2013 Year In Review

January - May
This past year was quite simply the best year of our lives. And of course the reason for that is the adventure to becoming parents to our beautiful little girl Anita. Our days were spent nesting up until her arrival on February 15th, and afterwards loving every moment of taking care of her and soaking it all in. We were blessed with an easy baby, not too many sleepless nights, no trips to the ER, not even a lot of crying. Oh sure, there have been a few crazy moments, but all in all it has been such an amazing, positive, and awesome experience. The hardest part for sure was nursing and pumping, but in the end I at least made it to the 4 month mark - Yay Me! I had the opportunity to spend 3 months at home with her before returning from work, and Phil became an At-Home Dad, something that has come very natural to him. A special part of it all has been sharing Anita with loved ones. Neighbors, family, close friends and co-workers; we most certainly have an amazing network of love and joy!

June
Our annual Girl's Happy Camp! Being that I was still nursing Anita, it was a quick overnight trip trip for me. Our location was a beautiful spot just north of Silver Creek Plunge. It was interesting and busy to have to bring along a breast pump, but I managed to handle it without issue and still get in some much needed R & R with my lovely set of girlfriends. We had great weather and spent the day lying on blankets next to a private creek sipping wine and gabbing to our hearts content. The following day was Father's day, so I was breaking camp and back on the road by 7 a.m. the next morning. [insert photos I can find]

July
My Grandmother came to visit and to meet Anita. We had beautiful weather and enjoyed most of the visit sitting outside in the grass in the shade.

Our first camping trip with a baby, we chose Sagehen Resevoir. It was a great choice with easy access to everything with a stroller and most importantly, quiet neighbors! Beautiful weather. We took walks around the resevoir and lounged around the campsite. Also got out on the four wheeler a bit for some exploring and a picnic. Anita did good her first time away from home, although napping didn't happen outside of Mamma's arms. As you can tell, I didn't mind a bit! And a very special moment for Phil and I was spreading our MinPin Tinker's ashes. Sagehen was one of her favorite places, chasing frogs along the beach, lounging in the sun, or napping with me in our little fishing boat.

August
Anita's first adventures at the Treccani ranch. She donned her adorable first bathing suit and experienced that first cold dip in the Payette river. It was a wonderful weekend with our friends, and I especially loved the Auntie time my girlfriends got in with her.

 

September

Our second camping trip of the year, this time with our friends Laura and Mihai. We had the unpleasant experience of having to drive to Upper Payette Lake by way of HW 95 due to a mudslide on the direct route. What should have been a 3 hour drive was instead a very long 5.  And unfortunately for our friends they added another hour getting lost in the dark. But thankfully we made it and had a nice, relaxing weekend. Anita even took her first trip out on Daddy's little fishing boat.

Also this month we had the pleasure of being invited to our first IVF reunion event with our clinic, Idaho Center for Reproductive Medicine. It was a special day for us, thinking back to all the trials and hard work it took to become pregnant. I'm not going to lie, I cried a bit seeing all those precious children and thankful parents. A day of celebration with our little miracle. They rented out the Boise Zoo for a private picnic and some quiet fun showing Anita all the different animals.

Dr. Cristin Slater - our Angel who helped bring Anita into our arms

October
I made plans for a 1:1 date with my best girlfriend Adria.  Horseback riding in Garden Valley at the best time of year with all the leaves turning color. A refresher two very busy Mommas, although we were definately sore the next few days no doubt.

November
The big trip of the year! Phil and his brother towed a few classic cars back to Michigan while Anita and I flew. They didn't fare as well as we hoped, one of the two cars only made to Wyoming, but aside from that the guys had a great time. And Anita was Amazing at flying. Fellow travelers all around us commented on what a good baby she was. Not bad considering she was a 9 month old in the throws of teething.
 We spent the first week in Michigan with Phil's side of the family, and Grandma and Grandpa hosted Anita's Christening. It was a wonderful day with family! The second week was spent in Ohio with my family and we were there at Thanksgiving. We met our new little cousin Axton and had a great time catching up with everyone. Unfortunately of course it had to happen, Anita caught her first cold, which made the flights home a bit more daunting, but we still did it. Daddy drove home alone in record time and was there to meet our flight. Nice trip, but boy we were never so happy to see home like we were after that trip. There's something to be said for a baby's own crib and changing table, that's for certain.

