 95% of the time, but the other 5% you are all mine..and daddy's :) You can sing ANY song we teach you and you remember any accompanying hand gestures (itsy bitsy spider). You can pronounce every letter of the alphabet PERFECTLY. You can count to 12. You are SO incredibly smart. I am putting together the final details of your party and it will be so much fun! A small little toddler party with lots of books and yummy bookworms :) You'll see! I love you so much. You bring immeasurable joy to daddy and me. You are such a great little sister and will be an amazing big sister in 13 weeks! love love LOVE you!

Oh Molly!

YOu are sassy! You know what you want, when you want it, and will do whatever it takes to get it. You are strong and stubborn and down right hilarious!!!! You make everyone laugh :) You LOVE babies. You love on the kids at daycare and baby them - even if they are only a few months younger than you. You take care of your baby doll all night - feeding, burping, and changing her diaper. You are so loving. You can count to 10. You go potty 90% of the time. We tried underwear this week but as of today you were demoted down to pull ups. Its ok - when you are ready, we will help! Your personality is amazing and I cannot wait to share in your life. You are full of spunk and love. love you!!

Get Out

I was trying to get you ready for bed and you were fighting me every step of the way. Finally Daddy came in to give you a kiss and you settled down - you knew you were defeated. But as I was giving you kisses on the floor you got up and pulled on the door, "Get out" you said. "No Molly, we need to go to bed. It's bedtime." "Get out" you replied. "No, Molly, let's go get cozy." I wasn't getting it. "Get out, Mommy," you demanded. Oh, I got it. And I cried. I forgive you by the way and I love that you love your daddy but...ouch!!!????

YOU - the joy

Freaking gorgeous. Inside and out.

About Me

I wonder what you think about me. I wonder if you think I'm a good mom. I wonder if you look at me the way I look at you - with adoration. You woke up this morning around 5:15 am (an hour earlier than necessary) and I brought you to bed. I usually know better. You never go back to sleep with us. Instead, you will play with our hair and point out each eye and nose you can feel in the dark. I've actually looked forward to you falling asleep in our bed so many times, but you just don't. This morning you snuggled into my side and I thought, THIS IS IT! But alas, you started kicking your feet under the covers and giggled. Then you rubbed my face gently and kissed me over and over. I WILL TAKE THIS OVER SLEEPING :) I nuzzled your neck and let your fine, soft, bleach blonde hair tickle my nose. I thought of you, the night before, running around in your new pink pajamas. Your stocky little legs and pony tail bouncing up and down. You are so big. You are so little. I want to be a good role model for you. I want yo to see how hard I work, but how easy it is to drop things if you need me. I want you to know that you can dream big and daddy and I will support you in every way that we can. I want you to think I am a loving mother, a supportive wife, an inspiring teacher, a creative photographer, a good cook, ........ I take on so much and right now I think I have taken on TOO much. There is growing in that too. I want to teach you about the world, and rules, and how rules are meant to be broken sometimes :) I want so much for you and I am so proud of the tiny toddler that you are. You are opinionated, strong, funny, smart, loving, and thoughtful. "I love you more, Mom." <---- the best! I love YOU more, Molly. xo

Missing You

I'm back to work this week and to say I miss you would be like saying a root canal hurts a tiny bit. I enjoy teaching. meeting new people, having friends to talk to during the day, etc BUT I miss having breakfast with you, snuggling on the couch while we finally wake up a little bit, making plans for the day, silly dancing in the living room, random arts n crafts, and simply HANGING OUT. You are so funny and so smart - I just know I am missing so much goodness :( I love you though and any sort of distance does not change that. You bring so much spunk into our family. You are a tiny firecracker full of life and love and I miss you... That's all. See you in 30 minutes! xoxoxoxoxxoxo

Interests

Buckles, snaps, and putting on tops to water bottles. Swinging. Laughing. NOT getting splashed. Dancing. being adorable...always..

