Meet Lexi

Lexi is a really sweet 11 yr old who lives in our neighborhood who I've hired to come over once a week to play with Adelyn. The idea is that Adelyn benefits from some one-on-one social interaction (with someone other than mommy or daddy) while I designate time toward Ella. The hope is that Alexis will be Adelyn's baby-sitter when she gets a little older. It's been working out great! They do all kinds of arts and crafts, play dress-up, play grocery store, etc. Adelyn LOVES her and is looking forward to another play date tomorrow!

A Big Piece of Perspective Pie...

Good news! My dad has his quarterly check-up on Thursday and he has been given another 3 months before reconsidering chemo. We have been SO BLESSED with good news since we learned he had lymphoma 1.5+ years ago. Thank you for all of your prayers!!

Even though their visit yesterday was definitely worth skipping gymnastics class, Adelyn has been jumping around like a bunny rabbit looking forward to when she would be going back to 'nasty class.' Don't ask. So I checked out some local stuff going on and found out that they were having a Fall Festive Fun Day today complete with two bounce houses. Perfect! It definitely served its purpose even though she wanted nothing to do with the actual bounce houses. We then went to one of Cousin A-A's soccer games before we came home for the night. I've got some cute pictures of the girls to share but stupid me forgot the right memory stick and the one I had on back-up isn't compatible without installing new software. So, the pictures will have to wait for now.

I just wanted to share something special that I found.

I've been following a blog called 'Reagan's Blob.' I'm not even sure how I found it but I immediately bookmarked it because it was so touching to read. The writer of the blog is a beautiful, young mommy who resides in NYC. She alone is interesting enough to follow (she is a hairstylist to some of the stars!) and I love how she writes... very young and entertaining. But the true reason I follow this blog is because it centers around her little girl, Piper, who is so tiny and sweet. See.... Piper is a special tiny, sweet baby. She is over a year old and lives in a hospital on life support. I'm embarrassed to admit that I'm not even sure what her condition is because I've been following the blog for just a couple months now. What I know, though, is that she is a very lucky little girl to have such positive, loving parents who would do anything for her... and that is definitely apparent as you read the posts.

The most important thing I get from this blog is some perspective. Sometimes when I'm having a yucky mommy day (you know.... like 6 poo poo diapers, 3 loads of laundry, simultaneously crying babies, no adult convo's, etc.), all I have to do is pull up this blog and be humbled by the posts. I mean... I have two beautiful little healthy girls and I am so fortunate to be able to stay home with them to share in all of their milestones... not all moms are given such options. I cannot imagine being able to go through half of what this mom has endured. I really couldn't. And on top of that, she can live to write about it in such a real and positive way. So admirable!!

With that said, I want everyone to know that I realize my blog is definitely not one of those important, thoughtful ones that has the ability to make you think deeper about life or in little Piper's blog, give you a big piece of perspective pie.... my reason for blogging in that way is much different. However, it does serve the same purpose for me that it does for Piper's mommy in that writing about things just makes you feel better about life and about what you have to be grateful for. It's an expressive outlet whether through words or pictures that we mommy's don't always get on a daily basis.

So, thank you for looking at my family's pictures and thank you for putting up with all of my 'proud Mommy moments.' I am just so forever grateful for my two little girls as well as a wonderful loving family and I just can't help but share my joy with you.

For those who are interested in reading about little Piper and her hip mommy, go here.

A 'Super' Weekend!

We had a fantastic weekend! We decided to go to the Balloon Glow in Forest Park Friday night... something that's become a bit of a tradition. Adelyn and Ella were in awe looking at the huge hot air balloons gearing up for a race the next day. Adelyn especially loved the Energizer Bunny balloon. When I stopped to take a snapshot, I looked up and noticed that my party had left me in the huge crowd! I didn't have my cell phone on me so I had to ask a stranger to use his. I knew I wouldn't be able to make my way back to the car if I had to.

We had plans to see one of Cousin Austin's soccer games on Saturday but we decided to opt for naptime instead since the weather wasn't great. Then grandma came to pick up the girls so we could get ready for our Anniversary night out. We went to our favorite fancy restaurant and spent way too much money on dinner (and wine) and then stayed out till a whopping 11 pm. I know... we're CRAZY like that!

We were invited on Sunday to take advantage of some free tickets to Six Flags so Andrew and I went while the girls stayed at their grandparents' house. The lines were short and I got to ride everything including the Super Man (notice the post title?!) which was new for me. I screamed as I anticipated a 23 story free-fall. It was a rush!! I would definitely put it up there with the Top Thrill Dragster at Cedar Point which was said to be the tallest/fastest roller coaster at the time I rode it in 2004.

