Finally!

12 months, 3 weeks, and 4 days but Andon finally has some teeth. His top two teeth popped through yesterday. He hasn't really been fussy at all which is nothing short of a miracle. But, I'm not complaining. Now it's a waiting game to see how quickly he'll get some more.

Kindergarten

Today was Sierra's first day of Kindergarten. I don't know where the past five years have gone, today snuck up on us fast! She was a little nervous & scared (so were mom & dad). When we got to school she was dragging her feet until we saw her teacher. Mrs. Johnson told her where to put her bag then introduced her to a new friend named Summer. They headed off to play, after a quick hug from us, until the bell rang. It was a little hard, but also made me smile, watching her walk into the building. Poor Mark had a really hard time walking back to the car. He's super protective of the girl and worries about her being out of our sight. I was okay until I saw her empty car seat, but I got through the tears pretty quickly. We counted down the hours until it was time to go pick her up. Waited in the heat and got big smiles seeing her come out of the building.

She said, "I really liked school." "We read the Kissing Hand (which we had coincidentally bought and read yesterday on a recommend from my friend Michelle) and went on an adventure following Chester's paw prints and he left us hershey bars." She doesn't remember who she sat by in class or lunch. Or what they did in music class or on the playground, but she liked it. Made my day! I'm a little sad she's growing up so fast, but I really want her to like school and I'd say we are off to a great start!

The lunchbox

Her backpack (red of course!)

Off we go!

After school, all smiles

All the kindergartners had Chester mask's on their heads

Early dinner and ice cream at DQ

(We are stealing this little tradition from a friend. Thanks Angie!)

Andon Update

Andon had his 12 months checkup today. He is 30.5 inches and 20 lbs 3 ounces. He's growing longer as fast as his sister. I checked on her 12 months stats and she was the same length and 21lbs. Kind of crazy that they are that similar. Andon got the all clear to switch to whole milk so we'll start that transition tomorrow. This makes mama & daddy very happy. $4 every 2 weeks for milk vs. $28 is a much better deal.

She also took a look at his mouth and agrees with me that his teeth are right there. His top gums are bulging in the middle, so they may be first. She's pretty sure he'll go from none to 4 then 8 pretty quickly. Yippee for teething! I only hope it doesn't happen while are in San Diego for my cousins wedding. Won't that be a good time!

One year ago

Happy First Birthday Andon!

We can't believe you are one today. You came into our lives at the perfect moment and lifted our spirits. Little dude you are such a joy to watch play with your sister, snuggle with the cats, and suck your thumb. You have the best giggle that just makes the whole house smile. I can't wait to see you take your first steps and grow. I really can't wait for you to get some teeth! Happy Birthday baby boy.

We love you!
Mama, Daddy, and Sierra

Swimming

Sierra completed her swimming lessons for the summer today. She has been going twice a week since the beginning of June. I am extremely proud to say that she is water safe. She has gone from being clingy and timid to saying let go of me to Miss Shawna, her instructor. She swam across the pool for the first time on her own 2 weeks ago. She may never love it enough to compete, but at least I know she will have some fun summers ahead of her in the pool.

Next up we have Andon's 1st birthday, meet the teacher night, and the 1st day of Kindergarten. Mama's going on an emotional roller coaster for the next couple of weeks.

Words to live by

My sister put the greatest poem ever written up on her blog. I'm totally stealing it and posting it here. You can check out her blog here. This completely sums up how I have gotten through the past year.

"You can shed tears that she is gone, or you can smile because she has lived.

You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back, or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.

Your heart can be empty because you can't see her, or you can be full of the love you shared.

You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday, or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.

You can remember her only that she is gone, or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.

You can cry and close your mind, be empty and turn your back. Or you can do what she'd want: smile, open your eyes, love and go on.”

- David Harkins

Thanks Lindsey!

A year

It's hard to believe mom has been gone for a year. It's still just so hard to fathom. I never imagined her not being here. She has missed out on Andon's birth and first year. I surely could have used her advice and help over the past few months. She missed Sierra turning 5 and learning to swim. Mom was looking forward to seeing Sierra off to her first day of Kindergarten so that day will be doubly sad for me.

Thanks for always being supportive and showing me how to be a great mom. My kids are blessed to have had you for a nana, if only for a little while. I love you.