Friday, May 29, 2009

Happy Memorial Day

Memorial weekend was great--uneventful and quiet! TJ grilled out on Saturday, and we just spent most of the weekend hanging out at the house. The weather was bearable, so we found some time to play outside. While I totally have the "mom ponytail" I assure everyone I did indeed shower that day. Bronwen in the neighbor's yard. I only wish I had flowers like these.

Daddy's Girl

A picture is worth 1,000 words:

Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Time Flies

But not that fast! We have decided to sell the Jetta in favor of a more family friendly vehicle; one that doesn't make T.J. completely uncomfortable and isn't painted black (always fun in Louisiana summers). As T.J. was taking pictures, Bronwen jumped into the middle of the action, naturally.
Lila refused to be left out, and we caught a rare moment of both girls together and still. Here Bronwen practices what she'll do when Daddy really buys her a car.

Sunday, May 24, 2009

Bronwen at the Park

T.J. and Bronwen have journeyed to the park three times in as many days. We live within walking distance of a small park, and T.J. got the brilliant idea to take Bronwen. He tried once before, but she was really too little to use and enjoy the playground equipment. Apparently now she is just the right size.

Without further ado, I present Bronwen frolicking in the park:

Driving (Movin' Right Along):
Sliding:Peering through giant plastic bubbles:
Hamming for the camera:I love this picture, even if she doesn't look like a real kid:Enjoying her time on the picnic table:The also happened to spy a woodpecker in the trees. All-in-all, three great outings to the park. I look forward to having both girls able to play together, but since that isn't a possibility yet, I will include a picture (or two) of Lila from today.

Lila, making a fish face back at Nemo:Sweet Lila:

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Birthday Party

Wow, I am really tired or something because I just realized I never posted about Bronwen's birthday party. I admit I kind of skimped out a bit this year, deciding to keep it as small as possible just to save myself some stress. Thank goodness my wonderful sister is a rock star, as she handmade the invites and favors which made my party so much cooler than it would have been other wise. Anyhow, I kept the list short, just family this year. T.J.'s family is large enough that they are a party in themselves.

My parents and sister flew in from various regions of the country and stayed for the weekend. The party was simple--just an inflatable pool outside and delicious treats inside. Mom and Jana helped me decorate and prepare, and Dad provided the pork shoulder that would feed the masses.

Decorations:
Pool/sprinkler:
Table with rolls, artichoke squares, and tropical salad:Cake (chocolate):
The guests arrive and immediately jump in:
Three dips for appetizers, spicy broccoli, sun-dried tomato hummus, and white bean:Time for presents! (*note to self: no more maternity shirts when not pregnant. Wow, do I look terrible)

T.J. put together a slide show that played throughout the party. Here, Aunt Kadee, Jay, and Aunt T relax while watching the present opening.
Time for cake!

The aftermath:

Wednesday, May 20, 2009

Guard Cat

When Bronwen was born, Pepper loved lying in the crib with her. As she grew, Pepper was always near, either on her exercise mat, in her bouncy chair, or just watching from close by. Several of you have asked if Pepper was doing the same for Lila, and my answer was always "No, Pepper learned her lesson." (I say this because Bronwen chases Pepper around going, "No, no Pepper!")

Perhaps I was wrong... Finally, a shot of tummy time. It seems to wear Lila out.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Funny Faces

Naturally, Bronwen's tend to involve food:

Monday, May 18, 2009

Aunt Jana--Chapter 2, Mimi and Dja Dja Arrive

I wish I had snapped more pictures, as usual, but basically we were doing the same things each day.

Reading books:
Playing outside:Holding Lila:
Holding each other:Relaxing:
Thinking deep thoughts:
Smiling:
And that sums up the visit. If Mimi looks like she's been drinking...well, I'll let you draw your own conclusions. I never hear the phrase "wine time" until Mimi comes in the door--usually fairly quickly after that, in fact!