i'm gonna do it

...i'm gonna plan my meals this week! Lets see how is goes.

After Mike and I made two grocery stops yesterday (wegmans and Giant) because we had separate coupons/deals for each, our fridge is STOCKED! This isn't a regular occasion for us, but my Mom had Lily for the day and we thought...today will be a one time challenge of double dipping into two Grocery stores.

It was actually quite fun to sit together at the coffee table, go through the adds and decide what we were going to get at each store according to the sales. We even made two separate lists, and I gathered all my coupons for each. We rode to the stores with our windows down, the sun was shining, and I was feeling very blessed to be alone with Mike. THEN...

....Mike forgets the lists. I. WAS. PISSED! I mean what was the point of all that effort and time we put into the lists if you are just going to leave them at home? Ahhh, I'm soooo mad is what I felt like saying, and then I did!

So after I probably embarrassed him in the produce section at Wegmans (I mean I wasn't that loud, but it was crowded) he left me and went home to retrieve the lists. Only I didn't know he left to go home, I thought he was just going to pout in the car. So I carried on shopping, quite upset actually, got to the check out, proceeded back to our car to find someone else was parked in our spot....

OMG, Mike left me! I was certainly even more upset at the moment and didn't think my actions warranted my husband leaving me at the grocery store. Was he trying to teach me a lesson? I certainly hope not!

Anyways, moments later I see him breezing through the parking lot, he parked and approached me with two lists. He had thrown them in the trashcan!

Geez, Mike, you didn't have to leave me...

Well you wanted the lists didn't you and you said you were soooooo pissed, so I went home to get them...

I got in the car and we headed to Giant. I was not happy he left me, but inside I was kind of laughing at him. It was silent the whole trip, and again the sun was shining perfectly into the car, and the windows were down to cool off the steam.

By the time we got to Giant, we got out of the car, gave each other a kiss and embarked on our Giant store journey as if nothing had happened. And this time we had a list!

Typical Mike and Lauren! :)

The whole point of my story being, I am planning meals this week...first stop tonight, Chicken and Dumplings

Cherry Blossom Monday funday!

Before I start my whole spiel here is Lily before we headed out today! OK, so now she is climbing, which I semi knew because she gets ontop of HER table downstairs, but I never imagined that she would be on MY table!


Today, we bit the bullet and just drove.

My friend Stefani, and her sweet boy Ethan joined Lily and I for the trek into the city. I have been wanting to see the Cherry Blossoms this season and have procrastinated due to the ugly crowd. So, I thought it would be a good idea to go after peak days thinking that it wouldn't make much a difference in the sight......well it did.

I won't complain, because regardless of the Cherry Blossoms lurching the Tidal Basin Washington D.C. is one of the most beautiful cities I have ever experienced. Of course the weather aids my melancholy attitude, but I truly feel blessed to be a hop skip and jump away from our nations Capitol!

Today the Cherry Blossoms were a bit weak! Most of the blooms have blown away, and instead of the bright white and pink petals hanging from the trees, they were spread upon the streets and sidewalks as if they were almost tired of all the attention they were receiving!

It was sure nice to have the company I did today! Last year, Lily and I were on our own, and that too was a great experience, but it is always nicer to have a friend by your side!

So quick story before sharing of our pics.....Stefani, the kids and I had just strolled across the bridge by the Jefferson and we noticed a bit of a crowd along Independence Ave.

'What's going on?'...we both thought....people waiting for a shuttle? a tour group??

Well as we noticed more and more gazers, in addition to all the D.C. Police, it was quite obvious President Obama's Motorcade was about to pass through!

(insert video here that I took, although BLOGGER is making me very mad that it won't upload)

It was an experience to remember!!!

This experience brought us to the BRIGHT idea that maybe we should also go to the opening game of the Nationals. Obama was on his way to the opening pitch of the game. Stefani and I thought, lets give it a whirl!

We did, and we failed!

By the time we got back to the car, made our way to SO. Capitol St. the traffic was out of control and we were stopped, (being just one car away from the light we wanted to get through) for, again, Obama's motorcade! You see, we were running a little later than the start of the game and apparantly he had already thrown the pitch. He was now on his way home!

So the very reason we were enticed to the game, we were also strayed away from it.

We made it home safely, both glad that we went down town for the day, but also we both agreed for better planning next go round!

At the end of the day, Lily felt the drain of her energy. After traveling in the car, stolling around town and then playing with Ethan outside, it is safe to say that she was a MESS. I gave her a bath around 5:30, attempted to feed her dinner then suddenly...

Gone!

Her head bobbed a bit, but there was no doubt she was falling asleep right then and there!

Easter Sunday

Ok because my big mouth keeps blabbing away, I figure I should just dedicate one single post to Easter Sunday.

