The ball.

Since Daddy was out of town, the girls and I decided to go to the mall for a bit and stroll. While Taylor was searching for the perfect dress for her birthday, Kenzi spotted "The ball." It was bouncing around the floor of Baby Gap and she was determined to see what this ball was all about. Thank goodness it was actually for sale (who knew baby gap had giant, light up bouncy balls in stock.). No matter what the price, I knew this amazing ball was coming home with us. Kenzi is a happy happy girl, no doubt, but I'd never seen this look in her eye before—she was thrilled to hold this light up ball and it made my day seeing her excitement. So, the $5 ball was our big purchase of the day along with some sunshiny new pj's. So far, in it's first day of life with us, "the ball" has provided hours of enjoyment for mommy, big sis and little sis.

Kenzi also worked on mastering her walking ability today...people were in awe and so was I. It seems so unreal seeing her tiny body moving about in a perfect, normal way just like all of us. Old men were giggling, other children were smiling and mom's were reminiscing of days too quickly gone but not forgotten. It made my heart so happy seeing the joy she brought to so many strangers today.

And Taylor made me proud, too. She was the official cheerleader of the "men waiting for their wives" waiting areas. At one point she told me she was going to sit on a bench and I said that was fine. I was fine standing as all of the benches had at least one person on them and I didn't want to intrude. Funny how as adults we'd rather stand on tired limbs than relax and possibly have to smile at a stranger. Tay had many conversations with strangers today and she too made lots of happy hearts.

I set out today to just leave the house with my girls and turn in a few coupons that were too good to let expire. What I came home with is worth so much more than anything I could have purchased...I learned a couple of lessons today about opening my eyes to my surroundings, saying hello to strangers and just plainly learning to love the small things (ie. The ball.).

One Year

On this very special day. The day our little Kenzi turns one year. I find myself asking: Where does a year go? What can one fill a year with? I reflect. I ponder. And, I tell you what...there's a lot that's happened in this year. Two biggies: a new baby. a new business. I think about all of the people that have came into our lives...nurses we met at our stay in the Sanford Castle, new clients that I'm lucky to also call friends, neighbors bringing sweet cupcakes and savvy hellos. I think about the time spent in awe watching our girls grow, learn and discover. Life is amazing and so simple through their eyes. So, although I haven't been writing much, I've been taking it all in. Absorbing life. Give it a try. It feels good.

What a swell day it was.

So...to be honest my 31st birthday started off a bit on the not-so-good side. Nearly ran out of gas on the way home from my workout, came home to a baby soaked in pee and then found out someone in Beijing decided to use my debit card...to name a few.

I won't dwell in the negative here as the day made a quick turn for one of the greatest days ever starting with Taylor jumping out of bed singing birthday wishes. The day was filled with birthday wishes, birthday treats, birthday gifts...yeah, yum, yeah. Did I mention treats, oh my!?!

We had a great supper at Grille 26 where Kenzi surprised me with non-stop kisses (her first). What a great gift. Taylor made me an extra special birthday card and picture all wrapped up. And, we had so much fun blowing out the candles and making our wishes. {Wishes are not just for the birthday girl in our house.}

Thanks so much for a super super day—I am one lucky girl.

Yup...it's been awhile

Hello again. I'm sure you're saying "it's about time" and you're exactly right. 2010 brought many changes to our lives and gave me many excuses to not keep any blogs up to date. Sorry about that.

Well, it's a new year and I'm going to try and post a bit more than the last.

As most of you know, little Kenzi was in the hospital last week and I think this is what's really inspired me to keep writing and keep updating. All of you are important to our family and it is really hard to keep in touch as hard as we might try. A few new pictures of Kenzi and Taylor are below.

Here's little Kenzi on the last day of the year in her new favorite toy: big sis' pink chair. She loves climbing and is days away from walking. Yikes!


And, here is big sis herself enjoying some finger paints {and especially proud of her last blue print}. There is not really anything that keeps her attention other than "arty stuff". Guess she's following mommas footsteps, ey?



I came across this quote on a plaque today and the timing is just perfect: "enjoy the little things in life, someday you will realize they were the big things."

Happy day to you!

One week

For a moment...one brief sliver of a second...time stands still...

The shutter opens.

Grabs a slice of life.

Closes.

Forever, that moment is frozen.

And, I am forever blessed with these frozen moments some call photos. And, I am forever blessed with this new little life. And, I am forever thankful for my frozen-moment-collector-friend.

Introducing...

Kenzi Anabelle Lavin
Born: 3.10.10
2:50pm
8lbs. 3oz.
19.5 inches long
blue eyes

Big sis' room.