Life lately :)

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted again! It seems like time just flies these days! The past couple months have been busy for us. Adam picked up a temporary position at the Home Depot (and is still working for Northwest Respiratory Services). I changed my schedule from 12-hr shifts to 8-hr shifts (still on the same unit) so that I can be home every evening. I work the same number of hours but am at work more days each week. Basically, if I'm not at work, Adam is, and the other way around. Luckily, Adam's temporary time at Home Depot is coming to an end so we will finally be able to see each other again. Also, my sister Angie is staying with us this summer and will be watching Marin during the day... we are so excited!

Other than working, we have been busy with various projects (vegetable and flower gardens, beginning the process of finishing the downstairs bathroom, etc), attending various family functions (Val's graduation from Drake University in Des Moines, Adam's grandmother's 90th birthday party, etc), and watching Marin learn and grow.

Marin is just so cute and we love her to pieces. I know I say it every time, but we continue to be amazed at how much she learns and grows every day. She is a very strong willed and independent little girl but is still very attached to her parents. She is obsessed with her blankie and drags it around the house with her all day. Her vocabulary consists of: "hi", "buh-bye", "oof oof" (dog), "buh" (book), and "ma" (milk). Even though she is a girl of few words, it is amazing how much she understands what we say to her. If we say "bye bye", she gets her shoes and stands by the stairs. If we say "kiss", she plants a big wet one on our lips :) If we say "let's change your diaper", she heads toward her room. I can't wait till she starts talking more so we know what she is thinking! I just love that girl :)

Val's Graduation

Our Rhododendrons finally blooming after 2 years!

Marin trying to feed herself one of her favorite foods... Mac 'n Cheese!

Just so cute :)

"What to order, what to order?!"

Our little Linus... has to bring her blankie everywhere :)

Shopping with mom.

"For dinner, I have prepared you seared triangle with a little people reduction and a side of pink stacking ring."

Uh oh, she figured out how to climb!

This girl loves to "read", even in the bath :)

Below are Marin's 14 month pictures (never got around to them at 12 months) taken at The Plummer House and Soldier's Field... we ended up with mostly action shots but still cute anyway!