Lily's First Car

On New Years, we had a breakfast feast with Auntie Keeley and Uncle Steven.  After our tummies were just oh-too-full, the boys decided to start putting together one of Lily's Christmas gifts from Grandpa.

It was a nightmare until instructions were pulled out.

Lily was so patient waiting for her toy to be put together.

But once it was finished, she didn't want to get out of the car.  It was such a hit, and our tummies hurt again from laughing to much at how cute she was just cruisin' in her first set of wheels.

Thanks Auntie Keeley and Uncle Steven for your help in putting together Lily's car.

Update: It's now 2/12/2014 and we still are missing its eyes.  Maybe we'll have to invite the Johnson's over for some food again so they can motivate Daddy to finish putting on the eyes and complete the car.

11 Months

Lily,

You just keep growing and growing.  And I love each surprise that you give us.

This month your vocabulary increased from Mama, Dada, Doll, and Dog (from last month).  To now include Juice, Book, Baby.  You also sign Milk, Clap, and Bye-Bye.  You understand the words Piano,  Look, Stand-up, Come here, and Teletubbies.

And your biggest accomplishment.  On February 9, you took 25 Steps for the first time.  It wasn't just you letting go and making one or two steps and falling down.  Or even 6 or 8 steps and falling down.  No.  You got up off my lap and walked over 25 steps out the bedroom door to go get your Cheerios.  Then we got lucky enough to catch it all on video.  We had to entice you with food, but you walked about 20 ish steps for us.  After that you just wanted to be held.  You had enough excitement for one night.

A surprise Christmas

On December 20, we embarked on a journey across America to (hopefully) pull off a great surprise.

We didn't dare tell anyone where we were going, or what we were doing for fear the surprise would be ruined.

And, we were successful.  We achieved our mission and were able to surprise the Grandmother by visiting her and making her holidays 'Merry and Bright.'

Grandpa was also super excited to spend time with Lily.

It was nice to take a break from holding her all the time and let other professionals do all the holding necessary.

Lily loved all the attention that she got.  And I loved it too!  

I especially loved all the extra sleep that I got while away.

During our time in Utah, we also went to a family party.  Last year we took photographs of all the cousins who were pregnant (in order of due date) and then took photos one year later.

(Seriously, just too many cameras).

and Christmas morning was such a delight with this little girl.  I thought she would just be ripping open gifts at any opportunity, but she was more interested in anyone's gift after it was opened.  She was just so overloaded with gifts, she didn't know what one to play with.

Thanks Grammy & Grandpa for letting us come out and visit for Christmas.  It was so magical.

Babcia comes to visit

Over Thanksgiving, Babcia Ania came to meet Lily. 

And she brought with her all sorts of fun new toys for Lily to play with and books to read.

She loved feeding Lily,

Watching Lily during Bath Time,

and cooking yummy food for Michal and me.

While she was here she bought a new iPad and Lily became her best friend because she let her play and watch this iPad.

Lily was sad to see Grandma go, but every time she wears the coat that she brought from Poland for her, it reminds her of her Babcia.

Thanks for all the fun gifts and toys Grandma!  We loved having you over and miss our free babysitter!

Courtney's Wedding

November 9, 2013

Courtney got married!  And even if I lived in Utah, I would have come out for it.  But how great is it that we now live one state away from where they were getting married!  I love weddings.  I love the feeling at weddings.  I love seeing everyone so unified and happy.  And yes, Courtney was so happy.  And it was totally worth it.

And I loved reconnecting with freshman friends.

And Lily loved, loved, loved all the attention that she received from my friends.

The wedding was beautiful, spiritual, and heart-warming.

The reception was unique, energetic, and cozy.

It was fervently wonderful to rekindle old friendships and it made me yearn to spend more time with them and hear more about their busy lives and what has happened since we last saw each other.  Hopefully, soon - we'll head back up to DC.  Or we'll connect with them as they pass through, or close by, to North Carolina.

Thanks for a stunning weekend Courtney, and for reminding me why I love you so much!  You are an amazing friend!