Lennon is 1

Lennon is 1 year old! 

Happy Birthday sweet baby girl

AT ONE YEAR OLD

Favorite Words: Mama, Dada, Baba, GG, Nana, Papa, Choo-Choo, Oooo

Favorite Toys: Overly sized minion, Sophie, frog and ducky bath toys, her building blocks and her blankie that she falls asleep with every night

Favorite Foods: Watermelon, cheese, chicken and turkey, puffs and crunchies, cheerios, or anything Mama and Dada are eating

Favorite Activities: Bath time, swimming in GG's pool, mocking Mama and Dada when we say funny things, dancing to the Minion's banana song and singing "BABABA" after it's done, going for walks, playing peek-a-boo, going to the grocery store, playing with shoes, shaking her head NO, growling at us and the dogs 

(Can you tell she's learned a lot from Lucky?) 

Least Favorite Activities: Getting dressed after a bath & getting in her car seat

Nicknames: Bug, Babe - No nickname for Lennon, yet. Hopefully there never will be!

Awesome Favorites: Lennon's giggle. She giggles every time she thinks something is funny! She claps her hands when she is happy and she bounces when a song comes on.

Mommy's Favorite Moment: Well, there's probably many but I will keep it short and sweet. #1 would be the moment I named her Lennon #2 The first time Lennon walked! She took 6 steps across the deck toward me. Watching her take her first steps was a moment I will never forget.

Daddy's Favorite Moment: The first time she said Dada. Partially because he was so happy Lennon said Dada first but really, he teared up every time she said it and looked at him. It was priceless.

Lennon's Favorite Moment: When she found out she could clap her hands! The look on her face was amazing, she was so happy and excited! Also, the time that she got her Easter pictures taken and she grabbed the live bunny! She nearly took off it's face but she giggled and it was so cute!

Lennon's  Mama & Dada's Scariest Moment: When Lennon was 3 months old and we made many trips to the doctor for what we thought was asthma. She was having hard times breathing and it was terrible. After a long few months of breathing treatments, she is breathing good, happy and healthy!

Well, friends... That about sums up Lennon's first year in this world. Of course there is much, much more but it would take forever and a day to remember it all. But, I am so thankful for the technology that we have! I have blogged as much as I can over this past year to be able to look back on Lennon's best and worst times and we have video taped most of Lennon's funniest moments, giggles, laughs, walking, crawling, rolling, you name it! 

1 year ago today I was sitting in the hospital bed cuddling with a bare naked baby girl on my chest. I was in heaven - pure heaven on earth. My life was complete & my world was perfect. My little girl, my man-the love of my life in one place, all together at last. 

This year changed my life. I am a better person because of this little girl. I am a mother, I am a fiance', I am a lover, a teacher, a bruise-kisser, a tummy-tickler, a dream inventor, and most of all, I am happy! I couldn't even begin to imagine a life without Lennon. My life without her would just be... well, incomplete.

I love you sweet girl, forever & ever.

Happy 1st Birthday!

XO

I Saw God Today

Somedays are worse than others in life. Bad days at work, bad nights at home, bills piling up, cranky baby. It is stress around ever corner it seems. It's times like that you want to give up. You don't want to go to the grocery store to get milk, you don't want to wake up early to work out, you don't want to wash dishes, mop the floor, spend any more money on birthday parties or weddings... You just want to give up. Quit your job, stay at home with the baby... Life could be, in your dreams, perfect. 

I drove home tonight in the gloomy, cloudy, rain and as Lennon is crying in the back seat I wanted to give up. I turned up the oldies station I was listening to even though I had a headache. On top of that, I have a cold, I'm tired, I'm drained, I'm stressed out. I feel like I could just fall asleep... 

 I am at a stop light zoned out trying to drown out the helpless cries of a tired 11 month old... and out of nowhere I see a rainbow, it's peaking through the clouds just enough for me to see the pink hues and the blue shining clouds. At that moment I hear my papas song. Let it be, let it be, whisper words of wisdom, let it be.

