Baby #2

February 2, 2014 (or around then since babies don't typically make their debut on their expected due date) we are expecting our second little girl! We could not be more excited. Hadley is thrilled about it, she kisses my belly every night before bed, and "rocks baby Quincy" (hugs my belly and moves side to side). I can't wait to see her interact with little Quincy.

Today, while we were laying in my bed, recovering from our big day of driving home from Las Vegas yesterday, Quincy started kicking like crazy. She typically likes to just tease me with soft little kicks that can't be felt from the outside, but this morning she was really putting on a show for us. I asked Hadley if she wanted to feel it, and of course she did. She jumped up with a huge smile on her face and put her hands where I showed her, and moments later she was able to feel Quincy kick for the first time. Hadley was so happy and made sure to call daddy at work to let him know her big news. Daddy still hasn't had the chance to feel Quincy kick so he's hoping she is still being active when he gets home.

On a completely unrelated note, last week I passed the NCLEX, and am officially a Registered Nurse, and it feels amazing! It wasn't easy to do with a toddler but it is over and I'm so glad I decided to do it. I'm so grateful for all of the help I've received from family and friends along the way and glad that I am done. Such a blessing. Also, the week before my test, John was promoted at work to General Manager, meaning we will have two livable incomes. I am definitely seeing Heavenly Father's hand at work in my life. Counting my many blessings.

Mother's Day

I am so lucky, my Mommy is an exceptional women. Everyone has known that since before she was even my mother. My birth mother knew it and chose her, and I was lucky that although it was much earlier than my mom had anticipated, she chose to take me. That's how my mom has always been. She has always been there for me to help me, with only a moments notice. Even now she makes helping me  and my family in any way she can a priority.

She has been the most important teacher in my life. She has taught me the importance of the gospel and has always been able to help me seek out answers to my problems, through prayer and scripture reading. My Mom taught me very early on to value my education, and to continue my education. She knows how to push me to try harder and do better, and to do all I can to reach my fullest potential. 

My mom is an incredibly smart women. She knew that telling me what to do and what not to do wouldn't work. I thought I was getting away with stuff, but now I know she was just letting me believe that and allowing me to learn lessons the hard way. She knew there is no other way for a teenager to learn. Somehow she was always in the know, and staying at a safe distance, so when I figured things out she would be near by to help me when I fell. 

She is one of my best friends and the one person I can turn to for anything. She always has time to talk to me and comfort or help when I'm in need. From the "So how do I make real mashed potatoes? " to the "I'm going to go crazy, Hadley did...." she always has the answer or where to find an answer. She is such a beautiful person in every way, and I am so lucky that so many things fell into place so that I can call her Mommy.

I love you Mom, and although I am not able to be with you or get you a nice gift this year, I hope you know how much I love and appreciate you today and everyday. I love you more than words can say and am so grateful to be your daughter.

"The only thing better than having you as my mom, is my children having you as their Grandma."

Hadley's School Update

I got another update from Hadley's teacher about her progress, and of course she sent a little video and some pictures. Here is what Miss Julie had to say.

"Hadley is becoming so capable and independent! She used to be pretty skeptical about trying new or unfamiliar things, but now I would just describe her as "selective" :) She's incredibly careful and deliberate with her work. The video of Hadley doing the Eyedropper work is a great example of how much attention she pays to the little things - you'd be surprised how tricky the seemingly simple action of squeezing an eyedropper can be for some kids - but Hadley has great patience and care so she doesn't spill during squeezing or pouring it back. She's also diligent at "checking for drips." :)

That cute girl is so friendly! She LOVES company. It's really been during the past month that I've noticed her coming out of her shell and getting to know the other students in our class. It's really fun to hear their little conversations :)

We continue to work on number recognition and she's learned several new works that review number concept and recognition of the numerals. She's also a little parrot with phonograms too - she's catching on so quick!

One other thing I'm trying to help Hadley practice regularly is patience. Often she will react to things like they're urgent or emergencies, like a friend sitting in a different seat than she wants them too, or someone forgetting a part of their work, or needing help to open a container in her lunch - which in her mind could very well be urgent matters! But I'm trying to help her "calm down" a little and instead of shouting "Teacher!" several times, I explain some other options like raising her hand to get a teacher's attention, or saying "Excuse me, (and saying the teacher's name)" or reassuring her that I will help as soon I finish what I'm doing right at that moment. She's responding really well and remembering to wait her turn or lower her voice.

I feel like Hadley has settled in really well and continues to learn and perfect new skills daily. I love to see the contrast between a student who's been in class a few months compared to a student who has been here a few weeks - it's really impressive how far they've come in a relatively short time and that's exactly how I feel about Hadley!

She has such a warm and bright personality and really adds to the character in our classroom :)

Please let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know!

Miss Julie"

Here is a video of Hadley doing her work.

Playing on the playground :)

Eye dropper work

Hadley and her very best little school friend (yes they are holding hands while they snack, such girls)

I am still loving this school. It is really helping shape her into such a smart and beautiful little person.

Easter Picutres

I'm not a good mom who brings her child to the Easter bunny each year (or ever) for a picture.

Instead I'm the mom who puts her kid on a train track for pictures...

Probably my favorite :)

I know the light is harsh but my dear husband had urgent matters to attend to (watching a movie) so we had to get home before the lighting was good.

The Party

We celebrated Hadley's 3rd birthday on March 15 this year, because her actual birthday was on a Sunday. John's dad was out of town on that day, and my family is always busy Sundays, so Friday just worked best. John spent the morning golfing with his dad and grandpa, and I spent the morning playing with my girl at the park. When John got home, we went to get some things for the party, and then headed to Julie's to set up. (Thank you Julie and Mario for always opening your home to us for her birthday parties) 

This year, like last, we kept the party very low key. We just wanted to be able to spend time with our family and some very close friends. This year I made a point of taking a picture of Hadley with each person at her party (except somehow managed to miss my dad and Uncle Arnold). So here are some pictures from her special day.

 Playing in Nanny's yard before we left for the party.

 Making her wish (ok really just staring at the cinderella candle and pink cupcake)

 Blowing out the candle.

 Lucy and I :)

 Hadley with uncle Alex (before we started telling her that she would get presents if she would smile)

 Hadley and her Mimi

 Hadley, Uncle Alex, Me, and Uncle Misha.

 Hadley with Great Grandpa

 Hadley and Uncle Mario (he was exhausted from working all night and most of the day)

 Hadley and Nanny

 Hadley with her Grump

 Hadley and Tata

 Hadley with Mama and Papa G (Rachel's parents were so sweet and made the drive from Monterey to see us, wish we could have seen Rachel too :( )

 Aunt Tessa and Marissa 

 Great Grandma Kathy

 Marissa and Michael's little boy Landon, Julie, Aunt Tina and Hadley

 Hadley with Landon (Sorry Julie at least you look good :) )

 Hadley with her Great Grandma

 Kayla, Michael, Uncle Mike, Kylie, Maddison, Hadley, Uncle Juju, and Bryce.

 Hadley and Gammy

Uncle Juju and Kayla (at this point it was way past her bedtime and she refused to smile)