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.