Happy Birthday Papa Dave!

I wanted to send some love to my Dad today on his BIRTHDAY!

I hope you have a great day!

We all miss you and love you, hopefully we'll see you again soon!

Lots and lots of love to you today from Belle Plaine!

Fairytale kind of day!

Today has been a good day.

No, make that a GREAT day!

I started April 29th by helping my patient deliver her third baby.

And not in my usual, stand to the side, coach-like, nurse-y way.

I actually delivered the baby!

Seeing as the patient only allowed about 8 minutes from door to delivery, our poor

in-house Dr. didn't have time to make it.

This put me in the receiving position, and I was blessed to place a beautiful, healthy,

baby boy into his mother's arms!

What a way to start!

Today's weather has been Gorgeous!

What Spring is supposed to be all about!

Sun shining, birds singing, color coming back to the world!

I love seeing the green grass, and the buds on my trees and my lone lilac bush!

Oh to drive home with my window down, so SO great!

And what really put me into this euphoric mood... the wedding!

You know?

The one that has been mentioned a time or two in the media?!

The Royal Wedding!

I really had only slight interest in this whole event, something I thought I would watch

a bit of, just because it was history.

But then it sucked me in!

Seriously, I felt happy, and joyful, and just a touch giddy as I watched the event unfold!

I'll admit to tearing up twice.

It was beautiful!

And happy!

And joyful!

And very, Very, Royal!

I loved it!

A great day indeed!

Meet Mason

I was so lucky to have the chance to take some photos of this DARLING

little boy!  Seriously... could he BE any cuter?

Little blonde-haired, blue-eyed, dimple-in-his-cheek, sweetheart!

He stole my heart!

Cute little dimple!

Tell me that hair isn't amazing?!?!

Easter photos

Here are some of the million or so pictures I took on Easter!

Easter Blessings

We had a wonderful day!

The Lord blessed us with family, and friends, and some wonderful weather!

I thoroughly enjoyed my day! (even on no sleep) and went to bed very happy last night!

I have tons of pictures to share, but Elaina is up from her nap and calling for me, 

so these are a few of my favs!

I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter!

John 11:25-26
Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.

1st Year B-day Photos

Here's a chunk of photos I took on my baby's 1st Birthday!

Wearing one of the dresses I had as a baby.

Just taking a stroll!

SO EXCITED!

Mmmmmm.... Cake!

I love you Elle!

A year ago today....

I fell in love.

After an amazing birth, a beautiful baby was placed in my arms and I fell in love.

The simple fact that a year has gone by since I met this precious little girl, 

it's just too much.  Too fast.

Today, the birthday girl and I spent the whole day together.

We went to the Como conservatory and enjoyed a small taste of spring weather.

I made her a cake that I later enjoyed watching her smash!

She got her very own baby doll that she is already possessive of.

Not too shabby huh?

I'll admit that tonight before I put her to bed, I cried a little.

A few tears for the past year that went by way faster than I was prepared for.

For the baby in my arms that is less baby and more little girl each day.

Then I kissed her sweet head, put her in her crib, and took a deep breath.

Here's to the next great year of a beautiful life!

Happiest of Birthdays Elaina Grace!

All our love,

 Mommy, Daddy, and Big Sister Lila 

Fun videos and cute snaps

This morning we had some fun playing... just us girls.

Caught a little of it on video, and thought I'd share!

 

I also wanted to share these cute pics of Ellie.

Ryan made some DELICIOUS Spicy Italian Sausage Penne, with Tomato-Basil Cream Sauce.

Not your average baby girl food, but she ate it up like it was going out of style!

Pretty sure she had as much on her face and in her hair as in her tummy, but whatever!

She was happy!

Made with Love

Yesterday we headed up to my Dad's place for a nice visit with the family!

My Dad's birthday is at the end of the month and since Elle's is right around the corner, we had a great excuse to get together!
It was a great visit, just one minor, teensy little hiccup in the day...

I FORGOT MY CAMERA!

AAAAAGGGHHHHHH!!

This is not minor... This is not Teensy....

Me, ME.. of all people, I forgot the camera!

I managed to hold back the tears (barely) and grumbled as I used my Dad's little

point n' shoot.  Then, to add insult to injury... the Xd card my Dad's camera uses,

yeah... we don't have a reader for that, and miraculously, none of our technology is

compatible. :( Wah-wah.  So until I figure something out, those precious images I so badly

desire to share, will remain safe and sound inside that irritating, incompatible little piece of plastic.

Ok, I'm done feeling sorry for myself (almost) and do want to share one little bit of the day that I loved the most!

See this?  

Amazing isn't it?

This lovely rocker was made just for Elaina, with lots of love from Papa Dave!

He made one for Lila too when she turned 1, and now they each have their own.

Something so special for each of them to cherish!

Thank you Dad, I can't tell you how much I love it!

I love you!

Eating... and falling asleep

Ellie has just started "using" utinsils to eat.

She likes to hold them, bang them around, throw them... not so much eat with them.

not sure about this "fork" thing

a little easier

forget this... fingers are the way to go! ;)

Sometimes lunch can be exhausting...hahaha!

Quick video of her falling asleep at lunch!

Playing

We had a good weekend!

It was so, SO good to be home with my loves!  

I feel like spring is really here, FINALLY!  My yard is greener by the day and I even really enjoy the rain that washes away all the remaining winter yuck! (Now, I just need to replace my busted lilacs and I'll be happy!)

I had a lot of fun watching my girls play, and playing with them!

Lila is starting that "but it's MINE" phase, so the whole sharing concept needs some work, but overall, the girls get along pretty well.  And they really do love each other.  It makes me happy!

Swim lessons this evening, then off to work for me!

Happy Monday to ya'll!

Lila's flash cards

playing with "baby"

climbing in a basket of laundry... so fun!

a big empty box... nothing better~

Sisters love each other!