New Way to Drink Milk!

Yesterday while Reece was eating lunch she decided to stick the straw of her milk up her nose. She loves trying to put different things into different crevices. Her fork in her straw. Chopstick in straw. Fingers up nose. Fingers in ears. You name it and chances are she's tried it but this was a new one. So I decided to take a big inhale through my nose to see what she would do. Okay not so smart of Mommy since I know my daughter is a master of imitation. So what did she do? Suck milk up her nose. That's right! I thought it would irritate her but she did it again. Note to everyone. Please don't do anything crazy in front of Reece because bets are she'll copy you!

Tis the Season!

Happy Christmas Eve! I love the holiday season for so many reasons. Like right now! I'm sitting by the Christmas tree with it's beautiful lights and drinking a cup of coffee, relaxing. Who could ask for a better morning. Reece is asleep in our bed and Chris is soaking in the hot tub. She climbed up there at 5:30! She can open her door, our door, and manage to get in our bed. When that girl wants something, she is determined! Anyway, for those of you who are waiting for a Christmas card, wait no longer. It's not coming! Although I love Christmas I sometimes get overwhelmed with everything that comes along with it. Not to mention this year was my nephews 1st birthday (My family had a double party for us...Sorry you had to share your 1st with me Jake :( We love you), one of my bff's is getting married (so we had her shower which was lots of fun-Congrats Monica) and my b-day was 4 day's ago (Thank you Chris for throwing me an awesome surprise party-I love you!!!!) So anyway, wish me luck and just maybe you'll get a Happy New Year in the mail!!

Thanksgiving with the Hartley's!

We were able to spend some of the Thanksgiving holiday's with my in-laws and yes Chris has his shirt off for our dinner. Reece enjoyed spending time with her Papa and Mimi and we know they loved being with her!

Who Me! I'm Innocent!

Halloween Pics!

So I decided to make Reece's costume this year. She was supposed to be Pebbles but she looks more like a cave girl. Anyway it was hard to get some good shots of her since she is always on the move! She had a blast!

Last Year at the Same Pumpkin Patch!

I can't believe how much she's changed in the last year!

Our Trip to the Pumpkin Patch!

Look At My Pigtails!

Today during our play date my friend Ali got Reece to sit still long enough to give her pigtails! We might have to try this more often! Even Daddy thinks it's cute!

Our Cottage!

Our stay was very relaxing and our accommodations were amazing. One of the best things about the place was that the couple we rented from were awesome and they had a little girl for Reece to play with. Not to mention the ton of toys she had! The swing and red rocket were just a few. Reece loved the grounds. She got to swing, take a dip in the hot tub-the pool was a tad bit too chilly, walk across the bridge a million times, and just hang with Mommy and Daddy while we grilled with friends. What a vacation!!!

Muir Woods and San Francisco!

On our trip to Napa and Sonoma we decided to do a day trip to Muir Woods and San Francisco. We took Reece for a quick hike at Muir Woods where she got to see a deer up close and personal. After that we went to the Bay Area Discovery Museum. She had a blast playing in the water and checking out all the fun things they had to offer! One of the cool things about this place is that you can see the Golden Gate Bridge from it!

The Wine Country!!

I've been planning a trip to Napa and Sonoma for quite awhile as a treat to myself for breastfeeding for a year. Ideally I was supposed to have Reece weaned by now but I or should I say Reece has decided to nurse awhile longer. Anyway the trip was still on!!! We had a wonderful time at the vineyards. It was easier to grab a glass of wine and enjoy the scenery than to sit inside and do tastings. Reece was more interested in exploring the grounds!

Thanks to A & E for taking a family pic of us.

Wow....look how fast I can get away!

We had a picnic lunch at one of the vineyards. Reece loved playing with her Daddy in
the grass!

My Mommy and Daddy Love Me This Much!!!!

WTF!!!

So I wasn't feeling well yesterday but didn't really know how bad it was until about 5p or 6p when I started to feel like I was in labor again. No seriously...my stomach hasn't cramped like that I don't think ever. So after being up all night puking up everything and anything that was in my stomach, then dry heaving the nothing I had left...not to mention the unmentionables that come with the stomach flu, we decided to take me to the urgent care clinic. BTW for those of you who don't know what that is I feel sorry for you. It's like the emergency room but with zero of the wait. So from all the symptoms and dehydration the Dr. decided it was Viral Gastroenteritis. Oh did I mention that Reece was also restless last night and when I drug myself to feed her around 5a she threw up twice and that was only the start for her. So poor Chris was stuck changing sheets until we decided to just put her in bed with us. So not only did Chris have to take me to the doctor he had to take Reece as well. Okay where was I??? So after administering an IV and taking blood and urine, they sent me on my way. They said it was a good call to come in especially since I'm breastfeeding and along with the stomach flu causes massive dehydration. Yes!!! I'm still breastfeeding. So you may be asking how do I have time to write this?? My 2 favorite people are napping. Reece is such the trooper. Besides not being able to keep down food she is quite herself. Playing, getting into everything. Not easy to catch up on some much needed zzzz's when the baby is not wanting to cooperate. Anyway hopefully the weekend will bring brighter skies! and some food. I've only eaten a piece of toast all day!

Our 1st Family Vacation!

