Three Years Ago Today

It's hard to believe that three years ago today Abby joined our little family.  I remember it very all so well, and I hope those memories never fade.  I remember the doctor being late.  I had horrible braxton hicks and was ready to get this baby delivered.  I remember my spinal block hurting worse this time than it had with Grace.  When the procedure finally started I remember the doctor telling Darren to stand up because the baby was almost out, but I started contracting really hard and she couldn't get her out so Darren saw more of my insides than he cared to.  But when she did come out the cries that were coming out of this baby should have been my first clue as to what I was in store for with Abby.  She would pause for about three seconds and then start wailing again.  She was so mad to be taken from her dark and warm little home.  I remember having the cutest little yellow sleeper with hearts on it, but it made her look very jaundice and everyone kept thinking she needed to go under the lights, which she did not.  Darren and I were on pins and needles until they let us go home.  We were hoping to not have a repeat performance of Grace's entrance into this world.  After four days, we were sent home.  I cried tears of joy.  The weather was unseasonably cold for October, and I couldn't dress her in the outfit I bought to take her home.  She wore a sleeper with lady bugs on it. . . . . . . . .

 



 

 

The months clicked by and before I knew what was happening Abby was one.  We had her first Minnie Mouse birthday party.  I remember her not liking cake very well.  She wore an over the top pink tutu with a My First Birthday onesie.  It was chilly that year and the outfit was perfect. 

 

 

 

 

More months clicked by and my little doodlebug turned two.  For some reason I can't find my photos from that month.  It's really bothering me.  I only had this one.  I may have to pull out our old computer and do some digging.  We had a zebra themed Minnie Mouse party for round two.  I made Grace and Abby little pillow case dresses. They were so cute.  It was hot and they stripped out of their leggings to play outside. 

 

And here we are, Minnie Mouse round three. 

 

 

Abby. . . . . . my daughter who is most like me. . . . .my own personal sunshine who lights up my life. . . . .with a temper so quick and fierce it can flip like a light switch. . . . . .who loves to snuggle. . . . .she who does not (and will never have to) give up the title of mommy's baby. . . .the only one who gets to be a BIG sister and a little sister. . . . . .for you Abby, I prayed.  And God answered those prayers.  I thank him for you every day.  You make my life a brighter place.  Happy 3rd Birthday Doodlebug!



Minnie Mouse Party Take 3

Every year Abby has had a Minnie Mouse birthday party.  It's kind of becoming a challenge because I only have so many Minnie ideas.  Thank goodness for Pinterest.  I tried really hard to convince her to have a red Minnie birthday, but she insisted on another pink one.  So, here we go. 

We have a fascination with pinatas.  Grace's job was to fill the pinata.  She danced the whole time she did it.  It was pretty cute.

 

Grace also decided she was going to help bake Abby's cake.

 

The first layer of the chocolate cake didn't go so well.  I dropped it.  Darren came in just in time to say, let me take a picture of that for your blog.  Thanks for that one.

 

This was Emma helping get ready for the party.

 

One of the girls favorite "snacks" are black olives stuffed with cashews.  So during breakfast I was busy stuffing olives.

 

 

When out of the corner of my eye comes this little hand. . . . . . .

 

And faster than I could say don't eat that, it's in her mouth.

 

Darren and I sent the girls outside to play so we could finish up in the kitchen.  I looked out to check on them and Grace was being her typical self and pushing Abby on the swing.  She's really good at being a big sister.

 

I made everyone these really cute outfits to wear for the party, but it was too hot to wear them.  Fortunately, Minnie t-shirts are a dime a dozen around here so we had appropriate attire, but it wasn't as cute as what I had intended.

 

Minnie picture stop.

 

The bounce house.  Always a hit.

 

Pulling of the pinata strings.

 

Gift time.

 

Then she was ready for cake.  This was not my best cake.  Last year's Minnie cake was much better.  When things don't turn out the way I like them to I always say, oh well at least it was made with love.  Even though I was pretty critical of the turn out, Abby loved it.  That's all that matters.

 

Darren in the middle of installing battery's and helping to assemble toys.

 

Singing with her new Minnie microphone.

 

Today was a great day.  The weather was beautiful.  The food was good.  All Abby's family was able to make it.  We had a fabulous day.  We are so blessed to have such a great family.



Yes I'm Partial

I snap lots of pictures of my kids.  I try to capture them at every moment so that I can have those memories with me forever.  I snapped this one Sunday afternoon while we were at a birthday party.  Sometimes I get the best pictures when I'm just playing around and not "trying" to hard to get a good shot.  This picture captures her eyes.  Those pretty little eyes that I never get tired of looking into.  My daughters bring me such joy.  End of story.

Deanna Rose Farm Day

This week I am on vacation because my parents are in Italy and we don't have a backup sitter.  That's really ok by me because it gives me a little extra time with my girls.  Wednesday is Grace's day off school so I wanted to do something fun today.  Coincidentally, my good friend Jamie and her kids were available for a couple of hours today and we met up with them at Deanna Rose Farm.  Typically, the "farm" is a daddy/daughter trip.  I actually had never been, but after today I will definitely go back.  It's a beautiful place to visit and the kids got to see and do so much.  It's a little bit of a drive from our house but it gave me a chance to test out the maps/navigation on my new iPhone.  By the time we headed home I think I had the process perfected.  The thing I like most about Deanna Rose Farm, it's free.  Here's what our day looked like.

Brady was a little disappointed he couldn't get in the swing.

 

The tepee was a big hit with my girls.  They were covered in gravel dust by the time they were through.

 

Grace liked feeding the goats. 

 

Brady conserved his bottle the longest, which was impressive with these goats.

 

Abby was scared of the goats but thankfully Jamie rescued her since I was feeding Emma.

 

Abby continues to make a mess of herself.

 

Grace went down this slide, which was HUGE for her.  She is very scared of heights, but I don't think she was about to show it with Abby and Brady there.

 

Have I confused anyone with the Abby's yet?  Well, this is Big Abby and Little Abby.  We had friends of the family when I was little and there was a Big Jess and Little Jess.  I don't remember if I am the Big or Little Jess, but Big Abby and Little Abby sure are cute together.

 

The fresh air finally  wore her out.

 

The temperature was great, only about 75.  BUT, the humidity was horrible.  I swear it's like 90%.  So everyone was hot, thirsty, and ready for a snack.

 

My kids were wiped out.  Abby was asleep about 3 minutes into the drive.  Once Grace was certain I knew how to get home (since I got lost on the way out there) she gave in and rested her eyes too.  Emma was able to sleep after she spit up all over herself, so I got to listen to the radio station of my choice in peace and quiet on the way home.  That never happens!We had so much fun with Jamie and her kids.  Can't wait to do it again!