Easter Pics.

This year for Easter. We were able to spend the holiday with both families. We went to Church and Brunch with my parents (my brother, sister-in-law and nieces are hanging low bc of the new little pumpkin and my other brother joined his friend's family).  Then we drove to Chicago for the afternoon to be with Josh's family + extended family.

I didn't hide any eggs for the pumpkin this year bc she doesn't quite get the "hunting" part of it.  She simply likes to play with the eggs and put them in her mouth.  I can't wait till she's old enough for a hunt.  I LOVED easter egg hunts as a child.  My mom gave the best clues!

We did fill her baskets with a couple goodies (I ate her Reeses Egg, yummmy!), some books, and she received a new bunny as well.  Since Nik's birthday party left me crazy busy, we didn't really get the chance to give the pumpkin one of her presents...so on Easter Nik woke to find a big, soft, Pink Puppy in her favorite chair.  She immediately ran to him and tackled him with smooshie hugs and kisses and "woofed" at him.  He's a big success!

Nik LOVES!! "Pat the Bunny."  I thought the retailer was crazy bc the book runs about $9, but it is hands down one of Nik's favorites.  She loves book that play music, have texture, or activites (who wouldn't?)  She pulls the flap to play "peek a boo," smells the page with the scented flowers, feels "daddy's face," plays with "bunny's book," puts her fingers through "mommy's ring" and waves "Bye-Bye" to Paul and Judy.  She picked up the actions immediately!  I am so happy we got it for her, I now know why it's a classic!

Her name is Penelope, isn't she so snuggly!

Daddy being silly!

Nik being silly!

Papa Love u!

The one of two pictures I got of her before she ripped them off her head!  This girl does not like any object on her head for too long!

Me, Daddy, and Nik

Mimi, Pap, Nik, and I

My Carrot Cake. Yummy!

Hope you all had a Wonderful Easter!

Wordless Wednesday.

Hop, Hop! Easter Egg Hunt!

Mimi stopped by to say hi!

Would you like an egg, Mom?!

Baby Chicks!

Easter Bunny!!

 

Nana and all her nanettes

Nana, Nik, and I

My Mother-In-Law invited Nik and I (and her aunt and cousins) to an Easter Egg Hunt at our local Country Club. Becausee it rained heavily the night before and in the morning the hunt was moved inside for the day!  Ironically, just as we were heading there, the sun came out brilliantly!  But, we all had a blast, and I can't wait to go again next year!

The Club did a wonderful job on entertainment and food, and Nik had a blast playing with eggs (she's not really into hunting for them yet).  She was obsessed with the baby chicks (although I find it slightly disturbing that they were tye-dyed) and I had to physically remove her from that area as she tried to squeeze the life out of one, and then was squirming to see them over and over and saying "woof, woof" repeatedly.  Nik enjoyed  watching the Magic Show with the other children and crawled all over the other children gathered watching.  The Easter Bunny even stopped by for a visit! 

It was a roaring success and I am so happy that we could attend.  Thanks Nana and Grandpa, we love you!!  Can we please go again next year??!!

Cold.

Our pumpkin has a cold and a cough AGAIN...

My daycare provider called me today because Nik is not taking her cold/cough very well and I think she was a little overwhelmed.  I just don't know what to do with her.  She is sick every other week with something that she caught at daycare.  What are they putting in the water over there?

My husband and I wanted her to attend an in-home daycare to try and limit her exposure to children and germs, but she's sick every other week (at least every two weeks) with something.  It's like every day I am just praying that she won't come down with something.

My heart just goes out to her, and it just tears me apart that we have to send her there everyday and expose her to that.  Everyone says how great it is because she will haev such a strong immune system, but all I can see is that she is always miserable and it is so difficult on myself to juggle her, the house, and my job.

I just pray that summer comes soon and brings some relief from these germs.  Ugh!

I have to work tomorrow and today was pay day, but my paycheck was gone to bills before lunch time, if that speaks for anything...Double Ugh! 

But, I am hoping that all of you have a GREAT WEEKEND!!

Hopefully, I will get to uploading a couple pics from Easter soon!  XOXO

Thankful Thursdays.

I'm not sure where Thankful Thursdays began, but while looking around today, I decided that I know what I am especially Thankful for Today...

and it is...


All of YOU!!

Everyday I am amazed at the women (and men) that I have had the opportunity to meet through blogging.  It has truly changed my life in amazing ways.  You all inspire me, make me smile, laugh, bring tears to my eyes, brighten my day, and bring my life meaning and purpose.  You are all amazing and beautiful in every way, unique and individuals.  Stay exactly the way you are, and NEVER change!!  I LOVE YOU ALL!!

Search Your Heart...(and your pocketbook).

I just stumbled upon THIS.

Nikolina is not much older than Sophie, and I can't IMAGINE going through something as difficult as this.  My heart aches, my eyes are wet, and my chest is tight thinking of what they must be going through.

You can make a donation HERE. 

I ask you to search your heart and your pocketbook for whatever you can spare to give, for this family and their Dear Angel and the struggle that God has called them to fight.

I encourage you to share this story, if you think Sophie and her family would benefit from your efforts. 

God bless.

Top Two Tuesday!! Top Two Favorite Magazines!

Top Two Tuesday is hosted by Taylor at The Undomestic Mama.  You can see Taylor's Top Two picks of the Week and many other Mams's here:http://benandtay.blogspot.com/

Top Two Magazines

If you read my sideline, you would already know the answer to this question...It used to be Cosmo and Victoria's Secret, but as a new Mama, my top two favorite magazine pics are (and yes, I get a little leap in my heart and my breath quickens when I go to get the mail and discover that one of them has come in the mail that day...)  Ahhh...I LOVE baby magazines.  They make me feel like such an informed, Hip Mama.

1. American Baby

and

2. Parents Magazine

Thanks, Taylor!

In other news, Baseball Season is underway, and I can't wait for my Cubbie Bears!!  Yeah!!  My WIN flag will be a flying this year! 

Go Cubbies!!