Being Honest

I know most of my posts are about Allie and our little family, but this one is just something to get things off of my mind. I have decided that throughout my life I have had many friends. I think in some cases, I think we're closer than the other person does. As I have gone through many BIG events in my life over the past few years, I am learning who my true friends are. Those people are there for everything...even the sad and bad stuff. Those people I can call when I just need to cry and make no sense at all. Those other friends, that I thought were close friends, have not been there for some of the biggest things in my life. It has bothered me for awhile, but I think at this point I am ready to move on. Why should I care and try so hard, when the other person does not? Of course, I know there are times that I haven't been the best friend either, but I hope that when the big things have happened in their lives, I have been there.

Sorry this is sort of a rant...but I just need to get it out and say it. To my dear friends, my close friends, I love you so much and truly don't know what I would do without you!

My baby is O-N-E!

January 26, 2009, Allie's BIRTHday!

Wow, I know my last post was about the previous year, but can I just say it once more...time flies! My baby girl, Allison Nicole Jenkins, turned one on January 26th! She is so big now. She is walking every where and jibber-jabbering away, with many mommas thrown in there. Sometimes she says daddy, kitty, drink, and bye bye, but only when she is in the mood. She also echoes a lot of what we say. We had her birthday party on Saturday, the 23rd, and it went great! We did a cupcake theme and I have to say it was perfect! Most of our families were able to be there and celebrate our little girl with us. On her actual birthday, she spent the day with my mom, and then after work we took her to get her pictures taken and out to eat at Red Robin, where they sang happy birthday to her and brought her a hot fudge sundae.

Her party!

One year pictures!

What a year!

Looking back, 2009 has been a crazy and wonderful year! We basically started the year off with Allie's birth. Of course, that was the most amazing day of my life. People have always told me how much a child would change my life, and how much I would love it, but I completely understand now. She is the most incredible thing, and amazes me daily. I will admit that I also can say that I am even more amazed by God. From the moment she was born, all I could think was, wow, that was created inside of me! When I hold her sleeping, I notice the small pores of her nose, the small hairs on her body, the tiny veins running through her body, and of course, the sound of her heart beat. How incredible! I love those tiny fingers and toes, and the sound of her babbling (especially now that she says mommy non-stop!) How can someone not be amazed by all of that?

Of course, I am not going to sit here and say that every day has been easy either. There have been many restless nights, and trying to get to the bottom of reflux, and other sicknesses. It is so hard to listen to your baby cry and not be able to instantly fix it. I have seen a whole new side of my husband as well. He is a better dad that I even imagined that he could be. I know he does ten times more than most dad's and I truly appreciate that. I really think that I take a lot of what he does for granted. I honestly wonder how single mom's do it. I love our little family & I look forward to 2010 and what it has in store for us.

Christmas!

Well, Allie's first Christmas has come and gone. Of course...with a few ups and downs. We went to the pediatrician twice the week of Christmas (once being Christmas eve!) for a virus and the never ending ear infection. Although we feared she was so sick that we would have to spend Christmas alone, she did get well enough to enjoy the family festivities. Christmas morning was so exciting! I promise you, this Christmas was the best ever! I LOVED watching her see her stash from Santa. When we carried her into the room she saw her wagon and other toys and her mouth literally opened so wide...it was hilarious! Here are some pics from the day:

Sneak Peak

I want to write much more this week about Christmas and a look back at 2009. But for now, I want to show a sneak peak (picture at top) of my girl for her birthday! This is the picture we'll be using for her invitations to her party. I think it is the best picture!!! And yes, that is a giant cupcake...that we made! It is the "test" cake for her party. She will have one just like it as her smash cake, but I wanted to see if I could do it first.

Just stopping in!

Well, it has been a few weeks since I gave a real update. As some of you know, my sister Kimberly, has been in the hospital due to pnuemonia. Thank goodness she is doing much better and finally home. Now my mom has pnuemonia, and we're hoping for everyone to be well in time for Christmas. I really want to say thanks to the rest of my family for stepping in and helping with Allie. Normally my mom keeps her during the day, but my aunt and grandmother came to my rescue! Of course, my poor grandma is probably exhausted and a bit crazy from chasing our little monkey around all day.

Now, an Allie update. I can't believe my baby girl is going to be 11 months old next week! She is such a little girl now and, I have to admit, I miss that itty bitty baby! I was just telling DJ last night that I am really sad knowing that we will never see that tiny girl again. The saying, they grow up too fast, is so true! The reality of it has really hit me the past few days...and it makes me sad when I see other little babies. BUT, I will admit that Allie is really fun these days! She has the best personality that I have ever seen in a child. She is constantly happy and smiling...and into everything! She is definitely curious, and wants to check everything out...there is no hiding anything from her! She is crawling like a maniac, standing on her own (without holding on to anything), and she took two steps last week! She loves to feed herself, and basically, that is the only way she will have it these days. She is also very loving, giving everyone "sugar" that asks for it, including her stuffed animals. Her newest thing is holding her baby dolls and patting them. I love seeing that girly side of her come out.

I am looking forward to the next couple of weeks. We have a busy holiday season planned with many family events. I am so excited to have Allie this year and spend our first Christmas together as a family. I'll admit, buying for her has been a blast! I know she doesn't really "get" Christmas yet, but it is fun for me. In the midst of Christmas break, I am also going to begin planning Allie's first birthday party. I already know the date, and have the place reserved...but it is time to get busy on invitations & decorations. I have a feeling that her actual birthday is going to be emotional for me. Like I said before, I can't believe my baby is getting so big!

Daddy don't leave!

Due to Kimberly being in the hospital, DJ is dropping Allie off in the mornings with my grandma. This morning he took this super cute picture of her and said that she was begging him not to leave. Sorry for the poor cell phone quality.


I will post more of an update on things later.