Easter

What a great week it was--three egg hunts for the little one, joining with friends for Easter dinner, and remembering the resurrection.

The camera is with Matt in South Africa, but mark my words, my bunny sure was cute! During the egg hunts she'd snatch up one egg, find a place to sit, pry that plastic egg open, then shovel sugary goodness into her mouth like nobodies business! She'd resume her interest in hunting for eggs only after the candies were gone (or I managed to sneak them away without her seeing).

These videos were taken April 2, when we celebrated Easter as a family. (They are ridiculously long--I just didn't want to edit them. The first 30 seconds or so of each will more than suffice, I'm sure.)
And this is how Skylie reacts when she can't get to the candy fast enough.

April

This past month Matt had a pretty chill rotation schedule. He rotated at the ER in Oskaloosa, and the doctor there only required Matt to work six 12-hour shifts the entire month! It was great having Matt around more, and he got to experience what Skylie and I do on a day-to-day basis.

Exhibit A: Library story time and playing at the Merle Hay Mall play area

This is one of the few mall play areas Sky still likes. Not sure why she's getting picky about where she plays.



Exhibit B: Playing at the park

Big Creek State Park is one of my favorite parks in the area. It's a 40-minute drive for us, but well worth it on occasion. April 12 was an exceptionally nice day, so Matt and I took Skylie, our bikes, and sack lunch dinners up to the park and spent the afternoon and evening basking in the warmth. Skylie absolutely loves riding behind me on the bike! Anytime I glance back at her she's grinning ear to ear and will often shout out, "Whee!".



Matt is now in South Africa doing an international rotation with three of his buddies from school. Since he'll miss Easter, we celebrated on April 2 with an egg hunt, Easter activity, and decorating eggs. The Easter Bunny brought her alphabet flash cards and stickers, both of which she loves. It didn't take her long to catch on to the fact that candy was hidden inside each egg. Mmm, yum! I took some videos during the egg hunt. If I get ambitious I will edit and post them.Since Matt will also be gone for Mother's Day, he arranged to celebrate the holiday early by:

• Making me breakfast
• Giving me chocolates from Stam's per my request
• Arranging dinner for us
• Preparing chocolate covered strawberries for dessert
• Pampering me all day long

He certainly made the day special for me, which I appreciate. But I'm even more thankful that he takes such good care of me and Skylie every day--not only on special occasions. Thank you, Matt.

Opening gifts

Omaha Zoo

On April 4 we took Skylie to the Omaha Zoo for the first time. I'm pretty sure it was the best day of her life! She loves animals and seemed mesmerized by all the creatures.

Month Nineteen

Skylie,

You are getting so big! This week we found out that you're going to have a baby sister! I hope you two will be best buds and that you'll be a big helper when she arrives. I'm sure you'll give her the same love and care that you show toward your baby dolls. ;)

A new habit you've recently picked up on is putting on layers upon layers of clothes. Usually they're your own clothes, but tonight you got into one of my drawers and insisted that Daddy help you put shorts, running pants, and leggings on your arms and over your head. Fortunately you are more than happy to remove the extra layers once you've had your share of dressing up.
Dressed in two pair of leggings, two pair of shorts, a skirt, and at least five shirts. You're not happy in the picture because you're telling me you're hungry. I wouldn't let you eat until you'd removed your fashion ensemble.
Moments later after the extra layers had been removed and you could climb into your high chair

With the temperatures rising, we've been able to get outside and you've rekindled your love for birds, squirrels, and dogs. If we step outdoors you're sure to spot a furry or feathery friend and dash after it with no hesitation.

A few nights ago I made edible play dough for you to play with. You undoubtedly ate more of the sugary goodness than you needed, but you sure had fun.


Last week we went to the Science Center. You had a blast playing in the bubbles, building towers with Lego's, and petting animals. Whenever your tower of Lego's fell, you'd cry out "Oh no!" then begin construction on yet, another tower that was sure to fail. Toward the end of the morning, we went into a theater and laid down to watch a star presentation. You snuggled up to me and almost fell asleep. Your snuggles are the best!

Saying "Oh no!" after a tower fell

Bubbles

Puppets

You're learning your letters, say more words than I can keep track of, know the Sesame Street characters by name, and still love go-gurt, Elmo, strawberries, animals, and playing with friends.

Recently we've had trouble putting you down for your afternoon nap. After days of crying your eyes out yet never falling asleep, I tried a new trick. I began doing your bedtime routine with you before your nap as well--so we now read your scripture story book, say prayers, and give kisses. Thankfully, it seems to have worked for now. Fhew! You and I are both happier and more rested!

You must be going through a growth spurt because you are a bottomless pit these days and you're sleeping more than you have for a long, long time. You're now sleeping 13 to 14 hours at night, which to me is nothing short of miraculous!

You love playing with lotion and are in heaven when I let you use my makeup brushes. You pretend to do your makeup, hair, and get ready just like me.

You are getting more fun every day! I love you so much and feel incredibly lucky to call you my daughter.

Love,
Mom

20 Weeks Pregnancy Picture

One more belly shot. We're more than half-way there and the belly is growing! I'm trying to focus on appreciating the miracle of pregnancy, despite the adverse affects on my body. The reward at the end is totally worth the belly.