Guess who turned ONE!

My little angel cake! We had a BIG day of celebrating! I only got a little weepy for a short time. Mainly, thinking about my dad not being here to see this little sweet pea grow-up. But moving on from depressing matters...as far as the actual event of my baby turning one, I was rather cheery about it. We celebrated! We made new traditions, and we felt accomplished. We were excited that we made it this far. There were days we could hardly keep our eyes open and hadn't showered or brushed our teeth in too long to admit. But, things are looking up! We have this deal down (most of the time!). The first six months were a blur, the last six months have been so much fun. And every day since has been even more so. Seeing Julia grow and her personality shine is the most beautiful thing.

Birthday Eve started with breakfast and ice cream!

And then it was onto the real show. The day began with balloons! Lots and lots of balloons! And throughout the day more and more bouquets of them arrived, along with cards, gifts, cookie bouquets...it was unlike any other day! It was lots of fun!!

And then we spied a new buggy! In the last 48 hours I have learned we will be taking LOTS of rides in the new car.

The amount of excitement here was beyond words...such a fun morning!

OBSESSED with the new wheels!

And then we ate pancakes!

All dolled up for the special day and visit to the aquarium!

I think there was a nightmare around 5:30 am about this guy!

Seeing this little girl standing up-right with shoes and a dress on never gets old. I can't believe she's so big!

Ready for some lunchies!

After dinner there was cake!

LOVE the cake!

And VERY sad when dad took it away.

But then mom came to the rescue.

And dad made it even better with a swim in the tub.

And after the tot went to bed that night mom and dad celebrated the year! What better night to pull out the china and reminisce? Do you spy the photobook I made? Clinton hadn't viewed it yet...he was waiting for her birthday. He's like that...doesn't want to spoil anything too early.

And the next day after school the buggy was STILL fun!!

What a day and what a year! Thank you all for walking this journey...I hope for many, many more fun and exciting years ahead.

Vom. And a basket wall DIY

What a week! No, really...what a flipping week it has been. TGIF...leading into a HOLIDAY WEEKEND, baby!

Week's re-cap. Sunday something pounded this house like a hammer. I'll spare you the details, but let's just say everyone living and breathing here was sick. Very sick. And that continued through Wednesday. Finally things were looking up on Thursday. No school all week, which was sad, but everyone was feeling better and in much happier spirits. No whistling or skipping, but good enough. The coffee was tasting mighty fine, the sun was shining, and the Today Show was on in full view. We were going to make it! That is...until Little Bit was playing quietly behind the sofa. Too quietly is never good. I rounded the corner to see what she was up to and found her with dog poopie in her hand about to insert it into her mouth. (And yes, I was thinking the same thing..."When did I move to a trailer park and have dog poop in my living room?") So, there's the week. It's been as glamorous as it reads. Trust.

But no poopie was keepin us down! Dad grounded the dog, we cleaned up and rolled out.

To take this story to a place where you might find some interest...walk with me.

I've been sorta kinda watching Design Star. You, no? It's pretty lame, but better than most summer television. Last weekend I noticed a big basket that one chick picked up from West Elm. It sparked my attention and so what did I do? I got on the world wide web and looked it up. Actually, I never found it, but I did find these.

Hmmm, that's some texture for my kitchen I'm looking for.

Problem: price tag.

No way in hell was my other, wiser, more money savvy half going to be cool with dropping a bill on 3 baskets. I didn't even pretend to ask. So I got to thinking...how could I pull this off myself?

So when all else fails go rummage through the thrift store. And wouldn't you know it...it was HALF OFF BASKET DAY!!! B-I-N-G-O.

Doodle and I picked out a pretty pile and carried them up to the check-out. One was even 75% off...hot dog! I feel a little guilty when I take their junk and don't pay enough money. Then I get over it and move on.

So after all was tallied I spent a whole $6.05. And here's what it got me.

