First Day of Church!!

Okay, another first!! I know it has been a weekend full of first times for Lydia. But, today we decided to all make it to church. Lillian goes every week with Diane and her 18 month old daughter, Elika. They live in my neighborhood and Diane is also the pastor's wife. Since Lydia was born, Diane has continued to take Lillian to church and Sunday school every week. She has been a blessing to me! Lillian loves church and it was wonderful to have help when I needed it and still do!

Lydia's morning nap is usually during church, so I didn't have the option to take Lillian. Last week, Lydia dropped to one nap and that opens new opportunities for us. We all went this morning. I would like to say it went smooth, but I can't! :) I kept Lydia in the service at the beginning because we do a lot of singing and I thought that would entertain her for a little while. She enjoyed the music and even danced. But, then she started to get stir crazy and started to fuss. I decided it was time to take her to the nursery. We only had 30 minutes left of the service.

She did okay in the beginning in the nursery and then she fell apart! She had tears all down her face and was screaming. I heard her in the service and went and got her. She was screaming and as soon as I picked her up she was okay. She instantly stopped crying and put her head on my shoulder. Poor thing! It broke my heart into a million pieces! She calmed down and then we went back into the service.

Once the singing started again, then she was in the aisle dancing with Lillian. She got a lot of attention! We tried this morning and that is all we can do! I have to keep trying, but it is hard to know your child is upset and all she needs is you! I am proud of her for trying!

Love you all,
Julie

First Story time!!!

Good Saturday Morning...okay, afternoon now! The girls and I went to Barnes and Nobles today for a special story time. It was about music. They read two books about music and then had someone show and play a couple of instruments. Lydia just ate most of the time while they were reading the books, but loved the music part.

Someone played the saxophone, clarinet, accordion and guitar. Of course, Lillian and Lydia loved the guitar. Lydia even started dancing for a little bit with her friend Jack. It was adorable watching her bounce up and down. If you tell her to dance, then that is what she starts doing now. Too much!!! Lillian even told the gentleman playing the guitar that her daddy had one just like it!!!

Enjoy the show!

Love,

Julie

Frist Time at Music Makers!

Today Lydia and I went to Music Makers. Lillian had to go to school and was so disappointed she couldn't come with us today. I felt so bad because I know how much she loves it too! But, she is growing up now and has to be the big girl.

Lydia really enjoyed the class and participated as much as she could for a 1 year old. She shook the music shakers, ran around and played with the other kiddos. She isn't shy just like her older sister! She walks right up to other babies her age and babbles something to them. They usually run away! hee hee

It was fun sharing this morning with her and watching her enjoy herself. It reminded me of when it was just Lillian and I and the first time we went together. They are both such joys in my life and these little moments are the moments I cherish the most! I am so grateful to be with them everyday!

Love,
Julie

First Bath Together!

The girls decided they wanted to take a bath together tonight...okay Lillian decided for the two of them! So, here we come bubbles! Not such a good idea for Lydia..what was I thinking knowing she puts everything in her little mouth? She washed her own mouth out with soap several times and didn't like that part of the bubble bath! :)

The girls played and used Lydia's new tub crayons. Lydia also wanted to put those in her mouth. Lillian drew all over the tub and the girls had a good time playing together. It is nice to see them enjoying playtime together even if it is a lot of work for mommy! Good night!

Love,
Julie

Hello to Daddy!!

Today we went to Fort Hood for a VTC with Rich. It was AWESOME seeing him on such a large screen! We do have Skype at home, but it seems to never work for us at the times we are able to get online. So, it was wonderful to have a chance to see and talk to him with no technical interruptions! He looked GREAT!!!

Lillian was thrilled to see her daddy and she showed him her cartwheel, how she could snap and how she could whistle. Daddy was impressed with all the things his little girl could do now. It made her smile from ear to ear! She also asked Rich if we could go to the Children's Museum when he got home and he said yes. She said, "Mommy, he said yes!" She is so silly!

Lydia just ate the whole time. It was dinner time and she ate a whole bag of yogurt melts. Rich was impressed with how much she could eat! He said, "Is this how she always eats?" Too funny and cute and of course I said, "YES!!!" She showed daddy she could walk now too! Other than that, not too much to report from Lydia! :)

As for me, I just wish I could have touched him! It really made him feel so far away. I kept wishing I would turn around and he would say SURPRISE I AM HOME!!, but I know that was really never going to happen. I wish I could have had one more hug, but I know I would have never let him go again.

