Beach Bebe

A few weeks ago Paige and I flew solo (gulp) down to Destin, Florida for our annual family vacay. Kel didn't have the PTO from work, so it was just a girls trip. I will admit it wasn't the most relaxing beach vacation I have ever had, but it was still nice to get away and sit on the beach.

 

 This was how she was all through the airport...she thought it was no.big.deal.

Flying solo with an infant was work, but doable. I was as prepared as I could be, even with some sweet-ease from work in my pocket ready to unload and disposable chucks for the changing tables. I even doubled up a size 2 and size 3 diaper in case of a blowout...haha! I am still proud of myself- I discretely nursed her every flight and we both did well. Window seats are the way to go, no questions asked.

 WE made it!

 

Beach Bebe

Traveling to the beach sure took some effort! We had quite the set up.

 

 This was how it was all week. My parents surrounding Paige...I could have not showered or eaten all week and they wouldn't have noticed. But I know they loved being with her 24/7 and I enjoyed watching their joy.

View from our balcony

 

 

 Paige was a little fish, she loved the water. I think she thought it was one giant bath tub

 Dry snuggles after swimming

 My little outlet mall shopper (with our first attempt at sandals; Mommy: 0 Paige: 1

 I think it was the combination of sunshine, sea salt, and my parents' kisses on her head...Paigey's hair finally sprouted! She even woke up one morning with bedhead!

{ps- who would have guessed I would have a blonde baby?}

 Paige and Grandpa are buddies

We had a nice time, but it was so nice to be back home and get back to our routine.

 

 Mommy and baby were both elated to be back home with daddy-man!

Easter

Apology: way late post.

Hope everyone had a great Easter! Experiencing holidays via the eyes of children gives you a new perspective and are so fun.

 Watching the Easter Beagle Charlie Brown with Daddy 

Our little Easter Bunny Ready for church

We are so excited to raise Paige knowing the true meaning of Easter. 

The Lord has blessed us in so many ways!

  

  Paige's first Easter Basket:

Baby doll, Lion King, bubbles, pinwheel, and a blow up splash pool 

 It was so funny when we gave it to her. She looked at us with those big blue doe eyes like "for ME?!"

 

 sooo excited about her baby!

{Uncle Cameron came home from Purdue too}

May Shower

April Showers Bring May Flowers,

What do May Flowers Bring?

BABY THORNE!!

 

A few weekends ago I had the fun honor of hosting Gretchen's NICU baby shower. She hosted mine and it was so cool to swing right around and celebrate hers. We have experienced so much together and in addition to celebrating her pregnancy, I felt like in a way it was a celebration of our friendship, too. The theme was spring showers (get it?!) and I had fun decorating and planning for it.

 

 I turned our dining room chandelier into a storm cloud

  Diaper cupcakes as centerpieces

 

 

 Julia did such a wonderful job on the cake- a cloud of icing!

 One of my surprises to Gretchen was getting a belly pictures from Jason and hanging them up in order.

"Grow Baby Grow!"

 

  

 When guests arrived, I had them chose either a pink or blue necklace to wear as to what their guess is if Baby Thorne is a boy or girl. My aunt did something similar at my family shower and it was neat to see who thinks it will be a boy or girl.

 Kellen and I worked together to make raincloud poms with bead raindrops falling from them. They set the mood and made the house look festive.

 It was hard to get a good shot of them, but this was what the guests saw once they arrived. 

 White Chocolate popcorn for guests to take the party home!

 Paigey was my little helper ;)

Surprise from Laura in Tampa!

 My mom was there to help me and Gretchen's mom came to celebrate...it was neat to see them interact and talk about being grandmothers together.

 

 The beautiful momma-to-be and me

HMMM....what can I plan next?