We're going to Disney World!

Last Thursday night we packed up the Mama wagon and headed to Disney World to celebrate MJ's 1st birthday!  Uncle Jordie driving, Auntie Tanya navigating, Gma conversating, Mama devouring Brachs "Autumn Mix", and MJ staring out the window wondering why we've been in the car so long!  Gpa had a business meeting Friday, but drove up bright an early Saturday morning to join us at the Magic Kingdom by day and Epcot for dinner!  We spent Friday in Downtown Disney with our dear friends, the Lopez Family.  Sunday, fun day, was spent exploring the magnificent Animal Kingdom.  We stayed, more or less, just slept at the ginormous Animal Kingdom Lodge on the Zebra Trail. 

The entire weekend was such an experience for all of us, but most importantly the birthday girl.  It crossed my mind a few times as I made these plans that this might be overwhelming for my little peanut and maybe it was, but I tell you what she sure seemed to have had a wonderful time.  If there is one thing I need not worry about it's that my kid doesn't lack happiness......and how could she in the most magical place on earth.

Good Morning Sunshine!

Guess where we are going today?

DISNEY WORLD!

WOO HOO!  YEEEEEEESSSSS!!

From here on I'm going to let the pictures do all the talking..........

I'm pooped......let's go home.  I know the way.  Follow me.

This absolutely was such a magical weekend.  Thank you, Gma, Gpa, Auntie Tanya, and Uncle Jordie for making it so special.  Love you fellow Mousketeers!  Can't wait to do it again!

To my lovebug Miah Jane, Happy 1st Birthday from your Mama. 
Your happiness is my happiness.  I love you more by each brighter day my sunshine.

I mentioned earlier this month it's was gonna be a busy one.....we are headed to NYC the end of this week to celebrate our soon to be BFF, Baby Girl Molyneux, and visit our Auntie Trisha!  Miss Molyneux isn't expected to show up until November, but we are going up for the baby shower.  I've been waiting for this trip for some time.  This is the first of many, many trips to Mama's favorite city!  Oh and Auntie Tanya is coming too!!  Girl's Weekend!  Look Out!

Little Bit More Party.....

I just wanted to share a few more pictures from Miah Jane's Birthday dinner...........

Yay for fall!

The lovely Auntie Tanya!

Gpa let's dance!

John and Charlie made sure they had a front row seat to the buffet.  Smart thinking guys!

La La Leah Peah!

What's going on Mama?

Oh so priceless......sharing is caring you know!

Cousin Brody and Buddy Devin willing to lend a hand with the present opening!

Miah Jane has an abundance of great cousins and great friends.

Cousin Briana helping out with a very needed water break.  Whew, this opening present stuff works up a thirst!

I think my favorite part of the whole night was watching everybody on the floor together.

My darling friend Leah and fellow blogger shared a very sweet post on her blog of this awesome night as well...click here.

Disney weekend recap next!

Little Party, Loads of Fun!

Well, Miah Jane's 1st birthday has come and gone, but the quickness of the time did not lessen the quality of time we jam packed into the last few very special days. MJ's birthday extravaganza was kicked off at Gma and Gpa's house the night of the 15th. We didn't make it all the way to 11:53pm, but we partied our hearts out until bed time with our closest family and friends. Most of my close friends are an extension of my family, which inspired the family style meal of lasagna. Gma you can add MJ's party to the list of crowds you have pleased over the years. I couldn't have pulled this off with out you.

There was plenty of bread and garlic breath to go around, but it didn't stop there of course. For dessert we had a make your own sundae bar fully loaded with everything from brownies to jimmies. Miah Jane had a special dessert all her own that she so delicately picked at. It was almost like she wanted to show me some respect she felt I earned after watching me contort myself into several positions to ice her chocolate mini delight the night before. I would do it over and over........oh wait, I do get to do it over and over! You can be sure I will and then some, as each year of Miah Jane's life brings so much compounding joy to mine.

The birthday girl in her homemade birthday suit!

I highly recommend the sparkler candles. The "fascination" face says it all.

Why are you all looking at me like that?

Oh but Mama I'm so full from the lasagna!

Ah well maybe I have a little more room in my tummy.

Hm?

I love how calm and cautious she was about this whole process.

Such a little lady.

On to presents!

Watching Lexi and MJ interact and acknowledge each other as friends is so exciting for us Mamas and the fun that awaits us with these two.

Miah had been so scared of these cars for some reason, but after one night of watching her buddy Devin play with them she realized they aren't so bad.

Adrey conducted the present opening ceremony. He helped distribute each gift and dispose of all the wrapping paper. The makings of a gentleman and great friend.

Well what do you think? I say this girl looks like she had a great time!

Thank you everyone for making this such a special memory for me and fun filled night for Miah Jane.

We love each of you dearly.

On our way to the most magical place on earth!

There are some days.....

