Kara's Bachelorette Party!~

I can't even begin to explain the debauchery of Saturday night! or maybe it was my own debauchery!

~The Bachelorette!~

Cheers to Kara for celebrating her Bachelorette years and moving in the next direction of marriage! I couldn't be happier for her and Mike, I only wish I had experience it in full with her. Instead, my night ended early...apparently my deciding factor! The night started out fabulous, we were in great company, had amazing food from Maggiano's, Kara received super cute lingerie, BUT I drank a bit too much Champagne. When will I learn that just because you step foot into a limo does it mean that you must drink Champagne? It's like I was forced to drink it...but clearly I wasn't. Jaime even said to me, "Lauren, you just said you didn't want to drink Champagne, are you sure?" I respond with "of course, we're in a limo!" The rest is not worth getting into, but this is when I thank my husband for being so wonderful and, of course, Christie for guiding me home. Thank goodness I decided it wouldn't be a good idea to bring along my Nikon in the limo, otherwise I may not have any pictures to show!

~The Bridesmaids!~

~All the girls!~

Mike, it was my second Bachelorette party of the year since Lily was born, and still you were not annoyed! I must say, you are a better person than me!

Dear Lily, STOP GROWING!

My epiphany today.....
I am beginning to realize how short my time with Lily (as a baby) really is! The past few days I can't help but stare and gaze with adoration at this little creature. How in the world does a human being grow inside my belly, enter the world and then grow to be something like an adult? Another thing...it is pretty crazy that up until a few weeks ago, I have been the sole provider for her nutrition. I feel so blessed to be a part of such an amazing journey.

After becoming a Mother and then looking at my own, I have a whole new outlook on the things that she has done for me throughout my life. It is crazy to think, that just 26 years ago my Mom was thinking the same things as she was holding me in her arms, and she tells me she remembers it so clearly! My point here is that I am soaking every second, every moment, every bit of Lily's tiny body that I can. I encourage other Mothers to do the same!

One of those things I am just in awe of...this was the night we brought her home. How, just HOW did she get so big?

Tummy time is now fun! I have been diligently spending time with her on her stomach in hopes she will roll over. I have even given descriptive lessons on how to do it. Something tells me she isn't listening to me because she STILL has no desire to go from back to stomach or stomach to back.

Something new....Lily LOVES glass! Whether it a drinking glass, a beer bottle, or a mug, she loves to suck them. I question if it is merely the feeling against her gums that she likes, or if she is truly interested in drinking out of a cup. I am not encouraging drinking on her own, my baby is still a baby and I'm not ready for such a thing! In the meantime, she can suck away for comfort :)

TINY(1 week)..................................BIG(5 months) Soon Lily will retire her bouncy chair! It will be a sad day when I can no longer contain her in this, but yet it will be such a milestone to know she is on to bigger and better things. It has been a good stretch and I will forever be thankful to the person responsible for this creation!

Such a sweet face!

Birthday Wine Tour

Saturday, was my Mom's 55th birthday, and what better way to celebrate than with the ones you love on a BEAUTIFUL DAY at some vineyards! Oh and did I mention in a LIMO!!! Yes, high rollers we were! My intention was that all of her family and friends would be able to join us, and we would sport a nice party bus, and get rowdy, but with everyone busy spring/summer schedules in play it was impossible to get everyone there. Instead we enjoyed an intimate afternoon with my grandparents, of course, my Dad and Chris and Susan (parents friends). Lily even joined us for her first limo ride and second round of wine tasting.

Because we were on a tight schedule, due to prom season, we only went to two vineyards. Although I am glad we did, b/c I don't think my grandpa could have taken much more. It was a perfect visit at Hidden Brook Vineyard and

Fabbioli Cellars. I preferred Fabioli, which was our last stop, to the first one. The wine there was much better and the atmosphere was almost like you were at a family cookout. As we approached the vineyard it was as though we were going to someones hosue, and in fact we were. When we stepped out of the limo, we were greeted by, Doug the owner, and he welcome us to his home/winery. His basement was the tasting room. It was unfinished with a concrete floor, no finished ceiling, wine barrels stacked against the walls and only partly dry walled with christmas lights and wine posters/pictures for a classy look. It gave the perfect feel to a wine cellar! Different areas in the basement were assigned to tastings, and we had our very own! Obama even made an appearance.....

Needless to say, the wine was fantastic! We ventured home in the limo with a happy birthday song for my Mom, shortly followed by the old men passing out sitting up. Like I said, it was a good thing we only went to two vineyards! When we got home, Mike grilled shish kabobs and we continued to enjoy each others company. It was a great day!
Mike enjoying a glass!

Don't be envious of our photogenic ways ;)

~Happy Birthday Momma~

It wouldn't be a complete day without my Pop Pop singing! He sure was 'happy' at this point!Grandmas LOVE their grand babies!!!

Grand babies LOVE their GREAT grandmas!

So serious!

