Millie's Big Announcement

Our baby girl is growing up

and expecting a new baby brother or sister,

due Sept. 4.


Just thought you should know.

What She's Been Up To

Now, I realize that it's not fair that I'm posting a non-perfect view of my child on here. Especially since I'm sure I never went through any of those non-perfect stages myself. Still, I hate it when anyone misses out on these fun and crazy moments. So for your enjoyment, here are some of M's achievements of her second year so far:


Oh, she looks so innocent.

Yes, that's the contents of the shredder.


No caption necessary. Oops.

Always the helper. She's so nice to clean out the box of wipes for me. . .

...and to empty the roll.


So glad she appreciates my cooking.

Oh good. Here she is "helping" Daddy vacuum. I'm glad I captured her NOT creating a mess for once.

And, for no reason, I just wanted to add this because I like it. Man, I love that little munchkin.

Pretend like I posted this yesterday

Dear Daddy,

With all due respect to mommy, I want to be your Valentine! Please, oh please!

Love,
Millie

Realizations

There's nothing like a day with a sick baby, to make the rest of my life look a lot more productive.

And thus she becomes a one-year-old

Dear Millie,

What a big year.

So many accomplishments--from learning to breathe to communicating and taking some steps.

I am so proud to have you as a daughter, and eternally grateful that you chose to be part of our family.

I love you, baby girl.

Love, Mom

They grow up so fast!

Millie took her first steps today.

Next thing I know, she'll be off to college.

Meet the Family

These pictures have nothing to do with this post, I just liked them. (Nice work censoring your own photo, Millie!)

Over the past few weeks, we've had all of my siblings with all of their children in town. It was a blast, let me tell ya. Still, it's always kind of a funky experience spending a lot of time with siblings, as an adult.

Anyone agree?

No matter what I've done with my life or who I've become since I left my parents' home, everyone seems to fall back into their birth order when we're together.

Here they are:

"Oldest Brother": Gourmet chef who never went to culinary school; Computer genius; Great father; Dr. Who enthusiast; and don't you dare use cream of anything soup around him. It gives him the willies.

"The Doctor": Despite his many other interests and talents, his degree has become his face. Whenever this brother is in town, any ache or pain that you've ever had will somehow come to rest upon his ears, with pleas for advice. Oh yeah, and we went running together one day. He's really fast.

"Kids' Favorite": Always the entertainer, the kids especially love him; Good White-Elephant present giver; Loves reliving his childhood (Duck tales. Need I say more?); Teaches Psychology at BYU; Gluten free cooking.

Me

"Little Sister": Loves to sew; In the middle of a bunch of projects; Just got engaged; Wants to be individual and unique;

"Like a Nephew": I didn't actually see this brother much over the break. He was usually with the kids. You can't blame him, he is 10 years old.

Thinking that not everyone enjoys the family stereotype, I tried to break out of our mold a bit. I made dinner and used Cream of Mushroom Soup, didn't even mention a body part in "The Doctor's" presence, played games as adults, and...well, my sister was out of town and, like I said, I didn't see the youngest much. I really enjoyed getting to know my siblings better as individuals, and not just as my siblings.

Of Course, maybe the stereotype is more accurate...