So, honey, I love you! It was AWESOME seeing you this evening! I am so proud of you and everything you do for your country and family. See you soon!!!! Good night!

Love,
Julie

Lydia's Doctor Visit

Lydia had her one year old check up today with her pediatrician. She is right on target for both weight and height and is in the 50% percentile for both categories. She is 22.6 pounds and 29 1/4 inches. Lillian was just a little ahead of her at this age- Lillian was 23.1 pounds and 30 inches.

Lydia did well at the appointment until shot time. She had to get three immunizations and the flu shot. She quickly stopped crying once I picked her up, but her little face was so red and stained with tears. Poor baby! But, the doctor says she is doing great and looks healthy!

Lillian also had her flu shot today. She didn't want to stay in the room to watch little sister's shots, so she opted to sit in another room. She just can't stand to hear sister crying so hard and knowing she is in pain. Too sweet!

So, everyone is good and has the stamp of approval! Love you all!

Love,

Julie

Star of the Day!!

Lillian has been waiting all year to be Star of the Day!! I know, I know...the year just started three weeks ago, but you can't explain that to my soon to be 5 year old daughter! :) She was so excited and kept asking Mrs. Sweeden when her turn would be and kept asking me too. I told her it was a rotation list and that she would get her turn soon, but it didn't help. She just knew it would never be her special day!

Finally, the day arrived! She was so eager to get to school this morning and Mrs. Sweeden asked Lillian, "Is there something special about today Lillian?" She was thrilled!!! She gets to be the helper all day- take things to the office for the teacher, move the bean bag for circle time, be the line leader and do everything FIRST! What more could a little girl want for a Monday? She is a SUPER STAR!!

She looked so grown up today and I was so proud of her! I can't wait to hear all about her day when she gets home from school. I know she will be talking for hours! Love you Lillian!

Love, Mommy

Cake Time!!!

Party Pictures!!

Party Pictures!!

Birthday Bang!!

Well, the big party happened today! YEAH!! It was a wonderful party fit for a Butterfly Princess! Lydia enjoyed having all her friends over and so did Lillian! :) Everyone arrived and we started eating! I had decorated the food table for her theme- the sun was a bowl of potato chips and the sun rays were carrots, the flowers were fruits, the tree was all the green veggies and the trunk was pretzel sticks and the car wheels were cheese pizzas. It turned out adorable!

Then, we had a picnic in the playroom. We played a game following lunch and of course, everyone was a winner! :) Then, outside to hit the butterfly pinata! Lillian did great hitting that butterfly and everyone agreed she should be in tee ball this coming spring! All the kiddos were wild and tore that little butterfly up! They quickly swept up all the candy and then it was on too more adventures...the cake!

I think this was my favorite part of the day! Lydia totally took control of the cake and had smashed cake everyone. She had it all over her face, nose, ears, neck, belly and everywhere else you can think of! She tried to pick it up too and then add ice cream on top of the cake! I think she had a ball just eating today! She was adorable!

So, all in all, the day is done and Lydia is one. My little girl, her first birthday party and first year all wrapped up in one little bow! Thanks everyone for making a day a success and for helping me through the party!

Love,

Julie

Happy Birthday Lydia!

Today is the big day! Lydia officially turned 1 this morning at 6:50am! It is hard to believe that last year I was just holding her for the first time in the hospital and now we are singing Happy Birthday to her at home. She is having a Butterfly themed birthday party today and all of her friends are coming to help her celebrate her special day.

Daddy called this morning and sang Happy Birthday to her before he hit the flight line to fly. I know this breaks his heart not to be able to see her today and I can't imagine how he is feeling right now. But, she knows her daddy loves her and that is all that matters! He is the best daddy in the world!

So, today our little girl turns from a caterpillar to a little butterfly! She has beautiful wings now and I can't wait for her to show all her colors in the next toddler years. She has been a magnificent addition to our family and made our family complete. Happy Birthday Lydia and I hope you enjoy the party! We will always love and treasure you darling!

Love Always,
Mommy

Butterfly Kisses Dedicated to Lydia from Daddy:
There's two things I know for sure:
She was sent here from heaven and she's daddy's little girl.
As I drop to my knees by her bed at night
She talks to Jesus and I close my eyes and I thank god for all the joy in my life
Oh, but most of all
For butterfly kisses after bedtime prayer;
sticking little white flowers all up in her hair;
"Walk beside the pony, Daddy, it's my first ride."
"I know the cake looks funny, Daddy, but I sure tried."
In all that I've done wrong I know I must have done something right
to deserve a hug every morning and butterfly kisses at night.

