Hello Pittsburgh Hello!!

For those of you who have not seen That Thing You Do, just ignore the title. And to those of you who have...you're welcome for getting that little phrase stuck in your head.

It's a winter wonderland here in the Burgh and I love it. I'm planning on bundling Mariah up and taking pictures of her in the fresh snow right after she gets up from her nap. She's going to love it...or at least thats what I'm hoping for.

We had a wonderful Christmas thanks to Tanner's parents. The last few years they have started a new tradition of Shepherds' night on Christmas Eve. A family from their ward came with their four children and two of our Church's missionaries came as well. We ate a meal on the floor similar to one the shepherds may have had. We then had a little program that was so wonderful.

Yep, thats right folks, I was the Angel bringing "glad tidings". It was a lot of fun to see the surprised looks on the kids faces when I walked out. Everything is better with children, thats a fact. It was such a great way to prepare for Christmas and remember the birth of the Savior.

On Christmas morning we gave a gift to the Savior before opening our own gifts (Thats how Tanner's mom puts it and I just love that!) . We went to a Retirement Home and sang carols to the residents. I had a blast visiting with all the wonderful people there and Mariah was the girl of the hour. No surprise there. She was ooohed and aaaahed enough to last her the rest of her life.

The only half-decent picture we were able to get there. Our fancy camera couldn't handle the lighting.

We then went home and opened our gifts. I actually took some pictures! I'm pretty proud of myself.

Mariah was a little confused with the present opening, but she didn't mind chewing on the wrapping paper. It was a wonderful Christmas!

A Little Christmas Cheer

There's snow in Kirksville! Everyone kept telling me that it snowed a lot here but I didn't believe them. I'm used to snow by Halloween after living in the mountains of Nevada and the polar ice-cap known as Rexburg, Idaho. But it has finally snowed, and it's a good amount and still going strong. Sorry Kirksville, I believe you now.

Pictures, just in case there are other doubters out there.

Mariah and I are going to camp out at home today. No use trying to brave the blizzard with an 8 month old; at least thats my excuse. I may even stay in my pajamas all day. Not that I need an excuse like a blizzard to do that...

This last weekend we made a quick trip to Salt Lake City for my little sister Brittany's wedding. It was exhausting, and way too short. But I'm so glad we went. The sealing was wonderful, Brittany was beautiful, Mike was dashing and I'm just so happy for them! I love my family.

Mariah got some early Christmas presents from Grandma and Grandpa Young. Perfect timing with this winter storm.

I would never have the confidence to wear animal print and frankly I wouldn't be caught dead in a fluffy, pink jacket bedazzled with sequins (sorry mom). But that is why you have baby girls people! Baby girls rock all those clothes you could not or would not ever wear. It's just wonderful. As you can see from the pictures the hoods really stress her out. And yes, I do make my bed occasionally. It just never seems to be made for pictures. I know, very odd.

Tanner and I have been using a website for our scripture study. It is the 25daysofChrist.com. Tanner's mom suggested it and it has been wonderful. Each night we study a story of the Savior and there is usually a video to go along with it. It has helped me to focus on what Christmas is really all about and I'm grateful for that. So in that spirit, here is a wonderful video. Enjoy!

Eight Months!!

Mom: Another month! I can't believe it!

Mariah: Yeah, it's been a good one.

Mom: What have you been up to this last month?

Mariah: Well, I got to spend a few days with Grandpa and Grandma Crossley which was so fun! I really love those people. I loved Thanksgiving break because of all of the attention I got. Plus I got to spend a whole week with daddy home! I was in heaven. No offense mom, but it gets kind of boring with just you and I in the house.

Mom: None taken. What really makes you happy Mariah?

Mariah: Well I just love other people! Whenever someone walks into our house I just squeal with excitement. I especially love other babies like me. I jabber to them but they usually just stare at me.

This is my good friend Ella. We like to play together. 

Mom: Some people just can't seem to handle your enthusiasm for life, they'll get used to it.

Mariah: I also love to smile at everyone in the grocery store. I think I have a fan club there.

Mom: You're pretty popular. What else makes you happy?

