my sister-in-law is missing

As some of you may know, Aaron's little sister, Emillie has been missing for 2.5 years. I adore this video because it introduces me to a young woman who is so close to my family, yet whom I've never met. I would give anything to know that she was alright. I would give anything for the chance to know her...to introduce her to her niece and nephew.

My brother-in-law, Zakk put this video together. I was so impressed with the outpouring that was given to help NieNie and hoped to harness some of that power to help bring awareness to Forever Searching and Emillie's case specifically.

Any information anyone might have and/or willingness to share this video on your blogs would be greatly appreciated.

munch time

Lola and I met Aaron at Sol Azteca for a little lunch date. Delish!

exuberantly healthy

This wallpaper is perfect for the new bathroom downstairs, yes?

before and after

I did a quick and easy lamp makeover with patches. I used an old lamp that we had at the house (Target, maybe) and revamped it with a Sharpie and my husbands old boy scout badges. He loved it!

Playtime (or I know why the caged bird sings)

One, Uno, Un, Ein, Um

Lola turned 1 a few days back and I still can't believe it has been a year already. I still remember meeting her for the first time -- they wheeled me still in bed to meet her, maybe it was in the NICU maybe in a dream, I can't be certain. A nurse placed her on my chest and I did my best to hold onto her. Both of us drifting in and out of sleep and I knew I would never be the same.

In the past year she has made us laugh, made us nervous, made us swell up with pride, made a big brother out of Riley and honestly made us a family.

Eating is high on the list of her favorite things to do. She *loves* to eat. Tops on the list are blueberries, hummus/pita and pretty much anything you put down in front of her. She is standing, but not quite ready to walk. Crawling is so much faster and efficient, you know. She can sign our version of the word "more", says "duck, duck, duck", "hi", "bye-bye", night-night is a backwards wave and blows kisses when you say you love her.

She had a great weekend -- it was perfect. We had a lovely time with our visitors from St. Louis. Thank you to all those that made the trip.

It's hard to believe the panic and fear that surrounded her birth has given way to such a calm, funny and genuinely sweet little girl. We are so blessed. Happy Birthday, baby girl!

the kids are alright

We have been busy around these parts fancying up the house for out of town guests for Lola's birthday party. It was fantastic...we had such a lovely time. Pictures to follow on her actual birthday tomorrow! In the meantime, here are some shots from R's first ever soccer game. So what if the score was 10 to 0 in favor of those other kids in the orange shirts?!

It was so great to watch them all. It was almost as if they were playing dodge ball instead of soccer -- a huge clump of 7 and 8 year olds would chase the ball in any number of directions and then run away from it when they caught up to it. Too funny. They had much more success at their second game this weekend.

Hope your week is off to a good start. This week marks the beginning of working part time and keeping Lola home 3 days a week. We are loving it! We went for a long, long walk this morning and now she is snoozing with the sweetest little smile on her face. I couldn't be happier!