December 18, 2011

Serelle,

Just thought I would add something to your mom's post below about "Oh my cow!". Lately, you've been mixing a couple of other things together (regretfully that you've likely heard from me) and came up with "Oh my heck in the world?!"

Currently, you and Lili love to say, "Snap it out babe!" which is based off something your mom says if you or Lili are being especially grouchy, "Snap out of it!" (not sure where the babe came from). Sure love you little girls.

-Dad

Tuesday December 13, 2011

Liliahna,

You sure know how to melt your daddy's heart. You came up to me in the kitchen this evening and said, "Dad, I want to marry you." When I told you that I was already married to your mom, you said, "Well, I want to marry a boy like you then." You are just the best. Sure love you sweetie.
-Dad

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Serelle,

You are a very expressive little girl! You love to copy things that Dad and I say, but sometimes they get a little bit mixed up! The other day you kept saying, "Oh my cow"! Then another time I heard you saying, "Oh my schnikes"! I kind of like that you get it mixed up, it's so sweet!

Monday, December 5, 2011

Liliahna,

You have turned into such a chatterbox! You've started to tell the most interesting and creative stories! I can always tell if it's a real story or if it's a pretend story by the way you talk when you tell the story. You get very animated when it's a pretend story, like you can't wait to get out the next exciting line of the story!

You like to make up names like Renell, Olah, Hoolah, etc. and tell stories about these friends, about school, about playing, about their family, about their vacations (always to Hawaii - maybe you're trying to give us a hint!) and always somebody is sick and has to go to the doctor! I love watching you grow up and mature. These stories are so sweet and I love trying to capture every word!

Mom

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Serelle,

"Hubba hubba, naykee, naykee, shaykee, shaykee!" At least once a day, you end up naked for one reason or another. Once you are clothes-free, you just can't resist...you look at me or mom and say, "You want see me do shaykee shakee!?" Of course, you are already shaking your hips back and forth (stiff as a board) as you ask the question.  Then, when we say yes, you immediately turn your backside to us and somehow shake it even more. We laugh every time. Sure love you.

Don't loose that spirit.

Dad

Sunday, October 10, 2011

Serelle,

You have done such an amazing job with the "potty training"! You are learning so fast and have only had a few accidents - most of which were my fault for not helping you get to a bathroom in time!

Two funny things that you've started to pick up on:

1. Every time you go to the bathroom we get very excited for you. We always say something to the effect of, "nice work Rellie!" So, lately, whenever you are with me when I'm going to the bathroom, as soon as you hear it you say, "nice work Mom".  Like everyone should be congratulated for using the toilet! Thanks for the encouragement!

2. You also seem to have learned very quickly that there is one thing that mom and dad will always delay bedtime for...if you tell us you need to go potty. You tell me in your sweet little voice, "mommy, I need to go tinkles" and I'm just so proud of you/worried that you'll wet the bed, that of course I let you go every single time! You are usually so excited to jump out of bed and run into the bathroom where you'll sit on the potty and tell me to go into your room and check on Lili so you can be alone. What a smart and silly little girl!

Love,
Mom

Monday, September 26, 2011

HAPPY BIRTHDAY LILIAHNA!!!

Today you are five years old.

You are increasingly independent. You can buckle yourself into your carseat. You can buckle Serelle into her carseat. You like to help wash the dishes. You like to help wash the car.

You wake up at 7 am on the dot. Every single morning. You are more reliable than an alarm clock and you do not have a snooze button.

You love your family. You love your dad, me and Serelle. And you tell us this often. I hope we all learn from you in this regard.

You love your cousins, your aunts, your uncles, and especially your two Mimi's, your Rhino and your Poppi. They know this. And I'm pretty sure that you're just about everyone's favorite niece/cousin/granddaughter! (although no one will ever be able to admit that!)

You love to laugh. You have such a contagious, and irresistible laugh that most people find themselves trying to create new ways to hear that amazing giggle. I know I do.

You are a hard worker. You know what it means to feel like something is really hard. But you are also learning to never give up. To push through and to feel the success of conquering.

Your memory is like a steel trap. You remember everything you hear - except maybe when I ask you to come inside from the park! You remember who gave you which Barbie doll and at what birthday. You remember that Aunt T lives on H street in Salt Lake City. You remember which temple just about every couple in our family was married in.

You are a good friend. You make friends wherever you are. You have friends in Utah, Arizona, and the number of friends you have here in California is growing rapidly.

You love to swing. And although you can pump your legs hard enough that your head touches the tree branches, you want us to push you on the swing endlessly.

You love to learn. You loved Miss Merlene and now you adore both Teacher Lissa and Teacher Triona. Young 5's is the best thing that could have happened to you. Maybe that's why daddy got into Stanford?

Liliahna, you are such a prize and joy to me. I feel honored and humbled to be your mother. I hope that I can help you realize your full potential. I know that you are a beloved daughter of God. I know that He sent you to me and I am thankful for the priceless gift that you are to me. Every single day.

Happy Birthday Lili!

Love,
Mom

Friday, September 23, 2011

Serelle,

We are officially a diaper-free family.

Way to go! You are such a fast learner and have made the dreaded "potty training" transition a complete breeze! I'm not sure why I'm surprised, you are an incredibly bright little girl and I should have known how smoothly you would handle the transition.

You love to wear your "Dora" undies and are so good to come running and enthusiastically yell, "Mommy, I go tinkles!" Or, "I have a big one, poo poo!". You are so funny and such a joy.

Bunk beds and potties, what a big girl.

Mom

September 9, 2011

Liliahna,

I have been feeling pretty good about all of my new purchases for business school. I got some cool new pants, some great new shoes, and a killer suit. One of the things I was most excited about was my new messenger style school bag. I was feeling especially confident about it today, until you walked up to me and said, "Dad, I really like your purse!" My what?!? You are just so cute and I love you like crazy. You, your mom, and your sister are the most wonderful parts of my life.

Dad

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Serelle,

Right now, your favorite thing to say is, "I ready did!" You say it with such attitude and even put your hands on your hips sometimes! Whenever mom asks you to sit down and finish your dinner, or to put your toys away, or brush your teeth (pretty much any time we ask you to do anything you don't want to do), you quickly and sharply answer, "I ready did!" Sure love you and your BIG little attitude.