Lydia's First Birthday Present!!

Lydia received her very first birthday present ever today!!! She got a package from Great Grandma King. She had the idea to open it and did her little part and then big sister helped her out since she is a PRO by now. Plus, Lillian was dying to see what was inside for her even though it isn't her birthday just quite yet! Lydia got four new pairs of fall pajamas! Just what she needed since her belly is hanging out of the ones she has now! :) She even tried them on all by herself! Thanks GG! What a special moment...your very first present! And I know...I shouldn't be opening presents early, but you all know how I am! I get to excited myself to wait! :)

Love, Julie

Lillian and her Debut!

Lillian wanted to debut her whistling! She learned a new trick and is thrilled. She has been working hard to learn how to whistle and I am so proud of her for continuing to try! Of course, she wanted to show daddy and so I taped her today. She was so excited that she could hardly do it on film. :) Her daddy and her now both make fun of me because I still can't whistle. Lillian told me, "That's okay mom, daddy can teach you!" If only she knew her daddy just laughs at me! Enjoy the show!

Love,

Julie

I have a Walker!!

Yes, the big day has finally arrived!! Lydia is officially a walker and is walking all over the place. BY HERSELF!! No holding onto my finger anymore. She started about three days ago and is just zooming everywhere now. I now find her climbing onto chairs (all her level), foot stools and even Lillian. The best is watching Lydia walk to me with a big smile on her face with her nose crinkled and giving me a big hug. She is so proud of herself!

Lillian is really enjoying this stage. She loves walking all over the house with Lydia and helping her stand up when she falls down. Lydia can pull up, but she has big sister just waiting to help her. That is why Lydia is spoiled rotten! :) Lillian says she thinks her sister is funny now and just loves to help her walk.

Tonight, the girls played tag. Okay, Lydia didn't have a clue, but she thought it was hysterical when Lillian ran up to her and said, "Tag, you are it!" Then, Lydia would try to catch up to sister. Lydia isn't quite as fast as Lillian just yet! But, it really was the first time I have seen them truly interact with one another and enjoy being sisters. Lillian has had a really hard time being the older sister and not being able to play with me as much as she used too. It has been a big adjustment on her and tonight I truly saw the light. It was great to see them bond over tag and become closer. It made my heart warm and I felt like they were becoming friends. I know that is silly to feel such over just one silly game, but sometimes you just know it is a defining moment....and it was for them.

Lydia is now into everything and we have to go find her in the house. Her second game she might like to play is Hide and Seek. I turn my back for a moment this afternoon and Lillian and I couldn't find Lydia. Where was she? Hiding in the shower curtain! It is great seeing her walk just days before her 1st birthday. And you know what? My back feels awesome now!

Love you all!

Julie

Better Late than Never!

Lydia actually started crawling today!!! I didn't think she was going to do it, but she did! As you know, Lillian didn't crawl, so this was exciting! All that hard work of walking her around and now she is crawling? But, she still prefers to walk and is getting good at standing on her own from the sitting position without pulling up on something. So, does this mean she will be walking by her own by her first birthday? Only time will tell! Go Lydia! Mommy loves you! Show your daddy you can do it!

Love Always,

Julie

Happy Birthday!

God's Masterpiece

From graceful lilies pure and white,
God fashioned lovely skin,
Forgetmenots he chose for eyes,
Then formed your baby chin.
He took a tulip bright and red --
'Twas one that did not fade;
A softer, sweeter little mouth
Before was never made.
Another flower next He used --
A rosebud, pink and fair;
Touched it to your dimpled cheeks
And bade it blossom there.
Then with His magic fingers picked
Two morning glories white;
Curled and shaped your little ears,
Soon they were fastened tight.
That crowning bit of golden down
Will soon become your hair;
He gathered pollen from the flowers,
And sprinkled it with care.
For dainty little fingers dear
And precious, tiny toes,
He used slender daisy frills;
A snowdrop made your nose.
This world and all within it
He created here for man;
But Baby was "God's Masterpiece"
Since time and life began

Well, I can't believe it is around the corner. Lydia is turning 1 in two weeks and Lillian is turning 5 in a couple of weeks. Both give me so many emotions! Lydia is my baby and she is growing up so fast and I know everyone says that, but it is true. She brings so much joy to my life and I have enjoyed watching her everyday and being her mom. She is totally cute, has a lot of charm and a lot of attitude. She is a lot like her older sister! :) She is our last one and my heart just aches sometimes knowing she won't be a baby much longer. How is it something so small can make such an impact on your life?

