The Economy is looking grim....but Lily makes us forget all of that!

After a long break from blogging, I'm back in the game. So, today we heard that the bailout plan was rejected, and basically our economy is falling apart all around us. I am not much of an economist at all, but I have tried to pay attention to all the news since I am an adult these days :) As the world is filled with worry, angst, confusion, contention, etc. I am reminded that I have a little daughter who needs me to live in the moment with her. She is oblivious to all that is going on, and I envy her. The innocence and joy that exudes from her beautiful smile is such a reminder to me that someone else is in charge. I am incredibly blessed to have my little Lily to keep me having the right perspective on life. Keep calm and carry on, right Liz? I'd like to add to that two other words, Keep calm, carry on, love Lily. Enjoy this perspective on life!

Finally an Update!

Sorry for the major delay in posts....life really has not been that crazy! As you can see, Lily has been busy trying on Mommy's shoes, and taking cat naps on her favorite living room pillow!Anyway, the last few weeks this month have been great. We were able to go to the Montgomery County Fair and see all the cute big and little animals. Lily loved looking at the cows, piglets, sheep and goats! This last weekend we went to the Maryland Renaissance Fair. In Ryan's words is was a little weird, but entertaining! Weird because people are encouraged to dress up in Renaissance garb...and some people took it to the extremes! I wonder, what Renaissance women wore leather halter tops and miniskirts with fairy wings? Anyway, it was great for people watching and the food was delicious! The highlights were definitely the elephant ride, the apple dumpling, and the pork pockets! Yummy.

Lily is getting so big and is trying so hard to talk and talk and talk. She now says "thank you" and jabbers on and on to us very seriously and with great intent. It is the cutest thing ever. She has not drank out of the toilet lately (thank goodness). Enjoy the photos and I promise to be better about posting more often!

She's Growing Up!

So everyone always told me that time flies when you have children....it is very true! Even though I am with her every day, it still seems like she is doing something new every minute! She is imitating me more and more, and now can say "shhhhh" with her little finger pressed against her lips. Although she has done many cute and adorable things, there have been incidents that I would rather forget. Here is one of those :)

About a week ago Ryan and I were talking in the living room while Lily played quietly in her bedroom. Sounds nice right? Well it was too quiet for our Lily and I got up, turned the corner to the bathroom, and there was my peanut....scooping toilet water with such delight with one of her stacking cups. I'm not exactly sure how much of the wonderful water actually ended up in her mouth, but it was definitely all over her face, clothes, and the floor. I waited anxiously for the next 12 hours just waiting for some rare illness to occur....but nothing happened. I guess this is just one more thing to help me be less of a germ-a-phob!

More pictures are on the way so stay tuned....

It's Family Time in Utah!

We have had a wonderful few weeks! Lily and I braved a flight to UT alone together and lucky for me, she was a champ. It was so fun getting together with friends and family, and especially watching how everyone just loves our little Lily. After a weekend in Utah, we had a great afternoon at the This Is the Place Monument with the Roberts. We loved seeing all the animals, and loved being with our family. The next day it was off to Sun Valley, Idaho with the Nielsen clan. Sun Valley is probably one of my most favorite places on this earth! The scenery is so beautiful, and I have such special memories of family vacations in Sun Valley. Lily had a great time and gave lots and lots of kisses to her cousins! We spent one morning up at Red Fish Lake, and it was so peaceful and rejuvenating! Lily played in the sand, but only if she had her shoes on. Once we took them off, she was glued to the beach towel! We had such an amazing time and want to thank both of our families and all of our cute friends for making this trip just what mommy and Lily needed. Cute little Ryan stayed behind and worked his tail off, but loved every minute of it! We sure don't see him much these days, but he is learning and loving his work. We'll be in touch!

Happy Fourth!

Well, Ryan started his residency this week, and yes, it is true, he is gone quite a bit! He is loving every minute of it though and is so happy. So to kick off Ryan's residency, Ron and Debbie came and visited for his last weekend of freedom! Lily loves her grandparents and loved playing with Grandpa Ron and loved Grandma Debbie's company in the backseat of the car! We can't wait to see you and the rest of our family again in just a few days!

So the fourth was a little different this year, and was a foreshadowing of holidays to come we think...Ryan was on call, so we made the most of it and went to see him for lunch and dinner! Lily loved the resident room and made herself at home quickly. It is so neat to see Ryan in his scrubs and his physician's coat! He really is a doctor, it's crazy!

So Lily's newest trick...she folds her arms for prayers. She often does it on cue, but yesterday at church she looked around at everyone praying during Sunday school and stopped what she was doing to fold her arms and bow her head. How cute is that! She also has become quite interested in books, and sitting on big people chairs to read them. She is talking, well jabbering so much these days...I'm just waiting for that first real word to eek its way out! Come on Lily, put those final consonants on your words (sorry, its a Speech Pathologist thing!).

New York New York!!!!

I love New York City! We had the greatest weekend in the Big Apple! The best part about this trip was the opportunity to stay with Stacey and Mark and their little kiddies. Stace and I have been friends now for about 15 years (holy cow!) and even though we live far away from each Swirl and talking with Steph, Kel, and Josette for hours into the night! I am so blessed to have such amazing friends. I love you all!

So, back to the weekend...what a blast! New York is probably one of my favorite cities. I love the sights, and yes the smells, and just all the crazy things that you would only see in New York. Like the drummer in Central Park singing about hula hoops! We had adventure after adventure and captured it all on film. Thank you for making this possible Stace and Mark! So enjoy! Until next week.....

I'm tired of doing stuff....

So before I go into our weekend, I had to include this great quote from my sweet husband. Over the last few weeks he has been home, getting our basement completely organized, helping out so much with Lily, doing yardwork, etc. etc. So, last night after a long Sunday managing our sweet Lily at church, getting home, getting bath time and bed time taken care of, and making dinner Ryan was done. He was rushing to get dinner on his plate, and I looked at him and said, "What's the deal? Why are you hurrying?" He quickly said, "I'm tired of doing stuff!" I couldn't help myself and burst out laughing. I think Ryan has realized what it is like to be a wife and mommy! We are always doing "stuff." Isn't it great?

On a different note....this is what I did this weekend. If you can't tell what is happening, I experienced what is called a "Fish Pedicure" with a group of friends. Yes, you heard me right! You put your feet in this little pool, and these special fish come and nibble at your feet to make them silky smooth! I think you can tell by my expression, and by my death grip on my cute friend Jennifer's hand how I felt about it! Also notice that at this point there are no fish on my feet, I was just freaked out! I finally was able to relax a bit, and I will say that my feet were so smooth after these 15 minutes of craziness! I would recommend it, although you would have to come visit me to get one. This is the only place in the US that it is being done. Nibble, nibble, nibble.....