Mariah: For a while I just loved to squint my eyes. I did it when I was smiling or crying. I seem to have gotten over that though. I love when you come get me out of the crib in the morning and after naps. I get so excited I can barely handle myself. I love to give you big, wet, open-mouthed kisses too. It's just my way of showing how much I love you. I like to give daddy kisses too, but I'm not sure how to handle his prickly face. I also love to claw at your face but you don't seem to like that little trick.

Mom: I'm hoping you get out of that phase soon. How is the eating situation?

Mariah: I love when you blend up whatever you and daddy are eating for me to eat! I feel like such a big girl. You even can sneak some avocado in with other foods sometimes. I'm learning my pincer grasp and have gotten pretty good at picking things up off my tray. I'm getting better at putting the food into my mouth but most just ends up in my lap. I love to rub whatever I'm eating all over my face. You seem to really love it too.

Mom: Well it isn't my favorite...but you could do worse things. Do you move around much?

Mariah: I'm rolling all over the place and I don't mind being on my stomach anymore. I even sleep on my stomach sometimes. I haven't really tried crawling yet, I'm lacking the motivation in that department. So when I get bored with rolling I just cry until you come get me. With a mom like you why would any baby learn to crawl?

Mom: I guess you have a point. How have you been sleeping?

Mariah: I haven't really changed much with my sleeping habits. I still wake up 2-3 times a night to nurse. I know I probably don't really need to do that but I just get so lonely in my crib. And you love the special 2:00 am bonding times don't you?

Mom: Probably less than you think. So you're quite the talker aren't you?

Mariah: Oh I'm always chatting it up. I love experimenting with new sounds. My favorite one to do right now is growling. I even try to babble in a low gravelly voice. It just sounds so cool. I also still like to scream as high as I can.

Mom: I don't know where you learned to talk so much...you must get that from your dad. What is one of your favorite things to do each day?

Mariah: Bath time! I just love to kick my legs as hard as I can and see how wet I can get you. I also try to take drinks out of the tub but I'm not very good at it so if I do it without you catching me I end up choking and coughing for a while. You don't like that very much. When you get me out and try to get me dressed I just cry and cry because I'm so sad that bath time is over. But then you read me a story and I feel happier.

Mom: Have you learned any words?

Mariah: I don't know if it's a word, but I like to say "mom" when I'm feeling sad and you get so excited. I don't really know why; I just like to babble.

Mom: Well you are just my favorite and I can't believe how big you are getting! You are such a sweet, special girl Mariah Jeanne and I love you!

Mariah: Love you too mom.

The Break of all Breaks

I'm finally getting around to blogging about Thanksgiving break. I had been looking forward to last week for so long and it was wonderful, simply wonderful.

We stayed in Kirksville for the break and Tanner's parents came down from Pittsburgh to be with us. Mariah was giddy. She's used to just boring old me all day every day so three other people in the house was a dream come true. She even got to stay up later and skip a couple naps, yippee! (I'm paying for it this week, by the way).

Admiring Grandpa's Silly Face

On Tuesday we traveled down to Liberty Jail and Independence, Missouri. I love being able to visit church sites. They help me to remember the great sacrifices others made so I could be where I am today. It was the perfect thing to do during the season of gratitude.

Tanner got to play a 2 hour card game with his dad. Which was a real treat for him because my attention span for games only lasts a solid 15 minutes.

Mariah's bunny was their third player, I heard he was pretty ruthless. 

And I was able to talk someone else's head off and give Tanner a break, Tanner's mom is so fun to talk with. She has so many great insights and experiences to share. I love it.

Thanksgiving was wonderful and we had so much food. Of course I didn't take a picture of the bounteous meal; who takes pictures of food anyways? Anyone who knows anything knows that you eat food, you don't take pictures of it. We had the Elders over for dinner and they helped put a dent in the feast, but of course, no pictures of them either. But I do have a picture of Baby Girl with the Crossley Cranrasberry sauce on her face. She loved it, she is officially a part of the Cranrasberry Club.

After dinner we went to the Anderson's for pie. They had a great theory, "if everyone got together and brought their pies, there would be more of a variety." Geniuses, pure and simple.

This break was fantastic and made me all the more excited for Christmas. Tanner's mom said it best, "Thanksgiving is a great way to prepare us for the Christmas season by showing gratitude to our Savior."

