Lila's Birthday

I met my friend Maggie in 2007 at my former employer. She had just started and I was there for about 4 years- she was training in my office and we happened to have lunch at the same time. I was rambling on about how I had recently gotten engaged, and come to find out Maggie and her husband Adam had just gotten married at the reception hall that Nick and I had booked. We quickly became friends (I think when I got back to my desk I emailed her about going out to dinner).

Maggie and I have been friends since then and we've had the most wonderful relationship. Her daughter Lila was born just about 5 years ago, and when I became a Mom about 4 years ago she was one of the friends that truly saved me when I was at my wits end. I am so lucky to know her and am so grateful that she is in my life. Awhile back she told Nick that when we met it was "love at first sight" and I think that is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

I also want to mention- I recently joined a Mom group on Facebook and the first post I made was very positive and in less than 24 hours I was torn apart, called a Sanctimommy, and left the group. I apologized for offending anyone, and left it at that. I will never sink to the level of attacking people on the internet that I don't even know. I try to take the high road and am very fortunate that I am surrounded by a wonderful group of women friends.

Ok, enough of my sappy self- here are some pictures of our wonderful day celebrating Lila!

Nicholas 4 Year Doctor Visit

Nicholas' 4 year appointment was interesting- he had his first eye and ear exam and thankfully both went fine. We waited for what seemed like forever to see the actual doctor, and while we were waiting I realized it must have been a tough day for the doctor's- lots of screaming, crying, and upset kids. Nicholas kept saying "those kids are really freaking out" while we waited and played games, read books, and talked.

When Dr. Newman came in with a smile he said "thank goodness I'm in here, now I can have some peace." Nicholas' appointment went well, nothing new or exciting to report. He is about 40 pounds and I can't recall his height right now, but he's looking pretty tall to me ;). We are lucky in that he is rarely sick (thanks for the great genes, 'rents!) so it was more of just a yearly check up to see if we had any questions.

The doctor said two things that I never want to forget.

Number One: To a 4 year old, his Mom is the world. Remember the days when he is so sweet and innocent and loves nothing but his Mama. It might be tough when he's a teen, but at football games, sons don't wave to their Dad, they wave to their Mom. You will always be his biggest cheerleader.

Secondly, as he was leaving the appointment, he said that Nicholas was complete and utter joy. <3

Nicholas' 4th Birthday

For the last 6 months or so Nicholas has gone back and forth with 5-10 ideas about what he wanted for his 4th birthday. For those of you that know me, I am a super organized gal so the faster I could nail the plan down, the better. Being a Mom, I realize know matter how much you try and plan, that doesn't always work out. Well I kinda SWAYED him in to the construction vehicle theme, and I am thankful to say that it all worked out. I tried to tone it down this year with guests, but we are so beyond lucky to have so many wonderful friends that it was a huge party.

I also want to note that Nick has maintained friendships for the last 20+ years and it is just so awesome to see all the kiddos growing up together. It is truly what life is all about.

My 36th Birthday

I'll be the first to say I absolutely love celebrating my birthday. This year I went low key and just had a great gathering with some of my favorite friends. I specifically requested "shrimp and mozzarella sticks" for the night, and Nick happily obliged, haha. My friend Deanna made me the most beautiful and delicious birthday cake. We laughed, ate, and drank the night away. :)

Alexis' Bridal Shower

A few weeks ago we celebrated Alexis at her bridal shower. It was a really beautiful and perfect day. Her Maid of Honor did a wonderful job (we all helped where we could), Alexis looked stunning, and it was so great to celebrate her on a day that I know she has dreamed of forever.

The shower took place at Lenzi's which is right up the street from my house. It was recently redone and was absolutely gorgeous- the perfect setting for Alexis' "romantic" themed shower.

We kept it simple and played a few easy games- a how well do you know the bride and groom quiz, a "guess how many kisses in the kiss jar" game, and a few other little fun things went on. I made a photo book of Alexis' and Rich's life together so far and had everyone sign it. I was pretty proud of how it came out and I know Alexis loved it so that made me happy. Alexis got just about every item on her registry and there were so many people there to celebrate her. I loved capturing photos of the day and everyone said they had a wonderful time.

Bring on the wedding! Love you, sissy boo.

Eva's 1st Birthday

Today we celebrated Eva's 1st birthday, the daughter of our very close friends Matt and Jen. It was the perfect day and everyone had a great time.