Morning Play

Our girl is teaching me to live in the present rather than be overwhelmed by life before or after

this 

one

moment.

It's a hard lesson for this mama to learn, but she's patient and I'm willing.

Teeny Tiny Park Pics

It was a gorgeous day, so we took play group to the park. Trying to get a picture of a bunch of babies is like living an episode of The Three Stooges. So silly!

The Birthday Party

Liza loves animals. I think it's a prerequisite for being little since it seems that a plethora of the board books available are of the animal variety. So, we decided months ago that we'd do a farm party complete with balloon animals and overalls for the birthday girl. The balloons were a huge hit, especially the chicken. Liza has pretty much given up barking for clucking these days.

My sister and I had these same silver candle holders for our birthday cakes. We're carrying on the tradition. Though we're a chocolate loving family through and through, I decided on white cake and white icing for Liza and added chocolate chips and sprinkles for the rest of us.

The singing was a bit overwhelming for her as evidenced by the serious expression on her face.

She knew just what to do with that icing, though, digging right in with her pointer finger.

Yum!

Sweet Smile

Playing with Daddy

Birthday Train

Liza has figured this present thing out for sure! She needed lots of help at Christmas to open her gifts and really wasn't interested in much other than eating the paper. Just a couple of months later, though, and she's ripping the paper off trying to get to the good stuff inside.  Thank you Grandpa & Nana! She loves her new train!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Love, Little Miss Blueberry Eyes

JOY

Puzzle Time

Liza is opening a few birthday presents a day. She's much more interested in the process than she was at Christmas. Aunt Erin & Uncle Brian sent this cool fruit puzzle which she absolutely loves. Her favorite part is taking all the pieces out. We'll keep working on putting them back in! Thanks, E & B!

Happy Birthday, Liza Claire!

Slipping out of bed this morning, I whispered, "It's time to go get the birthday girl!" I pulled a sweatshirt over my head, socks onto my feet, and as I left the room, Lee raised his head and said, "Happy Birthday to you too, Mama!". 

Yep, it kinda feels that way, like I'm sharing in this party.

No one told me the magnitude of emotion I would feel in the days leading up to the anniversary of your birth. I never realized how momentous an occasion it would be for me. But here I sit, with tears streaming down my face. We did it! We made it! I am so happy to be here celebrating you, celebrating me, celebrating us!

Thank you sweet girl...

For being patient with me while I fumbled along learning how to be your mama. For greeting me in the morning with your bubbly personality. For making us laugh over and over and over again. For wrapping your soft little hands around my neck when I sing to you before bed. For listening to our favorite books and giggling at all the parts I know you will.  For your contagious enthusiasm for life. For bringing so much JOY to our family. 

And, most importantly, just for being you, our little birthday girl. 

More Puffs, Please!

First, a little housekeeping...it's getting harder and harder to capture this girl on camera. She's in constant motion and is very interested in the camera. The moment I think I can catch her she's speed crawling toward me to rip it out of my hand, hence the quietness around here. I'll keep trying, of course, but you'll have to bear with me and the long spaces in between posts. 

Perhaps you've heard me lament about Liza's resistance to solid foods. She's her mother's daughter and has a phenomenal gag reflex. We've turned a corner, though! I could not be more excited for our girl. With the help of a fantastic cookbook, "Top 100 Baby Purees" by A. Karmel (Thanks, Misty!!), Liza is gobbling up her food. We've even added chicken to her repertoire. She's also becoming more interested in finger foods. Puffs (like Cheerios for babies) are her favorite do-it-herself snack these days. Even though I was prepared to puree it, it's looking more and more like she'll be able to handle a whole cupcake for her birthday next week! 

Mama & Daddy are so proud, Bitsy!