I was the perfect parent until I became one.

I would have un-ending patience.

I would have a well behaved child.

My child would never scream like a wild banchee in Sears.

I would use techniques I read from books - they seemed easy enough.

I would remain calm while I taught right from wrong.

I would be able to easily distract my child with toys, books, a shoe...

I would know how to manage each and every situation.

My child would never act like THAT child.

Happy Easter and welcome Evan Alan Butts!!

Happy 1st Easter, Ada!

I have to admit, I was mildly creeped out by the Easter bunny in this picture.

Ada and I were invited to go on an Easter egg hunt at Christ Community Church yesterday, where Ada's friend Ellen goes to daycare. Unfortunately, we were rained and hailed out! Who would think that would happen in Tucson!?! Ada and Ellen really didn't understand what was going on anyway, so no real disappointment on their end. (sorry, not pics of Ada getting any eggs...it was too wet to put her down).

We had a nice day today - cooking, playing and watching Ada cruise in her walker. She must have a strong left leg! Enjoy the video - sorry it's sideways...I really need to remember to hold the camera the right way.

The best part of the day was learning that Ada's newest cousin, Evan Alan arrived! Congratulations Butts family! We love him already and can't wait to see him on Skype! I knew it was going to be a boy.

A pig roast, the zoo and other springtime sundries

Ada playing with her friend, Ellen

Ada and Sam at the Zoo for a Birth Center family reunion

Enjoying some O's at a Pig Roast birthday party last night. Ada particularly enjoyed listening to the banjo and fiddle players.

this one just speaks for itself

A trip to the park

Unexpected joyful bits of life

~ Ada swaying back and forth to music.
~ Baby toots. Especially in the bath tub.
~ Sloppy, noisy, open-mouthed kisses on my face (no, not from Sam), and making a "mmm-wwaaa" sound.
~ When she laughs in the backseat, for no particular reason...and then keeps laughing.
~ Clapping when she hears the audience applaud on Dancing With The Stars.
~ Her little tweezer-like fingers picking up Cheerios.
~ Riding with her on the mini-train in Ried park.
~ Watching Sam give her a piggy-back ride on his shoulders - and listening to her squeal!
~ Last night, watching her crawl in her sleep, only to run into the headboard (thud).
~ Later last night, watching her sit up (still totally asleep) and slump over on Sam's chest...only moments later to watch her sit up again and slump onto mine.
~ Watching her little feet move so fast when we help her walk - she just wants to take off!
~ Waving good-bye with her open hand facing the sky.
~ Flirting with neighboring diners, or at the grocery store, or anywhere else in public, by shrugging one shoulder and giving a toothless grin.

~ Watching her destroy a pile of ungraded papers.
~ Falling asleep, soundly (all three of us).

In a bad mood!

Don't let the top photo fool you...Ada was a sour-puss most of the day yesterday.  Sam's parents came for a visit this weekend and we took a quick trip up to Mt. Lemmon.   Ada acted like a city-fied girl who couldn't handle dirt, wind and sun.  Better get used to it, Babe!

So tired!

Sam said that Ada just kind of flopped over and slept like this for about 15 minutes the other day. I'm surprised I haven't been found at work like this!