Dear Lydia at 3

You are 3 today.

Happy Birthday my baby girl.

I guess I should stop calling you baby.Especially since you like to remind me that you aren't a baby anymore.

Almost every day we talk about how much you are learning and changing, "Did she just say that?" "Where did she learn that?' "Look at how tall she is getting" and "Did her hair grow overnight?"

 1 hour old

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

You hold the phone all by yourself to talk to "Grandpa" and know all the words to I Am a Child of God, Tale as Old as Time, and Follow the Prophet. You pretend to be mermaids and squirrels and love hide and seek. Having you talk in full sentences blows me away sometimes.. gone are the days of your "Hi Kitty" and how every animal was known by its sound and not the name.

When you throw tantrums and you say "Mommy Lydia mad and throw fit!" it is both horrible and hilarous.

And while each day doesn't start out glamorous.. sometimes you go limp as I try to get you dressed in anything other than your gold "princess" shoes. Or you want to bring your mermaid to the grocery store but it can't be found. And sometimes the day ends with you crying for milk when mom gave you water instead or wanting to read "Green Eggs and Ham" one more time.

It is between those moments that I glimpse our future life together. Sometimes these glimpses frighten me-how can I ever be a good enough mom to teach you what you need to know? But most of the time these glimpses excite me and help me to love every stage you go through. I look forward to all that is in store for us my pretty Lydi.

Here is to many more

We love the way you love and take care of your sister. She adores you and you are so good to her (most of the time).

We love your energy and enthusiasm for all that is around you. You are bold and fearless. Your imagination is beautiful and so special. 

Over the next year there will be many more changes, but we know you will face them head on and with a positive outlook. We appreciate that about you, especially as our family grows and you help take care of and love another sibling.

You are all girl and I love it. You ask for your nails to be painted at least 2 times a day, you obsess over shoes and dresses and when mom puts on make-up you ask to do the same.

You are adventurous and daring. You will set out on your own in search of Heffalumps and treehouses and you are so fun to play make-believe with.

Heres to many more adventures little Lydi.

 ]  Mommy & Daddy



To see her 2-year-old video, click here.

Adeline's 1st Year Journal

    Looking back on all these have me realizing just how much we have all grown in so many ways. I am grateful for all the growth we have experienced and for the love I feel for this little girl. Adeline is the perfect addition our little family needed. Her joy and happiness fill all the cracks and just seal it all together. We adore this little one. 

P.S.. Don't you love how she seems to always be holding her toes? And check our her thighs.. They are sooooo yummy!

Also.. I love journals... you can find Lydia's 1st year journal HERE.

Dear Lydia on your 2nd Birthday

Dear Lydia,

My first memory of you happened before I ever saw your cute squished face for the first time when you were placed in my arms at the hospital. I felt you first. I felt those first little wiggles even before the doctor told me I would.

And even though you've already forgotten a lot from your first two years of life, I remember quite a lot.

I remember what it was like to just stare at you sleeping in your crib, or hold your whole little body against my chest and count your breaths at you dreamed.

I remember when you gave me your first real smile.. and your first giggle when I blew on your neck. The first time you tried oatmeal and the scream you gave me when you first tried a pickle. I remember when you walked all by yourself and I realized my baby was turning into a toddler.

The first time I could actually stick all your hair in a pony tail and I leaped for joy that your hair was finally long enough. Your love for books, dogs, and cheese happened and since we have added so many more "loves" to your list.

When you were happy you wanted to play with Dad, when you were sad you wanted to snuggle with mom. You know we love you and we can feel your unconditional love for us back.

Want to know a secret? Even on the days when I looked forward to cleaning up the last cheerio and putting you down for bed, I would miss you as I turned off the light and shut the door.

I know that today you'll eat the first half of breakfast like a champ, and the second half will end up in your bib or drawn on the wall as you get bored of eating. I know you'll ask to go "nigh nigh" at least twice before it is really time for you to go down for a nap. I know you'll probably want a treat and ask "peas" in your cutest little voice and when you messily devour the raisins or animal crackers that I feed you, you'll want more and throw a fit when I say no.

