1 year old already.......

Here's a little preview of Stella's 1 year old pictures. Can't wait to see them all!

Grateful for my girl....

I will be the first one to admit that I thought I was unfit to have children in this world!! I didn't have much experience when I was growing up with infants and I was always just trying to adjust to the new family environments I was put in, so little time went into dreaming about becoming a mother. I never had a "real" sister, yes many step sisters (6 to be exact) some of them were and are still great! But I never really had that sisterly bond or opportunity to have a relationship like that with family. I guess that is why I was always involved with some type of "girl" organization, dance, cheer, pageants and many great "girl" friendships. So when I found out I was having a girl I was shocked and scared, didn't think I would connect with her or know how to have a relationship with her. Boy was I wrong!!!!

I was sent Stella for many reasons and I am loving finding out new reasons all the time. Tonight was one of them. I always wanted those famous- boys go out to priesthood and girls get to have dinner, girl talks go shopping nights during conference while growing up. Well after hearing today's conference talk on the importance of Mother and Daughter relationships I thought "What am I waiting for!" So Stella and I had a girl's night out! So fun and of course not a lot was involved but all I can say is how grateful I am for my little girl. I look forward to more fun mom/daughter events. Tonight was one of those nights that you stand back and think.... "Oh that's why Heavenly Father did that." I love this time of year, love conference and love my Stella!

Florida here we come!!

We leave for Florida, Daytona Beach to be exact in a week and a half! First time for Stella to ride an airplane, first time traveling with a baby and not to mention overseeing 5o college students in a party town! Wish us luck! As you can see Stella can't wait to wear her new swim suit!

January, February and a little bit of March!

We decided to get out of the cold and take a quick trip to St. George, just the 3 us! It was a lot of fun!

We have added 2 new baby girls to my side of the family, Taylor Ann Tooke (on the left) born Dec. 31st and Brielle Ann Tooke born Feb. 15th. Stella can't wait for her cousins to get bigger so they can play with her!!

Silly Stella, she is just waking up here! Her head of hair is ridiculous and she now has 6 teeth!

Last but not least, it was my Mom's birthday on March 2nd! Happy Birthday! Love ya~!

9 months old!

I took Stella to her 9 month dr. appt and they had to prick her foot, she just looked at the nurse like what are you doing and didn't make a peep.....hilarious! She pulled the blue bandage off within minutes. She is doing well 19.5 lbs and 29 inches. Time for a new car seat the dr. said. She is a little girl now and we are loving every minute of it!!

Christmas.....

Hope everyone had a wonderful Holiday! Ours was filled with many family parties, dinners and spending time together. Here's a little of what we did!

Our first Christmas tree in our first house... exciting! Not to mention my first attempt at Black Friday, got the tree at Tai Pan for a steal!
Stellas first Santa experience, didn't cry at all. (She probably knew it was her uncle)

Brock and Stella on Temple Square to see the lights

UVDT Christmas Breakfast. I had it at my house and loved it, I think this will be one of our new traditions!

Stella's 2nd Santa expereince and same thing, loved it!

Stella first Christmas present of the year was a soft cabbage patch doll. I think I was more excited about it then she was!

I can enjoy the holidays now........

As many of you know my second family are my teams at UVU. This time of year gets extremely busy with fund-raising, practices, games and then January hits and we go full speed until the end of April! We got through this last weekend with my UVU Drill Invitational, and cheer was hosting a UCA competition. I feel like I have a little room to breathe and can think about Christmas. I love them, and wouldn't have it any other way!

GO Wolverines!!