Hope.

Over a year ago when I became a mom I had NO idea how much my world would change. This adventure is extraordinary! I never realized I could experience so much laughter, frustration, worry, joy, exhaustion and love all within 5 minutes! Parenting sure isn't like I imagined it as a 6 year old playing house in my backyard, under the crabapple tree, it's so much more! Every time I see a pregnant woman or a new mom I can't help but smile and get choked up (another perk to motherhood, emotions you never knew you ever had)! But what it comes down to is this hope that I have for all children, everywhere. It reminds me of the Lee Ann Womack song, "I Hope You Dance." Hope truly is a wonderful thing!







I hope you never lose your sense of wonder...i hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean...i hope you dance...promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance...i hope you never fear those mountains in the distance...give the heavens above more than just a passing glance...i hope you dance.

May 4, 2010

The day our baby girl turned one! Kiera woke up at 6:54 a.m. in time for mommy and daddy to sing happy birthday at 6:56 a.m. We went to work and Kiera enjoyed the day with her daycare friends and even brought chocolate chip cupcakes to share. That evening at home she helped make heart and flower shaped pancakes I think she enjoyed the strawberries and applesauce the most! She loved her birthday cupcake, yum! Kali enjoyed the festivites as well. The day was nice and sunny and we had a great little celebration just the 3 of us!

One year ago...

...we were blessed with a healthy, beautiful baby girl. She is truly amazing. Mommy and Daddy love you Kiera Catherine!

Kiera's First May Day Deliveries!

Things around here...

Have been most enjoyable...
*Kiera's carseat is now forward facing in my car, she looks SO big and likes the ride a lot more.
*K wore hard soled shoes for the first time and really didn't know what to think of them...now she's figured them out!
*Kiera bear has taken several baths in the big tub. She LOVES the new found freedom to splash and play!
*Munchkin enjoys climbing into her toy chest...thanks Grandpa Sabol!
*Goober attended her first, 1st birthday!
*Bug has 4 teeth! and is recovering from her 4th ear infection :-(
*Kiera Catherine cooks meals with mommy. In the picture you'll see she is making a fabulous soup!
*Wiggle Worm (not sure how to spell it in German) loves jumping on the bed...thanks Aunt Beth!
*Bugger enjoyed the farm animal babies at the zoo. (Grandpa S she found the perfect pig!)
*Little lady attended her first Twins game at Target Field and took her first bus ride. We spent the majority of the game running around the concourse :-)

Soon there will be a 1st haircut to add to this list and a 1st birthday! I can't believe how quickly my little baby is growing into a little lady. She is such a joy! We love her to pieces!!!

To catch up a bit.

11 month photo shoot. We had to enlist Dad's help!

The night Kiera decided she wasn't tired. I think she just wanted to watch the Twins game with her Daddy!

They're best buds!

Kiera LOVES shoes. I wonder if this is a sign?!?

Grandma and Grandpa Sabol came to play!

Kali wanted to join the fun! She climbed the steep stairs to the left and slid down...it was quite hilarious to watch!

We had a parenting class reunion. Some of us hadn't seen each other since we were pregnant!

Most of the babies-3 boys were missing. Claire and Kiera remember this couch from previous pictures, they aren't excited about it!

All the girls - Cora, Riley, Claire and Kiera.

Home Opener!!

Kiera was ready for the day. She got to stay home with grandma and grandpa while we enjoyed the festivities of Opening Day at Target Field!

Happy Easter

We ventured to Nebraska for Easter. Kali loved the time outside and Kiera got to meet her Great Grandparents. We all loved the family time!!

On our way to Nebraska, I think Kali is ready to be there!

Kiera loves talking with grandpa and great-grandpa Ring!

Blowing kisses!

Eating some lunch in the highchair daddy sat in as a baby.

Kiera loves playing outside...

So does Kali!

Four generations.

Will Kiera take after her great-grandpa and play the organ?

Kiera and her 2nd cousin Ellie.

What did the Easter Bunny bring?!?

Family photo before church.

Grandpa and Grandma Ring :-)

Kiera is definitely loved!

So pretty!