Turning of a Page

My grandmother passed away yesterday. She had a stroke a week ago and slowly faded away. I was lucky enough to be in Utah just a couple weeks ago and I was able to take my kids to go see my grandparents. When I was at their house I watched as my Grandpa spoon-fed my Grandma her meals, wiped her chin, and tucked her into bed. I thought about how hard this must be on him and wondered if he wished it was over. After all was the woman he loved even there anymore? Really? Then as I was talking to him he was telling me how wonderful she was and what an amazing person she was and how much he loved her...and I felt ashamed. His love for her was so beautiful and pure, despite any physical impediments. It wasn't a burden to take care of her. To him it was a gift, a blessing, and an honor. I learned something about love that day. Grandma Rookhuyzen you will be missed. Until we meet again.

Maylee's new duds

I have been cloth diapering Maylee for about 6 weeks now and I am loving it! For about $150 I got enough diapers to take Maylee through potty training and will still be good for the next baby. It's so much easier than I thought it would be and so stinkin cute!
That last one is the inside of the pink diaper. We also have purple, green, and blue.

Best present ever!

Yesterday Maylee gave David the best Father's Day gift ever! She said, "Dada" for the very first time! While he was with us! Because of his work schedule he so often misses her milestones. I'm so happy he was there for that one. :-)

Happy Father's Day

A big shout out today to my father. I couldn't have asked for a better father, he's always been there for me. A calm, solid presence in my life whenever I need him. My mom once told me that I should marry a man just like my father, which turned out to be very good advice, I couldn't have a better role model for a husband or a father. I love you Daddy! We are so excited to be going on vacation with you guys next month.

Sunday Shot

Six Months of Maylee

Maylee only hours after she was born at home in our bathtub. Weighing 7 lbs and 21 inches long.

Sucking on her Daddy's finger at 1 month old. We were never able to get her to take a pacifier.

Tummy Time at 2 months. You can see from her expression how much she likes doing it. She didn't even hold her head up until 4 months.

Naptime in the buff, 3 months old. She would still rather be naked than clothed. I don't know what we're going to do when she's old enough to take off her own clothes!

4 months old and the happiest baby ever! She doesn't laugh when she's happy, she squeaks and squeals! Very loudly I might add.

Maylee is the hottest baby I have ever had. She's always sweaty. She LOVES the cold, she was so happy every time I took her outside on our vacation in Utah. Seen here at 5 months. Poor girl, the 115 degree weather is going to be rough on her!

And here's my baby girl today, 6 months old!

I can't believe her first year is already half over. Look at her! She's huge...in her puny midget-like way. LOL She loves to stand up more than any other position. I'm trying to teach her how to sit up on her own and she gets mad at me when I won't help her to stand up. Maybe she'll just skip crawling all together and go straight to walking!
I couldn't ask for a happier baby, she is such a wonderful addition to our family.

A few facts for posterity.

Maylee's favorite food is homemade sweet potatoes and just like her mommy she doesn't like applesauce. She is a real homebody, happier here than any other place. She makes an amazing variety of high-pitch sounds, I'm amazed my windows haven't broken yet, funny enough she gets that from her father. She is 12 lbs and 27 inches, can smile, roll, scoot (mostly backward) and loves her jumper. She has no teeth yet and I'm completely ok with that! We love you Maylee-goose.

1st Grade

Here are the pictures for Emma's first and last day of school.

I can't believe how big she's gotten this year. I also can't believe that when she goes back in the fall that Eli will be going with her. Wowzers.