Achievements

Malin is official no longer a baby! She is a little girl now, or at least she thinks so. About a month ago I went in to get her up from her nap, and found this.

Sometimes its annoying, I'll be trying to put her down, and she just keeps popping back up. Other times its cute. I'll go in to get her up, and shes just standing there smiling at me. Shes kinda learned that she doesn't have to cry for everything now. So I'll have stuck her down for a nap, and then I'll hear this little high pitch squeal, then another squeal 10 seconds later. This goes on till I go in her room, and there she is standing up smiling at me. I'll put her down, and if she just does it again I'll get her up. Most times she'll go to sleep, shes such a little crazy.

Malin is crawling ALL OVER, and has been for the last 3 weeks! Its really funny though, she hasn't figured out how to go from one room to the next.
Here she is wanting so bad to play with the broom and mop.


Hmmm, how do I crawl across this?


All right! Here I come.


And...Backing up!


It literally use to take her 20 min of going back and forth before She'd actually get across. She is doing a lot better now, and only takes 5 min haha.

This is her new approach. Hands and feet.


Not only has she learned to stand up in her crib, but everywhere else. The other day she was holding on to the couch with one hand, then all of a sudden she was standing by herself! Only for about 5 seconds, but crazy hey. If we help her balance she can stand for up to 20 seconds before she sits down.

Shes falling down in this picture, but she can really stand for a while by herself, we just couldn't capture it on camera.


One of her favorite things to do is to turn the playstation and T.V. off. What a little brat. Look how short her little legs are!!



I'm happy to announce Malin FINALLY has a tooth!! Its been along time coming. Malin is a HORRIBLE teether. She has been teething 4 times before that dang tooth decided to finally come out. This last time was particularly bad. She was super grouchy for a month! She got an ear infection and had a super high fever for 2 days. It was so sad, she just snuggled all day long. Then finally A TOOTH! Shes been as happy as ever, crawling all over the place and playing by herself all day long. Really hope every tooth isn't like that.

Of coarse she is still eating like a crazy lady! Since she had her chest and ear infection she has decided she doesn't like to nurse. For the last month its been a battle to get her to nurse. I can kinda force her to nurse in the morning, but that's about it. I decided last night she is close enough to 9 months, and am going to start her on milk. I gave her 3 ounces of homo milk, she loved it!!! I gave her another 3 ounces this morning. I know a lot of you probably think I'm a horrible Mom, and that I'm going to cause all sorts of problems for Malin. Lets look at the facts though. She wont nurse, so wont take formula, and she is in between the 5th and 10th percentile, and she was born at the 75%. Pretty sure she is better off on cows milk, then no milk at all. My Mom put me on cows milk at 5 months and I'm still alive.

She is shaking her head like she is saying no. I even swear she has said the word no twice.

She is getting so big. She really seems more like a little girl then a baby now. We bought her a toy that she can push around and walk with. We bought it a week ago and she has now figured out how to stand up without it rolling away and her falling on her face. She'll push it really slow and walk with it. Pretty sure within the next couple weeks she'll be running around the house with it. I just love this little girl!!! Whats not to love!

Quick Trip

Last weekend Janna and I decided to make a quick trip down to Southern AB. Raymond was splitting the wards, and my Dad got called to be a Bishop. Cant say I was really surprised when I found this out. My Dad is going to be a great Bishop.
It was a really fun trip. The kids were pretty good on the long drive. We stopped in Calgary for an hour on the way down. Balian had a bit of a stomach problem and threw up ALOT! Janna ended up changing his whole outfit, as well as her own.
Sunday we went to the town church meeting where they announced the new boundaries and Bishops. All the kids were there, it was super fun to be all together. We just hung out Monday morning. Grandma Dixie came and picked us up and took us to Barnwell, where we hung out with everyone for a couple hours.
We left Tuesday morning. The roads were a little scary. I counted 24 cars in the ditch from Reddeer to Edmonton. Once again the kids were pretty good up till the last 20 min. Then Bails just lost it, Malin wasn't to impressed either.
All in all it was a super fun trip. It was really nice to have a little road trip with Janna.

I am Thankful for...

