Do you see the date, folks?  It’s February 20th, 2009.  How, oh how, did this weekend approach so fast?!  Savannah’s birthday is still 2 days away but we’re celebrating tomorrow since it’s easier for people to travel on a Saturday.

Last year before her 1st birthday I found myself remembering every minute up to the time she was born.  Honestly, I was sad that my baby was growing up and I wanted time to slow down.  I think I had to grieve letting go of the baby days.  I guess time changes things as our children grow (though this post does make me a little weepy still!). This year I am nothing but excited for another birthday reached, another year full of wonder and growth (and hard times, too). This year, she already feels like she is two so it doesn’t feel like a “big deal” to me.  Sure, as the day creeps closer I’m finding myself remember more and miss those sweet pregnancy and newborn moments, but not to the extent of last year.  Maybe part of it is because I can hardly remember her being a newborn anymore, perhaps that makes it easier.

I am just amazed at how wonderful Savannah is, what a blessing and joy she is for our family. Thank you, Lord.

That said, tomorrow will be full of family, friends, princesses, and lots of pink and purple! Savannah is already excited and has been singing herself Happy Birthday all day.  Gosh, I love her.  Pictures are sure to follow later this weekend.

And, though I’ve been cutting out sugar lately…I’m pretty darn excited to cut into this cake!

The best words a Mother ever hears:

“I lub you Mommy”

It’s becoming a frequent sentence to my ears as she’s learning to talk more, and it makes the sickness all nighters totally worth it.

A week and half ago, we had a Kaylee visit. It was wonderful in all ways. Even, when my girls fought like sisters over a Barbie doll, despite them not living under the same roof. It warms my heart that they are bonding already, whether it’s through arguing or dancing! Kaylee even calls Savannah “my baby sister.”

And now? Savannah keeps looking and asking for Kaylee and settles for wearing Kaylee’s old (way too big) shoes. Now that’s sisterly love.

I’ve been a horrible blogger! Has it been like…a week? Forgive me.  We have been busy with tests, speeches, a growing little girl who is makes us laugh as she learns new things every day, and we took a few days to visit with family during fall break.  I’ve been preoccupied by playing in the fallish weather (though…it’s 87 degrees right now?!) and picking out pumpkins.

And…being crafty with my little sister.  I made this for Kaylee’s Christmas present and was quite proud of myself it.  It’s a K for her wall (see the cute pumpkins and how gorgeous it’s been here?!).

I loved making it so much I want to make more! Anybody want one? I so would start a little etsy shop if I knew people would buy it :-) Maybe I’ll do a little giveaway as well!

I have to say, I’m overwhelmed by all the birthday love I’ve been getting throughout the day. Thanks everyone! Comments, phone calls, and even presents in the MAIL! (Thanks Bre!) It’s turned out to be a simple, but good day. Nothing too exciting to tell, just another day at school and a lovely Spanish test to take, but I had a happy heart and smile on all day.

And while all the comments and presents are wonderful, by far the high light of my day was the simplest thing I could ask for: Hearing my Kaylee sing me happy birthday over the phone and then tell me about how she has “a lot of snot in her nose.” And knowing she asked to talk to me.

Melt my heart.

That said, we’re headed out tomorrow so you won’t be hearing much from me while I’m celebrating with friends, breathing in wonderful mountain air, and soaking in the gorgeous views.

I’m so blessed.

(P.S. Tomorrow another giveaway will be posted…worth $50! Come back tomorrow to see what it’s about.)

Remember that hand-me-down dress shared from Kaylee to Savannah? Well, I found something even better in that same box from Kaylee: My own dress.

I had this picture taken when I was two years old. I know, I was cute, wasn’t I? This has always been my favorite picture of me as a child, me in my “fishy” dress. Which, until last week, I really thought it was fishies. But apparently they’re whales (it almost was a “Santa isn’t real?!” moment inside). And now 4 girls have worn this dress: myself, my little sister, Kaylee and now Savannah.

And I’ll keep holding onto it for Savannah to pass down one day, too. Of course, it could be completely out of style by then, but oh well. Memories are memories, treasures and treasures. No matter how out dated.

We’ve been on vacation. Sort of. As much as there can be with a 16 month old around, and if you consider going to the grandparent’s house a vacation. It’s been a good couple of weeks! And really, I’ve just been preoccupied with important things like family and fun in the sun (and maybe some reading?).

