Our Little Firecracker 
Big Smile for Daddy
"Miss Independent" playing in her ball pit!
Showing her teeth
Having fun on Grandpa's boat We rode all around Lake Murray and went swimming in the lake too!
After a busy day on the lake, Sarah Ann got to stay up way past her bedtime to see fireworks for the first time! She loved them!
Jeffrey had today off, so we decided to take a trip to Riverbanks Zoo this morning. It was such a beautiful day–the sun was shining, but it was not too hot…and the morning is the perfect time to go to the zoo because all of the animals have had their breakfast, and they are ready to play!
Each time we go to the zoo, Sarah Ann becomes more and more interested in the animals—today she talked to the lion cubs and just stared in awe at all of the fishes in the Ark. She liked watching the penguins swim and watching the elephants eat too! She was also able to get really close to the giraffes because people were trying to give them lettuce!
We had a great time together at the zoo! We love our dates with Daddy!
Today Sarah Ann turned 8 months old! It is crazy to think that this time last year, we just found out that Sarah Ann was a “she” and we started getting ready for her arrival! Sarah Ann brings so much joy and excitement to our day from the time she wakes up until the time she goes to sleep, and we fall more and more in love with our little Princess every single day! I feel so blessed to be staying at home with her now, so for our 8 month post I am going to list eight things I absolutely love (even though there are many, many more) about being at home with my sweet girl…
1. I love that she gets squirmy around 6:30 or 6:45. I go get her and put her in the bed with us, and we all sleep until around 7:45 or 8.
2. I love getting her ready every day–she squeals when we go look in her closet and pick out something for her to wear!
3. I love how she sits on the bed with her toys and and “talks” to me and smiles while I get ready.
4. I love going out and about with her. She gets everyones attention and smiles at everybody! Sarah Ann is such an easy baby to take places–whether its out to eat, the pool, cheerleading practice, or Target! She loves to shop too!
5. I love watching her play–she gets so excited about everything and is always so curious! It is so neat to see her discovering new things!
6. I love cuddling with her as she falls asleep–and sometimes in the afternoon I sneak in a little nap with her!
7. I love how she smiles so big and shows off those two bottom teeth when Jeffrey gets home from work and he gives her a kiss!
8. I love going to give her a goodnight kiss before Jeffrey and I go to bed, and knowing that when we wake up I get to spend the whole day with her again tomorrow!
On the way home today from visiting Grandpa and Daddy at work and having lunch, Sarah Ann got a little fussy in the car. Whenever she gets fussy in the car, we just sing “Old MacDonald” and it keeps her happy. There have been a few times, including today, when I have ran out of animals and sounds. Here are the list of animals we currently sing in the car…
As you can see, we have lots of verses, but sometimes it’s not quite enough to get us all the way home. So, I need your help! What other verses can I add to this very exciting song?
Nanny and Mommy love the beach—we just love being out in the sun! Ever since Jeffrey and I moved to Columbia, my Mom and I have pretty consistently taken day trips to the Isle of Palms during the summer. Jeffrey thought we were crazy to wake up and drive down there for a few hours on the beach, but to us it was the best way to spend a hot summer day! We knew that this summer would be different taking Sarah Ann along to the beach, but we were ready and excited for it! Sarah Ann is so flexible, and it makes the day go so smoothly! I have learned that it takes a lot more planning, but it is so worth it–for those few hours of soaking up sun, playing on the beach, swimming in the ocean, and seeing the excitement on Sarah Ann’s face as she experiences it all!
We have taken two day trips now, and it has gone very great! Here is what the day looks like for us…
Nanny bought a seasons pass to the Isle of Palms County Park, so we are planning for many more Tuesday trips down to the beach! We are very excited about being able to take trips during the later summer too, once everyone is back at school and it won’t be so crowded–Sarah Ann will be all over the place by then! Next week will be a new experience too–it will be our first whole week at the beach with Sarah Ann–we are looking forward to a lot of fun and making a lot of memories!
Our silly girl has lots of toys…she loves to play! Sarah Ann always has something in her hand or in her mouth. But even though she has all of those toys, she is more interested in all of the stuff she’s not necessarily suppose to play with!
This afternoon she was very intrigued by Daddy’s belt…
And then she helped Mommy make dinner…
She is also very interested in glasses, car keys, water bottles, cell phones and remotes! I am sure one day we will have to stop her from playing with some of this stuff…but for right now it definitely keeps our silly little girl happy!
Sarah Ann is loving all of the attention that she is getting from my cheerleaders so far this year! She just loves to be passed around between the girls and the parents–she just smiles and laughs and tries to grab any jewelry that any of them are wearing!
A couple of weeks ago, the team took an outing to the beach at Lake Murray after practice. Sarah Ann really liked playing in the water and on the beach with all of the big girls!
Very excited about going swimming!!
Her first stunt...I am sure there will be many more times like this!!
We are so looking forward to lots more fun this summer and fall! The girls are so great with Sarah Ann, and it so much fun to see her interact with them! She has a lot of great girls to look up to! Not to mention, it’s also nice to have lots of babysitters….
We had a great time celebrating Father’s Day on Sunday! Aunt Rachel and Granny and Papa (Jeffrey’s sister and grandparents) were in town this past weekend, so we had a lot of fun out at the lake with them and Grandpa and Ning! We were so blessed to be able to spend time with family, and it was so neat to see 4 generations of Broadwell’s all together! Sarah Ann is one lucky little girl to have so many people head over heels in love with her!
Here are a few pictures from our day…
Sarah Ann loves to cuddle, especially during nap time. Last week Jeffrey and Sarah Ann enjoyed a nice little nap on the couch. So precious!
Dear Daddy,
I hope that you had a wonderful first Father’s Day! I am so glad that you are my Daddy—you are definitely the best one in the world! Thank you for always playing with me, giving me baths, taking me for walks, singing to me, giving me lots of kisses, feeding me my yummy food during dinner, changing my diapers, and just loving me always!
Love your little girl,
Sarah Ann
Dear Jeffrey,
Thank you for being such a wonderful husband to me and an amazing Daddy to Sarah Ann! We are so blessed! We are so grateful for all of the love and care that you show us each and everyday! Thank you for always being willing to help, even after you’ve been at work all day. Thank you for being so involved in the life of our little girl—I hope that she grows up to be just like you! I love you very much! Happy Father’s Day!
Love,
Cortney
