Freeze Frame

During Spring Break, I took Eliza to have her two year old portraits done. She wasn't quite as cooperative on this photo shot as she has been in the past, but overall I think they turned out well.

I think this one of her looking up is my favorite - just so sweet and pure.

This last one is really sweet as well, and she wore her Beatles shirt just for her Daddy!

The Times They Are a Changing

Today was a day of change. When I went into Eliza's room after her nap, I caught her in the middle of her escape. She was attempting to climb out of her crib and had one leg over the top of the bed. YIKES!

I knew that it was time to convert her crib into a toddler bed. She watched very intently and asked several times what I was doing. I told her I was making her a big girl bed. She was very excited. Once I finished, I let her play in the bed some and she practiced getting in and out. She had a grand time putting Albert and Baby in the bed and reading them a night - night book. Eliza has always been a TERRIFIC sleeper, so I really wanted her to feel comfortable with her new sleeping arrangements.

I have to admit that even though Eliza was excited, I did feel a wee bit weepy. Realistically, I know she can't stay a baby forever but time is moving at lightning speed.

As if all of that wasn't enough change for one day, at dinner tonight she climbed up to the table and very simply stated, "Eliza big girl - no high chair."

She sat there the whole meal and did a great job in her big girl chair.

She was very excited about going to bed and climbed in with no problem at all. She has been in bed for about 15 minutes now and she hasn't made a peep - I guess I should go poke my head in and see how she is doing.

Yup . . . the times they are a changing.

*****Updated*****

This is what I found when I went into her room to check on her.

Sing a Song

Tonight after her bath, Eliza decided to perform a mini concert for me. I am really glad that I was able to capture it on film because if she ever decides to be on American Idol, I will have the perfect footage to show on national TV.

March 15th

March 15, 2008

March 15, 2009


March 15, 2010

Wedding Weekend (plus one more party for Eliza)

We had a FABULOUS weekend with family. Saturday afternoon we attended the wedding of my very sweet cousin Dave and his lovely new wife Sandra. They had an outdoor wedding in Round Rock at an absolutely gorgeous venue. Unfortunately I did not get any pictures of the venue or the bride and groom (I guess that's what happens when you are busy chasing a very active toddler around) - but it was all just breathtaking.

The wedding was running a little behind schedule, so I entertained Eliza by taking her picture. She also passed the time by using baby wipes to clean the chairs in front of us. How great would it be if she still has this need to clean when she is a teenager?!?

The Texas sun was a little warm, but we sure has a great time at the wedding.


We spent Sunday back at Grammy and Granddaddy's house. We had a really great and fun filled day. Stephen started the day off by buying breakfast and teaching everyone what kolaches were. He was just amazed that my mom and Mare and John had never had them before. (In their defense, I too had never heard of kolaches until I moved to Houston.)

Later in the day, we grilled burgers and dogs and celebrated Eliza's birthday (again!)



Eliza loves the Happy Birthday song and can often be heard singing to herself now.

We were so blessed to have another opportunity to celebrate with members of our family that we don't get to see that often. It made the day really special.

I was really glad that my Uncle Bob and Aunt Sandra (parents of the groom) were able to come by and see us. I had forgotten that my Uncle Bob and my dad had the exact same laugh and it made my heart happy (and a little bit sad) to hear that laugh again.

My dad and his brother, were such good friends always. I am so glad that Eliza will be able to learn about her Grandpa Joe from Bob.

Eliza was so excited to see her Aunt Maryellen and Uncle John. She just adores both of them.

Stephen and I ended the day by kicking John and Mare's butts in a game of spades. So John, still think going nello was a good idea???

We had a really great weekend.

Get By With a Little Help From My Friends

On Friday, Eliza had birthday party with her friends at school. That would be party number 2 for this girl. This one was a dual celebration with her best buddy Addison. We had mini cupcakes, baked Cheetos and apple juice . . . every toddler's favorite!

Addison's sweet mom, Christa, bought the girls matching birthday headbands, unfortunately Eliza didn't want to leave hers on.

When Eliza first moved into her new classroom, a few weeks ago, it just seemed to be so much more chaotic than her previous room. I think I may have the answer. . . . . there are 16 kids in her class 12 are boys . . . .mystery solved!

This cutie is Jack. He opted to skip the cupcakes and went right for the Cheetos - man after my own heart.

Eliza goes to a great school with sweet kids and fabulous teachers that she just adores, so I know she enjoyed having a chance to celebrate with all of them.

My Girl Likes to Party All the Time

Since we have a wedding to attend next weekend, we decided to have Eliza's birthday party this weekend. Eliza was in charge of picking the theme and a few friends to invite. Even though our house was full of very energetic and loud toddlers . . . I would say this party was a smashing success!

This banner was in the entry way as the party guests entered.

After attending a few other toddler birthdays, I learned that cupcakes are the way to go. Eliza was very excited about her chocolate cupcake, so the minute we finished singing I took her party dress off because I had a feeling she might do this. . . .

Eventually, we did persuade her to use her spoon.

Eliza was really excited to see all of her friends. Sitting at the table with Eliza is her BFF from school, Addison. Addison's birthday is just 3 days before Eliza's.

I was worried that Alex might feel left out because he was the only boy, but I don't think it bothered him a bit!

I think the cupcakes might have been everyone's favorite part . . . .while they were eating the house was strangely quiet!

I was so glad that my sweet friend Emily and her precious girls Greer and Harper (and baby Sloane, who never managed to get in a picture and did not get to have a cupcake) were able to come. Emily and I have been friends for many years and I am sad that we don't live closer, but we always have fun when we do get together.



After we loaded all the kids up on sugar it was time for presents and Eliza had a great time ripping off all the wrapping paper. Eliza loved all of her presents.



Eliza had a great party and we were so blessed to be able to celebrate it with so many of our friends and family.

Yee-Haw

Today was Go-Texan Day at Eliza's school. Since we didn't have the proper attire, yesterday we headed off to our favorite resale store to load up on cowgirl gear. The little shirt didn't really fit that well, but since it was on clearance for just $1, I figured it would get the job done. Overall, I think she is one cute little cowgirl.

I think Eliza really enjoyed dressing up and her favorite part of this outfit was with out a doubt the boots. I have visions of her asking to wear these boots in the middle of July!

Tea for Two

Eliza loves to play tea party. I can't even begin to tell you how many cups of imaginary tea I have had recently enjoyed with this precious little girl of mine. However, today she decided to invite Elmo for tea. Cheers!

We Heart Books

Stephen and I are both lovers of books and reading, so we began reading to Eliza when she was just an itty-bitty. In the beginning, I am not really sure how much she enjoyed books but she would indulge us and let us read to her.  However recently that has all changed. 

Eliza is IN LOVE with all of her books.  Reading time has become her FAVORITE (and ours too) part of her bedtime routine.  

 

You can see hear how excited she gets during book time.  She will let me read to her, but I know she prefers to have her Dad read to her because he does all of the cool voices!

Even though she has baskets and baskets full of books - she does have her favorites.  Right now her go to books are dinosaur and motumus (hippopotamus).

She knows these books by heart and  loves to "read" along with us.  I hope that she will always be excited about books.