So let’s back track, shall we? Saturday the 14th was Kaylee’s birthday party, which went very well. We got there a tiny bit earlier than the rest of the crowd so Kaylee and I got some sweet one-on-one time. She begged to open my gifts right away but her Mommy said no, of course. And when she did finally get to open them, she could care less about the PJ’s and book, but one day she will. Mark’s parents take the price at THE favorite gift ever: a Cinderella doll with jelly clothes. Her cake was a Strawberry Shortcake (the character) in a pink Cinderella dress. Oh, she’s funny. And of course, we ended the day with our famous kissy picture (and she loved it!).

After the party we (me and Savannah) rode home with my parents to start our get-a-way. We had many new adventures that week including a trip to the pool, a ride in a mustang convertible (top down, of course. Where she learned to say..CAR! Go bye bye!), and a visit to the kid’s interactive museum. She loved wearing the mini-Japanese Kimono in the Japan section. She drove a bus and a little car her size. She was a pirate and painted some water master pieces outside. My Stepmom and I built a house for her out of HUGE lego blocks (thanks to the help of some random kid, too). My brother and sister played a game of GIANT Connect four. We all banged on drums and other instruments. It was so, so, so fun and we all had a blast.

And then, my wonderful husband showed up at our door with roses in his hand Thursday night to surprise us! I was expecting to not see him until Sunday, when he would meet with my parents some where half way the distance. Boy, he had me surprised! He worked his booty off at work so that he could make up the hours he was going to take off for Friday. What a sweet, sweet man I have :-) And it’s nice to know my presence is missed when I’m not around.

And now? We’re all back home together. I came home to a clean house thanks to my husband and he created me my own little reading nook in his game room so that we could enjoy the room together. Ya know, do separate things but still be together? It works for us. I’ve also been super productive and my laundry is NOT in unmanagable piles, or all over the floor. I’ve made my bed every day, showered and brushed my teeth at appropriate times (rather than be stinky all morning until nap time to do it). I’ve maintained our clean house and made dinner several nights. Oh…and I’ve been walking a mile every morning. Whoa! I feel really good all around.

Get-a-ways are refreshing and I feel like I’ve come home to a new start. I like my new routine, it makes me feel like how a mom should feel–active, productive, completely in love with my kid and my husband, and on top on things. Of course, I am still human so I’m sure I’ll have my share of one of those days soon enough. Don’t feel bad, Moms, today I’ve got everything under control but who knows what tomorrow will bring? That’s life. We have good and bad days.

Today? Is good.

(Now if only I could motivate my self to start spending time with God again….hmmm…)

Oh, the blessings I find in hand-me-down clothes. Not only has it saved me hundreds of dollars (as I have only had to buy pajamas and if there was a special occasion. Other wise, right now Savannah is covered up until 3 years old, and we keep getting more to stash away!) but it also occasionally brings me sentimental items. Most of Kaylee’s clothes has been passed down to Savannah and one day I found this treasure: Kaylee’s 1st Birthday dress.

So this weekend, Savannah wore it to Kaylee’s 4th birthday. It’s crazy how the time has flown by…

Normally Love Thursdays feature a photo showing love. But not today. Today, it’s a conversation that I was privileged to have:

Me: Hi Kaylee!
K: I’m four now.
Me: I know! Did you have a happy birthday? What did you get?
K: Yes. I got a um…a baby doll! With um…strips on her clothes. And…she has something in her hair with strips on it too. Oh! It’s a bow.
Me: What did you name her?
K: I named her Cyndi (which is my stepmom’s name)
Me: What else did you get?
…Pause
K: BYE!

Her Mom gets on the phone again and she says, “Oh, Kaylee wants to talk again.”

K: I love you.
Me: I love you, too!

That makes my day, my place, so much better. Why, oh why, do I ever worry that she will forget or not love me? Yes, simple words can mean so much.

Kaylee Ann,

For your 4th birthday I wanted to share more with you than just cute pajamas and a sparkling wand, I wanted you to know that I love you. I decided to give you this book so that every time you read it, you would be reminded that your own Tummy Mummy is thinking about you and loving you from afar.

I pray that as you grow older and the pieces of your life start fitting together, you see nothing but love surrounding you. You are one very special girl.

Love your Tummy Mummy,
Leah

P.S. The wise owl in this book is like what God did for me– He lead me to your parents and Blake!

——–
I think I decided to skip giving her a card this year. Why? Because what I wrote in the book says it all.

P.S. Isn’t that wrapping paper the coolest?!