For one, it is quite important that it should stand alone, it is Jesus we are talking about.....

AND I take far too many pictures.

We had a great day! It started quite early with 8:45 mass which we got to at 8:15. Our church parking lot was a mess! It always has been, but with the new build I think people enjoy coming to church more now, so our parish attendance has increased. Anyways, it was a beautiful service, and our priest gave a beautiful homily. I saw some of my Mommy group friends and it was cute to see all the kids dressed in their best :)

We only got ONE family shot...shoot! But I have a ton of Lily to share. I did a small Easter Egg hunt outside for her just cuz you gotta start somewhere. My expectations were far exceeded when she actually picked up the eggs and put them in her basket. TOO CUTE!
Uh oh.....
She found what was inside....a yummy chocolate treat :)

The sun shined alllllll day, and it was a lot warmer than I expected. I'll take it though. We couldn't keep Lily inside! She fought us tooth and nail to stay on the playground. She is really taking to the outside, and I can't say I mind, although with this record warm weather it isn't hard to work up a sweat.

Anyways, we were grateful for the day and celebration of the Risen Lord. What a great day it was. I cooked lamb, had some awesome deviled eggs that included smoked salmon. My Mom made a great dessert and we enjoyed some Mimosas.

Our friends Kristin and Ryan Reese even joined us with their baby boy Kage. Just like in the fall when we put him in a pumpkin, we put him in a basket for Easter. We tried with Lily was she wasn't as willing.We were also happy to have my father-in-law over. Grandpa Ray Ray. He claims he hates being called that, but you know he is just shining inside :)He was a loner for the week because my mom-in-law was travelling abroad in Ireland with Jenny to visit Katy. I know super jealous! How cute he was to even bring over her Easter basket :)
My parents were just bursting with joy to be with the Lily. She is their pride and joy. I was so happy to have them here to experience such a fun Easter. It makes me think about my brother and how much I miss him. It is times like this with family when you think of those missing. He is still enjoying himself on the trail!At the end of the day, Lily was POOPED :)

Spring Sprang Sprung

Whoooody whooo for Spring!

Ok, comments allowed for what a dork I am!

This weekend was so fulfilling of warm weather, the sun, family, friends!

Here, we enjoyed visiting our friends Laurie and Matt, and their new baby Reagan in Shirlington for some Margaritas and yummy fajitas! Lily did a great job hanging out with us until her antsy pants were full and she decided to climb off my lap, over this here railing and then straight into the brick path, HEAD FIRST. It was totally embarrassing, and totally my fault. It basically happened in slow mo, but also so fast that I couldn't even stop it! Needless to say, the brick marked the spot on her dear little forehead. She cried a bit, I felt HORRIBLE, people probably stared, but in the end she was just fine, and she continued on throughout the day enjoying herself.....

Hence the swings.....

Pediatric Update

It was no joke, (get it, April fools?) on this first day of April, that Lily was at the pediatrician's office. Although I am sure she wishes that it was. We had our 15 month check up this morning, which would otherwise be uneventful except that she received ('i' before 'c' excepts after 'c', seriously i think this EVERY time!) 4 SHOTS! OUCH!

I am a strong proponent of children receiving (see i did it again) their vaccines, but I can't say I get any sort of joy seeing my baby hurt! As Lily gets older she is much more understanding of pain. And when 4 needles are coming at your arms I don't doubt you would be pleased. None the less she was quite strong, and with a quick pop of the paci in the mouth, her little tears almost went away. I also stashed some fruit snacks in my bag to treat her with. (even though there are large signs in the office that say don't feed your children in the office , oops)

Here are her stats:

Height: 31 1/2 inches = 75-90%

Weight: 23 lbs 10 oz = 50-75%

Head Circumfrance (for her large smarty pants brain): 18 3/4 inches = 90%
I caught her on video while we waited to be seen. Such a big girl she is!

watching her weight alreadyjust passing the time with a book

a sad soul after her shots, paci and fruit snacks to make it all better

Today has been such a lovely day, and after Lily's appointment (which we walked upto), I went on a run around the neighborhood, stopped at the park, then headed back home for some finishing touches on my flowers, THEN ate lunch outside! I love it! Lily enjoying some blackberries and a peanut butter/jelly sammie :)

This was actually a couple days ago. She is sooooo enthralled with Baby Einstein I had to get the proof. Plus I can't get enough of those eyes!

what happens when you neglect

It's not that I try to ignore her, but what am I suppose to do when I want to check my email?? I guess you could say it is a form of neglect.

Lily is so very independent that most of the day she is playing on her own. Of course, I chime in with her, PLEASE don't get me wrong. But when I say I could leave the house and she would be fine, I'm not kidding. She roams the house all day, under my supervision, from floor to floor, room to room most of the time just talking to herself, exploring, etc.

