Phoebe is 7 months old today. I feel cliche saying this but, "they grow up so fast!" This little blue-eyed beauty has my heart (surprise surprise), and my every ounce of attention. I can't take it, every day gets more and more fun, but each new stage means she's one day closer to not being my baby anymore!! Will I really have to start referring to her as, "my toddler" rather than "my infant (baby)"? My family makes fun of me because I try stretching the months out as long as I can when asked how old she is by others. I didn't notice this, but apparently my desparity to keep her young is obvious. "How old is Phoebe now?"
"3 months."
"When will she be 4 months?"
"Tomorrow."
For some reason admitting she's 7 months is going to be extra hard for me. To me it's how 26 will feel. You're on the downward slope of the 20's. Am I making sense? I don't care. I'm one of those moms. I want my babies to be babies forever!!!
Although, this little Sweet Pea sure makes us laugh. There is never a dull moment with her these days.
Let's get to know our Phoeb's...
1. She's nosy. (Niele in Hawaiian (sp?) nee-el-ee) No joke, from day 1 in the hospital she held her head up trying to see what was going on. She hates when I have to wear a hooter hider, and will do all she can to poke her head out. The mother's lounge is hopeless if anyone else is in there. Pretty much feeding time in general, whether by spoon or boob is hilarious and annoying all in one. We laugh that she has an owl head. She will turn it to it's max to see what's going on behind her, and will stretch and arch her back to get a closer view. Staring at people is cute now, but will grow to be awkward later.
2. Her smile will light up a room. She is such a happy baby, and always has been. Some babies are scared to smile at strangers, but she has a smile to give to all. At the same time she has a straight face that won't budge either.
3. Grandma Karen is her most favorite person in the world! It's definitely a stiff competition between her and I. She glows, laughs, wriggles and claps, as soon as she seems my mom. Grandma can get her cackling simply by making a noise...any noise. They go on walks, bounce on the tramp, and pretty much Phoebs can get what she wants from her grandma. And she knew that at only a few months age.
4. Ever since she was 2 months she twirls her wrists and ankles simultaneously. It's hilarious. She stiffens her legs straight out, and puts her arms out to the side and just twirls! It's constant. Sometimes it's just the wrists going back and forth, but she's ALWAYS moving. When driving, I know the girl is asleep if her toes and ankles aren't moving.
5. Which brings us to her energy. It must come with being nosey, because she's always on the move. I thought she was going to be my snuggle bug. But those cherished moments are few and far between. She's a little busy body, and since learning to crawl is a nuisance in the making. What's great, is that she could entertain herself for hours.
6. She's our little gabber girl. I can just see it now...future Parent/Teacher conferences. "Phoebe is a wonderful student, ALTHOUGH she has a problem with talking too much." I didn't believe it for about a month, but at 4 months she knew how to say and who to say "mama" to. She says, "Yeah" and we pretend she says, "daddy" it comes out close. And then she has her random teret's yell. It usually begins with mamamama and if I dont come to her right away then she does a quick scream or a loud grunt would be more appropriate. It's hilarous now.
7. Her best naps are still in the swing. I blame this on myself. She loves the swing. In that, is where she began sleeping through the night. It's weird though. She goes to sleep just fine in her crib at night. But when it's time to nap, she'll only sleep for like 30 min in her crib, but a couple hours in the swing. I've tried breaking the habit, but #8 would be...she's stubborn. I literally let her cry for an hour. I couln't take it any longer, and when I went to get her, her face was red and swollen!! She wasn't just crying, but screaming that entire time. Plus, if your baby will nap for a couple hours, who wouldn't want to take full advantage of that time, regardless of where it takes place.
8. She's stubborn. Again, hilarious now, not at 16. or 5.
9. She hates her bows. Most girls don't. But she'll look me straight in the eye, slowly lift her arm and with her thumb and index finger pull it off in one swoop. I usually laugh and say "your naughty" and put it back on, in which she'll get mad at this point and just grab it and pull it down. Apparently she get's her stubborness from me because I usually win in the bow department.
