hugs & more hugs

Anya is a huggable little girl. This is Anya with her friend Justin. We spent yesterday morning on a walk with three mom friends and their kids. It was a beautiful morning to share.

Time

When I was pregnant with Anya, Dwight and I discussed our plans for the future. We both agreed that I would stay at home and he would go to work. It wasn't a hard decision, we both wanted the same thing for our family and financially we could scrape by. We would have to give up some things but in turn we would get the life we hoped for. I knew it would be a decision that would shape my life forever.
When breastfeeding didn't work out for me I clung to the idea of it as we had budgeted in no formula. Well, thank God for wonderful parents, as mine payed for 90% of Anya's formula. Thank you mom and dad.. no SERIOUSLY.
When I was pregnant I thought of the days ahead with optimism and uncertainty. Looking back now I am not sure I knew what I was getting into. There have been long days where I have been exhausted and I can hardly keep my eyes open by 5pm. I have been puked on.. peed on...etc. etc. There have been comments by people that just.don't.get.it. (aka.. I don't think I would be able to stay home all day.. don't you get bored?... ha!) But the thing is the moms that go to work all day get puked on and peed on too. They have to shower and go to work and leave their little ones at times they least want to. Every mom is tired.. and lacking of time... but we do it because we love our little ones until the end of the earth. Whatever decision parents make for their family is the right one for that family.
What I had no clue about is how much fun I would be having hangin' out with a 2 year old. Yes her shows are not my thing... Cookie Monster, Barney, and Mickey Mouse wouldn't be my top pick. Yes, we do the same game over and over until my brain hurts. But most days are like today. I just smiled all day while watching her do new things and show her spunky personality. We spontaneously jumped in the car to go share an ice cream and stop to see the Clydesdales at the Bud plant. Her little sayings cracked me up, Lets go! Look at him! Look, horsies over there!! There is not one other person in the world I would have rather spent my day with.
My whole point in this post is that the best gift my husband has ever given me is time. Time to be with Anya.. and memories to keep. Without him, she wouldn't be here and I wouldn't be able to share my life with the two of them. So, THANK YOU. You are the best. I love you and will forever be thankful for this time you have given me.

Friendship

Today while leaving a playdate Anya and her friend, Meredith, held hands while we walked through the parking lot. There is nothing cuter than toddlers hugging and holding hands. It brings a smile to my face to watch Anya learn to be a good friend to others.

Meredith's mommy, Leigh, has another baby named Caroline. I caught a few cute photos of them today. I think this one is my favorite. Is there anything greater than a mothers love for her child?

growing up so quickly

Anya is growing up so fast. Every day she seems a bit older.. talking my ear off and making me laugh more and more. She will say hello to any stranger and try to get a laugh out of you. I am loving the age she's at!

first movie theater experience

We brought Anya to see her first movie at the theater! We chose Winnie the Pooh since we knew it was geared to young children. it was 100 degrees outside yesterday so it was a perfect movie day. We arrived to a 4:45pm showing early around 4:15. Next time we will let Anya run around outside of the theater until the movie starts. Anya really did enjoy it and she keeps asking me to go back for more Winnie Pooh. She did, however, get antsy and need to stand up halfway through. We did leave the movie before the official ending (only 10 min early at the most). The best part was watching her face as the previews and movie started. She smiled and was in awe of the whole thing. She was saying, I love this, naming the characters, and she even looked right at Dwight and said, thank you. I love this kid! Every day with her fills my heart. We will most likely wait at least 6 more months before attending another movie but it was definitely worth it to see her holding a popcorn bag with a smile on her face :)

first french braids

When Jill and I were younger (and sometimes we still do hehe) we would always ask my mom to put braids in our hair. I haven't got the hang of doing a french braid myself but my mom has still got it..

Jill at 29 weeks

My beautiful sister is 29 weeks pregnant today :) Here are a couple pictures I took of her this week.

sailor

We had a fun weekend that involved a lot more sun and swimming. Anya loves the beach. She loves it so much that she cried (because she didn't want to leave) until she threw up on the ride home on Saturday :-/
I picked out this sailor outfit for Anya a couple months ago. I finally got her in it for some pics..

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daring fishy

We certainly have a dare devil of a fish on our hands. It all started at the beginning of the week when Anya let go of the side of the pool while wearing her swim vest. She kicked a few kicks and then grabbed onto my sister. We forced her to put on arm floaties (she fought us) and she found her independence. She wanted to float and kick all by herself.
The next day we brought her to the beach. Right away she was exclaiming, I like this! She fell in love. Soon enough she was in the waves jumping up and down and laying on her belly in the tidal pools. This girl is a water bug! She takes after her daddy with her love of the ocean.
Today we tried out a local lake and she ditched the arm floaties and was swimming BY HERSELF with just the vest. I am so impressed and a little nervous that she feels so comfortable in the water. We can't look away for a half second as she thinks she rules the sea.
The hardest part is leaving the pool, beach, or lake. She cries. I guess it's a hard lesson to learn.. leaving fun places.
It surely has been a great week. It might be the best week of the summer.. perfect temps.. perfect memories to keep.. and wonderful company to share it with.

chocolate ice cream

Anniversary celebration

Dwight and I decided to celebrate our anniversary in Portsmouth. We had a wonderful dinner with a beautiful view of the harbor. It's always great to get alone together. We walked around downtown and had a few drinks. Portsmouth is one of my favorite places.




The next day, Dwight sought out the biggest lobster roll we have ever seen.

We also got some relaxing in on the beach. I missed Anya terribly but it was nice to just lay down and shut my eyes a few times without worrying about her. We had such a nice time.

Happy Anniversary

Happy 4 year anniversary, Dwight!

The moment we said our vows will always be engrained in my memory. I knew it was much more than just words. It was a promise, and one that we live every day. There have been easy days and hard days but at the end of each day there is always love, and lots of it.

As I look back on these four years I can't believe how much we have done. There are so many memories. Looking back fills my heart with such appreciation and love for you.

You are the best decision I have ever made. Saying, "I do", will forever be the one choice that has set my life path to be one that I have always dreamed about. I love you. Forever.

4th of July

We had a fun filled weekend. Today we are pooped out from all of the celebrating. On Sunday we headed down to my sister and Marty's house. Jill and I tried out some tie dye on onesies and little shirts for her baby. We all headed to a baseball game with Anya that night. We had a blast although Anya buried her head into my shoulder for the firework show after the game. On the 4th of July some family and friends arrived at my sisters house to celebrate the holiday. We had a wonderful time!

Apple pie with grampy on the 4th of July
On Sunday Jill and I tie dyed some clothing for her baby..
Anya enjoyed swimming with Madelyn at my sisters house on the 4th..

We ended the night with fireworks.. of course!

Welcome, July!

I love the month of July. It starts out with fireworks, hotdogs, and family and friends as we celebrate Independence Day. It finally feels like summer is in full swing. Dwight and I also get ready to celebrate our wedding anniversary on July 7th. It's really a special time of year. We are going to be celebrating in red, white and blue for the next two days. I wanted to update the blog with a couple pics from the start to the month..