"You don't have a name for it yet here on earth"

My mom bought Makena a very fitting print from the Story People that says:

"Are you a princess? I said. And she said, I'm much more than a princess but you don't have a name for it yet here on earth."

EXACTLY!

I am late in blogging - since this post is about Makena's birthday weekend (Feb 13-16). My mom came up from So Cal Friday night and stayed until Monday afternoon - that was great! So Friday night after picking my mom up at the airport, Aidan, my mom and I met my sister Cyndi for dinner. Then Saturday was gymnastics (see Aidan's awesome pike jump below) and cake baking. Cyndi then drove down Saturday afternoon for dinner, cake and presents.

Makena didn't love getting her fingers dirty with frosting - not like Aidan who dove in on his first birthday! Or maybe she just didn't like my cake!

Makena actually had no idea what to make of Cyndi's little dogs Emily and Milo. Our dogs are big, not these little furry, wet faced things! She was a bit timid at first to touch them!

Then Makena opened her presents and got a big hug from her Power Ranger brother. I am sure it was not his choice.

And this picture - well I have NO idea what they were doing when I took this but think it is so funny!

Got a little video of Makena and her awesome dance moves - hard to get on camera these days! (those of you getting via email will need to log in to view)

My mom and I took Aidan to see "Hotel For Dogs" on Sunday afternoon, then met Cyndi for lunch before my mom had to head back to the airport.

Busy but good weekend! Makena loved all the gifts she received from everyone! I still cannot believe she is a year old and Aidan is on his way to 4!

Would you buy one to help raise money for research?

http://littlemisshannah.com/2009/02/would-you-consider/

Happy 1st Birthday Makena!

What a year this has been...I really can't believe that Makena is already a year old, but also it seems like forever ago that I was waiting in the O.R. for her to make her way into this world.

Makena is doing wonderful today - she is walking, babbling, loves music and dancing, starting to sing (I think), loves her brother and daddy like crazy, and can say "Dada", "Aidan" (sort of) and "dog". If you ask her "where is Makena?" she will pat her chest like a gorilla.

Makena loves books - especially "Animal Babies" and "10 Tiny Tickles". She is perpetually attached to her lovies and has a smile that will light up a room.

She loves looking at pictures of herself and Aidan, and has already learned that the camera has pictures so hard to get a photo or video lately because she wants to see herself in the screen (hence the many close up shots). She is learning how to sword fight so she can play with her big brother.

Makena has learned some signs (sort of) such as "more", "all done", and "down". She is starting to learn how to say "no no bark dogs" with the pump of a fist. She can shake her head "no" and nod "yes" but doesn't always get when she should do each so she does them both to cover all her bases. We also have taught her to say "ah" after she takes a sip of juice. She doesn't say it but opens her mouth as wide as she can.

We are excited to have Grandma Carol coming up this weekend to celebrate. I will be making her cake so she can have chocolate for the first time! Aunt Cyndi will be coming over as well.

I can't wait to experience all the new things she will learn in this next year!

Happy Birthday my sweet Makena - we love you!

Help for Hannah

I know I don't have very many readers of this blog, but it is the old adage "I tell two friends, then they tell two friends, and so on and so on...". So here I am...sharing another's story in the hopes that each of you will share with your friends and readers to get more exposure, help, advice etc.

I would like each of you to take a look at this blog, share with your friends and encourage them to do the same. If you have a blog, maybe you can post a message such as this. Or if you know someone that can help this adorable little girl and her family, please contact the family directly! Thank you!

http://littlemisshannah.com/

And She's Off...

Makena is walking more and more...took her first real alone steps a little over a week ago and just has kept going! She is now to the point that she will walk until she falls down - choosing to walk over crawling. No major falls yet, but she already thinks she can run so I am sure they are coming.

(for those of you getting this via email update, this is a video so go to the blog to view)

A typical day at work...

Thought this was funny...this is what I see on a daily basis working from my home office. I took this with my webcam atop my computer.

Don't you feel bad for her? Or maybe for me?

Today I have a break since we are sending her to daycare 1 day a week - today is the first day. The house seems so quiet...too bad I actually have to work!

Starting off 2009

2009 started with a visit from my Mom! It is always great when she can get up here for a few days.

It was great for me to have a two week break, although I didn't get most of the things done that I had hoped. Harder when you have a sick baby at home! Plus just laziness I guess. Oh well.

So things are now back to normal - I am back to work, Aidan is back to school and Jim is still job hunting, taking care of Makena and trying to get his book sold - http://www.themonstermasters.com/ - if you haven't checked it out. We would appreciate your support and the word of mouth!

Makena really is getting close to walking - has taken a couple very baby steps on her own and can stand by herself forever. She is in love with the dogs...and they love her!

The snow has gone, and the rain came hard and fast with much wind. Lot's of flooding here, thank goodness we live on a hill and really don't have to drive very far!