Daddy's Girl

Darla has always LOVED Erik, but I would say specifically the past couple weeks she has become 100% a Daddy's girl. She wants him to push the shopping cart, the swing, the stroller, get her out of her car seat, carry her, walk with her, read books with her etc. It has been wonderful to have Erik around so much to help with Darla since he is done with work until school starts back up on the 8th of Sept (two days before my due date of course). Having him around has also given me a little more time to rest which has been nice since I'm moving a little slower these days. We are loving this time together before the storm hits. . . and who knows when that will be. All I have to say is thank goodness for peanut butter toast and sugar free jell-o. Both have been life savers since I've had to change up my diet the past couple weeks. All is well. Don't worry, I will keep you posted.

little stinker.

The clock continues to tick. . .

Pretty Princess

Attempting to dry the sponge curlers.

No curls, but we had a lot of fun (she wanted me to take them out before they were completely dry).

Loves to try on Mom's shoes!

Got a little pink princess backpack from her friends and LOVES it!

She is too hilarious, too darling, too sweet, too smart, too clever, too silly, and such a little princess these days!

we hated saying good-bye!

The Starkies (some of our best friends) moved to this past week to Texas. We had a great time trying to spend as much time as possible together before they pulled out. Darla couldn't get enough of cute Elizabeth, Paige and Dallin. May be we can meet up in Utah during Christmas time - we'll have to! We love you guys!

Here I am 36 weeks pregnant. We found out the past couple days that I have gestational diabetes - which has thrown me (I'm not going to lie. Never thought I'd have to prick my own finger 4 times a day). Luckily I have continued to feel great so it's just surprising to receive news like that, especially being so close to the end. Now more than ever I just pray for a healthy delivery and baby. I know it's all going to be ok. Four weeks to go . . . we can make it!

Nunu and Grandpa

Just a few pictures of the fun we've been having so far with Erik's parents. Darla is constantly saying "Nunu! Grandpa!" to get/keep their attention. We are spoiled to have such wonderful Grandparents for Darla. More details to come of our adventures once they are on the road again. We love you!

Rock-a-bye

I was excited Erik caught her singing this little song my mom used to sing to us "Rock-a-bye, Don't you cry, we will go to Grandma's house." Who knew that she could sing the whole thing word for word? She was pretending to talk on the phone to Grandma and was singing it over and over again.

needs, wants, moods

She is adorable. She is sweet - but this week she has been rather dramatic. But then again - girls will be girls right? There were a few moments this week when I felt as though Elmo's World was sent straight from heaven. I was amazed in those moments that Elmo did a better job at stopping a tantrum than a real human being.

We had a great time at a little birthday party for Darla's friend Brielle. They play so cute together and even call out each others names across the congregation in church. Hilarious.

All I have to say is thank goodness for warm weather, a sand box, swings, Erik's parents coming to visit next week, and Little Debbie "Nutty Bars" (they have really hit the spot this week).

Let the drama continue.

still asleep?

I can't believe it. I laid Darla down in her crib last night at 7 PM (and hour earlier than we usually do). It had been quite the day. Obviously she was extremely tired or wasn't feeling very well because it now 9:15 AM and she hasn't made a peep. Wow. I think we are going for a world record here folks!

1:50 PM - update:

Darla slept until 10:30 AM. That's unbelievable!

watching her

Top picture - this is a park that is near by our apartment and it has a great little wadding pool just for kids. Not to mention it is free. We go there at least twice a week. Darla LOVES it!

Next picture - Darla is wearing a pair of Erik's ankle socks. She brought these over to me and said, "wear um?" So I put them on her. She wore them for almost two hours. I think little things like this are hilarious.

Since I'm at my 32 week mark, I'm realizing that my one on one time with Darla will be ending in two short months. I have been watching her ever so closely. Simply observing. She is brilliant. She radiates light. She is my best friend. She knows me and I know her. I guess what amazes me about love is that I will always love Darla and I will soon fall in love with the new little person that is about to enter our life. I love being a mom.

cutie pie

Happy 4th. Happy July. Happy Life. I taught Darla how to do the Hokey-Pokey tonight. Might need to video that one because it is hilarious and she can totally do it. That is just an example of this little girl and how much fun she is! She picked out her outfit today for the first time and I have to say it matched rather well. She also has been enjoying nursery, playing hide-and-seek, building sand castles and towers, and walks around saying/singing "I Will! I Will! I Will!" from a great song by SheDaisy. My sister-in-law had her baby this past week - little Thomas Mack Richards (boy number 5). Seeing the pictures of him made me excited about what is to come in September. I forget how little they are. We are enjoying our new couches (understatement) and are thrilled that Erik got a TA job for this fall. That will be a great benefit to him. He is incredible.