The best things

The best things to happen to me... My husband and my baby girl. Both Rob and I are enjoying her more and more everyday. Who knew that was possible.

Our little 15 month old girl is full of new surprises. Her few steps have turned into multiples a day that bring excitement and smiles. It's like she's making this process drag out as long as possible to intensify the joy it brings to our family. Every time Lily takes a few steps, she looks to see who's watching, gets a big smile and claps until she falls down in a fit of giggles. Priceless.

And "hi." Really? Is it that big of a deal to say "hi" and wave? In our house, it's the best of bargaining tools. Lily just learned to do it and knows how charming she is doing it. It melts our hearts and she knows it. Have a bad day? That little "hi" fixes everything. When Lily's in trouble? A big smile and that "hi" and all's forgiven. Who's in trouble? We are! This girl's got us wrapped around her little finger already!

Last, but not least... Kisses! Blowing kisses and giving them happened overnight! She never used to even let us kiss her on the mouth, but somehow, she figured out how to kiss along with the "mmm-muah" sound it's supposed to make.

Priceless. :)

One Step at a Time

Tuesday, January 18th, my baby took not 1, but 2 steps!!! BIG SMILE!

More to come...

Nothing matters but your smile

Today was a hard night. Dinner with a crabby girl was a bust... until we got home. We danced and snuggled and she belly laughed as I chased my little crawler around the house. All the frustration faded away and seemed so ridiculous. I know these are moments and memories I'll never forget... My beautiful baby girl... I'll do anything to keep her smiling. :)

2011 and 14 Months

Welcome 2011! It's been a while since I've posted, but we've been blessed with a great year so far!

Christmas was filled with wonder as we celebrated with our little lady. We made cookies with cousins, Megan and Matt, and celebrated in Ohio with the Marrinan clan and Grandad and Cyndi. Lily loved opening presents and especially the beautiful lights.

After Christmas, we headed off to South Carolina, but got to stop off to see the Martins, Shaffers and Zayachowskys on the way. For the first time, Quinn and Lily actually played together! In South Carolina, we got to have a photoshoot with Mandie Joy and try out some new Charleston Hot Spots, including "Baked" in this picture. A great time with family!

Now that everything's settled down, we're back to real life and it couldn't be better! Lily is growing like a weed and loves to play peek-a-boo behind any door. She also loves to play with her kitchen and play food, especially the fork. Speaking of which... She can now eat with a fork on her own! She loves cheese eggs, hot dogs and Teddy Grahams and any kind of cookie.

Lily's cruising, but no walking yet... Just waiting for those first few steps...

We're excited to see what the rest of 2011 brings. :)

The smartest girl ever!

Lily has done a lot of amazing things lately. She crawls like a champ and pulls up like a pro. She is amazing at cruising and is so fun. She does amazing things like when the dogs run to the door and bark, she crawls over and smiles and says "Dada". Yes, Daddy is home! But...the thing I'm most impressed with?! Today, she figured out how to use a straw with a bite guard! You know... Those camelbak bottles that have a straw you have to bite to get water out of... Some adults can't even figure them out... And my genius baby is using one! Just had to share... Love this girl!

Growing up so fast...

My girl is growing up so fast, I can hardly keep up. It seems like everyday is something new and exciting. Lily is crawling like crazy and I swear one night she went to sleep okay at sliding around and woke up the next morning a full blown crawler. It's so amazing. She also pulls up on everything. Her morning ritual always includes pulling up on the shelf and throwing the picture frame and photo book. So funny. She looks at me while she does it, too... And just smiles. Music is one of her favorite things in the world. Any kind of music gets her clapping and shaking and never fails to cheer up a sad girl. Lily still loves "Little People" and her other favorite toys are an old cell phone cover and a breadcrumbs can. So much for expensive toys! She's also a hungry munchkin and eats anything but fruit. Whole cheeseburgers (!!) and anything with cheese are her favorites, but she'll even eat spinach, spicy foods, mueslix... Just about anything. We've also seamlessly transitioned to sippy cups, too. The milestones are coming so fast! Such a perfect little girl. :)

Lily is 10 Months!

Lily is officially 10 months old! Time has really flown by. Day after day I see myself more and more as the mother of a toddler and no longer a baby. Both scary and exciting. Lily is doing so many great new things... army crawling everywhere, clapping, trying to pull up, saying both "Dada" AND "Mama" and her newest... pointing at things she likes (or wants).

It is such a pleasure being her Mom... we couldn't be happier! :)