Jill's Smith Family Adventures: Reflecting on March 2010

Often there are times in our lives, milestones, where we sit and reflect on the past and what we have accomplished. Our birthdays, anniversaries, and children's birthdays often provide opportunities for such reflection. Less often, we encounter shorter periods of time that provide for such reflection. March 2010 has provided so many milestones and special moments in my life and the lives of those around me. It is as if it was a month, wrapped in a bow and placed on my doorstep on March 1st with the following instructions, "pay attention this month, it's going to be amazing!"

For regular readers of my blog, you already know how much Brody has changed this month. On February 28th, there were no teeth and we weren't fully mobile. Today, there are two bottom teeth, he started clapping, and now he is FULLY mobile. I haven't slept much this month either, between the teething and the runny nose, the well visit where I was told to I shouldn't give him a middle of the night bottle. But to reflect today on who Brody has become this month and how he has grown warms my heart and provides me with the comfort to get me through a few more sleepless nights.

On March 1st, Cadence started her first official day of actual preschool in the Primary Classroom at Tempe Montessori. She also FINALLY did her airplanes alone for 10 seconds at Swim Kids and passed her beginning level survival class. While doing flashcards the other night, she suprised me by knowing the numbers 1 - 5 and Ben insists she knows her numbers up through 9 now. Each day in conversation, I am noticing her sentences are becoming more complex. She presents more abstract concepts and logic in our discussions. What an amazing month March has been for this girl.

Chloe turned 7 and a half on Saturday and we celebrated with a party! We invited old friends and new and shared a great afternoon. It was fun to give Chloe the spotlight on the day after her mom welcomed her third brother at their house. Yesterday, Chloe was featured on Channel 12's Valley Dish with her swing dance partner. They were interviewed and even shown dancing on TV! They are both true stars! And it has officially been 6 years that Chloe has been in my life. Ben and I met in January 2004 and I met Chloe shortly thereafter. In the blink of an eye, she is now 7 and 1/2 and is continuing to develop into a brilliant, loving and talented little girl. I am grateful for everyday that she is in my life.

In other family news, Ben's dad annouced he is engaged and getting married to a wonderful woman from Mesa named Donna. Donna and some of her kids came to our house on Sunday so we could meet one another. Donna raised her kids in Mesa, and it turns out I went to elementary, junior and high school with one her her sons-in-law. And one of her daughters worked for our photographer friend, Steven Nissle! It's strange as an adult to think about new in-laws in terms of step status. Or that all of a sudden there will be new nephews to spoil! We are very excited for Carey and Donna and look forward to their coming nuptials and the related celebration!

Ben and I have each had important moments in March also, but its more fun to reflect on the achievements of those around us. We had a great month with friends and family and look forward to what April will bring!

Here are some of my favorite pictures of the family from March:

March 5th

Sister slumber party!

March 6th - Brody looking snazzy at the Tempe Montessori open house!

Cadence "hanging out" with her friend Gabby. Gabby and Cadence are in gymnastics together and also used to attend daycare together. We're hoping Gabby will be joining Cadence at Tempe Montessori soon!

Leaning back in the swings. She loves this. And this scares me to death! She is as comforable in a swing as anyplace and can get as high as the big kids.

Brody discovering the wind chimes.

March 11th - Doctor's visit! Good news, no ear infection...this visit.

Happy sick baby...I guess its the teething...

Cause its normal to dip goldfish in milk!

Note the toys. Note he is not playing with them. Note his is playing with the hanger. Lovely.

Up on all fours! Ready to go!

March 12th - Brody discovers the electrical cords!

March 21st - At Addie's birthday. Enjoying the frosting...note the two cupcakes with no frosting she has already enjoyed. Note to self, keep the cupcakes out of Cadence's reach!