Christmas with Aimee.

As I'm starting to work on Christmas posts I can't help but post these pictures of Aimee.  It was a joy to celebrate your first Christmas with you.  We love you dear girl!

Super Moon Lunar Eclipse.

27 September 2015

My visiting teachers, Sarah Jensen and Carrie Roberts, stopped in to bring me cookies and to chat for a minute.  In the meantime Brie and Dad slipped out on the back porch to take a look at the Super Moon Lunar Eclipse.  After my visiting teachers had left I snapped a few pathetic pictures with my phone, then grabbed my camera and sat down beside you two.  I was trying to get a picture of the moon and was having little luck, so I at least snagged one of you two peering up in the sky with wonder.  I love the way that Dad seizes the moment with things interest him.

The next morning my Facebook feed was full of very impressive pictures of the moon.  I couldn't help but post my phone's attempt ;0)...

I'm pasting a picture that I found on the internet so that I can at least document what the moon really looked like that night:

(picture source here)

our family now.

My friend Lenay is a photographer here in town.  A few months back at a Relief Society activity we talked about the idea of swapping newborn photo shoots (she is due at the beginning of June).  So a week after Aimee was born she came over and spent an hour and a half with us.  She used to work for Bella Baby Photography and it was evident that she was accustomed to working with newborns.  When Aimee would get fussy she'd gently press a soft blanket to her arms and it magically helped her settle down.  In any case, she did a wonderful job and I'm grateful to have these pictures officially documenting our now family of six.

She had a few different props and I opted for this cradle with a heart since Aimee's name means loved.  The pink blanket is from Mémé and since has been transformed into an adorable blanket for Aimee to carry around and snuggle with.

I just love these few shots of Brie with her baby sister.

When trying to figure out outfits for the shoot I was considering doing neutral.  Then I decided that with a second girl in our family I wanted to go super girly...lots of pink, tulle and this ridiculously large flower headband ;0)  As over the top as it was, I love how it all turned out.

Aimee's tulle skirt is special because it was given to her by her Grauntie Elaine, one of the dear "beloved" women that she is named after.

  This one with Dad and you girls is another favorite.  He loves his girls!

 We had to get one with Alex and his adored Aimee :0)

This is the birth announcement I came up with to send out to {great} grandparents..."April showers brought our family a beautiful baby girl, then May flowers."

That gorgeous blossoming tree is our neighbors.  Those branches were reaching over our fence the week Aimee was born and I couldn't resist including them with the announcement.  What a beautiful time for a baby girl to be born.  The little closeup shot I took one afternoon.  I had just fed you, Aimee, in my craft room and propped you up on a pillow so I could work on thank you cards.  You often rest on me like that after nursing and I just had to snag a shot.  I grabbed the headband to complete the look and my camera and just happened to get one of you smiling.  I just love how it turned out.

Introducing Aimee Alecia.

Aimee Alecia Graden 

Born April 25, 2015 @ 8:44 AM

7 lb. 13 oz.   20 1/2 "

 Dad is tickled pink to have another little girl.  The morning he came to pick you & me up to take us home, he came in with a huge grin and gifts for his Aimee :0)

I just love this picture that Dad took of us three.  How I love my girls!  We came home on a Monday.  For Family Home Evening that night we decorated cupcakes to celebrate your birthday :0)  Dad also brought me home a beautiful bouquet to congratulate me on a job well done.

Alex wanted to get you flowers and picked out the adorable little watering can filled with purple cyclamens.  He adores you!  So do I.  What a sweetheart you are.

 We couldn't be happier to have you in our home.  We love you dearly, sweet Aimee.

Big Sister Date.

 21 March 2015

We decided it'd be fun to take each of you kids on a "big sibling" date before our baby girl is born.  Brie, you were first.  You picked out one of your dresses to wear for the special occasion.  Since you are very much into ALL things baby, Dad & I brought you with us on our tour of the Brommen Hospital Labor & Delivery.  (It was remodeled a few years ago and was beautifully done.)  You loved walking the halls with us but were bummed that there were no babies to see in the nursery.  Afterwards, you picked Noodles & Co for dinner and ordered the Beef Stroganoff, a peach drink and shared a chocolate chip cookie for dessert.  During your date we asked you what you were excited for: changing your sister's diapers and helping her with things.  You can't wait for her to be born!  You're going to be such a WONDERFUL big sister to her.