December

Being that Anita is only 10 months old and doesn't really understand Christmas just yet, we kept things simple with minimal decorations and did without a lot of gifts. Instead we focused on a big home project while I had two weeks off of work. We DIY renovated our kitchen, certainly the saddest looking part of our house. Goodbye ugly and beaten 80's cabinets that are have been refreshed with a beautiful coat of soft green. I am so happy with the outcome, happy housewife right here!! And another project that was unexpected, not necessary nonetheless...  Phil found a nice 97' Chevy Blazer for $400, tuned up the transmission and engine with the help of our neighbor. Boom, now he has a great Daddy-mobile.

And for the big kicker...
At Christmastime we had another very BIG project going on, making another baby!  I'll share the journey of that news in our first 2014 post.

Hot fun in the Summertime

Well our busy bee is six months old now.  I often wonder what we ever did without her.  I ask her frequently with a smile, “Are you REALLY mine?  Did you really happen?” 

Sorry I haven’t been regular at this.  Life is far too chaotic for regular updates, which is ok because I’d rather not post enough because I’m too busy, rather than not having anything to post about.  So yep… here’s the rundown…

Six month pedi appointment went well.   Happy and healthy through and through.  Rolling all over, and we’re right to the stage of pushing up on arms and figuring out how to army crawl.  She loves standing with assistance, maybe she’ll be one of those that goes straight to walking.  It’s the season of swapping equipment.  We’ve stopped using our infant swing, and now have a outdoor swing out on the back patio. It’s perfect for hanging out as we gab around the table, or as Daddy works on his tractor nearby. I can get the bouncer boxed up too.  Just moved into our 6 month wardrobe and size 2-3 diapers.  Anita’s vocal as ever, and it’s cute watching her test out different octaves.  We love to hear her laugh, for sure the best sound in the whole world.  We celebrated her six month birthday by introducing rice cereal.  And since then we’ve tried avocado a few times, and tonight will be mashed taters.  Fun and messy times and the poop is definitely starting to smell like POOP.

We’ve been busy, but not too much.  Made it to a ranch party with our friends, and had fun splashing in the river, and watching as our friends handed Anita around and got their fill of her.  I just love sharing her with all you wonderful honorary Aunties and Uncles.  We had plans to camp at Alturas lake last weekend, but cancelled due to the terrible fires and heavy smoke in the area.  So hopefully nothing of the same sort ruins our plans for the Upper Payette reservation we have on the 6^th.  This weekend we get to attend our neighbors wedding at Albertsons’ Park.  Looking forward to dressing up and celebrating Anita’s little friend Addie and her parents big day.  Also excited for football season coming up.  Speaking of which, Daddy has an action item to get over to the college and outfit Neeters with some Boise St. gear.

  Chilling on the beach with Auntie Ilona

My "wake up'" look

Playing in a pool o' beans at the fair.

Hanging with Dad at the fair.  We had our tractor there this year!

Bathtime with Mom

Hurt feelings

"My kids never had a blackout curtain"

"Maybe she'd be crawling by now if you'd..."

"Your growing her up too fast"

"Her milk isn't warm enough"

"Activity gyms are dangerous"

On.and.On.and.On...AND ON.

Being a new parent is not easy.  You try your BEST every day.  You JUDGE yourself every day.  The last thing you need is to critiqued by those around you.

Mind you... 

She's healthy.  Not one sniffle.  Never a cold or flu.  No diaper rash.  Clean.  No excess spit up or upset tummy. 

She's HAPPY.  Pretty much all the time.  She likes her me-time, daddy-time, mommy-time, tummy time, bed time.  We don't have a fussy kid.

She eats well.  I made it to the four month mark breastfeeding, and dammit it would have been longer had that pump not tortured me to the worst extent and pushed me to the last brink of pain tolerance.  But you know what, our sweetheart adapted just fine to formula and continues to gain weight at a healthy pace.

I digress.

Point is...we're doing a great job.  We are great parents.  I know those snippy little comments are most likely off the cuff and not meant to hurt, but wow...some days they just do..  

Darius Rucker - Wagon Wheel

My sweet girl, this is our song. 

Anytime, everytime it comes across the radio we stop whatever we're doing, pick you up and dance. 

 

2013 What we've been up to

Well hello there my dearly deprived DiMaria blog! 