Tanner's parents are gone and he is back in school. And Mariah and I are going through withdrawals. I think this picture sums up our feelings perfectly:

Yes, I'm one of those parents who takes pictures of their sad child, I just couldn't resist

Finals Week

We are experiencing our first finals week of Medical School. This isn't going to be news to anyone but I'm just going to say it, Medical School isn't easy.

Here's a little perspective: Tanner took as many credits these last four months to equal the average amount of credits it takes to get a bachelors. What I did in 32 months (rough estimation), Tanner has done in 4. He is my hero. 

This has been Tanner's schedule for the past several weeks: 

Leave each morning around 7am (if it's a test day he's studying by 5am)

Come home for dinner at 6pm

Leave for campus at 7pm

Come home around 10-11pm

He has all this ammunition, but I rarely hear Tanner complain. Sure he says that it is hard, but he is not a whiner. I'm pretty positive no one would want to be around me if I were in medical school because I'd be throwing pity-me-parties all the time. But not Tanner. After having ridiculous amounts of information thrown at him each day, he still comes home with a smile and great attitude for Mariah and I. He even helps me out with little things after his killer long days. Yes, I do know how lucky I am. 

One of the blessings that has come from medical school is how we have learned and are still learning to use the time we do have together. I cherish the conversations we have each night as we get ready for bed, and Sundays are heavenly. 

We both are aware of the many prayers that are given in our behalf and are so grateful for all of the support we receive. I know that this is just the beginning but I also know this, we will not just survive medical school, we will thrive in medical school. We have already learned so much and gotten closer and it is just the beginning.  

The purpose of this post wasn't to create pity or sympathy. My hope is that this post will help others to see that hard things can be done. And just maybe, some day these words may give me the strength I need to endure and learn from some other finals week. 

And since I cannot do a post without mentioning baby girl, here's a photo with her cool hairdo... 

The flash was just a teensy too bright but I thought it was kind of hilarious. She makes this medical school business all worth it! 

Holy Cow She's Seven Months Old...

Mom: You are seven months old!

Mariah: Yep!

Mom: Now that you've gone a whole month eating solid foods, what are some of your favorites?

Mariah: I love sweet potatoes, applesauce, bananas and tonight I tried acorn squash for the first time and really loved it. I don't know why it tasted so darn good but after the first bite I got so excited I started waving my arms around and rocking out in my high chair.

Mom: It may have been the butter and brown sugar I put on the squash (yes I know, "a 7 mo. old eating sugar?!" I was too lazy to make something separate for Mariah so I decided to just share the 'big kids' squash with her). You were pretty hyper after that so I think we're going to keep sugar out of your diet for a little longer.

Mariah: Bummer.

Mom: Any food you don't like?

Mariah: Avocados for sure! I can barely gag them down.

Mom: It's alright, I wasn't a fan of them as a child either. What are your favorite things to do?

Mariah: I just love my walker! Right when you put me in it I head over to the stove and dishwasher to talk to my friend.

Mom: I don't blame you; she's pretty cute. Here, I'll put up a video of you going to your happy place.

Mariah: I forgot how fun it was to blow rasberries. I haven't done that for a while.

Mom: Yeah, I was sad when you stopped. What else do you like to do?

Mariah: I love when you or dad throw me up in the air or give me airplane rides. I also really like getting bounced on your knees and playing "This is the Way the Lady Rides". I'm starting to really like it when you read to me too and I get so excited when you turn the page. I love sucking on your face but don't get to do it very often because you are always dodging me.

Mom: I'm not a big fan of that last one.

Mariah: Oh and I love other babies! I smile so big when I see them. I'm also smiling more at strangers which keeps all my admirers at the grocery store happy.

Mom: It sure does. How do you sleep?

Mariah: Bedtimes are much better but I still make sure you come in a couple times before I fall asleep by rolling onto my stomach and crying until you come and turn me back over.

Mom: You'll figure out how to roll from your stomach to your back eventually.

Mariah: Oh I've been working on it! I get up a couple of times in the night to eat but then I go right back to sleep when I'm done. Naps are a mystery each day. I never know how long I'm going to sleep. But that keeps life exciting!

Mom: So exciting. Are you sitting up now?

