Playing catch up. Memorial Day Weekend pics.

Hallelujah, I can post pictures again! So, my first promised post with pics is of our Memorial Day weekend. It was a crazy/good time. My inlaws came into town so that my FIL could help my hubby put Pergo down in my kitchen. Yay! This is a project I have been wanting to have done for years. I detested my old kitchen floor... I am so proud of my guys. They did a great job and I couldn't be happier. Lily loves it too. She went running into the kitchen the day after and screamed "Momma, wook, a new fwoor! Papa D. and daddy make it for us!"

So, anyhoo, my SIL was here with her two girls Morgan (age 4 1/2) and Macey (age 2 1/2) Sunday, along with my MIL and FIL. Our house is quite small, so it was a tad crazy for awhile and that was BEFORE the fridge, table, and stove came out of the kitchen. Lily had a blast with her cousins that she doesn't get to see nearly enough. She let Morgan carry her around like a little dolly -- and just grinned from ear to ear about it. She and Macey are cute together too, I can see that in the (near) future they could cause quite a bit of trouble together!

Monday we went to my parents' house for a BBQ -- where I proceeded to eat WAY too much. Anyhoo, Lily spent the majority of the afternoon blowing bubbles. What a shocker! I have about a zillion more pics from the weekend, but I'll save those for another day. Don't want you to go into picture overload -- I'm just so happy to be back!

I'm sorry...soooo sorry!

I have a ton of things to blog about. We have been busy, busy, BUSY around here and I have taken about 60 pictures in the last week, however my pictures are not uploading to my computer for some reason so I cannot share ANY of them with you. I am sad about this because I don't ever blog without pictures -- too boring, right? You all come here to see Lily's cute face and I have deprived you of that for far too long now. I apologize and promise that we (actually Jay) is working on fixing the problem.
So for now I will just give you a list of subjects I will soon be posting about:
1. Memorial Day BBQ with family (lotsa bubble blowing pictures)
2. Dannye (from Laydfrog) sends Lily a B-day present!
3. Meeting a "sister" blogger from Michigan -- Lynn (from Waiting For Hope)
4. Lily's less than good listening skills as of late...uh oh!
And there is much much more. I am sooo out of the blogging loop right now. I have to play major catch up with my own and on many of my favorite blogs too. Hope you are all having a wonderful week and I'll be back soon!

Then Comes Marriage!

Happy Anniversary to me, Happy Anniversary to me, Happy Anniversary dear Nikki (and Jay). Happy Anniversary to me! Thank you all for your sweet comments and well wishes on my last post. You gals are the best!

But, TODAY marks six years of wedded bliss for this happy couple.

When Jay proposed to me (at the Grand Haven Lighthouse on Lake Michigan) I said "YES!" without hesitation or doubt. I never second guessed that decision and I had very HOT feet on my wedding day. I was about to marry the greatest man (other than my dad) that I had ever known. We breezed through our pre-marital counseling...we divided up our chores properly -- he was in charge of the outside of our future home and I would take care of the inside. We decided together that we would have 2 children and he would be the "good cop" and I would play the "bad cop". We had it all figured out!

I don't think we even had more than a minor argument that whole first year we were married. Then we started our second year of marriage. Then we weren't getting pregnant. Then we got VERY disturbing news from our doctor regarding our future. Basically, then LIFE HAPPENED. It hasn't always been easy. We have had many issues to face as a couple. Our infertility was the most difficult thing we went through. We bought our first home together and realized how much work they can be. We have dealt with job changes and pay cuts and wondering how we were going to pay our bills that month. We have had stupid, little fights over nothing that turned into huge arguments. But, we have gotten through all of these things together. We took our vows before God, friends, and family and we meant what we said. We are in this thing for the long haul. We have made amazing memories together. Heck, we've climbed the Great Wall of China together! We went to the other side of the world to bring home the most incredible little girl EVER and now every day we get to be her parents TOGETHER. I have no complaints and no regrets about my life. I married the man of my dreams (literally), and I would do it all over again today if I could.