Also, Jesse McCartney was playing a concert that night (we stayed for a few songs) and I got to meet him face to face as he rode the Batman ride a couple times. I felt so sorry for the kid as everyone (including me) stared at him screaming throughout the ride. Call me star struck! :)

I was definitely missing the girls a lot this weekend... but we're back on track this week with a visit to the park today and a playdate planned for tomorrow afternoon. They fill my life with more fun and joy than anything in this world! Speaking of, here are a few pictures of the girls from last week at Chuck E. Cheese Pizza and the St. Louis Science Center. We visited the Science Center with another mommy and her two kids-- one around Adelyn's age and another Ella's age. We then went to one of our favorite family retaurants, Fitz's, for some burgers and root beer! In fact, Ella stole one of my french fries without me looking. She'll put anything in her mouth!

Our 5th Anniversary!

I can't believe how much Andrew and I have accomplished together since the day we were married on September 20, 2003. We've lived in 6 cities (3 states), owned 3 different houses (and 2 apartments), gone through 11 different job positions, owned 9 cars (+ 1 motorcycle and 2 boats), and had two beautiful little girls! Boy, it's been a busy 5 years... and here's to 5 more with fewer growing pains! You're my best friend, Andrew, and I love you!

We have a romantic evening planned including a visit to our favorite restaurant called Flemings in St. Louis. The girls will be having a sleep-over at Grandma and Grandpa's house!

BTW, the picture on the right was taken of us under the STL Arch. We were married in the Old Cathedral on the riverfront under the arch so it made for a wonderful photo op especially since it was such a BEAUTIFUL day!

Our Baby Girl is 8 Months Old!

Happy 8 month birthday, Ella Bella Butter Bean. Somehow, you get sweeter and sweeter every day!

Our Lil' 2 1/2 Yr Old

Today is Adelyn's 2 1/2 birthday!! In honor of this special day, I thought I would list 10 of the many reasons why we think Adelyn is so special. In no particular order, here they are:

1. Adelyn is a wonderful big sister. Since the day Ella was born, she has NEVER shown any sort of animosity toward her. She has never tried to hit or yell at her which should say a lot for a 2 yr old! She loves to hold her and always says, "Hi Baby Doll!" when she sees her.

2. Adelyn has a great sense of humor. We have a lot of inside, ongoing jokes that will get her laughing no matter what mood she is in.

3. Adelyn is a people person. She plays well with other children and lights up when she sees a familiar face. She always asks about her family members and includes them in all of her stories and songs.

4. Adelyn is an entertainer. Just last night, she was singing into a microphone for her grandparents while I played the piano. She LOVES the spotlight. Oh, and have you seen this girl dance... she can shake her booty AND kick her heels up!

5. Adelyn isn't intimidated by new surroundings. In fact, she embraces new things/environments. eg: When we visited the Science Center yesterday, she ran into the Discovery Room before I had a chance to walk her in. She was excited! (I'll post pictures from our day later.)

6. Adelyn is a snuggler. She likes to play with my hair to put her to sleep. She also loves to give sweet kisses when she is super sleepy.

7. Adelyn is girly... she likes to play princess and wear dresses. She LOVES anything to do with Cinderella and if she sees a stranger wearing a long dress, she will point and call her Cinderella. She has seen the Cinderella and Enchanted movies countless times.

8. Adelyn is very compassionate. She kisses everyone's boo boo's and gets her play doctor kit to fix them. When she gets in trouble, she always says she's sorry. The other day, Shelby (our dog) accidentally stepped on my foot and I yelled so she told the doggy to tell me she was sorry and made me put her in time out. If I tell her that I am sorry for something, she always smiles and says, "It's o.k.!"

9. Adelyn has spunk. If another child hits her or pushes her, she is sure to let them know. I'm glad she isn't a push-over.

10. Adelyn has a sparkle in her big brown eyes that makes me smile no matter what mood I'm in. She's just so beautiful inside and out... and for some reason, she thinks I am pretty special, too! :)

We gave Adelyn a big lolly pop for her special day and boy, was she excited! We're off to Chucky Cheese Pizza to celebrate her day and Ella's 8 month birthday tomorrow!

Just a Thought...