Pics - 19 months

From Daddy

My Molly Bird. Our relationship is one that words can not do justice. I love you more than life itself and I dare to think you feel the same for me. I love how we crack each other up all day. You are a funny girl and we are going to have a lot of fun over the years. The way you look for my approval when ever you do something makes my day. Whether you think it's funny or impressive, if I'm not looking you let me know it. And you'll continue to do it until I recognize your actions. My favorite time of day is bed time. We have our own little routine that involves a diaper change, then you shut off the light, then you close the door and we make our way to the chair. We read a book or two near the window and when that's done I rock you and sing to you. Your favorite songs are Somewhere over the rainbow, Twinkle Twinkle, you like lots of Ray Lamontange songs, and you are a big fan of the Civil Wars songs I sing you. Anyway, I need to stop you from eating grapes out the refrigerator right now so I'm going to go. You make everyday the best day ever. Love you Birdie, Dad

18 month check up

33 inches long - 80Th percentile 26.6 lbs - 75th percentile your head is in the 85th percentile Dr. Baker was so impressed with all of your skills. I will write more when you and owen arent tormenting each other :) xxoxo

From toddling to running

pics

Talents

- drinking out of a cup (no top) - eating applesauce with a spoon without one spill - riding a trike backwards - going head first down water slides Acting like you are 17 years old instead!

17 months

You are 17 months old! How? You are still my baby!!?? You have 3 1/2 of your one year molars in now which totals your tooth count to 11 1/2 :) You love to say: I EAT I GET I POOP ALL DONE MOMMY (s)TOP IT MOMMY I RUN Ahhh la you (i love you) you recognize so many other words that you havent tried saying yet... I told you to give me my toothbrush and you did, I ask you to throw away your trash and you do (you love cleaning up), I tell you to go get your baby for bed and you know right where to go to retrieve her. You are SO smart and SO funny and SO beautiful and just..precious. Daddy and I love you so much. Your hugs make every morning worth waking up for (even for me, and I HATE getting up!). You smile could crush any sad moment. Your little laugh with your tiny tictac teeth is just the best :) Enjoy the pictures, my growing girl!!!!!!!!!! love you!

First of many

First off let me apologize for the delay in posting anything in your blog. I simply couldn't access it anytime I tried, today I made sure I figured it out. I have no idea where to start. You are the most amazing daughter. I've cherrished every minute of your life. You are such a joy to be with (most of the time) and I really don't know how to express how special all of our time together has been. We laugh all the time. You love to wrestle with me, kiss me, squeeze me, high five, push our foreheads together, honk my nose, and I love doing all of those things to and with you. My favorite thing to do is put you to bed. We read a book, usually the sesamee street bubble book, then you cozy up with me and I sing to you. Once you seem to tire out I lay you down and hand you your baby. I sing you one more song and when I'm finished you pucker your lips for a kiss. It's the best way to end everyday. I love you.

The faces of Molly

I've slowly been taking pictures of the funny faces you make so I can create a collage :) You are so funny! You have starting singing the entire version of ELmo's World and yesterday you have been singing the Clean Up song every chance you get. You love to love and your hugs make the days' stresses melt away. Nana Kathy even said that you can't have a bad day when you're holding Molly...awww! Everyone begs to hold you and snuggle you but you are always on the go. You and Owen drove me crazy on Monday because I could not get either of you to stay in one spot for a second! You are smart. You are sweet. You are funny. Daddy and I are blessed. love you.

SO smart!!

I don't think I will ever get used to your verbal skills. You repeat everything that I say, and you say it clearly. This week you added "merrily, Merrily, Merrily, Merrily" into your "row row row (your boat)" and have begun singing, "ashes ashes...down!" and fall on the floor. You are getting a bit sick of the food that used to be your daily staples. Pasta, cheese, quesadilla, Ritz, etc. You could live on peas. At your 15 month (but really 16th month) check up you were the 75th percentile in weight and 90th in hight and head circumference. You had a big growth spurt and grew 3 inches in 3 months!!! (32 inches long now!) You are still 25 pounds, give or take a few ounces. You still get breast milk once in awhile from the freezer. I like to have some as back up for when you start getting sick :) You take a bit to warm up usually (some low eyebrows and turning your body into mommy) but when you are ready, you put yourself center stage and perform! You love making people laugh!!! I just cant get over how beautiful you are. I wanted a daughter SO badly. Thank you, God. You are perfect. love, mom