Jay works tonight, so we went out and celebrated last night. He took me to a wonderful, romantic restaurant for dinner. We enjoyed delicious food, great wine, and incredible conversation. It felt like we were getting to know each other all over again! Then we grabbed a coffee and walked around our downtown area holding hands. The weather was warm with a nice breeze -- after walking for quite awhile we went to another restaurant and sat on their patio and shared dessert. The chocolate mousse was a perfect ending to a perfect night. I swear, I fell in love all over again and it was great. We need to make sure we don't wait until our seventh anniversary to do this again.

First Comes Love...

I met Jay (my now hubby) about 10 years ago. He was a bartender at the restaurant where I was a waitress. I liked him, but he certainly wasn't my type -- bald, skinny, lots and lots of tattoos. No thanks. Besides, I was in a serious relationship with someone else at the time, so was Jay. Actually Jay was engaged to this girl, but that ended pretty quickly and it was obvious to me that he was likin' me a bit. I pretended not to notice, but he isn't the most subtle man alive. What he IS, is patient! He stood on the sidelines watching and waiting while I continued on in this horrible relationship with "Mush"...that actually was this guy's nickname at one point -- I'll just leave it at that. I would stay at work after my shift and cry in my beer (and in Jay's ear) about the latest stunt that "Mush" had pulled. Jay would just listen. He never told me to dump the loser or date him instead. He was truly a good friend to me and JUST LISTENED. Meanwhile he was telling his mom that I was the girl he was going to marry someday. He didn't even get his feathers too ruffled when I showed him my engagement ring and gave the news that I would soon be "Mrs. Mush"! He just continued to be there for me. We would go out after work in a group, but soon find ourselves playing darts and having long talks, just the two of us. He even admitted his feelings for me one night (like I didn't already know). I told him I was flattered, but I was commited to my mush and could only offer him friendship. He told me that he would take whatever I was willing to give him. So, we became really great friends and one day I looked at him and thought 'if I wasn't involved with someone, I would definitely want to be with somebody like Jay'. That night I had a dream that it was my wedding day. I was walking down the aisle and looked up to see my groom waiting for me. My groom was not Mush. Any guesses as to who it was? Yep, and the rest (as they say) is history. I called off my engagement and soon after started VERY SLOWLY exploring a relationship with Jay. It was wonderful -- filled with honesty, love, and laughter. Finally I had found a man that I could see myself living HAPPILY ever after with...

*The picture was taken about 7 or 8 years ago, while we were dating. Jay was so willing to please me that he grew out his hair per my request. I quickly told him to shave it off again. He looks much better bald afterall, who knew?*

I'm ready for my nap!

OK, so yesterday I gathered up all of Lily's "stuff" for naptime (flower blanket, green blanket, dog, milk) and of course scooped up Lil and headed for bed when she reached out and grabbed something off of Jay's dresser. I looked down at what she had taken and saw that it was a plug outlet cover. Hmmm, I don't know why it was on his dresser but I didn't think much of it. Lily will often want just ONE MORE THING to hold on to while she tries to fall asleep. Lately she just ends up playing with all of her treasures and chatting happily for half an hour and then it is "all done sweeping, wet's get up!" But anyhoo, I left the room for a minute and came back to see this (please view photo now)!
Are you kidding me?!? "Lily, what on earth are you doing?" She yanks the plug cover out of her mouth to tell me "I got my pacifier!" Of course. The funniest thing about this display is that Lily NEVER even used a pacifier. (Although there were days I prayed she would just to stop the constant crying.) So, here she is at (almost) 3 years old -- giving the pacifier a try. This kid is such a goof ball!

The battle continues

Yep, Lily is still torn between her desire to be a ballerina and her monkey tendancies. She still wears that costume at least once a week and will do some "ballerina moves" but as you can see -- she prefers to use her ballet bar as a monkey bar. She is who she is!

I really don't have anything to report! We had a crazy, busy weekend and our week is off to a good start. It is supposed to warm up tomorrow, so we are looking forward to that! Lily keeps asking when she can go swimming!

