Happiest Baby on the Block

It's Friday night, and I'm blogging while watching the Tigers rally tonight! I have so much to write about, so much excitement going on in our world, and yet, I'm going to do the "5-minute Friday" and ramble-write for just 5 minutes. This way, I can still keep an eye on my Tigers!

J and I have been saying this for months, but we continue to repeat it daily as of late...we are sooo lucky! We both feel so blessed to have this adorable, beautiful, smart, little pumpkin in our world. Honestly, she is SUCH a good baby. I'd like to think it is our parenting style, because afterall...she is a Leo personality and wasn't always so "patient" or "happy." Only time will tell. :)

The best compliment we/she has received came from her great-grandfather, last month, while we visited family in Michigan. Grandpa said,"We've had a lot of babies come through here...and she's the happiest baby I've ever seen!" This is true...he has seen his share of babies in his day. And I agree 100%...we do have the Happiest Baby on the Block! Here is a special pic of Miss L & her great-grandpa...

I'm thankful that I didn't drive myself crazy with reading book, after book, during my pregnancy regarding child-rearing. At the end of the day...I am a firm believer that my instincts, family values, and natural skills have molded my daughter into who she is today...and who she will be tomorrow.

We try to incorporate impromptu fun into her world, daily. This evening, when a slow rain was trickling from the clouds...I suggested that J take her out to experience the rain, for the fun of it! And later tonight, we randomly played our favorite song {right now}, "Some Nights" by Fun; and we danced around the living room. Yep, it may sound dorky or cliche...but it made for the best baby giggles and some really deep belly laughs by J and me.

We will see if baby #2 is just as happy as Miss L...but rest assured, that won't happen for a while...as we are too busy having fun with our lil' doll!

30 Hours {of Fun!!}

Earlier this month, Miss L and I had the great fortune of flying to Indy for exactly 30 hours to visit dear friends.

I've really lost track of the exact # of flights this little girl has been on, but I'm pertty sure it was her 13th or 14th flight. Considering we had major malfunction which required us to deplane, wait in the airport for 2 more hours, and reboard a new plane...she was a trooper! She really is a jet setter.

Our last visit to Indy occured in October, when dear friends of ours threw us a fabulous baby shower-welcome Miss L party! Since then, we have welcomed the following babies to our "group" : Ethan P, Bryn, Ella, and AJ. This new "crop" of babies are mostly the siblings of some of her existing friends, Oliver, Madilyn, Zach, Josie, Ashley, Evan, Ethan W and Stevie.

The excitement began once we landed at IND. I remember attending the private grand opening dinner party there prior to the opening {with Jeremy's job}...it still as beautiful as I remember. Then, off to see some "Hertz family members" and dashed off in our rental car to the northern suburbs. I knew exactly when I entered Hamilton County...as I was greeted with endless roundabouts, nice and new, asethically-pleasing brick-everything, lush and perfectly manicured medians and one beautiful neighborhood after another. Hello, again!

We were greeted with the most genuine "Hoosier Hospitality" as we checked in at "The W."



Meeting cutie pie Ethan P for the 1st time!

Then, we zipped off to fun-filled playdate at another "W" ...where my friend Allison whipped up delicious snacks for us as she is and has always been the Hostess with the Mostess. Here are some of our friends:



Having fun with Josie, who is going to be a big sister soon

Meeting handsome lil AJ for the 1st time!
Thanks again Allison for hosting everyone...you truly are the best!

Following the playdate, we had dinner at local delicious-hot spot, Petite Chou by Patachou, with friends Cindy (mom and Madilyn, and baby #2 due in Aug) and Cori and her lil' Prince Ethan.

The next morning, we woke up early and had breakfast with my former coworker Chelsie at Paradise Bakery...and Miss L was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as if SHE was drinking coffee, herself!

We had more play time with Prince Ethan at his palace...er, I mean toy room! Thankfully at 8 and 10 months respectively, sharing is not an issue {yet!}

Then, off to more time with friends, back in our former neighborhood...where we were able to play with Ella, Oliver, Zach, Stevie and Bryn.

I think Miss L enjoyed her visit to Indy!

Fun was had by all! Albeit a little bittersweet, making me wish we still lived there...I am thankful we had the opportunity for this quick, impromptu, fun-filled adventure!!

A Feel Good Song

When you are feeling down, this song is guaranteed to lift your spirits...

Music is very powerful, and is a large part of our home life. Music motivates us, relaxes us and is on nearly anytime the TV is not. This is how my house was growing up and I am thankful for my parents incorporating it in our lives. Also, may be the reason why I love the music of the 60's, 70's and 80's {my parents music}.

This song makes me smile...wanna grab my lil' doll and dance around the living room...do a Zumba routine...or have a cocktail.

Happy Saturday Morning!! Dance around while your cleaning!