first hair cut

I have a love/hate relationship with Lucy's hair - probably because I feel the same about my own.  I've had some really good cuts and some nightmares.  Curly hair can be tough to deal with and especially when it is super fine like Lucy's is now.  Her curls look perfect and darling after her shampoo and a little product but after an hour or so it's frizz city in the back.  So, I decided to take her for her first cut and let's hope this little shape up will make it easier for thick, flowing curls to come in.  Let's hope.

Cookie Cutters seemed to be the best option.  A fun car/plane/truck to sit in and choice of dvd to focus on other than the snip, snip around her ears.  It was over with before I had a chance to get emotional and cry and they even gave me a little baggy with one of her curls.  A sucker, balloon and a few pics of miss "I'm getting tired of the camera" and we were out the door!  The stylist did this cute little style on the top which for some reason makes her look older and maybe now I'll have a little cry! :)

my almost two year old...sigh

EI Graduate!

Today Lucy had her final visit from early intervention!  We had our final IFSP interview, signed exit papers and Lucy graduated from this very beneficial program.  She is testing at her age or above her age in all categories early intervention evaluates and there is no more need for services.  

I'm so proud of Lucy for how far she has come - and so exciting that she graduated before her 2nd birthday!  Early Intervention is a great program offered by the state for premature babies and also babies who have some special needs and need some "early intervention".  In Lucy's case all of her delays were gross motor and could be contributed to her being so early and her small size - she was able to conquer everything just with time and the work we spent at home.  But the PT's and staff of EI always had helpful information and the peace of mind knowing someone on the outside was keeping up with Lucy's progress was so reassuring.  Unfortunately, we've heard that many programs like EI are being faced with major budget cuts and some kids will miss out on these much needed services.  After benefiting from these services we will do everything we can to show support for funding for these programs.

This morning was a happy morning and kind of emotional too.  Lucy seemed to know how proud I was of her and she kept dancing around and singing - what a little show off.  Every graduation deserves a gift so I dug into the birthday stash and pulled out a surprise for Lucy - congratulations Luce!

Time to March!

It's March (finally) and that means it's time to start thinking about the big March for Babies!  Last year was our first time participating in the March of Dimes March for Babies and I can say it was one of the best experiences I've ever had.  Getting involved with a cause that has hit so close to home was a first for us and to know that our team did such amazing work and impacted the March of Dimes organization was so exciting.  

Last year we had over 30 walkers and raised over $2,600.  We did an outstanding job - especially it being our first year.  This year I am on a committee to help support other family teams and I can tell you after becoming more knowledgeable of the March of Dimes organization I realize how important they are for not only premature babies like Lucy, but for full term babies as well.  MOD has been the leader in promoting newborn screening tests in states all across the country.  

This year we understand that people may not be able to give as much or at all to charities but we still very much believe in the cause of March of Dimes and know that every little bit helps.  A donation of $5. or $10. dollars still impacts the organization and will help ALL babies have a chance at a long and healthy life.  Our team goal this year is $1,500.  - to represent Lucy's birth weight of 1 pound 5 ounces.  If you would like to support Team Lucy Bug! in the March for Babies walk you can make an online donation at our team website http://www.marchforbabies.org/teams/575611 or you can click on my March for Babies badge on the right sidebar.  If you are interested in joining and walking with our team, the day of the march is Saturday April 25th at the Utah Cultural Celebration Center in West Valley.  The walk begins at 10:00 am.  You can join our team at the link listed above to create your own profile, set a personal goal and receive pledges.  

Thank you for supporting our team.  We are so blessed with Lucy and her health and all of the many effects of prematurity that she dodged.  But we still endured 79 days of her being in the NICU and many uncertain, scary nights that no parent should have to go through.  If we can do anything to help prevent premature births, to help those grieving for babies lost and to promote funding for research for all babies to be born healthy - we will support this cause.

March for Babies 2008 

23 months!

