We love Easters at our house. 

Sadly Lady is breaking what seems like 14 teeth at once, so we dressed her up, snapped a picture (snotty nose, tear filled eyes and all), and put her to bed. I then trekked off to teach the Sunbeams. 

I love Cadbury Eggs, Reeces Bunnies, and Starburst Jelly Beans as much as (probably more, if we're being truthful) the next person. But, today in Primary we sang "If the Savior Stood Beside Me" and I was in tears for the duration of the song. The third verse struck me especially hard, 

"He is always near me, though I do not see Him there,

And because He loves me dearly,

I am in His watchful care,

So I’ll be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be

if I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me.

I will be the kind of person that I know I’d like to be

if I could see the Savior standing nigh watching over me."

I tried to explain to the three-year-olds why I was so emotional. I tried to tell them that while I love the candy, the idea of the magical bunny, and the basketball tournament that was on TV when I left the apartment - my real feelings are based around my Savior (and theirs). That He lives, and that's the real magic of this holiday. 

“Our Savior lived again. The most glorious, comforting, and reassuring of all events of human history had taken place—the victory over death. The pain and agony of Gethsemane and Calvary had been wiped away. The salvation of mankind had been secured. The Fall of Adam had been reclaimed. The empty tomb that first Easter morning was the answer to Job’s question, ‘If a man die, shall he live again?’ To all within the sound of my voice, I declare, If a man die, he shall live again. We know, for we have the light of revealed truth.” -- Thomas S. Monson 

How amazing it is!

The weather has been so perfect this week (we heart spring, when there is actually a spring to heart). Abby and I took multiple strolls and even picnicked outside for lunch. Abby discovered (and sampled) grass for the first time. We hung out with a couple of our favorites: Tanya and Kennedy, and celebrated Kennedy's first birthday! We shopped for golf necessities, and just shopped in general. We tidied up our little living space, and stowed away the clothes Lady out grew (I swear I do that far more than I should have to), making this mama far too emotional and nostalgic. And of course, all sported green in celebration of St. Patty's Day. D. and Abby let me sleep in this morning, so we missed out on green breakfast; I can't speak for them, but it was a worthwhile sacrifice for moi. Oh, and did I mention my finest mothering moment? My daughter sampled her first Girl Scout cookie. She loved it (obviously, who wouldn't?) but don't tell anyone.

We're pretty bummed that the warm-ish weather doesn't look like it'll be making an appearance again this week. 

Our baby has hit the double digits, and I've been a mess (even more than usual). Stop growing, Abby. Stay my baby. But, as if to rub it in my face, this month Abby has demanded complete independence. 

{This is the best picture I could snap with the 'A.' She insists on being on the move...all.the.time.} 

She is increasingly more interested in the world around her. Two days ago it was warm enough for us to eat lunch on the back patio and she discovered the grass. It kept her occupied for over a half an hour. Watching her experience things that we take for granted is priceless. 

She loves to people watch, and will stare at strangers for minutes on end. She is intrugued by conversation, and will quit whatever she is doing to be a part of one. 

Like I said, she is constantly on the move. She babbles to herself as she travels around the apartment, touching everything as she goes. Most of her 'chatting' happens when Daddy comes home at the end of the day. She basks in his constant attention, and he is wrapped around her little finger tight as ever. 

Everyday presents with a new talent (opening drawers, cupboards, finding the books on the bookshelf, climbing the stairs faster than the day before, etc.) 

Abby still adores books (and even snatched this one off the Target aisle when I wasn't looking). Other favorites are the remote controls, her socks, and Daddy's golf balls. 

Her sleep schedule still rocks our socks. She takes naps and goes to bed on schedule everyday. But, like her  mama, she loves routine and when it gets thrown off she's mad - and she wants the world to know it. 

Abby refuses to stand on her own, though she can do it (until she realizes she is). That's OK with us - we can barely keep up with her as it is! She cruises everywhere and gets especially upset when she finds the baby gate blocking her way. 

Abby still eats like a champ. She drinks bottles morning, evening, and before naps. She still does well with a lot of baby food, but refuses anything green or protien-ish (not that I can say I blame her, have you smelled the turkey and gravy combos? gag). Her baby food must be mixed with cereal (or have zero runny consistency). Kind of picky, but she will eat absolutely anything she can feed herself. She adores baby puffs, graham crackers, goldfish, canned pears, avocado, and bananas. Any other suggestions are welcome! 

We are loving the spring weather around our little area this week, and spend much of our time between naps outside on the grass, or going for walks in the stroller. She babbles and laughs much of the time. 

Abby continues to grow, and is now consistently in 12-18 month clothing. We just can't keep up with the ever changing wardrobe. But, don't get me wrong, I could shop for this girl 24/7.

