Baby Girl Turns 1

My Mckenna Rose,

I honestly can't believe that you are 1 today.  I know its so cliche but it really feels like just yesterday that you were born.  You have no idea how much joy you bring to our lives.  Your smile lights up a room.  Your eyes are so sincere and your laugh- contagious.  Your dad, brother and I are so in love with you.  I can't wait to make more memories with you.  I love you more than words.

All my Love,
Mom XOXO

PS- Party Pics coming soon.  We had a BALL! :-)

All you need is LOVE

Consider my heart FULL

The Birthday Girls

This past week, two of my favorite girls have celebrated their birthdays!!! Our Kiki turned 3 and Prita age 30.  Where has the time gone? I know I always ask this but someone answer me, where has the time gone???

Dear Prita,

I remember meeting you at the innocent age of 19.  You were young, naive and madly in love with my dorky little brother.  Today marks a new milestone.  You are oldER, wiser, yet still madly in love with my dorky little brother.  While some things never change, others do.  Look at all that you have accomplished in the 11 years I have known you.  You have become a teacher, a wife, a mother and one of my best friends.  Not sure what I would do without you actually.  Thank goodness you are so close and that only one house separates my family from yours.  I can literally knock on your door anytime I need to (don't worry, I won't- maybe I should have a key???).  I can leave my kids with you and trust with all my heart that they are being cared for and loved.  AND, I can call you with my never ending worries and know that even though you have heard them over and over again, you will still answer the phone, the text, or the door.  There are few people like you.  Thank you for being so good to my family.  Happy Birthday!!! BRING ON THE 30's!!!!

Love,
Your Friendly Neighbor
 

Dear Kennedy Renee,

I have known you, my little angel, since you were kicking away in your mommy's belly.  I was SOOO excited when I heard the big news that I could meet you in February 09, even though that meant mommy could not drink wine at our wedding (oh the sacrifices).  I knew before you were born that you and I would have a wonderful relationship.  I have always dreamed that you and my children would grow up together and be the closest of cousins.  What I didn't know is how much you would take care of my babies.  How is it possible that a little girl could be so loving and so motherly, even before the age of 2?

One thing I adore about you Kiki is that you are always looking out for Roderick.  Whether he likes it or not, you help change him, feed him, and put berets and bows in his silky red hair.  You make sure he has a snack when you get your own.  You help him find his placemat at Preschool.  You help him use the potty and you continue to inspire him.  The love you have for my son is unconditional and I know just how much he means to you.  Same goes for Mckenna.  I love how you smile sooo big when you see her and you say, "HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI HI Baby Kenna." I love when you take the spoon and feed her, even when she bats away at your hand.  I love that you try to make her laugh by singing nursery rhymes.  Thank you Kiki.  I am lucky to be your Godmother, Auntie, Neighbor and Friend.  I love you Kennedy Renee.  Happy 3rd Birthday!!!

Love,

Your Friendly Neighbor and Auntie Amy

Prita Got Us Good

Yeah, and we are still recovering.  We don't know what happened for sure but what we do know is that beginning last Sunday, Prita came home with a NASTY virus.  Since then it has hit Sean, Kennedy, Mara, Me, Harv and a few nights ago, our Mckenna Rosebud.  Soooo sad.  There is nothing worse than a puking baby.  The funny thing is, she handled it like a champ.  More than I can say for someone else I know...

Sometimes grown daddies are the biggest babies... :-)  Thank God men are not able to have children.  I am not sure they could handle the first 12 weeks yet alone delivery. 

"In the beginning God created man.  Then he had a better idea..." Ha ha

Stop the Press

I finally did it.  I spent the night away from my kids for the FIRST time ever!!! Ok, I guess I did leave Roderick to deliver Mckenna but that is it.  I would like to add that I did very well and so did the kids.  I left them with my brother and Prita, two people they both know and love.  It was easy for me to leave them with our friendly neighbors because they are a huge part of our lives and, well,  I trust them (yeah, I don't don't trust anyone so go figure).

It was a perfect night.  My husband and I ate a late lunch at the Nordstrom Cafe, followed by some shopping and then more dining at the Purple Cafe where we ate, drank and talked about EVERY subject known to man.  Topics of conversation;

Religion
Monaco
Private Schools
Monaco
Parenting; how to handle our "strong willed" 2 year old
Monaco
Making time to nourish our marriage
Monaco

After 3 hours of eating and drinking, we ended our night at the Fairmont Hotel.  It was just like old times.  I fell in love with my husband all over again and I remembered why I said "I DO" on July 12, 2008.  Sometimes with the hustle and bustle of everyday life and two children, its easy to forget.  With that being said, I love you honey.  Thanks for our date night.

Oh, and still no final decision on Monaco.  All night I would think to myself 'If the Purple Cafe was in Monaco, would I be okay knowing my kids are on another continent?' Then I would get all anxious, have a hard time breathing, fall into panic mode and pass out.  Okay, that's a bit of an exaggeration.  I do have strong moments where I think I can do it.  Today though, I am feeling weak. :-)  What would you do bloggers? Comment!!! :-)