And she walks!!!

Yesterday, it started! For real... She's been walking all around the house. Such a big girl! :)

A Girl and Her Daddy

A blog long time coming... Lily and her Daddy. If you know Rob, you know the story of how Rob told everyone that he was having a boy. When Rob found out he was having a girl, he was tentative... until he met her. It was love at first sight... for both of them. Lily beams when she sees her Daddy. When he picks her up, spins her around and tosses her upside-down, she goes crazy. At the same time, a little girl has never had a man so wrapped around her finger as Lily does her Daddy.

Today, when Rob came home, he was a bit dejected. He had had a bad day and just wanted to grab a glass of wine and relax. Needless to say, it was not to be. Lily climbed right in his lap and wanted to be read a book. This is what happens when you say no to Lily about reading a book:

So Rob read a book. And another book. And another book. He fed his little girl dinner and laughed and wrestled with her. He kissed her and made her feel special. He played with her for hours. And he read more books.

I can't convey to you how lucky Lily is to have the kind of Daddy that she has, or how lucky I am to have the kind of husband that's the perfect Daddy. I guess we're both pretty lucky. :)

Sleeping Bunny

Such a sweet little bunny. I'm trying hard to always make her sleep in her crib during the week (Daddy insists on napping with her on the weekend) because it's some much needed time to regroup and it helps me be a better Mom when I can get things done... but I must admit, I do miss the cuddles and actually look forward to watching her sleep on the weekends. Lily slept especially long today, so I snuck in just to get a peek. I figured it wouldn't be the end of the world if I woke her up and the view was so sweet that I had to take some pictures.

Today was Band/Playgroup day which is always interesting. Lily tends to be a bit shy with other kids she doesn't know, so I never know what we're going to get when we go to class. I do always know, however, that once I get her going, she may be intimidated by the other kids, but never the highest slides or the fastest spinning toys. She can't walk, but boy can she climb!

After class, we ran to Costco and she sat in the cart and chatted as we shopped. It was as if she was a tour guide telling me what delicacies each and every aisle held. As soon as a stranger acknowledged her, though, she went into panic mode furiously pointing at me as if she was telling them, "my Mommy is right there and she won't let you take me." All it took, though, was a pick-up hug and all confidence was restored and in my arms, she smiled at the onlooking stranger.

Back at home, she "helped" me make veggie Margherita pizzas and we shared our lunch and a few stories (okay, more than a few stories). The dogs shared, too (the food, that is). 

We've spent the rest of the afternoon being lazy reading every story we have and eating teddy grahams. Lily feeding more to me and the dogs than getting into her own mouth. She loves it, though. Yo Gabba Gabba's on now and I figured I could get some housework done, but every time I try to get up, Lily grabs my hand and snuggles into my lap. Guess the housework will have to wait. I'd going to get all the snuggles I can get! :)

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. :)