Mariah: Like a champ! I fell back and bumped my head so now when I don't want to sit up anymore I cry and hope that you'll come and lay me down.

Mom: You're a smart one. Well Baby Girl I love you so much and just love to see you grow and learn new things.

Mariah: love you too mom! Thanks for visiting with me!

Pun'kin Patch

Last year on Halloween Tanner and I really got into the holiday. Tanner worked all day and I made pizza "Crossley style" (it's wonderful, those Crossleys know how to make pizza). Tanner came home and we ate pizza with my little brother Tyler. We didn't even think about costumes. Lame, I know.

Luckily this year we have great friends who threw a Halloween party. This meant I had to come up with costumes. And since I'm such a crafty person, I quickly called my actual crafty mother and begged her to mail us some old classics and then prayed they would arrive in time for the party. The mail Gods were smiling down on us because we got them the day before the party.

A pumpkin patch and its/their? farmer! Took less than an hour to put together which was a good thing because thats all the time we had that day. Plus I think Mariah looks just precious as a little pumpkin, and I think my pumpkin had a slimming effect on me. I know people could argue that we were technically Jack O' Lanterns, but then I would have actually had to come up with something creative for Tanner to be which would have required making a costume. That wasn't happening, so we were pumpkins.
There were a lot of people at this party and I wasn't having much fun running into everyone and everything so my costume stayed on a total of ten minutes. I'm just not that hard core. Sorry.
There were so many awesome costumes though. I wish I would have taken more pictures but this is all that I got:

The first one are of the Hills as Hera, Zeus and Baby Hercules, second picture are the Bouwhuis family minus Princess Peach and their costume is pretty obvious, and the third one is the Miners as well, miners. Yes, these are the people I hang out with, yes I know how lucky I am. Maybe their creativity will begin to rub off on me.  Here's to hoping...
The party was great. We had dinner in a pumpkin, a pinata and minute to win it games. Chelsea and Colette did a great job putting it all together! Thanks guys for getting the Crossleys to actually dress up for Halloween.

I forgot to blog last week...so maybe I'll do two posts this week! Don't get your hopes up; I make no promises.

I love Sundays; I always have. I love the opportunity to renew covenants that I have made and gather in worship with others. (For those of you who are curious as to what the Crossley family believes you can click here. The videos on this website are awesome! I like to watch them when I'm in need of a spiritual boost.)

At the beginning of this adventure known as medical school Tanner decided he wouldn't study on Sundays. Which gives me one more reason to love that day so much!

This Sunday Mariah and I got to tag along with Tanner on one of his church assignments. We visited the wonderful Sorhus family. It was so much fun. They have a wonderful assortment of exotic animals.

This tiny little bundle of joy is a Juliana Piglet. Oh My Word...so cute. I grew up with pigs and after all of my experiences the only kind of pig I like is a baby pig. This was the cutest baby pig I have ever seen. It was so teeny tiny, it had the most dainty squeal. Juliana's grow to be about the size of a pot belly pig. I was in love.

Then there were the bengal kittens

Mariah was so excited. These cats grow up to be really beautiful. I couldn't get a good picture of the adults but if you're really interested you can google them. Yes, I'm lazy.

There was an older kitten that I couldn't get to come to me, but of course, it hopped right on Tanner's lap and made itself at home:

Here's the irony in it all...Tanner hates cats, can't stand them. But they just looove him. Two summers ago we went to Point Reyes in San Francisco for my birthday and there was a cat there that would not leave Tanner alone. Tanner knelt down to get something out of his bag and the cat pounced. I was trying to get the cat to come to me, but she waltzed right by to jump into this handsome man's lap. Can't blame her.

You can just see the love in his face

I think the truth is that Tanner is a crazy cat lady stuck in a manly man body, he just doesn't want to admit it. But the cats know; they can sense it.

Then there was the Norwegian Fjord:

I've only seen these in zoos so I was pretty excited to get a picture. 

They also have, miniature Jersey cows, sheep, three dogs that look kind of like Brittany Spaniels but aren't Brittany Spaniels, chickens, and will be getting a goat soon. These people are my heroes.