We've been busy in the most magical way and our time has been spent loving up on our sweet little miracle, Anita Grace.  It's easy to say that this is by far the best year of our lives.  Amazed every day, I just can't get over it.  We're parents now! 

http://anitaandco.blogspot.com/

Aside from that, the usual.  We like playing outdoors as much as possible.  Not cooking near as much, instead perfectly happy to pick up easy fixes so we can spend more time with the above mentioned cutie.  Work is good, busy this year with a large scale merger.  Animals are happy and healthy. House is still standing.  What more could you ask for? 

Other Babes of 2013

Hi Love. 
So the world is all giddy today with headlines of a new Prince across the pond.  I thought it was the perfect excuse to catalogue some of the famous babies you'll be growing up with...

Born July 22, 2013

America adores this newly married couple!

Welcome a sweet new prince - His Royal Highness Prince George of Cambridge

Born April 13, 2013

Jenna Bush and Hubby welcomed little Margaret Laura ‘Mila’ Hager
It was fun watching her pregnancy updates on The Today Show

(Your Daddy's favorite President, George W. Bush - his 1st granddaughter)

Born April 6, 2013

One of our favorites, three-time Olympic gold medalist

Kerri Walsh Jennings & newest baby girl Scout

We watched her in the 2012 games and found out afterwards she was pregnant at the time

Born August 29, 2012

Giuliana & Bill Rancic welcomed baby Duke

I list this baby because its near and dear to your Mamma's heart. 

This couple had struggles getting pregnant just the same as your Daddy and I did.  I watched sadly their reality television show that documented the fertility process they went through.  IVF didn't work for them as it did for us, but thankfully they succeeded with a surrogate.  Such a sweet and happy ending!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

And for some not-so-famous, but definitely famous in our hearts...

Here are the following friends and family who have recently welcomed babies too! 

(I'd post photos, but I didn't ask permission)

~ Daddy's cousin Susan and her husband Jason welcomed baby boy Logan.  You two almost shared the same birthday! (Michigan)

~ Mommy's cousin Holly and her husband Andy welcomed baby boy Paxton. We're hoping to meet him at Thanksgiving in Ohio with our Batey family. (Chicago)

~ One of your Daddy's best friends, Roger and his wife Candie welcomed a little boy Luuc.  He's the cutest thing ever and we like to refer to him as "Anita's boyfriend".  (Michigan)

~ One of your Mommy's high school friends Chrissy and her hubby recently had a baby girl Audrey.  We sure wish they lived closer so we could see each other more often!  (Arizona)

~ Mommy's cousin Kiely and her wife Jenna welcomed baby boy Emerson.  We couldn't be happier for this sweet family of three!  We got to meet him on his 1 month birthday, and even though he was three months younger than you, he already matched you in weight.  A big boy indeed! (Idaho)

July fun in the sun

~ Anita's first time to church

~ Meeting Great Grandma Geri

~ First time to our favorite summer hangout, the Treccani Ranch and first dip in the river

~ First camping trip to Sagehen Resevoir

~ First ATV ride in the mountains (note to parents everywhere...don't forget nap time!)

~ Watching fireworks from our cul-de-sac with Grandma and the neighbors

~ Lying on a blanket in the shade (two wasp stings included for Mom)

~ Morning walks to the store with Daddy

4 Months Old

Dear Anita,

My sweet girl, you are growing up too fast.   Now 12 pounds and 24 inches long.  Size 1 diapers.  Size 3mo clothing, some being snug and most fitting just right.  Won't be long before we hit the next size.

We are having so much fun.  Every day you change and develop a new skill it seems.  In the last month you've learned to roll over, grab toys, and are full-on cooing and laughing.  I swear girl, your as loud as your Daddy (and that's LOUD).  No longer sleeping in your swing, but your pretty crib instead.  Your also too big for your swaddle,  and with starting to roll over its not safe for you to sleep in anymore.  I suspect this might give us a few interrupted nights of sleep, but we'll get there. Your favorite toys right now are your Taggie's blanket and your activity mat.  You're also starting to drool, which is a definite sign of teething, so your Sophie the giraffe has been in your mouth quite the bit too.

