Our Little Toddler

This toddler stage is just so much fun. It's like Marley learns a new word and new skills everyday. It is a joy to watch her discover her world. She is going all the time and getting into things at every moment of her curiosity. She waves to cars that pass our house and is obsessed with shoes and phones (already such a girl). She can make the animal noises for a dog, cat, cow, duck and monkey (which might be my favorite because it's "oo...oo...oo!"). She likes having music on most of the time and does a little squatting or stomping dance. We have started swim lesssons which she is doing really well in; she loves the water. It's crazy to see how much she has changed in a little over a year, and to realize you never knew you could love like this. Thank you Jesus, for this imperfect glimpse of how much you really love us, even though we are just as naive and selfish and stubborn as children sometimes.

Goofy face

Tickle attack from Auntie Hailey

Our little singer

Bath time with Emma, or as Marley says: "ENNAH!"

Marley decided to pack herself up!

Trying on mommy's shoes, already!

1st Birthday Party

Marley's first birthday was a blast. We had it at Yorba Regional Park and many pitched in to decorate and bring food. It was a beautiful day and so many of Marley's friend were able to come. Daddy showed her how to really dig into a birthday cake, much to everyones amusement. We are so blessed by our family and friends, thank you for loving and supporting us so well!

Auntie Heather made amazing cupcakes for the occasion!

Is frosting good for your hair?

Reading a new book with Uncle Kenton

Marley and her friend practicing their new walking skills

Cabin, Here We Come!

Marley's first trip to the cabin was fantastic! We delayed a little because of the fires, but that just meant we got to spend more time with Grandma and Grandpa Martin.

Grandma Sara Lee taking good care of me. She's funny!

Grandpa Glenn helping me slide down the slide. I was cracking up!

I put the "Joy" in Marley Joy!

I am a water baby for sure! This is at the pool of the hotel where we stayed while waiting for the smoke to clear near the cabin.

I love books, and my Mommy loves to read them to me.

I spent a lot of time in the "gated community" but my friend Bridget and Daddy kept me entertained.

Ok, have you seen how tall the trees are? This was my first attempt to see the top of a really big one!

I'm walking much better, and Grandpa helps me

The Equitz/Quirk trip to the creek. There was lots of rock throwing and dog splashing.

Happy Fourth of July! All I need is a broom and a hoolahoop to be happy.

My first taste of homemade peach ice cream...MMMMM!

Goofy Girl

My first steps all by myself. Can you see how excited I am?!

How about how excited mommy is?

Summer Begins...

Marley started off her summer with a visit from Grandma Wendy, which made it perfect! She began standing all by herself (not holding on to anything) and walking with assistance. We learned she loves swings, "dancing," saying new words (like fish! Well, more like "ish!"), and the old favorites: giggling and clapping. We had one little mishap...Marley lost her first tooth a little too early! It was probably more traumatic for her parents than her, but she won't be having a front tooth until her adult one comes in :( Other than that, what a happy, healthy girl. Here are some pictures:

With Grandma Wendy

The Quirk Ladies: Grandma Wendy, Auntie Hailey and Mama

Fun with Auntie Hailey

Getting messy!

I love my daddy!

Cute face

Daddy makes me laugh

First Steps

Hanging with Uncle Terry and my friend Presley

I LOVE bath time!

Reading my new favorite book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," with Mommy. I like putting my finger in the holes

Precious child

I woke up early one morning and got bored so I started reading a book. Then I decided I was too tired and went back to sleep. This is how Mommy and Daddy found me!