Dad

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Serelle,

You have had such a fun summer living at Mimi and Rhino's house with Uncle Kade and lots of cousins around - Satchel, Eero, Castle and Smith. However, you must be a little bit homesick because every couple of days, especially when you're tired or sad, you'll look at me and say, "Mom I want to go home". I'm not quite sure what to tell you because we don't really have a home right now! I think you're referring to our home at Midtown, but because we're not going back there I don't want to encourage that and make you feel sad. Luckily we will be moving into our own home very soon! We'll pick up our Penske truck a week from today and head West to our new home at Stanford! Hopefully, with Dad, Lili and I all together with you, you'll start to feel like that is your home! I sure love you!

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Liliahna

You gave your first talk in Primary today! We are visiting Mimi and Rhino's ward in Glendale, AZ for a couple of weeks and they asked you to give a talk about Temples! Dad helped you write the talk and you did such a great job! Here is what you wrote:

"My name is Liliahna Lundeen.
I love the temple.
The temple makes me happy.
I'm getting married in the temple.
My mom and dad got married in the Salt Lake Temple.
I want to be with my family forever.
I love my Heavenly Father.
I love Jesus.
I love the temple.
The temple is very special.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen."

We are all so proud of you for being brave and doing such a great job giving your very first talk! Way to go Lili!

June 29, 2011

Liliahna,

Holy cow! You are a good little swimmer! You went from being pretty much terrified of being in the water to learning the front crawl in two days! I'm not sure how the major progress came, but we're loving it! We're living in PHX this summer while we wait for B-school at Stanford to start, so you're getting a lot of water time right now. You ask me or mom to swim out to the middle of the pool, and then you like to swim out to us, then swim back to the steps. I'm so proud of your efforts Lili!

Dad

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Serelle,

Or should I say "D-Rell"? Your cute sister Lili (or should I say Lil-eye) just loves you! She loves playing with you and can often be heard calling your name. Because she can't say her "S" very well, your name comes out sounding like D-Rell. The Mattingly's especially caught on to this and now you are affectionately referred to as D-Rell. We sure love you D-Rell!

Mom

Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Liliahana,

We are in Phoenix AZ for the summer staying at Mimi and Rhino's house until we get ready to move to "Dalifornia". In an attempt to survive the intense summer heat of AZ, Mimi signed you, Satchel and Serelle up for swim lessons over at Vicki and Jerry's house. Last Friday was the first day of swim lessons and it was a disaster. All three kids cried the entire lesson. But something happened over the weekend. You became a swimmer. You absolutely love spending time in the pool! Today at your swim lessons, your teacher Jason was so proud of your improvement! He even had you start learning the big arms of a pre-freestyle swim! What a big girl!

Mom

May 6, 2011

Serelle,

You have a new favorite. You absolutely LOVE to go on the carousel at the new Provo Beach Resort. When we pulled in to the parking lot last night, you started squealing with excitement for the "horsies! up, down, up, down, up, down, etc."! I love this description of the carousel, because it is exactly what you do - go up and down, up and down, around and around. It's such a joy to watch you learn and grow and make discoveries along the way. Most recent discover - Serelle LOVES to ride the carousel!

May 6, 2011

Liliahna,

Whenever someone asks you what your name is you answer, "Liliahna Lundeen Hawks". I'm not sure where you got the idea to add the "Hawks" at the end, but I think it's darling!

Also, yesterday you brought home your Mother's Day present for me. You made me a darling black picture frame with a red bow that says "Mommy's Little Lady". The picture inside is so sweet! You are all done up in dress up's , complete with a boa, a sequined hat, and a veil. You truly are Mommy's Little Lady, and I absolutely adore my Mother's Day present!

As if the picture frame wasn't enough, there was also a beautiful paper that you colored with a bunch of questions and answers. This is one of my favorite things that Miss Merlene does with you. She asks you questions and then writes down your answers for us. Here is what you said to me for Mother's Day this year:

My Mom is special because: "her makes me a good dinner that's fish. I love her and her love me and my daddy cause we all be special."

I like it when my Mom: "cleans up my room. I like her to take me to the mall and get me new shoes."

My Mom can do many things! I think she's best at: "making pancakes for breakfast! She can paly my dollies with me good too."

My Mom has a pretty smile! I like to make her smile by: "laughing. Her just smiles and be happy when her just look at me and I don't do nothing. She just smiles anyways to see me."

My Mom is as pretty as a: "ballerina! Her do her ballet and her be very pretty ballet mom."

My Mom is smart! She even knows: "me! She knows all about me and her knows where I live and her knows my daddy and him a handsome dad!"

This is quite possibly one of the most precious gifts I have ever been given. Thank you Miss Merlene for capturing some of the thoughts of our sweet Liliahna. And thank you Lili for loving your Mommy so much!

May 2, 2011

Serelle,

You are getting sooo big! Every time you see Lili do anything that a "big girl" would do, you refuse to let me or your mom help you do it. You say, "Ho sef Daddy!" (own self). If I've even touched you with one finger while you are trying to get into your car seat, you stop, yell "Ho sef Daddy!", and get all the way back out to start over from the ground up. You are such a little independent girl!

Dad

April 28, 2011

Serelle,

You have the cutest little bossy stance. You bend your knees, lean forward at the hip (so your bum is poking way out), and point your finger at whoever you are talking to...and say something like, "No no neekin' my milk!" We're desperately trying to catch it in a photo.

Dad

April 28, 2011

Liliahna,

You lost your first tooth! You weren't really sure about it, you cried for a few minutes and didn't want to touch your tooth! We'll see if a little tooth fairy money and subsequent doll purchase can help change your mind. What a big girl!

Dad

April 28, 2011

Liliahna,

Your teacher, Mrs. Merlene asked you at preschool yesterday what you thought the Easter Bunny did after Easter was over. You answered, "He lives around Utah in a house that's all decorated for Halloween cause he likes Halloween cause you get candy at Halloween too and you do dress-ups like Easter Bunny dress-up." You kind of have a one track mind right now (it rarely strays too far away from candy and dress-up). Love you!

Dad

April 20, 2011

Liliahna

Lili, this morning I picked you up and gave you a big squeeze. I held you for about five minutes when you looked up at me and said, "Daddy, I want to be with you forever." What could I possibly say to express how wonderful that made me feel. You are just so good to me and your mom. We love you Lili.

Dad

Sunday, April 17, 2011

Liliahna

This morning while we we were eating breakfast you turned and looked at me, grabbed my hand in both of yours and said very sincerely, "Mom, I'm glad you married my dad". Lili, you are just the sweetest thing! Thank you for communicating so well, for telling us what you think, and most especially for loving your dad and I so much! We both love you so much and are so happy to have you in our lives.

