Kierney's First Communion

The 3 of us with Kierney.

Great Grandpa Pete and Great Grandma Dolores

Brady and Kathy

The spread.

Kierney opening the rosary Jake brought her from England.

Kierney is Jake's God-child and has a very special place in our hearts. We recently attended her first communion. It was so wonderful and she got to wear her flower girl dress from our wedding. She looked beautiful. It's was so much fun to see everyone again! We didn't get any pictures at the church because I have a tendacy to leave the camera in the car. Hopefully we can gather some from others. Hugs!

Easter

Aunt Amber and Jessica Jessica in her Easter dress!
Jessica sitting with her Easter baskets from Jake and I and Grandma and Grandpa Ash.

This was Jessica's first Easter and it was wonderful. Jessica doesn't really understand to put eggs in the bucket just get them out and open them to try to find candy. Only 11 months old and oddly enough that's the first thing she went for was the candy. Aunt Amber bought her, her Easter dress. Aunt Amber often spoils her. We had so much fun dressing her up however we ran out of time to take pictures so I apologize for the not so great pictures. I will try and plan better next time.

Easter this year involved a couple days with Amber and her fiance and then Mass in Gothenburg with Jake's family along with Easter dinner. Easter dinner consisted of Jake and I, Amber and Dale, and Tom and Susie. We had a great time! Susie and I spent Sunday afternoon chasing Jessica, lounging and taking a nap while Tom and Jake went turkey hunting. Jake shot but missed. It is bow hunting turkey season so we are patiently waiting for the first turkey. We hope everyone had a great Easter!

I'm pregnant I just got the news I sit rubbing by belly waiting for you. Although you can't move yet I still fell you there as I close my eyes and fall deep into prayer. Dear God, thank you for this precious child this is a miracle from heaven there is no denial. I imagine holding you as you place your hand into mine as I opened my eyes and realized the time. The time was in the past but that vision of you is a memory that still lasts. You left me to early and for this I still weep my womb is empty the pain is so deep. I can't help but wonder if you are ok I imagine you placing your hand into mine one day as we soar side by side in the heavens above but for now my angel I will still give you love as I rub my belly you are not there as I look up to heaven with a wondering stare. I close my eyes and begin to pray Jesus, will you please bless me again one day.

11 Months

I really like my new toy! You can ride on it but I would much rather push it around. I'm so big!!!

I love scrambled eggs. They are probably close to my favorite food.

I turned 11 months old on the 2nd of April. Mom and Dad can't believe I'm almost a year old. I'm standing on my own and I love to share my pacifier or any food I have. Love you all!

Jake's 26th Birthday

For Jake's birthday he requested a kahlua coffee cheesecake. I made it and decorated it with blue cool whip and a lego man fishing with floss for a fruit snack. I thought that was quite appropriate. For his birthday he received a tree saddle for hunting from his parents. An air compressor from my parents. Clothes from me and Jessica and a season of 'The Office' from my sister and her fiance. He seemed to really enjoy his day and I'm sure he will kill me for posting things about his birthday on the blog. Thanks everyone!!!

These are a few of her favorite things...

Look out world here I come. I'm glad the coffee table is good for something.

Thank you Grandpa Ash for packing all this wonderful paper in Jake's gift. I had so much fun!

Giddy-up mom. Yee-ha!!!

Jessica enjoys many things but some of her favorites are tearing paper, playing horse, and climbing on the coffee table. In other news, I started track practice this week and have an incredibly guilty conscience about leaving Jessica everyday for hours. It's not that I don't love coaching I do. I know many mothers have to leave their children to work and I'm very fortunate that I get to stay home with my daughter. Since volleyball season ended I've gotten used to spending long days with Jessica. Sometimes we even take an afternoon nap together. I know I will never get that opportunity again so I'm trying to absorb it all but I'm feeling pretty selfish about being away from her during the track season not to mention long track meets. It seems everyday I wake up and Jessica is a little bit bigger. I'm trying to keep her a baby but she's not cooperating. It's not that I don't love the great personality or all the fun we are having now but I miss rocking her and snuggling her. I don't know what I will do when I have to give up nursing too! I now know why it is such a struggle to give up nursing. I hope that we are fortunate enough to have another child. Jessica would love someone to play with!!!

Jake has been busy travelling Nebraska. He recently returned from Sydney. He designed something in a town nearby and got to present with the Vice President of the Company. He works long hours and travels a lot but we are blessed in the fact that he's never had to spend the night anywhere. He seems to enjoy his job and travelling in the Malibu. He also enjoys all the hunting buddies he's meeting. I think that's all for updates. More to come.

Our growing girl or should I say monster?

Jessica is really great at emptying drawers. She empties any drawer that is left open and enjoys watching mom pick it up. She is growing so fast but we love every moment of it!