A Weekend to Remember

What a great weekend for all three of us with so many "firsts" for Lilah!

Friday was Lance's dream date...with his friend Mike. They went to a "secret" show put on by the Nude Dragons (aka: Soundgarden reunited). Lance was SO very excited and had a great time eating wings and other bad, dude food and then seeing a small concert put on by Soundgarden. Mike got them tickets and Lance was thrilled that we had no plans so I could stay at home with Lilah and he could get out. I was really excited for him too and knew he would be on cloud nine (I already knew about the concert because I had seen Mike's posts on facebook).
Saturday I got to meet baby Anika (Olympia and Darren's new little baby girl) and snuggle with her a little. Then we headed over to the assisted living place where my grandma lives to celebrate her 78th birthday. She has had alzheimers now for quite a few years and seems to be going downhill, although it was nice to see her. Lilah met my cousin Melissa for the first time on Saturday, and my grandma. She loved Melissa - she would smile her cheesey, scrunched face smile at her, and tip her head (obviously a sign she likes you). It was nice to spend time with the family. Mandi got her to take 4 STEPS with Parker's phone as bribery. If I can figure out how to get the video from Lance's phone on here, I'll post it. Although, I've tried it before and was NOT successful.
Sunday we went to Lilah's first Mariners game...it was a beautiful 70 degree day here and a perfect day for a game. She did wonderfully for being so sleepy, and tried numerous times to get the young guys in front and in back of us (that had all clearly drank too much) to pay attention to her and be entertained by her tricks, but they pretty much were not interested. We had fun and she has a cute, pink Ms cap from the day (which she refused to keep on her head).

Our 1st 1st Birthday

Ahhh..what a treat to be a mama!!!
We went to Leah's 1st birthday party today....so fun. It was a jammie party, so all the babes had on their jammies. They had snacks and played and hung out on a giant blowup mattress in honor of the jammie theme. :)
We had such a good time with my mommy friends that I met when Lilah was just about 3 months old. So...our first 1st birthday! In a few weeks we'll celebrate Clara's birthday - stay tuned for more great group baby shots! YAH!

Smiles

I don't know how you can resist her...even with blueberry pancake all over her face! There are also some shots of her snuggling with the blanket Brooke made for her back in September when she visited from NY. The blanket lives in this magazine holder next to the couch, and Lilah often times pulls it out and just rolls around on the floor, snuggling it. It's so cute, and I think she loves how soft it is. I love being at home with her....what a special gift!!!

Changing...

I cannot believe how my little baby has changed! She doesn't even look the same girl...
We love her so much and can't hardly believe in less than a month now we'll be celebrating her 1st birthday. Other parents weren't lying when they said the time goes by so quickly. Now I know why people have 5 kids (don't worry honey, I don't want 5 kids...just sayin'). :) Lance and I SO longed for the first 2-3 months to be over because it was so hard with Miss Lilah...and now I wish it would slow down some. But, we are definitely loving every minute and we think she is one of the greatest blessings we have been given.

Mama's Makin' Progress

So, I think that a lot of these things that I'm so excited about for Lilah is more excitement deep down for me...that I can let go of the worry and try out new things. The latest is taking Lilah (almost 11 months) to the gym childcare. I was very nervous (actually, I've been for days...yikes) about taking her. Mostly I worry about her throwing a fit and being sad in there, and also trying to make sure it's at the just right time that she won't be hungry while I'm at the gym. I think mostly it's me, being a spaz. Anyhow, we tried this morning after breakfast...but alas, our attempt failed after waiting for 20 minutes in the childcare room and the girl never showed. So, after her first nap we tried again. This is not because I have to get a workout in...actually, today counted as a day off. I was determined to stop putting it off and making excuses for not taking Lilah to the gym and trying it out. So, she lasted almost an hour (I did a short workout, just to test the situation) without tears or anything. I think she did just fine! Yippee!!! Check that one off the list! Next will probably be something like a shopping trip & lunch with Lilah. Scary!

Mommy's Day Out

It really was wonderful...and I think so needed for all of us mommies (and one soon-to-be-mommy). We got a good deal on a mani/pedi combo so the 5 of us got together on a Saturday to get our feet and hands massaged and painted and just chat with each other without the distractions of the kiddies. Sarah brought us all Trophy cupcakes (mmmmm...so delicious...my favorite) and we had a small cup (yep, I said cup) of champagne to celebrate our day together and Sarah's early birthday get-together. Then we went to a place in downtown Seattle for happy hour (we got there about 20 minutes before the end of happy hour and ordered nearly everything on the menu). It was so relaxing! I came home telling Lance that it's great that I've been friends with these girls for so long (some of them for now about 13 years!!!) and we won't see each other for a month or two. Then, we get together and it's been like no time has passed. We just catch up and continue on just like it's always been.

p.s. Ladies - I will probably never pay for a manicure again. I LOVED my nails after I got it done. However, from putting my hands in water and cleaning the bathroom, I had to take off my polish by Monday! BOO! My hands will from now and on be painted by your's truly at home, or stay their usual "naked" color. :)

Easter

This time last year I was VERY pregnant and actually hoping I'd be having a baby VERY soon (alas, she was a week late, so I wasn't even close). :) This year Lilah's almost one and is moving around as much if not more than she was this time last year!
Our Easter morning was busy because we gave Lilah her Easter basket (with a stuffed ducky, bubbles, a book and a toy laptop) and then I had to hurry and get ready to head to church. I volunteered with the toddlers for another service and met Lilah and Lance for the next service. Lance got a basket too - full of candy, an itunes gift card, and bunny ears. ;) Lilah really likes bubbles, although she's not too sure yet what to do with them. She just sits there while you blow them and stays stiff as a board, maybe touching and popping one. It's funny to watch.
That evening we went to Gretchen's for Easter dinner. It was really nice and Lilah was on her game. She kept everyone entertained with her smiles and snorts and showing off. And, she looked so, so cute in her polka-dotted dress! I cannot believe that she is almost a year old. I told her the other day that she really is such a big girl and it happened SO fast!