The Updike's

Lily is such a lucky girl to have such a wonderful and loving family! She has always been so showered with love and today was no exception! Both sides of the family were soooo good to her! She really was spoiled. Grandpa and Grandma Updike's birthday package arrived in the mail today. Grandpa was away serving at the temple, but we were able to skype with grandma while Lily opened her presents. Can you tell how much Lily LOVES her jewelry, purse and crown? So stinkin' cute! My favorite gift was the cutest "cinderella"(or at least that is what Lily calls it) skirt that grandma made for her. Thanks so much!! (We will post a picture of the skirt soon - she was too distracted by the crown and jewelry to let me put it on her!) (Looking for more bracelets) Next up was Lily's extended family birthday party. I have such great parents and siblings that always go out of their way to support my little family and I. Thank you so much for coming and for the sweet pr...

For the last week, we have been preparing Lily to "give up" her binky. Even though she only uses it when she sleeps, we have felt that "2" is a good age to move on. We have been telling her that once she turns two, she is a big girl and doesn't need a binky anymore since binkys are only for babies. So yesterday, as part of her "big girl" birthday, we had her throw it in the garbage. (Yes, we are cruel parents to do that on her birthday!) Needless to say, it was pretty traumatic. Luckily, she did sleep OK and only woke up once. But today, she has asked for it a few different times. We (mostly Christina since I was at work) have stayed strong and haven't given in, even when she struggled to take a nap. Right after I got home from work, we decided to Skype with my parents. To show off for them, Lily started singing "I Am a Child of God." But she decided to change up the words a little. Here is Lily's version of the chorus: ...

We can't believe that our baby girl is 2 years old already! It just goes to show that life really does go by so fast. Part of me is excited that she is growing up and experiencing new things with each phase of life and the other part of me yearns for her to stop growing up and just be my baby forever. To start the birthday out right, Garrett and I tied two balloons to Lily's crib so that she would have a surprise to wake up to. She LOVED both the Mickey Mouse and Elmo balloons. After her favorite breakfast of dad's pancakes, she took a long bubble bath. It is so funny to see how excited she gets to have bubbles everywhere. Our next adventure was to the library for story time. Though Lily doesn't quite yet involve herself with the stories and singing, she loves the idea of it all. She really just enjoys watching all of the little children. She was, however, very excited to participate in the parachute game. She enjoyed holding on to the parachute with the other k...

Baby Boy Updike . . . I have been so excited to scan these sweet ultrasound pictures of our baby for our blog book. It only took a couple of months - but I finally did it. We are certainly excited for this little one to arrive soon! I just think this profile picture is so sweet! His cute little feet. Cute - but I have to admit it oftentimes uncomfortable. I always think of Thumper from the Bambi movie whenever this baby moves. He is so active! And finally, can you see his little hand showing the #1 sign? Yep . . . he is indeed saying "We're #1" in reference to the BYU Cougars and the Beloved Packers. (Of course his dad is already training him!)

Obviously, we have been really bad at updating the blog... So here is a recap of the December and Christmas festivities. Who knew that gloves could be so fun? This is the first time that Lily wore her gloves, and she loved showing them off! Checking out all of the Christmas goodies while Dad and Mom put up decorations. Garrett is the King of the tree . . . what a trooper! He was so willing to help me put up the Christmas tree a week before Thanksgiving because I was so excited for Christmas. Surprise! Santa (Grandpa Crossley) came to visit all of the grand kids for the annual Crossley Family Home Evening before Christmas! Lily's first snowman! You may not be able to tell, but she is very concerned with putting hair on her snowman! Little Miss Independent! Lily was so determined to shovel herself. She cried in frustration when she couldn't lift up the shovel on her own. Lily loves to sing "Jingle Bells" over and over again. If we try to help her she says "...

Garrett, Lily and I were so lucky that we were able to enjoy "2" Thanksgiving dinners. One with his family (which I failed to get pictures at . . . ) and one with my family! (Thanks Jed for the great pictures!) Both gatherings were absolutely wonderful! Lily watching her Mickey Mouse Clubhouse before we head to Grandpa and Grandma Crossley's. Isn't Thanksgiving day all about lounging and eating all day? ~ The Crossly family waiting anxiously for the wonderful Thanksgiving Dinner to start. One of the most famous Crossley "after dinner traditions" is the annual basketball throw down. Over the years it has generated concussions, pulled groins and there may have even been a knee surgery... Definitely serious business and very competitive. This year, the boys had to clear the court of the snow -- as you might guess, this game is played rain or shine, sun or snow. Though you may see some shorts and t-shirts, it was bitterly cold... the guys were just trying t...