Mother's Day

The night before Mother's Day Pen thought it was only fair to remind me exactly what being a mom means. This particular night meant no sleep! I should add she had what was the beginning of a cold and the poor baby just couldn't sleep through it. Thankfully, Michael and I traded sleeping in shifts throughout the night. When the morning rolled around, the sweet guy even let me sleep in, what a Mother's Day treat! 

Needless to say the three of us were undeniably worn out on Mother's Day and after grabbing some lunch, Michael headed to work and I snuggled our sick little baby. 

Now let's talk about my gift this Mother's Day.....it was not the usual flowers and card for this mama! While strolling around downtown Nashville, I saw a neon tattoo sign and looked at Mike and he knew exactly what was in store! We had been talking about getting something little done in celebration of our new addition and it was just the right place at the right time! I told him I wanted us to both get tattoos and I'd accept it as my Mother's Day gift; he obliged. Although a very well known tattoo parlor in Nashville, the artist and I didn't exactly "click" right away. He seemed cold, intense, and frankly a little like a crack head. After exchanging words we both agreed it was just clashing personalities...and the crack. Haha--just kidding...maybe. Anyways we went through with it and Michael and I were both pleased (Mike's parent's not so much!) What a fun memory and good reminder that although Mike and I are married, parents, and typically in bed by 10 every night -- we are still fun and capable of acting like a couple kids together. 

This Mother's day was bittersweet for me because while it was my first it is also a reminder that my mom is not here to celebrate with. It has been a day I typically try to just get through every year, until now. Now I get to celebrate my baby girl and the gift she has given me of being her mom. Not a mom; her mom. She makes me giggle like I am a little girl myself and she's shown me I can love more than I ever imagined; unexplainable, really. Thank you for picking me to be your mom, P. I can't wait for the sweet Mother's Day crafts from school that will be coming my way! But mostly, I can't wait to go to sleep tonight knowing I get to wake up to your smile and open mouthed kisses in the morning. 

-Mom

Me & P

My mom & I

The Kentucky Derby

Nashville, good friends, adult beverages, and horse racing. Those are a few key words to describe our much needed vacation! 

I was pretty much an unprepared, nervous wreck, leading up to this trip. With Mike away in Kansas City and having to leave Pen for the first time I am surprised I still have any hair left. Holy smokes! Luckily I had some help. My dad came a few days before my trip to help me get all packed up and various other little jobs - changing diapers, picking up dog poo, cleaning my Tahoe. Yes, he is the best! When it was time for me to leave I was certain Penelope was in good hands but it was one of the toughest things I've done since she has been born. My dad babysat the first half of our trip and Mike's parents took on the second half. We are truly lucky to have such great grandparents to our little girl! Wow! 

First night in Nashville with the girls. (Mike came the following day) 

So I must remind everyone that I hadn't seen Michael in two weeks which is the longest we've been away from each other since we met 5 years ago! I arrived in Nashville with our group of (5) friends on Thursday and Michael met me there on Friday but only after his flight was delayed an extra hour. Yes only an hour, but that hour about put me in tears! I was so ready to have my husband back and to start vacation with him! When he got there we wasted no time and hit downtown Nashville, just the two of us, while everyone else attended a concert. After an amazing dinner and some "dancing" if that's what you want to call it (haha) we decided we needed to head back and get some sleep. Our alarm at 4 AM apparently came too quickly because as everyone else was up and ready to drive to Louisville, we were sound asleep. Yikes, a little later than anticipated but we rose to the occasion and made it to the derby! 

Mike and I left the races a little early to beat the crowd. I'd say we left at just the right time because things were getting a little funky for my taste and as a bonus we got a nap in before dinner! After freshening up, we decided to go downtown Louisville and check things out. We were pleasantly surprised! 

What an adventure! The next day we headed back to Nashville for one last night with out friends. Oh and we did this..... 

