Wanna See Cute?

Here is Kaci with her first little bun! It was picture day at ballet.

Happy Birthday Shanna!

Happy Birthday To My Sunshine Girl!
May 5

Here is a look back at 8 fun years! (Make sure you have the sound turned up!)

Shanna, you are beautiful, sweet, smart, silly, creative, graceful and fun to be around. I hope that your birthday is a happy, fun day!

Love, Mom

Make a Smilebox slideshow

My Happy Moment

Flowers from our yard, beautifully presented by my sweetheart! It's how we keep Colorado close to us. We also had our first artichokes from the garden tonight... yum!

Fun Party

We had Shanna's party today and had a blast. We were pretty worried about the weather, but about 15 minutes before the party, it all cleared up and was perfect! She had 15 friends come and everything went really smooth. It is great to watch so many kids have fun in our backyard. They played on the slip and slide, the trampoline, the play set and with golf clubs and beach balls. I made a sandcastle cake. The picture doesn't show it off very well, but I was pleased with how it turned out!


We are exhausted tonight, but it was a good day all around!

8 years ago

8 years ago, this whole motherhood journey began. On May 1st, 2000 they checked me into the hospital to have Shanna. My blood pressure was high, and silly me, I thought I would have her that night.

That was my first clue that kids don't come with an instruction manual. It turned into three days of labor, followed by a surprise c-section, but on the night of May 5th, my beautiful daughter was born.

I always reflect back, but since I am so pregnant this year, the memories seem a little easier to recall. I remember her first cry, I was so surprised by the sound. Then, when I kissed her head for the first time, I remember thinking how hard her head was, how real she was. Those first intense feelings of love that I felt that night will stay locked in my heart forever.

I remember the first few days home with her, how I had to keep reminding myself that she was mine and no one was coming to pick her up and take her home! Each time I realized that she was mine to stay, I felt so lucky.

I always knew that the connection between mother and daughter was so special from being with my mom. But becoming the mom gave me a new appreciation for the love and the bond you share with your daughter.

A lot of changes have happened in 8 years, she has grown up so much and my role has changed and grown with her. I look at her now, so tall and beautiful, her feet are almost as big as mine... yet I can still snuggle her up in my lap and hold her and kiss her forehead like I did 8 years ago.

Little Braids

Check out Kaci's little braids! She is so proud to have her hair done like Shanna's.

Afraid of a clown?

I have always thought it was funny (sorry, that's kind of mean) when I hear about people who are afraid of clowns. Grown people afraid of a clown?

When we were picking Shanna up from school yesterday, two clowns came out of her school. Two kids dressed up as clowns. Kaci grabbed my hand tightly and looked up at me.

"Mommy, I know those are just people dressed up."

She was telling herself that, but I could see the terror in her eyes. I was a little amused, but she is 3 years old. I gave her a hug and reassured her that those were just kids with make up and dress up clothes on.