Kasey's Pink Birthday Party

In Kasey's mind she is already three because we just had her "pink birthday party." When asked months back what kind of party she wanted she said, " a pink one." She wanted pink decorations, pink cake, pink party hats (which I forgot to buy and I am still hearing about) and specifically everyone who comes to her party to wear pink. As you will see below most everyone were good sports about it and wore pink (even Uncle Dan which was her toughest sell).
The party went really well considering we did after naps but kids were too excited to ever fall asleep so they were extra tired. We were also coming off three days playing with cousin Ella and all that excitement of her staying at our house. We got to go to the park and even the beach. So now that Kasey is three she doesn't get sippy cups anymore, she has to go in the bathroom and go by herself (unless she needs help with #2) she has been potty trained for over 6 months now, and get her own water out of the fridge if she is thirsty. A few little things but in the mind of a three year it is too much:)

Some facts about Kasey:

Size clothes- 4T

Favorite color- obviously PINK

Favorite food- she just told me Kiwi

Favorite toy- her calico critters house and mouse family and her pet shops and pets

Favorite tv show/movie- Still loves Dora

Funny Quote this month- " Mom how come you put those on everyday (meaning boobs)?" so I sort of explain that girls have them and we can talk more about them when she is older. Kasey then says, "okay when i am four you can tell me all about it, but i want pink ones -ok?."

To my daughter, Tori one day . .(pictures below)

The Joy of my life


It all started on a hot summer day
camping together hours away

When my water broke out of the blue
Not even in my last trimester this could not be true

I head to the hospital with thoughts running wild
This is way to early for my precious child

Transferred to a hospital with special care
While all I could think was this was not fair

They tell you the odds of what can go wrong
And I have to sit there and try to be strong

Everyone is saying it will be alright
But the truth is my daughter is in for fight

A fight she could win a fight she could lose
An outcome that I could not chose

Eight days later the day had come
To finally meet my little one

The first precious moments I had to miss
I was so thankful I got a quick kiss

Not even three pounds you looked so small
I hardly saw a baby at all

The tubes and wires were a frightening sight
I just hoped and prayed you’d be alright

I learned rather fast that there were highs and lows
The emotions I had nobody knows

I came and I held you each and every day
Embracing it so and wishing I could stay

And then came something I could barely believe
You were breathing on your own and ready to leave

I anxiously waited and then answered the phone
Yes, it was true, you could finally come home

We were so fortunate you got stronger every day
And joined us at home after your 65 day stay

We knew the challenges were not over as you face your fist year
But you beat the odds before there is nothing we fear

The first year now behind us it is now in our past
The memories and emotions will forever last

You were a fighter a trooper right from the start
For someone so small you sure captured my heart



- your mom

What a difference a year makes . . .

A year ago today was the scariest day in my life. Miss Tori Joy was brought into the world weighing less that three pounds. Today, she is still as fiesty as ever and is up to the 20 lb. mark. It was an emotional day for me specifically. Here are a few pictures from her 1st birthday.