Thanksgiving

First of all, I'm a big slacker.  So much for my weekly blog update...guess life just gets in the way. 

Second, it being Thanksgiving and all, I thought I would take a moment to talk about the things that I am thankful for.

1.  Neva.  You are the most amazing addition to our family.  You make us giggle on a daily basis.  I want to spend all of my free time with you, as well as every other minute of my day.  You make us realize what life is truly about and the meaning of unconditional love.  You have only been with us for one short year, but I could not imagine our life without you in it.

2.  Eric.  You are the BEST husband a girl could ever wish for.  You take care of so much stuff around the house, which I never give you enough credit for.  We are a great team.  I am thankful for you everyday, but especially this time of year.  Being away from family during the holidays is hard, but having you to share these days with makes it a little easier.  I am so grateful to have you to share this journey with.  And so thankful that we made such a kick ass kid.

3.  Family.  I love all of my family dearly.  I am so blessed to have such a wonderful support system, even if we live nearly 1000 miles apart.  I can call any of them and they will be there in an instant.  I can call them with anything and they are always there to listen and support me...no matter how crazy I may sound.

4.  Work.  Now don't get me wrong, I don't love my job everyday.  But I am grateful that I, at least, have a job.  And the best part, is that I have amazing co-workers.  They'll let me cry or complain or act like a complete idiot.  For that, I am thankful.  I also enjoy that I have a job that allows me to be part of a team that improves lives for others.  It's nice to have a job that makes you feel good...and where you get to see super cute kids all the time. 

Thanks to all of YOU for being a part of my life. 

Babysitter

I'm a bit embarrassed about how long it's been since I've written anything.  What can I say?  Life has been CRAZY lately.  Excuses, excuses....

We did meet a huge milestone this weekend.  We left Neva with a sitter for THE VERY FIRST TIME!  Well, other than the 4 days each week she's at daycare...this was the first time we've gone out and left her home with a babysitter.  Luckily, we have found an extremely responsible 17 year old gal to watch our precious one.  And, I must admit, it went splendidly!  I was extremely anxious for about the first hour we were out, but my anxiety lowered and we were able to have a nice evening out.  Several beers didn't hurt, either.  And Neva loved her!  She was telling us 'bye-bye' before we were even ready to leave!  Guess you can't ask for much more than that!  And...we came home to a clean house!  Dishes done and put away, toys picked up, baby sleeping soundly...  All in all, it was a good night!  We'll have to do it again!

Photos

Lately, I've been feeling like I'm just rambling about things on here.  So I thought I would change it up today and post some pictures!  Just a few that are on my phone...but photos none-the-less.

Sporting a cute outfit from Mo-Mo, carrying both drinks...and WALKING!

Eating a little breakfast!

Again...the eating.  But check those big brown eyes!

Trying to buckle herself into her chair!

Snoozin' away on the way home from Kansas!

Chatterbox!

Much to everyone's surprise, I'm sure, this little lady is quite the chatterbox!  I say it's surprising because Eric and I are both so quiet and soft-spoken!  Ha!! 

She has quite the vocabulary going and says the following:
Bella (our cat and a friend at daycare)
Dog
Mama
Dada
Uh oh
Wow (this is relatively new and quite funny!)
Eyes

She also really likes to make animal sounds and can do all of these:
Monkey
Elephant
Pig
Lion
Bunny (she wiggles her nose and breathes loudly at the same time...hilarious!)

She is trying to learn to whistle and thinks it is beyond funny when Eric and I do it!  She is also a pro at giving kisses and will pucker up and lean in for a kiss.  She is also into giving hugs, which just slays me!  She is quite the affectionate little lady!

We were able to go back to Kansas for my cousin's wedding over the weekend and learned that she is also quite the party animal!  She loved the lights from the DJ booth and the loud music!  Once the music started, she could not sit still.  She was dragging anyone she could get ahold of all over the dance floor.  And when people would sing along to the music, she would chime in as well.  Too funny, this one, too funny!

I love you, Neva!

13 months

I have decided to stop pumping, as of today. 

I'm going to continue to nurse, but am so over the pumping.  I'm feeling a little torn about it, but know that it will be fine.  She really only needs it if I'm not home, but we can supplement that with cow milk...Right?  Here's hoping...

And good riddance, pump.  I will not miss the hours that you and I have spent together over the past 13 months.

1 year stats

Neva had her 1 year check-up on Wednesday!  She continues to be one healthy girl!!!  Here are her stats:

18 lbs. 9 oz.  (25th percentile)
29 inches (50th percentile)
Didn't tell me her head circumference, but that is also in the 25th percentile

Can you tell who she is built like?  Maybe if I tell you that she can almost wear a size 3 shoe (tiny!), that will tell you that she is built EXACTLY like her Dad!  What a lucky little girl!!!

They also checked her hemoglobin and we learned that she is not anemic!  Good news all around!  :)  This wee one is also working on tooth #12.  Although I'm pretty sure I felt that it was through last night, hard to tell for sure when she won't open her mouth for me to see and just wants to chomp on my finger when it's in her mouth! 

And???  She has been taking some steps by herself.  Last night she would take about 4 before she would stop for a dance break.  Seriously, she just stands and bounces.  Hilarious, I tell you. 

This little girl is growing like a weed.  I can't believe how big she is getting!  Nor can I believe that she is already over a year old!  And I really can't believe the independence she is showing...where in the world did she get that? 

I love her.  SO.  MUCH.

One Year Old

Last weekend we celebrated Neva's 1st birthday.  I really can't believe she's already one.  The past year really flew by.

Sunday was filled with lots of laughs, a few tears and many, many memories from a year ago.  We could look at the clock and talk about what we were doing the year before. 

Even since then, we can talk about what we were doing a year ago.  What was going on this week?  Who was here to see us?  It's been so much fun...and I hope we can continue to remember that day so fondly. 

We celebrated with a get-together at a park here in town.  Family and friends were able to join us for a BBQ and some cupcakes.  It was so great to see so many people come together to celebrate Neva's first birthday.  We truly are blessed.

Happy birthday, to my sweet baby girl!  I love you more and more everyday!