A Big Announcement!

Hi little one,
Well...it's no surprise if you're reading this, but you're going to become a BIG SISTER!!!!! Your daddy and I are SO EXCITED to give you a little sister next year! You, on the other hand, are maybe not *so* excited, judging by the expression on your face when we put on your "big sisters rock" t-shirt...

Truth be told, Daddy and I weren't planning on giving you a sibling just quite yet (you and 'lil sis will only be 17 months apart), but I guess life knew what we needed before we did :) we're really excited that you'll grow up close in age. I had that with Mick, but Daddy didn't get to experience it like you will.

Two little girls...life really doesn't get any sweeter. We love you, Pemberley, and we know you're going to make the best big sister EVER!
Love,

ALS Walk for Mindy

Hi little one,
I wanted to take a second and tell you about the ALS walk that we all participated in last Sunday. It was a fundraiser that we participated in to help your Aunt Sally's mom, Mindy. I don't think you've met her yet, but I know she would just love you. She is such a kind soul, and I was so happy that all of the KC Groesbecks could fund raise and walk in her honor. Here you are, in your stroller and Mindy's Darlings onesie.

I will admit, I teared up a few times during the walk thinking about all of the things that Aunt Sally and her side of the family are going through. She is one of the strongest mommies I know, and I'm so grateful that she's here for you if and when you need it as you grow up.

I hope you get to meet Mindy some day, too. She welcomed your mommy and daddy into her family with open arms, and we will never forget her kindness and generosity.
We all love you, Mindy!

Love,

Pemberley | Eleven months

Hi little one,
Eleven months. In less than four weeks, you're going to be a TODDLER! I just. can't. even.

So at 11 months, you...

-weigh almost 19 pounds

-are about 30 inches long

-still wear size four diapers

-now have 7 teeth, and the 8th looks like it's going to pop through any day now!

-fit in all 12 month clothes

-are walking along everything now :: the couch, the tables, the fireplace, the kitchen cabinets

-know what the word "no" means, but ignore it 99% of the time and laugh at us when you hear it (to be fair, we have a hard time saying it with a straight face because you're so stinking CUTE when you misbehave!)

-sleep 10-12 hours a night in your crib now, which is in a side-car position next to my side of the bed 

-had your first trip to the doctor's office that resulted in an x-ray scan :(

-are loving your sippy cups more and more each day

-are getting too big for us to even handle! 

I know we tell you this a million times a day, but you're the best girl. You always have a smile on your face, and you love to laugh! You only fuss when something is wrong or you're not feeling well, and that's pretty rare. I love watching you learn how to coordinate your chubby little feet so you can walk, and I love watching your beautiful blue eyes light up when you see Daddy walk in the room. I love watching you eat (and eat you do...you shovel it in with zero abandon, and demand food until you're full!), but most of all, I love watching you see the world with eyes full of wonder and excitement. I hope that look never leaves your beautiful, sweet little face.

I love you SO much, Pemberley. It's going to be an amazing month for you!
Love,

Sickyfaces and Pancakes

Hi little one,
First. I know I kind of suck lately at updating your blog. You're doing so many neat things, like crawling at lightening speed (especially when you see us coming and you're being ornery) and walking along the furniture, and talking so much more! And I've done a terrible job documenting it for you...but, in my defense, you've been feeling REALLY sick lately and I feel guilty taking pictures of you when you aren't feeling well.

So Daddy did it. This is at your doctor's appointment, before you were diagnosed with pink eye, a runny nose, and toddler diarrhea. Even though you were smiling, you can tell you're in pain. Your little red eyes and tiny red nose...just ahhh. I hate it.

Dr. Gaffney prescribed Zithromax for 5 days, and this is a picture I took of you scarfing down some morning pancakes after day two of the medication. Quite the difference, right?! I love your scrunchy little nose and being able to see all of your teefies!

We're about a week late on your 11 month pictures, but I couldn't bear trying to get you to smile and dress you up while you felt so miserable. Daddy and I are going to take them this weekend after the ALS walk that we're doing (your first fundraiser, and for someone we hold so close to our hearts), and I'll post them soon.

We love you, baby girl. (And I don't even care if you're not technically a baby anymore. You'll always be my little baby girl.)
Love, love, love,