Lili, I'm glad I married your dad too. He is such a good man and he brings so much joy and love into my life. Thank you for reminding me what a blessing he is!

April 16, 2011

Serelle,

You love to walk around and play "Hunka hunka!" with mom and dad. The game primarily consists sneaking up, pinching our bum cheeks, and quickly turning to run and hide while yelling, "Hunka! Hunka!". You are just such a joy!

Dad

Friday, April 15, 2011

Serelle,

We had a fun party last night for your birthday...you are two years old now! You were so excited all day and loved it when you got text messages from people wishing you a happy birthday. Serelle, there are so many people that love you! We are so happy to have you in our family, you add a whole new element of joy and excitement, and we just couldn't imagine life without you!

"Happy Dirday Relly!"

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Serelle

Last night we had a movie night and watched "Tron" all together. This movie has a killer soundtrack so we turned the music up really loud! You loved this and were so excited throughout the whole movie! You would let out periodic giggles or squeals of excitement and say "cool!" when you liked a certain part. You are such a joy!

Friday, April 8, 2011

Liliahna

"What in the heck in the world?"

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Serelle

I think you are finally starting to like nursery! It's been almost exactly six months and today was the first time you've asked to go to nursery. Right when sacrament meeting finished you looked at me and said, "nursery?". That was a huge step! The other big step was that you didn't cry when I left! I've learned a new trick that seems to be helping you with the transition. I'll stay and play with you for about 10-15 minutes then I'll tell you that I have to go check on Lili, then I'll be right back. And you think that seems to be just fine! Your teachers, Sis. Raddatz and Sis. Moran said you were happy as could be the whole time. Hooray for church days!

Sunday, March 27, 2011

Liliahna

You love "Church Days"! This morning when I told you that Dad was getting ready for a meeting you looked at me and said, "Today is a Church Day?", when I replied yes you exclaimed, "YES!"
Thanks for being such a sweet girl and for loving primary, your teachers, your scriptures and church days!

Friday, March 25, 2011

Serelle

You are getting to be such a big girl! You've gone almost two whole weeks now without your binkie! You seem to be handling the "loss" quite well and don't really even ask for it anymore. You dad and I were concerned that it would be a very painful transition away from the binkie, but you seem to have really latched onto the idea of being a "big girl", and that "big girls" don't have binkie's. We are so proud of you!

Tuesdays and Thursday are kind of special for us because Lili has preschool so you and I get some quality one on one time. Yesterday you were especially sweet as we got ready for your nap. You chose the book "Kiss Kiss" and wanted me to read it with you over and over and over. You can point out and label all the different animals and you like to say "kiss kiss" every time you see the mommies and daddies giving their babies a kiss. Of course I have to give you a kiss every time too!

Thanks for sharing story time with me, I loved it!

March 21, 2011

Liliahna,

Today your mom and I came across your Valentine project from Pre-school. You wrote several messages (with help from Miss Merlene) on five hearts and then glued them to a large white piece of paper. Each heart contained an answer to a question your teacher asked you, "What do you love?". Here were your answers:
1. "To go to that Disneyland that's at the mall."
2. "Playing house with my mommy."
3. "To read stories with my mommy and daddy."
4. "To go to errands with just me and my daddy, like Walmart."
5. "To eat macanoni with cheese."

You are just the sweetest little girl in the world. We love you!

Dad

Monday, March 21, 2011

Liliahna

You got your very own little Book of Mormon from your primary teacher yesterday and you LOVE it! You are so sweet to sit down and "read" from your scriptures. You'll "read" about Jesus Christ and Mary and baby Jesus and it is so sweet. You just love when it's a "church day" and you get to go to church and primary. I hope you continue to love the "church days" as well as reading your new little scriptures!

March 19, 2011

Liliahna,

Today was your second day skiing and you did awesome!!!! You were excited as soon as we mentioned that were thinking about going this weekend. Your mom was out of town, and so I thought it would be fun to have a daddy-daughter date on the slopes! We went up to Sundance and made about 15 runs (me carrying you up about 45 feet and chasing you to the bottom). You smiled, squealed, and laughed. After you started to get a little tired, I made a deal with you that worked wonders. Each time you made another run, I would give you one more fruit snack. Needless to say, you made three packs worth of runs after that! Thank you for such a fun day.

Dad

March 19, 2011

Serelle,

Today was your second time skiing. You were very excited to get all of your gear on, but quickly changed your mind about your interest level when it was time to trade boots with Lili and step into the skis! As soon as I started to put your boots on, you squealed, "No like! No like!" In fact, you didn't stop saying that until the boots came back off! Actually, you did very well, and I think you're going to make an excellent skier!

Dad

March 17, 2011

Serelle,

Hunka Hunka! Right now, you love to run around and pinch peoples legs and bums and say, "Hunka! Hunka!". I won't divulge where you might have learned such a trick, but let's just say we have a special bond with this game. Sometimes, you'll even play it with strangers! Woops! I should probably teach you some boundaries with our little game! You have learned to say just about everything lately. You can pretty much repeat everything mom and I say. You are so fun to read stories with. You even participate in scripture time in the mornings (repeat about half of a verse). You are so precious. We love you.

Dad

March 16, 2011

Liliahna

Today is day four with your first big-girl bike. You were SOOO excited to walk out into the atrium and see your little princess bike, complete with Ariel, Belle, Jasmine, and Cinderella. You have a pink helmet that you like to wear and you are already zipping around Midtown like a pro! The only time you get off your bike, is to stop and help Serelle on her tricycle (you were happy to share it once you saw your new wheels). You push her from behind, or pull her from the handlebars (which is a little tricky!). Your favorite trick right now is to do "no hands" for about .5 seconds. You are just so cute.

Dad

Friday, January 21, 2011

Liliahna

Sometime in the past month or so you started looking at me and saying, "Mom, I'm a really special girl."

It's true Lili - you are a really special girl! Everyone who meets you is instantly drawn to you. We love you so much and are so happy that you are our "really special girl!"

Monday, January 17, 2011

Serelle

You have become such a little movie girl! You love to watch movies in my bedroom in the funniest position. You stand at the end of my bed with your back arched over the bed frame, your arms reaching outward and your head resting back on the mattress. it's so funny! How is that more comfortable than than sitting on the bed?

Currently, the favorite movie is Toy Story 3, although Mulan and Beauty and the Beast are close seconds!

January 10, 2011

Serelle

You and Lili have been playing hide and seek with me this morning. You are really good at covering your eyes and counting to ten with Dad. In fact, she is so good at it that she even likes to do it when it's her turn to hide! she'll grab Lili's hand with one hand and cover one eye with the other hand as they run away to hide together. So cute!