Let us CeleBrat!

Oh Target, you sucked me in again.  I walked by their "dollar bins" a few weeks ago and saw the CUTE BBQ stuff that they had.  They had an apron that said, "Let us Cele brat"...perfect for Bry who loves bratwursts!  Needless to say that I themed his Father's Day dinner and presents around that silly apron.  

During our mother-daughter time on Wednesday "writing notes" day, we made cards for Bry.  Brie liked the design I came up with so I helped her make one like mine.  

She was so excited that she gave it to him a few days early.  It was the cutest thing to see how proud she was and excited to give it to her Dada.

 We decided to do our Father's Day BBQ on Saturday.  That way Bry could work (instead of wait around), and I could get ready for it during Alex's nap.  Brie and I spent the afternoon getting things ready, setting the table, making the food, getting his presents ready (apron, BBQ lighter, Groupon for G&W Sausage Company).  I even ironed the tablecloth (and a few shirts for Bry--THAT was a Father's Day miracle--The first time I have ever ironed Bry's shirts.).  It was delightful working with my little bugaboo to make the evening special for Bry.

Bry loves to grill and agreed to do the grilling.  Since charcoal grilling takes quite a bit of extra time, I had an appetizer and drink for the wait.  It was a fun start to a laid back evening and yummy dinner.  What a great celebration with our little fam!  While cleaning up the kitchen, I asked Bry what his favorite things were about being a Dad...

snuggles * tickling kids * laughs & giggles * cleaning the bathrooms with Brie (such a great helper) * kids SO excited to see him when he gets home from school * listening to them say sweet prayers * taking them swimming * having their little voices and bodies running around the house * watching Brie draw * kids having fun on family outings

 BBQ Menu:

Pretzels with Jalapeno Popper Dip

Fresh Strawberry Lemonade "Italian Sodas"

Green Salad

Baked Beans

Potato Salad

Grilled Corn-on-the-Cob

Bratwursts

Triple Chocolate Ice Cream Cones

Sunday morning Brie & Alex helped to set the table while I got breakfast ready for Bry.  Biscuits & Gravy with Omelettes and a Strawberry orange banana mango smoothie.  Yum.

 

The hair on one side of Bry's head always poofs during the night.  It was too funny when I noticed Elijah's little poofy morning hair as well.

Bry, I hope that our kids inherit a lot more than just your poofy morning hair ;0)...you are SUCH an excellent dad AND husband.  We sure love you to pieces.  Thanks for all you do to keep our household and family running.

For the Beauty of the Earth.

5 November 2011

For whatever reason I was having a frazzling day...Bry volunteered to take Brie for a "daddy-daughter date" so I could get some things done and have a few minutes to myself. (That dear Bry.) After about twenty minutes Bry texted, telling me that I should come outside. There was Brie smiling under a layer of leaves. She popped up, brushed off the leaves and started running up and down the side walk in front of our house. Then she got her daddy in on the fun. (Somewhere in there we were all looking for especially brilliant-colored leaves. I LOVE fall leaves. Breath-taking really.) Before we knew it another resident at our complex came by, strolling her cute little dog, Lady. Brie excitedly pet her and tried to feed her leaves ;0) I was snapping pictures all the while. It turned out to be a delightful and beautiful autumn afternoon.

Looking back...

As we await Alexander's arrival, we've been watching video clips from Brie's birth and the first year of her life. It's been so fun to look back on that time with our Snuggle Bug :0) Here's a clip of Brie with her Dada on the day she was born...

Week o' Love : Day 7.

Love doesn't make the world go 'round;

love is what makes the ride worthwhile.

~ Franklin P. Jones

All in a Daddy-Daughter Day's Work.

(22 Jan 2011) A few Saturdays ago we had some fairly good snow on the ground so Bry took Brie out to make a snowman. Brie mainly occupied herself by throwing her sock "mittens" around and trying to eat Frosty's chocolate chip mouth and berry eyes :0), but they had a good time. I can't get enough of watching my sweet Bry spending time with Brie. It warms my heart...and makes me want to document every moment :0)

It turned into Frosty the Snowwoman when
I grabbed her some winter accessories.

I loved that Brie was almost the same size as her snowy friend.

*Apparently Mrs. Frosty became the photo op for our neighbors...
especially for the families from Saudi Arabia. Love it! *