A Birthday Letter: Reese's First Birthday

Dear Sweet Reesie Pie,
The night before your birthday, I sit in front of the computer, thinking of the words that can begin to summarize the love and sheer joy you have brought to our lives.
This time last year, your Dad and I were sitting in Perkins enjoying my "last meal" before your scheduled induction. You let your presence be known throughout my pancake meal by pushing and prodding through my belly -- my contractions were strong, just like you.
We waited all day to meet you that following day, a Wednesday to be exact. We watched your heartbeat on the monitor, and finally, you arrived.
I remember two things clearly in the first moment I saw your face. The first, was that any fears I had about being able to squeeze enough love for two girls in my heart was quickly put to rest. You were beautiful, looking at me, knowing that we belonged to each other. Second, I also remember thinking that your cute, little face fit your name quite perfectly.
You quickly gained your nickname, Reesie Pie, because you were simply that, sweet. Your love for us has always been returned in sweet nuzzles, hugs, giggle, and grins. In particular, your sister really lights up your life and one of your favorite spots to hang out is in her room. You are for sure a Momma's girl, even though Dadda was your first word.
Reese - we love your fearless attitude but understand that you want us close by. You are determined, as shown in your walking ability, to get what you want and have been known to let us know when that doesn't happen. You love to eat -- so far, the only thing we have figured out that you don't like is coleslaw. Your excited grunts and heavy breathing are always comical to those dining with us when you see a meal that you like.
Above all, Reese, you have completed our family of four. You have made our life that much more exciting as we have two girls to share it with. You have your sister, who hopefully will be not only your partner in crime, but your confidant, your best friend. We love you more than words could describe and are in awe of the love that you share with us each day. Thank you for choosing our family. Thank you for being our Reesie Pie.
Love,
Mommy, Daddy, and Riley

Birthday Cake

It's like Reese has been waiting her whole life for this one moment. Sister likes to eat and put some cake and frosting together, and you have one very happy one year old.

Here is the play-by-play.

(Singing happy birthday. Not so sure about everyone looking at me...)

She even shared with Mimi and Papa.Don't worry, big sister had quite the decision to make as well.

More birthday pics to come soon.

Sunset Swim

I can remember only a handful of times where everything in the world just seemed perfect. The kind of events where your heart wants to burst out of your chest because you are so happy, lucky, and in love. My top list includes our wedding, the birth of my girls, and Friday night's sunset swim. After eating dinner at a restaurant on the beach, we took time to splash and play with our little family. Riley's shrieks of laughter were contagious. Reese was in heaven with the sand and water and Daddy was in his full glory with his girls. Best Friday night ever.

Sisters

Nothing sweeter than hearing two sisters giggling in the other room. Even better when they are semi-cooperative for pictures. Don't worry fam -- you will receive your copy soon!

She's a Swimmer!

Dan came home from the pool yesterday and says nonchalantly, "So, Riley can swim?!"
I had to get proof for myself today. We are so proud of our little swimmer.

First video is Riley jumping in and swimming...


The second is her swimming...

For my Dad

I realize that I have mentioned my Mom quite a few times on this blog but rarely give my Dad his shout it -- so with today's celebration of his 55th birthday, I thought I'd compile a top-ten list.

10. I really do believe that my Dad can do anything. When we almost missed our flight to Italy on our honeymoon, I called my Dad to see if he could get the plane stopped. Evidently, my Mom thinks the same way because I could hear her yelling at him, "Do something Roger!"
9. He is also smart. Not so much with Internet searches and google, more like inventions and science.
8. He can pull of white pants and white shoes like no ones business. He is a sharp dresser - something that used to annoy me when I was younger but now I know that a blazer and jeans is really a good look.
7. He loves my kids. As in, would take me and Dan out so he and my Mom could have the girls all to themselves.
6. He has always been my biggest fan. Along with my Mom and Dan, I don't think there is anyone who is more proud of my accomplishments than he is.
5. He is just as obsessed about food as I am. We are the same, in that sense, and many others. We both wake up thinking about our meals for the day and go to bed thinking about the next day's menu.
4. He loves my Mom. He make her laugh like no one else.
3. He would literally take his shirt off of his back for his family or friends.
2. He is kind and generous.
1. They always say, you marry your father...

End of Preschool

I remember dropping off a shy, pig-tailed girl off at school on the first day of preschool. She didn't know what changes were about to happen in her life, and neither did I...

Riley, held onto me for dear life, not sure about the new faces staring back at her. I smiled, knowing that is was hard, but good for her. And it has been. Riley has really grown socially since her beginning days of preschool. While she still gets shy, she doesn't hide under the table anymore or bark at people. I'd say that's an improvement for sure!
What I wasn't prepared for were the friendships that we both would make. Her love for her teachers is truly heartwarming. She absolutely loves them and I do as well. We are so happy that she will have the opportunity to enjoy their company next year because both of Riley's teachers will be moving up into the 3 year old classroom.
I also loved watching Riley on the playground interacting with her little classmates. They would be shrieking with laughter, Riley steadily zooming around on a bike, pulling another little girl on the wagon behind her.
I was also lucky enough this past year to make some great friends with fellow moms who get it -- me, my kid, and our life.
There were the yucky parts too, like preschool germs and my obsession with keeping her and little sister as healthy as possible, but I know that comes with the territory.
On the last day of school, we got to enjoy a "picnic" lunch with her friends, their parents, and teachers. You can see who Riley is going to miss...You can see here, her teacher, Ms. Tami, fixing Riley's hair...she wouldn't let me touch it.

She's a walker!

We have been on the verge of having two kids walking around our house for a while now. Reese, now 11 months, has been taking a few steps at a time, then 5-6, then lately, 10-12. We honestly thought she would crawl for a lot longer because she is so speedy. But, not to be left behind, Reese is now walking! Here is a short video I took on my phone.