Year in Review.

It's been over a year since I brought my bundle of joy home, and life has been more different that I could have ever imagined. In a good way of course.

Here is a summary of the past year:

• Emergency trips to after hours pediatric instacare- 1
• Times I've walked into a public area with my shirt tucked in to my nursing bra - 2
• Nightly checks on Bridgy before I go to bed- approx 5
• Brands of baby lotion I've tried in an attempt to get the perfect smelling, yet most "green" product- 6 or 7 (if you need lotion, I have some.)
• Times I've left Bridgy with a "sitter" (Joan)- 6 or maybe 7. Joan probably knows. She slept over night and other occasions for a couple hours at a time. And yes, I still looked in her room even when she spent the night at Joan's
• Times I took off in the car and mid-ride realized I hadn't properly buckled Bridgy into her carseat- 2
• Pairs of shoes I've given away because I realize I can't walk and hold a baby while wearing 4 inch heels- Quite a few, I'm still lamenting my loss.

Anyway, you get the point. Priorities have shifted, life's changed and I'm no longer the care-free, twenty-something lass I once was (Yes, I had a big birthday recently.)

Life is still great though. It's fun seeing Bridgette develop her own little personality. She's a doll- very silly and a social butterfly. She absolutely loves going to family functions and outings. She says "hello" (in her own way) to every other baby in the grocery store. Her most favorite "toys" are her books, which she loves to "read" out loud to us. I love watching her & Dan play together. They crack each other up, and it's even cuter because they look so much a like! In short, she's the perfect addition to our family & I can't believe it's been a year!

Another reason for the post--I recently figured out how to transfer photos from my camera to iphoto (I don't have a fancy iphone like 95% of you out there) and so many memories flooded my mind! I'm just going to post some of my frrrravorite photos taken since we became a family of 3.

With her twinner- Daddy. And of course, her favorite snack, the yogurt bite

Oooh la-la. Posing for the soldiers.

Wow.

Played herself to sleep.

She was so fat that I couldn't button the top button of her dress, so her neck could have breathing room!

I really, really miss this. I cried a little when I saw this. So, so sweet.

With her buddy Kristen, taking a snoozer after lunch. She kept on passing gas on Kristen's lap.

1st food. Peas, obviously.

My tiny Little Skittle. We've come a long way, Baby!

The Reason Dan is Bald...

I had to go to the zoo to find out.

ONE!

Bridgette turned 1 this week!

I can't believe it's been a year. It's gone by with lightening speed!

The day of her birthday we had a low key celebration with just the three of us. Friday was the big celebration. We held the party at Wine's Park in Lehi, which is a beautiful park. Unfortunately the weather was not super cooperative. On the bright side (as Dan's brother, James, pointed out) the rain kept the flies away from the food, so that was nice.

It was a fun little party & I had some much appreciated help from my sisters and sisters-in-law. I would've gone insane without you girls!!!

It was fun to have aunts, uncles and cousins to come party with us-- thank you everyone!

Here are some photos of the festivities!

We enjoyed lots of yummy food!

Played some "Pin the Moustache on the Prince"

Of course, ate some cake!

And Bridgy opened some cool gifts!

We also hit around a pinata ( I made it myself and Dan thought it'd break on the first swipe, but it held up and Dan had to break it in the end)

Yum.

Baking with Maw.
Bridgette took time out from her busy schedule detailing the floors throughout the house & banging her head on the coffee table to help me bake some cookies.

She's on her way to becoming a master chef, how could she not be with the parents she has

Oh No! She's in the bowl!
Bridgette Bowl- daughter of Dan Dan Noodle Bowl.

She's clearly excited about the way things are going.

Adding more oats... She doesn't trust my judgment.

Thank goodness she was there to help!

Happy Summer!!!

Summer is here!!!

It's finally warm & we've been able to spend some time going on walks & playing in the park.

For the Fourth of July we had a BBQ with the Williamsons.

The highlight (for me) was the doughnut eating competition. This is how you play:

1. Buy Krispy Kreme doughnuts yummmm ; p...
2. Tie doughnut to a string
3. Attach your string to a longer string
4. On the count of 3 -EAT... or if you're me click away!

I have some funny video of the contest too, but I can't get it to work. Sorry.

It was a tie between Steven & Dan. No surprise there!

Little Kyle- the pinwheel entertained him all night!

The boys gearing up for the competition and the little ones eyeing the prize!

Melissa was lucky enough to be right next to me... She did awesome!

Update!

Here's just a quick update... Not much has been going on in the Williamson household, just typical summer stuff. We just got back from a fun reunion in Albion, ID. It was held in a beautiful renovated school building. I meant to take photos, but I got sick and got sidetracked! It was so nice to hang out with my sisters (minus Bonnie, who couldn't make it to the reunion, but went camping : (

I actually stayed @ my sister Annie's house in Jerome, ID. She has such a cute house & I really appreciate Kylee letting us stay in her room! It was nice having 5 little babysitters! The only downside is Bridgy got spoiled! When we got home she had it in her head that she should always be held!

Friday night my parents & Joanie's family stayed @ Annie's house as well. It was so nice-- we had a Mom & Daddy/ Daughters night, we went to see "Letters to Juliet." Bridgy slept through most of the movie, so I actually got to watch it!

We came back Saturday morning. Bridgy & I slept most of the way, but we did wake up in time to see an accident waiting to happen! In the distance we saw a car that looked like it was coming toward us (on the interstate north of Tremonton), and at first I thought my eyes just needed an adjustment. NOPE! My dad moved to the other lane and we watched this Ford Taurus drive right by us, going in the opposite direction! Joan was a few miles behind us and the Ford was still trucking along! SCARY!

It was nice to get home to Dan! We were obviously gone too long because Bridgy won't go to him now!!! Poor Daddy!

Now it's back to normal life! Bridgy is cutting her top 4 teeth, and it seems very painful! I'm trying to get the house in order, maybe one day it'll get done! Dan is working for EcoFirst (the same company he worked for last summer) here in Utah as well as ReMax, needless to say he's been busy!

I hope everyone's having a fun summer!

Girl's night out!

Bridgy entertaining herself on the long car ride.

First Annual Mother's Day!

Today is my first official Mother's Day. In the past I've tried to weasel my way into a Mother's Day gift, but Dan wasn't fooled. This year (after me reminding him for a week) he finally gave in & took me out to dinner for the celebration. I guess actually having a child helps my cause!

Being a mother is something no amount of babysitting could have prepared me for. There are sleepless nights and hormonal dips. The inconvenient blowouts are a common occurrence (one happened in the parking lot of the restaurant while going to my Mother's Day dinner!) as well as consoling tears in the parking lot of Wal-Mart, Smith's, the mall, etc... Oh, and there's the baby weight that didn't magically melt off like I'd hoped.

It's more than worth it!

When Bridgy was new born my mom gave me some good advice. She said to treasure the late night feedings and cuddling, because all too soon she will be going a mile a minute. I've tried to take this to heart and every time I pick her up, no matter the hour, I treasure the moment (I know, how cheeeeesey). She's growing so fast and she's so silly & fun. I'm so blessed to get to be her mommy!

I also can't believe how much she's like her daddy! Besides the fact that they're practically twins, she has so much of his personality! She's very determined and she makes the same silly faces that he pulls! They're a cute pair!



The days go by so fast and I know she'll be 18 before I know it! I know the baby weight will melt off with some sweat & that I'll be more prepared for the next baby, whenever that may be. I'm just enjoying getting to know this beautiful little lady who calls me Mamamamamama.