Lions and Tigers and Bears, oh my!

Bob, Avery and Danika on the carousel at the zoo
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Mamma and Danika 

Danika and Daddy- my favorite people

Danika's sweet, sweet smile

After our first swim in the big pool

I have officially been out of school for a week and have loved every second of it! It's so much fun getting to spend the day with Danika and last days with Nate before he starts working again. We are LOVING the mild beginning of summer temperatures, taking a nice splash in the swimming pool, shopping (well, window shopping) and enjoying the beautiful Colorado outdoors. Danika and I went on our first mountain mamas hike on Wednesday and had a great time! We met some neat ladies and babies and look forward to going again! 

Today we took Danika to the zoo for the first real time. THe very first time we went she was maybe 2 weeks old and she slept the whole time. We had a great time with Avery, Ashley and Bob exploring the Denver zoo today. We didnt get many pictures of our friends or the animals, but tons of Danika's second ride on the carousel. We had such a good time, I think we may suck it up and buy a year pass for us to enjoy. If you ever want to go, give us a jingle! 

We'll keep you updated as both Nate and I continue and begin (respectively) our search for jobs.... the next few weeks are busy busy busy! I can't believe how fast it all goes- Danika is 7 months old tomorrow! We all know you read this to find out about Danika :) - quick update: She is laughing like crazy now! She thinks dogs are HALARIOUS! * i know its spelled wrong * especially when they're panting... she's jabbering away like crazy ... she's bored with her toys but LOVES electronics, such as cell phones, computers and remote controls ... she's pushing up ALL the time, and kinda dragging her legs around... she rotates herself a lot but hasnt quite figured out the leg/arm coordination deal... she LOVES to eat : Yummies: apples, pears, blueberries, squash, zucchini, mango, peaches      Yuckies: Peas, green beans, and carrots unless they're mixed with apples. 

Proud

We finished! The crew at Folsom Stadium

Here we go! THe before pic...

When I was in 2nd grade, we lived in Iwakuni, Japan. I went to an elementary school on the military base.... that year the teachers taught us the words and sign language to "Proud to be an American". We sang and signed the song and were featured on the local news. I have long since forgotten the signs to one of my favorite songs, but have never forgotten how truly blessed we are to live in this country. Call me a nerd, but July 4 is my favorite day of the year... that and Memorial Day always seems to bring a tear at the thought of how selfless and brave our military men and women are. 

SO... for THIS Memorial Day and many more to come, the Banks crew decided to run/walk the Bolder Boulder. Let me restate- the Banks WOMEN decided to brave it. Jaime and Logan ran while Mom and TOri walked next to me as Danika rode in Daddy's fancy new hiking backpack. Phew! Those 6.2 miles were nothing! We made it smiling, singing and dancing the whole way (minus the evil hill at the end of the course). 

The best part of the morning was what awaited us at the end of the race. We walked into Folsom Stadium, which was AWESOME! We found some seats and cheered as a parachuter landed in the field carrying behind them a flag from each of the 5 services. They played "Proud to be an American", and a parachuter circled the stadium trailing the beautiful AMerican Flag. There is nothing like 50,000 people singing "Proud" and cheering as the American Flag lands. I wish patriotism would last longer than a few select days out of the year. They finished the tribute with Taps, a 21 gun salute and the national anthem... which, yes, I teared up, AGAIN. Can't help it:) 

Danika did great the whole time! She slept for the first 4 miles then chatted with every person who would acknowledge her for the last 2. Just as we left the stadium, it began pouring and by the time we were at the car, I was completely soaked. The morning ended with me sore, wet and tired.... the remedy? A hot shower, cup of chai, nap and a long backrub from Nate, maybe???? 

Lots to Catch Up ON!

Sorry it's been awhile! WOW! What a busy couple of weeks! I have lots to write about- hope I can get it all! 

The biggest news of lately... I am D...D....DONE with school! Hooray! Ugh... what a rough couple of weeks the last few can be- loads of paperwork, testing and parent meetings... not to mention the loading of the garage with my bazillion dollars worth of teaching materials. I cry every year on the last day of school- but guess what!? NOT this year! I know, sad, huh? I definitely loved my students but I also am definitely over the political garbage involved in education, leaving Danika every morning, the 50 mile commute, and the exhaustion related to every single school day. I wake up with Danika now, and see what each day will bring us! 

Congratulations to Miss Courtney Hall! Danika's one and only cousin (ahem, so far...)  graduated from Chaparrel High School yesterday and is moving on to bigger and better things. Yes, indeedy, she made the right choice in choosing Colorado State University to pursue her dreams... go Rams! Poo on the Buffs! 

Danika has cut her first tooth! We noticed a little blood yesterday, then wallah! WHen she woke up this morning, she started her daily gnawing of the knuckles and nearly cut me... sure enough, the beginnings of her first tooth were poking through her bottom gums... she handled it pretty well- she's a stud! 

As we began having 80 degree days in February and March, we just know it's gonna be a HOT summer (better now than last summer with a 6 month pregnant belly!) Our apartment complex has its own pool, but I decided to buy Dani her very own pool for the balcony as bikini season just wont be the same this year... Dani LOVED it! Even the part where Nate doused both of us :( I think we'll be doing some mommy and me swim classes this summer. 