Happy 23 months baby girl!  February is kind of weird because we'll never get a 30th to acknowledge your actual milestone.  So give or take a day, you're 23 months.  The bigger story is that you are one month away from TWO!!!  

You are doing all sorts of crazy and amazing things lately.  First of all, you know how to work the system.  Anytime you do something naughty or something you know you shouldn't you look at me and literally pucker your lips for a kiss!  Honestly, who can get mad with those cute lips puckered?!  Speaking of doing naughty things (your Gammy would disagree) but you are proving that you're a normal, developing toddler and pushing your limits.  Dumping the dogs' water dish, throwing plates, sippies and any food you don't like from your high chair, ripping pages in books and having mini meltdowns if you don't get something you want right now!

Most of the time I know you are doing this just to have fun but other times I see that mischievous grin right before you do something and when you look for a reaction I know it's not so innocent!

You are very attached to your two stuffed friends Elmo and Zoey.  They go everywhere we go and if we don't have them then it's not fun for everyone.  You don't really like the doll babies you got for Christmas but Elmo and Zoey take their place with rides in your stroller and being fed by you.  You are also counting to ten with a little help once we reach 7 and we're starting to work on colors and letters.  A lot of these are inside activitites and we can't wait for the nice, warmer days of spring because I think we're all starting to go stir crazy in this house.  You will have so much fun this spring exploring and playing outside!

Just yesterday I was at the hospital for my volunteering in the NICU and I still can't get over how far you have come.  Even though the unit is at the new hospital, the smell of the soap we used every visit is so strong and brings back so many memories.  Yesterday some volunteers were mentioning how they missed kangaroo care with their babies because that was such a powerful bonding experience.  I haven't thought much about kangaroo care but driving home I replayed those evenings in my head.  Just the three of us sitting and sometimes not even speaking.  I would hold you against my chest and even with the beeps of the machines and the oxygen and wires it would seem (most nights) like the most comfortable place because I was holding you.  Last night before you went to bed you climbed into my lap and let me hold and snuggle you and even though it was only for about three minutes it was the best part of my day!  

I love you hunny so, so much!  You have a big birthday coming up and I can't wait to see what other fun things you do until then.  Love, mommy

p.s.

This week we went to your favorite cousin's first birthday party!  Even though you're about a year apart you and Croz measure up pretty close in size so he makes a pretty good play date.  Happy 1st birthday Crosby - we love you!!

the san diego five.

learned

1. Lucy loves Elmo. From a distance. Breakfast with Elmo was a success if all characters stayed 10+ feet away from Lucy. The photo ops and interaction was a little more than she was comfortable with so even though the cuddly red monster wanted to give Lucy a hug and kiss she preferred to blow a kiss while clinging on to me.

2. The rain in San Diego is better than snow in Utah, any day. We lucked out on the weather. The forecast didn't look too great but we only got rain on our last day Monday. And a down pour wins out on the snow in Utah. Snow is for sickies.

3. 94.9 San Diego is our favorite radio station.

4. A poo diaper with 20 minutes left of the flight and the seatbelt signed turned ON is not a fun thing.

5. Keep cameras away from Lucy when she's moody and not into character interaction (see #1). We learned the hard way and have no pictures beyond breakfast with Elmo. Sorry Shamu.

ate

1. A fresh squeezed tangerine mimosa on the patio at The Cottage in La Jolla. Yes please.

2. The most delicious crab cakes ever (I should have ordered my own) in Point Loma.

3. In-N-Out. It was bleh this time, I think we like 5 Guys better.

4. Only two bites of breakfast at Breakfast with Elmo because I was too excited for Lucy.

5. Carnitas at Cafe Coyote in Old Town that were so delish they almost brought a tear to my eye and guacamole that Lucy couldn't eat fast enough.

saw

1. Cute surfers - always a good thing.

2. Ducks knocking on our sliding glass door of our patio. Lucy and I made the mistake of feeding them once and then we kept hearing them knock their beaks on the window. It made the two of us laugh but Blake was not amused.

