love & hate.

I absolutely hate to see our bubbly sweet little girl looking like this...

...but I love to take care of her even when it's sad. This is the mom part that is hard and you feel a bit helpless but also like the most important person in the world when another's care rests solely on you.  But the little smiles that poke through amongst all the endless hours of snuggles are the best.

How sad is it?  Even when I hop up to get something and she slowly slides down my side she was resting on, she just slumps over and doesn't move.



and she stays cozy on the couch for hours and hours.

and still somehow shows you what a big girl she is.

Our little Quinn is fighting her first high fever and her first real illness.

An ear infection that will hopefully leave soon.

For the first time in 14 months we had to call the doctor.  We feel pretty grateful for that. 

I can't handle these sad eyes all that much. :(   For our sweet little girl that arrived into the world a little early, we are extremely grateful that this is a first.

Quinny, I hate to see your sad eyes and our girl not quite herself, but I will love caring for you forever.   Extra snuggles and many episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse is just another sweet day with my girl.



family.

This weekend we were able to get all the babies together. 
All the Dalton babies that is. 

What an adorable group of second cousins!
Quinny was definitely the tear starter. She got a few of the others going. A big group of adults all looking at her is not her cup of tea.
Grandma Ginny is officially home and we are excited! This group of babies is one grandchild and 10 great-grandbabies for her. 6 of them born within the last year!
It worked out great to get all of the babies and family together for a get together. (All minus my parents and Drew, but still a pretty big accomplishment since it's been a few years.) And we always love get togethers at Aunt Jodi and Uncle Gary's.

The farm is such a great place to be.

"Are the cows in here?"


and of course my favorite...

so many memories as I now watch these little ones doing the same exact things we did.

Liam loves animals just like his auntie. :)
A wonderful day! It was so great to see everyone. :)
Looking forward to seeing everyone again in July!

what a difference a year makes.

Our little bunny.

what really happens on holidays.

When you have children you can't wait to start those holiday traditions we all know and love.  We learn quickly that it really doesn't go as expected.  I've learned from previous holidays not to put too much expectation or pressure into those traditions during these early years.

This is how egg decorating really goes.

This is the closest the bunny ears will ever get to staying on.

Imagining pictures in adorable Easter dresses playing with the new toys, in turn ends up in diapers.

A good start to a family painting activity and how you imagine family time together.

But really she was way more interested in playing in the water bowl.

So it really looked like this.

We only halfway model the new vintage style swimwear (that mommy loves) from the Easter bunny.  And we sport a runny nose in every picture. :)

We picture the kids getting along.
But really one is loving and the other one hisses. :)

But it still turns into a WONDERFUL day.
And these are the memories that matter.

Lucy loves this new gift from the Easter Bunny too.

and this tops them all and we really wonder why we do this to our kids. :)

(she was there for literally 5 seconds, I got this one picture and snatched her up.)

holy teeth.

We are a little off this week. 
A little preoccupied and a little out of sorts.

Someone is breaking in her eye teeth, and those hurt!
And I've realized our 13 month old is breaking in teeth numbers 15 & 16 right now. 16 teeth!! That is a lot! I guess at least we are getting through all of them quickly.
Teeth have come early and come fast for this girl.
First tooth at 4 months and had all front 8 by 8 months.
Add 4 molars at 12 months, and now 4 more eye teeth (those pointy ones) at 13 months. The top two have appeared and the bottom two are making their way.
16 teeth. It's crazy. And it makes her look like such a big girl.

From those two little teeth...

...to sixteen little teeth.

I would have taken a new and better picture of the new munchers, however I am sparing future Quinn from pictures of runny nose, red face, and sad little "my teeth hurt" eyes.

So, we are a little out of sorts here.
Lots of cuddling in the middle of the night watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. :)
After 12 teeth taken like a rockstar, she deserves as many late night Mickey Mouse Clubhouse shows as she wants.

Hopefully this teething pain subsides soon. Todd and I hate to see her as not quite herself.

and with that, our little napper has just woken up.
back to boogie wipes, bottles, orajel and lots of snuggles :)

poor baby. poor bunny.

Easter is almost here!

A tradition has started to enjoy a little Easter Bunny Breakfast. Just mommies and kiddos. A couple of my best girlfriends and 4 boys and a little girl. In other words, Quinn and all her boys. :)

An egg hunt, breakfast, and pictures with the Easter bunny.
Unfortunately it was the chilliest day we have seen in all of March.
It didn't hold back the fun though.

ready for breakfast with the bunny.

one to remember :)   but....poor baby.

and...poor bunny.


Mommy's lap was a little more comforting.

Lots of love.  Lots of smiles.  Lots of fun (well maybe not with the bunny).
Another wonderful day.