Christmas Day 2014

The day began beautifully. A blanket of fresh snow on the ground and Stella sleeping in until 8. We ventured downstairs to see what Santa brought. A huge pile of present await under the tree.

A Loving Note to My Beautiful Daughter

It's been rough lately. Poor Jeff! I don't know how he handles all that he does with work and his crazy family driving him nuts all day (one of the problems you have by working at home I guess). When Stella has difficult times or goes through phases it's a hard adjustment and it's particularly hard because like her father she is perfect 99% of the time. So where do these tantrums come from and how do I prepare for them? I wanted to write down some thoughts so during those hard times I can remember this is why I never want to get angry or make her feel bad.

Last night Stella wouldn't sleep. It was miserable, she was a big tantrum thrower the last few days as well. I was exhausted. My body hurt everywhere and I still have a bout of morning sickness at least once a day. In the middle of the night while laying next to her trying to keep her asleep, Stella did a jerk movement which hit me and caused me to react by saying 'Ow!'

This tiny little thing that has only been on the earth for two years and is quite possibly still asleep herself, looks at me with concern and says 'oh sorry!'

SORRY!?

I don't even know where she learned the word, but she was genuinely concerned that she had hurt me and wanted me to know it. I immediately got tears in my eyes which happens very easily now a days. All the pain both physical and emotional was gone and I could only feel a bursting love for this gorgeous little girl.

On another day that was particularly difficult I started to cry and as usual my darling daughter was by my side, rubbing my shoulder, telling me 'don't cry' and 'it's ok. You're ok'. 

Who is this kid?!

I don't know how I got so lucky. Stella is a pure angel and I love everything about her. She has just the right amount of feistiness and sass mixed with her tender concern for those she thinks are suffering. She loves to dance and sing and dress up and her personality easily overshadows both that of her parents combined. She loves her dog and the first thing she says in the morning is 'Nib oh Nib where are you?"

At Grandma's house though it's 'Where's Baylee?' and 'Where's Ryan?'

Although it's been difficult having to sleep with her to get even 4 hours of sleep a night, waking up in the morning to a smiling, pacifier-ed face and a bright happy 'hi!' is the best way to start off your day. 

She wears her wings and pink furry tiara running around the house singing and playing. She is the perfect ray of light to brighten anyone's darkest day. She loves to hug everyone and says 'ahhhh' every time she does. She loves to give fist bumps. She loves to be outside. 

In my eyes Stella is perfect and has me wrapped around her little finger. I don't want her to lose any part of her personality as she grows older and the world tries to change her. She will always be the brightest star in the night sky for this Mommy!

Had a Break!

I kind of go back and forth between blogging because I really don't do it for anyone but myself. Sometimes I think, 'why do I do this? Nobody reads it!' and then I realize that's not true because I read it! It's a great journal and when it comes time to submit the Tattle Tale I just look up the blog and remember everything. So here's the last few months recap.
We have been busy enjoying what time we can with family and friends. We have had a few movie/dinner dates, played ball, hosted dinners and went to dinners. We also like to play Dr. Mario and I am not one to toot my own horn, but I believe I am UNDEFEATED!!!
Spencer has been over to watch a few Jazz games. I have been busy with just enough video shoots to fill those lulls in the day. I also had the chance to film another wedding recently. We filmed a little something for Autumn and Erik as well. For Jeff's Birthday we had his family over and I surprised him with an Ipad.
We have been trying to sleep train Stella and I just have to say that crying it out doesn't work for everyone. Stella cried from 1 in the morning until 7 in the morning. I didn't let her see me once, just checked on her to make sure she was okay. She got so stressed out over being left to cry she stopped eating and she cried every time I took her into her room. She would not take her eyes off the crib like it was an animal about to pounce on her if she looked away. Crying it out is bull crap.
It was so tough on me and I stuck it out for about a week. The next day Jeff stopped at the store for me and when he came back he had brought me these Lilies. He is so thoughtful. Oh I forgot to mention he gave me a york peppermint patty too. Saved my life because I hadn't eaten yet that day. He really is the best guy I know.

I cut my thumb putting some dishes away and it would NOT stop bleeding. It kept filling up the band aid.

Stella's new game is to stack the blocks between the railing on the stairs and then knock them down. I don't mind because it keeps her occupied for awhile and I can get some cleaning done. 

Stella's new favorite thing to do is pull herself up in her crib. She is so proud every time she does it. I am too, until she won't go to sleep. 

Memorial Day

As I am writing this I am STILL FULL from the  food we had at Jeff's parents on Memorial Day. Wow, such tasty yummy goodness. I always look forward to the food. I don't know how they do it, but Dave & Patty sure can cook. I had two plates full!
On the way up to Heber we saw so many dead animals it was crazy. Some ground into the pavement beyond recognition. Our little Stella had so much fun with her cousins. We are glad to have the Gevenois' back in Utah.