Gin Blossoms Concert

Last night, we attended a Gin Blossoms concert. They performed for a fund raising event to help support the new NICU at our hospital. Alexis had a good time enjoying the music and playing with a couple of friends we ran into at the event.

Nine Months Outside the Belly

Where have the last 9 months gone? It seems like just yesterday we were on our way to the hospital (Rick as excited as can be - wanting to call everyone and anyone who would talk to him at 2 am. Me - scared for my life, hoping I wasn't about to enter 24 hours of long, hard labor and that I wasn't going to die during childbirth). Oh, the wonderful times Alexis has brought us! It's been a roller coaster ride to say the least, but a fun one it has been. We look forward to all the rides and roads we have yet to travel with our lil' sweet pea! Speaking of peas - here a few favorite shots at 9 months old.

Loving her sweet peas!Our little "Iowa Hawkeye" Cheerleader!Who needs to crawl? I'd rather go straight to walking.

Music at the Railroad Park

On Sunday nights, the McCormick Stillman Railroad Park has free concerts on the lawn. It is really a great way to end our weekend, just taking in the warm air and relaxing on the blanket as a family. Daddy especially loves it because he gets to take Alexis on the train and carousel.We are just starting to get this crawling thing kind-of figured out!

Bagels in the Park

Last Friday, we had bagels in the park at our community center. We had a wonderful time meeting up with other moms and babies and playing in the park before it got too hot. The babies really enjoyed the splash pad!

A message from our Broken Hearts

Last week, we had a follow up appointment with Alexis' cardiologist. The news we received was heart breaking . . . Alexis will need open heart surgery probably within the next year. The valve that they ballooned in April has since returned to the way it was before the procedure. The valve needs repair so that she will receive the adequate blood flow and oxygen that she needs to be able to run around like a normal little baby and toddler. As you can imagine, the news was devastating to us. We are going to seek a second opinion from another cardiologist to confirm that the surgery is necessary and what our options are. More information to follow after our 2nd opinion appointment.

Pool Party

Lexi went to her first pool party at Olivia's house. The girls all had a great time together - the water was just a little too cool for their liking so they splashed in it instead!

It's been such a long time . . .

since we have blogged because we were getting ready for Auntie Deb to visit! Aunt Deb (Rick's sister) came to meet Alexis for the first time - the two of them had a lot of fun together and Lexi has been missing her buddy. We visited the zoo and went swimming while Deb was here. We also did some shopping so that Auntie Deb could spoil her favorite niece! She brought along lots of new books, toys, clothes, and shoes, too. Thank you Auntie Deb for coming all the way from New York to meet me and for all the new things you brought me!

Aunt Deb reading me one of the new books she brought me about the farm. My new safari hat to wear at the zoo from my Aunt Deb.Splashing in the fountains at the pool.Auntie Deb bought me my very first Elmo doll! "I love this thing and it is just my size."This post wouldn't be complete without mentioning my 1st Mother's Day. Alexis treated me like the Queen (she's the princess going on Queen). It all began the Saturday before when she and her dad went out for a few hours to get some surprises for mommy. She came back with a bouquet of flowers and lots of smiles! The next morning (the official Mother's Day - isn't everyday mother's day?) she woke me up and had 2 balloons for me. We went off to church and then we went to the Westin Kierland Resort for a delicious brunch. She had a few other gifts for me in a bag, but the best gift of all was when she said "Mama" for the first time! It couldn't have been more appropriate than to say it for the first time on Mother's Day. It was a wonderful day and I felt very appreciated and loved.

Going for a little walk after brunch at the resort.
Finally, a picture of her two bottom teeth.Helping mommy with dishes (let's hope she remembers how in 10 years).Look at me, "I'm only holding on with one hand!"

8 Months Old

A day in the life of an 8 month old baby girl:
7 am: Time to wake up and say Good Morning to my Daddy. I tell him hello on the monitor and then he comes to get me out of bed. (Mommy is out jogging so it is just me and my dad) I play and daddy sings to me as he gets ready for work.
8 am: Mommy is home from her jog and it is time to wave bye-bye to Daddy as he kisses us goodbye.
8:30 am: It's time for some milk - I'm hungry (it's been 12 hrs. since I had a drink)! After my milk I have a Goldilocks's size bowl of oatmeal and a jar of prunes. Yummy - breakfast is my favorite meal of the day!
9 am: Bath time. Rub-a-Dub-Dub I love playing in the tub.
9:30 am: All the eating and bathing has me tired. I'm ready for my morning nap.
11:30 am: Time for some more milk and then lunch. Wonder what mom has planned for lunch today: fruit, veggies, yogurt?
12 noon: Storytime, Swim lessons, shopping, a playdate, a few errands to run - whatever activity mom has on the agenda it is time to take a ride and get out of the house for awhile.
2:30 pm: I think I'll take an afternoon snack now. More milk, please. And when I am done with my milk, I would like a few Che*rios and my sippy cup with water.
3 pm: It's naptime!
4:30 pm: Time to take a walk to the park and see the kids play in the splash pad (boy, I can't wait till I can splash around with them).
5:30 pm: I'd like to have some milk and then some chicken for dinner. After I eat all my dinner, I usually get to have a cookie (baby rice cracker).
6:00 pm: Daddy's home - time to give him a rock star welcome! Yeah! (I really love my mom, but it is always nice to see my daddy at the end of the day)
8:00 pm: After mommy and daddy read me a book, I'm going to have a little bedtime snack (aka. milk).
8:30 pm: Night, night mommy and daddy! I love you!Alexis with her "milk mustache". I think she is cute enough for a Got Milk? ad in a parenting magazine, don't you?

Auntie Sage Graduates

On Saturday, Auntie Sage graduated from the University of Phoenix. We went to the ceremony at the new football stadium and then to lunch at El Encanto. We met Sage's family from California for the first time and had a great time socializing with everyone and celebrating with margaritas!
Alexis loves her Auntie Sage - especially when she comes to play with her every week!

Little Fins

Alexis had her first swim lesson this week. She loves the water and enjoys splashing around!

Ready for the pool - with baby crocs, sun hat, and her cover-up.Having a blast chatting with her friend, Olivia!