Funny Boy.

The Little Nugget Had A Birthday

That's right! Baby Ivy is now 1 year old. I can't really believe it myself. I know it's totally cliche, but it seems like just yesterday that I was painfully pregnant and swollen beyond recognition with her. Now, I'm merely sleep-deprived and neurotic (not a pretty combination either).

Ivy is our crazy little squirmy munchkin. She is constantly on the move, and always has something to say. She can stand on her own now, but won't for long (that always on the move thing). In her world, things are always out of place and therefore need a new one (usually just the floor is adequate). She adores her big brother Seth, nobody can get her to giggle as hard as he can. Ivy is perfecting her mimicking abilities, her favorite being something that sounds just like "hey! I need that" (a phrase used by her brother an average of 44,537 times a day). She is also saying "baby", "mamma", "daddy", and oodles of adorable baby-gibberish. Ivy shares Seth's love of music and dancing. We rock out to everything from "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" to Aerosmith, but I'd have to say Queen has become the kiddie favorite at the moment. The second that "We Will Rock You" starts, the two of them are doing the lap-clap right along with it - and I have never seen it end without Seth creating some nearby object into a guitar for the solo (last night it was the loaf of french bread that we were going to have for dinner - the boy's got vision). Let's see, what else.... Ivy has been making the funniest faces lately. She'll squint her eyes shut really tight, pucker her lips, and breathe really hard out of her nose - that's a good one. Several of her funny faces consist mainly of contorting her tongue into every shape and reach that the little thing is capable of - I'm very impressed with her dexterity! My favorite though is the "dry fish"/tantrum pose, where she throws her entire body away from you, creating an amazing arch, and then becoming completely rigid. Her dedication to such rigidity is pretty amazing. I mean, if you put her on a table or something she would look like a statue - a screaming statue. Priceless.

I have a feeling that we are getting glimpses into the beautiful and creative thing that will be "Ivy", and I can't wait to see more. Every day she learns something new. I feel so lucky every time I get to kiss those perfect round little cheeks (it's almost as though they have some sort of super-magnetic force that you are unable to resist - I dare you to try!). Somehow, I ended up with this angel of mine and wouldn't change her for a thing (I'd maybe tweek the sleeping situation :D).

I LOVE YOU SO MUCH IVY DAYLE!

Scenes From The Cage

Do you think that Seth is trying to make a statement with this photo?

Why My Dad Is The Best

Recently, my sister Meg wrote in her blog about the origin of her unwavering love for the U of U. It was titled "the year I became a Ute". The next entry had a picture of several "Utah" souvenir items (a mug, flag, and license plate cover), from a very thoughtful and proactive father. How sweet was that? Anyway, here is the comment that I left: "It's like when celebrities mention a product on TV, and then get it sent to them! Do you think this would work for me too if I exclaimed my love of say... beef jerky?!?!". Thus explains the delicious animal products shown above. Now, I can either feel guilty about luring my poor father into such a cunning plot, or enjoy the salty sweetness of my score. Either way, yum.

My Dad has always done things like this. I don't know why I still get surprised. He is absolutely the best Dad I could ask for. My goal as a parent is to someday have my kids think of me as I do of him.

After thanking him for the treats, my Dad said something like "Yeah, I bet that you wish you'd have been a little more creative than beef jerky now, don't you?". Not even a little bit. Nothing says "I love you" and "You are by far my favorite daughter" (tee-hee :D) like a bit-o-jerky. Love ya Dad.