I have been missing animals. The other night I caught a cat wandering around our house and tried to bring it into the house, I figured Tanner would get a real kick out of it. Anyways, I could only hold it with one hand so I had to kick on the door, hoping Tanner would come open it for me. The cat was wiggling up a storm, probably because it could sense the cat lady in Tanner coming and was just so excited. In its excitement it wriggled out of my grasp and ran off before Tanner could open the door. He wasn't as disappointed as I thought he would be when he found out the cat got away. Sorry, random tangent to show you how deprived of animal interaction I was feeling. 

Though the animals were all pretty amazing, I think my favorite at the Sorhus farm was David:

He was Mariah's favorite too. Boy did he love to talk. We struggled understanding what he was saying but his parents spoke his language so they translated for us. He was so adorable. I mean, look at that bow tie. What a cutie patootie.

Mariah's New Trick

It's so fun when Mariah discovers something new that she can do. This is one of the few times she has actually done this little trick so I'm glad I caught it on film. 

Don't you just love those chubby cheeks? They are too much. And sorry about all of my face, the only way I could get her to cooperate was if she could see herself being filmed on the ipod.

Daddy's Little Girl

This is going to be a mushy feel-good post. So if that isn't your thing, don't feel obligated to read on...you've been warned.

Lately I've been thinking a lot about Tanner and Mariah's special relationship. There is no denying it, from day one Mariah has been crazy about her Dad.

This picture was taken when Mariah was only a little over a week old. Tanner was singing to her and she lifted her head and looked right at him as if to say, "Oh, it's you! I've waited a long time to be with you." If we hadn't taken a picture of it I would have never believed it. This picture still makes me feel all warm inside and emotional and I'm pretty sure it always will.

Tanner and Mariah in their "onesies" (Tanner had to wear coveralls for work sometimes)

I would try to imagine how Tanner would be as a dad and he is all that I imagined and more with Mariah. He is so very tightly wrapped around her dainty little finger. I love to watch them interact together.

Mariah gets so excited when Tanner comes home. She just lights up when he talks to her. He doesn't have to do much to make her happy. One of the greatest things is the calming effect he has on her. There will be times when I am trying everything to make her happy and Tanner will take her and she will be content in no time.

Watching ESPN together-Tanner is indoctrinating her

You may be wondering why I decided to do this kind of a post. Well I'll tell you. Tanner is shadowing a doctor today and he came out of the bedroom looking all sorts of Doctor Dapper (I just came up with that on my own, I'm kind of pleased with myself). I wanted a picture of him and the first thing Tanner did was pick up Mariah to pose for me. It just made me think how special these two and their relationship are to me. When I was pregnant if someone would have told me that the baby I was carrying for 9+ months was going to love her daddy best I probably would have been a tad disagreeable with them, to put it mildly. But now that I see this wonderful bond that they share I wouldn't have it any other way. Mariah couldn't pick a better person to adore and look up to.

Boy am I crazy about these two! They are my life and my love and I couldn't be happier. 

Our Six Month Diva

Mom: Can you believe we are already doing another interview? Seriously Mariah, you should stop growing for a little bit.

Mariah: Sorry mom but thats asking a little too much of me.

Mom: You're right; I thought it was worth a try. So six months! What are some big things that have happened to you lately?

Mariah: Well I had solid foods for the first time on Sunday!

Mom: And what did you think?

Mariah: I'm not too sure. But I don't think I have a choice but to just swallow the weird stuff.

Mom: And I'm going to let you keep thinking that....Can I put up a video of you trying some food?

Mariah: Sure!

Mom: Too cute! What else has been happening this past month?

Mariah: Well I learned how to roll from my back to my stomach! The first time I did it was in the crib so you didn't even get to see it. Sorry about that.

Mom: Don't even worry about it! I'm just so excited that you figured that out. Now you just need to learn how to roll back to your back.

Mariah: Don't get your hopes up, that could take a while.

Mom: What is your favorite sound to make?

Mariah: I just love to scream/squeal as high as I possibly can, one of those ear piercing ones, over and over and over again!

Mom: And boy do mom and dad just love that. But at least it means you're happy...most of the time.

Mariah: Yeah sometimes I do the scream when I'm mad too. But you can't blame me; nothing gets your attention faster than when I do that.

Mom: You're a smart one. How was your doctors appointment today?