Favorite Photo Friday -- and Lil' tidbits

This picture was taken on Mother's Day, and I love it. You can't see it, but her shirt says 'My Mom Rocks'! She and her daddy bought it that morning while I was at work. Pretty cool, eh? Lily looks like such a big girl, doesn't she? Sometimes I look at her and see my little baby and other times I see this beautiful girl she is becoming. I love it and can't stand it all at once! It is so great to have conversations with her and it is so helpful that she can actually tell me what she wants and needs now, instead of crying and whining until I figure it out. She is hilarious and smart and FUN. When music is playing she will often grab my hand and say "come dance wif me!" And we will dance around like a couple of dorks. The other day she was dancing and spinning like a maniac in the living room and she flew face first into our green bamboo plant. I was laughing so hard I about hurt myself! (she was fine!) Before she goes to bed she will say "goodnight momma, daddy, sweet bweems." I love that -- perfect way to end a day. I enjoy how silly she is. She will run behind me and grab my bottom yelling "I got your wittle bootie, momma!" (Lily and momma have little booties. daddy has a big bootie. hee hee) She has also learned how to "work it" to get her way. She handed me her sippy cup the other day and sweetly said "You put too much water in dere momma?" No Lily, the juice to water ratio is just right, thank you. And her favorite is "I watch bee-oh(video) ONE MORE TIME and then take a nap, otay? I YUV bee-ohs." then, (this is the clincher) she will give me a big hug and say "I yuv oo sooo much, momma" and give me a big kiss. She figures there is no way I could argue with THAT. And, she is usually right! I sometimes miss my little baby, but am sooo in love with this funny, chatty toddler of mine. Although yesterday when I was trying on dresses for a wedding we're going to tomorrow I could've done without her commentary -- "momma, you wearin' da purple panties? Oooh, dare so pwetty momma. You got TWO boobies, momma. I see your boobies..." I could hear the muffled laughter from the surrounding rooms! Oh boy!

Happy Friday all!

Back to Lily, as promised!

Yesterday we had some guys out to the house to replace our sewer system. Major project -- and just one of the joys of home ownership. The day started off HOT and humid and then it started to STORM. Those poor guys were diggin' in the mud getting nailed by rain and hail. But, the job got done and the heat dried up most of the water quickly. Lily was quick to go out and find the little puddles to splash around in. She loves the water -- whatever form it comes in.
Today was cold and nasty outside, so she had to settle for playing inside in the sink. Man, she makes a mess with the water and the soap (lots of soap is used to make lots of bubbles, of course.)
These pictures were taken last week Friday (very late) when Jay got home.

Lily was so excited when her daddy returned from his week away...she attacked him at the door while he was trying to take off his shoes and socks. (notice his nasty socks in hand)! The two of them are so goofy together, I just love it!

After they got done hugging and getting reaquainted she wanted me to join them for a family hug. She must've said "We're a famiwee" 20 times that night. Do you think she was glad the missing link had returned?

Everything is good with our famiwee...not much new under the sun. Lily is continuing to absolutely blow me away with how much she is talking. Unfortunately, a lot of what she says makes very little sense to me because she is often quoting her videos. Tonite she asked me if I was going to go in the river with her. I said "the river?" And she said, "Yes, the rio rapido!" And earlier she was marching around the room saying "Abre, open, sierra, close... I speak Spanish and English!" Sorry if my spelling is WAY off, but I (unlike my daughter) am not at all familiar with the Spanish language. I guess I don't watch enough Dora. And, yes, my daughter watches too much -- I'm workin' on that!

7 Random facts about ME!

My friend Gwen has asked that I post 7 random facts about myself, and I adore Gwen so I am gonna do it. It is strange, though. I am so used to going on and on about Lily on this blog, but not so much about me.
But, here goes:
1. I dream of someday moving to a warmer climate. I love Michigan because my family is here, but I think I would be soooo much happier living in say Florida, or Georgia, or Tennessee!
2. Both my hubby and I were engaged to other people before we started dating each other.
3. One of my biggest passions is singing. However, I suffer from severe stage fright -- I have sung many solos before, but my dream job would be singing in a group, or singing back-up for someone else!