Everyday brings changes with this little one, and everyday we feel we love this phase more and more. Her personality really shines, and we are hanging onto her every action. She is literally our whole world. 

"Hey guys, I thought we picked up a movie to watch? There must have been a mistake, you put me in bed before we even started it. Here, I'll pop it in."

And then she was like, 

"Alright, alright, if I have to do everything...there, now it's started. Oh, and I know you gave me that bottle to tell me it's bedtime, that's why I'm not drinking it. I'll just set it to the side for now."

And then she sighed, 

"Fine Dad, I'll play with you and get super wound up and hyper. Only if you insist..."

And then, being the super mean mother I am, I forced her to drink the bottle and then directed D. to tuck her in. Again. 

She's mighty persuasive, that one. 

Abby and Uncle Josh

But, we won't talk about how big Lady is; I'm in denial. 

Last weekend was an ideal weekend (in my opinion). We went to bed early on Friday night, went to breakfast early Saturday morning (my favorite thing to do - ever), ran errands, shopped, and then the Harrison clan paid us a visit. Abby was so, super happy to see Uncle Josh the day before his birthday! 

Sunday, we went to church (which felt like a marathon since we tag-teamed Abby as we both had to teach our classes), gave Lady a nap immediately after church, and Michigan won: hallelujah! (Now just convince D. we need tickets to the tournament this month - when it comes to SLC!)

Here's to happy, relaxing, fulfilled weekends. 

1) so excited to finally be behind the wheel 2) basking in Aunt Traci's attention 3) playing with Papa John 

4) chowing down on McDonald's french fries (mom of the year award, right here?) 5) this. cheesy. smile. (and messy face) 6) patiently playing in the crib post nap 7) kisses for Mommy 8) playing with Grandma Bonnie and Luke 9) after a day of playing with Grandma Harrison, she crashed the minute her head it the mattress 10) I'm greeted this way every time I open the car door, makes my day, everyday 11) always has to be a part of everything Daddy is doing 12) loving lazy weekends sleeping in with Daddy 13) the discovery of the bookshelf (that still needs painting) was bittersweet, while I'm happy she's intrigued by books, the integrity of the books are at risk daily 

She lets me play for awhile, but really I think she's trying to wake up still. Then, we head into the kitchen for breakfast. Oh man, I love meal times. It's super fun to act like I'm not interested in the food and look away from my mom. Then, when she thinks I'm finished, I yell and bang on the tray to my highchair, with my mouth open - just to show her I was kidding. If you have someone that spoon feeds you, try it. Really, it's awesome. 

She also give me a bottle at some point in the morning. And, I especially love food I can feed myself. So she carefully cuts up bananas, avocado, or oranges for me. Then she creepily watches me eat them, I guess making sure I don't choke or something. 

My mom is always saying things to people like, "Don't mind the food stuck to her highchair, I can't clean it fast enough." I wish she would stop trying to clean it - I mean, I spend a lot of time trying to spread my food out to cover the chair. Sheesh, appreciate the artwork, Ma. 

Today I learned to stand up in my highchair. Oh, man. It was so, so funny to see my mom's reaction when she saw me hoisting myself up. She said, "Little stinker," and made me sit back down. But, I didn't even stink, I mean, I got a bath last night before bed! The things this woman says...

While she was getting the Sunday dinner in the crock pot, she gave me a carrot to chew on. I passed, and decided to discover what is in the cabinets and drawers in our kitchen. She was ripping me off -- a carrot compared to all of the treasures in the drawers? Thanks, but no thanks. 

Finally Daddy wakes up. I love weekends. I get so much Daddy time. 

This weekend he bought a new putter. He's been practicing in the living room. I love it when I can snag the ball from him right as he's got his aim perfect. 

Then I have to get dressed. Not so fun. I demand extra toys and entertainment in order to hold even remotely still. At least they let me climb the stairs on my own to go to my bedroom. 

Since our church is at 11 o'clock, my parents try and make me take a nap before church so I'm not grumpy during church. But, really? Naps are lame. So, most of the time I talk, and stand up, and yell at them. But, usually I give in. They seem to be just as stubborn as me. When I'm bored, I play with this cow. My grandma Patty told me it was my dad's when he was a baby. That's why I love it so much. 

See how my hair sticks up right in the middle of my head? That's what happens when my mom tries to force my hair to curl. Doesn't look like curls to me, lady. 

Finally, it's time for church. Most of the time we're late. I really like to poop in my diaper right before we are heading out the door. Nobody around here seems to get my sense of humor. I'm really hilarious. 

Well, this is a pretty typical Sunday morning for me. You know, just causing ruckus and watching my parents try to keep up with me. All in a day's work. 

Till next time, 

Abby