rub a dub dub dub

Every night is the same...

6:00 we eat dinner.
Done by 6:30 or so.
Clean up the dishes.
Then...it's bath time!!!

Mary is always SO excited to get in the bath tub. She ADORES the tub and would stay in there for hours if we let her. She gets even more excited if she gets to take a bath with her sister.

Here are my little munchkins last week...could that smile get any bigger?!?

the potty chronicles

Hi, I'm Mary. I'm not sure if you know this, but I'm a pretty "big deal" around here. In fact, ever since I've been doing this whole potty training thing...I've been getting hugs, praise, and M&M's on a regular basis. Mom and Dad would like me to stop sporting the diapers and pull-ups and, although that IS my ultimate goal, I'm gonna take it at my own pace.

Just look...here I am sporting my stylish big girl underwear. Now these aren't those silly pull ups and they're not even those training pants with lots of padding. These are straight up underwear. I like to think I look pretty hot in them. Too bad that just minutes after this picture was taken, I pooped all over them. Mom was less than thrilled. Dad was straight up scared.But, hey - there are times when I 'make friends' with the potty chair. I prefer going potty with my daddy rather than my mom...not sure why, just the way I like it. Either way, there had better be some candy for me once I deliver!
Sometimes I get bored sitting on that darn potty for so long. I've seen Mom and Dad doing some light reading in the bathroom so I figured I had better get in on the action. Now I either request "amagazine"or I go and get one myself. Lately I've been reading lots of Sports Illustrated. Whatever gets the job done, right?

When it's all said and done, I pop right up and (proudly) show mom or dad my big achievement. They get all excited, give me hugs, and tell me they're sooooooo proud of me. We wash my hands and then "dry, dry, dry." After that - i get my candy! Lucky me!

a couple more shots

My little girl in her beautiful gown!

Ella's big day!

This post is long overdue!
On March 2 (her birthmom's birthday!) Ella Rose was baptized in Christ. We had a wonderful ceremony after 10 o'clock mass and many of our family and friends were able to make it. Ella is lucky to have her Uncle Steve and Aunt Sarah as her Godparents. After mass we had lunch, cake, etc. at my parents' house.

There was a point after the ceremony when we were taking pictures at the church. After several shots with godparents, grandparents, etc. we decided to grab a shot of just our little family. At that moment - out of nowhere - my heart just welled up with gratitude. I was overcome with emotion. Here we were...a family of four! Four?!?! Kurt holding little Mary on his hip and Ella nestled sweetly in my arms. I couldn't help but stop and think, "Lord what did I do to deserve so much joy?"

Anyway, welcome to the church my baby Ella!