Kayla 4 Months!

Look who's 4 Months old today! I can't believe how fast my baby is growing! I look back at her newborn pictures and it amazes me! Everyday, she discovers something new, smiles a bit more, and brings more joy into our lives. Her little world has become our whole world. Kayla is still such a good baby, so much so that I get nervous to have more kids because I've been spoiled by her! 

She always sleeps at least 8 hours a night. 

She rarely fusses.

She loves playing on her playmat when I need to get things done.

She smiles at everyone she sees.

She loves looking at herself in the mirror.

She loves dancing with her Papi.

She is certainly a thumb sucker, mostly the right, but either will do. 

She is starting to get over spitting up, but now is a little drool monster.

She loves the pool.

She has learned to use her vocal cords and happily screams when she plays.

She loves being sung to.

She enjoys tummy time, at least for awhile, anyway.

She rolls from her back clear up onto her side.

She loves sitting up in  her high chair and being involved with whatever is happening.

She loves sitting in her bumbo.

She is constantly kicking her legs.

Her smiles are my favorite sight and her laughs my favorite sound. 

There is no limit to the crazy things we'll do to get her to giggle. 

She is the perfect baby for us! We're so grateful for Eternal Families! We've truly been blessed by our Heavenly Father.

Here are a few recent photos of our little lady!

Our pretty little lady!

Kayla in her ladybug floater at the pool.

Bright flash, mom!

She's looking so much like Brett's baby pictures!

Look at that happy baby! 

Pool time!

Playing with her "friends"

Kendra takes South Texas by Storm!

I have one friend that has been in my life longer than any other! When we were 2 years old, we lived across the street from each other, and our families became great friends. Fast forward 26 years, and this wonderful friend came to the RGV to see our little family! We loved having her here. We haven't really spent any time together since my wedding (which she was a lifesaver at). Kayla instantly loved Kendra and they became fast friends! Kendra would have adult conversations with Kayla and everytime she said Glycemic Indices (don't ask), Kayla would bust into the biggest smile! It was such a funny thing! While Kendra was here, we had the biggest storm we've had since the day after Thanksgiving. It was perfect because she kept saying she wanted to experience a good old fashioned southern storm! We always do our best to accommodate, and I happen to have a connection in the weather department. :) We got to see some of the sights and just hang out, which was perfect! Kendra also helped introduce us to the joys of vegetarian eating, which is something I want to do at least once a week. I'm really so blessed to have such great friends and Kendra is no exception! How many people are lucky enough to have literal life-long friends!? I know that Kayla is also going to benefit from having Kendra in her life. Here's a few photos to catalog our weekend together.

Kayla smiling at Kendra and her big, funny words!

She thought Kendra was so funny!

A perfect day at South Padre Island!

The water is finally warm enough to dip Kayla's toes!

We played at the park on the river. It was actually really fun playing on the swings! Afterwards, we ate at our favorite little Mexican restaurant, Costa Messa. 

Mother's Day

1985 Me and mom

Swinging at Hooper Springs Park

Mother's Day is such a special day!! I'm so grateful for my mother!! My mom has always been my best friend, at least until Brett came along. :) I never felt that I had to lie to her as a teenager. I could always confide in her. She did a great job of balancing between discipline and letting us choose for ourselves so we learn important life lessons. I know my mom isn't perfect, but she was the perfect mother for me. Every day, I pray that I can live up to the standards she set as a mother. We don't always see eye to eye on everything, but if my children have the same relationship with me that I have with my mom, I'll consider myself a success in parenting. 

My mom loves to laugh, she works hard, she is always serving others, she is very talented, and she is one of the best listeners I've ever known. So many people have come to my mom to talk about things they couldn't confide in anyone else about. I love so many things about her. I'm grateful that Heavenly Father sent me to her and my dad. I'm so grateful for the Gospel that allows us to be together forever. 

Mom, Haley and I

Grandma Betsy at the beach! 1st time for Grandma and Kayla!

I am also so blessed to have a wonderful mother in law in RaeJean! Brett is such a wonderful man, husband and father, and that is due in large part to his mom! She raised him to be strong in the Gospel, be true to correct principles, and be the fun-loving man he is! RaeJean is such a selfless person. She is always serving others. She loves cooking and sharing her talent with others. Brett is such a great cook and I've learned so much from her! She was a single mom for most of Brett's child hood and it amazes me the strength she must have had. I know I couldn't be a single mom to Kayla, let alone five children. Her love of the Gospel is very evident to me. I'm forever grateful to her for raising the man that has made me happier than I could ever have imagined. I'll be forever grateful to her. Brett and I both are so blessed to have the mothers we do. We have some big shoes to fill in the parenting department! :)

Look at that happy kid!

Such a loving mom

3 Generations

The four of us when Grandma Jean came to visit and help with Kayla

Kayla eye balling my mother's day gift. 

