What a difference a year makes...

Noey with her animal - Summer 2008

Noey with her animal - Summer 2009

Noelle in the Minneapolis Airport - August 2008

Noelle in the Minneapolis Airport - August 2009

Highlights from April...

Noelle turned ONE! Joe and I count this one of the best years of our lives. We LOVE having a one-year old, and she LOVED her chocolate cake...

A 16th birthday visit! We got to spend several wonderful days with Amy and best friend Alyssa...

Noellle's First Easter!

A ski trip with the Coniglio Family! So fun!

Surf and Sand

There's a first time for everything, and this month Noelle visited the ocean. After thoroughly covering every orifice of her white body with triple layers of SPF 50, we made our way to the water front. Her eyes widened with each crashing wave and watched with delight as the water rushed up to cover her toes.

Then we headed to the sand! Her roly-poly legs, toes, and fingers loved wiggling around in it.

We soon learned of her perseverance, and taste for, well, sand! As she began to bring the first fistful up to her mouth, Joe suggested just letting her be. "She'll see that it's gross," he assured me. As handfuls three and four made their way into her mouth and as she continued to smile and laugh we realized we have a little adventurer, who just doesn't mind some grit! (Note the permanent place her pacifier held the rest of the time on the beach)

A future in surfing or professional sand castle building perhaps?

Good Friend, Good Times, Good Food

Joe traveled earlier this month, and surprised me with a visit from a best friend! Sara arrived after a LONG travel day from Michigan. Ahhh...it was like a back rub for my heart. There is nothing like a longtime friend! We spent the week sleeping late (well...as late as Noelle would allow me), shopping, visiting LA and Santa Monica, getting pedicures (see picture from previous blog) and enjoying long conversations on the couch. Our grand finale was a brunch at my favorite restaurant. Yummy! Mimosas, crab legs, and elaborately decorated desserts abounded.

Thank you God for this special friend, a husband who takes care of me even while away, a baby girl who loves all things girly, and for the memories you allowed us this week! I am humbled by your generosity Lord.

When in California...

I mean, a mommy and daughter have to bond, right??!

Loving My Aunties!

Thanks Auntie Melissa and Pamela for the trendy duds! I especially love how the leggings show off my curves. Hee! Don't you just want to squeeze me??

Noelle's First Christmas

Well...it's officially been 2009 for 15 days, but I am going to reflect on Noey's first Christmas none the less. We thoroughly enjoyed spending time with both sides of the family. Noelle loved the wrapping paper, ribbons, and all the hugs and kisses she received. Joe and I loved all the helping hands, a couple of legitimate dates, and thinking of how miraculous it is that Jesus arrived in the form of a babe.