Money Well Spent

We bought this balloon for Abby's 1st birthday party. It lasted for over and month and brought her many giggles. Here is a cute video showing off her laugh.

Sweet Berry Farms 2011

We made our annual trip to Sweet Berry Farms to enjoy a wonderful day at our favorite pumpkin patch. Emma was very excited to see the pumpkins and ride the barrel train. We thought Abby would have a blast too, since it is a great place for kids. Well we were wrong about Abby, she really did not have a good time. She had moments here and there of happiness but otherwise the place just bothered her. We are not sure what was going on. Maybe she thought the weather would be better for fall, instead of 90 degrees. I know that was what I was hoping for.

Our attempt at getting a sibling picture. Can you see Abby's unhappy face?

Emma was loving it!

On our way to the train.

We all loved the tunnel.

She made it and could not be happier.

Another fan favorite, the hayride.

The hayride calmed little Abby.

Picking flowers.

Emma loved filling up her cup.

This is where Abby wanted to be most of the time, in her daddy's arms.

Emma having a chat with the goat.

Another attempt but it was a no go.

Abby did love the little pumpkins.

Emma loved them, too.

Last try with the huge pumpkins.

Emma sure did have a blast. She cannot stop talking about all the fun she had. Hopefully Abby will enjoy it more next time.

Fashion by Andy

I am always thankful when Andy gives me a break and takes care of the kids. He does such a great job with them and I know I don't have to worry about anything, except how they will be dressed if I don't pick out the clothes for the day.

I totally thought he figured out what goes and what does not go after the first major mishap.

Emma at 12 months.

Well the other day I came home, after dropping off Elizabeth, and this is how Emma was dressed. Not as bad as the first big mishap but still it just had to recorded. He totally thought it went together because the skirt was blue and the shirt had blue in it. What do you think?

At least the kids were fed and super happy. Love you Andy!

A Fabulous Weekend

There have been a few people in my life that I treasure as much as my family. I believe in life you can have more than one soulmate and for me it is my husband and my greatest friend, Elizabeth. I was so excited for her visit. Since she moved to L.A. and I had kids, it has been harder for us to see each other. We truly treasure our times together and deeply miss each other when we are apart. I am working on trying to get her to move here.

Elizabeth came to town for our friend Alison's wedding. Here we are at the ceremony.

In high school these were my girls. Elizabeth, Alison, Eva, and me.

Elizabeth loves movies and movie stars. That is one reason why she works in movie production. She really wanted to go to Sandra Bullock's bakery. It was fabulous and I highly recommend it. Their brunch was amazing.

Here is Elizabeth outside the bakery.

We walked around on South Congress and we found the Elizabeth and Eva cross street. Too funny!

My parents loved hosting us for dinner and catching up with everyone. All of us loved the yummy home cook meal.

Some fun, short videos. I highly recommend watching the last one.

Andy learned a Bon Jovi song just for Elizabeth. She is a huge fan!

Emma loved having Elizabeth around and she would find a way to make Emma laugh.

Thanks Elizabeth and Eva for the fabulous girl's weekend!

School Picture Results

After all our hard work on trying to teach Emma to smile without showing her tongue, this is what she did for school picture day. Well, at least she tried her best. =)

Just curious to know...

How many black eyes one averages in a year? Emma is now onto number three. This time she tried to take on the dining room table and the corner took her down instantly. Hope she has better luck in the future.

One last piece of me

This post is late but something I wanted to do for my Abby.

My dearest little Abby,

I had your daddy take a picture of us, on your first birthday, to not only capture your big day but to also remember the last time you would have a piece of me. I was very sad to know that you would no longer have breast milk but instead move on to whole milk. There is just something special about knowing that I provided a special gift to you for your first year of life. Looking back, I wished it would have been easier but I was determined to do what I needed to do for you. Our situation was different, and I do thank you Abby, because you allowed me to share our gift with other babies. Over 1300 ounces were donated and I am very thankful that we could help out other mommies and babies. Times were not always easy when it came to getting you breast milk, but together with support and patience we did it. I love you so much and will miss our feeding moments together. I loved having you cradled in my lap while I played with your hair or sang you a song. You most enjoyed looking at me or out the window at the blue sky. As you got older, your favorite thing was to kick your cute legs at me while you ate. Even though you now get all your meals in the high chair, I will never forget our first year together. I love you to pieces my little lady and I know you will always take a piece of me with you. Big hugs and kisses to you!!