This girl of ours!

Our Bristol has a wonderful primary teacher whom we love! She loves the kids and truly loves her calling, which has given Bristol the desire to go to church just so she can see Sister Libby in primary! Sister Libby is one of the most kind-hearted, eccentric, loving, adoring lady that I have meet. She has emailed me a few times to thank me for the daughter that we have raised. This has touched our hearts deeply! Thank you, Sister Libby, for sending these sweet notes to us and for cherishing our dearest daughter. We are blessed everyday by that sweet girl of ours and feel very lucky to have a tender hearted soul in our home!

Here are a couple of notes that we have received:

"Hey Beck I wanted to share something soo sweet today abt Bristol. on sunday when i went to church, i was kind of having a sad day. and feeling pretty alone.  when bristol saw me, she looked at me, and said you look really pretty sister Livvy (thats what she calls me). i like your dress. i said thank you bristol and hugged her tight. sometimes people dont realize that its not always easy when your single and not having someone that tells you you look pretty, or beautiful, or just hugs you tight. and makes you feel loved and valued. I do get that from my kids but its nice to hear it from others occasionally. sunday was just one of those days i needed it. I get so much love from the children, and it means so much to me, during this waiting time. but i was thinking especially of my blessings today, and the things that touch me and that im most grateful for and i wanted to make sure to let Bristol know how grateful i am for her, and how much I love and appreciate how she always tells me i look pretty, or how she loves my nails or my hair, and how much that means to me.  I have told her personally but i wanted you to know what a loving kind thoughtful little girl you have. and im grateful to have her in my life. 

love, Angela"

This one made me laugh.. She catches on too quickly to her mothers quirks!

"it was cute on sunday bristol had to go to the bathroom during class, so i took her and she was showing nme how to wash your hands so that you can get all the germs off, then she took a paper towel and wipes the handle of the door, and said theirs alot of germs on a door handle too. i smiled and said yes there is,   she really is a wonderful smart, girl, and i love her dearly. thank you for sharing her with us"

Tennis!

Bristol started tennis this last Thursday. It has been so fun watching her become interested in different activities. Of course, Sam was quite determined to sign her up because he insists girls NEED to play tennis. Nana bought her the racket for her birthday, which was perfectly pink! 

Needless to say, 4 year old tennis is about as basic as it gets. They threw the balls around and did some running drills.
I think it will slowly progress into the actual game of tennis as the lessons go on. Burke and I enjoyed watching her interact and play! She had a lot of fun! 

Preschool Orientation

Bristol is getting VERY excited to go to preschool next year. Her new school, Jarvis Methodist, held an orientation to have all the new kids come for an hour and meet the teachers. She loved being dropped off, taking her "pack-pack" ( I don't want to correct her because I love her mis-pronunciations), and packing the things she needed- her frozen blanket, coloring book, colors, bunny and her book.

This girl of ours has become quite the little miss. She loves all things girly, coloring, making up stories, reading, listening to books being read to her, playing with her animals and making sleds. She is very imaginative and smart. It has been so fun to watch her grow and learn.

Summer Time at the Pool!

Our summer has begun and we have thoroughly taken full advantage of the pool! Bristol started the summer off being hesitant to jump into the pool with Sam catching her.. It took about 3 trips to the pool before she decided to try and jump by herself. After that, she has never looked back. She can now not only jump off the edge, she has mastered the cannonball, thanks to daddy. She has also mastered the mermaid and the twist. Love that girl!

Burke, on the other hand, has decided that he loves snacks and the shade WAY more than the floatie and water! 

Bristol started Soccer

We decided that we would sign Bristol up for soccer this year. 3 is a bit young, but since they offered it we thought we would give it a try. So, after registering and going and getting all of the equipment, we took her outside and played around with the ball. She took to it so fast! It was amazing that she could actually kick the ball and follow it, let alone get it into the goal. We were pumped! And, the best part was that she actually enjoyed it and kept asking to play again and again. So, we did!