And Lillian, wow she is an amazing little girl! She is full of charm and honestly, she is sweet! She is polite and always looks after her friends. She really has a side to her that I admire and I hope she never loses it! She is a leader and is stubborn, but I am starting to see now that sometimes that isn't so bad! :) She makes me smile and says the cutest things at times. She melts my heart and I can't believe she is almost 5 years old! I remember her being Lydia's age and wondering how I could ever let go of her! And now, I see her going off with her friends and being a big girl.

They are my loves and my life! I only hope I bring to them what they give me. I make so many mistakes daily and I hope they only remember all the things I do right. But, most of all, I hope they remember I much I truly love and adore them! Happy Birthday Girls!

Love Always,
Mommy

Happy Labor Day!!

Happy Labor Day! The girls and I decided to go to the lake one last time for the summer. We went this morning and met our wonderful friends out there too. It is cloudy today and overcast, but that didn't stop the fun and laughter!

Lillian stilled enjoyed playing in the water every minute! We played Ring Around the Rosie several times and she loves going under water when it comes to the part "And we all fall down." Plus, she loves to play "swim lessons." I guess all those swim lessons paid off this year after all! :)

Lydia had fun too eating the sun and flirting with the lifeguard. She kept walking, okay me helping her, up and down the lifeguard's stand. Of course, she pulled his leg hair when she made it to the top! She always does that to men! :) She is a little cutie in her tankini and that belly hanging out! :) She enjoyed the water too and stayed in for at least 10 minutes! hee hee

It has been a great start to the Labor Day weekend. We are having friend's over for dinner tonight. That should be some more fun for the girls and swimming tomorrow! We have to get water logged before all the pools close for the season! We are going to be wrinkled from the pool- that is what I am blaming my wrinkles on! hee hee

Happy Labor Day to everyone! Please be safe over this weekend and careful on the roads! Love you all!

Julie

Lillian's First Day of Preschool

Lillian was so excited to start preschool this year! It took her an hour to fall asleep last night and finally I had to go into her room and tell her she was going to have a long day today and need to get some sleep. She finally laid down and went to sleep.

She woke up bright and early and was ready to go! We all managed to get dressed, have breakfast, take pictures and leave by 8:00am. Lillian walked so proudly into her school this morning and said, "Good Morning Mrs. Sweeden!" She took her backpack off and hung it on the peg and then walked right into class. I had to follow behind her to say good bye and get my kiss! :) She has forgotten all about me already!

I was so proud of her and asked her to be a big helper today and a good friend. One of her classmates was having a hard time this morning and he was upset. I told Lillian to be a good friend and play with him and show him the ropes since she was there last year. I know she will do well this year and I am thrilled to have such a great daughter!

Lillian is growing up and it is amazing to see all the changes in her this year. She is such a sweet and bright girl and amazes me everyday. I am so lucky to be able to watch her grow up. I was just thinking to myself, I still sing "Hush Little Baby" to her every night just like when she was born. She never gets tired of it and reminds me to sing her the song at her bedtime. It has always been something special for her and she can sing it herself now. It seems like she was just a little baby and now she is in preschool.

Good luck Lillian and most of all...enjoy being in school today! I love you!

Mommy

Artwork

Today we went to Ooey Gooey at the Cultural Arts Center. I thought it would be a good time for both girls since it involved coloring and painting. Lydia had never painted before and I was interested to see how this would go this afternoon. Lillian had a great time and didn't want to leave. We don't paint much anymore since I can never get Lydia to sit...that is one word she doesn't like! :) So, Lillian enjoyed herself and painted the whole time and didn't leave her seat except to wash her hands. She was a big girl today and just had fun! :)

Lydia created her first artwork today with blue and yellow paints. She sat in my lap for three or four seconds and then was out of there! She took me on a tour of the classroom, pulled out everything she shouldn't be touching, opened all the cabinet doors more than once and walked the hallway all while she was fussing at me for one thing or another! :) Wasn't the second child supposed to be my easier one? Isn't that what my friends and family told me?

I did meet this lady in the classroom who came with her granddaughters. This mom was smart...bring along grandma to help! :) She asked me about Lydia's age and then told me she was a "little earthquake!" Is that a compliment? Not too sure, but she does shakes things up when she is in a room with you! I love you Lydia! :)

Enjoy the artwork!

Julie