10. She's a Mama's girl. I feel bad for her daddy sometimes, but it's bound to happen when she rarely get's to see him. But, her daddy is wrapped so tightly around that little girl's finger, it's amazing. Any chance he can get to come home even for 5 minutes, to see his little princess, he does.
Dear Sweet Pea,
We love and cherish every moment the Lord blesses us with having you in our lives. Staring at you has yet to get old. You are our everything, and can't wait for more memories to share with you!!
Always and in all ways,
Mom and Dad
Getting Sweet Pea dressed has become one of the highlights of my day. Everything is laid out accordingly, and is only complete with some Bead Diva Jewelry!
Two weeks ago Daddy officially became a Sun Devil graduate. This is something he has been working towards since we met, and I couldn't be more proud of him. I know I'm not suppose to be proud, but be happy. Well, just saying I'm happy for this man wouldn't feel right. 
My mom is a Jack of all trades. She is a fighter, and one of the strongest woman I know. Her and I haven't always had the best of relationship, but it has grown into one of respect and understanding this past year. She seems to have been through hell and back sometimes with what she has had to deal with, and yet she has stayed so positive and giving through it all. When she finds something that is uplifiting and will change her life in a positive way, she doesn't keep it for herself, she want's to share it with everyone she knows (even if it's buying every book, cd, or workout equimpent that the company has), because she is selfless. Some may be intimidated by her, but soon learn that she would literally give the shirt of her back for you if necessary. Kanoe and I got our creativity from our mom (and dad). We always had the best parties, costumes, gifts, matching outfits, decorations, and ideas because she could put anything together. But, most importantly, she has a testimony. I can't thank her enough for how much she has been there for our little family. When Phoeb's was born she was back and forth getting anything we needed. She knew I was a little scared and overwhelmed at leaving the hospital, and she wanted to be there for us as much as she could. So, she set up their master bedroom into our own personal suite, and let us stay for as long as we wanted. She was up as much as I was throughout the night just to make sure me and the baby were okay. I would wake up to a bowl of fruit and granola in the morning, as well as a garnished lunch and dinner. She stocked up our fridge and pantry when we came home, and called at least 3 times a day. I am emotional looking back at that time, she really went above and beyond, just as a Mom would do. I love you Mom and could probably never repay you for all that you have done, I can only try to be as good of a Mother. 
I could probably start and finish with the same words for Kanoe as my mom. Kanoe and I had a rough start, for about the first 20 years of my life. With almost 4 years between us, and not a ton in common we clashed. But, every little sister looks up to their big sis, and I was no exception. She was and still is sooo coool in my eyes. Everything she does I think is great. I can honestly say that in this past year she has become my best friend. I still remember a conversation I had when I was about 8 with our next door neighbor. I was crying because Kanoe was being mean. I had wished she loved me like she loved my friends. Our neighbor told me something that has stuck with me my entire life. She told me about how her and her sister were just like Kanoe and I, and that just as they did,when I turned ,Kanoe and I would become each other's best friend. I turned 18 and expected some, cosmic boom to happen where in a moments time Kanoe and I would be giddy with sisterly love . Needless to say, the universe stayed the same, and we didn't necessarily become best friends but we got along. Now, at 24, I have a daughter named after my sister, and I could hang out with her everyday. She too has been there for our little family more than she will ever know. She loves our little Sweet Pea so much, it's adorable. Between her and Tilley, our little Sweet will never be without a mom! Her constant example motivates me to be a better daughter, sister, and mother. She can do anything, and can make anything happen. Her willpower and self discipline is unbreakable. Her creativity is endless. Her loyalty is admirable. She is organized and a multitasker. She is fun and energetic. She is selfless. She is the ultimate mom, constantly coming up with fun things to do with her kids. Because of her, I was so excited to become a mom, I only hope to be half the Mother she is. 
Happy Mother's Day to you all. Love you.
What a special day, for our special girl. Today, Daddy had the opportunity to give you a name and a blessing. You were surrounded by men, who love and care for you. Staring contently at your Daddy (the entire time), he gave a beautiful blessing filled with words that will carry you throughout this life. Just another moment that I had to pinch myself. Were we really blessing our child? I had imagined this day for a long time, and once again I could have never imagined the feelings I felt.
