Why it has been a while...

Okay, so I know I haven't posted for a little while. Here is why: I "tweaked" my back. Basically, I pulled a muscle in my lower back and I have been on bedrest last week. This week has flown by, especially because J had Monday and Tuesday off of work. We were supposed to go to Fresno for my family reunion, but we missed it because I couldn't travel. I am doing much better now; perhaps this was the kick that I needed to get my butt in gear, because I have been going to the gym this week and I already have next week scheduled (I have to make an appointment with the gym daycare for Zuri). I need to get myself into shape; not only because I hate being this heavy, but also for my health. I am not saying this happened because of my weight; I just think that if I were doing the weight training like I know I should, then I wouldn't have thrown my back out with something as simple as putting Zuri in her carseat.
On a much better note, Zuri had her 12 month check-up and immunizations and she is finally on the growth charts! Whoohoo! Her pediatrician is very happy with her progress, but he wants to run a few more blood tests, just in case...So tired of all the tests, but I know he is just trying to make sure we don't miss anything that could be easily correctable if caught early (and cover himself so we can't come back and sue him--just love society). Still....everything comes back that she is normal, just little. I was little as well, and I am just fine. Okay, done complaining! :-)

Backyard Adventure

Today we went to Backyard Adventure for Perla's and Rafael's birthday; it is an indoor/outdoor play center. Zuri had a blast on the slide and on the swing (she was too little to do much else). In fact, when I tried to take her out of the swing she threw a fit. We also got a good picture of her vampire teeth. In case you can't see them in the first picture, I zoomed in for the second picture. You can also see her front teeth coming in, so she won't be our little vampire baby for much longer.

In other news: J's sister, Maria, had her baby yesterday. Emery Jonathan is 6 pounds 9 ounces and 19 inches long. Both mom and baby are in good health and doing well. They have already been released from the hospital and made the drive from Southern Utah to Central Utah. We are excited for the new addition to the family!

Look Who's Walking Now

Zuri's on the prowl! Okay, so she's not completely walking on her own yet, but she is almost there! She takes about six or seven steps at a time and then usually plops down. Last week we had no indication she even had a desire to walk. On Sunday night she was standing, holding onto the chair, and she took three steps forward. Since then she has been walking more and more, but usually only with the prompting of J or me. Still, it's a start! (Video to come soon!)

Our Little Vampire

It was harder than we thought getting a good picture of Zuri's vampire teeth. Her tongue would invariably get in the way. We were able to get these two shots, although a bit blurry, you can see her canines! These are her first teeth--so funny. We call her our little vampire, although that won't last much longer because she has a front tooth peeking through. It will be nice when teething is all over with, for her and for us. I am told that the canines and the molars are the teeth that hurt the most when they come through. Well, she is half way done then! :-)

...and thus my frustration

This is Zuri's new trick. She has figured out that she can stand in her high chair. She loves to hold the back of the chair and shake it. Oh, the fun... She has no interest in eating and it drives me crazy. She would rather play, so play she does.

Zuri turns 1

Okay, time for a little nostalgia. Zuri turned one on Friday (pictures of parties to come). It's hard to believe that a year ago she was in the hospital...oh the trying time we had. It was truly the grace of God that helped us through that time. We had so much support and love poured out to us from family and friends and neighbors and ward members. To this day we cannot express our gratitude to the full extent. I look back on the days that my little girl was in the hospital hooked up to the monitors with the feeding tube through her nose and the times she turned blue, and I know the only way I made it through was with the help that was given from God and from everyone. There were times when I felt her life was slipping away from me, and just when I had given up hope, we got to take her home. How grateful I am for this little treasure we have in our lives. Even though she is still small, she is smart, and full of life; never wanting to miss a single thing. She is a cheerful soul; she is a fighter. Happy Birthday Zurie.

Wicked!

Last Friday, J and I had the opportunity to go see Wicked! up in Salt Lake. If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend it. I knew the basics of the play, but it was a lot different (in a very good way) than I thought. My next task is to read the book. I won't ruin it for anyone who doesn't like spoilers, but it definitely challenges your view on what you thought you knew about the Wizard of Oz, and, get this, it has a happy ending. :-) Absolutely loved it!