Does it get much better than this???

As I look back on all of the great things that 2008 has brought our family I have to stop and wonder......Does it get much better than this? This year Jabin and I became parents for the very first time. A blessing that we will forever be thankful for. I now know what people mean when they say "I dont remember what life was like without her". Each morning when Daley wakes up we like to spend a few moments listening to her sweet angelic voice as she greets the day with her curious babbles and elated squeals. I have been so surprised by the way she has grown so fast. From the first few months of sleepless nights, to struggles with nursing, to colic (or whatever the heck she had) to the joys of her first smile & sleeping all alone in her room by herself. She was so cute whe she experienced her first food and (just a few days ago) her first laugh out loud giggle and her first tooth. She is such a peaceful and happy child that each and every minute with her brings joy to our hearts. She brings such excitement to our lives and makes us laugh and smile each and everyday. We have had a whirwind last 7 months and I cannot imagine how much fun 2009 is going to be. We are looking forward to reaching the milestone of sitting up (alone) and crawling, & her first (real) word....besides "mama". I am anticipating the nervousness in seeing her take her first steps and of course planning her first birthday. As I think about ringing in the new yr without her it kinda makes me sad. I know mommy and daddy need "grownup time" but you are supposed to ring in the new yr with the ones you love right??? Well I cannot imagine loving anyone like I love her! As 2008 comes to a close and we look around the corner to 2009 we are so greatful for the gifts that God has given to us. Here's to wishing that everyone will have a healthy& happy future as bright as the stars. Happy New Year to all and please be safe :)

Christmas with the Smythe's

Well I am going to begin by saying.....I never knew Christmas could be so fun. This Christmas was the best ever!!!! It all began on Christmas eve when we went to Candlelight Service at church. Daley was soooo cute in her #1 Christmas dress. She was also very good during church. She did talk a little too loud during the service but it was pretty cute I must admit. She was mesmerized with all the candles. The whole congregation sang "Silent Night" and she just smiled the whole time. On Christmas morning Jabin was so excited that he was awake at 5:30. I told him under no circumstances was I getting out of bed before 6:30. Poor Daley was sooooo sleepy from staying up late the night before that she didnt even wake up till about 7:30. So Jabin and I had some coffee and opened our gifts from each other. I guess I was a good girl this year cause I got some wonderful gifts. I got a new Canon camera, a new wifi Epson printer and a digital frame! I am sooooo happy. But enough about me :) When Daley woke up we let her play in the walker that Santa brought her and she had a blast.

After Santa came and we had some quiet time with our family the fun really began. My mom (Nana), sister and her family and my Booah and Papaw came over for breakfast and presents. My mom went WAY overboard on Daley and Atlee but the enjoyed every minute of it :) Here is a picture of the tree before we opened any gifts!

Atlee and Kelli

Daley with her new hat and mittens

Daley was so tired after all of the gifts she had to take a nap! Daley and her Nana After lunch all of the family left and we had a long nap!!! Thank goodness mom called and woke us up cause if not we might have slept through the last of the festivities. On Christmas Night we went over to Nana and Papa Bubbas for more food and presents! Daley had fun playing on the floor before we left. Here she is in her #2 Christmas Dress.

We have had sooo much fun with all of our new toys. Here are a few more of Daley playing. It will take us a few more days to rest up from all of the fun but all in all it was an AWESOME christmas. Hope everyone enjoyed theirs as much as we did!

6 mo update

Daley had her 6mo appt with Dr Yap on Monday. And mommy and daddy are proud to say that everything is progressing very well. Daley weighs 14lbs and is 27inches long. She hasnt mastered sitting up by herself yet but he said that is nothing to be concerned with. She can sit up if she puts her hands in front of herself to balance.....BUT she doesnt stay there long. She is quite the little wiggleworn and always falls over. He was very impressed by her fine motor skills. We told him that she can put her own "paci" in her mouth and 8 times out of 10 it goes in right side up. She is quite the little talker still. She babbles and mumbles ALL the time and she is not quiet about it. I always laugh when we are in the car and she has something to say the volume of her chatter depends on the volume of the radio. I think she feels like she has to talk over it to get attention. She is very very tickleish but STILL wont laugh out loud. She will smile from ear to ear, squeal and grunt BUT laugh or giggle NO WAY!!!! Also not to be concerned per Dr Yap. So I will keep on tryin! We will be on a shopping mission this weekend to buy Stage 2 foods YAY!!!! She can also have juice now......BUT in a sippie cup. This outta be fun :) I honestly cannot believe that she is already six months old. It just seems like yesterday that I was getting up with her every two-three hours to breastfeed her (man and I glad those days are behind me). I am also looking forward to this being her very first christmas. I know she is still too young to understand but I am super excited. She has a precious christmas dress hanging in her closet that I cant wait to put on her for Candlelight Service at church. Jabin and I truly are blessed this holiday season to be surrounded by such wonderful and gracious friends and family. We are also thankful for our sweet baby Daley....she brings so much joy to our lives and makes us laugh and smile each and everyday.

Sick Time

Well I havent been a very good blogger in the last month but with the holidays coming up I will try to get better. The Smythe family has been dealing with the Winter Cold. YUCK!!! Daley went to see Dr Yap last Thursday because she was having some head and chest congestion. It breaks my heart to hear her coughing :(. Well needless to say on Friday morning Jabin and I were sick. I took Daley to her Booahs so dad and I could stay in bed and rest for the day. We are so lucky to have grandparents to help out. I dont know what we would do without them. We are all slowly getting better and hope this is the only sick time we have to face this winter. This weekend we did manage to go get Daley and Atlees picture taken with Santa. Just a teaser!!!! I will post the picture later :)