Life with a 13 month old...

...is very rewarding and exhausting!!! Two months ago I did not think this child could get any more active. Oh boy was I wrong. With a later bedtime and less frequent/shorter naps, it is amazing anything gets done around here (it is also the reason for midweek cocktails). But we are also having a lot of fun. She is doing so many new things, it truly is amazing. My favorite is when she smacks her lips together when i ask for a kiss. She will do a little shake when I ask her to dance also...so freaking cute. She cries when I drop her off at the Kids Klub @ the gym, but then she has fun playing (especially with the boys). She says "hi dog" to Maddie. Bath time is still a favorite, but washing her hair is a challenge as she won't sit still. She walks when you hold her hand, but doesn't have the confidence to try it on her own yet. She makes us laugh all the time, especially when we hear her "talking" to herself and playing in her crib. She definitely has a mind of her own...some days she will eat whatever you give her, other days she refuses to eat even her favorites. She loves eggs and lima beans (strange I know). Transitioning to whole milk was a bit of a struggle, but we finally got it down. She uses a cup 95% of the time and only drinks from a bottle if she wakes up during the night (really kinda sad). She loves to be chased and loves to play outside. Running errands isn't quite as easy as it used to be, as she is not so content in the shopping cart anymore. Also, there is something about 5 o'clock that makes everyone in my house (dogs +baby) go a little crazy (reason for the cocktails) and there are definitely days that I wish my hubby could get home earlier. But, I am also treasuring this time at home with my little bug and am feeling very lucky that I have this opportunity.

On a side note...my family recently lost a family member in a very very tragic way. It has and will continue to be very difficult on many people. I am not going to discuss it on here, but I want to ask that if you read this to please take a minute to say a prayer for the family and friends, especially the children and grandchildren.

New Year. New Beginnings.

My loves.
My heart.

Another year over...the year of Kaitlin's birth. The best year I could ever imagine. Although it is sad to see it end, I am also hopeful and optimistic about our future. BJ and I have been through so much and at times it feels like I am going to fall apart. I am stressed out 99% of the time and I get frustrated and depressed over how hard my life is right now. I recently experienced a very eye opening event. Kaitlin and I were in a very serious car accident this past week, and I can honestly say that it was God's will that we live through it. I have replayed it in my head over and over again and the only conclusion I have is that God was watching over us and it was not our time. It was the most terrifying experience I have ever had and I am sure to have nightmares for awhile. But, I am so beyond grateful and thankful. As I saw my life flash before my eyes, all I could think about was my precious girl in the back seat. Oh my, I can't even talk about it. I don't want to be too dramatic, but the only reason I can think that this happened to us and we survived it is because God was trying to open my opens and make me realize what is truly important in life. Had I not been running 10 minutes late, this would never have happened. So, I learned an important lesson a very hard way. I need to live life to the fullest, appreciate all the wonderful people and gifts I have been blessed with. And at the end of the day, realize that all that really matters is how you treat the people you love and who love you back. And finally, families belong together...not separated by hundreds of miles.

So here is to a happy and healthy 2011, filled with love, laughter, and new adventures!

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.

Our Sweet Baby.

Kaitlin was born at 9:26 p.m on Sunday, March 14, 2010. She was a healthy 8 pounds even and 20 inches long. She was absolutely perfect. She had blue eyes (for now) and to the surprise of us all she had a full head of BLACK hair! Since she was my daughter, everyone had of course pictured her with blonde hair. It just keeps getting thicker and longer, but I think it is growing in lighter...so we will see! I love all of her hair!!

She is the light of my life. I am so amazed by everything she does. I feel like the luckiest person alive. Being a mom has to be the greatest gift in the world.