The Truth

“This life is what you make it. No matter what, you're going to mess up sometimes, it's a universal truth. But the good part is you get to decide how you're going to mess it up. Girls will be your friends - they'll act like it anyway. But just remember, some come, some go. The ones that stay with you through everything - they're your true best friends. Don't let go of them. Also remember, sisters make the best friends in the world. As for lovers, well, they'll come and go too. And babe, I hate to say it, most of them - actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart, but you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soul mate. You'll never find that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Just because you fail once, doesn't mean you're gonna fail at everything. Keep trying, hold on, and always, always, always believe in yourself, because if you don't, then who will, sweetie? So keep your head high, keep your chin up, and most importantly, keep smiling, because life's a beautiful thing and there's so much to smile about.”
― Marilyn Monroe

Pics

Easter, Spring Break, and my Joker :)

We had an amazing Easter! We died eggs (painted the kitchen), opened Easter baskets (installed a new pendant light), went to church (Ruby at baskets), and had all of our family over (and ate way too much). Perfect!

Spring break was busy with you two! Monday we went to the Critter Barn with friends and you loved it AGAIN. Tuesday we went to Fredrick Meijer Gardens and saw the Butterfly exhibit. We went through twice and then you played in the water! Wednesday you and Owen went to daycare so I could get things done around the house and you would get to see your friends. Thursday we played in jammies all day until Morgan and Kelsey came over to play. You love them so much. Friday-Sunday was full of playing and tickles and I was so sad to go back to work :( We have less than 2 months of school left and I cant wait!

You are SO funny and always do things to make people laugh. Our serious girl has become a joker! Tonight you said LOVE YOU very clearly, yellow, and you told me you bumped your head. I am shocked every time you come to me mumbling and using your hands - I understand you every time!

The other night you fell asleep as I was singing but anytime I asked for a kiss (every 20 seconds, seriously) you would sit up slightly, eyes still closed, and kiss me. Heaven. I have recently spent many nights just holding you watching you sleep. I love you so so soooo much.

love, the luckiest mom ever

new words (AGAIN!)

yes, ok, woof woof, and meow :)

Separation Anxiety and Singing

I haven't read books on where you should be on your development because #1 not all babies develop at the same rate #2 you are always way ahead of other babies your age and #3 I don't like to set myself up for something that may not happen. But it did. I remember this stage with Owen" Separation Anxiety. If I use the word GO, you cry. If I grab my keys, you cry. If I walk away from you, you shriek and chase me. (see picture) It is hard but we will get through this too. I love that you love me. I just wish I could make you understand that I will never ever ever leave you. I will ALWAYS return.

You love singing. Even if it's a little hum as you play. Last night you had a hard time falling asleep, so 4 different times I sang Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star and rocked you to sleep (only to lie you down and have you open your eyes at lightening speed and jump and cry). The last time I decided I would just rick you, no singing. Instead you snuggled in my arms and cooed, "Up, Above....High" and fell asleep. You have talent. Talent to sing. To melt my heart. To make me smile even though I am tired from climbing those stairs over and over ;p

You say CHEESE, Owen, jello, and JUMP now. So amazing.

I love you and all your kisses and squeezes. You make me so unbelievably happy!

love you!!

My favorite girl...

You are the most talkative little thing I have ever heard :) You repeat EVERYTHING! Jello, mine, cup, jump, etc and Daddy and I just giggle with you all of the time!

Daddy was putting you to bed for a long time but I have been doing it a lot recently because it just makes my whole day :) You used to be sooo crabby at bedtime but now you are just a blast of laughs and then a cuddly sigh. You sing with me and talk until you fall sleep. You LOVE when I sing SOMEWHERE OVER THE RAINBOW and you sing BLUEEEEE. Then I sing Twinkle Twinkle and you say UP ABOVEEEE.....

You are growing way too fast but I love all your new developments. Your kisses and hugs can make and grey sky BLUEEE......

love you!!!!!!!!!

WOW and AMEN

You learn more words every day. You speak so clearly too. Grandma Beth was talking with me on the phone and you said, "Hi!" and she replied, "Hi Owen!" Boy was she surprised when it was YOU :)

You said Amen at the end of your prayer last night and Daddy came downstairs with tears in his eyes. He was so proud, so touched, and as always, ever-amazed.


