Ok, so today was a great day with Marissa.



I still cannot believe how big she is getting and how much I can love her more and more everyday.



She made me so proud today sitting up like a big girl for like 5-10 minutes to play with her toys, and again she scooted forward a couple times...all on her OWN.



Then to make my day great I joined an online group called Mommies Obsession and they are a site for moms for fun, talking, advise, and so much more and I asked them to make me a signature for Marissa...and here it is...this meant so much to me and I started to cry as soon as I recieved it and I am sure you will as well.

SHE DID IT

Yesterday was a very busy day and I thought that not truly exciting would happen....well Marissa had another idea.

She has been doing so well in her therapy and always does something new. So this week we thought that she had nothing to do. But when her therapist put Marissa on her tummy and then put her hand on the bottom of Marissa's foot, nshe scooted forward for the FIRST time. Yay, we were both so excited and cheering for her....then she did it again and again and again...and even once or twice she did it by herself.

I cannot believe how fast our little princess is growing up. I am so proud of her but so sad because she won't be my little baby for much longer.

People should cherish moments like this because you can never get them back...you should live your life with the best intentions and take a chance...thats what I did when I met Zach. I know we are young, but you know what...2 years and 3 months later...we have an amazing marriage and a daughter that is loved so much! So takikng a chance with him was the best choice I ever made.

I LOVE YOU ZACHARY CRATER AND I ALWAYS WILL!!!

update

As of today, Marissa is still sick but she seems to be getting better and we have a doctors appointment this evening.

Marissa is getting so big and learning new things everyday, she is now getting even closer to crawling and to sittup up by herself.

Also for anyone who was wondering about the location of Marissa's 1st birthday pleasze feel free to call me or email and I will give you the updates. Remember its May 9th, 2009.

As for me, I am doing great...I am still working out at the gym when I get a chance, and enjoying my days watching the twins.

Also, Zach is doing great. We are so proud of him for serving our country and taking care of his family. He is currently in Japan until June 10th, and is working on getting his greenbelt.

Well enough for now, and if I get more news on the family I will keep you updated.

I love you all and cannot wait to go home to PA on May 6th

My anniversay...and my sick princess

So today is my 2 year wedding anniversary...and it has been the hardest part of this Deployment.

But it is nice to look back at all the great memories I have made with you baby, we have come so far and made a GREAT life for our daughter. I could not ask for a better husband and father to my princess. You are honest, sincere, dependable, romantic, understanding, patient, and a great great father. You are amazing with our daughter, and I cannot wait for you to come home and continue to teach her amazing things, and cheer her on with every new milestone and achievement.

I know that what we are going through is very rough, but in the end it will be a great beginning to our life together and will make us stronger. Just be tough, keep your head high, and know that Marissa and I love and miss you with all our hearts. You will be home before you know it.

WE LOVE YOU DADDY!!!

***As for Marissa...she is currently sick but getting better...and even closer to crawling.***

Update (3-17-09)

So, I finally got a free moment to update everyone again.

Marissa is now 10 months...27.4 inches lonh...and 17 pounds 12 ounces.

She is drinking juice, eating puffs, stage two foods, yogurt bites, baby cookies, bread, pasta, pancakes, and small dried apple bites.

We recently went to her geneticist appointment, and he said she is doing amazing for a down syndrome baby. He said that he could tell by her actions, that is very intelligent and advanced...and the average with walking (d.s. child) is 18 months...and she should be doing that before then and crawling before a year.

Also, she now jumps in her jumperoo, reaches for mommy, gets on all fours, says "dadada", and scoots her legs forward when in the crawling position.

Well, thats all the new news for now...we love you and miss you Zachary

Our New blog

So this is the beginning of our new blog. We are starting this one because the old one was no longer accepting the newest pictures.

This blog was created so that family and friends can keep updated on our family and the many accomplishments of Marissa Anne.

This is the current update on our lives. Zach (daddy) is still in Japan until June 10th, 2009 (?), and we are missing him dearly. Being without him is very hard, and lonely, but has made me realize that I need him more then ever and that our love is so much stronger then EVER. My husband, and daughter are my life, and without them I would not be the same.

Now there is Marissa, and WOW has she grown. She just turned 10 months and she is now 17 pounds 12 ounces and 27.4 inches long...can you believe it. She is saying "dadada," reaching to be picked up, scooting backwards, eating some real foods (pasta, bread, and pancakes...her favorite), and sitting up with support. She is growing up way too fast and has two months left before she is the big UNO (one). Her therapy is doing great, and she is showing to be very advanced for most downsyndrome babies.

Then there is me (Natalie/Mommy)...well nothing is really new with me. I am still babysitting the twins, Jackson and Brody, and I love it. I am working on losing my last 10-15 pounds at Lifestyle Fitness...and am so glad that I can finally do something that makes my confidence sky high...and I am working on changing some things in my life...for the better.

Well that is the newest on the Crater family and I am sure there will be more to come. Love you all and see you/talk to you soon!

Love mommy Natalie