Medicine!
Poor little Malin has been sick. For a couple weeks now she's been super stuffed up. Then when we were down in Southern AB, she got a cough. After 3 days of having the cough I just couldn't take it anymore so we took her to the hospital. Well Malin is a crazy little girl with the energy of 10 normal babies. So to the doctor she seemed perfectly normal. She was sitting nicely on my lap, playing nicely with a toy. Instead of climbing all over me and waking me in the face with her toys. Looking around curiously and whimpering a little bit. Instead of grabbing everything she comes in contact with and screeching at the top of her lungs. Malin is constantly on the go. So when the doctor came in to check on her he said she doesn't look sick to me. And he was kinda right, she seemed perfectly fine for a normal baby. He checked her quick and came to the conclusion she wasn't sick enough to do anything for her. That was on a Thursday. Well by Monday night she was looking pretty bad. I slept in her room with her that night. She was up almost every hour. She was having a hard time breathing, she was hacking her head off, and she had this sad little sick cry, saddest cry I've ever heard. She woke up at 6 and would hardly eat anything and went back to bed till 9 30, when I figured she was ready to get up. So I tried feeding her, she wouldn't have it, I tried taking her in the shower to help clear her nose, and all she did was snuggle and whimper. So off to bed again at 10am. By 11 45 Malin was still sleeping, so I decided no baby sleeps till noon if they're not sick! Sure enough Malin has an ear and chest infection, super stuffy nose, and a fever. At least that's what I got from the doctor, he's East Indian and I can hardly understand a word he says. We got her some drugs and I'm pleased to say she is almost her normals self again!!! crazy what a day of antibiotics can do to a person. She slept all night. Still isn't eating how I'd like but I'm sure that'll change soon. I think she's so happy that shes not super sick anymore, I could drop her on her head and she'd still be smiling and laughing. Right before she got sick she was experimenting with crawling, but just didn't have the energy to try lately. So far today shes gotten into the dvd's, my unpacked suitcase, the dirty towels, and figured out letting go of the bed while standing isn't a good idea. Also she hasn't stopped smiling and screeching at decibels only dogs can hear all day. And tuns more, this little girl amazes me with how much energy she has. I just love her. I have been spoiling her a bit too much lately. Little kids should not get sick, its just too sad to watch.
It really is crazy what medicine can do though. She did a complete 360, in less then 24 hours. I cant even imagine living back when a cold was life threatening. Anyways, I'm happy she's feeling better, but I am a little sad I wont be getting as much snuggles anymore.

I tried adding a video of Malin but it didnt work for some reason. Sorry no new pictures either.

Valentines Day

Valentines day, what a holiday. We usually don't do much on Valentines day. Josh thinks its a big scheme Hallmark came up with. We went out for dinner a week or so ago, so we counted that as our "Valentines" dinner. Even so I wanted to do something to show Josh I loved him. So I came up with this. There was whip cream too, I just didn't have time to put it on the table. I had to take a picture before Josh saw it or I don't know if he would have let me take a picture.

Josh wakes up at 6:20 a.m. to be out the door before 7 to catch his bus he's on for an hour. To make it easier on him, I usually get up with him and make him a lunch, and some breakfast. Usually its just an english muffin, or either cream of wheat or Oatmeal in the microwave. I figured he might be getting a little sick of his usual. I woke up before he did so this would be ready when he woke up! I actually surprised him for once in my life!! He was mad at me all week cause I wouldn't let him have more then one glass of orange juice a day(so there would be some left for his breakfast). The night before he found the Pillsbury biscuits in the fridge and asked what they were for. I just kindly shut the fridge and walked away haha. He said he understood why I was acting so weird when he saw this haha.

Josh is an amazing husband. I love him so much, who wouldn't, hes pretty dang good looking if you ask me. I appreciate it so much that hes going to school, so he can get a good job and provide for his family. He is always making me laugh, so much I usually end up getting the hic-ups. He puts up with my crazy mood swings ( you'd think I was pregnant my entire life with the mood swings I have.). He's always there when I need him. I know he loves me, and Malin. He is such a good dad. Malin loves her daddy. Josh doesnt think so because she's turned into a little bit of a mama's girl but she really does. As soon as she hears Josh's voice she starts looking for him, and gives him a HUGE smile when she finds him. Its IMPOSSIBLE to feed her with Josh in the room. He's a worthy priesthood holder , and loves the church. I love him and cant imangine a world with out him in it.

Week with Granny

Well I really should have posted this yesterday. My mom had her birthday yesterday!! So for her present from my Dad, Janna, and myself, we had her come stay up in Edmonton with us for a week, 3 days with me 3 days with Janna.
My whole family came up Saturday morning for Balian's blessing on Sunday. He was the cutest little man. Saturday night the guys (+ mom) stayed home and watched UFC, while the girls went swimming. It was SOO fun. It was Cory & Tawni, Janna & Bails, Me & Malin, and Neechel. We went super late at night so I was half expecting Malin to be a brat, but boy did she have the time of her life. We got some super cute photos and video of Malin, but their on Janna's phone so I'll have to try and get them from her soon.
My mom stayed at my house Sunday-Tuesday. Man, who doesn't like when Granny comes to stay. Dirty dishes magically become clean, dirty diapers mysteriously get changed, clothes some how fold them selves, FREE babysitter. Best of all, someone else to share in giving Malin attention! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE playing with Malin, and giving her loves, but let me tell ya, she is just one tiny person full of way to much energy. She doesn't stop, EVER. Malin was just soaking up all the attention. She loves her Granny, she even gave her one of her famous open mouth kisses, and she doesn't just hand those out to anyone.
Most of the time we just enjoyed each others company. Even though she switched staying at houses we were always either at Janna's when she was here or the other way around. We also went shopping! My mom found the cutest clothes, that I'm extremely jealous of. We went to Olive Garden for lunch, and man am I so not impressed with them. Basically our waitress sucked, our food was cold, and we didn't get to choose soup or salad she just brought us a salad that we didn't want. So I stole a handful of mint chocolates haha. Other then that we just hung out.