You played hard last night and had a blast running even faster around the house! 1, 2, 3, GO is your favorite game as you rush into our arms. Your laugh and smile is the best :)

My newest favorite? When we hug and you rest your head on my shoulder. We take turns saying, "Mmmm" and squeeze tightly. It warms my heart when you do it first. My love. My little girl. My bird.


love, mom

14 months

Ruby - Rooboo

Owen= Oh-nnn

Upstairs - Upstah

Tickle - TickTick

You LOVE vegetables. You eat carrots, lima beans, green beans, and peas. You choose vegetables over cheerios. You enjoy hamburger, tomatoes, noodles, bagels, yogurt...well - actually, there isn't anything you haven't liked yet!

You hug and kiss and clim and wiggle and dance and laugh and smile and fill our life with so much joy. We love you OH SO MUCH!

BOO, Running, and NO! (insert finger point)

You are a handful!

Valentine's Day

Your 2nd Valentine's Day was a success :) All your friends gave you valentines and candy. I ate the candy for you :)

Molly G

You are so funny, Molly G! When I tell you to chew (meaning you took a really big bite) you raise your eyebrows and open your mouth as wide as you can. You always start laughing. Your sense of humor is priceless. Even if I have had a long day and am feeling really tired, you have the ability to make me laugh and smile and want to play :)

We were listening to the song, "Who let the dogs out?" as a part of the Just Dance game, and you starting saying WHO WHO WHO.

When I say, "Don't you do it" you squeal and pitter patter off as fast as you can.

You have been sleeping through the night, every night.

I can almost put the back of your hair in a pony!

You are getting 4 teeth at the same time. Your next bottom tooth on the left broke through. Almost 13 months and 4 1/2 teeth :)

You are getting really good at showing GENTLE and lightly rubbing my face.

You are signing for milk!


love you love you love you!

Toddle Toddle

You are walking everywhere! It is def. your choice of mobility. A few days ago daddy and I remarked at how fast you are walking now...you really have this walking thing down. Is running next? I'm sure it isnt too far away.

You have started saying HI and usually say HI DADA during the night when you wake up. We havent done much sleep training with you and its been a bad habit that I always go in and nurse you back to sleep. Now that you are one we are letting you learn how to fall back asleep by yourself (though daddy now goes into to comfort you - hence the HI DADA).

Last night you said bubble and ball though you have said ball here and there before. I am still astounded at how quickly your learn and mimic. Your Aunt Jenny left your party and said, "Bye Molly, next time I see you you will probably be doing algebra!" Everyone can't help but laugh when you immediately say or do what they have done. You are so SMART!

You love the dolly Santa brought you for Christmas. Its your first lovie. I totally melt when you reach for her and hug her. SHe is a perfect size for you.

I love you so much Molly, our family is greater with you in it.

love, mom

Your party...

was FABULOUS!

100th post!

My 100th post for my 1 year old! You are learning so much and growing so fast but you still look like such a baby to me! Yesterday you wanted to feed yourself with a spoon. If I even attempted you to help you threw a fit. You take about 20 steps at a time now and your left foot usually leads you. You do everything with your right hand. You wave, blow kisses, give kisses, hug (you put your arms out straight and squeeze - never bending your elbows! haha), point to whatever you want, shake your head, "so big", dance, clap, and know every single part to patty cake. You say mama and dada, uhuh (no), up, down, thank you (anku), and cup. You were very close in trying to saying cracker yesterday. You are VERY good at mimicking sounds and actions.

Your party is tomorrow and we have so much to do. The details are a bit over the top but....you're my girl! You're my baby!!

I should probably mention that you are still nursing. I have tried to wean you a bit but you are NOT COOL with that. We will take it slow. I know I will miss it because its such a warm, comfy, bonding time for us but you are also trying to climb and play while you do it and that part isnt fun!! I feel guilty not nursing you right after work when you want to because I keep thinking, well she missed me and wants to nurse and bond but at the same time I know that you want to do it because its a habit. I so glad we made it to 12 months and I still have months of milk left in the freezer. You will be healthy, I hope!!!

love you so so much!