This little big girl is a trip. She keeps us on our toes and says/does some funny things. Life with her is amazing. She picks up on EVERYTHING, so now we are defiantely having to mind our p's and q's:) She is a rather smart little lady and articulates her thoughts pretty clear.
Here are some funny sayings these days out of her mouth:
- "I need a bandaid and some "scream"... aka cream or ointment
- With her arms crossed..."what's going on here?"
- "I want some lips please".. aka chapstick
- "Come on mommy you play the violin" aka guitar
- "You get steady"...when playing ready, set, go
- In bed at night she yells for us..when asked whats going on she says "I'm scary"..meaning she is scared.
- This picture depicts her mad face when being told something she doesn't like to hear...
But for me, on this fine summer day, I not only saw one but two rainbows on my drive home from Lincoln to Omaha. (a few weeks back) It came at a time when I was feeling rather low about life (work, death, and sickness) so the sight of these two beautiful rays of life was perfect. I was in ahh for the 10 mintues or so as I drove under them. It brought me a sense of peace to this chaos of life. Even thought it can't always be rainbows and butterflies, for those moments I was able to relinquish those funky energies and hold onto the natural beauty that was right in front of my eyes. 
Happy 1st Birthday Livia Jade. From the day I meet eyes with you I feel in love. This past year has been perfectly busy raising you and your big sis. You have been so easy to take care of. I'm not sure if you are necessarily "easier" than your sister or if we are just better at knowing what is going on, but either way you are a pretty chill kid. You beautiful big brown eyes melt me daily. You do this sweet head butting thing (gently) when you are tired. You love to cuddle and will give sweet kisses without being asked. As of lately you have started developing your own voice in the world and a lot of the times it comes with sass and a swat to get your point across. You love it when I bite your cheeks (not really bite but grab your cheeks with my mouth). You LOVE your momma and the minute I walk in the door you need to be in my arms. You are a great sleeper through the night and have been better at naps as of late. You want everything your sister has and will take it away, no problem. Your first word was "hi" and you say it all the time. You only say "mum" when you are mad or tired. You are trying to mimic words that people say around you. You are a little skinny minnie and seem to be a bit of a picky eater. Your favorite food is crackers. You are very hesitant to try new foods. You won't let us put anything in your mouth and will sometimes try what we put in front of you. Other times you will chuck it on the floor. You toddle around all day long and explore the world around you. It is fascinating to be your mother and watch you learn and grow. I can't say it enough how blessed and grateful I am. Thank you for one FANTASTIC year of being your "mum!" 
Harper filled the pool
Lateaf and Grams carrying food for the cream canned feast
and getting hair braided by Aunt Shannon!