A Visit From Aunt Judy and Uncle Bull

This past weekend, Aunt Judy and Uncle Bill stopped by to visit on their way back to Indiana from Florida. They stayed with us for the evening, and Heidi and the boys came over for dinner and play time. I was worn out after chasing Jackson and Reece, but it sure was fun. Here we are after church on Sunday.

Future best friends, and cousins, Luke and Vera. They love spending time together. In fact, they see each other every day at school. They work together and get each other crying so that they get moved into the "big kid" room. I think we may have our work cut out for us when these two start really talking and scheming. Mr. Jellybeans decided to hop into the picture too. We may need to look into finding another Mr. Jellybeans as a back up because Vera takes that bunny everywhere she goes. She LOVES it!

Here is Jackson after eating at the big boy table with Uncle Bull. Please note his facial expression and the sign in the background. Ironic? It was a fabulous weekend with Aunt Judy and Uncle Bull. We can't wait to go to Indiana this summer and see them again.

I Needed to Smile

This is my go to, never fails to make me smile, video. Today Vera was diagnosed with her first ear infection. After being up with her ALL night, I needed to smile. I always picture Matthew and her doing this in a few short years. Love it!

Notes from Chicago

Once again Matthew has been traveling to Chicago on business. I just hate it when he's gone because I just work better with him around. He keeps me calm, makes me smile, and is just all around my favorite person. Well, when I got home today he was gone, but he left Vera and I little surprises all around the house. He left this one on the changing table. It says, "Accidents happen. You are a great mom. I love you". I cried. And then I realized he jinxed me because Vera peed all over her crib sheet two seconds later. Among all the notes, he even left one in the cat food, which caused me to not yell at Norm for circling my feet the minute I walked in the door, about causing me to trip over his nub of a tail. Since daddy was so sweet and thoughtful, Vera and I decided to send him a message too. Best daddy/husband a girl could ask for!

Sunny Days

Now that Vera has mastered the laugh, it seems she just can't keep from smiling. Here she is with Mr. Stripes, her NICU sock monkey. Still blows my mind that she was once that tiny. Anywho, this afternoon I headed out to watch a friend perform in a fabulous rendition of Chicago and Matthew and Vera were left to have father daughter fun. My only request, to put Vera in her super cute purple outfit and hat from Aunt Kimberly. I have been dying to get this on her, but until now, it was just too chilly. This is the result...super cute but no matching hat. Matthew just grabbed A hat out of the drawer. Further proof that although a great effort, I may need to lay out her clothes on the dresser. Despite that hat mishap, you can sure tell she had a fabulous day with her daddy.

Is laughter really the best medicine?

Vera is a little under the weather this weekend. She caught my sneezing and coughing I brought home from work. In addition to the traditional remedies, we also tried a little laughter in case it really is the best medicine.

Vera Gets an Inny

Since Vera was born, she has had a hernia right where her belly button is, comes with the preemie territory. It was purple, hard, and to be honest, it terrified me. Our pediatrician assured us that it would go away by the age of three, winces, or else a minor surgery would be needed. She also had no problem pressing it in, much to our dismay. The thought of this made me sick...no little bitty bikinis for Vera, not that daddy would mind that too much. Well today, it all changed. I am proud to announce that Vera is the proud owner of an inny bell button...hallelujah! I was so excited that I snapped a few pictures. Here she is sporting her new look. We celebrated with a nice splash in the bathtub and a snuggle with Mr. Jellybeans, Vera's favorite new toy. It is just her size and super soft. Thanks Mrs. W; we think of you every time we play with him! And to think, all this fabulous stuff happened on a Monday.

Ready to Travel

Vera likes to travel in style with her designer shades and twinkle twinkle little star butterfly thingy.

On this particular day, we were on our way the cousin Reece's birthday party.

Cold and Rainy Saturday

What do you do when you are almost 4 months old on a cold and rainy Saturday? You get all dressed up in something warm and fuzzy that has ears.

The first one is a full pink fuzzy body suit. This was worn during a visit to see Jason and Amanda because Jason had surgery for a torn achilles tendon. The second is just a coat, but also has ears for some reason. Yes. This was sported on a trip to Walmart.