3. Pretty much 10 of my dream cottages in the hills of La Jolla.

4. Lucy stomping and splashing around the fountain at Balboa Park. Our last day we decided to check out Balboa Park and some of their museums to get out of the rain. Exploring the gardens took up more time than we planned so once the rain let up we sat back and watched Miss buggy splash around. It's so fun to see her exploring and being her own little person.

5. A random pillow fight. In downtown San Diego on Valentine's we were driving around the city and at a stop light HUNDREDS of people ran out into the intersection hitting each other with pillows. Pretty funny and totally unexpected.

bought

1. A darling little senorita dress for Lucy in old town that I'm sure she'll be wearing this summer.

2. $6. in raw fish to feed the stingrays in SeaWorld. Lucy and I were too grossed out to touch them so we watched Blake. They must have been full because they didn't even attempt to eat them.

3. A Zoey doll - slowly moving up the ladder of Lucy's favorite Sesame Street characters. I think she's my new favorite too.

4. A pass into Cabrillo National Monument. Even on a rainy day there are still some pretty cool things to check out in San Diego. The view from this monument with the rain and crashing ocean was frightening to see.

5. A six-pack of Sprite. I got this from my mom because she always does it on trips and I've picked up the habit. Every night on vacation I need to have ice and a Sprite. Blake didn't want to keep going to the vending machine so he just bought me a six-pack for the mini fridge - oh what he does to make me happy!

loved

1. Watching Lucy run full force towards the ocean yelling "come on" with no fear and pure glee. She's a wild woman when it comes to some things - life size characters not so much.

2. Spending a mini trip with my two favorite people. We could pretty much go anywhere and I'd be happy with the two of them as my travel companions.

3. Sitting on our patio surrounded by palm trees and flowers drinking coffee and talking with Blake. I love the simple things.

4. Swimming with Lucy in the pool. She really is our little fish baby. I love that she loves the water and is as excited about pools as I am. Lounging and giggling in our towels to warm up after our swim was perfect too.

5. Our hair. Coastal airs do wonders for curly hair and we decided we would consider moving solely on what San Diego does for our hair.

I included quite a few pictures, if you are interested...enjoy!  We heart San Diego!

maybe I now understand her fear - ca-reepy!

no one was a big fan of Big Bird - kind of awkward

Zoey!  so cute but Lucy didn't know she was behind her

things were much better at a distance

Elmo attempting to win her over

fun times

cruisin the streets of downtown after our Valentine's date

my valentine's

offering kisses for guac!

miss fish

beach bum

Lucy was a few feet into the ocean while we tried to take this pic (kidding!)

from our patio

silly goose

Start me Up!

This is a picture of a sweet, tired, little girl who is just getting over a cold on a chilly morning.  But will still try and pose for mommy.

 I got Lucy out of bed this morning to go to Gammy's and she had a hard time waking up.  I was so excited for her new "Stones" onesie and I knew grandma would love it!  I asked Lucy to smile and wave and you can tell from this pic she wasn't really feeling it this morning.  She's still my super star!!

by the numbers:

10 - number of days until San Diego!

14 - years ago from today Blake & I went on our first date

45 - days until the first day of spring

55 - days until my baby turns 2!

3 - number of times Lucy and I listened to PYT (see playlist to the right) during our impromtu dance party the other night

3 - number of inches cut off my hair last night

1 - time a day I check if a certain anthropologie necklace has gone on sale

7 - months our home has been on the market ... ugh

27 - times Blake and I have dreamed about moving to the beach

4 - times I will make Lucy say I love you before she says "no"

15 - times a day Blake and I text

30 - times a day my friend Nikki and I text

2 - diet cokes I had yesterday afternoon at work (it was a long day)

1 - package I'm waiting for from UPS before our trip 

5 - outfit ideas already picked out for Lucy's Easter dress (damn Janie & Jack!)

5 - trips planned for this year

10 - times a day (most days) I think how lucky I am to have such wonderful friends and family!

Love you - have a good day!