A rose by any other name

Fourteen months ago today we were on a high like no other. The birth of our daughter made our family complete. It took us days to decide on her name and now I couldn't imagine Julia with any other name. The nickname JoJo has stuck and is probably said more often than Julia - even though I love her name. Not too common, not too "out there". It suits her. It means youthful. I like the sound of that. Makes me think of the saying, young at heart. As her mom I'll always think of her as my baby that fit perfectly in my arms. I can't turn back the clock, or even stop it for that matter, but what I can do is savor every moment and that's what I intend to do.


To my baby girl,
I couldn't ask for a more precious daughter. I have been blessed beyond words to be your mom. I love everything about you - even your stubbornness. I pray that I can teach you, comfort you, cheer for you, love you, and support you in a way that is pleasing to God. Each day with you is a gift.
Love, Mommy

P.S. This month you've started sitting for story time and often bringing me your favorite books for me to read. (Goodnight Moon, Babies, and this one)


You have a kind heart. You are generous with your hugs and kisses


You are goofy and smart. (In only two days you learned to point to your head, ears, eyes, tootsies, tongue, and your favorite because you can say it - your belly belly.)


And around here, we'd say this qualifies you as being - talented. :)

Playing catch up

I've got a couple posts worth of photos that I've been meaning to share: Halloween and Sam & Julia's birthday party. I better upload them now before the holiday rush and they get completely forgotten.
This batch is from the Halloween party we go to every year. The weather was calm and warm enough to be outside without being bundled up. The host were brilliant. Instead of the usual games geared towards adults (who then couldn't play because the children needed supervising) she incorporated the kids into the fun. We wrapped Brian up as mummy and we scavenged the woods for items on a list, including a pine cone that I climbed way up in a tree to retrieve.
Just for fun, see if you can list off any of the costumes you see. Here's another hint on Brian's costume: politics

Doesn't Julia make a cute Little Red Riding Hood?


















Ok, on to the party.... (October 13th, 2007)

Sam and Julia's Birthday party this year was at McDonald's playland. Cousins, Godparents, Aunts, and friends made for a fun afternoon.

The annual birthday tree picture.


We also take a picture every year in this chair my Grandparents made for me when I was little. The picture on the right is on Sam's 1st birthday


Here's JoJo's first chair picture.


Phew. That feels good to get that task completed. Now if only cleaning out the garage so we can park the van inside before it snows could be so much fun!

Happy 3rd Birthday Sam!

For fear that I'll get even more behind I'm going to publish these photos of how we spent the morning of Sam's birthday on October 13th and hopefully post the party pictures soon. Getting healthy and celebrating the birth of Maisie are keeping us busy this weekend. You'll be able to tell from the photos that Sam had a fantastic day. Our Sammy Sam has brought so much joy, humor, silliness, wonder, and love into our lives. We love you Sam!



Riding in the back of a squad car - without seat belts or car seats!

Isn't that a rifle next to Julia's face?


Happy Birthday big bro!


Can you see the kids and I at the front of the new ladder truck?


Put out that fire Sam!!!


Sam kept asking why they were bashing the car (see ax in middle photo).



Sam's expression was pretty much frozen like this the entire morning.
(We had just taken a spin around the block in that fire truck.)

Birthday Bash

It's late and I am way too exhausted to reflect much on the past year as Julia's mom tonight. Perhaps tomorrow I'll have a chance to edit this to include some of my thoughts and memories. For now I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. Enjoy! I know Julia did. :)

In case you're wondering - she did come clean after a good rinsing in the sink.


















Sweet Dreams Birthday Girl!
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

A trip down memory lane

The cake is made, the gifts are wrapped, the video is almost done, and the pizza's in the fridge. We're off to take her one year portraits and then it's party time!