Elsa Is So Big

Elsa's Baptism

All of Elsa's cousins, grandparents, aunts, and uncles journeyed to Fairbury this weekend to help us celebrate her baptism.  We love any reason to bring our families together - we are reminded of just how fortunate we are to be surrounded by such loving, supportive, and simply put, good people. 

Elsa's Aunt Amy is her Godmother (or Fairy Godmother according to her cousins).  Amy is one of the most thoughtful and generous people we know.  She was the first person we told that I was pregnant with Elsa.  She is adventurous, driven, and confident - all qualities we hope our daughter will have.   We know Amy will be a fabulous role model for Elsa and will share all her life lessons and hopefully recipes along the way!

Elsa wore a beautiful lace gown, once worn by her great-great grandfather circa 1890.  Several family members on my mom's side of the family, including me, have worn this gown during our baptisms.  

Wait, I thought I already had a bath today?!

She was a trooper!

 

What a great way to start Spring!

Is It Spring Yet?!

We are counting down the hours until Spring Break begins...The past couple weeks have been a little stressful at work, but coming home to this sweetie makes everything better!  We are ready for a week off!

life lessons with Greta

loving playing "airplane"

Wahoo! New Shmancy Stroller! Had to try it out indoors!

Irish? 

Doubly Happy Birthday!

 March 7th is a big day for our little family...we get to celebrate not one, but two very special people's birthdays - Grandma's and Cousin Connor's! 

 To Grandma, we are beyond thankful for all that you do for us.  You are an inspiration as a mother and the best friend I could ask for. In the past year, you have been such a support for all of us.  From doctor appointments to helping me buy the dreaded maternity clothes to attempting to teach me how to sew, to squeezing my hand in the delivery room, and to fielding every new-mom question I've had, you have been there - calm, reassuring, and simply, the best. We hope your next year is filled with even more little girl hugs, kisses, cookie baking, snuggles, games of peek-a-boo and ring-around-a rosie, and all the love you deserve!  

To Connor, our nephew and Godson, it has been our privilege to watch you grow this past year. It's hard to believe you are already ONE year old!  We just adore your chubby cheeks and your go-with-the-flow attitude.  Every time we see you, you gift us with the best full-hearted smiles.  We hope your next year is filled with many more snuggles, hours of basketball with your big brother, trips to the zoo, maybe a trip to Wrigley (we won't talk about what happened last time), and many more "firsts" for you!

Happy Birthday to you both! Elsa is a little sad she cannot enjoy the cake yet, but she told me that she would like me to have her pieces.  We love you!

Erik Turns 30

Practically every day since Erik's 29th Birthday, he has casually mentioned that he was almost 30.  Although he will not admit it, the big 3-0 is a pretty big deal to him.  I think we have adequately celebrated the occasion - a Beer Tasting Party with family & friends and filled with lots of Erik's favorite things last weekend followed up by a nice date-night out for the two of us this weekend.  

Erik and I met 10 years ago while we were both at U of I.  In those years I have watched him accomplish so much...but rather than  looking back at the past (we've all seen the state championship football game VHS at this point, right?), I wanted to share a glimpse into Erik's next 30 years.

Now I'm sure Erik has his own list of goals he'd like to get going on, but  rather than diving into his investment strategies, I'm such a good wife I thought I'd make the list for him - you know like his weekend Honey-Do list that I leave on the kitchen counter-top.  

So without further adieu, my 30 for the next 30 for Erik:

30) I hope you brew the perfect beer (without the gas tank running out, something breaking, and with a few less curse words).

29) A trip back to Europe (okay this one is mostly for me)

28) A World Series Win for the Cubs (or maybe just some winning seasons?)

27) An All-American road trip out west with our family (I know you would like there to be an RV involved, but I am making the list).

25) More hugs, kisses, and date-nights

24) To finish your MBA (preferably in the next two years, please!!!!!)

23) All the Real Housewives to be exiled to some far away island (I am so selfless).

22) A snow blower (because I'm starting to feel sorry for you this winter)

21) More babies (so our family sporting matches will be less lame...and many other reasons)

20) More time for golf

19) Great seats at a Blackhawks game

18) That one of our offspring shares your passion for nerdy movies so you have someone to watch them with (I still feel a little bad you saw The Hobbit in the theater....alone).

17) A homemade lemon meringue pie at least once a year

16) For Waddle and Silvy to call you to be a guest commentator on their show (remember how excited you were when they read your text on-air?!)

15) A trip back to Arizona (when I'm not pregnant so you don't have to do the hikes by yourself)

14) Another fishing trip with your dad

13) A sense of fulfillment in your career

12) That you coach our kids and spend many summer evenings playing catch or shooting hoops

11) That you continue to find joy in some of life's simplest moments 

10) A really great pair of Dockers that fit perfectly and never need ironing

9) I hope you continue to write and get the chance to write another novel.

8) An adventure to Alaska (you might have to sell this one to me pretty hard)

7) That you get to see as many of your kids "firsts" as possible - steps, words, school days, etc...

6) and 5) To eat at a famous chef's restaurant (Emeril's, perhaps?....which would also include a trip to New Orleans - so double points!)

4) A TV show that might come close to filling the void that came with the end of Breaking Bad

3) More opportunities to wear a tux (because you are just so handsome).

2) The time to teach our kids all things you want - whether it be ice skating, how to drive, or how to stick to a budget.

1) And mostly, to feel loved by us every.single.day.of.every.single.year.  We love you! 

Happy 30th! The fun has just begun!

Four Months Old

 Almost exactly one year ago we found out I was pregnant. 

I just can't quite wrap my head around how much you've grown, how much we adore your infectious giggles,  how much we love your chubby cheeks and your sweet snuggles, and just simply how we cannot imagine this life without you.