16 months of Anabelle!

Today our little Anabelle is 16 months old. I decided to snap some pictures before she went off to bed tonight. You might notice a small bump on her head over her right (your left) eye. That's because today after waking up from her nap she decided to do some acrobatics in her crib. Over the monitor we heard a very loud thump followed by a sudden and loud wail. Rushing into her room I found her sitting in her crib screaming and with a big lump on her head. But after about 2 seconds of attempting to hold an ice pack to her head, she was smiling and I realized it wasn't that bad. However it has made me worry about her ability to escape her crib and how soon that is going to happen? I hope we have a while because I am not ready to have Anabelle sleeping in a toddler bed yet. Here is the little monkey looking cute as usual.

Several times a day I open various doors throughout the house; the refrigerator, the pantry, the coat closet. Anabelle has learned that these doors don't stay open long and therefore she must go investigate. So as soon she hears the crack of the door she throws her little body into the space and begins to frantically grab whatever she can (i.e. raisins, mustard, olive oil, pretzels, a scarf or boot). Well tonight someone forgot to close the coat closet, I'm not gonna name names, but it wasn't me and there is only one other person who can open the door (**cough John cough**). Anyway little Miss Belle had a great time exploring and playing with shoes and boots.

Finally a little video for you from yesterday. Anabelle has been more into our cats lately, following them around and even petting Morgan from time to time, when he allows it. Merlin on the other hand (paw?) runs away anytime she comes near him, which of course makes her chase him more because she thinks its a game. Sometimes she'll even say "Meow" which is adorable =)

Time with good friends always goes by way too fast

My birthday started out great with my Mom coming by to make me a special breakfast; a pork roll sandwich. For anyone who doesn't know, this is a New Jersey thing. Pork roll is like a cross between bologna, salami, and summer sausage. Then you slice it in circles and fry it in a pan, you add an over easy egg, a slice of cheese and put it all on a crusty roll. It is THE BEST! What a way to start the day, thanks Mom!

Mom brought me a birthday balloon.

**please excuse my early morning pj's, no makeup, and not done hair look =)

Trying to get a birthday picture, with a not cooperative Anabelle.

After breakfast I spent the rest of the day running errands and preparing for our guests for the weekend, Adam and Marena. In the evening John got home and we had a birthday dinner at Outback and then home to open presents and put Anabelle to bed. John gave me a really pretty pair of silver hoop earrings. Then around 9 o'clock I headed to the airport to pick up 2 of my favorite people.

Adam & Marena

From the moment they got in the car till the moment I dropped them back off at the airport the fun didn't stop. We had a great time and my cheeks hurt from laughing so much. On Friday Adam and Marena went into the city to see a friend of ours defend his dissertation. Curtis is now Dr. Mason and we are very proud of him! We celebrated by trying out a Chicago tradition that we had never tried before. Hot Doug's has been touted as the best place in town for a hot dog. The line is long, but worth it. I had a char-grilled dog with ketchup, mustard and pickle. I also enjoyed some duck fat fries and tater tots. Everything was delicious, and the customer service in this place is phenomenal! I give it 5 stars.

John, Adam, Anabelle, Curtis, Erica, Marena at Hot Doug's.

I had to get in on the picture too.

Friday night we had a great time going out to dinner and then just hanging out. We spent a lot of time laughing and showing off our knowledge of 80s music. Saturday morning came way too early, we were all tired from staying up late. We had a fun day planned with some friends coming by to watch football and get a chance to visit with Adam and Marena while they were in town. It was nice to have a lot of old friends from college around and get a chance to catch up.

Anabelle enjoying some cake from Marena.

Anabelle and Darcy.

Me Marena and Darcy

Before we knew it, Sunday morning was here and it was time to take Marena and Adam to the airport. I wish we lived closer, but I am so thankful that we do get to see them as often as we do. Can't wait for the next time we are together!

Anabelle and Marena get in a few last hugs.

Bye Adam and Marena, we love you, thanks for visiting!

Happy Birthday to Me!

Today I am 32 years old. For the last 2 years I have been so preoccupied with having a baby that I didn't realize until now, that I am in my 30s. I am not going to boo-hoo about getting older. I am going to celebrate that I am here to get older. If this last year has taught me anything, it is that a long life is not always a given. So I am going to celebrate my birthday and be grateful that I have a fabulous life that I love. Thank you to my family and friends for being so supportive and making life more fun. John you are wonderful; always making me laugh, and taking care of me -I love being your wife. Anabelle you are everything I ever dreamed our daughter would be and more, you amaze me every day!