Our computer room/guest room is right next to her room and across from her bathroom. If I can hear her in these two rooms, I know she is ok. They are baby proofed folks, well the toilets not, but that is a different story. Suddenly I hear toys in her tub...now usually she stands over the tub and dumps all her toys out into the tub...

Today, she climbed into the tub, and proceeded to play with the toys. I guess she had to improvise since the shower curtain was closed. One of many reasons why I love this girl!

Freaky Deaky Phenomenom

It's on a daily basis, no an hourly basis that Lily blows my mind! Recently her toddler hood is shining through and I'm not sure what to think of it. It is amazing how God creates time which enables us to ever so softly dip our toes into the challenges of our children. I think their true colors are revealed at a young age, and, as parents, it is our job to mold them correctly with the gifts they are given. I recall the gifts God has given to Lily....

1. She is beautiful! (who wouldn't say that about their kid)

2. She is vocal.

3. She is strong willed and physically strong.

4. Independent.

5. She is vocal.

6. She is vocal.

Literally, 'she is vocal' is the most pivotal gift, at the moment, that I can focus on. I can single handily relate to this gift :)

I speak today on behalf of Lily, because if she could literally tell me what is going on in her head right now I believe she would say the following...but I am sure not limited to....

"My teeth, my mouth, my gums freakin' hurt, Mom and Dad. The pain wakes me up at night (which is why I cry) and I would like you to hold me over it. Sometimes my pacifier works, but I lose it in the middle of the night so therefore, I cry again. Please find me my paci, and my love bun, sing to me, rock me then lay me back in my crib..."

"But,..."

"You are fools for picking me up out of my crib and taking me into bed with you. I now have enjoyed your company while I sleep which isn't half bad.

During the day these things also come to mind...(Lily still talking)

I love Baby Einstein videos, please get me a new one because I am sick of watching the same ones even though you think I am still entertained. I also enjoy Blues Clues, but I heard you say it isn't on much during the day, so while you are buying new Einsteins, get some Blues Clues

I love playgrounds and walks, and dirt and stairs, and taking baths. Oh, and it feels good to poop in the bath with the warm water all around, that's why I do it, DUH!

Blueberries and blackberries are still my favorite food so please keep buying them. I don't really like veggies right now, but I will appease you if prepared correctly.

When I see airplanes and birds I get so excited, hence why I scream real loud and point to the sky.

Mom, (Lily STILLLLLL talking, I told you she was vocal)

Sometimes I hate getting back into my car seat. I am telling you this when I cry, throw my head and body back, then use all my strength to resist you buckling me in.

I love our cat, Zoe! When I am bigger, I am going to dress her up like a princess with a big pink boa and call her mine. I wish I could eat her cat food all the time, its so salty and yummy! Their water dispenser is pretty cool too, that's why I splash in it and make a mess in the kitchen, sorry!

Oh, and thanks for putting the iPod player at my reach so I can change the music whenever I want, I'm not encouraging you to move it, but until you do, I will disobey you and continue touching it, I feel very accomplished when the music changes at my command.

You make me laugh when you tickle my legs and belly! I like when you sing to me and when we dance around the kitchen.

I like to help and unload the dishwasher with you.

My day is complete when Dad gets home and I get to kiss and hug him. I then know I can finally go to sleep, so thanks for listening to me in that aspect.

Oh, and, I like trashcans...."

I finally interrupt, but it's quite clear she could go on and on and on!

My point, which I would have preferred getting to within the first sentence of this post, but have also enjoyed breaking down the mind of my toddler.

The miracle of life is one freaky deaky phenomenon.

As I find out many of my great friends are going to have babies of their own, I am so excited for them! Right now, their reality is that a baby is growing inside of them. It's amazing, it's glorious and special. I remember that feeling and can't wait for that feeling again, but right now my reality is that baby who was once inside me is now a tiny human who is growing before my very eyes. What a blessing! This step of life is something I wish that no one would have to skip!

The most amazing part of this blog post is the change in attitude and perspecitve I took before posting it. When thinking of it in my head 10 minutes prior to typing, I thought about how I could rant about Lily teething right now, and how it is keeping us up at night. She is a terror who gets into everything, she's so vocal, and strong willed that I don't know what to do with myself. Now, I end this post only feeling grateful for Lily and her special gift, her loud mouth. It just takes a few minutes to reflect and your perspective can change, and I even believe this holds true in all aspects of life!

I have been meaning to share this quote which Mike and I found, quite randomly, in our Ashburn Farm Newsletter a while back. But it struck us both the night we read it, and the most profoud part about it is that a little boy said it to his father...

"Time must be the most valuble thing you have, because it's the only thing you can't buy more of....'