She had 2 practices and then the third week was their first game. During the practices she would be somewhat involved, but found herself running around and not really listening. It was weird to see her act like this with another adult because in all of her other structured activities, preschool and nursery, her teachers would rave about how great she is and what a great listener. We were then thinking it must be because we were there with her and are not with her in those other activities. Well when game time came, she didn't surprise us at all. She decided that she would rather run around crazy and play princess castle in the goal than go chase the ball and score a goal. Regardless, we really enjoyed watching her and her imagination run wild.

After the 3rd week of her doing this we decided we needed an incentive program. The pink soccer fairy visited her room while she was sleeping each night before a game and delivered her magical pink fairy pixy dust. She was to sprinkle the dust on her before each game so that she would play the best soccer she could! Well, it really didn't work that well, but we tried! We also made a trip to the "Cow Place" (aka chick-fil-a) after each game to get a treat and play in the slides. That didn't work either. Thirdly, Sam decided he was going to go out there with her and see if that helped. Each time their team scored a goal she would run toward him and he would throw her up in the air. That worked for about 2 goals, then she lost interest again.

All in all, we decided she was probably too young to play soccer this year, but that we exposed her and that was good enough. We received a lot of encouragement from other parents who said they had been in our shoes in the years past and that it is just a phase and she would grow out of it. We also got a pep-talk from the best player on her team's mom who said it is just as bad when you have the child on the field who hogs the ball and scores all of the goals. She is right, we both feel the same way!

Regardless of our efforts, we really loved seeing her play and learn a new skill. I am truly excited for the soccer seasons to come!

Playing at the Park

Bristol and I have loved this warm Utah weather. I guess since we really aren't going to have a winter, bring on the summer, please!! We have enjoyed playing at the park a lot already and it has become one of her favorite activities. We can't wait for this weather to stick around so we can go everyday!

Pink!

I was the one while pregnant, knowing that it was a girl, who totally adverted AWAY from pink. I wanted nothing to do with it. Especially that baby pink color that is popular for baby girls. Everything I bought was  any color besides pink- nursery, clothes, toys, I mean everything! I was even told by my sister that my daughter looked like a boy in her school pictures because she was not wearing any pink. Well, I guess it really doesn't matter. Bristol LOVES pink! Everything pink. It was the first color she could point out. She goes towards everything that is pink. She wants pretty pink dresses, and pink shoes, and pink socks. It is crazy! I cannot believe that she is doing this. I have no idea how she picked this up. It definitely was not from me!! So, needless to say, this girls wants pink, I guess we will have to give on some things. Here are a few things that she insists on either having or wearing, just because they are pink. (We haven't bought her a pink bike for a few reasons, although she keeps asking..)

Ella!

Bristol has a new friend that she loves and adores, and to this date takes her everywhere! (Of course, I make her leave Ella in the car!) Here is a video of when she first was given Ella from the Weavers. December 2011

 It is fun to see her now with Ella, oh how their relationship has evolved!
March 2012

Nixon Scott Kelly

Sam's brother and sister-in-law had a beautiful baby boy. We were able to go down to Provo when he was just a couple days old and see the cute boy. Bris is so good when we hold other babies. She loves saying "baby" and kissing their head. I think she will be a great big sister some day.

A Big Girl

Our baby is growing up too fast! It's crazy how time flies! She just looks huge in so many pictures now, I think she is a toddler! It's hard for me to say this because I still feel that she is my little baby. Here are a few pictures of her now, but really I still think of her as this!

Summer Swimming

Bris and I have had a wonderful time this summer getting to the pool. That is one thing about Utah that I love! There are so many pools around here and they are great for the kids. She absolutely LOVES the water and loves the pool. We have been going every Saturday. It has been my goal since I have gone back to work full time, to make the best out of our weekend. We have been trying to do fun activities every chance we get! How cute is this water baby!! We just wish Sam could join us more often!

