Fun with Alayna

Morgan had a fun play date with her friend Alayna this week. Alayna is two years older than Morgan and she is a such a sweet girl. Alayna is getting ready to become a big sister to a baby brother and baby sister. Yes...she is going to be the big sister to twins! Morgan and I can't wait to meet the babies when they arrive in a few months. I know Alayna is going to be wonderful big sister because she is so helpful and kind to Morgan.

Alayna thought that Morgan should sit in her chair for the picture. So cute!

Fun pictures

Of course we all know how babies love to play with everything that is not a toy. Morgan's new adventure is to pull all the toilet paper off the roll. She thinks it's hysterical how all the toilet paper unrolls into a big pile. It is quite funny to watch her...but not so fun to try and wind it back onto the cardboard holder.

Here are some recent pictures of Morgan in the bathtub. She really has a lot of fun at bath time. She loves splashing and trying to drink the bath water.

I LOVE my job!

I can't resist that sweet face! :)



What a exciting and wonderful journey we've been on the past 9+ months! Being a mom is truly the greatest job in the world! Morgan has changed my life in so many ways and she's made me a better person.

I made the decision a few weeks ago to resign from my teaching position for next fall. Originally I had taken a leave of absence this year to try out my new job as a homemaker. I LOVE being with Morgan each day and getting to see all those little moments. We are having so much fun together. I cherish all this time I get to spend with her. After being in the workplace for seven years I can say staying at home is both challenging and rewarding just like working outside the home. The challenges and rewards are just different.

This arrangement is perfect for our family and where we are in our lives. Andy and I gave this decision a lot of thought. In the end you have to do what is right for your family. Everyones family situations are unique. This arrangement works for us!

On the move all the time

What a fun week we are having around our house. Morgan is on the go all the time! Each day she is surprising me with new signs of her independence. She isn't so little anymore and it is hard to believe that my baby will be one at the end of April. She is looking and acting like a toddler more and more each day. It is so cute to watch her babble and make conversation with her toys. She loves it when I chase her around the kitchen island and squeals and giggles with delight. I think all mom's would agree...your child's laugh is the BEST sound in the world!

The pictures below show Morgan with her Fisher Price house which she loves! Also, this week she is cruising all around the house with her little walker. I can't get over how fast she moves when she pushes the cart.


Let's play!

Action shot!

"You can't catch me!"





"This is so much fun!"

Happy Valentine's Day!

I hope everyone had a great Valentine's Day! Last night Andy and I got to have a night out for dinner while Papa Joe and Grandma Lori watched Morgan. We really appreciate them watching her. It was nice to have an evening out just the two of us.

Morgan got a special present from her Daddy! He got her a very sweet card and a yellow rose. Andy is an amazing father. I don't know if I say it enough. He and Morgan have a special bond and I love seeing the two of them together. Take away all the commercial aspect of this holiday and watching Andy give his baby girl a flower is such a sweet gesture to show what Valentine's Day is truly about...letting those you love know they are special! I LOVE YOU Andy you are the most wonderful husband and father! I LOVE YOU Morgan you are such a special blessing in my life!

A special flower for a special girl!

Family moment

A Valentine's Tradition

Jack and I started a tradition three years ago where we spend an afternoon together making his Valentine box for school. Not to brag...but we have made some pretty cool Valentine boxes over the past few years. The best part is spending time together! Next year I will also have Katie's box to help create. She is already thinking of ideas. This year Jack and I created a pirates treasure box for his Valentine's cards. I was really pleased with how it turned out!

Our pirates treasure box...nice and big to hold lots of special treats!

A picture with my nieces!

Three terrific kids!

Baby Alivia

My friend Whitney had her baby on Friday, February 6th. Morgan and I were so excited to meet Alivia Kathleen! :) I know Morgan and Alivia will have lots of fun together in the future. Even though there is less than a years difference in their age, it is crazy how big Morgan looks next to Alivia.


Alivia sleeping peacefully and Morgan making a mess!


Alivia looks so little next to Morgan



"Alivia try a Cherrio! They're GREAT!"

Be Mine!!!!

Morgan has a special Valentine this year...James!!!

Jennifer and I went to get the kids picture taken. We are going to start a tradition getting their picture taken together each Valentine's Day. The kids did great!! I think their favorite part was eating Cheerios as their mommies picked out just the right picture! :)


What a cute couple!




Morgan 9 Months Old

Let's Go Tigers!

Morgan had on her cute MU dress this weekend! Her Aunt Vicki got it for her right after she was born and we all had to wait patiently until she was big enough to wear it. Andy is sooo glad his little girl can help him cheer on his Tigers. Of course she will also be cheering on her Mommy's Nebraska Cornhuskers! Morgan was quite the little poser in her dress!

What a face!

Here are some pictures of Morgan after eating whole wheat spaghetti and sweet potato tonight. Andy and I were laughing at the pieces of spaghetti stuck to her face. I think more ended up on her face and the floor and than her mouth. :) She also love taking her sticky fingers and rubbing them through her hair. She is so funny!