Welcome Summer

This weekend brought with it the 90's.  This meant cool clothes, sweet swimsuits and best of all, water fun with a best friend.

Tomorrow we are off to the zoo and in just three short weeks we will be taking our first family beach trip.

So grab a cold glass of ice tea and check back often!

A Long Time Coming

     Claire, Gretchen and Lily Grace
         Playing the piano with Clarie
                                       Oh!  My mommy left?  I hadn't noticed.

After 1 year 3 months and 22 days, it has finally happened.  I ran an errand this morning and Lily Grace stayed with Claire and her mommy Gretchen.  It is the first time I have left Lily Grace with anyone.  

While she was very excited when I told her we were going to Claire's house, she wasn't quite sure when I got ready to leave.  She never cried or looked worried, just quiet.  I must admit, leaving her, if only for a few minutes, tugged at my heart a little bit when I got down the road, but I knew without a doubt she was in wonderful hands and I had nothing to worry about.

When I returned approximately 37 minutes later, (baby steps you know) she was all smiles and didn't want to leave.  Gretchen said they had the best time (as they always do) and both enjoyed their time together playing outside watering flowers, playing in Claire's room as well as some tunes on the piano.  Gretchen and I often talk about how sweet and caring of the other they are when together.  Seeing them run to hug each other and squeal is really quite sweet.  Well, that and hearing them call each other by name-  Je Je (Lily) and Clllre (Claire)

While it may seem small and trivial, it was a big step for both of us.  I couldn't think of a better first place for her to stay.  We are truly blessed to have such wonderful neighbors as friends.

Little things like this also remind me of the true blessing it is to be able to enjoy being a stay at home mom.  We may not say it enough daddy, but we sincerely appreciate what you do for our family.  You give so freely of yourself to give us special days together.  Thank you, thank you, thank you!!!  We love you more than we could blog about.

Mother's Day

                                               Happy Mother's Day!

            To view the book Daddy made click: View

Mommy and the girls

 I still find it hard to believe that I am a mommy to the most wonderful little girl in the world.

 I have had a very special Mother's Day.  Daddy and Lily Grace spent some fun quality time together and I went for a pedicure and did a little clothes shopping.  It was so relaxing and fun.  I have also enjoyed Daddy's cooking this weekend.  They gave me a very special gift that Matt has been working very hard on.  He, Lily Grace and Darby gave me a book that he created on Shutterfly.  The book is filled with pictures and special memories of Lily Grace and I.  He even saved some drawings that Lily Grace and I did together and had them added to the book.  It really is quite special and I just adore it.  Lily Grace is  fond of it as well.  She loves to sit and look at it over and over again, describing the pictures.

My life is so blessed.  I can't imagine not being "mommy."  I love her hugs and kisses, finding tiny barrettes and hair-bows in my makeup drawer and walking into the pantry and finding doll figures sitting on the shelf.  Watching her imitate my behaviors melts me, along with the sounds of her giggles and sweet "I love you."

"And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord."  Luke 1:45  

Blessed indeed!!!!  Happy Mother's Day!