Love,
Dad

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Liliahna

Right now you're kind of going through a Mommy only phase where you really only want me to help you, hold you, brush your teeth, put you to bed, etc. Once of the sweet hings that you say repeatedly is, "Mom, I missed you at girls camp!"

Well, Lili, I missed you too!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Serelle

You are such a binkie girl! You just love your binkie and you get such a big smile and start to giggle in excitement and anticipation whenever I get it out for you. however, you've got a little rash around your mouth right now and we're trying to keep the binkie away a little bit so it can get better. You've been kind of sad asking me for your "bebe" but I've tried to placate you with other toys and you've actually done pretty well. You even took a nice long 2-hour nap this afternoon without it - just a tiny bit of crying before you fell asleep! Who knows, maybe this will be the end of it?

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Liliahna

You've been going to preschool for about 2 months now and you really love it! Miss Merlene is so fun and although you seem to like all the kids in your class you talk about Luke the most and are very upset whenever he is sick and misses class.

The only hard thing about preschool is that it's right during your naptime. Sometime you do ok without a nap, but today you sat down to watch Beauty and the Beast when you go home and you fell dead asleep after about 30 seconds of the movie.

You are such a sweet girl to take naps at 4 years old!

Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Liliahna

Today was the last day of fairy-tale ballet at The Dance Club. This was your first "session" and you got to do Mulan and Sleeping Beauty. You loved going to ballet with your friend Skylar Hudson and your teacher Miss Bethany is the best!

She teaches you about plies, tendus, passe, etc., plus you get to dress up in the princess costumes! What a fun class!

October 8, 2010!

Serelle

You are such a copy-cat right now! You just adore your sister Lili and follow her around all day. Lili is very sweet to you. You tend to be a little bossy with the toys, but she is happy to share. You are a good playmate and have a wonderful imagination. You find anything remotely shaped like a baby (including the channel changer)and carry it around in a blanket saying "shh, shh, shh" while bouncing it up and down. Playing "mom" is your favorite pastime.

Also, you LOVE breakfast (especially eggs) but usually won't touch lunch or dinner!

Love,
Dad

October 8, 2010

Liliahna

Happy Birthday Lili! Mom and I were out of town for you birthday, so we decided to celebrat your birthday today rather than miss it. You stayed with Julianne and Jayson for 9 days while Mom and I visited various business schools on the East Coast. We missed you SO much! it was the longest we have ever left you and it was very hard. When we came to pick you up, you ran to me with open arms and gave me a giant "crash hug".

Happy 4th Lili, I love you so much!

Love,
Dad

Monday, August 9, 2010

Liliahna

It's been almost 6 months since you were released from Primary Children's and although you are in excellent physical health, I believe that experience has left a deep mark on your memory. Every single day as you play, somebody goes to the "hopalese" or the doctor. We often have fevers, owie knees, and are generally just sick. More often than not we have to get a poke, take some medicine, receive a bandage and/or have the nurse come check on you.

Your imagination grows every day, but this is a common theme in your pretend play. No doubt an effect of the life-changing experience we shared this previous winter.

What a blessing to have you healthy and strong again!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Serelle

You are such a shoe girl! Even at this young age you always want to have shoes on and you especially love trying on other people's shoes - mine, Dad's, Lili's, or any friends or family we have over!

If this infatuation continues you'll have to start saving your pennies!

Words you can say right now:
mama
dada
go
up
down
in
out
off
milk
banana
apple
Sa"vannah"
toys
hand
cheese
cookie
yes
poopoo
yuck
puppy
on

*and our least favorite of all is the pterodactyl screech you make whenever someone tries to take something away from you!

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

Serelle

You and Lili were both sick this weekend, which is never fun. This time, however, there was a bonus that came from your illness. That was your new found affinity for snuggling! You've never been a very snuggly baby, but for the past few days - even though you feel a little better - you'll let me snuggle with you. The most opportune moment is after we read stories and right before I lay you down.

Snuggles are so sweet when they come from my two precious daughters, they seem to be your way of telling me that you love me and that you're happy. So thank you for the snuggles, I love you!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Serelle

Today as we were hanging out with Aunt Julianne after a fun week visiting the Clarks in Omaha, you had a major breakthrough! You had ditched your nap and were just crawling around happy as could be when all of a sudden you stopped, stood up, and took three very tentative steps. You crashed on your bum, looked over at us, then did it again, and again!

Your first official steps, what a big girl!

March 23, 2010

Serelle

You had your first swim lesson yesterday! You actually did VERY well. I was surprised how well you did because/in spite of how little you are. You are not even one yet, but you can float on your back! Looks like you are going to be a swimmer! You are such a joy to us.

Love,
Dad

March 23, 2010

Serelle

You are just so darling right now. You've been crawling for a few months, but you have really turned up the speed lately. You are VERY driven and determined. Yesterday, you crawled through the whole house as fast as you could, just to reach some keys (we would just keep moving them 10 feet out of reach). Even after the tenth time we moved the keys, you never even took your eyes off of them. You just looked even more determined than ever to chase them down! Keys are your favorite toys right now.

Mom just purchased a road bike and we went on our first ride together. you and Lili rode in the bike trailer bhind me and you snoozed almost the whole way. It was a little cool outside, so we really bundled you up. But when we got home 90 min. later and pulled you out, you were SO sweaty! Sorry! We're a little paranoid of pneumonia right now!

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Liliahna

Lili, you are such a good big sister! You just love your "baby Relly" and you are always so sweet to her! Plus you are the best at making her laugh! Last night in the bathtub you were making all kinds of silly faces and Serelle was laughing harder than I've ever seen her laugh, she just loves you!

Also, as of Sunday night, you've been sleeping in your big girl bed! Dad built a side rail so your bed looks "just like Josie's" and you have slept in it ever since! No waking up, no climbing out, and no crying. Way to go Lili!

Friday, March 19, 2010

Serelle

Today you and Lili had alternating nap times so you and I had some quality one on one time! We had a snack together then I just sat and watched you experiment and, I think, learn something new. I gave you a handful of little cereal pieces and you would pick them up and drop them into your bowl one at a time. Then you would pick them up and take them out one at a time. You were concentrating so hard and I was so proud of the new skills you are developing. You keep growing up so fast and i just love you more and more each day!

