Times have changed.

I, like many of my friends, could not have imagined myself spending a Saturday night at home, much less being a mother. Although I wanted children, a few years ago it was just an abstract thought...something I knew would happen one day...way in the future. But, here I am a wife, the proud mother of a beautiful, thriving 14 month old, and two crazy dogs, and I couldn't be happier. Staying home on a Saturday night is just fine for me, in fact it is perfect.

Last night, as we were watching videos we had taken over the weekend and laughing hysterically I realized that things are just perfect the way they are and what a great little family I have...crazy dogs and all. Just a little insight into what makes me happy these days....

This is the hot dog song/dance from Micky Mouse Club (for my non mommy friends)...please excuse my terrible voice.

In honor of Mother's Day weekend...

{At our beautiful wedding that my parents so generously gave us.}

My mom is truly my best friend and although I hate to admit she is ALWAYS right (really wish I'd listened to the tanning bed/sun burn advice in high school/college). But even when I make bad decisions she is always there for me. She is so strong and always sacrifices for those she loves, especially her children. We are very lucky to have her as our mom!

Love.

Hugging and kissing her even more lately...messy face and all.

One year old.

March 14, 2011


Kaitlin,

One year ago I was meeting you for the first time, with your jet black hair, tan skin, blue eyes, and chubby cheeks. Today you still have the brightest blue eyes I've ever seen. Your hair has lightened to a light brown with a hint of auburn. It is almost to your chin and the ends are a little curly. Your skin is fair and your cheeks not quite as chubby. I must say you are just beautiful...inside and out. You love to flirt. You love other children and will practically jump out of the shopping cart if you see another baby. You are bright and always investigating new things. You LOVE dogs and people. You are very social and love to "talk." I think you may be a girlie girl because you love your baby dolls already and you love to watch mommy get ready. You can point to your baby's eyes and nose. You have a favorite bed time "lovey." Your eyes light up when you see it. When you are tired you suck on your two middle fingers. You have five teeth and a big, bright smile. "Mommy" is your favorite word. You do a little bounce and reach up when you want me to pick you up. You love to be the center of attention and put on shows for friends. You are becoming a sponge as you attempt new words. Your newest words are "baby," "bug," and "maddie." You love to be outdoors and feel fresh air. You still nap twice a day most days. You are on the verge of walking...you just need a little encouragement from mommy and daddy. Although you are calm natured, you sure are quick and into everything. Its hard to keep up! You are so silly and make us laugh all the time. You like when we read books. You are very well behaved in public and we can take you just about anywhere (I hope this lasts). At just over 20 lbs, you are wearing 12 month clothes, but have very tiny feet and only wear a size 2-3 shoe. I love to walk in your room after you have awakened and see you standing in your crib grinning from ear to ear. Recently you have started doing a little dance that is the cutest thing I've ever seen.



What a wonderful gift we were blessed with a year ago. There is never a dull moment with you around! Life sure has changed, but we wouldn't have it any other way. So many people love and care about you. We continue to be amazed each day as you grow, learn new things, and develop your own little personality.

Love,


Mommy

Fun with my favorite person.

This child will seriously melt your heart. She is the sweetest thing and just so happy.

Spring fever.

After a long, bitter cold winter, we are finally seeing signs of springtime. Although I love the snow, the short days and dreary weather really depress me. The days are getting longer and the temperatures are getting warmer and I could not be more ready! And by the time we move, there will be summer-like weather in Atlanta. Kaitlin had some fun playing outside with the dogs...

Waving hello to the neighbor (I thought my flash was on...but it obviously was not).
Watching the dogs run around.

Sweet face.

There's my happy girl!

Silly faces.

Kaitlin has such an animated personality and loves to entertain. She really knows how to put on a show! I love my silly girl...

Mommy's Gift.

I turned 29 last week and as I was complaining about being old, BJ says "you are only as old as you feel" to which I respond, "well then I am 85." haha. Seriously, though I feel so old...mostly because I am SO exhausted ALL of the time and running on empty everyday. But also because my life has changed so much. What a difference a couple of years can make! But, as much as I sometimes miss my former life and especially the friends I don't have time to see, I wouldn't change a thing. I have the best gift in the world:

I'm obsessed with baby girl clothes...and although this was a Christmas outfit, I thought it was appropriate for my birthday. And she has enough Christmas outfits to wear a new one the whole month of December!

