How fast it goes

This was taken last April. Three days before I gave birth. We went back to the same park on Sunday to take pictures of Lexi again, but she wasn't as cooperative at smiling! LOL




















Moments after I gave birth. Look how little!!














And today, on her first birthday.

A letter to my daughter

To My Daughter On Her First Birthday:

I cannot believe how fast this past year has gone. It has been so amazing to watch you grow from day one to day 365. You’ve come a long way in that time. In my belly, you showed me how laid back you were. You didn’t move around much and didn’t cause me much grief at all. You showed how stubborn you are when you didn’t want to come out and made me push for three hours.

Once you were born, you stole my heart. I never imagined loving someone so much. I can just sit and watch you sleep and it makes my heart beam with pride. You started out so small (well, if you consider 8 lbs 5 oz small…) and you’ve grown so big. You no longer fit into any of your 6-9 month clothes. You outgrew your infant carrier and your bouncy and your bumbo. I get so sad putting all the items you outgrow away, but it means I get to pull out new stuff for you and we’re experiencing new things.

Every day brings new things with you. You love your kitty Cinder. You chase him around and try to body slam him all the time and just giggle. Your fingers are a constant companion and if you have your bear, too, you’re happy. You get the biggest smiles when someone you know walks in the room. You get excited to knock on Aunt Elaine’s door in the morning.

As you were in my belly, you’re still laid back and stubborn. You don’t mind going new places and meeting new people. But if someone doesn’t pay attention to you, you let them know it! You’re becoming so independent and wanting to start doing things all on your own. Daddy and I can hardly eat because you always think you need what’s going in our mouths. And you don’t like your baby spoons; you have to have your food on our silverware.

I love spending my time with you. I get so sad when I don’t get to put you to bed and read you a story. Right now you love touch and feel books the best. Especially the kitty ones. I wish I had more time that I could spend with you during the week. It makes me sad that this time has gone so quickly.

My little baby is starting to grow into a beautiful toddler. I’m anxious to see what the next year will bring and how you will grow. Thank you for being such a wonderful daughter! Happy First Birthday my Lexi – Bug!!

Love
Momma

Congrats Grad!

One of our good friends is graduating this weekend with his MBA. He finished up his last class last night and got an A! Yay!! I decided a card was in order. And lucky for me, my newest stamp set Mega Mixed Messages from PTI had a Congrats Grad stamp! I also got to try out my new Scor Pal, too. So far I'm loving it :)

I still don't feel like I'm very good at doing cards and such (and that I don't have all the tools I "need"), but I try. I was pretty proud of my cap and tassle...it's some embroidery floss :) And I do need to work on taking the pictures, as the pure poppy sheet is popped up on foam dimensionals. But, I wanted to finally start taking pictures of some of the stuff I do :)

Recipe: Paper: PTI Kraft, Pure Poppy, and True Black; Ink: PTI True Black; Stamp: PTI Mega Mixed Messages; Extra: silver Sharpie, cream embroidery floss, foam dimensionals

Friday yet?

I've just worked my...let's see...10th day straight at work? Seriously. I NEED Friday to be here quickly!!!! Just got a new package in the mail, so I'm off to play!! Yay for crafts! :)

One more week

EEK!! Seriously..one more week from today and I'll have a ONE YEAR OLD! How can that be?!?! Where did time go?? Sheesh! Lexi got a few early birthday presents already (this girl is S.P.O.I.L.E.D). Unfortunately one dress I haven't gotten a pic of her in yet because it's sleeveless and decided to turn below zero in Ohio after she got it. (thank you Momma Priest!!)

But the second, she wore before it turned cold again. Thanks go out to Aunt Colleen!! :)

score!

Last night Lexi and I went to find her an Easter dress. I found an adorable little polka dot dress that she can wear when it's not Easter (and it wasn't the $70 I saw on another rack!). Since we were already at Elder-Beerman's, I decided to take a trip into the mall. I had 4 Vickie's coupons burning a hole in my pocket and wanted to use them!

They let me use all four (I had to do two separate transactions) and for $10.67 I scored: a bra, 2 pairs of undies, a lip gloss and a parfum set. Yay!! :) Now, let's just hope the bra doesn't give out on me in 2 months.....I figured paying that little, I'd be ok if it didn't last a year since it seems their bras have gone downhill.

front page

My friends and I made it on the front page of The Other Paper. Check it out. (though, ignore the two random-ass drunk girls there!) If you thought we looked drunk and crazy then, you should've seen us later.... :) I have never had so much FUN at a concert before. Wasn't as good as Cleveland, but oh so much fun :)

Love you chicas :)

Bath Time!

Daddy's out spreading gravel, so Momma got to put Lexi to bed ALL BY HERSELF. (doesn't happen too often. normally we share the responsibility) So we had a photoshoot :)

Tonight, Tonight

la la la la la la tonight.

Did you figure it out?? Yup...NKOTB! I'm gearing up for their Columbus show this evening and I cannot WAIT! I went with some girlfriends up to Cleveland in October and now they are actually coming HERE!! EEK! I love reliving my youth!

Take a trip

I'm sending you over to my friend, Julie's blog. She's celebrating her blogiversary today and wanting to see how many comments she gets. So go read and comment!! And while you're at it...look back at past entries. You'll be sure to be in stitches!

Love you girl! Happy Blogiversary!!! Here's to many more!

You're invited...

I'm hosting a portrait party with friend and photographer, Erin Johnson. No obligations, no money needed until you decide you want to order something (after the party...not even that day!). Here's her website so you can check out what FABULOUS work she does. AND...if you want to see her last portrait party, she posted sneak peeks on her blog. AMAZING.

Hope you can join us!!

April 1st

Happy April Fool's Day!

Today is my youngest sister's 22nd birthday! Happy Birthday Cassie!! And this is the month that my little baby turns one. :( I love watching her grow, but some days I would love for her to just stay the way she is!

And a Happy Birthday shout out to Momma Bucci as she turns FIFTY today!!!

And another Happy Birthday shout out to our friend, Chris. He's entering the last year in his 20's today!

Happy 100th post to me :) Guess I don't talk as much as I thought I did....LOL