She's Walking!!

On Sunday, July 10, 2011 our little girl decided it was time to walk. She just turned 14 months and 2 days! Crazy. I love this video. She loves walking now and literally will walk all over the house until she either gets hungry or tired.

Bristol's Second 1st Birthday

Our friends in Utah wanted us to have a 1st birthday celebration in Utah for Bristol. We decided to meet at a local pizza place and celebrate with our Utah family. It was great to see everyone! Bristol loved it, and especially LOVED the ice cream cake. It was fun to watch her dig in, once again. Thanks to Chris, Debbie and the rest of the awesome Weaver family and Kim for joining us! Bristol loves you guys! (we do too!)

Bristol is 1!

We had a wonderful first birthday celebration for Bristol. My mom flew us up to HR to spend a long Mother's Day weekend with the whole family. It was awesome! Bristol is way too spoiled, but what do you expect when your the first grand baby and first great-grand baby! It was great seeing everyone and spending time together. Tom and Tracy made the trek up to HR as well to celebrate in the festivities. My grandfather Kelly and Harriett hosted the party and it turned out perfect. Sam said I should be on the TLC show 'Outrageous Kid Parties' with the way this one turned out. I think he was not anticipating how big of a celebration we were making out of this little girls first birthday. She only turns 1, once, right?!?!

05/08/11

Dear Bristol,
   You turned one today! How did this year go by so fast? I have the most vivid memory of the day you were born. I remember holding you for the very first time. You were so little and so very precious. I remember your daddy getting the chance to hold you for his first time. These moments are so special to us. You are so loved by everyone around you and so lucky to have the amazing family you were born to. Your grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts, uncles and great-aunts and uncles care for you so much. You have been a blessing in all of our lives.
    We are so excited to celebrate this day with you. You are one year old and it is a big moment in your life. You have changed a lot this past month. You still aren't walking, but you are sure trying!

Weight: 19.3                        Height: 32.5in      

•  This month your head did not grow. We are a little concerned, but your doctor said it is okay because you are obviously having no neuro issues. She wants to check it again in a month.
• You love shooting hoops with daddy- Nana bought you your first basketball hoop and you love dunking the ball when daddy lifts you up- You look to mom for a cheer and then you cheer!
• You still love the bath- we need to get you into swimming lessons soon!
• You still hold tight to your rag and bink- they are your comfort zone.
• You are learning to like the foods we eat- it is taking some getting used to, but you are getting there. 
• When you don't want something, you stick your hand out too it. I love that you can now communicate some things to us.
• You are learning Spanish and getting it- Ms. Monica, your teacher, speaks Spanish to you and she says you understand the commands better then when they are in English. Our little bilingua!
• You are still a Mommas girl. And I love it!!
• You have been trying to walk for a month now, still no success. You have taken 1.5 steps on your own, but then you fall. You act to silly when we are practicing and the giggling makes you tumble.
• You are getting your taste of being a little sibling in school- the other kids like to pick on you because you just sit there and take it. You don't fight back at all. 
• You are still the most easy going, happy baby. People tell us ALL the time how you never get upset and cry and how you are just so happy. I guess they don't see you when we leave you with someone else to care for you. You definitely are going through the separation anxiety thing. I guess it was unavoidable!
• You love your books- any book! I love that- you are going to be so studious!!
• Your personality is really starting to show. These are the characteristics we think you have thus far:
• A little more on the shy/timid side- that's more of your father in you.
• Quiet and reserve
• Very sweet
• Giggly and happy
• Independent
• Assertive
• You are saying a few words now:
• Momma
• Dada
• Duck, Duck
• Ahh-da (All done) You can do this sign too!
• Bah (Ball)

    We love you so very much. You are such an amazing daughter and we are so grateful you are in our lives. A whole year has gone by and it feels like a day. Watching you grow and learn is the most rewarding feeling ever. You are a smart little girl and love to learn. I can't wait for the next year and being able to see you grow. I love being your mommy!!