Love this face.

Sometimes when I am having a stressful day at work, I look at pictures of this sweet girl and I instantly feel better. How can anything be wrong when I have this precious face to come home to every evening?

So excited for halloween! =) I'll post more pictures of this cute little fru fru outfit later...

Big. Big. Day~ "Daddy"

align="left">Mondays are usually rough, but today was a great one:

* Kaitlin had her six month check up and is healthy as can be! :) She weighs 17.13 lbs and is in the 80th percentile. She has slowed down a little (at 4 months she was in the 95th). Poor thing had to have 3 shots, including the flu vaccine...but I'm happy she was old enough to get it before flu season arrives.

* I saw her experience "stranger anxiety" for the first time when the DR. grabbed her to examine her. She looked at me with puppy dog eyes and then got the saddest face, tears in her eyes, and reached out for me. He gave her back to me and she immediately stopped crying. My social little butterfly has never done this before, but then again she is not used to strangers grabbing her away like that...and this is apparently the age they start developing this anxiety. I am not sure I am ready for it...such a sad face.

After her shots...poor baby.

* She drank water from a sippy cup for the first time.

* She had vegetables for the first time...yes I made them myself and my husband called me a hippy. I'm sure Gerber is just fine and she will end up eating it too, but for now I don't think she needs all those preservatives. She also liked them a lot more than cereal. :)

Messy messy.

* AND...saving the BEST for last...she said her FIRST WORD tonight!!! I have been dying for her to say something, and she finally did. She was on the ground and her dad was sitting in the chair. I was trying to take a picture of her and I kept saying look at daddy, and then all of a sudden she just said "daddy." We looked at each other, like did she just say that??? But she definitely did. It was the sweetest voice. As much as I would have loved it to be mommy, it was just as exciting to hear daddy (and it was not "da da" it was "daddy."

Right before she said it.

She is growing up way too fast. But seeing her hit all of these milestones is amazing. =)

1 year.

This post is over a month late...what can I say, I'm really too busy to update this very often. Also, our anniversary fell right in the middle of an EXTREMELY busy time in our life. Anyway, I have to say thank you to my loving husband for sticking by me and helping me get through this past year. I said last year was the hardest year of our lives, but this year definitely surpassed it. There is nothing like doing everything at once. We got married, started new careers, moved a couple of times, studied for the bar exam, and had our first baby all in one year. However, as hard as it has been, it has also been the most rewarding and best year of my life. I get to come home to the most beautiful child, who is truly a miracle and gift from God. And I have husband that not only is a great father, but also takes good care of me. Life is certainly full of challenges, but as I've learned the most unexpected things can turn into the most wonderful gifts. Although this next year will hopefuly be a little calmer--we are still expecting big changes for the future. :) Here are some pics from our anniversary and some fun ones from the wedding last year. Its hard to believe its been a year!!! What an amazing day it was!

Gorgeous location!!

BJ's mom surprised us at the beach with this cake!

Cake from wedding--ewwww...not so good a year later.

Celebrating our anniversary in Hilton Head.

Celebrating in WV.

Mommy & Me day...

Kaitlin and I got to enjoy a random girls' day (and Maddie too, of course). We had so much fun. Kaitlin was full of giggles and once again made me realize how lucky we are to have such an easy going baby. She is easily entertained! :)

Full of giggles.
In deep thought...

I love my little monkey!!!
She just adores her sister, Maddie.

And Maddie just adores her!

Kaitlin is growing up so fast. Here are a few more pictures from the last week...
Holding onto her bottle...not quite doing it on her own, but close.

I don't know about this dad...

I think I'll just take a nap here...and my fingers taste good.

There's my happy girl!!

Toys. Toys. and more Toys.

Miss Sophia tastes good...
She loves giraffes.

At four months old Kaitlin is discovering more and more each day. She puts everything in her mouth and loves to pull my hair! Her favorite toy is a giraffe named Sophia. She also likes rattles and her baby "gym." I have to say we have the perfect gym. It has a mirror with lights and music that play when she kicks her feet (which she does all the time)! She also laughs, flirts, and talks up a storm (baby coos). She definitely eats up all the attention. As much as I want her to stay a little baby, each month keeps getting better and better. I am so smitten with my little monkey! :)

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.