The things we do for memories

I've just returned from one of the more taxing duties any mother has: A trip to the photographer.
Sure, it sounds innocuous enough and Lydia is nothing if not picture perfect in my eyes. But somehow picking a time weeks in advance that will fit into her schedule, then meeting that schedule on a given day -- and not just meeting it, but doing so in the happiest, best dressed, smiley-est way... well, let's just say I'm exhausted!
I thought her 3 month photos were tough (yes, those were her last professionally taken pictures) because at 3 months I was working around a much tighter feeding and sleeping schedule with a very narrow window for happiness. It turns out, that was nothing. At one year she not only has the ability to cry for the photographer, but to run away from the camera while doing so.
I already knew it was hard to get a 1 year old to hold still but in case I forgot, it was manifest once again today.
I can't imagine being a studio photographer for kids. I tip my hat to you all.
In the end, I think we captured a few good moments. I guess we'll be remembering the sad faces as well as the smiley ones this time.
What can I say? It's all about making memories.

Other recent memories we've made

On Sept. 11 my father-in-law, Kurtis, received the Boy Scouts of America Silver Beaver award. From what I understand it's one of the organization's highest honors. We traveled to Provo to be there for the ceremony. Derek and I only caught bits and pieces of a rather lengthy ceremony in between taking shifts with Lydia outside but I was glad we could be there to support Derek's dad.




Lydia is finally showing more interest in the rocking horse -- a gift from my parents for her birthday last month. What a little cowgirl :)


Did I mention Lydia finally started to clap? I was getting a little worried about the missed milestone but my doctor said I was worrying needlessly. Imagine that. Now she's clapping and loves to show how proud she is of herself.


Yesterday we went to the splash pad with my friends Britta and Lou and their adorable kids Eliza and Ty. Lydia loved the water! I had so much fun playing and chatting it up with these girls.

One of my new favorite pictures (above)

It's a little like drinking from a fire hose.

I love this girl!

Thirty plus one

It's birthday season around our house -- Lydia, then Derek, then me!

We celebrated my 31st birthday the first weekend in September. Like Derek's birthday a couple of weeks ago, mine was a multi-day event :)

Derek took me to our cabin for the weekend to celebrate. It was great -- me with my two favorite people! We went on a hike, roasted hot dogs, read and relaxed.

Derek's turn to be "pregnant" carrying Lydia this way.
I think he got the worst of it since she's gained quite a few pounds since my pregnancy days.

I love this picture of Lydia "reading." She kept climbing in this little chair, trying to bring her book with her. It takes some work for a 1-year-old to get situated like this -- I laughed every time she did it.

On Sunday my mom baked one of her fabulous birthday dinners and cakes for me. Delicious! We stayed the night in Cedar to visit with my family.

31 candles and everything. Derek was thrilled to have more fodder for his endless supply of old jokes.
That's what I get for marrying a younger man.

Lydia and her favorite thing about Grandma's house -- their dog Sabrina. She loves Sabrina ("dog" is even her first word) but Sabrina is not such a fan of Lydia... except when she's feeding her.

On Monday we went to Derek's parent's house for a birthday cookout. (I forgot to take pictures) Then on Tuesday we went to dinner for Derek and I my birthdays with our good friends the Marshalls. I felt totally spoiled! It was a great birthday!

So now I'm "in my thirties" and feeling great about it. I love where I am at this point in my life. It's exactly where I want to be.

Can't get enough of this girl

Lately I just can't get enough of this little one! She is learning so many new things so quickly and it is so amazing watching her learn. She keeps me laughing all the time.

Yay, Lydia!
She's learned to put the balls in the circle holes of this little game and every time she does we cheer for her. Now she's learned to cheer for herself by throwing her arms over her head and flapping one of her hands. It's adorable!



Best toy in the box

The other day I was cooking dinner and when I looked up to see why Lydia was making a strange noise, she was climbing into her toy box after a toy.

She also loves playing in her old car seat.

Happy, sad

Tell me if this is normal. Lydia is obsessed lately with this little toy dish with a lid. It's part of a cute tea party set and she is SO happy when the dish and lid are in tact but because she tries to hold it and do other things at the same time the lid inevitably falls off and she comes unhinged.

I shouldn't laugh but the sight of her adorable face crumpling over something so silly just makes my heart melt.
I've spent time trying to get her to put the lid on the dish but her finger dexterity is not quite good enough. In the end, I've pulled the dish out of circulation for a little while.