Much Love

Lily has never been a very cuddly baby, but over the last couple of weeks, she has been. In fact, my favorite thing about Mother's Day this year was the biggest hug and kiss that Lily has ever given me (kiss shown above). She has also loved to just lay down on the ground and cuddle, especially with her Uncle Trevor.

Surprise

As many of you know, Lily was sticken with RSV all last month and was pretty sick. Luckily, she did not need to be hospitalized and after several doctors visits and some much needed medication and TLC, she made a miraculous recovery just in time for a suprise trip to California. My Grandpa Clark was having an 80th b-day party and my mom was going out to surprise him, but to EVERYONE'S surprise, Lily also was waiting at the airport with my mom when Grandpa, Grandpa, and Sheri arrived.

As far as what my mom said about the trip, Lily had a blast and didn't cry, except when she had to do her breathing treatments. I am so thankful to have such great family that are interested in and love Lily and took care of her so wonderfully. I was worried about sending her away so soon after she started getting better, but she had a great time and I hear everyone else did too! While Lily was gone, Tobby and I almost didn't know what to do with ourselves, but we managed. We had been married four years before Lily was born and so it was like having a few days to go back in the past and spend time one on one together, which was nice. Thanks G & G, mom, aunts, uncles, and cousins for all your help and love!

Lily and Grandma Thomas, where else? Outside!

Smiley girl with Grandpa and Grandma Clark

Sheri and Lily

The Clark Family at Grandpa's party

Looking cute with Aunt Janan and cousins Tiffany and Adam

Cuddling close with cousins Lauren, Connor, and Haley

Bright, Sunshiny Days

Like previously mentioned, Lily loves to be outside. We have been trying to take advantage of her enthusiasm by talking a daily walk or bikeride. Since we are going to Boston soon, we figured it would be a good time to get Lily used to her baby carrier. We have tried it previously, but she never liked it, but oh, how that has changed. She loves to be up high with daddy and see from his perspective. Occasionally though, she has to get grounded again to pick up her favorite "treasures" (pine cones, feathers, blades of grass, dandilions, you name it!).

Some of her favorite things to do while outside, besides run away from mommy, are to go around the house and smell all the flowers . . .

and blow blubbles.



And there's nothing like a little treat after a long day in the sunshine.

Easter Hunts

We had a wonderful Easter this year. I was really excited because we got to start a new family tradition: the infamous Easter egg hunt! Lily was really excited too.

Here is a little sample of our fun-filled hunt . . .

When it was time to come in, of course, she was very concerned . . .

But, she got over it and decided to continue to look everywhere for eggs.

It's a yearly tradition to go over to Grandma and Grandpa Farnworth's house for a family hunt and lunch. Lily had so much fun finding even more eggs and playing with Grandma's dog, Shelby.

This year was so much fun and the weather was so beautiful! I am excited for the upcoming Easter Sundays we get to share as a family.

Contagious

It all started with Lily taking short walks with us to the mailbox and now we have a full blown epidemic on our hands. Lily has been contaminated with outdoorsitis. Definitions include, but are not limited to:

wanting to be outside 24/7,

kicking and screaming when coming in from the outdoors,

kicking and screaming to get back outside,

lack of care for weather conditions when outside,

or excessive stealing to enjoy oneself outside (shame, shame).

Lily takes a ride in our NEIGHBOR'S car, which she feels entitled to take every time she runs outside.

I think all of us need to be extremely careful, especially in this glorious weather, to protect ourselves from coming down with outdoorsitis. I already feel like I might be getting it from Lily and possibly even Tobby, although he hasn't confessed to having it yet. Enjoy the beauties of nature, but not to the extent that you feel the need to steal a toy car from a neighbor. That's just despicable!

Tacos and Heroes

A few weeks ago, our friends Charles and Candice had us over for taco night. While Charles fried up some homemade tacos, Lily got to know their girls, Kelsie and Alyssa. They played dress up and of course, Elmo had to be involved in this night somehow.

After the yummy dinner, Lily serenaded the girls with her singing and piano skills, while the adults took a stab at Guitar Hero.

For the record, I finally found a video game that I am better at than Tobby! I know that might sound mean, but after years of always being second best in this arena, I just have to brag. Ha! But seriously, it is a fun game, hard on the eyes, (mine were burning from concentration and staring at the TV), but fun.

Hair Tales

I just couldn't resist snapping these photos of Lily when she first got out of bed from a nap. I'm so excited that she finally has enough hair to produce this cute mohawk!

I have even been able to put her hair in a little pony tail at the top of her head, although her hair is so fine, I hate to do it very often since about 5 previous strands break every time I do.


But there is hope . . . I was just reviewing some pictures from Lily's birthday in October and she had about half the hair she has now, so I know it's growing fast and we will soon be able to style it is some other fashion than the mullet she seems to rock every day.

Ode to the mullet

It's very bittersweet to see Lily grow into the beautiful little toddler that she is. I love to see her learn new things and to see her personality blossom, but sometimes it's so hard to let her be independent and well, not a baby anymore. I'm sure every parent goes through this, so I just need to get over it and enjoy this little sweet girl while I can still call her little!