Mikayla's 1st b-day!

I know I just posted, but I have to post this video of Mikayla walking on her birthday.


We also let her attack a cupcake. She was tired and cranky and only smeared the frosting in her hair because she was fed up. She wouldn't even try eating it, and when I put some frosting in her mouth she gagged! I guess I won't have to worry about this one having a sweet tooth....for now, anyway.

A great week!

I've had a wonderful week for four main reasons! #1) last Sunday Mikayla took her first steps. We were so excited. She has continued to get better and more confident, and now will just start walking on her own. I'll post a video of her walking tomorrow, on her 1st birthday!

#2) on Wednesday I got to visit my wonderful friends the Thiriots. It's been way too long since I've seen many of 'em, and it was so fun to see them again.



#3) On Thursday it was mine and Kraig's 4th wedding anniversary, and he surprised me. We dropped off Mikayla at Chris and Lynsey's (thanks so much - you guys rock and you know who to call when you need to get away). Well I was a typical mom and nervous about leaving her overnight, but it all turned out great! So then we drove down to Manti (where we were married) and stayed at this beautiful, quaint little bed and breakfast called the "Yardley Inn and Spa" where we got pampered.



This was our room, called "Moonlight Roses" and this cool skylight was above the bed.



This is the dining room where we ate a fabulous breakfast.


This is the waiting room for the spa.



This is the outside of the inn with the owner saying goodbye to us.


It was just the perfect place to stay! I just love quaint little historical places like that - they're so unique and so friendly. After we checked out we went to the Manti temple and that was awesome.

#4) We finally started building our fence to make our yard more private and safer for Mikayla, especially now that she is walking. Here's the old fence:


And here's the new.

I feel very blessed and very happy. Life is good....and I am thankful for all of you to share it with, even if it's only over the internet.

Belly Laughs

I love the sound of a baby laughing. I especially love to hear the delight and happiness found in my own child's giggle. It's contagious, and absolutely beautiful. I know that all parents feel this way towards their kids. It's hard work to be a parent....these kinds of things are the little rewards along the way.


"A giggle is a smile that bursts" -Mary H. Waldrip

"If every word I said could make you laugh, I'd talk forever" -Anonymous

"How to Keep Your Mom or Dad Busy" by Mikayla Cramer

"First, start out with finding your mommy's important books and crinkling or tearing the pages. It sounds and feels pretty cool."




"Then you gotta find some sand or dirt to play in. It feels great in the mouth, and if your mom tries to get it out, just bite down. Then she'll let you chew on it. Also if there's other babies around, it's interesting to poke their faces, but watch out because sometimes they might cry....I have no idea why..."




"It's pretty important to tear to shreds any paper or toilet paper you can find. It tastes pretty good, too....if you start to gag on it, just throw up, and you can get back to work."




"Make sure you stand up at every chance you get. You gotta practice so you can walk soon and get into even more stuff!"




"Finish off the day with a good wrestle and romp around the living room. Climb on your parents. If they're not around, a teddy bear works pretty good too."




"It's hard work being a baby, but somebody's gotta do it."