Dr. Laura Kate Mueller

What an amazing, surreal, and emotional weekend it has been! I graduated from pharmacy school!! But it really wasn't just me. On many levels, my family and friends also graduated with me as they have been by my side every step of the way. Therefore, my graduation weekend festivities were made that much more special because Jeremy and Abby, Mom and Daddy, and Larry and Susan were all able to attend them with me. I will keep the actual graduation details brief (Luncheon and Hooding Ceremony on Friday and Graduation on Saturday), but I am going to include a slideshow of some of the great pictures that were taken and tell a story that I have been crying over for 2 days now.

Slideshow:

Story:

After I left the hotel for graduation on Saturday morning, Abby wanted to get me a present, so Jeremy and his parents took her to Wal-Mart to pick something out. If you can see the necklace (and earrings) in this picture you can see what she chose. If you know me, you know that it really is not my style but you will soon see why I will cherish (and wear) it. Upon my opening it, Abby was just beaming...and talking 100 mph. So I got down on her level and asked her what she was needing to tell me. She said, "Mama, your friends got necklaces yesterday and they never called your name. I wanted you to have one like your friends to wear for graduation. See (pointing to the pendant), it is like theirs." She was referring to those in my class who had received honors and were presented with medallions. I don't think she could have given me a more special or thoughtful gift. And according to Jeremy, they tried to get her to switch to about 6 other necklaces, but she would have nothing to do with such; she knew exactly what she wanted!

Oh, and one other thing, Abby also kept telling me all weekend, "Mama, you dance good on stage." Ha!

4 Year Well Check

Abby Grace went to the pediatrician today for her 4 year check-up. She weighs 37 1/2 pounds (75%) and is 41 1/2" tall (90%). One thing about it, she is consistent with her percentiles! I was a little sad, though, as we traded head circumference in for blood pressure this year. I guess that is what comes with growing up. Overall, she got a great report, and 3 immunizations, a few tears, and a lot of "OWIEs" later, we were off to the new play area at church to play.

Sports Banquet

One of my favorite times of year as a coach's wife is having the opportunity to attend sports banquets. Why? The list is quite long so I will just share a few of my reasons. 1. I get to dress up. 2. I get to see all of the kids dressed up. 3. The food is usually pretty good. 4. The guys have become, on some level, my sons, and everybody knows parents love to see their kids shine. 5. I am always impressed by Jeremy as he delivers his speech. Speaking of speeches, Jeremy surprised me with his this year. After rehashing the team's season and thanking a few people, he started in on a spill about the biggest heckler in the stands...how she could really get into the other team's heads and could be heard across the ballpark. Then came the punchline, "Abby, would you like to demonstrate?"

So Abby, in her loudest and best heckling voice, yelled, "Hey, Batter batter batter...Swing!"

Way to Go Bulldogs for completing your season with a record of 18-9-1. We are proud of you!!

Oh, and what did we do the day after the sports banquet? We went to get icecream, as Jeremy had bribed Abby if she would do her cheer the night before. That, and Abby started asking, "Mama, when football start?" It doesn't take this child long to recover and move on to the next sport!!

Matching Pajamas

Abby Grace and Liz love showing off their new matching springtime pajamas.

Elephants Have Wrinkles

Abby Grace performed in her 2nd recital on Friday and Saturday. This time, her little class only had one performance, a tap number to the song, "Elephants Have Wrinkles." And as pained as her face appears in this picture (smiling for photos can be a challenge these days), Abby had a delightful time singing and dancing as an elephant. And she was really cute too! You should see her shuffle steps and boogie woogies.

A few more pictures while we waited. Did you know elephants have wrinkles on their teeth? Abby came home singing that a few weeks back. I told her that I didn't think that was part of the song...I was very wrong!!

We are so proud of you, sweet girl!

First Bicycle

For her birthday, Abby received her first "real" bicycle. I had been anticipating her reaction when she got it, expecting her to squeal with glee. Instead, she squealed with glee over Liz's new swimsuit and basically just accepted the bicycle...until she realized that Liz can ride along also. So today, (now that the monsoon has ended) she, Jeremy, and Liz all went for a very long bike ride through the neighborhood. And they tell me Abby only fell twice, one time in which the bike stayed up and Abby just fell off. Really?!? It has training wheels. Maybe we'll be shopping for a helmet next. :)

Oh, and the only thing more fun than getting your first bike is buying your child's first bike!!!

Happy Birthday

Happy 4th Birthday, Abby Grace!