(Penelope's birthdate) 

A spontaneous decision to say the least! I will fill everyone in more on that in my Mother's Day post! 

Again, a big thanks to both of our parents who looked after our little for us. We never took an official honeymoon trip and this was just what we needed! Love you all! 

Cole, Kami, Brett, Julia, & Corey- 

So glad we took this trip! Apparently it wasn't our time to get rich but the memories will do for me :) Thanks for all the planning, Kami! 

Penelope was happy to see we had returned! 

 

Easter

Yes yes, I am running a little late on my Easter post (a whole month) but things have been busy! With the summer months rolling in, the sun is out longer but the days feel shorter than ever! I will make this Easter post short and sweet.

Penella's first Easter.

Michael left on Easter Sunday for Kansas City to attend another two weeks of school for work. He was not excited to leave us in the least bit but he had something to look forward to as I would be meeting him in Nashville, TN at the end of his two weeks! Those shenanigans will be talked about in my next post though, let's stick to Easter! 

Swimming with dad before he had to leave. 

After we (tearfully) dropped him off at the airport, P and I went to my grandparent's house for a BBQ. Little miss was dressed for the occasion! 

My grandma loved on Penelope all day long and P enjoyed every minute of it! 

Then grandpa Ross showed up with some Easter goodies! 

And finally, she got to see what the Easter bunny brought her! 

And last but not least, her daddy got her a special little gift, too! A little outfit and some baby Keens, so sweet! 

We had a wonderful Easter with family and a couple of full bellies, the only thing we were missing was Michael. I stayed in Billings for a week and spent time with my family which was such a treat for me, I won't speak for them! 

And the joke is on me

For the past couple of weeks I've been searching for the sweet little baby I once knew. P has been very irritable and had the worst time sleeping at night. They have all kind of jumbled together until last night, which stands out. Everything was fine until about 11 PM at which point Pen decided neither of us needed to sleep. I...tried....everything. But we'll just skip to about 3 AM when our dogs thought I deserved just a tad more fun. By fun, I mean one of them getting sick in the living room, and for your sake I'll spare the details. Oh, and have I mentioned Michael was on night shift? Yep, lucky me! 

Once the dogs had been dealt with I continued on with Penelope until about 4:30. Thankfully, after the 3rd time watching Shark Tale, she was finally out. I owe a lot to that movie. So I quietly carried her into my room with me and with each footstep I was almost certain she would wake up to torture me just a little longer but thankfully she slept solid for a few hours. 

This morning I was just searching for an explanation until she chomped down on my finger. A TOOTH! FINALLY! Thank goodness, I was beginning to think she just had it out for me. So the joke, is on me this April Fools Day. How fitting. 

It is safe to say, we are both worn out. 

Pen cuts first tooth at exactly 9 months old. 

Horsin' around

Or rather - Hippo-in around!

Our sweet little girl has a bit of a wild side that is coming out more and more everyday. It's pretty cute; so I don't mind.  She is now big enough to enjoy the hippo-rocker her grandpa Ross got her for Christmas and boy does she ever! 

She went from two hands, to one handed and then...you guessed it... NO hands. 

(Michael was right next to her) 

Which was good because she thinks it's hilarious to lay backward on her hippo. It's just no fun playing it safe, right? Ha. 

Unrelated but look at this baby enjoying her shower earlier that day. 

Things are pretty fun around here. Lots of drool, giggles, and learning. Also lots of pictures; as you can see! :)

 

Oh so pretty.

You know those days when you just feel pretty? Penelope was having one of those days, so we had to capture it. A moment of warm sweetness with a smile on top. Ahhh, a moment that I live for. 

And a giggle or two 

And a moment in black & white. 

Ok we are done.. But seriously? 

My dearest daughter, you are gorgeous. 

Baby shorts

Spring...... Where are you? Well regardless, one of our obsessions lately has been little baby shorts paired with tights. We'd like to lose the tights, if the weather would just cooperate! We won't hold our breath though...yikes.