We finally had our 1st family vacation! We took Reece to Angel Fire New Mexico. She was such a trooper especially on our hikes. Let me tell you how convenient it is that she can drink out of a camelback! She started testing it out months ago when Chris would come back from a bike ride and just leave it hanging on the back of a chair. She would walk by and play with it and before we knew it she was a pro! Her favorite part of vacation was walking in and out of the condo to the nice big deck. Hmm where can we take her next?

Surprise!

I was in the kitchen today getting Reece something to drink and when I came around the corner I was greeted by something like this. Except she was already on the couch, half sitting on my computer, going to town on the keyboard. What's next?

Happy Birthday Reece!

Gosh I don't even know where to begin! What a year! Was it what I expected? Yes and No and then some! What I realized during my 1st year as a mom is do what works for you! There is going to be a lot of judgement. I'll be honest I was one of those people. I always said I would never co-sleep and guess what? Reece was in our bed somewhere around the 8th month. I was at my wits end and I needed sleep and it worked. Then we moved her to her room like a big girl. Now she sleeps in a queen bed. I know someone out there reading this is judging. hehe What else?? Aaah...breastfeeding. If you don't do it people say stuff and if you do it-it's always you didn't do it long enough and if you're me you're still doing it! But besides the poop and the lack of sleep, I wouldn't change a thing. I have a little girl who is sociable, sweet, independent, and of course the most beautiful. I couldn't ask for a better daughter, husband, family, and friends. I am so lucky for all the support that I've had all year! I already feel like Reece is all grown up! Hehe. We have her appointment later so I will give you stats then. Oh did I mention Reece is sick on her birthday. I hope it clears up by tomorrow for her party! Really don't know what it is! My best guess is teething! Her top teeth are finally coming in!

Cheerios Anyone???

Omg! Besides having Reece by my side 24/7, do you know how people know I'm a mom??? I walked around for most part of the day with a cheerio stuck to the front of my shirt! That's how! You'll be happy to know that I didn't pull it off and eat it. hehe

Reece Chillin In Her Toy Box!

Look What I Can Do!!!

Reece started taking her 1st few steps the day after she turned 11 months old and since then she's been quite the mover. I even caught her walking out of the bathroom the other day while I was getting stuff ready for bath time. Since then her daddy has been working on getting her to throw her diapers away. As you can tell he's taught her quite well! Now if only she would put her toys back in her toy box after she's taken inventory of each and every one!

Family Time!

The last few weekends we've had family in town. It's been nice except for the extra pounds I gain. There's always lots of cooking when my sister is here. That's why you don't see her in the pics. She's busy fixing a feast while I'm watching the babies and the other kids are being kept occupied in the pool by their daddies. Anyway thanks April, Vinh, Ariel, Audrey, and Jake for coming to visit. We love you!

Happy Father's Day!

Chris's family came in town for the weekend. It was great getting all the Hartley's together for his 1st Father's Day!!! It was a great weekend. Mick got to spend time with his boys on this special day plus him and Bev got to get some much needed grandpa and grandma time!

Mommy and Me at the YMCA!

I signed us up for a mommy and me class at the Y. Reece is such a good student unlike her mommy. Apparently I missed the part of parenthood where you're supposed to learn all the nursery rhymes.

The Next Step Before Walking!

In the last week Reece has been testing her balancing skills. She will cruise then stop and let go. We all clap with excitement including Reece. Sorry I know it's a bit blurry but it's real hard to get a shot of her standing before she decides to sit. We don't think it'll be long before she starts taking a few steps! Boy we are going to be in trouble! Especially since she has become quite the climber!

The 2nd Cutest Baby!

Okay don't take offense to the title of my post. Of course I'm going to say Reece is the cutest baby of all. She's my daughter after all! I'm biased but really she is the cutest baby. So you're wondering who is this other baby. It's my nephew Jake. So in order to take a peek yourself you are going to have to go to his blog....www.thehodgeskiddo.blogspot.com... Sorry! My niece Ariel took the most adorable pics on her camera! One is of Jake tormenting Reece by trying to pull a chunk of her hair out. Thank goodness she was born with a head full of hair! Then there's a pic of Reece retaliating. I can tell the two of them are going to get into some mischief when they get older. Oh did I mention he will be 6 months old on the 8th and weighs as much as Reece. Also thanks to our friends Elizabeth and Andy for taking these fun pics of Reece!

Mommy's Night Off!

After many invites and about the same amount of declines, I finally had a ladies night out! I met a bunch of girlfriends at a wine bar near the house and then went to a lounge afterwards. It was nice to get out and have a few glasses of wine and some snacks without any interruptions except for the text from Chris asking "She needs more food now right?" Just as I sent a text back saying "Yes feed her" and thinking I can never leave her with daddy for an evening again, he sent a text back saying "I was kidding" What a relief. I have to admit I had a lot of fun and I realize Chris can do it without me! What I realized the most was that some people go out to get away from it all. Although it was a great time I came home thankful for what I was coming home to. I held out my cell phone to get just enough light to watch Reece sleep. Looking for the rise and fall of her chest...thinking there is nothing sweeter in the world. I am thankful to Chris for being such a great husband and even a better daddy! Thank you Chris for everything you do. Reece and I love you very much.

Passed Out!

Okay - how's a girl supposed to grow if she passes out during dinner?

Pool Time!