Love always and forever,


Mommy

1st Day of Daycare

I started my new job on April 11, 2011 and Bristol went to her first day of day care. She actually did great, for being with other people for the first time. She just jumped right in a started exploring. It made it a lot easier for me to say bye and head to work. I was lucky enough to stay home with her most of her first 11 months. I ended up getting this great job at the University of Utah in Peds research and it is a great opportunity for me. Daycare was our only option and we found this place in NSL called Kinder Care. I really liked it because they have a curriculum that they put all the kids on, so it is actually more like a school. Since then, she has transferred to a center up closer to the U, with the same type of curriculum, so that I can go and spend my lunch hour with her and we get to spend our travel time together. It has worked out great. It is also a lot smaller and more personal with one on one attention. She loves it and loves learning new things everyday.

A cute smile goes a long way..

I love this girl and she is really coming into her own personality. We were just playing around in her room one day and she could stop cracking up. I love her laugh, it's very contagious.

Cannot Get Enough!!

I love this girl. Everyday she does something that makes me laugh- Here's the latest!!

Notice Sam's Christmas present in the background...

Bristol is 8 Months

01/08/11

Dear Bristol,

    You turned 8 months today and we couldn't be more ecstatic. We love you so much and are loving this time with you. You make us smile every time we look at you. Your personality is showing through now and it's so fun to see. This month brought so many changes-

Weight- 19.1 lbs    Height- 28 in

• Your 7th tooth came in on December 23rd. You have been teething a lot lately.
• You are scooting around so much now.
• You took 2 1/2 crawls on this month and are so close to crawling away.
• You broke your first item in our house- a lamp- that was the same day you crawled for the first time!
• You are so cudly this month- We are eating it up!
• You make this shy face when we catch you doing something- It's so stinking cute- You put your hand up to your mouth like you are trying to hide something!
• You had your very first Christmas- You loved the wrapping paper and bows, of course!
• You are so close to pulling yourself up to stand.
• You are rolling around everywhere- this is your preferred mode of transportation.
• You are clapping your hands now and get excited when you do so. 
• You love playing patty-cake with mommy.
• You love to sing songs and clap your hands.
• You are now in a toddler car seat- no more infant carrier for you- your legs were hanging off.
• You are a great sleeper and eater- you love all the new foods you are getting to eat.
• You give great slobbery kisses- I love them!
• You are starting to dance with the beat- It's amazing that babies just innately know how to dance.
• You are not shy with anyone- we can hand you off and you love to get to know new people.
• You still jump with loud noises- sometimes you cry. 

Bristol, you are changing so much as each day passes. You are growing up way too fast, but this is by far the most fun we have had with you. You love to interact with us and be in on all of our doings. I love that you are so in tune with us and your surroundings. This month has brought so much joy to our lives, especially spending your first Christmas together. You are such a sweet girl and we love you so much. 

Love always,
Mommy

{Thanks Nanna for the Ducks outfit- too bad they lost}

Officially No Longer an Infant

Just in the last couple weeks we have switched out Bristol's infant car seat carrier with this new one! 

Pros-

It actually fits her correctly

Easier to get in and out of the car

She faces us now

Seems more secure

Cons-

When she falls asleep we have to pick her up and get her out- she usually wakes up

It's more upright- she doesn't fall asleep as easily in the car

Thank you Costco for helping us make the switch on a small budget!

Look Who's Getting Into Things

Bristol is at such a fun age, but this age comes with some consequences. She is all over the place. And the scary part is, she isn't even crawling, yet! Oh my, I can only imagine what is coming next!

She loves looking in the boxes..

How can you get mad at this face?!?

She loves playing in the sink with the water..
P.S. Don't mind the messy house- she was home with daddy.. :)