#29

John had been telling me for a few weeks he had something simple but fun planned for my birthday. All I kept asking him about the day's plans were: "Does it involve food?" Because really, that's all I care about in life when it comes down to it! Haha!

So then a few days before my birthday I said "All I want to do is go downtown, eat at Aloha and get cupcakes at Bleeding Heart." He looked at me like "Are you kidding me?!" Turns out that's exactly what he had planned. I don't look at it as me ruining his surprise--I think it's so cool that he had planned exactly what I wanted for the day. Simple but perfect. Just one of the many moments in our relationship when I realize, yep, we're totally meant to be together!

We headed down late this morning and ended up driving around for 20 minutes looking for parking. Of course everyone and their mother was out on this stunning day. We found a free spot just as we were about to pay this much to park here:.....INSANE!
Before heading to lunch, we spent some time at the zoo. Lola was so excited to see the "animals" as she kept saying. I love that we can walk right into this zoo and not pay a dime!


Sporting her super cute sundress from Nonna.

Fish!
Giraffe!
Ah, lunch. Aloha Eats has been one of our favorites from our dating days. We love that Lola is as much of a fan as us now. She demolished her mac salad.


Before we headed back to the car, we took a little stroll through the North Pond area. Such a beautiful view of the skyline!


And of course the day ended with an amazing Veruca Salt cupcake from Bleeding Heart. Bliss!

Best Card Ever

Since our second date, my husband has given me amazing cards. I don't get flowers hardly ever from him, but I get cards that blow away any floral arrangement! That being said, I came home to THE BEST CARD I could ever imagine receiving--but it wasn't from him....

This is what comes out of Arts & Crafts with Grammy on Thursdays:
(It's super cute that it's decorated with Strawberry Shortcake--she was the "theme" to my 1st birthday party! How incredibly precious are those hand tracings?! I am the luckiest of the lucky!)

Pizza with the Kurek's

We met up with Auntie Karen & Uncle Dave last Saturday. We joined them for 4 o'clock Mass and then headed over to Ed n Joe's. Leah & Phil surprised us by joining us for dinner too!

Lola was such a good girl at dinner. She hung with Auntie Karen & Uncle Dave at the other end of the table. We love that we can take her anywhere and know she'll behave. She's getting awfully antsy at Mass these days though. We can make it through the First & Second readings but by the time the Homily rolls around, one of us has to take her outside to visit Mary and then we switch off during the Eucharist and then join back up as a trio right as Communion is being distributed. You do have to get creative with a toddler who loves to just go-go-go!
Only 400 and some odd days until these two tie the knot! Can't wait for that party!!!
And you know us :)
These next three are typical Lola. Cute as can be.


After dinner, we headed down the street to check out the bench the art students at Grissom built for Oak Park Ave.'s annual display. Auntie Karen has worked at Grissom for years, so we had to take some pictures with this one. She LOVED ringing the bell. We can't wait to check the rest out--there are some really cool ones this year, as usual!

Happiness is...being a Mommy!

Today was a beautiful day. We didn't do anything special, but we were together and the sun was shinning. Who could ask for more?

The morning started with a great breakfast complements of Daddy in our kitchen. Daddy & Lola surprised Mommy with a day at the Aveda spa in Orland. I'm so excited to go!

Then, Mom & Britt stopped over for awhile and Mom gave me the cuddliest, softest pink robe you could ever imagine!

After that, we headed to Mass for May Crowning. When we got home we were able to WebCam with the Florida H's. We capped off the day with dinner at Dad & Sue's.

Hope everyone had a WONDERFUL Mother's Day!

All that's missing from this picture is our Ronnie.
Me on Mother's Day. I couldn't imagine a happier life.
I think we make a great team. Can't wait to celebrate what an amazing Daddy he is next month! Last year was our first Mother's/Father's Days, but John was traveling both of those weekends so we're very happy to be together this year. (PS...doesn't John look great? He's lost 15 lbs. in the past month--and he's promising himself to lose even more. )
She loves to snuggle after naptime--especially after short ones like today's was.


Photographing her against our brick wall is my new favorite!
Time for some puffs!
She's all about saying "cheese" lately. Makes for some silly smiles.

Sporting her outfit from G.G. We got it for Christmas and I just took the tags off today b/c the pants were a little long. Such a great spring ensemble.
Sippy cup before Mass starts.
We got to be apart of the May Crowning procession.
The second-graders made their First Communion last weekend and this lucky girl got to crown Mary this year (and wear her pretty white dress again!).

WebCamming at lunch with Papa, Nonna, TiTi & G.G.
Stealing Mommy's truffle ice cream bar.

Walking in Daddy's shoes.

She loves nothing more than going into our closet, pulling out a pair of John's shoes and walking around the house in them. I usually keep my shoes by the front door, so if she's at that end of the house, she sports mine around the kitchen.

The other day, she made it a complete ensemble by accessorizing with Daddy's knit fisherman's cap from Ireland.

Way. Too. Cute.

All that I am...

...is because of her. Happy Mother's Day to my beautiful Mom!

Mother's Day 2010

I did this last Mother's Day...I think it's quickly becoming a tradition! I've dreamt of her my whole life and two years in, I still can't beleive it is all real!

Little Mommy Walk

She *loves* taking her baby for walks around the neighborhood these days, so here's a little glimpse into Lola's life @ 21 months...and a few shots of her sweet little face. She is the definition of JOY.