Kara's Birthday...We head to Bethany Beach

It's been a tradition for many years, each year, as Kara turns another page of her life that friends join together for a weekend beach trip to Bethany Beach. (courtesy the Valluzzo Family Fiddlewood Two Beach House) As always there were us lucky ones who drove down Thursday night to enjoy an extra day on the beach, Friday. Mikey joined us Friday night after we had returned from a great birthday dinner at Tequila Mockingbird. There we indulged in a LARGE portion of tremendous guacamole and cheesy gooey queso. But our glutenous ways didn't stop there, next were some steamy fajitas and excellent Margaritas on the rocks. This, of course, was after a day of Coronas. I'm not sure what it is, but Coronas and beach come hand in hand, so it wouldn't have been right if we didn't drink them.

Don't worry, I didn't forget, Lily! She was there too, enjoying all the company of Mommy's friends. It was Lily's second debut at the beach, and it wasn't much different from the first. She laid around on the beach in her cute little tent occasionally fussing which eventually led me back to the house to lay out. I must say, I had the best helping hands from the girls...and guys! Everyone took to Lily as if she were there own. In moments when I was nervous for her fussiness, someone would sweep her away, calm her down, and even put her to sleep....well mostly it was Jaime, but that is because she wouldn't let anyone else do it :) wink wink Jaim, I was so proud of your motherly ways and so very grateful! Lily loves her new best friend! And she especially loves her new 'Buttercup' dress from 'Life is Good'! Thank you!

There is a reason for my late posting....I believe I left my camera at the beach house which has all the good pictures on it from the weekend. At least, after searching high and low for it, I concluded it better be at the beach house and that I didn't lose it! Some include, Lily sitting in her sand hole, me sitting in my sand hole thanks to Pat. Kara and Mike family picture on the beach with Lily as their baby prop. Peterson family picture on the beach, etc.

These are the only ones I have to show with my nikon.....

Kara wasn't expecting a video, but how else could I get everyones voices singing on my blog. The cake was a pound cake to later be served with strawberries and whip cream. Jaime and I took the liberty to serve Kara something healthy in honor of her upcoming wedding.

Another Pediatrician Day

Pediatrician Appt...4month check up on 5 month birthday :) OOops, Mommy's fault for missing the first one. So I made the truck by myself today, NOT knowing that Lily would be given two shots. My heart started to race immediately when the nurse said she would be given shots today. Of course, I thought back to the horrible cry I once heard when she got her last shots. I didn't want to be there alone! I put on my strong face the rest of the appointment anticipating Lily's cry. In the meantime, Lily was weighed and measured again....
Head-17 in.-90-95% (smarty pants)
Height-26 1/2 in.-95%
Weight-16 lbs 10.8 oz-95% (not as big as I thought, to be honest)
I'm a bit upset b/c I did forget to bring my camera, although my phone worked well to send Mike the updates.
Once it was time for the shots I braced myself for the worst, and I was ready to feed as soon as they were done. Lily, of course, was smiling the whole time and laughing so the build up was worse. As a surprise to me, Lily didn't make a peep. She definitely didn't like the feeling of the two shots in her legs, although she remained silent only making grimaces. I'm a proud Momma!

Solids

Today, I ate cereal!

This morning Mike and I had our blood drawn, and a health history and physical done for our future purchase of life insurance, and with that Mike was able to be home for the morning :) This past weekend after noticing Lily's notions of interest in food, along with her putting everything in her mouth, we decided it is time for an introduction to solid foods. I must admit I have been putting it off, due to the inconvenience of me now having to make food rather than just unbuttoning my shirt for mealtime (excuse my graphic nature). This morning seemed like a perfect time that we both could be around to witness Lily's reaction via camcorder. Well...pretty uneventful! As you will see Lily didn't care too much about this milestone she had reached and I barely think she is looking forward to the next feeding of soupy rice cereal. I conclude that rice cereal is NASTY, smells NASTY and most likely tastes NASTY, but I will push on and hope that Lily enjoys it. Soon enough I plan to add the taste of carrots, maybe that will be more exciting!

(Sorry so long, I'm not sure how to edit...hehe)

Wedding Season Kicks off!

What a great weekend Mike and I just had with all our friends! Not to mention a great weekend for baby Lily who spent a WHOLE night with her grandparents :) Our great friends Ashley and Brad were married Saturday evening in VA Beach. It is such a joy to see our friends get married. Marriage has been such an amazing ride for me and I love knowing that my closest friends get to experience the same feeling! After going through all our marriage prep classes in the church I have a new understanding of the sanctity and realness of the committment one another is making and I truely think it is amazing! To spend the rest of your life with someone, it is not just love that gets you through the day or years, its the bond, the friendship, the laughter and tears. Your partner is your mate and companion! I love going to weddings with Mike now because I find that we, again, live the vows that we took with each other. Mike held my hand through Ashley and Brads vows and it made we realize how lucky I am to have my mate!

The reception, too, was a blast! Weddings always bring out the best in people! It was so great to see some friends who I haven't seen since graduating college. And it was also nice to know that not much has changed as far as our friendship! We relived many moments of our college days through songs and dances. I thank Mike for being my photographer and capturing the moments! The night ended with Ashley and Brad leaving on a boat! What a great departure and fairy tale ending!

Ashley and Brad, CONGRATULATIONS!!!

....next stop, Kara and Mike, July 11 :)