Home sweet SNOW!

Weeeeee're baack! And there is a lot of catching up to do!


The Blizzard of 2010 has definitely taken a toll on the metropolitan DC area and Mike and I were lucky enough to miss most of the torture. Although we were across country enjoying the warm weather, I still felt anxious about us not being at home for the 'big storm'. First, I missed Lily like crazy and she was on my mind 24/7. And to be a homeowner comes with many blessings, but also worries that a snow storm of this stature could do serious damage!My biggest worry was coming home last night to flood in our house because of frozen pipes, too much snow we couldn't even get through the door, and yes morbidly I thought our cats could have died because of starvation and we would find them frozen. Luckily we did not experience any of that!! Yay, and instead we came home to a tired but relieved baby girl who was excited to be back at home in her own bed, two cats(still alive :) ), and two parking spots along with our walkway that had been shoveled by my wonderful brother, father, and in-laws. Oh, and no flood! A great ending to a great trip!!!

Mike and I were so lucky to have this get-a-way, and I have to thank my parents and in-laws for making this happen. We are so lucky to have them locally and it has really helped when Mike and I want to maintain our social life. PLUS, grandparents get special time with their Lily!!! It makes a trip easier when you don't have to worry about who your child is with and whether she is ok. I KNEW Lily was ok, and that she was having the time of her life!

While Lily was having the time of her life, Mike and I were too. Kara and Mike McDermott, our great friends who moved away to San Diego, were so wonderful not only as hostess' but it was no surprise that we all had a GREAT time! Mike took full advantage of being on vacation and enjoyed a cocktail, or two, each and every day! I, myself, didn't mind a drink either, but Kara and I were certain we needed a detox for at least one night! Mike M. introduced us to the making of felafel's while Mike P. introduced making Martinis (extra dirty). It was a super experience all around. We also stayed active while there as we hiked Torrey Pines and Iron Mountains. Both although in completely different areas displayed spectacular views of San Diego, the beach side, and mountain side....one of the many splendors of California. We also enjoyed bike rides into La Jolla and down the boardwalk. Biking is such a 'cool' thing to do in San Diego, and although it took a little getting used to, cars on the road bow to the bikers. It was definitely weird riding along with traffic! Kara and I also had a nice time shopping. We caught some great deals at Roxy, and also up a down Garnett St (main street in Pacific Beach) were some great boutiques with super cheap stuff!

So there was drinking, trying to stay active, site seeing, shopping, and.....of course, how could I forget, EATING. Mike M. is known to be quite good in the kitchen and he again proved his status. It was nice to know we didn't have to eat out every night while there. It was an added plus to not have to spend the money, but also another great way to spend quality time with friends. Steak one night, crab legs another, felafel's and more, Kara and I even made a uber good salad one night. Although it seemed as though we were eating and drinking most of the time, it was all worth it!

Another special aspect of our trip was that I got to see my great friend Kate Uhle. She is an original to San Diego, meaning one of the first of our friends to move out there. It was so great to see her considering it has been 2 1/2 years since I last saw her. One night she took us all out in Ocean Beach, where she lives now. She also introduced us to some stellar fish tacos. It is so nice to see on old friend and know that nothing has changed even though our visits are very seldom. It is a sure sign of a real friend when you know you can jump right back to where you left off. Kara, Kate, and I had a great time reminiscing of high school and catching up with our real grown-up lives now.

Overall, our trip to San Diego was nothing but fun, and it is no surprise to me that we would like to go back. We have agreed our next trip out there will be to Napa Valley, where Kara and Mike will meet up with us. Although it is nice to have friends on the west coast to visit, I still miss my friend Kara....our chats, our walks, our laughs, etc. I can't help but say that I want her back on the east, but I am so happy that her and Mike have found such a wonderful place to be. They are very happy newlywed couple and it is always a breath of fresh air to spend time with them. Thank you Mike and Kara!!! We love you very much!