I got goosebumps.

 I turned the radio down, Lennon had fallen asleep, the light turned green and I began singing and tearing up as I drove home. He was there with me. I needed strength and He was there, I needed hope and He was there. Even on my worst days I have him. 

It reminded me of one of my favorite songs... It brings tears to my eyes just typing this as I am rocking little Lennon to sleep. How could I be mad at such a little babe when she's just tired? How can I be so stressed out, it's just a job? How can I let the little things get to me when I have such a beautiful life and so much to be thankful for? I just have to learn to let it be. 

:)

I've been to church,

I've read the book,

I know He's there,

But I don't look,

near as often as I should,

His fingerprints are everywhere,

I just look down and stop and stare,

open my eyes and then I swear,

I Saw God Today

The BEST way to clean your microwave!

So today I was browsing Pinterest today and I found a tip on how to clean your microwave... Sure, I was skeptical at first but now I am hooked! Even Dan said, "Wow"! Mmmhm! High-Five to that Pinterest!

Follow these easy steps and you will have a brand spankin' new looking microwave too! (And your kitchen may smell like vinegar for a day but who cares? You've got a clean microwave!)

• Pour one cup vinegar (into a 2-cup measuring cup or bowl... make sure it is glass) then add one cup of hot water to that.
• Place measuring cup (or bowl) in the microwave, set your timer for 10 minutes and turn it on.
• After 10 minutes CAREFULLY remove the cup with the HOT liquid (use an oven mitt or you will burn yourself! 
• Grab a good cleaning rag, wet it down and wipe out the inside of the microwave. Be cautious, the HOT liquid may be in the bottom of the microwave still. 
• Wipe dry with a paper towel and TA-DA! Take a picture, send to your mother and brag about your microwave because its so clean! 

It's the final countdown!

"Insert humming, drumming and loud music" ... The final countdownnnnn!

5 MORE DAYS until Lennon turns ONE!

I'm feeling... Excited, anxious, stressed over party planning, and broke [that ain't a joke]. It's all a little bittersweet. 

We have bought the decorations, bought her party outfit, picked out a cake, and bought her presents! What's left? Oh yeah, sending out invites! Oops again, I really suck at remembering things. Nonetheless, we have gotten a lot accomplished! Now all that's left is putting it all together, wrapping gifts and celebrating this beautiful young life with family and friends!

We even let Lennon help pick put her gifts! She didn't do a very good job and of course went straight for the minions! Which of course are her favorite right now but we didn't get her any... Those little banana singing creatures are so expensive!

As of this week, my sweet daughter has officially celebrated all of her "firsts" for Holidays as of July 4th! And now in 5 more days she will be 1 year old! I can't even believe it. 

Let the countdown begin! 

'Merica, Happy 4th

Happy 4th of July! Happy Independence Day! Happy for our Freedom! Happy for our military men & women! Happy for our family & friends! Happy for the amazing fireworks! Happy for a safe holiday! 

Our day started with a fantastic (sort of healthy) breakfast! Not so much healthy! But damn it was good, sorry body challenge I had to cheat!

French toast, festive berries, lots of sugary syrup! Lennon loved it. 

We cleaned the house while miss Lennon napped and I picked up my wedding band [ohemgee] it's beautiful! I made sure it fit and then I didn't want to take it off. I love it!!! I took a picture but I can't spoil it yet, sorry. 

Lennon woke up and we headed to our friends house for a cookout-birthday party-pool party-extravaganza! It a was hot, sunny, perfect weather, festive, cold beer kind of day! We sat in the sun, played in the pool, lounged around with some Summer Shandy and brats and enjoyed our AMERICAN freedom! 

[funny story: Dan and I were sitting at breakfast talking about Lennons heritage and how I want to make her a book of her family tree and history. Not only for her sake but ours as well. I want to know what we are. Dans reply? "Want to know what Lennon is? She's AMERICAN. Want to know what you are? AMERICAN!" It was the best response ever!]