....when we all wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Miah Jane included. Not only did she wake up on the wrong side of the bed for the last four days, she had a snotty nose and restless nights of sleep to compound the daily Mama challenge to keep it together. It's only fitting to kick myself when I'm down and miss my husband terribly as my daughter tugs at me to be held while I try to quickly go to the bathroom. With Miah Jane's one year birthday upon me I can't help fight the twinge of sadness that has become a part of my being. I've actually had day dreams of our first child's birthday and it wasn't supposed to be anything like this. Not even Rage Against the Machine at some ungodly decibel can keep the tears away on days like these. Just when I think it might be time for David Lawrence Center to send a paddy wagon with four of their strongest men dressed in white scrubs, with a straight jacket........my lovely neighbors come to my rescue. Auntie Tanya and Uncle Jordie are with out a doubt the most generous loving people Miah Jane and I will ever come to know and be blessed to have in our lives. If I need a minute or two or sixty they are there. Whether it be Uncle Jordie making his whoops and doops while swinging my girl around or Auntie Tanya schooling her with her many MAC eye shadows, they are always there when I need to cry or just take a freaking shower for every one's sake! Thank you, Thank you, a thousand times thank you neighbors. I love you.

In between her sniffles and whines MJ let a little cuteness peak out to help me keep my head above water. In addition to those moments each project in preparation for her birthday kept me busy and in turn built up excitement and happiness for the day my little bandaid turns one. It's here. One day at a time....I made it......and I'm gonna celebrate it!!

Yeah so I wear a bath robe, what of it?

Just brushing my teeth Mama, not a big deal.

Really? Are you done?


Watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse while lounging on her new personalized bean bag!
Courtesy of her lovely Gma! (Another one of Mama's beloved saviors)





Yeah Minnie, I'm calling to let you know I'm coming to your house Thursday.

It's my birthday, so you better be ready to party!! Tell Mickey and the gang for me all right? Thanks Doll Face.

I gotta run.

My Who from Whoville

I swear to you all that I did not stage this hairdo by any one strand! This is how Miah Jane woke up one morning over the Labor Day weekend. She has had some hairdo masterpieces in the past, but this one is absolutely an award winner by far.......this is my Who from Whoville.

Why do you have the camera out Mama?

Aw, come on!!

Profile shot so you can see the true volume.

Nothing like chomping on Daddy's favorite Beatles cd.

Can't say she'd be allowed to do this if he were around.
Nah, nah, nah, nah, nah Daddy!

We've made it to September! Miah Jane's 1st birthday is next week! Cliche, but can you believe it? Almost makes me not want to have fun, so the time won't fly!! NOT!! I have so much fun to share as soon as I find the time......Naples Beach Club jamm'in, Kindermusik class at the Philharmonic, Swimming lessons at Sun-n-Fun, and the best part........Disney next weekend for her birthday!! To all you September babies out there Happy Birthday!! This is a rock'in month!

Ray

Almost every time I sit down to formulate words to best describe what I want to share with all of you it's a struggle. I want so much to be able to articulate every moment so you can feel it as if you were there. I apologize. I don't always do literal justice to the many beautiful moments with Miah Jane and I can tell you right now I'm not going to do justice to this one.......thank God for cameras!!

This is the short story of Ray.

First of all turtles have always been my favorite animal. They signify longevity, protection, and strength. My love began for them long ago when my Dad used to take my brother and I for walks in Eggers Woods (southeast Chicago). It was our escape to nature in our windy city. It really was the first exposure I can remember to a part of this earth I would always need and my first real live experiences with turtles. Thanks Dad!!

Jeremiah bought me two red earred sliders for our first Valentine's Day. Peeka and Boo. Peeka I still have in a pond that Jeremiah built for them with a fountain. That's the white wood box MJ tries to climb into on our back porch that is often seen in pictures. When I lost Jeremiah I began to lose my faith in the protection I thought turtles would bring me. Someone or something doesn't want me to lose my faith......

Friday, after a long day at the office I picked up MJ from Gma's. Down the driveway and out the gate, down their asphalt road to home sweet, end of the week, home. As I slowly drove down my parent's street in Golden Gate Estates, I saw something in the road low to the ground and moving awfully slow. I thought the worst at first and was saying to myself, "please don't be a hit dog, please don't be a hit dog". As we got closer, um yeah it was not a dog. IT WAS A FREAKING GINORMOUS TURTLE!! I somehow got my wits about me, grabbed my camera phone and snapped a shot of it out my car window.

I got out of the car to check him out and he came right up to me! No fear. Peered up at me like "what's up mama". I immediately called my Dad. He came flying down the street in his truck and could not believe his eyes just like me. We loaded him up and took him back to the house. What we're going to do from here we don't know yet, but I can tell you MJ is in love. You'll see for yourself........I'm still in such shock and awe of this I don't know what else to think or say. So I'll shut up now.

This is Ray.













Later Dudes!!

(Don't worry someone is always close by incase Ray gets testy, but I'm telling you he's unbelievably cool, calm, and just freaking awesome.)