Sunny San Diego

Today, Tuesday, Mike and I were scheduled to depart warm California and head back east to the cold, cold air of Ashburn. Well, not gonna happen!! Currently we are STILL in California, enjoying an unexpected extended vacay! While I fully plan to blog about our trip...here are some previews...Thursday...early flight from the east to west...early enough to catch the sunset at Bird Rock Beach

We couldn't have been more blessed to have our friends Kara and Mike be the very best hostess'. We are so grateful for their accommodation and generosity throughout our stay.

she walks

quick update....Lily is walking!! Yay! What a cute site it is to see a small person waddle with little coordination. I don't mean to bash her style, but she is still not that good. She definitely has room for improvement :) Steps from room to room , standing on her own, and even holding things while she walks are getting a little easier for her. What an exciting stage this will be. I have faced the fact that I no longer have the 'baby' anymore. Lily is waddling into early toddlerhood! Plus, two more friends have welcomed their first babies this past week. Congratulations to Maggie and John on their super handsome baby Aaron and to Christina and Tim on their cutie pie Braydon!

Pediatric Update

As I have in the past, I have measurement updates for Lily. Today was her 'one year' check up with my very favorite Dr. Reilly. She is the most wonderful woman/Pediatrician there ever was. I have spoken of her before...she sings while doing her assessment, she has the sweetest most calming voice, and Lily is in awe of her. I love her for her kind words and perfect demeanor with babies. Even while calming Lily, I feel at peace Lily is in her hands!

Stupid me forgot my camera this time, but Lily is now sitting on the scale instead of laying down, I guess a right of passage to babies at the peds office. She was super cute weighing in at 21lbs 13.2oz (50-75%), height 30.25 inches (75-90%) and big head/brain 18.5 inches (90-95%).

Go Lily! Keep up the good growing work!

Anyways, a quick blurb, Dr. Reilly mentioned how her teenage daughter was doing a science project on the benefits of breastfeeding, and the difference in the immune system of a breastfed baby vs. a formula fed baby. Now before anyone gets all hyped, for the record I have NOTHING against formula fed baby, fortunately I was just blessed with a baby who took to nursing like a champ, for a WHOLE year I might add. Dr. Reilly said that Lily is a perfect example of a successfully breastfed baby! Looking over the last year, Lily has not been sick, (besides the throwing up incident) she is growing appropriately, and she even mentioned Lily's attitude/presence as being appropriate to one of a breastfed baby. Now I am only sharing this, because in the moment of Dr. Reilly boasting about my baby I felt prideful! For the past year I have exclusively breastfed Lily with exceptions of bottles while I was at work, and of course solid food around 6 months, and it has been that which aided in her growth and development. Dr. Reilly said to me, 'Way to go Mom' you have a perfect baby! And to that I feel great pride.

* Walking update.....today, she took almost 10 steps! Not around the coffee table, not from table to couch, but on her own in the very middle of the room. In fact we were at our friends house for a playdate and Ethan (19 mos) I believe was a bit of her inspiration. I am looking forward to possibly a walking baby by the weekend???

a NEW year rings

Happy New Year to all! We spent a great couple days in my grandparents cabin in WV with great friends, had great food, great drinks, great conversations and great games. Overall, a GREAT time! CHEERS!

We all feel this way sometimes!

Beef Wellington...courtsey Christie

Besties

Mike and Jurgs cheers to a New Year with their special beer for each other

Kristin and Ryan Reese...baby Kage was there I promise, but I have no photos to prove it

I guess it is appropriate to still dress up when you are 27......the closets were like gold with vintage circa 1990 gear!

Game Time

This years focus......(in no particular order)
* SAVE MONEY
* Half Marathon
* Faith
* Patience
* Health
* Family Values
* New recipes
* more reading

December Celebrations from now until forever

Before we ring in 2010, it is only appropriate to rejoice over this past weeks celebrations....be hold for a wild ride!

First I must mention the amazing snow storm we experienced that made a very special white Christmas for us all. The snow poured down hard for almost a full day, and as a result 24 inches of pure white was seen throughout northern Virginia. I came home from work Saturday morning to Mike already attacking the sidewalk with the shovel. He did an amazing job, although you just couldn't keep up with the speed of the flakes :)

I also walked into the house to see this...... Mike had moved Lily's highchair to our front room overlooking outside. She was completely content watching her Daddy while eating Cheerios's and drinking milk.

We trekked through the snow to my parents house in Mike's large four wheel drive truck and celebrated with a few of my Mom's family members, Christmas. To me, Christmas week had begun and what better way to start it than with a bed of snow.