 

            

We recently took you on your first mini-camping trip, up to Tim & Di's cabin in Donnelly near Lake Cascade.  It was the three of us, Tim and Di, April, John and they're boys Brad and Tyler, as well as Timothy.  We took the camper and four wheeler.  You took your first ride on it with Daddy and he said you LOVED it.  You and I hung out at the cabin soaking up the sun and playing in the creek while Daddy went fishing with John.  They came back with 27 big perch and we had a fish fry that evening.  We did so well away from the house equipped with all the right gear and that was the most important part.  Oh except for that very important part Mamma forgot for herself, the flanges to the breast pump.  This required Daddy to fabricate something homemade out of a water bottle, but we got the job done and thankfully didn't have to leave early and go home.  The best piece of gear we had was the mosquito net to use over your pack n' play and your jogger.  It worked great that evening when us ladies took a stroll down to the boat launch.  A part of the walk was mud bogging your super cool jogger through a field.  I got a few bites, but you were just fine.  That night was the first time sleeping away from your swing, and I thought for sure it could be a long and sleepless night.  But as you do, you took it like a champ and cuddled in between me and your Daddy and slept like the angel you are.  And with that going so well, is when we figured we'd try the crib when we got home.  You little rock star, you!

Another big thing right now is your transition from breast milk to formula.  I had always planned to nurse you through to the six month mark, but with going back to work full time its turned into a painful, cloggy experience.  Your pediatrician at your 4 month checkup said I should switch you over, so we started last night.  So far so good. It'll be a slow process to wean completely, but I'm looking forward to more time with you away from that dreaded pump and less pain and anguish.  My heart breaks though, I miss nursing you so much.  A special chapter closing.  I try not to think about it, otherwise I get tearful.

This weekend a most exciting something is happening.  YOU GET TO MEET YOUR GREAT GRANDMA!  This is my Daddy's Mom, Geraldine Burbank.  She lives in Ohio and is flying out to visit us.  I can't wait for her to come off the plane and finally meet you, oh what a moment it'll be!  Hopefully while she's here we can go to the park and feed the ducks like she did with me when I was a little girl, and take a stroll on the green belt.  This will probably be her last trip out visiting Idaho, so we have to make it extra special.  After this its up to us to go see her, which we'll gladly do!

A few holidays have passed this last month...

Mother's Day - We started the morning off with a visit to Grandma Vicky's.  She loved seeing you.  We then headed up highway 21 to Idaho City. over to Crouch and north to Silver Creek Plunge.  It was just what I wanted to do for the day, take a nice drive and show you the pretty mountains of Idaho.  It's my favorite place to be!  We took our time, looked at all the pretty colors, and just enjoyed being a family.  Our dog Cody was with us too, she always loves a trip to the mountains.

My 32nd birthday - Not so great.  I was terribly clogged for 2 days and stayed home suffering all day long trying to remedy the situation.  The good part is that you were there with me.  You got me the sweetest birthday card complete with an outline of your hand print inside.

Father's Day - I was camping the evening before with my girlfriends, but I got up early and made it home by 9 a.m. to spend the day with you and Daddy.  You and I hid cute little notes, quotes and music lyrics all over the house for Daddy to discover.  He loved it.  We also bought him an outfit perfect for walking with you to the store.  We spent the afternoon in the backyard playing on a blanket while Daddy made his tomato cages for the garden.  It was a lovely, relaxing day. 

That's about it for our four month post.  You're just a super sweet and easy girl.  Summer is here and there's nothing quite like lying with you on a blanket in the yard and staring up at the blue sky and watching the green leaves dance.  Let's do that tonight k...

It's the little things

Like folding her laundry...

She's found her voice!

Sunday afternoon Anita discovered her newfound vocal abilities.  We're now hearing some adorable coos and goo-goos.  (Pardon the sideways video...I'm new at this) 

It just gets better and better. 

3 months old!

2013: Ten things I love about being your Mother

This will be my Mother's Day tradition...

1.  Your my dream come true, and our precious miracle in every sense of the word.

2.  You wake with a smile and it always starts my day on a wonderful high.

3.  I get to dress you in sweet little outfits.

4.  Your smell, every time I hug you hello I nuzzle you neck and breathe it in.

5.  You're presence has renewed my love for your father, I'm so thankful he gave me you!

6.  Rocking you to sleep

7.  We are starting to read books together.  I hope we do this always.

8.  Your my little shopping sidekick.

9.  Breastfeeding and having such a special bond no one else can ever have with you.  I'll miss this...

10.  Showing you off to the world, your the best thing I've ever done!

A blog about NOT blogging

My oh my is life busy.  When at home, the last thing I have time to do is get on the PC and write away to my hearts content.  And yesterday was the first day back to work, it's just as busy here.  Quite a stark reality of adding 3 pumping sessions into my daily routine here.  Maybe those moments will turn into my blogging hour, but as of right now, not a chance. 

