16 months old

16 months old today!

Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes

Abby owns the popular Fisher Price puppy. Joe and I have been kicking ourselves since we bought it because it never stops singing and turns on at random times in the middle of the night. However, after seeing this and how much she loves it, we've decided it was well worth it. Even if it woke my mother-in-law up in the middle of the night while she was visiting. Sorry Grammy! ;)



It might be hard to see what she is doing because I tried to catch it at different points. Abby knows that if you push the dog's hand twice it plays "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes". Then, that's her trying to do the dance all by herself! Our friend Ashley is in the background and Joe fell asleep on the couch after a long day of graduations. Oh yeah...and that's Abby waking him up! As soon as the song would end, she'd run over to get it going again. ADORABLE!

Abby's First Pedicure

The time had come. After many beautiful flip flop wearing days, there was no better occasion than to give Abby her first pedicure. To start, we got dressed in matching denim skirts for our fun filled day of spring goodness and posed for the camera.

Side note: One of Abby's latest discoveries and consequently one of our newest challenges is her new found ability to climb up onto her futon all by herself. Most times it's sweet to walk around the corner and find her up there reading her books or kissing every stuffed animal she owns. The downside is that Abby has yet to learn the reality of the "edge", so there are times when she runs into her room, gets so excited to have climbed up like the big girl she is and then faceplants off the edge because she started jumping around like a wild woman! :) The tears and momentary shock of it all don't seem to be enough to make her cautious yet, but she is so proud! Just one more way Joe and I stay on our toes! I snapped this picture when I quickly came around the corner:

Now back to the toes. Our friend Ashley came over to be a part of the event (and be the official photographer). Abby's little step was the perfect place to do it.

Not that they needed it, but first I filed the little piggies...

Let the painting begin. Peachy Breeze...yes please! At first, she was intrigued and intently watching.

After five toes, she wasn't so sure anymore. You can see one of Abby's new expressions in this picture. Lately, she has amped up crying, by putting her hands to her mouth! It is adorable, hilarious and quite dramatic.

And the waterworks were over as soon as she could play with the nail file...

Abby, show everyone your pretty toes...

So cute. When asked where her pretty toes are, she is quick to point and show anyone who is willing to look!

Look at these!

My turn, Mommy!

Mother's Day Weekend

On Saturday, we celebrated Mother's Day with my mom and Casey. Originally, we had plans for the Tulipfest, but for the second year in a row the weather was iffy at the the time we were going, so we opted out. Bummer! We'll definitely try again next year! Instead, we took some time to check out a potential house and then went out to lunch together. We had a nice day together!

Grandma & Abby

turned out to be a sunny day...most of the time!

Mom & Casey

driving the race car with Daddy

On Sunday, we spent quality family time outside at a great park, then had dinner at a friend's house. Perfect Mother's Day! I love my little family.

love being a mommy to my baby girl

Abby had never seen a sandbox. When we took her out of her stroller and let her walk, it was the first thing she headed for. Forget the slides, swings and steering wheels, she wanted to get sandy and play with all the fun toys.

BUT, even though she loved the sand, she was not a fan of getting dirt on her hands. She would hold her hands out and yell for us until we came over and cleaned the sand off!



Then, we took a walk around the duck pond. Abby waved at everyone who walked by and at the "Das" (or ducks) of course.


We checked out the fishies too...


Thank you God for the blessing of being a momma. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!

The Next American Idol?

Loads of fun

Last Saturday was tons of fun for our family. The weather was beautiful and we spent so much of it outside with lots of great people.

Our day started with my college roommate, Jenn, stopping by for a quick visit that morning. We caught up for a bit over some homemade chocolate chip cookies! Abby climbed right up into her lap and hung out too.


Then, Joe, Abby and I headed to our Real Life End of the Year Party where we spent time with lots of students and celebrated all that God has done this year!

Abby playing with Joyce and Claire

Abby & Will

staff ladies

Abby hanging out with the girls

The fun didn't stop there. After the party, we met up with our friends and their daughter for a summer dinner and ice cream.

Abby & Olivia

When we prayed before the meal Abby reached for Olivia's hand and they held hands through the prayer. Two adorable girls! Then, the whole way home Abby kept calling "Yivia".

Perfect way to end our Saturday!

Family