Bumble Bee Baby

On our recent beach vacation, Maya was well protected from the sun. She played in her sun tent, napped in her bed while we were outdoors and didn't get to participate in the water time fun. Maya did however model for me in her adorable bumble bee swimsuit. And model she did!! Oh how I love this sweet bumble bee!! 

Maya's Newborn Photos

A few months ago, we were blessed with photos to capture our precious newborn Maya. We have now received those photos and are happy to share our professional photos of our family :) 

Elliana kissing her "baby Maya"

Our Family

Already a girlie girl :) 

LOVE sleepy babies!

Very happy Family!

Go, go, go, go on an adventure

This morning as we departed our West Virginia hotel, Elliana and I
sang the theme song to "the cat in the hat" series on PBS. For those
of you without young children, the song has a phrase in it where it
says, "let's go go go go on an adventure." Little did we know that an
adventure did lay ahead for us as we traveled toward home.

Shortly after getting on the turnpike, a truck filled with items had a
large 15+ gallon cooler fly out of the truck bed and into the air and
traffic. The skillful driving of my handsome hubby had us swerve out
of the way of the cooler as it bounced onto the freeway just missing
our vehicle. I whispered a prayer of gratitude as I turned to look in
the backseat at my sleeping infant and entertained three year old.

A few hours later, we were happily driving down the Kentucky highway
and we simultaneously noticed a large Turkey Vulture sitting
comfortably close to the road. For reasons unknown to us, as our
vehicle approached, the large bird decided to begin flying. And it
flew. Right into our car. And, this was a very large bird.

Maya, Maya

It's hard to believe that Maya is already more than two months old. She is already such an important part of our family that I can't fathom life without this precious little girl being a part of it. 

Maya is learning more everyday and by far my favorite new skill she has acquired is her smile. This big goofy grin that makes her eyes twinkle with delight and shine like the stars in the sky. Unfortunately I haven't yet downloaded pictures of that beautiful smile, but the image is burned into my memory and fills my heart with happiness. 

At Maya's two month appointment, she weighed in at 13 lbs and 23 1/4 inches. She is our little chunky monkey and is currently sound asleep on my chest. And I am in love...

Our trip to the zoo and loving the train ride

Elliana's BIG Accomplishment!

For several months now, Elliana has been requesting to get her ears

pierced. We were hesitant to let our then 2-year old punch holes in
her head, so Daddy and I agreed that she could get her ears pierced
when she decided she was ready to give up her pacifier (also known as
ba bah). Elliana and her pacifier were best of friends, and I honestly
think she looked forward to nap and bedtime just to snuggle up close
to her pacifier.

Everytime Elliana asked to get her ears pierced, we would remind her
she was allowed once she chose to give up ba bah and what a special
day we would make it. I could see the wheels in her head working as
she thought this through and said, "Okay" but continued to love that
pacifier.


As the birth of Maya kept approaching, I slowly stopped hyping up
giving up the pacifier as I feared Elliana wouldn't sleep as well
without it, and this soon to be tired momma wasn't about to purposely
have two children not sleeping at the same time. Just shy of Maya's
2nd month, Elliana initiated the good-bye to ba bah...and we went with
it, momma's fears and all.

Elliana did AMAZING saying good-bye to ba bah, and to this day has yet
to ask to sleep with her pacifier. After a few days of no pacifier,
Nana and I took Elliana to the mall for her big day. Elliana jumped
into the ear piercing chair full of excitement and calm, even putting
on her brave face.

There were no tears, no flinching even as the gun
pierced her ears. Just utter excitement. We then took Elliana
shopping for some new earrings, clothes and she even got to pick the
restaurant of her choice! The rest of the day, and several days
since, Elliana says "I'm so glad I got my ears pierced."


Elliana is back to napping most days, and the past few days Elliana
has been literally angelic as she thrives in her new big girl
earrings. I am so proud of you Elliana! Keep working toward your goals
and you will go so very far in life!

Elliana showing her silly excitement

Her brave face for the second piercing

Ready to get the first ear pierced

Pleased with the results ;)