Lots of fun times to be had this weekend with friends and family all around me, I can't wait!!

No Fool in the Rain

John and I kicked off our weekend with some really exciting stuff! (Now that we are getting older it is a cold hard fact that this really is excitement for us -sad I know) We broke down and purchased a snow blower. Thanks to lots of gift cards from Christmas, it didn't end up costing us very much. Here is John testing it out. We'll see how it goes when I have to use it, I don't have very much faith in my ability to run a snow blower. I for see it taking off at a breakneck speed with me flailing behind trying to figure out how to stop it. You're welcome for that visual =)

Saturday night John and I were treated to a fantastic night out courtesy of our friend B-Towne. We boarded a party bus in Lombard and then traveled down town to the House of Blues. Once there we were told to skip the line and go around to the side door. The door man took our tickets and put special wristbands on us and sent us to the elevator. From there we went up to the 4th floor VIP room, which was awesome! It was pretty cool to see a side of the HOB, we would never have normally seen. We were there to see a Led Zeppelin cover band, which despite not playing my favorite song of all time, was pretty good. We were able to watch the show from a separate balcony, and it wasn't too crowded. We had a great time. We ended the night dancing to a live band by the stage. It was a late night for us, but worth it.

Our busy weekend left me with a sore throat, so I am attempting to rest up and get ready for all the festivities that are coming our way this week. Thursday is my birthday, and Marena and Adam are flying in. I can't wait to see them! We have lots planned so it should be a fun and busy weekend.

With a busy week ahead, Anabelle decided I needed some help around the house and so she offered to unload the groceries today. Good thing I have her around or nothing would get done!

Dressed to impress

Uncle Mike and Auntie Steph got this adorable dress for Anabelle from Lid'l Dolly's, a store in Tennessee. They specialize in making Southern Belle and pageant dress. Don't worry I'm NOT gonna go all Toddlers and Tiaras on you. We thought it would be fun to play dress up and take some pictures. I think it will be Anabelle's Easter dress this year. We just need to get some little white shoes by then.

Just when you thought Christmas was over...

we've got one more for you! At our house we like to drag out Christmas for as long as possible, celebrating multiple times, with lots of different people, across several states. So this past Sunday we had John's Dad and family over to have our Christmas together. We spent the day opening gifts, eating a yummy dinner, laughing, and watching football. Here are some pictures from our Christmas.

Anabelle scoping out the gifts

Hmmm.... I wonder what it is?

Kari and Joe

Among many other things, Anabelle also got a cool new hat-so stylin'!

A remote control helicopter! Sure to be crashed into lots of Christy's things =)

Playing with Grandpa

Anabelle entertains the crowd

Abby and Anabelle playing

Hey Grandpa, check out what's over there!

Abby, Joe, Zac, and John

All they need is big brother Mike laying across their laps!

We are now officially done with Christmas! Yay!!! I love the holidays but by the time they are over I am so ready to move on. Monday morning Anabelle and I took down the tree and decorations and now we are settling back into our routine. The last few days have been spent sleeping in, taking extra long naps, making trips to the grocery store, and catching up on laundry. Anabelle has been in a great mood, laughing and playing with all of her new toys. She's been a little clingy lately, hanging on my legs if I attempt to do anything other than sit and play with her, or hold her. But I will take that over a cranky baby any day. Hope you are all settling into the new year and enjoying the quietness that follows the hectic holiday season.

Houston wrap up

Well we are back home now, but I still had some more pictures to share of our time in Houston. We spent the last few days there relaxing, visiting with friends and family, and having fun. We were able to celebrate Donte's 15th birthday on Dec 30th. I remember babysitting for him with John when he was just 2 years old, and wanted to watch "Percules" (his version of Hercules). And said "jes" instead of yes. Boy do kids grow up fast, now he is going to be learning to drive!

Anabelle enjoyed running around the kitchen

Ken, Sue and John getting ready for Donte's party by resting up and having a drink =)

Flanagan and Sullivan trying to steal some snacks

Me and my Belle

The Delaneys

Donte opens up some presents

CAKE!!!

Grandma lights the candles

Anabelle loves cake, just like her mommy!

Taylor and Anabelle

Aunt Tish, John, and Anabelle

On our way to the airport we had to stop at Humble City Cafe for breakfast, they have some great food. Despite being a little rushed because of some flight time changes, we still had a good meal. Here are some last minute pics with Grandma, Grandpa, and Super Duper Aunt Tish. Thanks for a great visit, we really had a fun time!!

Grandpa, Anabelle & Grandma

Anabelle and Super Duper Auntie Tish