She's Growing Up So Fast!

Ava is sitting up! Okay, she's been sitting up for a few weeks now with her boppy pillow around her, but this week she starting sitting up herself. I know all the "older folks" out there are probably going to chuckle, but "kids grow up so fast!"

I never truly understood this meaning. Even when Stephani told me thats how it is...even when I look at sara, our little "boog," and she's not little anymore...even when I balled my eyes out at Peytons 1st Birthday because it came before the blink of an eye...even when I look at my little brother...and he's old enough to drive...even when I think of myself and I'm one year away from 10 yr. high school reunion.

Will this phrase haunt me as my little girl grows up? Am I going to cry on her wedding day? Not because she's getting married, instead because it seemed like just yesterday I starred at her long eyelashes, winkled face and curious smile the first time I held her?









Since time flies, this is what I now live by:

A MOTHER'S PRAYER

Dear Lord, it's such a hectic day,

With little time to stop and pray,

For life's been anything but calm

Since You called me to be a mom--

Running errands, matching socks,

Building dreams with wooden blocks,

Cooking, cleaning, finding shoes

And other stuff that children lose,

Fitting lids on bottled bugs,

Wiping tears and giving hugs,

A stack of last week's mail to read--

So where's the quiet time I need?

Yet, when I steal a moment, Lord,

Just at the sink or ironing board,

To ask the blessings of Your grace,

I see then, in my small one's face,

That you have blessed me all the while --

As I stop to kiss that precious smile.

Men, Men, Men!

Well lets play "catch up" kids :) Due to bad weather Rory and I did not make it to Hilton Head. Although I have not taken the time to share this with Rory, I am very confident that he has replanned the trip *wink wink* So, if he is reading this or if you read this and might doubt that confidence for a second, maybe it is in his best interest that he get a "heads up!"



Rory really is a true sport though. We all have husbands that aggravate us to know end, that is something that just comes with marriage, right? Say yes and make me at least just feel better about the idea of that statement...ha ha! I must admit that most of the men I care deeply about in my life are good sports. My husband, My dad, and My brother (Wally) all continue to impress me everyday with their commitment to their "firecrackers." I do say firecracker in a good way. I mean really, to deal with them sometimes how could myself, mom, and Kim continue to travel this path we call life with such men. These 3 men continue daily to amaze me with their strength, courage, and fight they have with everday obstacles. No matter what is presented to them they always find a way to smile...or POUT!



CHEERS to good sports and the sweet little lady that we met having our first family tea yesterday! :)

Let me close this on a very celebratory note to keep everybody smiling (because I know your at least laughing hysterically by the pictures above, that WAAAS my intention!)

My brother and sister in-law had a baby girl named Erin Rose a week ago today (1/18/08) She was a little bit early but at 8lbs. 9ozs. and 20.5in. long that might have been a good thing for Andrea :) She is absolutely beautiful! If I get permission from the parents, maybe I'll even post a pic or two!

Peace out for now kids!

Going Away...

Hilton Head, SC here we come. We finally get to take a little weekend getaway. :)

Ava is battling a cold right now. It breaks my heart to hear her cough up a storm. The weather here has been terrible just like everywhere else. Hot one day, cold another. We're actually expected to get some sleet tonight. Hopefully, she'll get better and next week she can get her 6 month shots.

Speaking of Ava...Daycare...uuugh...I never thought I'd have to send her to one. God Bless all of those stay at home mom's and dad's (Micheal...your time is coming my dear) but I could never do it. I guess the blood in my family does not mix well with Cabin Fever. Rory and I looked at some daycares today and I am SOOOO impressed! We found a perfect fit for Ava! Please say a prayer that tomorrow we get a phone call that they have accepted her application. I really need this peace of mind.

The first place we went this morning we walked right in and the lady said "oh my, I didnt even hear the door open!" WTH...and I want my child in the care of these people...NO WAY! Thank goodness for the well kept, friendly staffed, state certified, brand new Foundation Academy. These people actually have it together. :)

Children really do change your world don't they?!? I never thought I would be concerned about the things I am. You bring this little helpless child into the world and you realize all of the scary things out there that you must protect them from.

Have a wonderful weekend and I'll post pics from Hilton Head :)

~Danielle

First "Blog"

Rory & I both decided that in this not so mundane life we live, trying to manage a multi-million dollar business as well as our family, that this is the solution. The solution to the distance that keeps us separated from everybody we love and care about.

I never thought I would be "that person"..."L" "O" "L" <--Andrea....who "blogs"... dear Lord are we joining that Club *geesh*

(If I start doing the Star Trek hand salute then we are in definate trouble!)

Back to what I was saying, in all seriousness, we are going to do our absolute best to update this weekly. Hopefully, once we get into the habit of writing on here, then we can post a few times a week :) I know it is hard with everyday life for us to keep in touch as often as we feel we should.

This is our attempt in the midst of chaos to do this with the ones we miss the most! There will be pictures posted as we load them on the computer, stories of Ava's milestones (which lately she is starting to have many), you might even be dragged into some of our business life stories.

We love each and every one of you (our family, not the stranger who decides to pull this blog up and think our life is funny to read about...well I guess we can appreciate those people) and we basically do not want to lose touch. Enjoy the upcoming stories and news. I can PROMISE...there is A LOT to catch up on!