Friday, May 15, 2009

FIVE Years!!

Five years ago today, I married my best friend! It's by far the best thing I've ever done. I love this guy more than I can say and am so grateful for the kind of man, husband and father that he is. He makes me want to be a better person and I'm eternally thankful that I get to share everything with him. I love you Kevin and look forward to many more years and happy times together!!
To celebrate our anniversary, we went to our favorite restaurant, Varanese! If you haven't been there, we STRONGLY recommend it!! It is fabulous.
It was such a nice evening to get away, just the two of us. And since my mom is still here helping since Payton was born, we even had a free babysitter...not to mention a free dinner thanks also to my parents!! Here are our entrees...they did not disappoint!
And our desserts!! Yummo! For reals, the food is so great and the atmosphere is wonderful. We're already looking for another reason to go back there!!
Happy Anniversary babe!

Picture Overload!!

My camera seems to be working overtime these days!! With a newborn around, there are many moments to be captured. I fear I had gotten lazy with capturing all of Alexa's moments and am trying to rectify that since Payton came. Anyways, here are some pictures to catch you all up on the happenings over the last 2 1/2 weeks since Payton joined our family.
Daddy's Little Girl - she already has Kevin wrapped around her itty bitty fingers!
I just thought this picture was so cute...look at those cheeks!!
Me and my girls...oh how I love them!
Alexa is so sweet with Payton.
She wants to be everywhere she is.
A tender moment with mommy.
Please...no more pictures!
Last Saturday, we took the girls and my mom for a picnic down by the river. It was a really pretty day and we all enjoyed getting out of the house for a little bit. And what was even better...my mom treated us to Graeter's ice cream afterwards!! Can't go wrong there!!
I just love this little peanut. She has been such a joy to have in our family and I can't imagine life without her!
More evidence of Alexa's love for her baby sister. She was so sweet one day and let Payton have her lovey's for a little while. Sure, she's had a couple moments of jealousy...but overall, she's been so loving and so willing to share. I'm soooo grateful that it's been such an easy adjustment for Alexa!
We've really enjoyed having my mom (aka Gramma Jenny) here to help out. Alexa especially has LOVED having pretty much 100% of Gramma's attention focused on her. They've played and played and played...on top of my mom cleaning, doing laundry, cooking, sewing and helping me out. Thanks mom for giving of your time to help me and my little family!
We love you Gramma Jenny!
I soooo wish this picture wasn't blurry! I think it's so adorable of Alexa. Such pure joy on her face. My fabulous friend, Brinn, made me this nursing cover and showed Alexa that it also works great as a cape. However, she figured out that it also makes a great skirt and got a kick out of me trying to capture a picture.
Anyways, that's about it so far - nothing too exciting...just adjusting to life as a family of four.

Monday, May 11, 2009

Story Time

Alexa is the greatest big sister. She loves Payton and wants to see her first thing in the morning and wants to know what she's doing at all times of the day. As I was trying to get a few things done, this is what Alexa decided to do...read to Payton. It was so sweet. She wants to sing to her or read to her or just be next to her giving her kisses and hugs all the time. I love it. I hope they'll grow up being the best of friends!

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Happy Mother's Day!

I am so blessed to be the mom to these two beautiful girls. My Heavenly Father has entrusted me to care for them and help them learn and grown in this life and I am so grateful for that opportunity. There was a time in my life when I thought I would not be able to have children and it was a very hard thing for me to accept as I'd always wanted to be a mom! But things worked out very differently than I thought they might and now I cannot imagine my life without these two sweet little ladies. My life is so much more complete and full of love with them in it. And what's even better...I get to share this amazing responsibility with a wonderful man. Thank you Kevin for standing beside me, supporting me, loving me, being the best daddy in the world...and for making my Mother's Day so great. I love you, Alexa and Payton with all my heart.
Happy Mother's Day to me!
And Happy Mother's Day to my own mom, my mother-in-law, my wonderful sisters and sisters-in-law, and all my fabulous mommy friends!