4. I love to write and hope to someday write a book loosely based on my life's experiences (love, marriage, infertility, adoption, and motherhood)...maybe it will have to be more than one book?
5. My favorite flower was always the daisy. I was crazy for all things daisy...Until I met my Lily! Being her momma is my greatest joy in life...but you all knew that!
6. I have been working in the restaurant industry for almost 15 years, and I still like it most days. I just hope to someday have my weekends back.
7. And lastly,(or firstly), I am a lover of God who is constantly slipping and trying to make my way back to His feet. I am weak, but He is strong. I couldn't do ANYTHING if it weren't for Him and His wonderful grace that is new every morning!

Those are just some random facts about me that you may or may not have known. I am supposed to tag 7 people now! Instead, if anyone wants to do it: go ahead and leave me a note in my comments so I can come check out your "random facts". I will say that I love learning little tidbits about my bloggin' friends, so play along if you dare!

P.S. Don't worry: I'll be back to pictures and stories of Lily tomorrow!

Mother's Day

I wasn't going to post anything for Mother's Day because a lot of the women who read my blog are waiting moms. Waiting and waiting and waiting. Some of them will not only be "celebrating" this Mother's Day without their child, but also without their own moms. This has made my heart quite sad to think about, but then I remembered another woman who reads my blog. My mom. And, yes, my mom-in-law too. So, this is for them.

Mom, just typing that word choked me up for a second. You have that effect on me -- you always have. There is just something so special about a mother's love. Something bad can happen to me and I'll keep it together, but as soon as I see your face or even hear your voice I will totally break down. It's like I'm still just a big baby who needs her mommy to make it all better. And, I know that your life's mission has always been just that: to make everything in your daughters' lives better. You have taught us so much about God and life and love. You have shown us that relationships aren't perfect, but when we love each other we can look over some imperfections to see the heart. And, you have a good heart! As a small child I remember you being my number one supporter. You were there after school every day with a snack and a smile. You volunteered in the library at my elementary school to be close, and I remember being so excited to see you in the middle of a school day!
When I was sick you held my hair back so I could throw up without making a big mess. (yuck)
And, you were in the kitchen crushing ice so I would stay hydrated. (I still remember how much noise that thing made. ) As I grew older, and more rebellious, you made your opinion known but you also let go and let God. And, I eventually found my way back to you (and Him) and you let me come home -- no questions asked. Remember that day? I'll never forget it.
Now that I am a mom I realize even more all of the sacrafices you made. I understand how deeply your love runs for your children as I am overwhelmed with love for my own sweet child. I get to see you loving, nurturing, and caring for MY daughter now and it makes my heart swell. I also love OUR relationship. You are one of my very best friends. I love to chat with you daily about the silly little every day stuff that goes on, and I still like to discuss the bigger and more important issues with you too. I love the times we spend out together -- shopping (like last night) and out to eat! Yes, we do love to eat out! It is so fun to make you laugh. You have become such a good sport...you really don't have a choice with a kid like me, right? But, you know I think you are the greatest and I'm so glad God gave us to each other.
Happy Mother's Day mom. XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXO

Sheri, when I married your son one of the (many) things I was excited about was marrying into his wonderful family. You all accepted me from day one and I have always felt nothing but love from you. You are a sweet and kind woman whom I really love and admire. You can cook and bake like nobody else I know (except of course your mom and sister!) And it is always fun to see what fun treats you cook up for us when we visit. You have been so thoughtful, kind, and generous to us over the past 6 years. I wish we could see you more often, because we always have the best time and it just gets more and more difficult when we have to part ways. You are so good to Lily, too. You are such a loving and patient grandma! I love to watch you with all of your grandchildren. You are an incredible woman and I am tremendously grateful to be able to call you mom. Happy Mother's Day to you. I can't wait to see you again. XOXOXOXO

So, with that I will just say: I hope everyone has a Happy Mother's Day. Whether you have your mom with you, or just her beautiful memory. Whether you can wrap your arms around your child(ren) or they are still a world away...a mother's love knows no limits.