Just a quick update... Anita is growing fast, and is now 23 1/2 inches and over 10 pounds.  Healthy as can be, sleeps all night.  She now smiles and plays with her hands.  We're so close to playing with toys!  And me coming back to work is going well so far, I miss her terribly but it's a manageable emotion.  And I must pat myself on the back, I've added a walking regime into my mornings - go Mamma!  Feels so good to get out in the mornings and wake up with the birds.

Miss you my dear blog world.... one day I'll get the chance to add you back into my routine.  One Day.

Two Months In

Two months she's been in our arms, putting a smile on our face and joy in our hearts.  I cherish each and every moment.  Her sounds.  Her smell.  The feel of her head nestled in my neck as we cuddle chest to chest.  She's such a sweet little girl and we love her more than we've ever loved anything.  With her down for a morning nap, I'm happy to have a few moments to sit down and write a line or two.  I do miss blogging!

 ~~~ HOW'S BABY ~~~

Dear Anita,
Your two month checkup with Dr. Cron was this past Monday.  You're 9 pounds, 6 ounces and 22.5 inches long!  You just came out of Newborn size diapers and clothes, which made Mommy tear up a little.  I just love you so tiny in my arms, because I know you'll only get bigger from here.  You also had your first set of vaccines at this appointment, which was not fun!  I'm glad you won't remember it, because Mommy and Daddy won't soon forget.  You screamed while Daddy held your hands as the nurses gave you three injections in your tiny thighs, and Mommy put her face in a corner and cried.  But it was over in a flash and you stopped crying shortly thereafter.  The day was stressful though, your leg became swollen, hot and red and you were upset and fussy.  I went to the store and got some aceteminphen and that helped you through the night.  We were so sad to see you in pain like that.
Aside from that, you're a very happy and alert baby.  And oh, you're smile.  It's so beautiful honey!  You smile more at Daddy than at me, which makes it all that more special.  You've yet to have a bad day, just a few fussy hours here and there.  You drink only breastmilk and my oh my do you have a healthy appetite!  Mamma's doing her best to keep up with you.  During the day you have two or three naps. You like me to rock you to sleep. You're sleeping well at night, anywhere from 5-8 hours.  You love your swing, and its where you sleep at night.  Daddy puts you down and sits on the floor in front of your swing while you drift off.  You've discovered your hands, you move them around in front of your face and just the other day started to put your fist into your mouth.  Daddy worries you might start sucking your thumb, but I don't mind.  Lord knows, it'll be easier for you to find at night rather than your binky!  Your binky you seem to only want when your getting tired.  Yesterday I showed you your first toy, and hung it down in front of you.  Your eyes got really big, and you batted it around with the backs of your hands because you're not quite to the point of grabbing objects yet.  It overwhelmed you after a few minutes, so we'll do that sparingly for now.  You seem to really like when I read to you, you watch me with those big blue eyes and seem very content.  It's hard for Mamma to get through a story without crying sometimes, such a precious moment between the two of us.  A few of the books we are reading are:  Guess How Much I Love You, The Giving Tree, and If I Could.
You enjoy car rides and your jogger, we've been on a few walks as the springtime season warms up.  And you now fit into your baby bjorn, just last night Daddy took you to the neighbor's to visit and you fell asleep.  We got the sweetest picture of it, you look like you were praying.  We video chat with family in Michigan about once a week, and everyone says how alert and big you are becoming.  Being the sweetie you are, you always share that pretty smile. 
A few nicknames I have for you are AnitaRita, GracyFace, Babygirl and Pumpkin.