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Serelle

You've started giving kisses! tonight you gave Dad lots of kisses and I could tell it just melted his heart! He would hold you up to his face and say, "Serelle, give Daddy kisses". Then you would just lean right down and plant one on his lips. We love it! Thank you for learning a new way to tell us that you love us - a parent can never hear that enough!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Serelle

Tooth #3 has been threatening to poke through for almost a week and it finally did! It's the top right one and it looks like it's going to be a big one! As each new tooth comes in you look less like a baby and more like a big girl.

Plus you make the cutest faces - my favorite of which is the scrunchy nose. We've tried to catch pictures of it, but I wanted to record it so I can always remember how sweet you are and how much I love you!

Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Liliahna

Your talking is improving so much everyday! I am so proud of you and I love being able to understand a little bit more of what's going on in your head.

However, one of your early words has stuck although you can say the correct word - and I think its is SO CUTE! For some reason you use the word "high" when something is bog and "baby" when something is little. So we often have "high" cookies and "baby" cups of milk to dunk it in! =)

Saturday, January 23, 2010

Serelle

You are just starting to catch the vision of the Lundeen family dance parties. Tonight after dinner we turned up the music and although you were still sitting in your highchair you were dancing right along with the rest of us. You chubby little legs were kicking, you arems were pumping and you were panting with excitement - especially when Dad stood close to dance with you! You are such a sweet and happy baby and we just love you!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Liliahna

After 9 days in the hospital with a complicated case of pneumonia we are headed in for surgery. You've already had two chest tubes, but they've failed to fully drain the infected fluid in the pleural space between your lung and your chest wall. You have been so brave throughout this ordeal and I am so proud of you!

On the first day (Dec. 27) you were given a red fleece blanket with green and white polka-dots. This blanket has become like a shield of comfort for you so we brought it with us on our way down to the surgery department. As I rode on the bed with you, i could feel your sweet body shake with fever and with fear. I could only imagine what you were thinking - where are they taking me now, what will they do to me next, how bad will it hurt?

So in an effort to help comfort you i pulled the beloved red blanket up over our heads like we were in a fort. Mercifully, this helped you calm down enough that you were actually able to fall asleep as we waited to meet with the surgeon. I was grateful for that sweet and peaceful moment with you, it helped to comfort me while you were in surgery. I love you and am so lucky to be your mom.

Thursday, January 7, 2010

Serelle

Second tooth arrives! Lower right!

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Serelle

Fist tooth arrives! Lower left!

December 27, 2009 - January 12, 2010

Serelle

Sometime while your sister Lili was in the hospital with pneumonia you learned how to crawl! You spent your time split between Mimi Hawks and Aunt Julianne and Mimi Lundeen and Aunt Tiffany. In between the trade-offs I would run out to the car and nurse you while we sat in the round-a-bout at Primary Children's Medical Center. you were such an angle throughout this whole experience and you were happy no matter who you were with or where you stayed. Every time I got to see your sweet face and hold you I was strengthened and buoyed up. You are a true joy and a blessing to have in our family - thank you!
And thanks to Julianne for capturing the crawling that we missed out on!

Tuesday, December 8, 2009

Serelle

You are right on the verge of crawling. You are so strong on your tummy and you can scoot all over the place - although you mostly go backwards. The newest step towards crawling is when you are sitting up you'll lean on your hands and walk them way out until you are up on one knee with the other leg extended back. You haven't quite mastered the crawling position, but you're getting close!

Monday, December 5, 2009

Liliahna

You are such a sweet big sister! You just love "baby Relly" and always want to hug her. Tonight you took a bath together and you took one of your little doll brushes and combed Serelle's hair for her. You were so sweet to help Serelle have a pretty hairdo. Then when you were finished you put a purple ring toy on her head and said it was her hat! So funny!

you are officially potty-trained! Although i was terrified of the idea, you've done a great job and actually seemed to make the transition fairly easily. I'm so proud of you! We're down to only wearing pull-ups at night and more often than not, you wake up dry even with one of those on! What a big girl!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Serelle

You have decided that you LOVE to eat! However, you are a little bit particular about texture. You don't seem to like anything that resembles baby food - pureed, etc. After the first bite you'll just clamp your mouth shut and refuse to open it! It's kind of funny! so as long as we give you tiny bites of the real thing - you are happy as can be!

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Serelle

You've been working on this for a while now, but you can officially sit up! You've been sitting on your own for almost 20 minutes now. Just happy as can be to play with your toys by your big sister.

Also new today - the lip smack. This is a funny little sound you make by putting your bottom lip to your top gums and sucking...smack! Too funny!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Liliahna

Happy Birthday Kylan! For Daddy's birthday we went up to Mimi and Poppy's house in Sandy. You love to go up there and play with your uncles and the fun cooking toys! Today was especially fun because Great Grandma and Grandpa Howdy were there. Grandpa Howdy was so fun and you played with him all night - ping pong, gold, pretend, and chase. What a fun Great Grandpa Howdy!

Lately you love temples. We always sing "I love to see the Temple" when you go to sleep and you love looking for temples while we drive in the car. You are especially good at finding the Draper Temple when we drive home from Mimi's house.

Hooray for a new cousin from Jason and Courtney!

October 12, 2009

Serelle

Picture time in 1 month! To try and get you ready for your first photo shoot, we have you practice sitting up. You are great! You are such a strong baby. You need just a little work on your balance, but you love to just sit up and play with your toes! Sometimes they wind up in your mouth!

Love,
Dad

October 12, 2009

Liliahna

Hooray! Lili, you just learned how to say your name last night! You could tell you were saying your name and you were SO excited. You must have said "LeeLee" a hundred times. You are so wonderful.

Love,
Dad

September 22, 2009

Serelle

You are SO cute! you have discovered your feet and lately you always like to hold them with both hands. Today you had your first solid food! By the look on your face...you did NOT like it! We'll try again tomorrow, we'll see how long it takes for you to develop a taste for it. We love you!

Love,
Dad

September 21, 2009

Liliahna

Lili, you are learning to swim! Today was the second week of your swim class. You absolutely HATE it and start crying at about 10:00 for your lesson at 11:00! The first day was one of the most traumatic experiences of my life! You kept looking at me and Mom with an expression of "please save me!" on your face. I wanted to jump in the pool with you so bad. You are already doing an amazing job rolling over to your back and will be swimming in no time!

Love,
Dad

Saturday, September 19, 2009

Serelle

After watching Daddy do his first triathlon (Daybreak - finished #23 of 600!) we went to watch the BYU game at the Mattingly's. While we were watching the game you rolled from your back to your stomach! We were so excited for you but couldn't get you to do it again!

The game turned out to be a disaster so we went outside to soak in the hot tub. You love it when someone sits on the edge and holds you so your little toes soak in the water.

