One Whole Year

Last weekend we celebrated Maxine's birthday. My little baby, born all chubby and red, is a whole year old. I can't hold her the way I used to, but I can chase her. I can't sleep next to her anymore, but I can put her to bed with a squeeze. I can't lay her on my bed, but I can bounce her on there. She's not quiet anymore, but she can chatter with me. 

No matter what changes have occurred and are yet to occur, I can still, and always will:

sing to her

hug her

laugh with her

read to her

be enamored by her

and forever and forever I will always love her. 

I love you my sweet little toddler. You're the apple of my eye and the joy of my life.

What a Difference a Friend Makes

For the first week while Seth was back to work, I was feeling pretty lonely. There is tons to do here in the city, but I didn't want to go with just Maxine. I love her, but she's not a great conversationalist. We mostly just stayed in the apartment...all....day.....long.

Then I got a call from a girl in my ward who said, "Hey, I'm in your ward and we live in the same building. I have an 11 month old son. Can we come up and meet you?"

Yes, that was the start of my friendship that changed Chicago for me. Honestly, I couldn't have planned where we live any better. Our kids are the same age, we're interested in the same things, she has lived here for long enough to know where stuff is and how to get there, and she's super fun.

You all know what it feels like to make a new friend. It's awesome huh? What an answer to a prayer.

 Our cute kids. Keys are so cool apparently.

 Ready to swim.

Having the best summer ever!

(Does that sound yearbooky to anyone else?)