Belize is beautiful this time of year

Belize is blossoming into a very sweet little girl. She's not a baby anymore. She parrots anything that anyone says, which makes for some funny conversations. She loves to say, "Thank you so much." And she just started repeating prayers . . . so precious! On the two side, she started saying mine around other kids, although she's still pretty good at sharing. She loves nursery and talking about all of her friends. I just love being her mom!

Baby brother's shower

Brannon saved the day when I was a fluffhead and didn't reserve the picnic site (a group was there when we showed up!!!)










































Belize entertained herself playing in the dirt (cookie crumbs) and chasing squirrels.

























"Don't stand too close . . .



I'm afraid your lack of skills will rub off. " Thanks Xochi!













I think Belize ended up sneaking about 3 or 4 cupcakes.

















Thanks to Keri for putting on this wonderful shower and thanks to everyone who came and chatted. It was great to see you and now this little boy is going to be so stylish.

Happy 5th!

Happy 5th Wedding Anniversary! I love you forever!

Privatization

If you are checking this blog right now, be warned . . . a month from now you will not be able to do so without an extended invitation. So family, friends, and friends of friends just leave me your email address in the form of a comment or send me an email: pixie418@juno.com and I will be sure to send you an invitation for your viewing pleasure once more. We love having anyone and everyone check the blog and it keeps us motivated to keep you updated so even if we don't directly know you, be sure to include the name of someone who does know us, bottom line is-we love you and we love that you look at our blog!

Just like her mommy

Last summer vacation

First of all- thank you, thank you, thank you to Brannon's parents for letting me borrow their camera! Last week was Brannon's last one off for quite awhile so we took advantage and went to the Hood Canal to the Orton's cabin. Brannon and Belize played on the beach (threw rocks in the water), while I took a lot of naps. I am now 33weeks pregnant and am getting anxious for this baby to be out of me and into the world. Part of the Orton/Olson clan came up for the remainder of the weekend and Belize ran around with her cousins which gave us a much needed break from her "two" behavior. Now its back the the grind, but at least we have relaxing memories to get us through. This week Brannon went back to his mistress, Harborview, where he'll be spending over a hundred hours a week, why can't I be more like a hospital? I like to think I'm more attractive and I'm definitely nicer.

Aint no sunshine

Yeah!!! As I write this my baby is less than half an hour away from being home!!! Belize and I survived Brannon's month departure and are very excited to have him all to ourselves for a week! Brannon's rotation at OHSU went well and I think he really enjoyed it there. I wouldn't be too surprised if we were in the Portest of lands this time next year. With a rough start to the week, meltdowns GALORE, the week has ended nicely with lots of kissy faces and giggles. Lately she's had a slight obsession with towels, whether using them to "clean up" or draping them over her head in biblical style- only problem is they fall off after 2 seconds so I end up putting the towel on over and over again. Her newest phrases are, "Bye, bye, see you later" and "You're welcome." Also she LOVES giving rasberry kisses especially on baby brother a.k.a. mommy's tummy. She's also been surprising me with her letter skills; like the other day she randomly pointed at the computer keyboard and said, "T" . . . and it was the T. She amazes me!

The Coast

These are the last pictures I will be posting for awhile as my beloved camera that snapped its little heart out for 5 years is officially dead. :( This weekend we went camping with the Butterfields (cousins once or twice removed) at Ocean Shores state park. It was a blast! It poured the first night but cleared up for a beautiful weekend. I successfully put up and down the tent thanks to Brannon's detailed instructions and my outdoor prowess and am proud to say, Belize and I were as dry as cereal before the milk! Belize had fun bonding with her cousins and their bicycles, especially her cousin Madi who she lovingly called Mani. Gary cooked with a dutch oven and the food was divine!!! Then we hopped in the car again and drove down to visit the Angus's in Portland where Brannon was able to see us for maybe a total of a few hours in 3 days but it was worth it just to see him. Belize was enamered with her 3 year old cousin, Emma and followed her everywhere. Thanks to the Butterfields and the Angus's for welcoming us into your campgroud/home!

We love the Garcias!

Week 1

Whew, one week down as a single parent, three to go! Thanks to everyone who came over to visit, endured my phone calls and invited us to go play. We had a lot of fun, despite Dad being gone and I haven't slept this well in months (Belize is a good personal trainer and the minute my head hits the pillow, I'm OUT!) We also had a wonderful visit from Brannon this weekend (we think it will be the only weekend off he gets), Belize has been saying all week that her Dad is on an airplane and he flew away, even though I've been telling her he's at work. And she gets excited everytime we hear a plane.

And let me just describe more in detail what is going on in the first picture. We spent the night at Nana's house one night, the doll is sleeping on the mattress and Belize is sleeping on the doll's sleeping bag- fair trade? She also put herself down for a nap early when Aunt Sarah found her asleep on her bed!!!! How cute is that? I just love that girl, she's a sweetie pie!

Bad news- Brannon is taking the laptop for a presentation and I will be COMPUTERLESS for awhile, not sure that I will make it, give us a call as I will not be receiving any emails. :(