Play time!

Ok, so I HAD to post these pictures...I got Lyla an exer-saucer last weekend, and she LOVES it! She is totally hilarious, and already knows how to bounce a little and spin all the way around. I can't believe how big she's getting. I will admit that I love having this thing--I can throw in a load of laundry or shower without having to worry!

Birthday Wishes

On Saturday night, Nate and I went to Orem to have dinner with my sister Lindsay and her boyfriend Cody---we were celebrating my beautiful sis's 20th birthday! I can't believe I have a sister that is 20! She is so funny, smart and downright gorgeous---and she just loves Lyla! (I mean, who wouldn't, right?)

Don't Mess with Texas....

I just got back from spending yet another week in Texas with my fam....but this time Lyla got to meet her GREAT grandma and grandpa Turgeon, and her great aunt Jacquelyn. My brothers and sisters were always eager to help me out, but I won't lie....it was a crazy week and I am still exhausted. My house is always bustling with activity, so were exhausted. But I am so blessed to have such wonderful grandparents, and I am so glad that they have been such a huge part of my life...they are there for everything and I love them more than they will ever know!

Great Aunt Jacquelyn!!

Great Grandpa Turgeon (yes, he's as sweet as he looks)

Great Grandma Turgeon---the greatest grandma on earth, and one of my greatest friends!

Here is another great picture of my mom, my stepdad and Lyla---cute cute!

Mommy and Lyla

So I have been at my mom's in Texas since Thursday, and I came across some pictures of me as a baby! I couldn't believe how much they resemble Lyla...though I think she is much cuter!! The first two pictures are of me at 1 year...and the last is me at 2 months. I know, I was incredibly fat.

Now here are some of Lyla! Aunt Larissa is quite the photographer!

New Hampshire Primary

Since I am doing so much posting this morning (and anyone who knows me is aware that I am a politics geek)--I thought I would say a few words about the New Hampshire primary. I am so glad that McCain and Clinton won--it's nice to know that there's still competition in politics, even if that competition doesn't take place here in Utah. I think it's a wonderful testament to our country that a black man, a woman and a Latino are all democratic candidates for President. No matter who wins, this election is sure to be a historical one. As a mother I have become even more aware of the impact politics and policies have on my life--I want Lyla to have a great education, Social Security, access to health care and a clean environment to grow up in. Get out and vote--it's your American privilege!!


P.S.--We are getting REALLY close to sitting up! And Lyla thinks you should vote too!!

First Cereal!

Last night, Nate and I fed Lyla her first bowl of rice cereal. After I pumped (and I do hate to pump), I hoped that Lyla would at least take a little bit--and she did!! In fact, she hardly spit it out at all, and I ended up feeding her about 1-2 tablespoons full! I am so happy that she did so well. She ended up nursing about a half hour after the cereal and going down for the night at 11 p.m. which is a major feat for Lyla--she is often up until 1 or 2 and then sleeps until 10. However, this morning she woke up at 7, and we tried the cereal again. She spit out quite a bit more, but I was able to get her to take a few sips from her cup as well. I am so proud!!!

Lyla's Room!

So I have been racking my brain trying to think of cute ideas for Lyla's room....I just don't want her to think that her mother has no sense of style, and I definitely want her to have her own special space (growing up in a house of 10--I definitely didn't have that). So Nate's mom found these ADORABLE wall flowers for her room, and Nate and I had a blast putting them up. The flowers go all around the room, and the picture just doesn't do them justice--they are so cute! I also finished hanging the paper mache letters I made for her baby shower...I am so excited about how it turned out! Next stop---find some curtains!

Bottle Blues....

I tried to give Lyla a bottle of breastmilk again this morning, but to no avail. I swear, she must think I am an idiot. She woke up about 9, and only nursed one side before falling back asleep. So I decided to pump the other side and wait until she woke up to try a bottle. The makers of the bottle claim it's the best bottle for breastfed babies, and I have heard great things about it from other moms. Sadly, Lyla puts the bottle in her mouth and does nothing...giving me a look saying "Mom, do you really think I don't know the difference?" Maybe I tried the bottle too late, or maybe she was never going to take the bottle (she doesn't take a pacifier either!). Either way, I guess I should just be thankful that Lyla doesn't spit up, she sleeps through the night, and breastfeeds like a pro. It may be a little harder, but I know I will be glad I breastfed...and I am definitely not sick of having her around all the time. Maybe we will try rice cereal with the 4 ounces of milk I have sitting in the fridge (that's just from one side!)...no wonder she's so big!

Happy New Year!

I can't believe it's 2008, but I am looking forward to having a great year. I am so blessed to have a healthy, beautiful baby girl! I know she is going to grow so much this year, but I am excited for all we will do together. We had a wonderful Christmas, and I now realize how much better the holidays are with a baby in my life--I think I love opening baby presents more than my own!

Well, Lyla absolutely LOVES her feet...and I can't get her to keep her socks on!

And of course, Lyla loves her daddy...and this picture below is so sweet!