What I also know is that you will accomplish great things and find so much joy in life. I have to push my little bit of sadness aside and embrace the part of me that is thrilled by your growth and development.

I hope you will always continue to wonder and learn. I love when you constantly ask "What's that?"

I hope you continue to exclaim "wow" when you witness something awe inspiring.

I hope your love for nature and exploring never dies and that you will continue to love the outdoors.

I hope you will always be proud of your body and the miracle that it is--pointing out your beautiful belly and face and loving to see your reflection in the mirror. You are beautiful.

Never stop saying "hi" to everyone-even strangers. Your friendliness can and will brighten other's days.

Continue to be brave and try new things. And try again if you fail.

Always share and be polite. And love with that very big heart of yours.

I hope you know that you were born into a family who loves you and wants what is best for you. You have a Heavenly Father who is cheering you on and always there for you. I hope you will continue to see the good and happy things in life.

Thanks for helping me be a better mommy every day.

    ]  Mommy

One

Every baby deserves to wake up with a crib full of balloons. This little girl had no idea why mommy and daddy were so excited, but it sure made her excited!

This last year has been so special and yet so challenging. Being a parent is so rewarding and yet half the time I have no idea what we are doing. I feel like once we would learn how to respond to one situation, she would move on to something new.

I made her a cake which she had zero interest in besides squeezing the frosting between her fingers. She preferred an otter pop but only sucked on it for a few minutes. My odd child ha.. She has not inherited my sweet tooth!

My Dearest Lydia,

Happy Birthday sweet Lydia! This past year has been a year of growth and more joy than I ever thought possible. You have been a ray of sunshine to your daddy and me constantly throughout this year.

It is amazing to think that the little girl I held in my arms a year ago is so grown and so beautiful. You amaze me with your trust and curiosity in this world. You love to explore and check everything out. 

We've entered the toddler years more than ever-this month you twisted an ankle which landed us in the urgency care. You split your lip falling down the stairs which was your first real blood, and you have gotten so sick that you've had diarrhea for days. (Going on 5 days today). Through it all you still remain a little positive influence on your daddy and me. 

You love being around people-older kids especially. You think they are sooo funny whenever they do anything-including just looking at you. You have a big bright smile that you give easily. And you are amazing at stealing hearts. 

You sleep 12 hours a night. You take 2 naps a day that are roughly 2 hours each though the last nap is getting shorter and I could see us cutting it out in the near future. You usually eat anything and everything and love your vegetables. You used to love bananas but absolutely refuse to eat one since about 2 weeks ago now. 

You love to have something in your hand at all times-whether that is your puzzle piece of a number 1, a hot wheel car, or a piece of paper you have found-something is always in that fist. You love to chase the cat around and pull on her tail but dogs are your favorite. Whenever you hear one bark you usually try to respond with "uh uh". You can say "uh oh", "hi","mama","dada","kitty", and baba for bottle. You also can say bye as well. You don't always say them with their meaning but you sometimes get it right. 

You still love to sleep on your stomach at night and during naps, but you can usually fall asleep in your car seat just fine and even give us some great snores. You have discovered what your voice can do and will scream every now and then-sometimes with a whine in there and it drives daddy crazy. 

You are speedy at the stairs and if the gate isn't up then you are usually climbing them and hoping we won't catch you-or maybe you are hoping we will chase you since you love to be chased. The silly thing is, whenever we chase you, you will turn around and run right back to us.

Baby girl, as I have thought long and hard about what I want you to know and remember from this life, my mind has been overflowing with emotions. I have adored this first year with you. That first day with you I was amazed that I was holding such a beautiful infant in my arms, but the truth is, I had no idea what I was doing or what the next year would be like.

