friend kidly

Today Charlotte and I visited the Aquarium of the Pacific with Carlee and Bryson. It was Charlotte’s first time and I was curious to see whether or not she would enjoy it. I myself have always felt a bit uneasy at aquariums. Maybe because they are dark and there are a lot of twists and turns; or, maybe it’s because I can vividly recall a deceased seahorse bobbing upside down on a trip to the Shedd Aquarium during my youth. For the most part I’ve gotten over my unease and can mostly enjoy the sea life. Nothing like a breath of fresh air and the sun in your face afterward though.

My favorite character of the day was the little sea dragon above. They are so adorable and really do look like dragons. I wish I could keep one as a pet but better not because he’d probably end up bobbing around upside down, if you know what I mean.

Here’s proof that fun was had by all and I highly recommend this as an outing if you’ve been looking for something to do.

Yesterday we celebrated Charlotte’s first full year of life with a bunch of family and friends. Poor thing was fighting a cold but she was such a trooper that you never would have known…minus the runny nose. God provided a beautiful day and Grandma/Grandpa Wade provided a big yard so all of the little party goers could enjoy themselves outdoors. It was a treat to have so many near and dear to us all in one place. Charlotte is very loved!

Check out our Flickr account if you want to see pics of the festivities which include Charlotte’s first sweet treat…

Look at these fun kitchen curtains I fashioned out of some over priced tea towels. The lighting isn’t the best but these curtains pull colors from my rug, some wall decor and even some utensils and have really made my kitchen much cuter. I love what a little window dressing does to a room. So much better than vertical blinds!

Here’s kind of a close up (again sorry for the lighting).  The tea pot and cups are so sweet and I’m in love with the background fabric.  Yay, happy decor!

OK, I know it’s been around for awhile and all but I just need to share what great background music the above album (by the beloved-in-our-home Broken Social Scene) makes while babies are sleeping. I’ve been playing it regularly while Charlotte naps since she’s been born and with it I will forever associate peace, tranquility and memories of my beautiful daughter. What a great association for an album, wouldn’t you agree?

1 Day Old

4 Months

9 Months

This last Friday marked my 29th birthday and I had a really good day.  I never expect to enjoy my birthday which probably stems from childhood when I would anticipate something great and that never really happened.  Don’t get me wrong, I had decent birthdays just no surprise parties or ponies.  But this year seemed perfect.  It’s nice to be older and wiser and truly be able to enjoy the simple pleasures in life.

The day started with me waking up to a gift bag full of new bakeware from husband, something I’ve really been wanting.  My Mom came over with an iced coffee, beautiful potted lavender and four yummie red velvet Sprinkles cupcakes.  We hung out for awhile then Charlotte, Mom and I met my sister and infant nephew for lunch at my all time favorite restaurant where I enjoyed some babaganoosh, the world’s best Greek salad and a nice glass of Syrah :)  The five of us spent the remainder of the afternoon together admiring Charlotte and Gabriel and just plain enjoying each other’s company.

My original plan for dinner was to make a tri-tip roast with potatoes au gratin.  But, by the time my mom and sister left I was in no mood to be in the kitchen for that long and it didn’t help that Charlotte didn’t have much of a nap.  So, instead of getting to work making dinner I headed upstairs with Charlotte to lay down until husband got home.  Glad I opted not to cook because we ended up ordering pizza from my favorite local joint and enjoyed it with a couple of beers.  All in all it was a wonderful way to spend my birthday.

I thank the Lord for my health and all the blessings of this life and I look forward to another great year full of the unexpected.