What do you think? Some are cooler than others. Some look a little cheap and not so much West Elm, but that's okay. I think the find and the price makes it even better. No?

Happy Labor Day, loves.

Big, Big Day!

What's happenin'? It's been a while; my apologies. We've been a little busy and this week was especially big. Like a lot of folks, school started this week! Monday we met the teachers and today was the big first day. Jules LOVED it and so did I!

It's really all about the fingers. When the teacher asked if we have a paci or lovie or any special "thing". Answer is "no". So long as you keep her fingers attached to her hand all is well. And yes, that's her tag still on her dress. We don't quite have the routine down yet. We'll get there.

The red-headed clan was melting. Not time or effort left for a good picture.

Always smiles for dad. Always. He's the funny one around here.

Breakfast on the big day! And yes, there is a bag in the background, cinnamon rolls and TOMS. Again, we're trying to get lunches packed and all other school necessities. Can't sweat the small stuff!

Happy Girl!

"Yeah for school!!"

All dressed up for the big day!

One last good-bye to Guinney and we were off!

Perfect Sunday Funday

I think he's a perfect girl dad. And I'm sure an equally great boy dad. But this picture says what I feel about both of them...perfect.

Hobnobber and Housewife

Can you guess which category I belong? The mister isn't a brain surgeon and doesn't live bi-coastal or take exotic business trips...nothing all that crazy. He's a suit and tie guy with a downtown office and is pretty much 8-5 with little excitement. But on occasion, a rare occasion, he gets the fir real hook-up. Most of the time it's lunching at the latest hot spot around town or getting in on some super fine wine at happy hour. This time was a smidge different.

The husband has a client that is a former NFL player. And a couple of months ago a package arrived inviting us to the NFL Hall of Fame and all of the activities surrounding it. There was a cocktail party, an after party, a pre-enshrinement dinner, a tailgate party, a round-table luncheon and the actual event. THE WORKS. We had some issues with babysitting...turns out Mimi and Pops were vacationing the same weekend. So I took the highroad and relinquished my seat to the spectacular show.

(These are a lot of the alone, portrait shots...poor Clint, he'll be so embarrassed at my story-telling of the weekend.)

Larry...aka L Mac took my spot. Super jealous. Super.

I think if I knew Snoop and Nelly were going to be playing at an after party of 200 people and Pop-eyes chicken was being served I would have come up with a Plan B for the tot. I know I am a better date to cut a rug than L Mac.
Let's just say my weekend wasn't quite as exciting.

Patience

What "they" say is true...children teach you patience. And test it too.

Strapping-in this wiggle worm while it's a blazing 105 degrees isn't the easiest thing. Make-up running down my face. Sunglasses slipping off my nose. Sweat dripping behind my knees. Deep breaths and one look at this pop-tart, and I continue to melt like butta. So yes, what "they" say is true. Patience. I gain a little more each day. Thank God. As I almost came across the counter and slapped an extremely rude sales person I was thankful for the newly found patience. I didn't want to get into a brawl in front of my precious, innocent child, but about a year ago I would have likely caused a scene.

I hope you're surviv' the heat if you live in a climate where it's similar to an oven.

{As a disclaimer...I am very thankful and fortunate to stay home and take this bebe out during the day. I wouldn't trade it for a very cold corner office with a downtown view. I assume you take that as a given. }

Ahhhh yeah.

Take a looksie what Toll House brought out as a Limited Edition.

Best. Cookies. EVER.


I happen to have a preggers coming to stay with me this weekend. {I'm beyond excited, to say the least.} So when I revisited my pregnancy cravings all that came to mind were COOKIES. And then I spied these goodies at the store. I need to buy 100 packs and freeze them for the down the road. I bet I consumed no less than 10,000 cookies in the 9 months I was pregnant. No lie. COOKIE MONSTER. I'll be devastated when their limited time in the stores is over.

So go on, get to Wally Mart and get your scotchie on.