Summer Time

We had to wait a little longer for the warm weather since we moved back to Idaho, but it has finally arrived and we are enjoying it!!  From swimming at the lake, shorter hair cuts, grilling kebabs, countless hours spent in our kiddy pool, dozens of popcicles consumed on our patio, ward BBQ's in the park, and we are looking forward to the upcoming Smith Family Reunion this week in Utah. 

Daphnee loves to be outside and spend time in the stroller.  Her medicine doesn't allow her to spend a lot of time in the sun but the shade is quite nice on those HOT days. 

 Here is a picture of Dallin's short hair spiked up in front that he likes us to do.  I finally got the courage to cut it short with the clippers and surprised Scott when he came home. 

 And trying out the new floaties at the lake!!

Playing hard requires some rest.  I went back into Dallin's room to open his window about 2 minutes after putting him to bed one night and this is what I saw.  Pajamas and covers are just too hot some nights. 

Scott just finished his 10 credits of summer semester classes that were crammed into 6 weeks, so we have many more fun activities planned for the summer to celebrate him getting good grades like camping and fishing (his request of course).

Bad to Good

Yesterday was a BAD day to say the least.  Today was much better for a handful of reasons.  The highlight of my morning was when I was trying to feed Daphnee.  She can be unconsolable if she has any tummy discomfort, especially when trying to eat.  Sometimes she will calm down if I sing to her while she is eating.  I started singing to her this morning and Dallin came and sat beside us and put his head on my shoulder for the remainder of my singing.  When I was done he went back to playing with his toys. 

It was such a sweet moment for us, especially me as a mother.  It's nice to know that he notices when I sing and the sweet spirit it brings into our home.  Here is a picture of my precious children that Scott captured.  Things like this put a smile on my face and reassure me that all bad days have to come to an end.

Yes, the kids are in our bed.

6 Weeks and Huge Milestones

So, we have tackled some pretty big things in the past six weeks.  We had Daphnee's check-up with her Urologist on Friday and once again she was very pleased with how well she has been doing since surgery.  The best part about the doctors visit was being able to get the straps off her legs. 

Since Daphnee had surgery within 24 hours of being born she hasn't really known anything different with her legs.  I know that they were essential for helping her heal properly after surgery (we could only take one brace off at a time) but I hated every time I had to put them back on.  Here are some pictures with them off and her cute little legs. 

It has been so fun being able to dress her up in her new outfits.  All she has worn for six weeks are night gowns because they easily slipped over her straps. 

Another huge difference is we can finally give her a real bath.  We couldn't submerge her before, so she only got spit baths with these foaming sponges and then we would hold her over the sink while I washed her hair. 

Transportation has become a lot easier now too.  She can now ride in a regular infant car seat.  We were able to get rid of her car bed that took up two whole places in our back seat.   

Daphnee's car bed was a large hard plastic rectangle with some foam padding on all sides.  Then it had a little body suit that she slid into with zippers on each side and a velcro strap that fastened around her belly to  keep her from rolling around. 

The car bed that she used was brand new. (I watched her cut the tags off it)  It was new to the hospital and new in the fact that before it was created they didn't have anything to transport bigger babies like Daphnee.  They have something similar that is much smaller for premie babies.  Primary Children's donated a lot of money to help with the research and development of these unique car beds. 

Straps off her legs, real baths, and a different car seat...I would say it has been a good weekend with all the new changes with Daphnee.  And no more doctor visits in Utah for six months!!

Daphnee's Baby Blessing

We blessed Daphnee at church on Sunday.  Scott gave her such a sweet blessing.  Grandma and Grandpa Smith came from Utah, Mema and Papa from Arkansas and Uncle Dan and Aunt Kellee with Ryen and Hunter from Utah.  It was so nice to have a great meal and visit with family on Daphnee's special day.  It was a wonderful relaxing day and we were all in bed by 8 p.m.  I can't remember the last time that happened. 

We are grateful that we were able to have family be a part of Daphnee's blessing and that her Mema could make her beautiful blessing dress. 

Big Brother Dallin

As promised this post is all about Dallin.  Before Daphnee was born we tried to think of something special that we could get for Dallin to keep busy and to make the transition of bringing home a new baby a little easier.  We weren't able to give him his new bike as soon as we would have liked because we were in SLC at the hospital for 11 days but we still made it a big deal when we got home.  Here Dallin is sporting his new bike!!  He can already ride it by himself with a  little practice and he still has room to grow with it. 

Summer has been really fun so far.  Dallin and Scott have gotten good use of our little pool several times already.  Scott fills it with warm water from the kitchen sink so they don't have to wait all day for cold water to heat up in the sun. 

Dallin sure does love his baby sister!!  He always wants to hold her and look at her.  He likes to give me a play by play of everything thing she does.  If she cries, sleeps, wakes up or wiggles Dallin loves to run and come tell me what she is doing. 

We are loving having two kids now and couldn't be happier!