Lucky Me!

Look what I won this week from my friend's give-away blog: Maddie is going to be one stylin' girl in these bibs! To see more cute baby stuff, check out the Sweet Sugar Baby website here.

Happy 4th!

Here are a few pictures taken yesterday. We had a fun-filled holiday here in Iowa, which included a parade (they throw the best candy here---including chocolate! I didn't see one piece of hard salt water taffy), fireworks (Isaac was mesmerized, it was great), and a BBQ with friends (although we forgot to defrost any meat and instead took ham sandwiches--have I told you I'm addicted to ham these days?). Isn't she a cute little firecracker? Her hair is so crazy that, without a headband, she looks like a rock star. I love it and am praying that it doesn't fall out like everyone says it will Papa and his little rock star princess Tummy time has become more difficult with two. It usually takes place after Isaac goes to bed (if at all). He is becoming more and more fascinated with his "baby" and loves to give her big open-mouthed kisses on the head. I keep waiting for those kisses to turn into bites.

3 big ones

I know this pic is a repeat, but I couldn't find any with just Ryan and I. We look better with the kids by us anyway--don't you think?

Sorry for the multiple posts in one day, but we are currently without internet in our new place, so I have to take advantage of the time I have at the school.

Ryan and I celebrated 3 years of wedded bliss this past Sunday. While our life is kind of crazy with two kids (and about to get a lot more crazy when Ryan actually has to go to school), I couldn't be happier. The decision to marry Ryan has been the best and most important of my life. I couldn't ask for a better husband and father. My sisters always tease me about how it must be "so hard to be married to someone who always puts your needs before their own." Let me tell you, it's grueling. I love you, babe!!!

A day at the Park

I love this picture of Isaac. One of the best things about having a toddler is that they find everything so fascinating and exciting. It's fun to see the world through their eyes. Here are Ryan and Isaac at the park. Isaac was laughing so hard as he was swinging. Music to my ears.

These are a few of my Favorite Things...

Because we live in an area where there are a lot of student families, each Spring some students move away (either because they are graduating or headed to do rotations in a different city), and each Fall new students move in. It is bitter sweet-it gives you the opportunity to meet a lot of wonderful people, but it also means saying a lot of goodbyes.

My kindred-spirit-of-a-friend, Ashley, and I, wanted to do something fun with all the girls before the big move happens (Ashley will be heading to Ohio--sniffle...sniffle).

A special thanks to Andrea who gave us the idea of doing a "Favorite Things Party." Here's how it works. Each girl brought 3 of her favorite things (all the same thing). I saw everything from chap stick to candles to crossword puzzles and more. Each girl also brought her favorite snack/treat to share. We ate and talked and then played a little game. Each person introduced their favorite thing and why they brought it and then drew out three names from the jar (where we had all put our names on three different pieces of paper). Whoever got their name drawn won your favorite thing, so we all went home with 3 different things than we came with. Ryan thought I was crazy for wanting to have such a party but it was so fun (and he gladly took the kids so I could have a night out)!

Here's what I decided to bring as my favorite thing--a special thanks to my sister for introducing me to this amazing face wash--it actually gets warm as you lather it on your face---what could be more refreshing than that? Lisa and Aupreille showing off their faves Erica and Laura Lee--two friends who have since moved to Ohio Ashley and Robyn (who became the cheerleaders of the party--getting so excited and screaming after each girl introduced their favorite thing) All the girls crammed into Ashley's apartment----thanks Ashley!

I went home with some lip gloss, a cute baby bracelet for Maddie, some sweet-smelling soap, and a refreshing candle. I definitely see a tradition starting with this party.