After the pool party we spent some time home relaxing. Lennon took a really long nap which was wonderful and left us able to go to the fireworks! 

We went downtown and hung out at our friends shop. We had all of our friends there and great music! Good DJ, private party, security guard and all! It was a safe, fun and exciting way to have fun and watch the fireworks! 

Katie and Brandon with Lennon. Lennon loved them! 

As soon as the fireworks started Lennon started clapping! She was clapping and laughing and pointing to them! She was so excited and having so much fun. It was amazing seeing her face light up and watching her enjoy the big booms! 

And of course at the finale she got a little scared and ran back to me just to sit on my lap and enjoy the rest of the fireworks!

As soon as they were done we took of! Lennon fell asleep as soon as her head hit the car seat! 

We had such an amazing Fourth of July together. I am so blessed to have my family here with me and be able to enjoy the fireworks together to celebrate our country and honor those who keep it safe! 

Happy Independence Day, 'Merica!

Curly Hair & Cuddles

Tonight Lennon & I got to spend some much needed mommy & daughter time together. Lennon sat in her high chair and had dinner while I began writing the million birthday invites to send out to family & friends. Well, an 11 month old baby doesn't stay entertained, even with food, for too long. I gave her some puffs, she threw them on the floor... Gave her milk, threw that on the floor. I sat there in frustration asking, can you please just be quiet so I can get these done??? The frustration was building as Lennon was getting more aggravated. She was tired, cranky, and craved my attention. I was exhausted, cranky and just wanted a little quiet time to get things done. 

REALITY CHECK, KAILA. 

I'm a mom-HELLO? When does anything get done when I want it to? Do I ever have quiet time? NO! 

I looked at Lennon and she was pointing at me saying, mamma! Then she put her arms up and kept repeating it until I caved. My heart melted when she looked at me, pointing at me saying mamma.

At that moment I put the pen down, left the food on the table, left the dishes in the sink and grabbed my baby girl. I made a bottle with the 1 clean one I had, grabbed her favorite blankie and headed for the couch. We cuddled, she guzzled 6 ounces of bubs and crashed. I felt so anxious to get up and finish my long never ending to do lost of; finish the invites, do the dishes, clean the kitchen, organize the bills, vacuum, sweep Lennons chicken dinner off the floor, etc! There was so much I could do that I went to roll Lennons sleepy head off my arm and onto the couch... Just as I did that she rolled into me, grabbed my shirt and sighed. 

I melted, and that was it. I forgot about my never ending to do list... And I laid there on the couch snuggled up with my baby girl with her curls in my face and the sweet smell of lavender baby lotion on her skin next to me. She looked so peaceful and so sweet I couldn't resist. We fell asleep together and when she woke up we cuddled even more! That is... Until Lennon got her energy back and started crawling all over me. :)

Never take for granted the little things in life. There's always going to be a to-do list... But these little moments are memories that I can't let slip away. After all, my curly headed baby girl is going to be 1 soon! 

XO

Weekend Recap

This weekend was filled with fun! 

1. I got to meet my BIFFs beautiful 2 week old baby girl, Vera. She is absolutely gorgeous with her big eyes and brown hair! Not to mention she arrived in style with a flower dress and headband! 

2. I hung out with my favorite ladies atMcKensey's  Bridal Shower hosted by her mom at the beautiful Garden Room. It was stunning. Champagne water fountain, fresh fruit and a delicious lunch! Oh, and the dessert was to die for! We had a great time. 

3. Dan and I had a night in on the last night. We ordered takeout, bought a bottle of wine and then we watched a movie with Jason Statham. I'm usually caught up in drooling over the man in his movies but this one was terrible. Not his greatest. A homeless man who turns into a fake business man killing people for a living, not so great of a movie. Still great to look at in the end. After all that excitement we were still in bed by 11. Dang, we really are old, almost married, parents. 

4. I went to the store and spent close to $100.00 on my daughters birthday party supplies. We are having a Princess themed party for her! It's coming up so fast. Her birthday is July 11th, woo-hoo free slurpee day for her! (&