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Serelle

While we were in Lake Powell with the Moyes, Lundeens, Yoders and Mills you learned how to roll over! Mimi, Daddy and i were playing with you in the family room of the Getaway andyou rolled from your stomach to your back. What a big girl!

You were a huge hit at Lake Powell. Everyone thinks you are the cutest thing and except for the 10 minutes when you learned to roll over, someone was holding you nonstop. Try not to get too used to that!

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Serelle

After a week in California celebrating Grandpa Rhino's 60th birthday, your cousin Heron is completely enamored with you. She had a dream about you and when she woke up she said to her mom, "I just can't help it, I love Serelle so much. I just want to kiss all her chunky parts!"

Saturday, August 22, 2009

Liliahna

Today you hiked Half dome! 16 miles, 16 hours. What a trooper! Dad carried you the whole way and you were such a good girl! Just as we started our way down - 7 hours to go - we ran out of diapers for both you and Serelle. Somehow I really blew it! First you wore your pants commando, then you wore dad's garment top like a loincloth! By the time we finally made it back to our cabin, you were one dirty girl!

Thursday, April 16, 2009

Serelle

You made it! We have been anxiously awaiting your arrival, and after a false alarm on Sunday night we were relieved when the real labor began on Tuesday morning. Your labor and delivery were remarkably similar to Lili's - born on a Tuesday evening, same length of labor, same exact birth weight of 6.0 lbs, etc. But there were also some marked differences - the timing was vastly different, initial labor pains, progressively intense labor pains, head to the hospital, contractions with no dilation, water breaks on its own, 45 minutes later you are in my arms! We opted against the epidural this time because the labor went so quickly after my water broke and I didn't want anything to slow us down. I'll never forget the way I felt as I held you in my shaking arms right after you were born. I'm so glad I was able to experience birth this way and so happy to have you here. I've only known you for a couple of days, but my heart is filled with love for you - thank you for joining our little family!

Last night was your first night home. Lili had a sleepover at Mimi and Poppy's house so it was just you, me and Dad. You fell asleep on the drive home and when we got home Dad and I decided to make chocolate chip cookies even though it was really late. You are a wonderful baby and we had an easy first night together. When I got up to nurse you in the night I stood by the window and watched the snow fall. It was beautiful and peaceful and I felt awed by the precious new baby we had been blessed with. Although it was late spring we woke up to over a foot of snow!

February 2009

Liliahna

Lili - you are such a sweet girl and one of the ways you show your love for me is that you always want to touch me. When we eat dinner at the counter you always have to have your little feet touching my leg. You also love holding my hand - when we're driving in the car, when you're falling asleep, and when we watch movies together. I love you!

January 2009

Liliahna

Lili, you are just so sweet. Mom and i try to put you to sleep together EVERY night. We take turns reading you a book or two, then you turn off the light and come and lay down on my tummy while we sing you songs. We usually sing you primary songs and finish with "I am a Child of God". There is nothing sweeter than having your little head rest on my chest as we sing. Sometimes you even sing along with a humming voice.

Love you,
Dad

January 1, 2009

Liliahna

Lili, you are such a good little dancer. Not only are you good at shaking your little booty, you are a wonderful social dancer! Turns out that you love to grab my hands or Mom's hands and waltz back and forth, back and forth as I sing "I know you, I walked with you once upon a dream..." from Sleeping Beauty. I love you SO much!

Dad

December 2008

Liliahna

Lili, you are such a good storyteller! Whenever you get hurt, or if you're really excited, or right when you wake up you always have a big story to tell. You'll run up to me or Dad and use all sorts of facial expressions and arm gestures while you babble away! You are very expressive and although you don't use many words, we can always tell just what you're "talking" about!

Monday, September 8, 2008

Liliahna

Lili, you are so good at folding your arms for prayers. As soon as we tell you it's prayer time you always fold your arms.

However, you learned a new trick today while we were saying the prayer for lunch. Your arms were folded but while Dad was still saying the prayer you reached one arm out, grabbed your spoon, and took a bite of macaroni! I guess either you were extremely hungry or Dad's prayer was too long for you!

Tuesday, August 19, 2008

Liliahna

YOU'RE GOING TO BE A BIG SISTER!!!

Wednesday, August 13, 2008

Liliahna

We've lived here at Midtown Village in Orem, UT for about 2 months and you have discovered something you really love about living here. There is an iPod docking station and sound system throughout the whole apartment and you've learned that you can have music whenever you want it! You frequently point to the wall where the controls are when you're ready for some music!

July 2008

Liliahna

One of your favorite things right now is to have your hair in a mo-hawk. You put your hand up to your hair frequently to make sure it's still there. If you find that there is no mo-hawk at any given time, you'll run into the bathroom, lift up the toilet seat, reach your hand in then give yourself an hairdo! Afterwards you'll come running in to show Mom and Dad! Disgusting, but funny!

Saturday, June 7, 2008

Liliahna

Today Aunt Remi and Uncle Cole were married in the Salt Lake City Temple. Everything was beautiful and we had a great party up in Deer Valley at the Moyes' cabin. When I was getting you ready for bed you did something new - you were holding a tray and you started to "eat". It was the first time I've ever seen you play pretend and it was so cute! You even made a pretend biting sound!

January 27, 2008

Liliahna

Lili, you are so funny. over the last three days, you have started to brave standing up by yourself! The first time it happened, you got so excited that your energetic giggle knocked you down. Now, each time you stand, you last a little and little bit longer. You're only up to about 10 seconds, but you are so proud of yourself each time. You clap for yourself and laugh endlessly. i sure love you. you are beautiful in a million ways.

Love Dad

Sunday, January 27, 2008

Liliahna

Liliahna, you are the sweetest baby in the whole world! You love to have Mom and Dad snuggle you and hold you on our laps. Sometimes when we're in the middle of playing with you you'll just crawl up to me and cuddle me. It is the sweetest thing and I love it! Thank you for loving us so much!

President Gordon B. Hinckley passed away tonight. he was the Prophet for 13 years and was an incredible leader. I loved President Hinckley and know that he was the Prophet of God. I know he taught us true principles and i know that he loved us.

December 5, 2007

Liliahna

I love your delirious nighttime laugh. At about an hour past your bedtime you start to laugh hysterically at pretty much ANYTHING! Tonight was especially funny. We would stand up you toothbrush on the nightstand and then try to tip it over while saying, "boing, boing, boing, boing!" You almost couldn't breathe you were laughing so hard. You are still playing this game with your mom now as I write down this memory.

