{SuMmeR tiMe FUn}

It was so fun to go to Grandma Joans house and play with all the cousins. I loved being able to see my sisters too and just hang out. It was a very relaxing few days.

So...I know it's been a long time

I have been the worst at keeping my blog updated. People have actually be asking me why I even started one in the first place if I'm not going to keep it current. haha. So, here is how the last month or so has gone.
I am back at work. I changed jobs after coming back from maternity leave. I'm at the Rockyview Hospital on the Postpartum unit. You are probably all laughing now, thinking ha...you have a baby and then go work somewhere with babies and moms. haha. It's a huge change from where I was, but I am loving it!!! I am just working casual. That way Jared is able to be home with Elle the days/nights that I am at work. It is working wonderfully so far. Elle loves spending time with Jared and Jared is love being the stay-at-home dad. They definitely have a very special relationship, so Elle has had no problems with me being away. Work is going really good. It is so nice to use the skills that I learned in school and haven't had a chance to since having Elle.

Jared is playing softball again. Every Tuesday he has games and it hasn't really been the nicest weather out to enjoy them yet. I am hoping that Spring will soon be here and stay so that Elle and I can cheer on the "Ringers". He bought me a glove this year hopeing that I would be out there joining him, but I think that I prefer to just watch and chase after Elle. The games can get pretty intense and I would not want to be the cause of an error. haha.

Our garden is planted. I don't know if you can actually even call it a garden, but we have a patch (1 ft. x 4 ft.) by the side of our little house that we use. This year I am going to grow lettuce...so wish me luck!!

Other than that, Elle is getting bigger and bigger. She is so much fun. Starting to say a few more words, running everywhere, her hair is beginning to grow a little bit on top (still trying to catch up to the back though), still loves dogs, loves being outside (even when it's raining) and is very into babies/dolls and shoes. I can't believe that she not really my baby anymore. She is really understanding us now and will go and get things for us when we ask her. I love it!! We can't wait for summer. It is really going to be alot of fun and hopefully we will be able to spend lots of time outside swimming.
Hopefully life doesn't catch up with me again and I find myself having to recap everything that is going on. I will try to keep everyone up to date on our busy life.

Back to Work, Back to Work...

Well, I finally made the plunge and went back to work. It really isn't even that bad. I cried the night before saying that Elle would miss me and that she would do something that I would miss, but she loves being with Jared (probably more than with me actually. haha). I got a job at the Rockyview Hospital on the postpartum unit. I really am liking it. I am just working 2 shifts a week, when Jared can be home with Elle. I know that this will help balance my life and give me more appreciation for Elle (and being a mom). We'll see how the next months go and if this enthusiasm for working continues on. 

Happy Birthday Elaine!

I had such a fun birthday (April 24). Jared and Elle treated me like a queen all day long...we hung out together that day and ended the perfect birthday by going out for dinner. It was a fantastic day. I love birthdays!!!

Phoenix Trip

We were so lucky to be able to all go to Phoenix for a couple weeks to visit my sister and her family. Hopefully we helped out with the new baby as much as we could. (We love you guys!) We had so much fun playing in the sun and doing things together as a family (bikerides, playing at the park, golfing, swimming, playing outside, going to the temple, shopping!, and spending time with my family). Elle loved being able to go outside (especially without shoes) and is really missing all of her cousins. It was such a nice break and we are very grateful that we have family in such beautiful (hot) places.

A "City Slicker"???

I never would have thought that I would call myself a "city slicker", but while visiting with my friend Jillene at her Grandmas farm I felt like one. I was worrying that Elle would get dirty (even though I had already changed her shoes) and didn't really want to touch anything. I really do like this family picture though...I think that it looks cool with the farm behind us.



Farm, haystacks, and animals!!! Even though I didn't want to get dirty, Elle loved it. She wanted to pet the "nay, nay" and give him kisses. She loves animals, so Jared and I are trying to give her opportunities to be around them without showing her that we are afraid. (Nice face Jared. haha)

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It was so fun to see the Daniels family. Elle loves Teagan and thought it was so fun to follow her around constantly. We wish that we lived closer so that we could see each other more often.



Elle loves her Daddy and she loves going "fast". (or that's what her Dad says anyways...haha). They would come ripping around the corner, scaring me to death, and Elle would have the biggest smile on her face. I love this little wild child!



It was so fun to see Jillene. I don't think that I've laughed that hard in a long time. Friends are the best!



These little girls are so cute. I love having Elle play with my best friends kids. It is so fun to watch. Teagan definetely could teach Elle a thing or two about talking and walking. Elle was fascinated by Teagan and wanted to do everything that she was doing. It was so cute!

An update on Elle

Thought that I would post everyone an update on a few things that Elle is doing now that she is 1. Elle has changed so much. We can't believe how different she is and how much fun she is getting!! She is walking now (horray!!!) and starting to talk a little more. She is learning sign language a little bit better (please, thankyou, more, all done) and loves to show people what an elephant says. haha. She loves eyes, waving, curling her tongue, and saying "ahem" after and during the prayer. Elle is so busy. She loves to climb, play peek-a-boo, and is on the go constantly. Playing outside, going on walks, and playing at the park are some of her favorites...not to forget dogs. Elle loves dogs. Just ask Jared what music we listen to in the car to get her to stop crying....the dogs barking on the "Dog Waltz" or any other of 101 Dalmations "Bone-a-fide Hits". haha. We have been taking Elle swimming since she was 5 weeks old and it has paid off. She loves to swim. She is starting to kick her feet and "blow bubbles" (she mostly just drinks the water. haha). She loves to go on the slide, try to climb out of the pool by her self, and go under the water. We are so excited for the summer. We love Elle...she is so much fun!!!