Lucy: 11 Months

This little girl is as busy as ever and hardly sits still.  Lucy can stand for a good amount of time without holding onto anything.  Sometimes she will even squat up and down.  She has attempted a couple steps here and there, but has yet to take her first real steps.  Lucy learned how to crawl up the two flights of stairs in our house and had a tumble down one flight of them earlier today (I still feel so, so terrible!).  She is a tough girl, though, and bounces right back after any fall or bonk - which happens quite frequently these days.

Her bottom right front tooth finally broke through!  I thought the neighboring tooth was on its way, but it hasn't made an appearance yet.  Lucy continues to be a really good eater, and I am amazed at the things she can manage with her one tooth and gums.  She has mastered the use of her sippy cup, which makes her look more like a toddler and less of baby.  But her small size definitely keeps her looking more baby-like.  Just last week we moved her into size 3 diapers and size 6 to 9 month clothing.  Itty bitty thing!

Lucy loves to say "uh oh," although recently it has turned more into "uh uh uh uh oh."  She is really good at waving and loves to wave to her daddy when he talks to her on the phone.  She lights up whenever she sees or hears him.  Reading books is one of Lucy's favorite parts of the day, and she loves to turn the pages on her own.  In fact, throughout the day I will find her sitting with a book just turning the pages back and forth.

These months are passing all too quickly!  I still can't believe that in just a couple weeks our baby girl will be 1.  Already!?  But if there is anything that I have learned in motherhood, it is that it just gets better with time.  Every day I find myself loving Lucy more than the day before.  Watching her grow, learn and develop is absolutely part of my greatest joy in life!

Visiting NYC & CT

This past weekend, Jonathan was invited to present his Master's research at a global health conference at Yale University.  We quickly jumped at the opportunity to be back east and made a family trip of it!!  Because Jonathan could not miss any days from medical school, his trip was rather quick.  He took a redeye flight Friday night, drove straight to New Haven, participated in the conference, hung around CT & NYC on Sunday, and took an early morning flight back to Salt Lake on Monday.  

Lucy and I, however, had a little longer stay.  We flew in Wednesday afternoon.  Lucy has flown 3 times before this, but each time I had extra hands with me to help.  I was a bit nervous to do a 5 hour flight all on my own with this wiggle worm, but it all worked out.  In fact, we had the entire row to ourselves.  The flight attendant reminded me that she had never seen this happen on this particular flight.  Prayers were answered, and Lucy was very well behaved.

Day 1

Toured the 9/11 Memorial, ate lunch in Central Park with NYC friends, met up for hot chocolate with my old college roommate, and had dinner with my dear friend/old co-worker.

For whatever reason we never had a chance to visit the 9/11 Memorial before we moved to Salt Lake.  This was a high priority on my "to do list" this trip, and I am so glad we were able to make it.  The 9/11 Memorial was amazing - so somber and peaceful.  It was actually quite overwhelming to think of the horrific events that took place right there not too long ago.  At that same time, it was inspiring to feel the strength and resilience of our nation as we walked the grounds.

That afternoon Lucy and I made our way to the Upper West Side where we met old friends from the Morningside Heights Ward for lunch in Central Park.  Why didn't I get a picture of all of us together?  I was too busy catching up and having fun.  I stole the picture above from my friend's Instagram feed (thank you, Lesley!!).

We then made our way to Union Square where we met up with my old BYU roommate, Ash, for hot chocolate.  Once again, I was too busy talking and laughing to capture a picture!  Oh dear.

And last of all that day, we met up with Elizabeth for dinner.  It was wonderful to catch up with her and learn all about the latest happenings in my old office.

Day 2

Wandered around the Upper East Side in pouring rain, met up with old co-workers, and went to the MET.

Our good friend, Thomas, was kind enough to take a day off work to play with Lucy and I in the city.  Unfortunately, the weather wasn't very cooperative.  We spent the entire morning walking around the Upper East Side in pouring rain.  The rain let up slightly as we wandered through Central Park, but quickly made its way back.  Later that afternoon I visited my old office.  Once again, no pictures!  I was too busy talking and chasing Lucy around the halls and cubicles!

