One Year Ago Today

Well, as of 6:17am this morning, little Simone has been with us one year.  Hard to believe, it seems like yesterday that I was looking into those beautiful little eyes for the first time and saying to myself,  "I will not let a boy near you until your 18."  It has been a year full of memories and laughter as we have watched this little princess grow.  Time flies when you are having fun.  As you can see Simone has taken after her Mom and Grandmothers and decided that one birthday celebration is not enough, making it a birthweek celebration.  Whatever makes her happy.  

    

April showers and all around crappy weather better bring May flowers!

Due to horrible weather, we've spent more time indoors than outdoors this spring.  Here's a few stories to catch you up to speed:
                Simone continues to push the bounds of her mobility by getting into things (the wine rack and Camp's dog food to be exact).  She loves pulling herself to standing and then walking around furniture.  I think she is only a few weeks from walking.  Get ready world!  Simone continues to be a good eater.  One of her favorite foods is blueberries.  It has good nutritional value, but also holds the ability to stain a baby's bottom if ingested in large quantities.  I know this because I got a call from daycare checking to see if Simone had a bruise on her bottom or if she had been eating blueberries lately.   She has mastered waving and even says an clearly defined "bah-bye".  On April 19th, Simone went through a minor surgery for tubes in her ears.  After her 4th ear infection this winter, we decided it was time to stop the antibiotics and get tubes.  Dr. Overholt said that Simone had quite a bit of fluid behind her eardrum and was probably uncomfortable.  Simone has been an even happier baby ever since.
                 Cullen continues to amaze us with his vocabulary and knack for coming up with ideas all on his own.   One morning, he looked at me and said "I know what we can do Mommy!  Maybe you, me, Dad and Simone can all go to Old McDonald's for lunch?!"  (aka McDonalds).  Cullen loves reading a nursery rhyme book at bedtime and insists that we sing all of the rhymes.  Dirk and I are constantly making up stupid, off-key melodies to fit the old-fashioned rhymes.  Neither of us holds much talent as a vocalist, but I guess Cullen doesn't know the difference.  Finally, one night Simone was up at 3 am with teething discomfort and Dirk and I decided she might need to cry herself back to sleep.  After about 5 minutes of some very loud crying, we heard a door open and another one shut.  Puzzled, we both got out of bed to find Cullen reaching his hand through the crib, rubbing Simone's back and saying "It's ok Simone."   He is such a loving boy and a very good big brother.  Dirk admitted that he would have just let his sister cry it out.  I guess Cullen could teach his old man a few things! 

Fun with friends.

Cullen and Simone recently had a fun evening playing with the Vogel and Dickinson kids.  Cullen, Jack and Alivia were all born in 2008; while Simone, Stella and Sofia were all 2010 babies.  It's funny how our Saturday nights have turned from beers and bar time to sippy cups and sun down.

We also recently met a new friend.  Adema Van Rooyen finally came home to La Crosse from Ethiopia.  He is a very sweet boy and is adjusting well to life in his new home.  Congrats to Randy, Kelly and Anders on the new addition to your family!

Hippity. Hoppity.

Kiddie Riders.

We took in a morning of amusement park fun with Brigette and Mason at the Mall of America.  Cullen loved seeing has favorite cartoon characters:  Dora, Diego, and Blue.  The first ride that Cullen and Dirk went on was a little scary for Mr. Cullen.  I think he cried the entire time, while Dirk had a smile on his face.  Swiper's Car went a bit too fast around the corners!  But once we got to Blue, Cullen was much more at ease and actually enjoyed himself.  The fun continued on trains, big rigs and merry-go-rounds.  Dirk had the brilliant idea to put $1 in a little dime-store, 3-seat merry-go-round and Cullen, Mason and even Simone all got in on the action.  Cullen told us this was his favorite ride.  Funny how that works!  The simple rides are still the best. 

Welcome baby Quinn!

On Monday, April 11th, we welcomed a new member to the Swanson/Clark extended family:  Quinn Michael Clark.  Quinn weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs. 7.8 oz. and measured 22 inches long.  Cullen seemed confused as to why Jameson would have a baby brother when he had a baby sister.  He actually thought the baby's name should be Simone Quinn.  When Cullen finally met the adorable babe, he instantly wanted to kiss him and help take care of him.  Simone only could think about the pacifier in Quinn's mouth.  Congratulations to proud parents Tracy and Jason and to big brother Jameson.  We are looking forward to the fun times ahead!

Grocery store escapades and more.

We've had a few adventures in the past week including:  playtime at the park, a trip to Sawyer Cirone's hockey game, dinner with the Erickson's, a visit from cousins Lindsay and John Pihaly and an ordinary trip to the grocery store.  Cullen and Simone both seem to find fun in anything they do.