We have a lot on the summer schedule so far, including trips to the zoo, long hikes in the mountains and duh duh duh... the wedding of my dear sister, Victoria and her fiance, Logan in Hot Springs, NC. Dani gets to take her first plane ride (makes mommy very nervous) and first appearance in the extended Banks family! 

A Wonderful Weekend

What a fun and exciting weekend we had! The biggest event was Danika's dedication. My sisters and brothers, Nate's brother and niece, parents and family friends Karen and Ashley (and Avery!) joined us for this special occasion. We're very lucky to be surrounded by folks who love and support our family. Thank you to all who joined in the day's events- a big thanks to Donna and Steve for hosting a delicious and elegant lunch after the dedication service. I only have the picture of my sisters and brother on my camera, but will update later with photos from Donna and Steve!

Sunday was my first momma's day, and what an incredible day it was! As I mentioned before, Nate surprised me with a Baby Cook which is absolutely perfect and has been so much fun to use. This morning on our way to church Nate surprised me with a punch card to the Colorado Mountain Mamas (http://www.comountainmamas.org) so I can meet other mom's who enjoy the Colorado outdoors as much as I do. What a sweetie! 

We started the day by going to an early service at church. Afterwards we enjoyed a nice lunch at Applebee's... Danika decided that wax paper was the best toy she had ever seen! We tried our luck at a Rockies game for the second time- we made it 4 innings (better!) before she got soooo tired but couldnt sleep cuz of all the ruckus going on around her. We headed out and went shopping at Colorado Mills. Just as we were ready to head out we spotted a carousel! I took Danika on her first ride and she LOVED it! Actually, I think I had more fun than she did... you can tell by my expressions! To end the day, we went to On the Border for dinner- it took our food about an hour (seriously) to come out, but it was definitely delicious and a nice way to end the weekend. 

I truly feel blessed to have such wonderful relationships with my sisters and brothers and parents and to have their support and love. Nate and I are constantly amazed at the love that is shown to us on a daily basis by those surrounding us - both family and friends. Nate and I are growing together in our relationship and over the last year and a half has become my best friend, biggest supporter and love of my life. Thank you, Nate, for this beautiful weekend- it couldn't have been better! 

Update: Ari only has 7 days of teaching left! She walks out of her school on May 21 (2 days without kids) with the biggest smile on her face ever, excited to finally be home with Danika! 

Before I was a Mom

I was sent this poem today and it made me well up with tears! I never stop to think about what life was like before because I cant imagine not waking up to Danika's beautiful smile. Just thought I'd share :) 

Before I was a Mom,
I never tripped over toys
or forgot words to a lullaby.
I didn't worry whether or not
my plants were poisonous.
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on.
Pooped on.
Chewed on.
Peed on.
I had complete control of my mind
and my thoughts.
I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so doctors could do tests.
Or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put her down.
I never felt my heart break into a million pieces
when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of
having my heart outside my body..
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry baby.
I didn't know that bond
between a mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important and happy.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle of the night
every 10 minutes to make sure all was okay.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy,
the love,
the heartache,
the wonderment
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.
I didn't know I was capable of feeling so much,
before I was a Mom.

A Busy week!

Wow! Lots to catch up on! 

Well- the biggest news is that Danika is officially 6 months old! How did so much time pass in just a blink of an eye? At her 6 month check up she weight 16 lbs 7 oz and was 26 in long- the 50th % for both! She's eating and LOVING solid food now (more on that later), can roll forwards and backwards, is "swimming" on the floor and is definitely experimenting with her vocal range! She is so much fun- Nate and I are having a blast! 

I decided that I felt very strongly about making Danika's baby food -  i'm kind of a picky eater myself, so the idea of bugs getting squished up in jarred food made me want to vomit. Last time my parents were down here we went to sprouts and they bought a small organic butternut squash for me to make for Danika. Yeah... that "small" squash yielded 32 ounces... it'll be lasting us for awhile! So- to the point- Nate had been watching me use our blender to make D's food... and decided to get me an early mother's day present. I got home on Thursday after a very long day to find it wrapped in a diaper box. But first he made me open a card and 2 letters- one written from him and one written from Danika, complete with a signature. THey were both very sweet and of course, made me cry! Finally I got to open the present.... Nate and his parents bought me a Baby Cook! It's a pretty fancy little machine that steams veggies, fruits and meats, then purees them and can also be used to defrost any frozen baby food- all at once! It's pretty handy! I've used it to make cauliflower and mango so far- and LOVE IT! It makes the perfect amount and is so efficient!

Yesterday Danika and I met my sisters, Tori and Jaime, in Loveland for a girls morning out. We had breakfast at CrackerBarrel (mmmmm mmm- sweet tea!) then went shopping the outlets. We found Danika not just one, but TWO adorable outfits for her dedication next weekend. We also found her a few bargains- an ADORABLE strawberry sunhat, with matching red mary janes, AND to top it off- a pair of osh gosh bgosh overalls for TWO DOLLARS! YEAH BABY! 

FInally... after church today we took Danika to the park for her first picnic. She had her regular ol' jug of milk but we had all kinds of goodies. Then we went to play! Danika sat really well in her big girl swing and had fun playing with daddy. Danika and I had a great time playing on the slides. SHe looked so cute in her new strawberry hat and red shoes! 

I wonder what next week will bring!