Nothin' lil about THESE bubbles!

I can't believe today is Friday. This week FLEW by for us, which is weird because I thought it was gonna drag. See, hubby has been out of town since early Monday morning building a cabin with his dad and it has been just us girls at home. I didn't think I would be real good at the single mom thing, but it was actually a lot of fun. Don't get me wrong: I miss my man and I'm very glad he's coming home tonight, but Lily and I had a great time together. (Although, I did NOT get very good sleep! I am a big, fat scaredy-cat. And, last night I was up due to a very sore throat. I think my Strep is back. Ugh.) Anyway, Wednesday we stayed in our jammies most of the day because it rained nonstop. We finally got dressed in the evening so we could run to Target for a few things. As we were leaving Lily was waving and yelling "We'll be back red tarts!" As I've mentioned before, she's a huge fan of their red carts.

Yesterday we were at my sister's from 1 until 9 cuz she needed me to babysit. Lily (like always) had a blast with her cousins. I have more pictures I'll post another time. We were outside for hours, and I actually got a sunburn! Woo hoo! We played on the swings, the slide, the monkey bars, and yep! we blew bubbles for a very long time. She truly is a Lil Bubble Queen. I have never in my life seen anyone love bubbles as much as she does. "Momma, I'm gonna bwow a big one and a wittle one and a double one for you, otay?" "Now you bwow a big one and I pop it!" And on and on it goes. She played so hard that she fell asleep in the car on the way home and stayed asleep while I brought her into the house. That NEVER happens. Like I said, it was a really good week. Hope you all had a good one too!

It's all about the boogers!

I have a confession to make:

I am OBSESSED with boogers. I cannot stand it when Lily's nose has a booger in it, or if I can tell by the way she is talking that her nose is stuffed up. I MUST get the boogers out of her little nose, no matter what the cost. Now, Lily HATES it when I go after her nose. She screams and cries and says "OUCH, IT HURTS!" (when I know, in fact, it does not hurt.) I try to explain to her that I am doing a good thing. She should THANK me for helping her breathe. Every once in a great while she WILL thank me, but usually she will reply (thru her tears) "All done breathe!"

But, the "booger sucker" is a part of our lives. I use it at least 3 times a week and that is just the way it goes. I have actually used it on her in the middle of the night while she was sleeping -- cuz I just couldn't handle the noises those things were making rattling around in her nostrils. So, this picture was taken a few months ago when Lily found another use for this baking utensil. Just looked like a giant booger sucker to my girl! Her latest retort is "I hode the booder sutter, momma. I do it like a big girl, all by yourself."

*Funny: Lily just came into the room and looked at the picture and said "Oh wook! It's a pitcher of Yiddy and the booder sutter, dats funny!"*

Family, fun in the sun, and a little pillow talk.

Yesterday was a GOOD day. We spent our morning outside blowing bubbles -- surprise! surprise! We had a "picnic" on the porch, and then it was naptime (for both of us). In the evening we went to my brother-in-law's softball game with my sister and her kids. I love watching Lily play with her cousins. They are all just so darn cute together.
We didn't watch much of the game, because there was a very cool playground and a big field to run around and play in. Lily had a blast, and it made me smile to watch her.

She has graduated to the "big girl" swing now. And, I can't seem to keep her off those monkey bars! Wonder why?

Not a bad way to start our week!

And now for some "pillow talk": Lily, as you know, is a night owl. She really seems to get a second wind after most kids her age are counting sheep. And, she is still sleeping in our bed so we have MANY conversations late at night, cheek to cheek. Sometimes I am just praying she will FALL ASLEEP ALREADY, but other times I am CRACKING UP at the things that come out of her mouth! Here is a peek into our pillow talk Sunday night.