I want you to always remember that you are a beautiful daughter of a Heavenly Father and Mother. And that you are also the daughter of Brian and Anna Larson. You are of noble birthright and a divine heritage. I hope you come to really understand what it means to be our daughter.

I want you to always remember the testimony that your family has of this gospel and to seek your own. Come to know for yourself about our Savior Jesus Christ and his atoning sacrifice for you as well as his love. I hope you'll learn and understand your part and purpose in the Plan of Happiness.

I want you to always remember your love for life that I have seen this first year. You enjoy and love the little things. Happiness can be found every day and in every step we take if we but look for it and open our hearts to it. You've taught me that. I hope you'll take a page from your own book and have joy in this journey.

I want you to always remember to learn and seek knowledge. You are curious about the world and the workings of every day things. Don't lose that curiosity and instead let it be a drive to learn all you can and seek the best education.

I want you to always remember how to comfort, uplift, and love others as I have seen you do through your instant acceptance and love for anyone anywhere. You seem to understand that it doesn't matter what someone looks like or acts like-you love them unconditionally.

I want you to always remember that you are beautiful. The beauty inside you is far more important than the beauty the world feels we should be. Your inner beauty will reflect in all areas of your life. Be the little beauty that I see daily.

I want you to always remember that you are loved. No matter how many goofy disagreements and craziness that happens throughout life, I never ever, ever, EVER want you to forget that you are loved.

Happy 1st Birthday love bug.

]  Mommy 
   & Daddy



You were born on your Grandma Larson's birthday. You two share a very special bond already. I hope you will take after your grandmothers and all the great women in your life. You are surrounded by wonderful examples of righteous women and I hope you will always look up to them and take after them.

♫ "I'm Feeling 22" ♪ ♪

    Can't tell you how long I've been waiting to sing this song! Though the rest of Taylor Swift's lyrics mean nothing to my life, her words, "I don't know about you, But I'm feeling 22!" is pretty exciting to sing!
    Brian treated me like a princess, which I have to add means he treated me the same as every day.. I'm grateful to have a husband who treats me as wonderful as he does. He made delicious salmon for dinner with a cream cheese pie topped with cookie dough! After games with friends and some tennis, I think it added up to be an awesome day! To top it off, Brian pulled out a photo album he had spent hours making for me! He's a keeper!!

25

Today Brian turned 25! In honor of his 25th birthday, I am going to tell you 25 things you may or may not know about Brian.

1. Brian loves socks.

2. Brian loves all foods, making cooking all the more fun because he’ll eat it. In my family he is known as the vacuum. You can always hear my dad say at dinner, “Brian will finish it!”
Food has two ratings only: Good or better.

3. Brian is a professional rock skipper. Seriously.

4. Brian likes to dress up and look sharp. (And boy oh boy does he look so ridiculously handsome!)

5. One of the things that really made me fall in love with Brian was how he has an incredible gift to make people feel special. I love to hear him tell my mom how great she looks or tell random strangers that they are beautiful. The best pair is just how sincere he is when he says it. He is very genuine.

6. When I got married, I was told that I would find out that men are quite sloppy to live with, but not Brian. He is very neat and orderly.

7. Brian is one of the most disciplined people I have ever met. He is wonderful at managing his time and making sure he has balanced school and time with me.

8. Brian likes the main dish more than dessert (where I am quite the opposite!)

9. Brian plays the piano though he pretends he can’t. He also played the trombone for a few years. And now for his birthday he got a guitar.

10. Brian claims our first "expense" when we get out of medical school will be a boat. He would live on a boat for the rest of his life if possible.

11. Brian has a great sense of humor. He's hilarious in fact. I wouldn't have marry him if he wasn't.

12. Brian can talk and laugh like SpongeBob.

13. Brian is an addictive reader. He starts a book and his eyes stay glued until the last page.

14. Brian loves mountain biking and tennis.

15. Brian dislikes scary or jumpy movies. When we watch them together I usually end up holding him.

16. Though-Brian's favorite movie is Inception. Give him the time to tell you why and he’ll go off about how it’s the best movie ever made.

