A City on Martin Luther Kings Day

City living has been an adjustment over the past year and a half. I've learned that our .14 acres is considered a pretty big piece of property, you pay to park when you go to the Mall or Target, and learning to parallel park is a must (I still haven't mastered that!). There are lots of things I could do without when living in the city but one thing that I have come to appreciate and absolutely love is the people. I love that I can walk into any store, restaurant or street corner and see just about any part of the world walk across my eyes. I can take in languages that I've never heard before and learn about cultures that are completely opposite than anything I've ever experienced.

People like Martin Luther King made it possible for me, for us, to experience a world of many colors, sounds and traditions all blended into one place at one time. On Martin Luther King's Day as I drive through these city streets I'm reminded just how abundantly creative our God is and how blessed I am to be apart of this city.

A's First Snowman

The day before A and I went to Florida, R made a date with A to make a snowman together after church so when we got home they put on their snow gear and headed outside for A's first go at making a snowman. Though she definitely had lots of fun outside I'm not sure she was successful at the actual snowman making. R did a great job and A was his smiley side kick. :)


A looking for the neighbor's dog.


A notices a plane up above.

This is so much fun daddy!!!

Hmm what's this on my mitten?




And after being outside for all that time, they start making their way back to the house when A points with excitement and says "snowman! snowman!"

A break from the snow

As much as A loves the snow and making snowmen, A and I were ready to hit the road for some warm and sunny 78 degree weather last week. We were blessed to spend sometime with my parents, my sister C and her daughter P and a tiny bit of time with my brother C and his family. Despite coming down with a stomach bug, we were still able to have fun with the fam! Here are a few pictures and videos from our trip in sunny Florida.

A was eager to show Grandpa the water...and Grandpa was just as eager for her to show him.


Eight months prego with baby #2 enjoying the waves with A.

First Snowfall of the Season

Our generally fearless A was much more cautious as she took her first steps in the snow but once she did she was all smiles and giggles.

Merry Christmas!!

After a busy Christmas last year we decided to tone things down a bit this year and celebrate our (R,A and myself) Christmas on Christmas Eve and then celebrate with both sides of our families on Christmas Day. We started off visiting with my side of the family and then made our way to R's aunt's house. Here are some snapshots from the day.


Cousin P lost among all the gifts...that's what will happen with a family of 18 and counting.

A and cousin P enjoying a snuggle and book with Grandpa.


This is A taking a break laying on the tissue paper while watching others open their gifts. I guess during my first trimester she witnessed me laying on the floor while she played one too many times. :)

Uncle K's new boots caught A's attention and before he knew it she was testing them out for him.

Our very cute and handsome nephew, E.


For Christmas, A got a raincoat and rain boots which she decided she wanted to wear on the way to R's aunt's house (and most of the time in Grandma and Grandpa's house). This is her cool new rain gear with her pretty Christmas dress underneath.

You probably won't appreciate this picture much unless you have seen A do what R and I affectionately refer to as her "old man" walk. She breaks out in this walk from time to time as she did on the way to our car.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

A grooving to the music

When music is playing sometimes you just can't help but feel the beat. A broke out into dance while shopping in Old Navy the other day. At one point she got VERY into it, so much so that she drew a crowd. I wasn't able to get my phone out in time for that part but I did manage to capture a bit of it as we continued shopping through the store.

18 months old and growing

At 18 months old A continues to be in the 25th percentile for weight at 23 lbs 8 oz. The nurse measured her at 32 inches tall which drops her from the 90th percentile for height to the 50th. I'm not 100% confident that the measurement is correct as she is definitely taller than the average 18th month old but either way she is a healthy, and very chatty, little girl.