Mariah: Well I just loved the Doctor and her staff. I couldn't stop staring at them all. They were such nice ladies. It could have ended better though.

Mom: Yeah, vaccinations are rough. Can I tell everyone how much you've grown?

Mariah: I'm ok with that

Mom: Well Mariah now weighs 16.6 pounds and is 26.5 inches long! Yes, she is going to be a long tall Sally.

Mariah: You're making me blush!

Mom: What are some of your new discoveries?

Mariah: I found my feet! I just love sucking on my toes. I even pull my socks off sometimes so I can play with them. It's so fun!

Mom: I'm glad you're an easy pleaser. Well this has been great! Let's do it again!

Mariah: Sounds great! I have a pretty open schedule. Can't wait!

Yes, I do Jog...Occasionally

I am part of an exercise group on campus. Woohoo for getting in shape! I commit to helping watch the children one day a week while the other mothers work out and then I get to work out the other four days. I love it! Today is my day to watch with two other wonderful ladies. It can get a little crazy, lots of kids who scream more than whisper. But thats not what this post is about.
I decided that I should jog to the gym on Wednesdays so that I can still get a "workout" (we live very close to the gym, about 1.5 miles away, still better than nothing). Mariah really likes the jogging stroller; she loves looking up through the little window in the canopy and watching me wheeze, huff and puff along. She even laughed today. Takes after her father; I ran back into the house the other day while Tanner waited in the car and when I got back he was laughing. I didn't even have to ask why he was laughing. Most wouldn't call my run athletic, but it gets me where I'm going so it doesn't hurt my feelings that both my husband and daughter find it amusing.
Back on topic! It was a little breezy today so I tucked Mariah into a blanket. Sometime on the jog/shuffle the blanket was lost. Thats how out of shape I am; I didn't notice the blanket was gone until we got to the gym. I didn't want Mariah to get cold on the way back so I decided to improvise...

It worked great! I think I'll do this whenever it gets cold. That way when she's laughing hysterically at me her covers won't fall off. Plus she just looks so darn cute.

New Kicks!

The other day I decided to see if Mariah's little sneakers fit her. And truthfully when I say the other day I really mean several weeks ago. But who blogs chronologically? Obviously not this family. But I digress. The shoes fit! And she looked darn cute. You may say I'm a little partial but I'll let you judge for yourselves...

Thanks Melinda for the cute shoes! Mariah loves them.

Yesterday there was a craft fair in Kirksville. Nicole and I decided to go down and see what great deals we could get and ended up running into Lane and Molly. We were just too cute walking around with our strollers. There was a lot of neat stuff. Did I buy any of it? No. Could I have bought any of it? I did give myself a budget, but I just decided to bribe Tanner there with Ribs and spent the budget on that. Missouri is known for their BB-Q. Totally worth it. Everyone knows 99.9% of the time I will pick food over any home decor. And Tanner will always pick food over home decor. We speak the same language; we were destined to be together.

The chilluns: Ella, Mariah and Adalyn, who decided her time was better spent napping. Can't blame her. 

The weather was beautiful and the company was even better. Didn't take any pictures of the adults. I'll do better next time. Maybe my pictures will even turn out a little better...

5 Month Interview

Mom: Are you ready for your second interview?
Mariah: I was born ready! I don't know why you didn't start these earlier.
Mom: Neither do I. How does it feel to be five months old?
Mariah: Wonderful! I have learned so much!
Mom: Would you be willing to share some of the things you have learned?
Mariah: Well, I just love mouths, especially when they are talking. I can't seem to look at anything else. I love to look at you and put my hand up on your face. For some reason you really seem to like that.
Mom: It just melts my heart. Go on with what you have learned.
Mariah: I'm babbling a lot more now, but I'm still pretty quiet about it. I wouldn't want to draw too much attention to myself. I also recently discovered that during bath time it is a lot of fun to suck on the washcloth! I'd really enjoy it if you weren't pulling it out of my mouth all the time.
Mom: Sorry, for some reason I can't get over the fact that you are putting something that cleaned your bottom into your mouth. What did you do this past week?
Mariah: I'm so glad you asked! I got to go to Grandma and Grandpa Young's and play with my cousins Trey, Emerson and Elise. It was a lot of fun!
Mom: What else did you do while you were there?
Mariah: We had a little photo shoot out in the front yard. I didn't like it much at the beginning and made sure you all knew. But after you fed me and I had a five minute nap I decided picture taking wasn't that bad after all!
Mom: Is it alright if I put some pictures up from that?
Mariah: Please do! I think everyone would love that.