17. Brian has a contagious smile and laugh. His eyes have the best smile wrinkles I have ever seen. Whenever he gets sunburned it looks like his eyes have a sun around them because the wrinkles never burn because he's always smiling!

18. He’s a funny storyteller. He gets so animated I can never make it through without bursting out laughing.

19. Brian lived in South Africa for two years and you can bet he's taking me there someday.

20. Brian has incredible dance movies. That is actually when I knew I wanted to get married to him (I'm not kidding!) I watched him dancing with some other girls and instantly knew.

21. Brian is great with his hands. Anything and everything he wants to learn to do, make, or fix.

22. Brian has a strong love of the gospel and of our Savior. It's through being touched by his testimony that I have really found mine. He is a light and such an example! 

23.  The Swedish Chef and Pee Wee Herman are a few of Brian’s favorite characters to impersonate.

24. Brian is a champion pogo stick rider.

25. I'm sure this one is a no-brainer, but I am absolutely head over heels and madly in love with this boy! I'm so glad he's mine and that I've got forever with him!

Birthday boy! (don't mind my feet!)

My Sweet 21!

     I am officially OFFICIAL! The big 21! And as everyone is telling me-there are no more birthdays to look forward to after this! I disagree though. Birthdays are good for you! Those who have the most, live the longest! : ) I am now legal to drink, gamble, purchase firearms, rent a car, take a cruise alone (Not that I would ever go alone!) and I can adopt a child! So I guess I became an adult at 18, but now I'm a "true" adult?
    To celebrate Brian and I started on Saturday. Brian found a free bike and has spent the past couple of weeks fixing it up for me. I've been wanting a bike so bad since we got here because there are so many trails to ride on so I was super excited. He finished the bike just in time for my birthday so we took a nice ride to the beach to swim! Saturday's weather could not have been more perfect. It was bright (As shown by Brian's squinty eyes) and warm.

    I really REALLY love the beach here. It amazes me how much it feels like an ocean minus the salty air taste and smell. I could live here just for the beach and the fact that there are 4 seasons! We explored the shores a little which turned in our benefit because we found a great football that had been soaking in the water for probably a few days. (We took it home and it is currently drying. I think we'll get some good use out of it!)       We also found this huge pipe! I wanted to climb all the way up it.. But Brian being the cute protective man that he is, used his better judgement and only let me climb a good football's length before calling to me to turn around and come back out. I felt like I was in the movie The Fugitive when he's trying to escape through the water tunnels. (Didn't that movie take place in Chicago?!)      Then it was time for presents! There was a really good deal on movies going on.. so with some birthday money I got a volleyball, basketball, and the movies! I've got our future dates together all planned out now! Sunday we had some friends come over for ice cream and brownies and my friend Hannah Knecht brought the cute cupcakes pictured below (They had caramel frosting... and anyone who knows me knows caramel is my weakness!)

    But anyway, back to Saturday night.. We went out to eat sushi at a place called Hayashi. It was divine. I love sushi (I inherited my dad's great taste buds) Yes I took pictures of the food      Sunday Morning Brian woke me up with breakfast in bed. Mmmmm Delicious! He made me Eggs Benedict and did a fabulous job. We went to church where the relief society sang happy birthday to me. They were shocked to hear that I was only 21. Everyone always thinks I look older (I hope that doesn't mean that when I turn 30, I'll look 40!) A couple of the women joked "I've been 21 three times already!". 

    We went home where I took a much needed nap and then we made delicious desserts for the friends that we had come over. It was such a great birthday. Brian spoils me rotten and I am so grateful to be married to that cute boy. I had to work later which wasn't so lovely, but all good things must come to an end sometime! Thank you everyone for the birthday wishes! They were needed this year more than ever! I am extremely blessed with wonderful family and friends in my life! :)