RG turned two

Oh what a wonderful 2 Years it has been

The bible clearly teaches that children are a blessing from God. The Lord has created them to bring joy, fulfillment, and love to their parents and those around them. This was never been more apparent than on July 13, 2009 in the NICU Room Two at Chandler regional Hospital or over the past two years of Riley Grace's life.

She absolutely fills the room with an abundance of joy and love. Thank you sweet baby for an amazing TWO YEARS. Riley Grace you are the lite in our lives and the joy in our hearts.

She is a remarkable gift from God and we thank Him every day for our precious baby and our angel Alyss.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY GIRL

Reason #10 why I LOVE being a mom

I have been a bit sentimental these past few weeks as it seems God just continues to bless our family and friends with baby's both naturally and through adoption. It is a wonderful reminder of how special these little miracles are and how incredibly lucky I am to have the opportunity to parent the most amazing child on this planet.

Here's her latest stats:

-Sleeps about 11-11.5 hours at night (7:30pm - 7:00am)
-Eats about 5 small meals a day.
-Talks in sentences and over uses the word "NO" we are working on No thank you.
-Can count to 20 and can count up to about 5 items correctly
-She knows her ABC's and recognized all the letters. We are working on sounds now.
-Her favorite toy is her ABC puzzle (she will dump and build 10plus times a day)
-Loves music, sings songs and Loves the big endings.
-She met her new cousin Dylann Marie this week and is not sure what to think of her
when she cries.
-Like trains and enjoys watching Thomas the Train
-Likes watching Toy Story I and II (Who doesn't)
-She still loves pop pops (popsicles) but her favorite food right now is peas
-Park days and playdates with her friend Ala top her week.
-Loves any Elmo music video but has never seen Sesame Street
-Still Loves her hippo - sleeps with hippo, dolly,pig pig and a blanky
-Yep she also knows the throw herself-rolls around on the floor trick (only if its soft)and apparently I am learning that she saves most of these fits for me(:
-Almost forgot her BFF...Rocky Dog

Riley Grace is fastly approaching the 2-year mark (22months)and though some days I would like to slow it down, I love seeing my baby girl grow into a smart, beautiful and confident little toddler. I am amazed how much more we fall in LOVE with her each and everyday.

Reason #9 why I LOVE being a mom

and wife to my wonderful husband. I get to spend as many days as I want at the park with our little peanut. Thank you shmoopie

Mirror to my soul (heart)

I’ve found nothing more challenging, nothing more rewarding, and nothing more enlightening than being a mommy. Parenting has it all. As a mother of an 18 month old, I have witnessed the miracle of adoption, woken up many a nights to soothe a crying baby girl and have received some of the best BIG squeezes and kisses ever. One of the things I’ve learned, more than anything else, is that my child is an amazing mirror. Her ever growing personality has the ability to expose my unforeseen lows as well as push me to new heights of unconditional LOVE. The kind of LOVE I never knew existed.

Her attitude matches my attitude, her responses reflect mine, her tone matches mine and now even some of her mannerisms mimic me...ughhh! Endearing at times yes, but not always. Her honest, no holds barred voice in my life has brought me great insight.

I have come to realize that my little girl sees me for me. Yikes!!!

Reason #8 why I LOVE being a mom

I know it's a little lame but I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE to get my little pumpkin dressed to go out for the day. I think she is beginning to like her "pretties" as well. I get to play dress up every day! I am one lucky mommy.

17 Months of Joy, Love and Life Lessons

This month Riley Grace official turned 17 months old.  It is incredible how fast the months roll by.  As I reflect on these months I feel overwhelmed with JOY for Gods blessing of Riley Grace.  She is shear entertainment and her smile (7 teeth as of today) melts the hearts of those she meets.

What our precious 17 month is up to these days...

She can and will eat (gum) just about anything at least once.  She LOVES raspberries right now and Popsicle have been a favorite of hers for months.  She is a GREAT eater with a healthy appetite

She can say a whole library of words:

Da da,
Maw
Grandma
Papa
Sissy (Missy)
Debbie
Aunt JuJu
Aunt Mandy
Ocky (Rocky)
Britt
Uncle Kenny
Dylan
side
cheese
nanas (bananas)
asberries (raspberries)
apple sauce
cracker
cookie
milk
cheerios
chip
juice
coffee
hot
ICE
SWING
Slide
Tree
Santa
Jesus
Amen
LIGHTS
NO
yes
hat
fat
bow
flower
bath
dance
baby
fish
show
please
all gone
thank you
hi
bye
Ball
uh oh
Tiger
Tigger
red
blue
green
yellow
lunch
airplane
doll
dog


Seriously the list goes on and on!

Riley runs every where now.  Loves to swing and just be outside (who doesn't, with our weather as nice as it is).  She is also a great sleeper.  Bedtime is still 7:30 and she wakes usually between 7-7:30.  She is down to one nap and will sleep 1.5 - 2 hours.

Words we would use to describe Riley

independent
sweet
funny
aggressive
playful
tough
energetic
curious
enthusiastic
smart
focused
social
vocal
feisty
loving

It amazes me as I look back to Christmas 2009 what a difference a year makes!

Merry Christmas and Happy Birthday Jesus!