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!

Already?!

Marley will be 10 months old at the end of this week. WOW! It doesn't seem possible. What an amazing journey it has been, and we've only just begun! Marley is crawling and pulling herself up all over the place. She just learned how to climb all the way up our stairs! She has the most remarkable "happy dance" that she busts out whenever she hears music or something makes her especially happy. She also has mastered the "so big" response that is super cute. I think the sound of her voice as she babbles on is the most beautiful and precious thing I have ever heard. And I love watching her interact with other babies.

She was so great on our trip to the Bahamas. She did wonderfully on the plane rides: sleeping, playing and charming other passengers with her smile. And we just kept her on California time over there so her sleep was just a great as here. Here's a few shots...

We brought this awesome tent that kept Marley safe and busy when we were on the beach or in the grass. She seemed to really like it!

We were so glad we brought this Winnie the Pooh toy. It would keep Marley entertained for quite a while at a time. Although we did get tired of hearning "If you follow the lights, you can play the piano!"

We are blessed that God entrusted us to be Marley's parents.

Bahamas Video

If you want to get a quick taste of our amazing trip to the Bahamas, that we are still on (!)...then click here.

Beware...cute baby and white people swimming ahead.

FINALLY!

Alright, alright! We know we have been slacking on posting...sorry about that! But we have just been having too much fun. Marley had her first Christmas, solid foods, snow experience, finger foods, rolling over, clapping, crawling backwards, professional tennis match, standing by herself, Easter, and she just keeps on going! She loves music, animals, ceiling fans, clapping, and giggling, just to name a few. We figure we will just let the pictures do the talking, so here you go!

Trying out her singing skills...

Here are some pictures from Christmas time:

Bundled up before her first mountain/snow experience!

At Nana's birthday party

She loves laughing with Daddy!

Bathtime is a favorite! She gets this exact smile every time we take her out of the tub.

Some pictures from Easter:

We had to take her out of her pretty dress to eat, you can see why!

Dresses just aren't practical for play time!

Our little poser

Look at me standing all by myself!

Coming soon, first trip out of the country... Bahamas here we come!