Happy Mother's Day

So no new blog yet. 24 more days til school is OUT! Maybe by the end of summer I'll have my act together? Snicker.

Felt I needed to blog today as this, of course, is Mother's Day and oh my goodness...I guess I am one and finding it a wonderful challenge full of amazing moments and love. My heart aches (good ache) and I am smiling and tearing up as I type this. The smiles and tears happen a lot these days. =)

Happy Mother's Day to my mom who makes this mothering thing look so easy- especially as she is still putting up with me. =) Ellie *adores* her Giggy and thankfully she has her Giggy nearby to help this new mommy out.
Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there. Those Moms hugging their child(ren), those still waiting and dreaming, and those who have lost their little one(s). You are in our thoughts and prayers.

It's been a lovely but strange day. To be wished Happy Mother's Day just felt odd. Like I wanted to say, "To you, too" right after. Kind of like if it was Thanksgiving. I received several beautiful cards and even two from Ellie! Seems Ellie whispered in both Matt and my Mom's ears regarding cards and gifts. (Good girl!) Ellie needed a battery recharger so her mommy wouldn't keep running out of camera batteries when taking pictures of Ellie. Thanks, Matt. Sorry, I forgot to take a picture of it before posting. =)
Giggy and Ellie had a whole elaborate gift plan going.
This bracelet has several charms to represent the past year-air travel, China, squeaky shoes, Mother/Daughter. Ellie will eventually get to pick out a charm she would like to give her mommy. (I fear an Elmo charm next year...) So thoughtful and pretty. Thanks, Giggy/Mom. =)


It was such a nice day that Matt, Ellie and I went to the zoo again. Ellie didn't seem to think much of it this time. Too much construction going on.
Then again, her hat is a bit big so it probably blocked some of her view. The kid hates having anything on her head. She wouldn't take the bait that every other kid in the park was wearing one....

The animal cookies were a highlight for the train ride around construction.


On our way to the FCC playdate! Yes, the seat straps are most obviously not where they should be when we decided to play around and take the picture. =)

Somebody come and plaaaaay.
Loving the swings at our playgroup meeting with Abba and new friends.






We also met up with these friends at the Kite Festival held at the beach. Think this was one of water touching toesies for the first time! =) It was so nice to see Ella Ray and parents who just got back with their girl-Welcome Home!- and Delaine and family who are waiting (probably not so patiently) to finally see their little one in this next batch which is laaaaaaaaaate due to this flu/latest bump in the ride. Thinking of you!








Kickin' it in our new lawn chair with our pet giraffe.




I see you sneaking up on us Gracie Dog and you will NOT get your slobbery mouth on my pet giraffe! =)

Poolside at home.










Lounging in the pool with the cousins. I think D is squeezing her cheeks and calling her "Baby" and not checking to verify that her 1st year molars are coming in right and left/upper and lower. Still missing those incisors though...


Yeah, and you thought I was gonna go to sleep! Bwahahahaha! Bedtime is a work in process. =)

I'll check in again when I get a chance. Thanks for looking in on us.