Mariah: We're a good lookin' group of kids!
Mom: You sure are. Did you miss Dad while we were gone?
Mariah: Yes I did. Especially at night time. I just cried and cried. I think I would have been much better if Daddy would have been there.
Mom:  I would have been too. How were the plane rides?
Mariah: Lots of fun! I liked how nice everyone was to me. I loved looking at the people behind us. They seemed to always be smiling at me and making funny faces. I didn't really like how my ears felt, but I didn't cry for too long. It was a great adventure; I don't know why you were so nervous to go with me alone.
Mom: I guess it had to do with some horror stories I have heard. Mariah, is there anything you really don't like?
Mariah: I'm a very happy girl but there are a few things that really get my dander up. I really don't like bedtime. I just know it's coming when you walk into my bedroom and I usually lose it before you ever lay me down in the crib. If I had it my way I'd stay up 'til eleven every night. I also can't stand tummy time. I tolerate it for about 30 seconds than I let you know how much I disapprove of the silly practice.
Mom: Is that why you haven't rolled over yet?
Mariah: Probably, why would I roll onto my stomach? That would be miserable.
Mom: Well this has been great! Let's do it next month!
Mariah: I would love to!

Thank Heavens for Mariah!

At the beginning of this great adventure known as a blog I committed to post something at least once a week. A week has gone by and I really don't have much to work with. Not that we haven't done anything...well actually, if I were to document Tanner's week one picture would be sufficient: studying. But Mariah and I have had some fun! :) Sadly I still am not very good at bringing a camera to document our fun, like our afternoon at the lake, or our evening walks, shopping trips, play time, you get the point. So instead I'm just going to post some old but awesome pictures of the favorite in the family. You're welcome...

New outfit from Aunt Mandie! Obviously she loves it...

Bath time is a more enjoyable experience. She used to be so tiny! 

The other day we went over to Lisa's house to do a photo shoot. We about killed ourselves trying to get Mariah to smile. When I got home I was changing her diaper and the somber child decided that I was funny and laughed...well, better late than never. I blame the camera, she just was too distracted by it to smile. Here's a few for your enjoyment!

Love this little girl! 

Maybe when I get the rest I'll do a whole post of just pictures from the shoot. I know thats really the only reason why you check this blog.

White Coat Ceremony

Tanner is now one step closer to being a doctor. Last Saturday was his white coat ceremony. It basically was a ceremony where the new students received their white coats. But you probably already figured that out. Anyways, I think it helped to set a precedence of the honor that comes with being a doctor.

I got a little emotional when Tanner walked across the stage. It was so special to see one of his dreams begin. He has worked so hard for this opportunity and we are so grateful that he has been given this chance. 

Tanner and I have already made so many friends that will be going through the same things as him. We are so blessed to have such a great support system. We met all these wonderful people through our church. One of the many perks and blessings to being a Latter Day Saint! Half of the friends we have met here in Kirksville aren't in the picture. It would take a lot of effort to get them all together for a photo. 

The guy in the middle that Tanner is pointing at is Chase Warner. Tanner and Chase were mission companions in Brazil. We are so glad that he and his wonderful family are here with us! 

Mariah was pretty good during the ceremony. She decided the view would be better if mom was standing in the back but we didn't have to leave the auditorium once! I'm so proud of her! 

As you can see by Mariah's face she is as thrilled for Dad as I am. Don't worry, she really is, she just has a hard time expressing emotion. 

My dear friend Lisa Hill took most of these photos. Our camera really struggled in the auditorium. Thanks Lisa you are wonderful! 

4 Months Old! 

Baby girl is getting so big. She turned 4 months on my birthday so we were able to celebrate together. Mariah was able to get a lot of "processed" chocolate that day and I'm sure she just loved it.
Everyone has their own way of showing how their little one has changed. But since I'm not very creative I'm just going to steal one I saw on another blog.

