Race for the Cure

Lauren and I, along with our friends, Brenda and Morgan participated in Omaha's Race for the Cure on today. At place where we started from it didn't look like there was a horde of people there, but as soon as we came up over the hill and could see 20,000 people it was inspiring. A great big lump came to my throat to see it! It was amazing to run into people we knew along the route - coworkers, friends and coworkers that are friends. The most amazing part was thinking about the 22,000 people that paid a minimum of $25 bucks to be there and how far that can go to finding a cure.

I walked in honor of my friend, Julie, who is currently kickin' cancer's a$$! I also had in my head Johnylyn Williams, who is the art teacher at our school and my friend Becky's mom (whose name is escaping my head right now) who are both survivors. I also thought about the friends and family who were walking "In Memory" of their loved ones who lost the battle, but are not forgotten.

Lauren Lately

Here's some recent pics of the big girl!

What's been going on?

Good question...we have been so busy!

School is back in full swing, which Lauren loves because she loves hanging out with the kids at daycare. I think that little Liam and George are responsible for Lauren's increase desire to give the walking thing a try...hey...she's gotta keep up with the boys to show them who is boss! She is up to take 4-5 steps at a time and is determined to stand up in the middle of the room. She is being elusive to getting both of these new things caught on tape or film.

Her mouth is filling up. 6 teeth completely through - one molar poked through and the other has her bottom gum so swollen that my teeth hurt! There are two more molars on the other side that are close, too! I think her "I" teeth are starting their trip because she has been really nasal!

The words are starting to flow as well. She is starting to really realize that she is communicating her needs and wants by pointing and grunting. My mom and I both swear the other day when she was eating that she said "All done, mom" - but alas, its hasn't been said again...she loves to say "moo" to Kathy's cows and "Bow" to grampy's dogs.

But my absolute new favorite thing that she has started to do is HUGGING! Seriousily - how can something as simple as a hug set the world right. She throws her arms around your neck and squeezes. It is even better when she is whispering "mom, mom, mom" over and over again in your ear!

Busy Girl

What can be said other than she is really busy....

Had to share

We've been so busy with vacation and me going back to school that it has been awhile since we've updated, but I had to share this video with everyone! I got it on our regular video cam, but I don't know how to upload from there. So I grabbed my regular digital cam and caught it on there - didn't think about having it turned funny - but its still so cute!

VACATION!

We are currently mid-pack for our annual vacation to Minnesota! I think we have gone every year since I was 5 or 6. Even though we don't go to our old resort, it is still a good time. Grammy and Grampy, Aunt Julie and Uncle Ryan, the three crazy cousins, Great Aunt LouAnn and Great Uncle Nyle and the Rydstrom family all go with us! We play lots of cards, swim, fish, tube, boat, sit around, shop and perhaps drink some beer. The day after we get back is our family reunion in Marathon! Then I start school! Craziness!

The 12 Month Version

It has been an amazing process to take this picture of Lauren every month on her birthday! The changes are immeasurable! At her one year appointment, she weighed 24 pounds 1 ounce and is 29.25 inches tall. Her head is off the charts big thanks to Mommy and Daddy! She isn't walking, yet, but she is a great cruiser and is talking a lot -"Uh oh" to quote Lauren herself. She has 4 teeth on top and 2 on the bottom and 3 are lurking below the surface!