Feeling Heartbroken....

My parents just drove away with our dog, Calvin, to have him put to sleep. I'm sitting here crying so hard I can barely breathe, and thinking, "Laura, you've known this was coming for years, it's what's best." Even though I know it's best for Calvin, I still can't believe how awful I feel. We got Calvin the Christmas I turned 10. I still remember how we ran around screaming and yelling for joy when we found out we were getting a puppy. He has been such a happy part of my life ever since. Anyone who knows our family realizes how much a part of it he is. He's our "little brother". There are lots of things that I will miss about Calvin. Here are a few:

-The jingling of his tags when he walks.

-Calvin used to come on all of our hikes with us. He would run back and forth, from the front of the line to the back to make sure everyone was okay.

-He was a very intuitive little dog. He could sense when someone was sad, and he would cuddle next to them to make them feel better.

-His little tricks--sit, down, roll over, shake hands, etc.

-Calvin was so playful in his younger days. We used to get him all riled up and play tug-of-war with him and his chew toys.

-We used to all start howling and Calvin would join in. Too funny.

I look around and see evidence of him everywhere. His pillow in the living room, his 'paw' towel, his doggy door, his food bowls. For those of you who have never loved a pet, you probably think I'm crazy right now. For those of you who have....you understand how deeply you come to love your pet, and how hard it is to say good bye. I guess he's probably gone by now. Love you buddy.

Six Months Old!?!?

Six months old. I have a baby who is six months old. Where did the last half-year go? I remember when she was a newborn, looking at six-month size clothing and thinking, "She'll never fit in that." While I'm feeling a little sad that she's getting so big, I'm also really enjoying this age. I love that she now recognizes me completely, and the reaction she gives me when I get home from work. I LOVE her laugh. I love giving her news foods to try and watching her facial expressions. I love how vocal she is--a never-ending stream of squeals, laughs, screams, singing and babbling. I love watching her motor skills develop. But mostly I love how much she loves me too. We went to the doctor today for her six-month check-up. She is now:

-26 inches long (55 %tile)

-14 lbs 5 oz (15 %tile)

-16.75 in (50 %tile) (head circumference)

I'm having a bit of a dilemna. My back is not getting any better. In fact, it is getting worse as Lucy gets bigger. By 5:00 in the evening I can hardly lift her. I haven't been able to lift her in her carseat for weeks. The problem is, my doctor can't give me any anti-inflammatory medicine while I'm still nursing. Also, I haven't lost as much baby weight (especially in my very large chest) as I'd hoped at this point, and I think it's contributing to my back pain. I'm thinking of weaning Lucy over the next month. Should I feel guilty about this? She was exclusively breast-fed for the first 5 1/2 months of her life. Also, how many of you lost your baby weight AFTER you stopped nursing?

Discovering Snow...

Lucy had her first real introduction to snow today. Yes, she's seen it before. But there's nothing like getting all bundled up and truly discovering snow. She wasn't quite sure what to think when I put some in her hand. She sure loved eating it off her binky though. Yes, I fed my daughter snow. I ate plenty of snow in my day. Pretty sure I turned out okay. It's fun to rediscover how amazing the world is with a little one. I love how she thinks that everything is interesting. It's good to be reminded of the everyday wonders of life.

A Bit Sad..

My sister, Annie, left for her mission today. I'm pretty sad. Eighteen months seems like an awful long time.

A Few Firsts....

This past week and a half contained a few firsts.

-The first time I've called in sick since working for Davis School District. Lucy and I both came down with nasty colds. Blah.

-The first time I've attended a missionary farewell for a sister. Not just any sister....MY sister. Annie spoke last Sunday about hope and had me all teary. Darn her. We had almost 150 people over to the house after. I guess people like her. She leaves on the 20th and I'm dreading the day.

-The first time Lucy rolled from her stomach to her back! She HATES to be on her stomach, so we didn't practice very often. Finally one day, Scott was practicing with her and she flipped over. It's kind of funny, but before I had Lucy all this baby stuff wasn't very interesting to me. When people said, "my baby rolled over!" I was like, "so what?" I get it now. It's exciting to see your baby achieve milestones.

-The first time Lucy tried solid foods! She made a bit of a mess, but she sure loves rice cereal (and peas)! It's so funny to see her sitting in her Bumbo chirping like a bird for more food.

I'm Back!

So, it's been awhile. I have not given up on blogging. I have just been enjoying the holidays with the people I love most. For the second time this year, my entire family came into town. Steve and Kalli flew in from Boston, and Mike and Erin and the kids flew in from Minnesota. I had two weeks off from work (the joys of working in public schools), and Jordan had a month-long break from school. The weeks were filled with card games, skiing, hot-tubbing, go-carts, movies, talking, and LOTS of food. Skiing, you might say? Yes, skiing. I have made the switch from snowboarding back to skiing. I have been very resistant to return to my skiing roots. However, my 80-year-old back will no longer allow me to spend the day snowboarding. I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly skiing came back to me though. Can you believe that it is 2010? I would have to say that 2009 was probably the most difficult year of my life. However, it was amazing in so many ways. Watching Lucy grow has been so fun and rewarding. I just love my girl. In case you haven't already figured it out, I am a picture fiend. I LOVE taking pictures. Hence the reason I have posted about 25 of them. Enjoy.

Uncle Jordan sledding with Abbie and Landon

Uncle Steve holding Lucy for the first time.

Landon, Erin, Abbie and Steve

My parents left for a three-week long trip to Australia and New Zealand the day after Thanksgiving. Erin and I took the grandkids to greet them at the airport when they came home. They even made a sign saying, "Welcome Home Grandma and Papa."

Too cute not to post.

Lucy before her bath with Noah.

Cousin bath time! They didn't seem all that interested in each other. Lucy did enjoy sucking on the washcloth though.

Uncle Kyle holding Lucy and Foster while Abbi played at his feet.

Crazy hair girl.

Looking at the lights on Temple Square with the Walkers and the Bairs

Lucy was less than pleased about wearing that beanie.

Dinner at the Mandarin. Kalli, Steve, Mike, Erin, me and Jordan

The three of us.

All the grandkiddies in their Christmas pjs.

Kyle, Emma, Jessica and Abbi on Christmas morning.

Spoiled Annie who is soon to depart for Omaha.

Scott, Rach and Kalli on Christmas morning.

Mike, Abbie, Landon and Erin on Christmas morning.

My mom and dad.

Jordan wielding his new ping-pong paddle. Thanks Jake!

The best Christmas present yet.

Santa's Little Helper.

One cute baby.