Birthday Girl

Of course Kaelyn had to match her cake and decorations.

Blowing out the candle. (She might have had a little help from mom)

Wayne and the kids helping her open her presents.

Kaelyn's Birthday Cake

The middle layer had a Oreo frosting filling

I made Marshmallow Fondunt to cover her cake, it wasn't

too hard, but took quite a while to do it all.

Kaelyn didn't eat any of her cake, but she had a taste of the cookies and cream ice cream.

She wasn't quite sure about it ;)

Kaelyns 1st, of many, trips out on Grandpa's Boat

"This green thing is eating my head!"

In a years time...

Kaelyn has grown from 1 lb 11 oz, 13 inches long to 14 lbs 8 oz 26 inches long

(and went from the length of 2 spoons to the length of at least 5 spoons)

Dad's wedding ring went from fitting around her wrist to barely fitting around 2 fingers

She went from sporting this little number as a beanie to wearing it as her birthday party hat!

*Birthday party post to follow.

2 New Joys

So, this past week we have discovered two new things about Kaelyn. First, she loves swimming. Second, she has the cutest giggles in the whole wide world. We were up in Midway for a work retreat at the beginning of the week and took Kaelyn swimming for her first time. She has always enjoyed bath time so we figured she would like swimming as well. No doubt about it, she had tons of fun, as you can see in the video below.

(The scream at the end is her happy scream. You'll see another one in the next video)

Second, I was just playing around with her the past couple of days. We have a new trick where she actually gets excited for me to start kissing her cheeks. It's been a lot of fun and then today she did this. We almost died because of how cute it was.

(the very best giggle is at 1:00)

Kaelyn has an announcement...

NO MORE OXYGEN!

She's been off the stuff for FIVE days now, and couldn't be happier. Her mom and dad better start lifting weights now that they don't have to lug the tank everywhere they go.

Become as a little child

Kaelyn posing for her first "Glamour Shot"

(taken by Max's mom Kristin)

Last Sunday we took Kaelyn with us to Stake Conference. Now that its warming up and most of the bugs are passed, we feel like she can come with us to church now. I've been waiting along time for these days. (When I was a kid and would lay my head on my mom's lap during church, I would dream of the days I had a little one and could bring a blankly and treats to church) A couple rows in front of us I noticed a cute little girl, around five years old was watching Kaelyn for most of the 2 hour meeting. As the meeting was coming close to ending I noticed she was telling her mom about Kaelyn and her mom took a quick peek and smiled. Next the little girl was asking her mom about the stickers and oxygen tubes on Kaelyn's face.

When I saw her doing that my heart sunk a little. The thought came to me. "that must be why she was staring at Kaelyn so much." I was a little let down, but moved on quickly and kind of forgot about it. Of course this little girl proved me wrong. Right after the meeting she came back to me and said, "You're little baby is so pretty", then she shyly went back to her mom after I said thank you. I was awestruck, I can't tell you how good that made me feel. It proved to me that we do need to be more like little children. Yes, they are going to have questions about Kaelyn, and that is okay, they aren't trying to be mean or point out what's different about her. Most the time they genuinely want to learn, and what a great opportunity to teach them. But just like the little girl on Sunday, they will end up teaching us.

I just love this picture of her, check out the new hairstyle she has been sporting this week ;)

(Picture also taken by Max's mom - @ our fun play date)

Kaelyn's first ride on the Carousal at the zoo.

My Little Friend Maker

A few weeks ago Kaelyn and I spent the day watching some of the girls I coach in high school play in a club volleyball tournament. Kaelyn was such a good sport, she was totally content hanging out in the gym all day, which is good because that is about all we know how to do in our family. We had such a good time watching the volleyball, but also making new friends.

I decided that one of Kaelyn's talents is making new friends. We made a couple of new friends with some of the other mom's there watching their daughters. One offered her extra chair to us and kept checking on us to see if we needed anything. Others made sure none of the stray balls hit us while the teams warmed up. We carried on some great conversations about volleyball, Kaelyn, their daughters and just anything else that came up. This little girl is helping her shy momma come out of her shell and enrich her life by meeting new people. If it was just me sitting there, I wouldn't have talked to anyone except the girls I knew. Thanks Kaelyn, you're helping me become the person I want to be, one day at a time :)

First Golfing Trip - She loved cruising in the cart

"Ah mom, what was that? You're suppose to hit the ball!"

Yay for Summer Clothes!

Happy Easter

We hope everyone is having a wonderful Easter holiday. We are so grateful for this holiday and especially for our Savior who suffered, died and was resurrected so that we can have eternal life. It is because of Him that we can be together as a forever family. This knowledge brought us so much peace and comfort one year ago, when we weren't sure what the fate of the little girl growing inside of me would be. We are so grateful for every second we have with Kaelyn. She has brought so much happiness and love into our lives. We are grateful for all of the wonderful parents and children we have met since her birth, that have shown us the way. Thank you for helping us through those tough days and for rejoicing with us through the wonderful days. One thing we've learned in the past year is that there are amazing people out there, willing to share their love with complete strangers. "To mourn with those that mourn and comfort those who stand in need of comfort".

Good Night