I will never forget the sound of your sweet laugh as I hear it right now. Thank you so much for that.

Dad

Friday, November 30, 2007

Liliahna

Your cute little personality comes out more and more each day. Just yesterday I noticed that you get attached to certain things. For example, you'll find a chapstick or one of your plastic spoons and carry it around in your little hand everywhere you go! It must make you feel proud to have something of your own.

You also discovered your tongue recently. You love to stick it out and then drag it back in through your 8 little teeth.

You are becoming quite the little copy-cat too. When you're in the right mood you'll play: "Where's Lili?", "peek-a-boo", blow kisses, make the "I don't know", cheesy open mouth smile and cheesy scrunchy-nose smile.

Dad especially likes to play these games with you and have you show off all your sweet skills!

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Liliahna

Happy Halloween! Today you learned to crawl up stairs! You'll lean up on the stair with your arms then stand up on your legs then move your arms up one stair then pull your legs up. You love the increased freedom this brings you, and now we just need to teach you not to go down stairs face first!

Today was also your first time trick-or-treating! We went with Mike, Camille, and Lance Bennett around our cul-de-sac and you and Lance were both done after 9 houses! You were the cutest little poodle ever!

Thursday, October 25, 2007

Liliahna

Today is Dad's birthday! For his birthday we flew down to Phoenix to pick Aunt Remi up from her mission. We are so excited for you for meet her! On the flight down to PHX you learned a new game. When Dad said "where's Lili?" you would cover your eyes with your hands. Then when he said "there she is!" you would pull your hands off and have a huge smile on your face! You are so fun to play with and we love to watch you learn and grow everyday. We sure love you!

October 14, 2007

Liliahna

Today we played two new games together. First, after dinner, you decided you wanted to play peek-a-boo. You would pull your shirt up over your face and then pull it back down when I yelled "peek-a-boo"!

Second, just before bedtime, I built some pillows into a landing off the bed. You loved to slide backwards off the bed onto the pillows. Huge smiles, lots of laughs!

Love Dad

September 21, 2007

Liliahna

Yeah! Lili just crawled before her 1 year birthday! Whitney is in town this weekend and got to see this new trick. The object of lure was a candle with a beaded outer case. You are so cute!

Dad

August 2007

Liliahna

Lili, you are 11 months old and as cute as can be! Today we discovered a new game together. WE sat down with our feet spread out in the splits (you are much more flexible than I am!) I would make "zoom, zoom" noises and roll the ball to you. You would Laugh, oh my gosh you would LAUGH! You would stop the rolling ball with both hands, palm it with one, and then swing it around until it slipped out and rolled away (often right back to me!) I have not seen you laugh this hard for a long time. You bring such light and joy to my soul!

Dad

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Liliahna

Today Daddy played a new game with you that you just loved! You sat across from each other and pushed the Miracle Ball back and forth. Every time he pushed the ball to you it went immediately to your mouth then you'd pull it out and look at it like you were trying to remember what to do with it. Then you'd push it towards dad and just laugh and laugh!

Monday, August 6, 2007

Liliahna

You continue to learn and develop so quickly. You know how to clap your hands together and do so whenever you get really excited.

You've also learned how to wave. It's the cutest thing because while you wave your arm around, your little wrist twists and turns so your hand is doing kind of a wild dancing motion. You almost know when to do it now too!

Wednesday, July 5, 2007

Liliahna

On our way home from Lake Powell you came down with your first real sickness...the croup. I fest so sad for you with a fever, runny nose, and nasty cough. Maybe it was because you didn't feel good, but you learned a new sound this week. It was the "ooh" wound with your beautiful mouth shaped in a little o. Although it was fun to see you learn something new, I hated to see you feeling so sick! Get better soon!

Saturday, July 7, 2007

Liliahna

First day at the beach! It's the annual Lundeen trip to San Diego and your dad has been so excited to show you the ocean! You didn't mind the ocean until a big wave came up and smashed into your face! What you really loved was playing in the sad. After just a few minutes of playing you had sand on every single inch of your body...but you loved it!

June 15, 2007

Liliahna

Lili just played her first game with dad. I was playing with you on the bed when all of a sudden your binkie fell out. As you reached out and grabbed it,I opened my mouth. You paused for a moment, then stuck the binkie in my mouth! I spit it out, and you just laughed and laughed. WE repeated the process for about 10 minutes. I would spit the binkie out, and you would laugh, pick it up and put it back in my mouth! Fun!

Dad

May 27-June 9, 2007

Liliahna

Lake Powell! You are such a lucky girl because you go to spend two full weeks in Lake Powell! One week with the Lundeens and one week with the Hawks. You love playing in your new "boat" we got you and you also loved riding on the real boats - it usually put you right to sleep!

You learned to make a new sound this week - it's a funny type of cackle and you do it all the time now!

The biggest adventure of the week was a giant windstorm, the wind was blowing almost 75 mph and 9 boats sank in one day! Luckily the boys in our crew kept us nice and safe! The windstorm kept us in Lake Powell three days longer than we were planning so we ran out of diapers! We were in the middle of the lake with no way to get more, so Grandpa Hawks (Poppy) taught me how to pin a cloth diaper then we cut holes in a Ziploc bag so you wouldn't leak. What an adventure!

May 29, 2007

Liliahna

You have your first two teeth! They are perfect and darling as predicted!

Dad

Monday, April 30, 2007

Liliahna

You have such a fun sense of humor! I like to hang out with you all day because you make me feel like the funniest person you've ever met! Today you were lying right by me while I folded the laundry. And every time I shook a shirt to get the wrinkles out or turn it right-side-out, you would just crack up laughing! For some reason you thought the flapping t-shirts were just hilarious! It got to the point where your little face was bright red and you could hardly breathe because you were laughing so hard! I love you and think you are so fun!

Wednesday, April 18, 2007

Liliahna

You are getting more active each day as you continue to learn about your little body. One of your favorite moves is the "dive bomb". This entails you pulling both of your legs up to your chest then letting them crash down! I think this originated on the changing table because we keep the wipes down by your feet and each time you kick the wipe container it makes a fun crinkling sound.

As soon as we lay you down on your back you start to go crazy with the dive bombs, I think you especially like to crash your legs on Mom or Dad if we're around!

Thursday, March 29, 2007

Liliahna

Today when Daddy came home for lunch he played two of your favorite games with you. One is dancing - he holds your arms and helps you do cool dance moves - booty bouncing, robots, etc. The other one is a new trick. Whenever Daddy grows his beard out he'll rub your little hands along the scruff - it must tickle because you just laugh and laugh every time!

