Mother's Day

I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! I am still so thankful that I get to experience mommy-hood and enjoyed having a day to celebrate that. My first Mother's Day as a momma to Paige. This year was so special.

My family made me feel so special- look at all of the cards I received!

Kellen and Paigey got me a peony bush I had been admiring. I love how they bloom feminine and fragrant flowers right around mother's day each year...how fitting! I chose the pale pink variety for my delicate baby girl.

 

 My dear cousin Audrey surprised me by making a DVD slideshow of pictures of Paige from birth to present to a song that I mentioned I was dedicating to her. It was so thoughtful and we will cherish it forever. It was fitting that she had put a box of tissues in the bag with the DVD!

Finally, one more sweet surprise from my parents. After I was born, post NICU stay, they took me home from the hospital Mother's Day weekend and my father gave my mother a necklace to celebrate her first Mother's Day as a mom. 29 years later, she gave it to me on my first. She willed it to me in hopes to pass it on to Paige on her first mother's day someday. Again, good thing there were tissues ready! What a sweet story to pass on among the women in the family.

"Mother"

WWhacked out Recipes

I am stealing this from my sweet friend Laura's blog. To all of my fellow WW friends out there, I dedicate this to you. Laugh on, people.

Weight Watcher Recipe Cards from 1974

Secret Garden

Isn't it the best when you find something practically in your back yard that is a nice little getaway? We noticed a new little park and trail heads off the Monon Center and checked it out. Since it is so new we don't think anyone knows about it yet...and like it that way ;)

 Trails lined with tree logs

 There was a little river stream that ran through the park so it had bridges every so often

 Paige's first trip hiking

 This photo doesn't do it justice but there were the prettiest purple flowers everywhere

 My 3 (of 4..sorry Vera) loves..no better way to spend a Friday night!

 Happy Pup!

 

Overlook to the little river bend...the sun spot-lit the rock...Kel said there should have been a golden chalice on it or something, ha

 Not sure if you can see the background but there was an old red barn that glowed through the trees

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}