First Birthday Party

We celebrated Kaitlin's First Birthday @ my parent's home the day before we moved. It was extremely hectic getting it planned and getting ready for it as we were packing and loading up the moving truck (the men literally finished loading 5 minutes before the party started). But, it was well worth it to be able to celebrate in West Virginia with Katie Bug's friends and family. It was also great to see everyone before we moved. Here are some pics from the big day...

Since her nickname is Katie Bug, we went with a Lady Bug themed party. In between packing and working, I managed to find some time to decorate for the party. It was so fun! Cake by Paula Vega Cakes...she makes the most beautiful and delicious cakes.



Brooks is the sweetest little boy and they just love each other.

Neannie and G-daddy!


Laid back, relaxing...


Artie helped open all the presents...and she loved to watch him in action!


yummmm...eating cake for the first time.

Blowing out the candle!

So happy to celebrate one year!
With Nana and Neannie.
Center of attention...yes please.
Add-a-diamond necklace from Mama Deb.
And tutu dress from Mama-lene.

Drew Heath...just adorable.

It was a great party and we were absolutely exhausted. But we got up and drove 9 hours the next day to our new home in Georgia! I think we are still recovering from all the physical and emotional exhaustion we endured those last few weeks (or for me those last 6 months). Nonetheless, we had a mini-celebration on her actual birthday with just the three of us...

Such a cutie...but she did not really care for the little kroger cake I bought for her like she did the cake @ her party...hmm expensive taste?!?

Friends.

My bachelorette party, in Ocean City, was a year ago and thinking about it made me miss my DC girls dearly. So I wanted to post something to let them know that I miss them and think of all of our fun times often! :)

Brooks' First Birthday-June 17, 2010.

Court getting her baby girl fix.
Happy Birthday Brooks!

He loved the cake!

Brooks Aaron Arnold turned one last week. It is so hard to believe he is already a year old!!! He has changed so much in a year and is just the sweetest little boy. He has bright blue eyes and he sure does love his mommy! I am loving the fact that Court and I live close and we get to see each other a lot now!

Natalie's Pictures

Natalie has become such a good photographer!! She took some beautiful pictures of Kaitlin's Christening weekend. These are some of my favorites!

Kaitlin's Christening- May 23, 2010

Kaitlin was baptized this past Sunday at the Church I grew up in Huntington, Trinity Episcopal Church. She wore the same gown that I wore at my Christening, so it was very special for me. She was the perfect angel during the service. In the Episcopal Church it is tradition to have two sets of God parents. We are very blessed that our good friends Natalie and Josh Justice and Courtney and Aaron Arnold agreed to be the Godparents to Kaitlin. Courtney and I have been best friends since kindergarten and I could not think of anyone to be a better second mom to my daughter. She has always been there for me and is truly one of the best people I know. She also married a wonderful man and I am happy their son Brooks and Kaitlin will get to grow up together. Through Courtney I met Natalie and we were pretty much inseparable. She and Josh are part of my family and I know that no matter how far apart we live they will always be a huge part of mine and Kaitlin's life. They are amazing people and I miss them everyday.

Natalie and Josh traveled from DC to be with her on her special day.

Courtney and Aaron with their Goddaughter.

Proud parents.

So sweet and innocent.

Baby Showers!

Courtney Arnold and Natalie Justice gave me a beautiful shower the weekend after the bar exam. Unfortunately due to bad weather Natalie and Josh were unable to come in that weekend. We miss them so much! They surprised us with a great gift...a jogger stroller and car seat! The shower was so nice and Courtney is a fabulous hostess! It was great to see some friends I had not seen in ages. BJ's mom, grandmother, and aunts outdid themselves. Lets just say Kaitlin is going to be the best dressed baby girl ever. She is going to be a little diva that is for sure! I spent ALL DAY Sunday doing laundry~she has a complete ward drobe for the first year of her life! They made me feel very special and I know Kaitlin is going to be very loved. More pics to come...

My parent's have some wonderful friends that is for sure...after everything they did for us for the wedding, they went above and beyond to give us a wonderful shower. It was really fun to have the men included! Although BJ was not thrilled to open gifts in front of everyone! haha. We are very lucky to have so many people that care about us. It is incredible how much people love to celebrate a baby! Of course it is God's greatest gift.

My mom is thrilled to be a Nini~ her house is already baby ready! My dad said you would think they were having another baby!

A Few Wedding Favorites

First Dance--those dance lessons paid off!

Country Roads! Our band was awesome!

Our wedding was amazing. It was a fairy tale and I could not imagine a more perfect day or weekend. Our photographer was unbelievable. The best part is that everyone seems to be having a great time in all of the pictures. These are just a few of my favorites.