Bathing Beauty

Jessica loves to be outside and is enjoying the great weather and sunshine. She especially loves to swim so we spend a great amount of time outside!

It's not quite sweet corn season but we did get a taste of it. Jessica especially enjoyed it. She is getting all top 4 teeth and she has 2 bottom teeth so she had a little leverage on the corn.

We recently went to Wyoming for a week. Jessica loved riding the 4-wheeler. That was the first thing she wanted to do every morning. She figured out right away that if she held her arms out for grandpa she would get to go outside and see the cows and ride the 4-wheeler.

Loving water. No matter where it comes from Jessica loves to play in it!

Jessica loves hats and sunglasses. She has more hats and sunglasses than mom. We often call her "Hollywood." I'm not sure this is the tomboy Jake had in mind.

Jessica's First Birthday

Rocking horse from grandma and grandpa Ash. This things sings and dances. It pretty much has all the bells and whistles. Too much fun. I know we will use this for years! If you can see th shirts she has on was part of her b-day outfit from grandma Deaver. It also has a skirt to go with it. Very cute!!! I wish we would have remembered to get a better picture of it.

First present from mom and dad was a swimming pool. We also got her some diving rings! I'm sure we will have lots of fun this summer.

Jessica celebrated her first birthday on Saturday, May 2. We had a great time and we were so grateful for all the nice gifts. We were so happy to see family and friends. Here are a few pictures from the big day!

The spread. I made dirt cake and cupcakes. Jessica does not like cake frosting. Believe it or not we did not have much dirt cake left out of this huge pail.

We truly had a great time!

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!!!