Interview with Mariah Jeanne Crossley 

Mom: Mariah, would you be willing to answer some questions for your adoring public?
Mariah: I would be glad to.
Mom: You've been learning a lot of things since you came to this earth, want to share a few?
Mariah: I know how to grab onto things which has made me so happy because now I can put everything in my mouth.  I learned how to really shock you and daddy by being in a completely different place in the crib than how you left me. I just love your faces when that happens. I have also figured out how to roll onto my side for a change of scenery; you seem to think that is so cute, but I don't see what the big deal is.
Mom: I think everything you do is cute.
Mariah: True
Mom: Next question: what is your favorite toy?
Mariah: When I got my 4 month shots the nice nurse gave me a rattle. I love how the handle is just the right size for my little hands and when I shake it I get so excited. I also love the bunny Grandma Young gave me at the hospital. The ears are perfect for sucking on. Mom, can you put up the picture of me with my bunny?
Mom: This one?

Mariah: Yep thats it, I just know Grandma will like it. Thanks mom.
Mom: Mariah would you consider yourself a pretty good sleeper?
Mariah: Well that would depend on the day. Some days I just love to nap. I've been known to nap four hours straight and sleep nine hours through the night. But other days you aren't as lucky; I want to spend more time with you so I'll only sleep about twenty minutes and then be ready to play again. But you're so fun mom, can you blame me?
Mom: I try not to. Is Daddy still your favorite?
Mariah: Of course he is. When I haven't seen him all day I get so excited when he gets home and starts talking to me. But don't worry mom, I love you too. Especially when I'm hungry.
Mom: Well this has been so fun! How about we do it again in another month?
Mariah: I can't wait!

Mariah and I playing Backgammon with Daddy on our Birthday

Quarter Century

Yesterday was my birthday. My 25th birthday to be exact. Yikes...

Besides the getting older part it was a great day. Mariah decided she wanted to be the first to wish me a happy birthday so she woke up at around 3 in the morning. Luckily we didn't "celebrate" for too long and I was able to go back to bed for a little while. 

When Tanner asked me what I wanted for my birthday I said all the ice cream I could eat. And then I also requested a shelf made out of a pallet. He bought me my own personal quart of chocolate fudge brownie ice cream and made me a shelf...he's a keeper. Maybe some day I'll put up a picture of the shelf, just too lazy to go take a picture right now. 

We went to the Farmers market here with our new good friends Marshall and Lisa; they are wonderful. It was raining with a vengeance. Which made all the farmers very happy and us very wet. But we had fun. I just thought you might like to see how Mariah's hair handles the humidity. Poor thing, she isn't a fan of pictures, just like her daddy. 

Later that day we went to the Battle of Kirksville reenactment. Very enlightening. 

I don't know what was with the preacher guy, but boy was he gutsy. Prancing around right in the line of fire. Apparently my favorite pose with Tanner is the hugging pose...hmm. 

The Yankees were able to defeat the Johnny Rebs, much to the disappointment of most of the locals. They're still a little bitter about the whole thing. Which made it all the more fun! Mariah slept through all the cannon shots and rifle fire and other chaos. She'll learn her history eventually. 

We ended the day with a Birthday party thrown by our other new friends Talon and Nicole. Because of the weather they decided to have it at Morgan and Jeremy's spacious home (yep, more new friends, are you starting to see a trend here?). It was great to spend time with a lot of new friends. 

I had a wonderful birthday! You can't go wrong with fresh produce, johnny rebs, and chocolate. 

Auctions and Such

Since we arrived in Missouri we have heard a lot about the auctions around here. Auctions are a big deal in this place. They have one every weekend at the McMain Auction House:

After going to this auction I have decided that Kirksville is a great place for hoarders. There were boxes and boxes of what I would classify as worthless but people were bidding on it. They really follow the motto, one man's junk is another man's treasure. This place was packed full of all kinds of things: furniture, creepy dolls, coins, costume jewelry, TVs, dishes...the list goes on and on. I don't know how they kept track of everything.
Our favorite were the auctioneers themselves. These men were talented.

We didn't see anything that we wanted to bid on but I had fun and Tanner seemed to enjoy it; Mariah was bored. But if bored means sleep and not tears then we're ok with that!