Apparently life would be easier if I would stay up to date on my Parents magazines. For instance, remember this post? I've never heard of this condition until it happened to our Lil' Miss Adelyn a few weeks ago. It was discussed in detail as one of the 'Top 10 Reasons to Call a Doctor' in a recent edition. Also, I'll have to admit that when I was invited to go to the St. Louis Science Center tomorrow, I thought -why didn't I think to bring the girls there sooner?! So, I am reading further into my Parents magazine... and this particular science center was listed as one of the 'Top 10 Science Centers' to visit.

Needless to say, I will pay special attention to any future Parents magazine articles with a "Top 10" title!

Another Day at the Park...

This weather we've been having is just too beautiful not to take advantage of... so we've been at the park a lot the last couple of days. Here are a few pictures of the girls playing. Adelyn loves the Pirate Ship... notice the infamous Titanic rendition? O.k... she had no idea what she was doing but it looked cute nevertheless! Ella absolutely loves to swing-- so much that I swung her into a slumber today (thumb in mouth of course). Notice her little, non-functional tennis shoes? No more open toes in the Fall! I was so sad today when I discovered that she could fit her chubby little body into Adelyn's old 6 to 12 mo jumpsuit. I'll probably weep when she wears Adelyn's old Halloween costume.

Speaking of Halloween (did you like that transition?!)... what do you think Adelyn should be this year?! I hate not to use her old costume for Ella (a pink caterpillar) since she is too little to care. I'm thinking about a lady bug for Adelyn. Pretty soon, she'll be making her own decisions regarding what she wants to be and I want to get the cute Mommy favorites out of the way before that time comes. We'll see! I love this time of year, don't you?!

Holy Pictures, Batman.

Here are pictures I took last week... most of which are from the wedding reception we went to over the weekend. As you can see from a couple of the pics, Adelyn was not scared to be the lone person on the dance floor. :) We also went to October Fest where Adelyn got to ride on a few rides and have her first bite of cotton candy... which she did not like! I'm sure the consistency is something to get used to. Ella just laid back in her stroller and watched. The girls got to spend quality time with their grandparents and cousins... oh, and they loved their great grandparents' dog, Fluffy, which is ALMOST as spunky as Lil' Miss Adelyn!

Photoshop Practice

I've been playing around with PhotoShop and did some editing on these photos (just minor things for practice) so I thought I would share. The puppy is Andrew's grandparents' who loved to play with the girls during our visit.

My new camera got a good work-out this weekend so I have tons of other photos to post but will have to find time later. I've got a date with Adelyn to play grocery store. I've been telling her I would all weekend after a trip to Great Grandpa's grocery store (he owns a chain of grocery stores called Oney's Foods in NW Illinois). Off to the "Lil' Oney's Foods" market located downstairs in the playroom!

Upgrade!

Andrew surprised me a couple days ago with a brand new, professional grade digital camera to replace my broken Mother's Day present. (Apparently it's not good to catch your camera on a fishing hook and throw it overboard.) I was secretly starting to get annoyed by my camera anyway so you have no idea how pumped I was to get an upgrade. But freakazoid me is too scared to use it. There are so many features and functions and I'm not sure where to start! So, I am brushing up with some on-line tutorials and hopefully make this into a hobby since I take tons of pictures of my girls anyway. Here's the first picture I took with my new, very intimidating toy:

So that Ella Bella Bean isn't getting the shaft, here is a cute picture I took of our bathing beauty last week. You can definitely tell the difference in picture quality, huh? Well, if you can't tell now, hopefully you will be able to when I figure out how to use the darn thing! :)

We are off to Andrew's grandparents' house tomorrow for his grandfather's birthday and October Fest; then we will be attending a cousin's wedding the next day with the girls. Hope you have a fantastic weekend!

Land Between The Lakes

We had a great time at Kentucky Lake for the holiday weekend. It was officially Ella's first vacation and first boat ride... definitely something to write about in her memory book. Adelyn was an old pro and even jumped in the lake with Daddy! She had a great time fishing with Grandpa, too. Other reasons our trip was awesome: fried tacos for the first time; an old-fashioned restaurant called Patti's 1800's Settlement where you eat bread out of flower pots; a craft/art village with lots of homemade goodies; watching Cousin A-A go overboard while catching a fish; seeing Ella's fat rolls fit into a life jacket for the first time; and BEAUTIFUL scenery with BEAUTIFUL weather.

Unfortunately, my camera has been on the fritz ever since it got caught on a fishing hook and was thrown overboard. Andrew has his tools out trying to fix it as I write. Here are a few shots I did manage to get: