What an adventure!

Ok, Ok, so it's been almost a year since our last entry. I guess I've slacked just a little. But, wow... what a ride this past year has been. It has been a roller coaster journey of tears and fears, losing a job and starting new, sleepless nights and long fights- make up kisses and sweet dream wishes. It's amazing to think of all that we are capable up in those moments of despair. We can find a way to make it through when we remember that we really are NEVER alone. I have learned so much from our experiences and grown from trials and mistakes. It's funny when you realize that sometimes it takes those long trying journeys to make you remember who you are and what really matters- to rise to your potential. It's through these moments that we can be reminded of our great purpose and plan that is set aside for us. I know that there is a plan for me and what a humbling, refreshing thought that is to get me through each day! I have been truly blessed.
Paisley is 15months old now and little fire cracker! She keeps us laughing with an occasional roll of the eye ( or 2o) and keeps me on my toes!! She is such a ball of fun and joy and adds another spark to our home.
Stan is staying busy with the business and impressing me more and more each day. He has been so motivated and driven and excited about making things happen! He's a crack up as usual and yes, he also keeps me very busy! :P
As for me, I spend my days fantasizing about taking a luxorious vacation and lounging on an exotic beach... I kid, kid!! haha j.k. I am just enjoying spending more time at home being a mommy and playing with Paisley. I've enjoyed each new stage with her (except for her recent not sleeping phase!) she loves music and we love to dance and sing. I am loving her generosity of kisses lately and try to take advantage of it while it lasts! I cross my fingers each night that she will go to bed easily and stay down... I think a magic wand would work better. :)
Here are a couple pictures from the past year.

I'm Ba-ack!

This is Heather, writing on behalf of Brooke! :) She didn't know Stan's password, so here she is back from a long absence!

What to do??

I have been continuing to struggle with the eczema all over poor little Paisley's body and especially her face. On top of that she has been tearing her face to shreds adding all kinds of scratches to the already swollen eczema. I'm sure people will be sending family services my way soon to investigate! I've been slowly trying to eliminate possibilities that could be contributing to the problem. Recently I considered that she could be allergic to the milk protein in her formula. So I have been giving her a hypoallergenic kind that is NOT cheap! She has only been on it since Saturday and I just ran out today. This is going to be one expensive chick. I think I might be starting to notice a difference, but it's really not for sure if its the formula that is doing it. What I have noticed, is that since I've starting giving it to her she is waking up in the middle of the night wanting to eat, and not taking very long naps anymore. UGH! I went to the health food store the other day to buy some herbs to help me build my milk back up again. WHAT A CHORE!! I have to find the time to start pumping again to build my milk back up from scratch. We'll see how thatgoes...
I took these yesterday and I think she must be the most adorable little thing ever~

A lot of use they were...

It was over a week ago that I contacted the Physical Therapy people to come check out Paisley. They told me that they would be contacting me the following week to schedule the appointment. Well a week passed and I called again to follow up and left a message. Still no call back... In the mean time I have been working with Paisley, continuing to do exercises and bouncing her etc. She has already improved so much! She is now standing up on her feet when I hold her up, getting good at rolling on her side and she loves playing in her play yard. I can tell that she is getting a lot stronger. I think she was just moving at her own little pace and is going to be just fine.

Some more recent photos

Christmas present from grandmas Ili

Floppy??!!

Paisley recently had her 4 month visit with the doctor. She is actually about 4 1/2 months, but with the holidays it pushed our visit a little later. Unfortunately, Paisley only got to sleep about 20 minutes before we went and the visit was right in the middle of her nap time. Needless to say, she was not happy to see him. She is usually sooo mellow and happy, but boy...she DID NOT want that strange man to hold her!! He asked me if I had any concerns and I mentioned the obvious eczema all over her little face and body and mentioned that I was wondering about her leg strength...(she doesn't really use her legs to push off when I bounce her) so he took a look at her and described her as FLOPPY! ugh! So, he recommended that we do a consultation with a physical therapist to see if she qualifies. They are suppose to contact me sometime this week, but we are crossing our fingers and hopeful the she wont be a candidate. In the mean time Paisley and I are practicing our aerobics! She is getting very good at the bicycle :) I've been trying to give her even more tummy time and putting her in her play yard. She also likes to sit up in bumpee chair and play with her toys. We have just been having so much fun with her and adore her to pieces.

Baby's first Holiday season!

Stan and I spent Christmas this year in Idaho with his family. It was a little hard not to be with my family this year, but it was only fair since the last couple years have been spent at my sister's house. I missed being there, but we did have a great time in Idaho and Stan doesn't get to see his brothers very often so it was nice for them all to get together.
Paisley enjoyed all the attention and constantly being in someones arms! Santa brought her a stocking full of her favorite binkis, some teething rings, and some more toys!
Stan and I layed low for New Years Eve. Paisley went to bed pretty early and Stan fell asleep on the floor watching TV. I woke him up right before midnight :)