That night I met up with another good friend, Lesley, to wander around the MET.  This was probably one of my favorite parts of the trip.  Lesley is so knowledgeable about all things art related, so it was amazing to learn from her of the background behind different pieces and exhibits.  Not only that, it was just fun to have good company!

Day 3

Wandered around SoHo and made our way up to CT.

Thomas, Lucy, and I spent the morning wandering around SoHo.  We found a swing in Washington Square Park for Lucy - one of her favorite things to do!  That afternoon Lucy and I hopped on Metro North and made our way up to CT.  A few friends met us for dinner, and Jonathan met us as soon as he finished at his conference.  And again, no pictures as we were too busy socializing!  But it was so good to see old friends.

Day 4

Ate a delicious breakfast with friends, attended church, and met up with friends in Central Park.  

Our good friends, Dave & Lizzy, had us over for breakfast on Sunday morning before church.  Lucy and Tillie loved playing together.  It was the sweetest thing to watch them interact and follow each other around.  We then made our way to church at our old ward and saw so many familiar faces.  We kept getting asked with enthusiasm, "Did you guys move back?!"
  

That night we met up with Lesley and Jane in Sheep Meadow.  Lesley was kind to take some family pictures for us, and more than anything it was fun to chat with dear old friends.  Jonathan has known them both since 7th grade!

Bright and early Monday morning Jonathan, Lucy, and I made our way back to Salt Lake City.  It was such a wonderful trip and so good to be on the east coast again!  Until next time!

Time with Nonno & Nonna

General Conference has always been a favorite time of year for me, but now we enjoy it even more because that means we get to see Jonathan's parents for 2 whole weeks!  The added bonus (and major blessing) is that we are living in their home, so while they are here we get to see them pop in and out throughout the day.  Lucy especially loved having all of the extra attention from her Nonno & Nonna!

I didn't do a very good job at capturing pictures of our time with them, but we certainly tried to make the most of it: a day at the zoo, a MLB game Colorado Rockies vs. Seattle Mariners, Sunday dinners, running errands, Hires Big H, golfing, playing the piano with Nonna, Settebello, watching March Madness and just relaxing at home.

We love you Nonno & Nonna!

Easter

We had a wonderful Easter!  Jonathan's parents were home from Ghana for 2 weeks so they could attend General Conference meetings (hooray!).  Lucky for us we were able to celebrate this wonderful holiday with them.  The weather made for a beautiful spring day.  We enjoyed a walk to and from church and then made a scenic drive up to Layton where we had a yummy Easter feast with Tom & Steph and their kids.

Rather than doing an Easter basket this year, I made Lucy a dress and matching headband.  I enlisted the help of my mom and grandma, of course.  Sewing with them will forever be a fond memory, and this cute little dress will have an extra special meaning!

Lucy: 10 Months

I'm a little slow getting this update out, but better late than never!

If I could use one word to describe Lucy at this stage it would be busy!!  This little girl is a busy body - she is constantly moving, wiggling, crawling, standing and looking around.  Constantly!  I love watching her maneuver herself around.  Lucy has great balance and can even stand on her own for a few seconds if you get her in the right position.  She is not walking, but "cruises" around using whatever is within her reach to help her get around on her feet.

This darling 10-month-old is showing us more emotion and personality.  A few times she has burst into tears as she watched her daddy leave for school.  It melts my heart.  She has the cutest laugh and loves to smile.  She is a becoming more aware of her surroundings and is a little nervous around new or unfamiliar faces.  But give her a couple minutes and she warms right up.  She loves to drop things - toys, food, clothes - anything she can get her hands on.  Lucy also loves to point, grab your nose and inspect your teeth.

Just a few days ago she started saying "dada" and "nana."  Her babbles are starting to sound more conversational.  Lucy discovered a favorite toy!  It is a darling felt elephant that her 7-year-old cousin, Megan, made for her when she was born.  She loves to carry this elephant everywhere she goes and just smiles and giggles when she holds it.  When I check on her during her nap I will even sometimes find her clutching it.  So sweet.

We love this girl more each day and are so grateful she is ours!