My Mom is pretty awesome. Shes very kind and generous. Extremely understanding. Cant count how many times I'd do bad on a test, have a bad day, or anything really and my Mom was there to tell me it was ok and that she was sure I did my best. Shes supportive, and is very proud of all of her kids. She's had health problems quite a bit, but I never really ever hear her complain about it, she just sucks it up (or cries when no ones looking haha). She has a very strong testimony of the church, and always shares it. Shes loves her Grand kids. Shes an awesome Mom/Grandma, and I love her for it. Thanks for coming and staying Granny, Malin misses having you around.

December

Boy was December a busy month for us. I'm only now recovering.
Leading up to December, I was busy making three dresses for my little sisters wedding. BOY were they a lot more work then I was expecting. I think they turned out super cute though!! I made all of them except Tawni's.

Neechel married Scott Lowry on December 4, 2010!! SO CRAZY! I still don't think I'm quite use to them being married. We made a quick drive home, leaving Friday night, and coming home Sunday morning. Neechel looked gorgeous as always, and as happy as ever. For having a wedding in December the weather was quite nice. Malin was SUCH a good girl. Here's a couple pictures from her wedding. Josh was in charge of the camera, not a good idea. Don't get me wrong he is MUCH better at using it then me, but he just didn't understand that I wanted him to take LOTS! of pictures, he took a few and figured he'd done his job.














On December 7, 2010, Bailian James Terrance Mckee (I think thats the order of his middle name) was born! 3 weeks early!! What a stinking cutie he is!!! My parents came up and stayed with us for 5 days. I started making him a blanket a day before he was born, and was SO excited I was going to have time to just take my time and enjoy making it. WELL that didn't happen. Between my parents being here, getting sick, and getting ready to go down south I had 2 days to make it. It didn't quite turn out the way I wanted, but still pretty good.



















Next thing that happened sucked!! I got the stomach flu. I was sick Monday and Tuesday. It was horrible, I felt like dying! then Josh got it on Thursday!!! His only lasted about 12 hours though.
We left to go home Friday afternoon. We stayed at my parents for a couple nights and had our little Christmas then. We got gift certificates to go on dates YAY!!! Malin loved!! spending time with her Grandparents they spoiled her rotten.
We spent the remaining time with Joshua's family. We went to movies, went shopping, just hung out and had tuns of fun. Malin LOVED! spending time with her cousins. She was having a blast with all the attention she was getting. We had delicious food, food and more food. On boxing day all the Fairbanks clan got together and had dinner and visited. We also had time to visit some friends!






We finally got a picture with Kaia and Malin together. They were born 10 days apart.



As much as we LOVED! being in Southern AB, we were very much ready to come home.

Recap. Left December 3rd to go to SOAB for Neenees wedding. Came home December the 5th. Janna had Bailian December 7th, parents came up December 7th. Parents left December 12. Got sick on December 13-14. Josh got sick December 16. Made blanket December 15&16. Went to SOAB December 17th, came back to Edmonton December 30. BUSY OR WHAT!!

Daddy-o

Today my dad turns the 50! Pretty crazy, he can now say he's lived for half a century. Cant say I feel to bad for him since he's spending his birthday in Las Vegas.
My dads a pretty cool guy. Here are some things I love about my dad. (not in order of coarse.)
He's super fun. When we were little he would always play with us. He'd go outside in the snow with us, and would have no problem tackling us in the snow. I would always play chess with him. He tried to teach me golf but I always got to bored by the 4th or 5th hole to really care.
He always supported us in everything we did. He would come to all my sporting events that he could. Even my boring jr high basketball games, and we all know how extremely boring those are!! He once took work off to come to one of my track meets and I remember feeling pretty darn special!! He was and is always there when I need him.
Not only do I love him but most everyone he comes in contact with. When I first moved to Barnwell people were always coming up to me asking me if I was Jim Steeds daughter and after I would reply with yes they would start telling me just how much they liked my dad.
He loves his grandkids!! Malin loves her Grandpa Steed. My dad would have no problem at all spending an entire day with any of his grand kids.
My dad is an amazing example. Growing up I always respected his opinion, even if I didnt like the answer, and would confide in him in my important decisions. My dad is an awesome example of how we should live our lives in the church. I love hearing my dads testimony, and know what he is saying he really believes and is true. I knew I could go to my dad at anytime to ask for a blessing. My dad is always trying to be a better man.
My dad is a pretty amazing guy. I love him and am so happy hes my dad. Love ya dad!! hope you have a fun time in Las Vegas!!!

Sadly enough this is one of the only pictures I could find of me and my dad.