Lily: (while petting me) You da bweatest wittle guy.

Me: Um, I'm a girl.

Lily: You da bweatest wittle girl, momma. You a ox. What a ox say, momma?

Me: Well, I really don't know.

Lily: Maybe a ox say Wa Wa Wa.

Me: Maybe they do.

Lily: Momma, what a ox say?

Me: Wa Wa Wa.

Lily: Dat's wight momma. Dat's IT!

Slight pause. I start to wonder if she is falling asleep. Nope.

Lily: I'm gonna sweep in da baftub. don't pee in the baftub. Go in da potty first and wear Dora panties. Momma, you wear da panties. Daddy wear boxers. Daddy got HOT HOT pee!

I begin laughing hysterically at that one, so she giggles, rolls over, and yells "Goodnight" with great satisfaction.

Gotta love that pillow talk!

She's lucky she's cute!

Where do I begin?

Um, have you ever had one of those days? You know, the kind where if something COULD go wrong it does, and by the end of the day you just want to close your eyes and forget it ever happened!? Well, that was my Wednesday. And my Thursday. Then I worked all day Friday and went straight to a bridal shower that evening. Yesterday I had ANOTHER bridal shower and I babysat my sister's kids last night. So, I haven't been on the computer at all and I feel sooo out of the loop. But, I thought I'd give you an update on us. We were in pretty rough shape for a couple days. Lily spent the majority of her time crying and I spent my time trying to figure out what was wrong. (Well, I spent some of my time crying too, and also pulling out my hair, cursing, and begging God for a little mercy.) See, her crying is relentless. She has always been able to SOB for long periods of time without growing weary. Her tears weren't just being spilled in the daytime hours either -- she was up more than a newborn on Thursday night. I don't have much in the way of patience at 2am, but we made it through somehow. Thankfully, "Sobfest 2007" was only a 2 day tour and we are back to sweet, funny, happy Lily. She has been a total crack-up this weekend! I feel like she is starting to talk so much more, and in full sentences. She will talk to me about the adventures she is taking..."thru da pickers and thorns...thru da ocean with da cwocadiwes...wook out for wild adimals!" (She watches WAY too much Dora!") And she is quick to give a big kiss and say "I yuv oo sooo much momma. We're a famiwee." She can be challenging at times, but one sweet little word from her mouth and all is forgiven.

More later. I need to get ready for work. Hope you are all well, and I will be catching up on my bloggy pal's blogs later tonight. Happy Sunday all!

Feelin' groovy!

OK, so the bug left my body as quickly as he came and I was able to enjoy the BEAUTIFUL, PERFECT, SUNNY day with Lily yesterday. We literally did not come inside for 7 hours straight (except to do some quick diaper changes).

We had friends over in the morning and we walked with the kids up to the park. Then, we went in the backyard and played on the swingset for awhile. Lily ate her lunch "picnic" style, and we stopped over at the neighbor's house so Lily could pet their cute little bunny rabbit Mr. Beans. Lily is SUCH an animal lover, so she was in heaven over the fact that a fuzzy little creature actually sat in her lap. She is so used to kittens and puppies running from her. When it came time to ask Lily if she was ready for a nap, she just laid down on the porch and said, "I sweep outside today." It was so great to enjoy all the fresh air! Lily was just so happy! For awhile she just sat on her little chair on the porch yelling at the neighbors "Come over and see me evewee one!" For a child who claims to "yuv winta" me thinks she is a pretty big fan of the warm stuff too!

And, to totally change the subject: to my fellow American Idol watchers -- wasn't tonight's show great?!? I loved it and thought that everybody (minus Jordin, surprisingly) did an incredible job with Bon Jovi's songs. I am so curious to see what TWO people get the boot tomorrow, I think it will be kinda sad to see anyone go at this point.

Well, thank you for all your well wishes on Sunday. I am so happy I was only down and out for one day. It stormed again today, but we are supposed to have nothin' but sun for the rest of the week, so I don't expect to be in the house much...lots of late night blogging for me!