Kissing Cousins

My nephew, Noah, came to to stay with us for a few days. He likes to escape his two younger

brothers every now and then and hang with us at the beach. We love having him here and wish

we could keep him. Noah was only two when I first met Erik but they have always had a special

relationship. When we got engaged he painted a little toy airplane for our wedding present. It

hangs in our kitchen and every time I look at it I am reminded of how much I love him. He is so

good with Lyla too. It warms my heart. She had a ball while he was here. I'm not sure who

misses him more.

Actually, all of my nieces and nephews are good with Lyla. What can I say? We are a baby loving family! I love that when they talk to her, their already high voices get even higher. I love that they want to hold her, play with her and make her laugh. They might be crazy little rascals but they are SWEET crazy little rascals! Besides, we might have the craziest little rascal of the bunch!

Piggies

Then and Now

This picture was taken right before we left for the hospital on the day our little sweet love was born. Look at my fat face! I had a scheduled C-section which is not what I wanted, but given Lyla's breech position I didn't really have a choice. Erik wore pink for the occasion and I got to fix my hair and put on a little makeup. I remember being very hungry and very excited!

Here we are exactly one year later. Look at that face!

I love her so much it hurts! I love him so much too!

About an hour old.

Happy Birthday! Of course she wouldn't keep her hat on!

Such a lovely little hat it was.

Love!

LOVE!

A new dad.

An old pro. Oh how Lyla loves her dad!

On the way home from the hospital. Cheeks!

First day facing forward in her new toddler car seat.

She must take after her dad!

I know you are all expecting birthday party pictures and I promise I will get around to those eventually but I just couldn't resist posting this picture of our crazy Honey. It is my new favorite! She is just so funny and has really kicked up the personality in the past week or so - it must be a one year old thing!

Hollywood!

Hallway Fun

So, church is a whole new experience with a little one. Before Lyla it was effortless. I could sit, listen, ponder and reflect. Now, it is a much more physical undertaking. Lots of energy is spent trying to keep our little sweet love entertained. We sit in the back of course, so that we can spread out with some toys and exit quickly if necessary. Because we have a busy and talkative little Honey it is almost always necessary.

The upside is that we are usually in good company. Glad to know I am not the only one who can't keep my child under control! These pictures are from a couple of weeks ago. There was quite a group in the hallway this particular sunday. Most of the kiddos were about the same age and were having so much fun crawling after each other. Who doesn't love a good game of follow the leader? It was pretty entertaining.

Lyla's darling red shoes were a gift from her aunties. We just love those aunties!!!

10 Months

Ten Months

Two Teeth

21 Pounds

Chubby Cheeks

Smiley Eyes

One Feisty Honey