Mommy, Delaney, Diana, and Nolan Smith at Maple Lake Elementary Baby Shower

Delaney's sour face when she tried pears

The girls scrap booking together

I think Laney is texting her friends on her cell phone in this picture

"No! I don't want to!" Of course, I hear this all the time from Alan. He is 2 and it comes with the territory. I never thought I would hear it from Delaney so early, but she has found her own ways to say it. Last week, she was an inspiration to all babies as far as eating her cereal goes. She would gladly open her mouth wide and gobble it down. Then . . . I gave her pears. She made the worst face you've ever seen, and wouldn't allow ANY spoon in her mouth for almost 5 days. No cereal, no nothing. I think she is finally getting over it now, but I've found out that my nice, easygoing little girl can really assert her will when she wants to!

We have been many places the last couple of weeks. We attended the Maple Lake Elementary Baby Shower, which was for all babies born or to be born this school year. Among the cute little cherubs were Nolan Smith (pictured above), Avery Kolehmainen, Delaney, and Ella Rassier. Teachers Bethany Linder, Adam Ronnenberg, and Joy Torgersen still await their bundles of joy. Delaney was held by many MLE educators, and Alan had a blast eating cupcakes and then burning off the sugar with his best friend (little Ella's big sister) Lauren. Let's just put it this way: people who have had a 2 year old boy thought he was being pretty good, since nothing was broken or ruined. People who have never had one were staring in let's-try-to-be-polite amazement. This is what happens almost everywhere we go.

A couple days later, we went to visit Lauren, Ella, and Michelle Rassier in Clearwater. Michelle escaped for a little bit of grocery shopping, and Delaney got to see what a big girl's room looks like, complete with all the Dora accessories you can imagine.

On Friday, we made a visit we wish we never had to make. We visited Dan's cousin Kacie in the hospital. To read more about Kacie, her car accident, and how you can pray for her, go to www.caringbridge.org and type in kaciecarlsted. It was good to be able to go see her, but I know all of us are struggling with what has happened and we continue to pray for her recovery each day. Alan says "We pray for Kacie to feel better. We love Kacie." And that pretty much sums it up.

Delaney had a fun weekend scrapbooking with Mommy and Jacque Boldt. You will notice in the picture that she was really getting involved and I am sure will soon need some of her own supplies.

We have also attended the HowardLake-Waverly-Winsted graduation ceremony where we saw Erick (Kacie's twin brother) graduate, and also accept Kacie's diploma on her behalf. Both Kacie and Erick have so much to be proud of - I hope our kids grow up to be like them someday!

On Monday, Delaney had her 6 month doctor appointment, complete with shots. Dr. Sidwell says that her "growing curve" is not going up sharply enough, so we are trying to fatten her up. But once again, she asserts her will and refuses to take a bottle of formula. So, I have started getting up early to give her extra feedings. All part of being a mom. But man I am getting tired!

Stay dry - looks like rain tonight!