Turning 30

Well I am 30! And honestly,  I can't really tell a difference:) To celebrate my big day, we went out on the town in FW with the Mills, Parkers and the Rogers. We did dinner at Gloria's, drinks at the Pour House, and then closed down the night at the Pub. The next morning, I was wishing I had gotten to bed by 10pm instead of 3am, but it was a fun night!

On Sunday, we celebrated with my family at Uncle Julio's and then cake back at the house. 

I chose to do only 3 candles- instead of 30!!!

And my Dad got me a new camera- the Cannon Rebel! As you know, I love taking pictures. I am having so much fun with my fancy new toy. My dad is a natural photographer. His mother, my grandmother (whom passed away before I was born), was a photographer. Growing up, my dad had a dark room in his home. So capturing life through photos runs in our family. 

Get ready for lots more photos!

Seven Months Old and Baptized!

"Angel Baby" as Afton calls her, is now 7 months old. I cannot explain what a joy this baby has been for our family. Afton loves Maisy. 

Everything from riding in the car to taking a bath has become more interesting and fun for Afton. She loves the company of her little sister. Maisy is Afton's first thought in the morning. Afton loves climbing in the crib with her and playing until I come pull them both out. 

Afton with a picture she drew for Maisy. She can write Maisy's name just as well as she writes her own!

Maisy is sitting up well now. She is still practicing tummy-time and really doesn't like it. Maisy rolls from front to back, but never the other way around. She has gotten very good at her pincer grasp and is always searching for something to pop into her mouth. No teeth yet, but she is still able to enjoy a good rubbery pizza crust now and then.

The pizza crust- yum

 Maisy has finally taken to her baby food- and is eating breakfast, lunch and dinner. She is the best baby- bed at 7:30-8pm up at 7am. She is taking to 2-3 naps a day, good long ones. 

Her new favorite past-time, jumping. This girl wants to be standing all the time. If you hold her little hands, she will even 'walk' forwards. 

She is so even-tempered. Today we ran errands from the moment we dropped Afton off at school to when we picked her up. Maisy was happy to be my shopping partner for 5 hours and through 7 stores!

We celebrated our little blessing on Sunday. She was baptized at White's Chapel church by Pastor John. She looked angelic in her bonnet and gown. I couldn't pick which photo of her I liked best, so I just posted a bunch. Notice the sweet little pearl bracelet that Mimi gave to her. 

She didn't cry or fuss when the water was put on her head. Both she and Afton were both so good, they stayed in the pew with us for the entire service. Afton was so proud to stand in front of the church with our Maisy. 

Love my beautiful blondes :) 

I didn't take many photos at the luncheon afterwards, although I did manage to photograph my desserts the night before. The chocolate cake balls were to die for!  It was a beautiful day, made even more special by all of our family and friends. 

Yes- Grammy and Becka are back in Texas for good! 

I turn 30 years old on Sunday- gulp! Wish me luck!

Splash Day and Cake Mix

Afton's year in pre-school is drawing to an end. And next year she will be in Pre-K! Can you believe it? It will be her last year at home with me. Makes me sad just thinking about it. These girls are growing up too fast. On Thursday, Chapel Hill Preschool had a Splash Day. Here are some photos that her teacher sent me.

Blowing bubbles

Playing house

Driving her classmates around Southlake

Posing with her girlfriends- Sophia and Avery

Today we are busy getting ready for Maisy's baptism. It will be held tomorrow at White's Chapel at the 11am service. Then we will have a small luncheon at the house afterwards. I have had Maisy's dress since July of last year. My mom bought it at Ella Bella and I cannot wait for her to wear it. 

Jeff is doing the 'real food' but I am excited to do some baking for the party. So he brought me home 2 boxes of cake mix and three cans of cream cheese icing. Can you guess what I am making? 

Yep! Cupcakes and cake balls. This time I am doing the cake balls with milk chocolate cake mix with milk chocolate almond bark. I think they are going to be delicious- chocolate on chocolate! The cupcakes are yellow cake with cream cheese icing- in case there are any guests who don't LOVE chocolate the way I do :)

Stay tuned for pictures of the sweet Maisy Lou all dressed up!

Practically Perfect In Every Way

Our 'Manda' Poppins kept us happy all week. She and my mom took care of the girls, did laundry, and picked up the house. I loved having everyone together.

Amanda flew back to NC today and she will be missed! I am feeling much better each day. I can now lift Maisy and get back into our usual routine. I am just moving a bit slower.

Over the weekend we went to Mimi's house for Luke's first birthday. Can you believe he is already one?

Hope everyone had a Happy Mother's Day!

Arms By Your Side

Things are going well here. My sister Amanda just got in town today and my mom will be staying with us for the week too. I am still sore, but my stomach is not hurting as bad. I was even able to make it the whole day without any pain medication (besides Tylenol). I am really happy with the results, although I am still very swollen. My hernia repair seems to be healing well too. Sneezing hurts! And I am NOT too excited about having a swollen tummy!

I still haveto keep my arms by my side. You never realize how high everything in your house is until you physically can't reach for it. (clothes, cups, bowls, food etc.) It also makes it a bit difficult to do my hair. Jeff helped me wash and blow dry. And my dear friend Jennifer came over on Saturday and graciously backcombed my hair for me. I go back to  Dr. Yaker on Thursday for a re-check. After that I should be able to move my arms more, but still no lifting of my Maisy. 

I did make it out of the house on Sunday for Afton's Chapel Hill performance. Her little class sang two songs, then we toured her classroom, viewed art work and ate cookies. Afton loved sharing her school with Maisy, Grammy, Gramps and me. 

We also got to see her BF's classroom. Once again Jennifer and I dressed the girls alike. We seem to have the same taste in children's clothes--- good taste! Luckily, Afton was in hot pink and Vivi was in light pink. 

I am looking forward to spending time with my family this week. The girls and I will be in heaven with all of this extra help.