strawberry picking.

Look, Mommy, I found a BIG one!!

snack time.

While on the kitchen theme, I thought I would share a video from the other day too.  Grandparents, enjoy =)


Snack on kitchen floor from Stephanie Allen on Vimeo.

helping with the dishes.

Remember how I mentioned that Baby Girl likes to help out with loading and unloading the dishwasher?  Well, the other day I caught her in action!

Isn't she such a helpful lilttle girl?!

a day for mothers...

.....what a great idea!  I would like to kiss the person who created this holiday because I have felt special all day long.  Baby Girl and Andy got me a gift certificate for a deliciously long massage and a facial and I cannot wait to get to the spa and cash it in!  

We spent the afternoon together at Waterfront Park enjoying the harbor views and the sunshine.  Baby Girl even got some quality time in the swings at the park.

I had planned to write something sweet and catchy about being a mother, but my mind isn't really feeling it tonight.  However, I will say that being Olivia's mother is the most amazing blessing of my life.  I love her more than I could have ever imagined and sometimes just looking at her brings me to tears (happy ones!). 

I pray daily for God's guidance in being a good mother because she deserves only the best.  It isn't always easy being her mommy, but it is the greatest joy of my life! 

you should see the other guy...

Baby Girl had a run-in with the corner of her changing table on Wednesday morning. 

The goose egg is long gone, but the bruise has decided to stick around!

Playdate

Last week Baby Girl had a playdate with her friend Gabriel and everyone (including mommies!) had a great time!  We will definately miss our sweet friends very much when they move next month. 

Olivia enjoyed her yummy lunch in a new high chair....

Gabriel was happy to let her borrow it because it meant he could eat at the big table!

They waited patiently to go play outside....

and Olivia promptly found herself a ball to play with....

......and then a truck!!

They crawled through a tunnel.....

.....and even shared Olivia's pink sunhat!!

baby in the mirror...

I am being harrassed for more pictures (see comment section of previous post!), so here are a few to tide you over.  No time for commentary - we are a busy busy family!!  Our schedule Fri-Sun includes two playdates, one happy hour, two birthday parties, a cook-out, and one couples Pampered Chef party! (and that is only our social schedule - we have real life items to complete, too, such as homework, grocery shopping, cleaning for house guests, church, etc) 

So, without futher ado here are some smiles at that cute baby in the mirror......