A New Love/Obsession

A few weeks ago Eliza had a bad case of croup and missed a whole week of school. She spent the majority of that week resting and because she was feeling so yucky, I let her watch more TV than normal. This is now a decision that I am somewhat regretting.

She had never seen an episode of Dora the Explorer and I remembered how much my niece, Nicole liked Dora so I put it on for her. To say that she liked it is a HUGE understatement. She is in LOVE with Dora. If I let her, she would watch it nonstop all day.

Today Eliza went to Target to buy her some new sandals. I had intended on purchasing little white sandals perhaps with sweet little flowers on them but that is not what we got . . . . we are now the proud owner of Dora sandals . . . they are cute but not really what I wanted her to have. As soon as I saw Dora's picture on the box, I was praying that she wouldn't notice . . . no such luck. We are also the proud owners of a Dora swimsuit and Dora sippy cups.

Hair Evolution

In her two short years Eliza has had many signature looks.

1. The My Mom Makes Me Wear this Bow Headband so People Will Stop Thinking I am a Boy Look



2. The Bald is Beautiful Look

or

The I Have Enough Coordination to Rip those Ridiculous Headbands Off My Head Look




3. The My Bow is Bigger Than My Ponytail Look

4. The Pebbles Flintstone Look

5. The Cindy Brady Look

I have to admit that I am in love with her newest look. I think little girls look so sweet with two ponytails.

A Girl and Her Dog

Every time Eliza hugs Bob, she says"I love you Bob!" It just melts my heart.

Perfect Day

The weather was absolutely perfect today - so we turned on the pool heater and spent the entire afternoon outside enjoying the glorious sunshine.

Eliza spent some time in the water with her Dad. She really loves swimming and is becoming so comfortable in the water.

Once she decided she was ready to get out, she spent the rest of her time blowing bubbles.

Pretty much a perfect afternoon.

Our Growing Family

We are happy to share the news with all of you that our family is growing by one! Meet our newest addition . . . . . . . .

Silent Bob!

We have been talking for awhile about rescuing a dog and although we hadn't planned on doing it this weekend. . . . everything just fell into place.

We rescued Bob from a no - kill shelter, so we do know a little bit about his past. He is almost two years old and is classified as a "lab mix" but because of his pointy ears, I think he may have some shepherd in him. His original owners were getting a divorce and neither was able to take him with them, so he was surrendered to the shelter. It is obvious that he was well loved, because he is a bit on the chunky side . . . perhaps too many table scraps.

He is a very laid back and easy going dog and we have yet to hear him bark. He is not the most attractive dog and it is unlikely that he is going to win any beauty contests, but he truly has the sweetest disposition ever. He is extremely gentle and patient with Eliza and she has already invited him to one of tea parties.

His original name was Dawson, but to us the name didn't really fit him. We wanted a name that was more representative of his personality. Stephen suggested the name because he NEVER barks and he could stand to lose a few pounds . . . hence our choice of Silent Bob!

Welcome to our family Bob!

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.