We're Golden

5 years ago...

...we rode in (separate) limos, one (mine) which had no air, and drove to this gorgeous place...

...I got dressed in the most beautiful get up I have ever worn...

...and beamed from ear to ear...

...this posse became family...

...these ladies became my sisters...

...my bestie gave up on her dream of us marrying rich doctors and living in NYC...

...a son made his mama proud...

...a friend lost his wing man...

...two little girls had the time of their lives and each earned a dollar...

...I took the most unforgettable walk (and giggled the whole way)...

...nerves calmed into relief...

...parents couldn't believe this day had already come...

...we took our vows...

...and became husband and wife...

...all our hard work turned into magic...

...we partied in our own wonderland...

...we showed off our moves...

...we were toasted...

...and roasted...

...we had our last dance...

...someones 'I'd rather be anywhere but here' attitude melted into 'I wouldn't want to be anywhere else'...

...we ate, hands down, the most delicious cake...

...girlfriends dreamed they might be next...

...Jen caught the bouquet and was...

...Ricky caught the garter...

...and wore it on his head for the rest of the night...

...we drank...and got drunk...

...we danced the night away...

...and had the time of our lives...

5 years went by...

...and we're still having the time of our lives...

Happy golden anniversary.  Here's to another 50 years!

At One Month

Munchkin,
           First, I must say, that never in my life has a month gone by so quickly.  You are one month today but it feels like just yesterday you were showing off your rock star kicks in my belly.  What a joy it is to have you home.  Our family is finally complete now that you, my baby girl, are with us.

           At one month you love snuggling and are quite content to sleep on just about any body's chest, though you prefer Daddy's.  You'd be super happy if we'd let you sleep on your tummy all of the time but, we're not supposed to yet, so for now it's supervised naps only. 
          Speaking of sleep, you are one sleepy gal.  You love to snooze in your swing or froggy bouncer but not so much in the pink bouncy chair.  You already sleep in your crib during the night.  For the first three weeks you slept in a bassinet next to our bed but Daddy's snoring our noises kept waking you.  You fall asleep around 10:30, wake for a feeding and changing around 3, and then wake for the morning around 6.  Last night, you treated us to a solid six hours of sleep.  We are hoping that it lasts.

          You are more alert during the day within the last week.  You love to hold your head up and with eyes wide open, take in your surroundings.  You are so intrigued with the zebra that dangles from your pack n' play and stare at with expressions of amazement.  You smile and I adore your little grin.  You furrow your brow often and I imagine you are thinking 'What's with that noisy kid and when is his nap time?'

          I breastfed you exclusively for the first week and a half but, we had some trouble so switched to bottles of expressed breast milk.  That didn't last long either as you spit up more than half of your feedings each time.  You now drink 4 oz. of formula every 3-4 hours.  This makes both of us happy.
         You weighed 8 lbs. and 6 oz. at your last appointment a week and a half ago.  I imagine that you have gained even more because your cheeks are starting to fill in and your newborn clothes are getting snug.
        All of that mysterious brown hair that you were born with has lightened up and begun falling out.  I'm afraid that you may be a baldy after all.  You look just like your Mommy but you have a dimple in your chin and long skinny fingers and toes like your Daddy.

         Your brother adores you.  He kisses you all day and night and rushes to soothe you when you cry.  He rarely calls you Chelsea, preferring "baby sister".  Sometimes, I catch him standing on a stool next to your crib just staring at you as you sleep.  I am so looking forward to seeing your relationship develop.
          We love you little Chels Bells, and can't wait to see what next month brings. 

Newborn photos by Marcella Caldwell of Cellabration Photography

        

Rice Krispie Treats: Step by Step

Step One:  Open Rice Krispies Box

Step Two: Stuff face with marshmallows

Step Three:  Bring stool over to stove to check out what Mom is doing/grab more marshmallows.

Step Four: Put in Rice Krispies, one tiny little 2 year old handful at a time.

Step Five:  Concentrate while mixing.

Step Six: Tadah!

Step Seven:  Eat entire batch within 12 hours because that's how we do it.