~~~ HOW'S MOMMY ~~~

Content, happy, and so thankful.  Still in awe some mornings waking up to this new reality of being a mother.  Phil and I are both home and I'm so thankful we're experiencing it all together.  Anita has been such an easy baby, but a baby sure keeps one busy.  We wake around 7 to nurse, I have a cup of coffee, put her down for morning nap and then a mad 1-2 hr dash to eat, shower and tidy up the house before she wakes and needs to eat again.  Then she's up and we're busy nursing, changing diapers, playing and reading books, tummy time, midafternoon nap.  Another quick window for me to exercise and tidy up some more.  Before I know it Phil's peeking in asking what's for dinner, and I'm like "Dinner!?!?"  A hot bath at the end of each day is so appreciated, because taking care of a baby all day - I'm tuckered out!  Phil happily takes over and gets her all to himself for an hour or so.  We put her down around 9 or 10 and she's out for 5-8 hours usually.  Very lucky for her age I'm told - yay!
At my six week checkup I was shocked to discover I'd not only lost my 18 lbs of baby weight, but 12 lbs on top of that.  The one challenge has been neck and back pain.  For two weeks now I've been in physical therapy.  It's due to breastfeeding and poor posture, as well as looking down at her as she nurses.  AlsI'm on a daily regiment consisting of stretches and exercises using a stretch band, evercise ball and some floor exercises.  I pray it gets better soon, because as it is right now I can only hold her for about 5-10 minutes and have to hand her off. 
Breastfeeding is going well, but I worry every day if I'll produce enough milk to keep us going.  It's a grueling process, as she eats 9-10 times a day.  So if I nurse her at the breast, it comes out to around 2 1/2 hours each day.  And on the days I pump and feed her by bottle it doubles the timing on it all.  Up until about a week ago I was able to produce 5 ounces in excess to stock in the freezer for when I go back to work, but this week that's gone away and she's drinking everything I can produce.  And she used to be satisfied on one breast, but now we're taking everything from both sides, and sometimes still needing 1-2 ounces that's previously been pumped.  Whew, it exhausts me just thinking about it.  But it's definately the most amazing bond with her, and I feel so honored to give her my ALL.  I love knowing that we have this special bond, just the two of us.  I pray formula isn't in our near future, but then again I think I need to be realistic and know that it may very well be.  Good news is that I have a double, electric and handsfree pump on order, we're hoping that quickens the process and maybe even helps to increase supply.  Next week we'll start working on a schedule that'll mimic me returning to work, I hope its not as difficult as I think it's going to be. 
I've been in to see the guys at work a few times, they loved meeting Anita.  It's been nice to not have to worry about being away, the office is just as clean and tidy as I left it and they keep telling me to enjoy this time at home with my family.  And while I'll miss being home with her, I'm going to enjoy getting back to the office.  However, I can't even imagine how tough that first week is going to be!

~~~ HOW'S DADDY ~~~

Smitten with his baby girl, that's for sure.  They have such an amazing bond, she just lights up when he walks in the room.  I love watching it.  She really loves his deep voice.  He's been the most attentive Dad and Husband, always close by to experience and help wherever needed.  And when he's not inside the house with us, he's outside working on one of his many projects.  This past month he's been working on classic Honda motorcycles and other small engine items to sell on the List of Craig.  He took on a huge project of cleaning up an old farm and taking on the process of scrapping all the metal that came from it, brought in a big chunk of change!  I can tell he's doing all that he can do project-wise before I get back to work.  Soon it'll be him and Anita home together, and he'll really be busy.  It's also time to work in the yard, which has always been a love of his.  Yesterday he thatched the lawn and turned on the sprinkers.  Next up will be edging, mowing, fertilizing, you name it.  I'm always amazed at the energy level he has, I really don't know how he does it!

~~~ WHAT WE'VE BEEN UP TO ~~~

Staying home mostly, conserving funds and spending as much quality time before our babymoon is over.  Easter was Anita's first holiday.  We had every intention of making it the first day to church with her, and then I thought of all those kiddies with germs and decided to stay home instead.  And we have our very own giant bunny, so we did a little photo shoot of our own.  I couldn't believe how well behaved Cadbury was, letting Phil flip her all around, setting the baby on her and what-not.  It was fun!
It was also Anita's first time in a dress, she looked darling!
Other things we've been up to...many friends and some family have been by to visit and we couldn't be more loved.  A few walks to the store on nice days.  Weeding the flower bed.  Drove to Mountain Home last week to visit family as well as the cemetary to see my Dad.  That was a tough moment, realizing my Dad will never be a Grandfather to Anita.  I miss him more and more as the years pass by.  Also took a drive up to Hailey to visit and BBQ with our friends Jason and Courtney, it was a great day exploring the beautiful nature preserve nex to their house.  Anita did well with 6+ hours in the car. 

Some photos from the past few weeks...


Anita met her Great, Great Uncle Fred



Making funny faces with Daddy



That sweet smile

 

Visiting our church, St. Mary's for the first time



Exploring the Draper Wood River Reserve in Hailey, Idaho



Everyone says I look just like Daddy



Visiting Grandpa Dean



First of many tractor rides with Daddy, he was so excited!