First Day

Little munchkin had her first day of preschool yesterday.  Every little milestone and new season is hard to believe and I suppose it will continue that way with each baby at each stage.   

It is crazy for me to look at these pictures of C holding the staple preschool tote bag when I can remember many pictures of myself doing the same thing.  This picture (above) also reminds me of a picture of her Daddy's first day of preschool found here.  

Wednesday was "meet the teacher" day so, by Thursday, C marched right in her classroom comfortably and never looked back.  She had a  great first day and hasn't stopped talking about "school" since.     

The first thing she said after her nap yesterday afternoon was, "Mommy, I go school."

And today, while pushing her shopping cart around the house, she said, "I go school, bye."

We are excited about this year for C and the first "school" experience to learn and, as hard as it is to say, be without mommy and daddy.  Part of me wants to keep her with me as long as possible.  To protect her from the hurt this world will throw at her as she gets older.  But, I know that is impossible and I am not (thankfully) ultimately the One in control.  We feel great about sending her to this preschool and pray for her teachers and new friends this year.   

Backyard Fun

Okay, actually this was in our front yard, but backyard sounded better. This afternoon was Caroline's first experience playing with the hose in the yard. John is in the process of planting new grass in our front and backyard. So, as he was watering the new grass Caroline quickly discovered the hose. Our sweet neighbors joined in the fun too and another friend happened to stroll by and snap a couple pictures on her phone. I love afternoons playing outside! I think we have many spring and summer days to come enjoying in the sprinkler and hose in the yard.

Field Trip

I don't mention my work much, but I do work! This job has been such a blessing. I work from home and I work for our church. Therefore, I work with amazing friends I love to be around and I get to be with my munchkin all day too. Although the job is very flexible, the hours are hard to fit in sometimes and it is a crazy balancing act most weeks. I wouldn't trade it for any other job though (at least not in this season of life).

One person I could not do my job without is my father-in-law (also know as Papa to Caroline). Every Wednesday I have a meeting with all the staff since everyone works remotely. Papa is retired and wanted to spend time with Caroline one morning a week. So Wednesday morning is their time together. It is the sweetest thing and I am not sure who loves the time more, but these two are for sure buddies! For Christmas, we gave Papa and Caroline a field trip to the GA Aquarium for one of their mornings together. They took their little outing together a few weeks ago and from all the pictures and videos I have seen from Papa's hip iphone they had a blast together.

Papa, we are so thankful for you!

Here is one picture in front of the penguin exhibit.

15 months

This baby girl is so fun and constantly making us laugh. She has changed so much in the last three months and I want to make sure I do not forget many things that she is into and doing these days. Caroline is walking all over the place and getting faster each day. That in itself just makes her seem so much older and less baby. She is really into her purse and bracelet (shown below). Lunch boxes and key chains are favorites to pretend with too.

I love to watch her play by herself and begin to use her imagination. She loves the dishwasher She loves to help unload it and close it when it is empty.
C is still a great sleeper. She sleeps with her lovies and paci and soothes herself by twirling her hair. We are still doing a morning nap most days. Some days I think we are getting close to dropping it but most days she still needs it. I am trying to keep it as long as possible too!
Caroline walks into her bathroom saying "teeth" and looking for her toothbrush. She now has 6 teeth. I have to hide the toothbrush during her bath so she doesn't keep asking for it the whole time.
She is so curious how things work. For example, flushing the toilet. Don't worry her hand is not actually all the way in the toilet in this picture.

It amazes me how much Caroline understands when I ask her to do something. Right now, she can only say a handful of words to us... mama, dada, nigh nigh (night night), bye-bye, ball, bebe (baby), teeth, uh-oh, mae-mae (Mimi aka my mom), and car.
Everywhere we go, Caroline waves at everyone. Even if the person is not looking. She is very friendly but still very shy a lot of the time. She has become very cuddly and loves to give hugs and kisses.

Caroline, you bring us so much joy and we love watching you grow and change each day!

15 months.

weight - 20 lbs 11oz.

height - 31 in.

*Sorry for the long post that is really just for me.

The Party

Sunday we had a little family party for Caroline. It was a lot of fun and even though Caroline didn't enjoy the attention from singing "happy birthday" I think she still enjoyed the cake. I will let the pictures speak for themselves.

one

Happy 1st birthday baby girl! Tuesday was Caroline's birthday. John and I love to reminisce memories and thinking back to labor, delivery, the sweet time in the hospital and all the joys and changes over the last year was very special for us this week. Our lives changed forever on that day. I had no idea how much LOVE I could have for my child. Life seems more rich and full with C. There have been many tough days, sleepless nights, and overwhelmed feelings, but by God's grace with that came growth as a woman, a mom, in our marriage, the blessing of a healthy child, and many wonderful times too!

Caroline is funny. She is shy and outgoing when she feels comfortable. She is decisive and knows exactly what she wants and does not want. She is pleasant and so easy to take along and be on the go with. She is not in a hurry. She moves at her own pace when she is ready. She loves her sleep, OH how she loves to sleep. She loves music and loves to dance (even to a cell phone ringing). She is so expressive. You can always know how she is feeling by the look on her face. Caroline, we love you more than you could ever know and cannot wait to learn more about you as you continue to grow and change. We have loved celebrating your life this week!

1 year Stats:

19 lbs. 13 oz

31 in

Birthday lunch on Tuesday