Goodbye, Grandma

Our Grandma, Audrey Goodan, entered Eternal Life on March 10, 2010. She was 90 years old. She was the best, and loved her children and grandchildren with her whole self. She was an example of selfless love and meant the world to me. She was closer to Christ than anyone I know. I miss her everyday and have so many wonderful memories in my heart. I love you, Grandma.

Late Summer!

I love late summer. It is so hot and humid, but I just love it, and then the seasons start to change right around Annie's birthday. I remember when I went to the hospital to have her it was HOT HOT HOT! But when we came home 2 days later, the Fall season had really settled in quite well, and we were wearing long sleeves and sweaters. My babies are doing so well. Annie is 3 now and in preschool! She goes to the same school I did for grade school at our church. It is so great. Truly, when I went with her for the first play day, it was an out of body experience. Maria is a doll, happy all the time and army crawling! She gets around wherever she wants and laughs and talks! She just starting saying "Uh-oh" when something drops. She now says "hi", "bye-bye", "dada", and "mama". 5 words at almost 9 months! Chatty girl.

New House!

We sold our house in Poplar Hill in 6 weeks, and we bought a house in Forest Springs. We love it. It is halfway through getting painted, almost everywhere. It is slowly becoming home. It has a great kitchen and living room, a dining room and master on the first floor. It has a finished basement and 3 bedrooms upstairs. There is a playset in the back yard, which Annie loves. We feel so lucky to have this home. We can walk to the pool and to the shopping center, and there are kids everywhere. We live on a cul du sac, and the neighbors come to the door asking Annie to play.

My Fishies

My girls both love the water. Annie has no fear, and Maria is taking lessons now. Annie is working on her "big arms" and Maria can float very well! She laughs and laughs while in the water.

My Babies

Aren't they gorgeous? :) They are so sweet. They have adjusted so well to our new house. Maria sleeps through the night in her own crib in her own room, and Annie sleeps in a big girl bed in her own room. She has a princess room, as she calls it. It is bright pink. It will be toned down a bit to a lighter pink this week. The curtains were also pink; she calls them "curns". Maria's room will be blue. I can't wait until the painting is finished so we can get to decorating and getting all our toys and books organized.

Christ is Risen!

I love Easter. It is my favorite day of the year. This year was beautiful. We went to church and Annie sang the songs and responses! It was the first time she did that. The lady sitting next to us was so touched, as was I. There was no shortage of dresses! Her Aunts Julie and Maizie each bought the girls dresses, and so did Papa. Here, Annie is wearing Aunt Maizie's dress, and Maria is wearing Aunt Julie's. We had 2 Easter egg hunts and lots and lots of chocolate! The Easter Bunny brought the Disney movie Tinkerbell to our house. A big hit.

Matching Dresses

My mom bought these beautiful dresses from Strausburg, so of course, we had to have a portrait session! We took a hundred thousand pictures. At one point, Maria tried to nurse Annie's ear. Funny. My girls bring so much joy to my life. Our house is under contract, and we hope to find a new one soon. We move out in less than a month.

Our girls are getting so big. Maria is 4 months old. She was 2 ounces shy of 18 pounds at her 4-month appointment! She is sleeping well and of course, eating well. I've lost 30 pounds, thanks to her help! She had her first swimming lesson and she is a FISH! She floats so well! Annie is wonderful, too. She is a big help and such a sweet little girl. She amazes me every day with new things she can say or things she notices.

My beautiful angels.

We are staying busy and loving the Spring-like weather. We've been spending a lot of time out of doors. Both girls love it, of course. Our house is up for sale, so we also like to look at possible houses for us to buy. Annie loves it and looks for a Princess Room in every house.

Happy Valentine's Day, Lovies!

Daddy brought Annie a donut with colorful sprinkles on it. She picked off the sprinkles saying she had to eat these Rice Krispies! Maria wore pink for our special day.

Princess Annie

Annies LOVES to dress up. Here she is in her butterfly costume from Auntie Carrie. She loves to sing "Fly Butterfly" and fly around the living room. She is wearing her favorite socks.

Little Girls

We've been very busy lately, and I've enjoyed the gift of staying home with my girls. We stay very busy. Lately, we try to be outside as much as possible. Taking a walk is great because the girls love it and I get exercise! I've joined Weight Watchers and I lost 8 pounds my first week! It is a great program, and I am happy to be so motivated. Hope to get back to the gym SOON! We are looking for a new house and ours is up for sale - 3 bedroom, 3 bath in Poplar Hill with finished walkout basement! It is a lot of fun.

Maria's Baptism

Maria was baptized on January 18, 2009. Fr. Jeffrey Gatlin performed the baptism. It was at St. Aloysius Chapel, newly renovated in a beautiful restoration. Her Godparents are her Aunt Maizie and Uncle Kevin. She slept through the ceremony, and big sister Annie was a doll.

Snow Day!

We had a great MLK day playing in the snow. Annie has new bibs and coat, and her cousins Sam & Ben gave her mittens and a hat to match! And she loves her boots!

Maria's Swing

Maria got a new swing! She loves it and it helps calm her down when she is colicky.