Mother's Day Weekend

Sorry for the delay in posting - last weekend was a rather uneventful and yet one weekend in the last year, that I'd really like to block from my memory! Phoebe began cutting her one year molars and two more bottom teeth all at once. She refused her pacifier and her bottle so it made for one hungry, cranky baby who could not be soothed. Long nights, early mornings and we thought for sure she either had an ear infection or swine flu, but the doctor assured us she had neither! Sunday morning last week, Phoebe and I were in her room playing while Ryan showered. I was sorting clothes since she's growing like a weed and she was just entertaining herself when all of a sudden she got the door open and was on her way down the stairs before I could even move. I can not explain the fear I felt in that moment as I raced down the stairs after my tumbling daughter. I think it scared me more than it did her because I was the one sobbing when the whole ordeal was over, not her! We went out and bought a gate immediately. So for those of you to-be-parents - hear me loud and clear - as soon as your child is mobile - buy a gate - it's simply not worth the anxiety that comes with a tumble. Not that a gate will always work, but we're kicking ourselves for not having one last weekend!

But the teething has eased and the bruise on her little forehead is just about gone so things are surely returning to "normal" around here! Friday night Phoebe spent the night with YiaYia and Papou. It was nice to be on our own for awhile - we've decided we need to do it more often! Saturday we ran errands and then headed to Anderson to celebrate my cousin Miriam since she graduated from seminary. We're so proud of her for pushing through and can't wait to see what she'll do next!

We got to see Jen, Joel, Bella and Gabby who were in from Phoenix - it amazes me that ALL kids seem to grow like crazy!



Phoebe got to play with Bella in the gym. It amazes me that kids don't get sick more often. Here Phoebe is kissing a ball that looked like it'd seen better days...


We just put together the wagon Nana and Papa got Phoebe for Christmas since the men's softball league has officially started at church. She saw the wagon at East Side while we were there for the party and immediately climbed in. Here she is trying to figure out how to pull Bella, who weighs a bit more than a few stuffed animals, like in the one we have at home...





Sunday we went to church and then had brunch with Auntie Kate and Uncle Steve before heading to Anderson to get family pictures taken and then celebrate Gabby's first birthday. The trips worked out perfectly as they were timed around her naptime. This picture she looks like such a big girl as she observes Gabby chatting away.

Here's Auntie Kate hanging out with Papou. She just defended her thesis last week and has two weeks before she graduates with her masters from Taylor. We're praying a job opportunity opens up closer to us - right now her options are either Pennsylvania or Ireland, so God is working on my selfishness right now. Oh how I want Phoebe to have at least one aunt close - so either Aunt Carrie and Uncle Mike better work on moving to Indiana or Auntie Kate better put her application in a few more places closer to home!

The kids were easily entertained with bubbles and stickers, cupcakes and gummi bears so the party was a great success!

Miriam borrowed the cupcake pan for Gabby's cake and it's now back in our hands so if anyone else is interested in borrowing it, please let me know! Gabby wasn't quite sure what to do with the cake at first...

But she quickly figured it out and managed to do more damage to her cake than Phoebe did with hers!

We had a great time seeing everyone and are already excited to see how the family pictures turned out. Not sure if we'll be able to post them but I'll certainly get them here if we're allowed.

Phoebe is turning out to be quite the cuddler and I couldn't help but post this quick head snuggle she shared with Daddy today.

It's hard to believe this is already my second Mother's Day. I stand amazed at my own mother and all that she has done for me, sacrificed for me and put up with from me over the years. I am so excited to watch her develop into a great YiaYia for Phoebe. I truly feel blessed that God found me deserving of a child such as Phoebe Rae. She is truly a delight - if only we could get her to say something other than "Dada" the world simply can't get any better.