Five Years and Going

Tobby and I celebrated our 5th wedding anniversary this last week. I know that may not sound like a long time for some people reading this blog, but it seems like a lifetime ago that I was single. It actually feels like another life completely. I am so happy that Tobby and I found each other. Even though I was definitely not looking for a husband when we met, I am glad that I opened my heart up to him because he makes me so happy. Our relationship has been so different since the birth of Lily, but in a good way. I love him so much more now that I get to see how much he loves and takes care of not only me, but Lily. He is the best Daddy in the world and me and Lily are grateful to have him!

At our reception

Smiling big with Daddy

Our Family

Hugs and Kisses

It amazes me everytime we are around other children how lucky we are to have Lily. While others kids or babies hit or scratch others when they get close, Lily patts others and holds their hands. She is so gentle! My cousin Brittany is having a baby in a few days and at her baby shower last week Lily was about ready to go to bed. But, as soon as she saw her little cousins, she was wide awake and wanted to play more than anything. They kept giving her hugs and holding her. Instead of struggling, she would snuggle with them and let them kiss all over her. She truly loves interaction with other small children. Cody, Meredith, and Lily's only cousin Emerson are coming out to Utah in a few months and I am so hopeful that Lily will be just as in love with Emerson. I can't wait!

My cousin Marti's little girl, Haley, loved to hold and kiss Lily at the shower

A hug sandwich from Haley and her cousin Ellie

Aunt Janice with Lily

Melting

As Lily gets older it is so fun to observe her personality as it developes. She is so funny and determined. We are so grateful to have her in our lives. Even after a rough day, we lay in bed at night and laugh at how silly our baby girl is. We can never stay upset at her for long with this smile that melts our hearts.

Lily has been doing this cute little pose lately where she lays on her side and holds her leg, like she's taking a glamour shot or something. She is so silly!

She also has been catching up on her reading, so I'm sure glad we have all of Tobby's school books in her room. To tell you the truth, it's one of the many things on our list of things to baby proof in the house. I just hope she is this interested in books when she grows up!

Missionary

My cousin Colton came out a couple weeks ago to enter the Missionary Training Center where he began his LDS mission to Chile. He is the first cousin on my mom's side of the family to serve a mission and I am so proud of him. I think it's really hard for young men to dedicate 2 years of their lives to focus on teaching others about their beliefs. I know that his life will be blessed forever for his selfless work. We will continue to pray for his safety and success out there.

Hanging out at the Thomas's

Teaching Lily to pray

Uncle George, Colton, and Aunt Jill

Adult Interaction

Tobby is one of those amazing people that is really good at keeping in touch with his friends from high school, even though he probably doesn't seen them as much as he would like. Tob's friends, Travis and Jessica had a barbeque to get together some of the gang. It was really fun to hang out and play with the kids, but more exciting for me to have some adult conversations. Don't get me wrong, I love playing peek-a-boo and singing nursery rhymes all day, but sometimes when I start talking to Tobby like he's a baby, I realize that I need to get out more. I think more than ever, Tobby and I understand the importance of keeping in touch with friends and having time to hang out as adults. After dinner, we enjoyed a firework show courtesy of Payson City. Lily actually loved them, unlike her nonchalant attitude during Oremfest. I'm hoping that a get together like this will happen more often. Hey, maybe we will even host next time!

Jumper

Lily got a new little jumper as an early birthday present from her Grandma and Grandpa Thomas. Tobby has been trying to persuade me to buy this particular one since before she was born, but I wans't convinced that she would like it. Boy, was I wrong! Not only does she have a blast in it, but I can definitely tell a difference in her leg muscles and the amount of time she likes to stand and practice walking. I guess sometimes Daddies and Grandparents do know best.

Busy Bees

The weather has been so nice lately that we decided to take a trip up Provo Canyon and have a picnic. We went to KFC first, deciding that a nice chicken dinner would be appropriate. After our little walk on the trail, we found a good little stretch of lawn to settle our blanket on. The only problem was that several bees joined us for dinner. Tobby did his best to ward them away, since I am the type that tries to ignore them, but to no avail. We eventually had to ditch the food and settle for a picnic at home. I guess it's the thought that counts!

Army Girl

A few weeks ago Lily finally started crawling. At first she started out with the "army" crawl and a couple weeks ago graduated to crawling on her knees. I know that every baby is different, but it has been hard for me to not worry about her physical development. I have just resigned myself to the fact that I need to stop comparing her to other babies and just accept that she will learn and perform new skills when she is good and ready. Did I mention that this is hard for me?

Lily has also learned to stand while hanging on to furniture. She can pull herself up to a kneeling position and can almost pull herself to a standing position. Needless to say, Tobby and I have had to finally lower her mattress in her crib. Every time I go into her room to get her out of bed, she is either kneeling by the slats, playing peek-a-boo, or she is sitting in bed just waiting for me to get her. I am such a proud little mama when she starts to do knew things!