Day 77 - February 8

I love when you learn new skills, and also how proud you are of yourself. I love you little one. Dear Julie,

Today, you looked like an adorable little boy. You were dressed in your penguin pajamas, and played with Chewy.

So, to let everyone know that you're a girl, I added frilly socks to the ensemble! It was a little funny looking, but adorable nonetheless. 

We headed to the studio for dance class, and it started snowing again. Schools were closed, but we met with the competition team to practice. Everyone ended up leaving early, and we got to head home too. 

When we got home, you played on your playmat. You were so excited that you finally caught the fish! 

Day 76 - February 7

Dear Julie,

Today, we visited nana and Papa'll. They FINALLY are home from Florida! We've missed them so much, and FaceTime just isn't the same as being in their arms. You and nana were so thrilled to be reunited. You cuddled right up to her, and I took my favorite photo ever of the two of you. 

You were so sweet with her, and nana talks so much when you're in her arms. I miss nana talking, and so which hat you could know the woman that I grew up with. You'll know your nana, but you'll never know her as she used to be. In her prime, she was the smartest, kindest, and most loving woman I've ever known. She's my best friend, and I hope that you and I will be just as close. 

After playing with nana and Papa'll, we headed home, and daddy read your library books to you! You especially love the Click Clack Moo series, and we were excited to find another book from the collection. Daddy chose the Star Wars book, and Ani and Obi joined you when he was reading! 

Day 75 - February 6

Dear Julie,

Today, we bonded over the Food Network. You don't really care for television, and it's not very often that we actually sit down to watch. However, today, I had Chopped playing in the background, and you really enjoyed watching the show. You stared at the competitors, and thought it was so cool! 

Chopped definitely made tummy time more enjoyable! I got to watch a show that I enjoy, and you got to participate while working your neck muscles. You have such a strong neck, and hold your head up so well! Mama is so proud of you! 

While you napped today, mama made a special hanging for the wall. I frames the items from the hospital that mean so much to us. 

Your one side we had made as soon as we found out we were expecting, your hospital blanket, hat, umbilical cord clip, blood pressure cuff, and wrist bands, the pregnancy tests that showed we were finally expecting a baby, your first paci, and a vile of medicine and needles that helped with your conception. I can't wait to display this in our house, and to one day pass it along to you. I can't wait to share the story of your conception with you. You're not like most kids. You're extremely special, and were more wanted than you'll ever know. 

You also took a nap with Chewy today, and it was adorable. It was like you were saying, "I can't even..." I could watch you sleep all day. We worked so hard on rolling over that you crashed for nap time. Mama loves you, little girl. 

Day 74 - February 5

Dear Julie,

Today, your competition outfits arrived in the mail! I can't wait to see you in them! I still have to drop off the jacket to be embroidered, but its official. You're a competitive dancer! 

Day 73 - February 4

Dear Julie,

Today was a crappy day. Literally. You crapped all over the place. Mama got to clean up poop from places she didn't know poop could be! I'm not sure how you had so much poop in you, but you have to feel better now that it's out! I also believe you lost five pounds. Wow, kid! Let's not repeat this blowout situation again. Please? 

It never fails that you only have blowouts when you're wearing white clothes! And to top it off, these were fleece pajamas. If I didn't like them so much, we'd just trash them. However, they fit you so well that I'll try my best to get them clean. Here's to soaking pajamas in blue dawn and oxiclean for a few days, and hoping it works to clean the mess! 

Aside from the crap show, today included relaxing, and watching baby tv. The cats were especially fond of sand art today! I could watch sand art all day long and never get bored. I'm sure one day soon, you'll also enjoy watching! 

Day 71 - February 2

Dear Julie,

Today was pretty eventful! We spent the entire day out and about. Our first stop was Huddle House for breakfast, then we went to the library! Daddy and I took turns reading to you, and we picked out books to take home for bedtime.

 

After the library, we went to nana and Papa'll's house for dance class! On the first Tuesday of each month, Trader Jerry has the studio reserved for a gun safety class, so we moved class to the farm! Daddy and I moved all the furniture, and made a space for the girls to dance. You napped in the rockaroo while we worked!

You were so excited when you woke up! All your dancers were there to play! 

You helped lead stretched, and gave everyone a great workout! You'd pull your knees under your body, and they'd do the same. You'd straighten your arms and legs, and the girls would follow. It was adorable, and everyone had a great time! 

Then, when you were stretching with Kendra, Libby stole your playmat! She didn't know where else to lay, so she made herself comfy! 

After dance class, we headed home, and went to sleep! 

Day 70 - February 1

Dear Julie,

Today was fun! We played all day long. It started out in the sit me up, had a nap with Obi, tried on a funny hat, and ended with dance class. The girls got to try on their costumes today, and you had so much fun watching them. You also got to judge them...silently. 

Friday, August 12

Friday, August 12

Dear Julie,

Today, you grew up before my eyes. You've been sitting up by yourself for a long time now, but hadn't been able to make it from laying down to sitting up on your own. Today, you mastered the skill! It was nap time, and you started cheering, so I checked on you. To my surprise, this is what I found!

You were so proud of yourself! I put you down on your back, and you did this! You say up! All by yourself! We facetimed with dada to show him, then I put you on your back again, and you took a good nap. Dada and I talked about lowering your crib mattress, and decided it would be the first thing we'd do in the morning. However, you had other plans! 

When it was time for your second nap, you started talking and cheering again. Here's what I found when I checked on you! 

You were STANDING!!!! What happened to my baby? How did this happen so quickly? Mama isn't ready for you to grow up this quickly. 

Since you pulled yourself up, I didn't have an option but to drop he mattress on your crib before bedtime. So, you played on the floor, and I got to work. Then you decided to help, and so did the cats. 

You'd crawl under the bed, I'd pull you out, and the cats would jump in. It was a long process, but eventually, mama was successful, and your crib was ready. Not only do you have a lower mattress, you also have real bumpers! I'm so excited for this new step in your development, but oh how I wish time would slow down. I love this stage, and would love to keep you here forever. Mamas baby. I love you Julia Rose. More than you'll ever know.