Family photo in the snow!
In comparison to the final result, this is nothing! Mike had already shoveled this barely 20 min prior to the picture...
Mo Mo and the baby all bundled up for her first sleigh ride!
Lily and her G-Pa...a sweet and precious bond!
Super cuteness, trying to go for a ride
My Mom's beautiful table scape

Second, Christmas...Our beautiful tree which Mike picked all by himself. Although I was a bit upset he found it while I was inside the nursery asking a question, I couldn't reject it!This Christmas season went by all too fast and I would like to pride myself in taking full participation of Advent this year, although I am ashamed to say Mike and I only went to church one Sunday in December. Many excuses come to mind, but none of which are appropriate. I wish that my heart and soul had been more in tune to the spirit of Christmas, but I found myself distracted. I had hopes of Mike and I volunteering with the needy, being in a position to donate more money, to give gifts to a family, etc but it didn't happen this year, and I can only vow to try harder next year! I still hold the meaning of Christmas so deeply close to me, I only wish I had expressed it more!

Despite my own disappointments in myself, Christmas, this year was very special! Mike, Lily and I spent an amazing Christmas Eve together in celebration with my parents, brother and his girlfriend, Sarah. I am sad to say I took no pictures, but in my mind I will remember the great food, and great time we had. In joining Christmas eve traditions with Mike, I made his Mom's famous French Onion Soup and bread pudding for dessert. For our entree, a delicious Salmon and risotto! Writing about it makes me want to experience the tastiness all over:) Christmas morning, my parents were still with us, and we gathered in our basement around the tree for coffee, and my homemade cinnamon rolls, which Lily LOVED! I will admit, Mike and I were a bit skimpy on presents with Lily, but my focus was our family. Lily is very lucky to have spent Christmas with both of her grandparents, and they both were more than generous in their gift giving to Mike, Lily and I!

Third, Lily TURNS ONE!
It may be cliche to say, but it seems like yesterday that I was in the hospital waiting for Lily to arrive. Our life has changed as we know it and Mike and I couldn't be happier to be parents to such a vibrant, beautiful baby girl! Our year has been filled with so many memories which I hope to never forget, and it makes me excited for our years to come. I could go on and on with sappiness, but I will get straight away to the fun stuff.

In honor of a Christmas time birthday, I have decided that I need to make her day extra special. Although Mike agrees with me, and believes Lily's day is important, I know he thinks I am crazy for all the things I come up with. My idea of a birthday tree came last year when we were chopping down our Christmas tree and saw a mini Christmas tree. I thought, how cute would it be for Lily to have a tree specific to her birthday. We found this mini pink tree at Wal-mart and it was a perfect fit for a birthday tree! I decorated it with a small amount of ornaments, but my plan is to put ornaments from year to year on it.

I wanted to keep the decorations to a minimum for clutter purposes and financial purposes. It didn't seem necessary to buy a lot for a one year old party but I definitely wanted to make it memorable. My theme was pink and cupcakes, perfect for a baby girl :) I bought this cupcake tree and made my own cupcakes, chocolate and strawberry. I even piped the icing on top, which I was very proud of. Lily LOVED eating her cupcake, and videos are to come!My Mom made this sign for me 25 years ago for my first birthday. A couple weeks ago while going through my stuff still at my parents house, we foudn this. It was so special to have it there at Lily's party! If only Lily was looking.....

We had such a blast with Lily at her party! We are so grateful for all our guests who came to celebrate with us and all the generous gifts!!!! We are blessed with our health, love, and faith. Hooray for a successful year, I pray for the same in 2010.

ok enough about Lily, what about me....

SOOO, I just completed a great post about my daughter, but back to me....wink wink

Updates from me...

Waiting in the cold at Jammin' Java

Mike and I attended yet another Pat McGee show at Jammin Java, and like I always say, I think this was one of his BEST shows! We were second row, and it was awesome! I felt so hip to be jammin out with my husband, and I love that seeing him in concert has kind of become our 'thing'. We are dorks, and I love it!

the amazing jam session between Pat and his band member who played the piano and sax

Sunday my brother and I ran the 'Jingle all the way 10k' (6+ miles). I was a bit nervous about it when hearing the weather forecast for Sunday morning, but all was well and the weather was actually perfect! The race was downtown, and took us on a great course around Haines Point. I completed my two goals for the race...

1. to run the whole way
2. finish in under and hour
My brother, of course, ran off right away at the starting line, although I told him to. Instead, I ran with my friend Stefani the whole time. We kept a great pace and being 10wks pregnant, I am super proud of her for doing it with me still.
before the race trying to warm up

after the race..wet and cold but feeling good!
the runners!

I felt so good after the race and felt I could keep going! My next goal is a half marathon which I will embark upon in March! GO ME!