Now, I want to talk about what Mother's Day means to me as a mother. There were lots of times that I questioned whether I would get the chance to be a mother. I feared I wouldn't ever get married (being single is rough at times). But when I met Brett and fell in love, I couldn't wait to start a family with him. He is literally the best man I've ever known. I feel blessed beyond words that he chose me to be the mother to his children. 

Last year on Mother's Day, we took a little test that has changed our entire lives. When that pregnancy test came back positive, I was in shock! We were very blessed to not have any trouble getting pregnant but I didn't expect it to happen so soon. I was overjoyed though! I will always remember that day and how I felt. 

Kayla has brought a new meaning to the word Love. I would do anything for this little girl of mine. It makes me even more grateful to my parents and especially to my Heavenly Parents. I know I only have a sliver of comprehension of the love God has for me, but that understanding grew a little when Kayla was placed in my arms and it continues to grow each day. 

I look forward to every moment spent with Kayla. Quite frankly, she's the best baby I could imagine! She rarely cries, sleeps well, plays happily when I need to get things done, smiles endlessly, and brings such joy and warmth to my soul. I love watching her grow and discover her world around her. I'm so grateful that I'm able to provide everything she needs. I love Brett even more than I did before because of the father he is to her and for how hard he works for our family. 

I am so excited for what the future brings for our little family! Being a mother is truly a gift from Heavenly Father that I am thankful for every minute. 

Me and my baby!

Today, we had a little photo shoot with each other after Brett left for work! Its crazy how much fun I can have with someone who can't talk! Kayla really is such a joy in my life. 

Finally, I'm grateful for all the women in my life! I had amazing grandmothers! I have amazing aunts, friends, friend's moms, co-workers, church leaders, teachers, neighbors, cousins, sister's in law, etc. Women are truly a gift from God. I'm proud to be a women and pray that I can be that kind of mother that will help my sweet baby return to live with her Heavenly Father someday. 

Working from Home

So, I've entered the realm of being a stay at home mom.....for the most part. :) I love my job at the hospital and enjoy what I do there, but being home with Kayla brings me joy above anything else. Brett and I are blessed to be able to work around each other's schedules so I can work once a week or so on his days off and one of us is always home with Kayla. I decided to keep working so we can pay off the rest of my student loans quickly and reach our goal of being completely debt free.

In an attempt to make some extra money to reach this goal quicker, I've been looking into all sorts of work from home jobs. Every little bit helps, right? I had an opportunity come knocking at my door, literally. A friend of mine from my ward came by and presented a chance for me to make some money from home just as I started looking.

This is a shameless plug, but if anyone is looking to save some money on any basic services like internet, home phone, satellite, etc., I'd love to help you out! By going through my website, people can sign up for the same great companies already available and often times, at a cheaper rate than they would otherwise get. I then get a portion of the monthly service bill as compensation for my efforts! Its such a great concept!

Here's my website - check it out and compare! Maybe you could be saving some money and helping me stay home with my sweet baby! I love that I can make money and help others save money on the basic services they are using every day! Its such a great opportunity and I'm really excited!

www.heathercrandall.acndirect.com

Who wouldn't want to spend every moment possible with that sweet face! :)

Baby's 1st Easter

Easter is such a special holiday. I'm grateful beyond words for the knowledge I have that my Savior lives. His life is the way and He is our Brother, leading us in the way that will return us to our Father in Heaven. As a young girl, Easter was always a favorite of mine. In addition to fun festivities and lots of candy, Easter usually marked the beginning of spring. The earth starts fresh after a long winter and Easter represents the same in our lives. The Savior provides a way for us to start fresh after any trial, sin, or heart break. My testimony of the Atonement  is one of my greatest treasures. I'm grateful for the trials that have led to the faith I have. I pray I always remember them and never take for granted Christ's greatest sacrifice and act of love. I'm grateful to be a member of God's true church on the earth today. I'm proud to be a Mormon. I know it. I live it. I love it.



We were blessed to have my dad and sister here with us for Easter. We dyed eggs, attended a ward party, had a basket for Kayla, ate candy, and a new tradition - confetti filled eggs, compliments of the RGV! Kayla looked so beautiful in her little dress from Haley and my mom. Kayla loved getting to know her Grandpa and Aunt Haley! We loved having them here with us. We are so blessed!

Grandpa Kelly, Papi and Kayla

Bath time!

Grandpa and his sweetheart

Her pinwheel and basket! She generously donated her candy to the grownups. :)

Kayla with her Easter Bunny

My little lady!

Soaking up some sun with Aunt Haley

Grandpa Kelly and his ladies at South Padre Island

Aunt Haley and Kayla
That's Mexico in the background

At the Rio Grande

Family Photo at the ward Easter party