A few pics from my day

I'm sorry, but I can't help but chuckle every time I look at this picture of Marlee. She recently discovered that the hole in her nose is a perfect fit for her finger, so this has become a new favorite pastime for her. I obviously try to discourage her from sticking her finger in her nose, but I kinda think it's weirdly cute. At least she hasn't tried digging for gold (yet), for now she's just satisfied using her nose as a garage for her finger.

This is a scene from earlier tonight. Can these two get any cuter? Tonight was just one of those simple, lovely nights. We grilled some steaks, and then went on a walk in the field outside our door looking for pheasants. Yes, this is Nebraska and that's what we do. We walk through fields looking to scare up pheasants, and then go tip cows when they're sleeping. Try it sometime.

This is our current appearance. Talk about a happening Friday night! I'm sitting in my robe blogging (obv) while Jamie watches the Jazz on some *cough* very legitimate website. Typical scene in the house of Olsen.

This little girl had a birthday

Well, Marlee up and decided it was time to turn one on Sunday. It's bittersweet. I miss my sweet little baby but love the fun, spunky, and sometimes mischievous little lady Marlee is becoming. I'm so grateful for this little girl who made me a mama, and find myself loving her more and more each day.

For her birthday we invited just a few family and friends over to help us celebrate. I did a rainbow themed party, and was actually kind of impressed with how her cake turned out (mind you, when it comes to domestics and all things crafty/creative, I usually flop).

The rainbow fruit spread

Blowing out the candle

Enjoying her piece of cake

Since she's the lady of the hour, I'll write a little about Marlee at 1 year.

-She loves food (a girl after her mama's heart). Some of her favorites include avacados, pears, and chicken. She gets super jealous when she spots someone eating something she doesn't have in front of her.
-She's (almost) completely weaned. She still nurses once in the morning, but to be honest, it's because I'm just too lazy to open the fridge and pour her milk when I first wake up (well, I suppose if I'm being completely honest, I still enjoy the extra calories I burn nursing, so I hesitate a little to give that up). However, the days of mama milkshakes will be over very soon.
-She loves her Papa more than her Mama. I have accepted this fact, and I'm okay with it. In fact, I don't blame her, her Papa's a pretty good man.
-After suffering through numerous "sick" months during the winter that disrupted her sleep (darn germy daycare), she's finally turned back into the champion sleeper she once was
-She's not walking yet, but she'll sometimes stand up on her own in the middle of the room.
-Her favorite activity includes emptying any cupboard, bag, or drawer that gets in her way.
-She has 8 teeth and gives the best cheesy smiles

-When it's time to pray she folds her arms for about 2-3 seconds (we're still working on this one...), but it's pretty much the cutest thing ever.
-She loves other kids, and squeals with delight each time she sees one. This makes me feel a little better about dropping her off at daycare when I work.


Anyway, we love our Miss Marlee dearly, and are relieved she survived her first year with us as parents (quite a feat!). Here's to many more adventures!