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Liliahna

Road Trip! Yesterday afternoon we left Orem and headed to Las Vegas for some business meetings.Since we have a National Parks card we decided to take a quick detour and go on a hike at Zions National Park. It was absolutely beautiful! It had just rained so the air was cool and clean. On the way down the hike,you started to get hungry, so rather than stop we just rigged up a little shawl and I nursed you while we hiked!

The next day we drove to Las Vegas and after a couple hours of meetings we went to the Wynn Resort for some pool and sun time! It was your first experience in a swimming pool and you weren't sure if you like it. I think it was cooler than your bathtub so you were uncomfortable. However, after a while playing with Dad in the water you really started to like it and by the end of the afternoon you were loving it - I think you were especially interested in the sparkles from the sun and the playtime with your favorite person...Dad!

Wednesday March 14, 2007

Liliahna

After the carrot episode we decided to give you a little bit of time before the next experiment with food. Today we mashed up some avocado for you ad you actually quite liked it!

You weren't very successful with the spoon so I ended up feeding it to you with my finger!

March 13, 2007

Liliahna

Lili is very sweet. Now, as I put my face near hers, she reaches out and puts her hands on my cheeks and smiles at me. She looks very interested, curiously rubs my beard and occasionally attempts to taste my nose.

Dad

Thursday, March 8, 2007

Liliahna

Last night was your first night sleeping out in the big crib all by yourself! Your dad and I were really nervous that it would be a long miserable night with lots of crying and very little sleep... What were we thinking?!?! We have the best baby in the world! You slept from 9:30 pm to 6:30 am without making a peep! What a dream!

Monday, March 5, 2007

Liliahna

Today you rolled over from your stomach to your back! You've done that once before, but I think it was just an accident! You don't mind being on your stomach nearly as much now that you have so much more control over your body You keep getting stronger every day!

Wednesday, February 21. 2007

Liliahna

You are getting very smart and curious now. Whenever something catches your eye you reach out towards it. If you can reach it, the object goes straight into your mouth for inspection.

Your most recent discovery is my hair, you love feeling around in it and (luckily for me) don't pull too hard! Your other favorite thing to do is reach into Dad's mouth, he licks and sucks your hand and you continue to reach it up ther!

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Liliahna

Today you had your first sample of real food! I cooked some carrots for dinner so we took a few tiny pieces of carrot and mashed them up for you. You seemed ok about eating them and didn't even make a gag face!

The next morning, however, those carrots came out your diaper exactly how they went in! I'm not sure your little body is ready!

Monday, February 5, 2007

Liliahna

Tonight you had so much fun playing with Dad. He made you laugh for a very long time. Then you sat on his stomach and were fascinated by the words on his t-shirt. You kept reaching for the blue and red letters like you were trying to pick them up. After that you continued to learn about your feet, grabbing your toes and trying to pull your feet towards your mouth - that's where everything ends up these days!

Monday, January 29, 2007

Liliahna

This morning you rolled over from your stomach to your back! You hate laying on your stomach and for the first time today you were able to do something about it!

January 26, 2007

Liliahna

You are four months old today! And you are so smart. Lately you are fascinated by your hands and feet. You like to interlock your fingers then try to stuff all ten into your mouth! Sometimes just one little thumb makes it into your mouth and you chomp on it. We hope that doesn't turn into a lasting habit!

You also love watching your feet, whenever you are in a sitting position your little legs are moving up and down and back and forth all over the place!

You are such a joy! Your Dad and I are continually amazed at what a sweet, beautiful baby you are. You bring nothing but happiness to our lives and we cherish you!

Wednesday, December 27, 2006

Liliahna

Today you took a bath with Uncle Cade (of course he had on a swimsuit!) You are always so happy in the bathtub, but this time you were extra happy. When I started throwing a little orange ball close to your face you laughed for us - real, deep laughs! It was such a beautiful sound!

Saturday, December 9, 2006

Liliahna

Tonight we went to Grandpa Hawks "Poppi's" Christmas Choir Concert on Temple Square. After his concert we walked around to look at the lights. Your eyes were wide open and followed all the bright colors as we went from one tree to the next.

When we got home, you performed your first little chuckle for Grandpa Hawks and for the Hawks "Greats", Sharon and Howdy. What a treat!

Friday, November 24, 2006

Liliahna

Today was your blessing day. Your dad did a wonderful job and we had most of both families there.

What a sweet way to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday. I can't think of anything I'm more grateful for than you and your dad!

Monday, November 20, 2006

Liliahna

Today was the first sign of a real smile. We've gotten a few little grins, but today it looked like you meant it!

Monday, November 13, 2006

Liliahna

First airplane ride! Dad had a job interview down in Las Vegas so we flew down there with him. It was a fun excursion, but it's official...we don't like Las Vegas!

You were such a good girl on the plane, surprise, surprise! =)

Monday, October 16, 2006

Liliahna

You are still so tiny that none of your newborn clothes fit you! The other day when you woke up, one of your little arms had wriggled all the way out of your blanket, nightgown, and onesie, so you had one naked arm swinging around outside your tightly-wrapped "peanut" body!

Friday, October 13, 2006

Liliahna

Friday the 13th and a very bad day!

Yesterday you quit breathing and gave us a real scare. We spent the night inthe hospital because they wanted to monitor your little brain, heart and lungs.

We couldn't hold you for 12 hours while they were testing you and I hated to see your tiny little body laying there all alone.

Tuesday, October 3, 2006

Liliahna

First trip to Dr. Later, your pediatrician. He taught us about the five "S's":

1. Swaddle
2. Shh
3. Sway
4. Side
5. Suck

He promised us these five elements are the key to a happy newborn...we'll see if he's right!

Saturday, September 30, 2006

Liliahna

Today we had two pieces of really great news:

1. You biliruben count is in the safe range so you don't have to go under the lights
2. You're gaining enough weight so we don't have to supplement anymore...HOORAY!

Thursday, September 28, 2006

Liliahna

Today was the first day we brought you home, we were especially excited because your cool green and gray carseat came just in time!

Grandma "Mimi" Lundeen was here to help us give you your first bath at home. You were so small that I was nervous to touch you for fear you might break so grandma did most of your bath!

Wednesday, September 27, 2006

Liliahna

Grandpa and "Grammy" Hawks and Aunt Julianne were your very first visitors this morning. Your little hands and feet were peeling so Grandma and Julianne kept putting lotion on you. It made you smell so sweet!