While Daddy's Away...

...the girls will play!

Well, another weekend has come to a close and it sure has been a busy one. Ben left Thursday to spend the weekend in Key West for our friend's bachelor party and left Olivia and I to have some bonding time.

Now that Olivia is just about over her cold we thought she would be back to normal and in all but one way she is. Her sleeping pattern is way out of whack, we can't get through one night with her in her crib. She falls asleep and goes into her crib around 7:30-8PM and by the time 12AM rolls around she is screaming. So we have been comforting her and getting her back to sleep, but just as she reaches the mattress of the crib she magically wakes back up. After a week of this going on and her ending up sleeping in our bed, I am so over it. Don't get me wrong I love having her so close, but we can't sleep with her kicking and rolling even in a king size bed, there is no room for 3!!! How do I fix this?

On the other hand Friday night I was able to have a little girl time while Olivia stayed with my mom. My friend Kristen, my sister-in-law Vicky, and I went to dinner and then to see Bridesmaids. Let me tell you that was one of the funniest movies I have seen in awhile. I is a must see in my eyes! We finished off the night with dessert and champagne at Urban Flats. Yum!

Saturday there was no time to sleep in as we left early to head to Gainsville for Myles Bridal Shower. Thankfully I did not have to drive, my mother-in-law Darla did, and on the way home I was very grateful for that. It was a beautiful shower at a country club even though the weather was terrible, as some nasty storms were coming through. We had a delish lunch and dessert, and Myles received some great things for their new home. We are so excited for their wedding in just a couple of weeks.

Like I said the ride home from Gainsville was a adrenaline rush, as we were trying to out run a horrible storm that seemed to be chasing us down 75. There were several times where we thought at any moment a tornado was going to drop out of the sky right onto us. As long as I have lived here I don't think I have seen conditions quite like that. Those of you who live in Ocala probably see it more often.

Finally a day to rest but only for Olivia, as I planned on getting as many of her decorations finished up for her party, that is now only 6 days away. Mom and Kristen came to help and I am so happy they did. We got a lot done and I only have a little more to do. But the Ribbon Topiary is complete, the centerpieces are just about done, and the pom-pom's are finished. By the way what do people put in goodie bags now a days? By the time we were done with our craft's for the day it was time to pick up Daddy! Yea, he is finally home.

Ok so that ties up our weekend and we are already on to another one. Today Olivia is getting her ears pierced and there will be more on that tonight, if she cooperates.

Happy Mother's Day

One year ago today, I was 2 weeks away from giving birth to our daughter. As we celebrated Mother's Day with our families, I could only wonder what this title would add to my life. I read the books and took in all the advise that was offered (wanted or not), but nothing could prepare me for the new chapter that we were about to write. I already saw myself as a mother, yet technically I was only a mother-to-be.




Last Mother's Day with my Mommy


Today is my first real Mother's Day, one I get to enjoy with my daughter! As I sit back to look on the last year and how this new role has changed me, along with my perspective for Mother's, I feel honored. Honored to be trusted with this amazing gift! I am not the perfect Mom, but every day Olivia teaches me more about myself. I have gained more patience and understanding then I thought was possible. My love for her has grown larger and deeper with every passing day.

I love my new role and will forever be grateful to the one who made me a Mommy! Olivia I love you more then you will ever know! Thank you for everything that you have brought to my life.

Happy Mother's Day to my amazing Mommy, who without I would not be half the mother I am today. To my Mother-In-Law Darla who has helped me stand up for myself. To my grandmothers who I could never say enough about. To all of my Mommy family, friends, and especially those who I share this beautiful 1st Mother's Day with.  

What A Difference A Year Makes (Photo Recap)

16 Day's Until Olivia's 1st Birthday!

As I sit back to reflect on the amazing journey this year has led us on, I thought what better way to share our memories then through photos. There is no better way to tell this story.

It used to be so easy...

...to get ready with a baby. All I had to do was put her in the bouncy seat outside the shower curtain and happily she would play or sleep. Unfortunately not that long ago she out grew the under appreciated bouncy seat. Maybe I shouldn't say out grew as much as got to smart for, just like why the swing is now packed away. She learned how to get out of them and oh what a sad day that was to see the swing just sitting there with no motion and sweet lullabies.

Ahh the good ole days!

Now if I have to get ready and I am the only one home, what am I to do? Well, I just put her toys on the floor and keep a close eye on the curious one. Thankfully this doesn't happen all that often, but when it does she is pretty content to play with her toys, my brushes, and travel bag. So far she hasn't tried to open the doors to under the sink. Oh yes I know that day is right around the corner, along with learning to unzip my travel bag!

Party Planning Is In Full Swing

19 Days Till Olivia is ONE!

Ok so I know that she won't remember it, so why are we going through all this trouble? Because WE WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER IT!!! As much as this is a party for Olivia it is just as much as a celebration of what was the beginning of our family. As we have over the last year celebrated every milestone that Olivia hit, we have drunk in thirstly each quickly passing minute with our tiny angel. Now as we approach one of the biggest milestones, that of her FIRST birthday, I am saddened and exstatic at the same time.

My planning has now kicked into over drive as I have been working so hard on all the details. Invitations are out, banners are being made, plates and napkins have been purchased, and the cake has been commissioned (sorry it was for a lack of a better word). I can hardly wait until the big day and hope to see much joy on my little girls face and feel the love that will surley surround our little family on that special day.

Congrats Aunt Julie

May 1, 2011 proved to be a very special day for Aunt Julie, Missy, and Ashely Rowley, who all graduated from the University of Florida. We drove up early Sunday morning so that we could be there to celebrate with them, this amazing accomplishment. It was a beautiful ceremony held in there gym to cap off their student lives there.

After we celebrated at Myles (future Rowley) home, with a cook out. The weather was beautiful and it made to be the perfect day.



Congrats Girls, we are so proud of you!!!



Family Pictures!



While they finished up calling names during Graduation, we took Olivia out and wandered the grounds showing her where she may one day attend. How amazing would it be to show her these pictures if she were to graduate from here?



They were so happy!

Wagon Fun

Oh how Olivia LOVES her wagon! If she sees it, she must sit in it, or she points and wines until you put her in it. She doesn't even care if she she goes anywhere, she is just happy to sit in it in the garage. When I get home from work or from picking her up, we put her hat on and head out for our walk. Instead of taking the stroller now we just use the wagon, like she would let us do otherwise.

She holds on to the sides and checks out all the scenery as it passes by. The other day I got around the corner and looked at Olivia to realize she was missing a few toys. So we turned back around and headed back to the corner, and what did I see you ask? Her bear and then a few feet back her patsy. This has become a game we play on our walks, why do these things not come with a rear view mirror? I need some help to ensure that nothing goes missing.



It is fun alone or with a friend!