i didn't know

sweet kinsley, you are 6 years old.  six.

this is the last picture taken of me before i became a mommy.

then, you made me a mommy.  

i didn't know i could love so fiercely.

i didn't know that even after exhausting days i would miss you so much once you were in bed.

i didn't know your dad and i would have detailed and descriptive conversations about your poop.  

i didn't know animal noises and small steps would make me so proud.  

i didn't know you would grow into this beautiful thing:

i didn't know we would be able to communicate so much through a glance and a smirk.

i didn't know you would be a bug-catching, lizard-hunting girly girl.

i didn't know you would be so artistic with a fancy imagination.

i didn't know you would be my best buddy.  someone who drops everything to run errands with me.

i didn't know you would be able to out eat your dad and i when it's spaghetti night.  

i didn't know i'd be saving things like this forever:  

happy 6th birthday, kinsley jane!

ben was outnumbered

these pictures don't remotely capture the heart-filling joy i got from a visit of sarah and brennan.   

when they arrived we all smothered them which kind of lasted throughout the week.  brennan was safest when she was in the high chair; all other times she was fair game.  

kinsley had to show off her reading skills to her auntie.   

   caroline was mesmerized by the baby.   she also "protected" brennan by taking away any and every toy she tried to play with.   

 they mostly just lived an everyday life with us but we went a few places around town.

one of the only ways i am ever captured on film.   

                         first time swinging; a little uncertain

just texting

baby profile

troll baby

2012 has been packed with visitors....mimi, uncle tommy, anne and makena, grandma & gramps & adalyn, sarah and brennan.   

who's next??  :)