Birthday Happenings

My actual birthday was spent at work.  Bummer, I know, but I will be at work on my birthday until it falls on a Saturday again.  Only a few more years!

The kids were super excited!  I couldn't make it two steps into my room without being showered with hugs and construction paper creations.  I smiled from ear to ear.  They're all a piece of work from time to time, but it was memorable no doubt.  (Just a side note for my personal memory- a student in my class does not celebrate birthdays for religious reasons.  Of course, that was the mom that was standing a foot away from me when I walked in through the door.  Arg!)  A huge sign hung from my dry erase board.  My wonderful co-teacher brought a gift and there were signs on a couples places around the school.  It was a good day.  OH- I got off almost an hour early!  Great way to end a day.

Kim made me chili and we had some wine.  Their neighbor, Kimber, had her birthday Sunday the 13th, so we celebrated with her.  It was a great time.  Sadly, Mike was working.  He traded his standard weekend shift in, so he could have the weekend off to spend it with me, my Dad, and Jenny.  The sacrifices one has to make!  It's OK b/c this time last year I was without him...and I will most likely be without him again next year.

My birthday was on a Wednesday and my Dad and Jenny came on Thursday, November 17th.  It was nice b/c I felt like the celebration only continued.  Once they got in, we hung out at the house for awhile and went to Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner.  Friday I worked a half day...I had requested the day off before they planned a 'Thanksgiving Luncheon' for the whole school (students and their families).  I was granted my request, but they were obviously stressed out about the whole deal and I offered to give them a hand.  Maybe I'm a little too nice?

Mike was late (typical when married to a pilot), but met us out at Portillo's for lunch.  Then we headed out to Gander Mountain for some spoiling!  It was wonderful getting our winter weather gear with my Dad and Jenny.  We scored some really sweet, much needed items!  I'm now ready for a snowstorm...can't wait to wear my boots :)  I figure if it's going to be 34 degrees right now, it best be snowing.  This cold is MISERABLE.  Ugh.

Friday we ended up getting Lou's pizza carryout and drinking wine at our house.  Jenny got me some killer wine glasses.  They're HUGE and beautiful and wonderful.  Great gift idea.  And Mike got me an awesome winter coat..it finishes my winter ensemble!

Saturday's update will come later!

Almost Twenty-Eight

T'was the night before my 28th,
I hung out with my girl.
Sat down to realize
This past year was a whirl.

It starts in November twenty ten,
A pregnant, pleasant birthday
Spent with the nanny fam.

Our then family of two
packed up our AZ home.
Life was a zoo,
As you might know.

Lonely, no doubt.
Long distance for the last time,
I tried not to pout.

On St. Patty's twenty eleven,
I became a Mommy

With a gift sent from Heaven.

Addie turned our world upside down.
Where's her little crown?
She hides it in each smile,
for those we'd walk miles.

She holds my heart in her giggle,
Oh to watch those toes wiggle!

Coach K got his 903rd win,
Mike is on the road again.

We get to celebrate
Slightly late <3.
Here's to 28-
Another great.

First Snow

Sadly, I did not get a picture of Addison and her first glimpse of snow.  But it did indeed happen today at school.  There were snow flurries falling from the sky.  Then, the sun would come out.  Moments later, more snow.  It was crazy!  Mike has his own spin on the craziness.  Apparently, he was trying to get out of Chicago at that very moment.  Once the snow fell they had to deice the plane.  Back to the gate or wherever to take care of that.  The sun came out, they knew they didn't really need the deice, but it's procedure.  Get back on the jetway and it snows again, so they had to be taken back a second time.  Neither issue was a huge deal b/c it really wasn't snowing that hard.  However, I'm sure the passengers, as well as my hubby, weren't particularly happy about the scenario.  Mild case of the flurries, but poor guy.  He's really going to hate the winter.  If only every canceled flight meant he could come home- then we'd be in luck!

I told Addison's teachers that she loves being/looking outside, so they made sure to tell me they showed her the snow.  I wonder what she thought.  Probably just rain, if much of anything about what was falling from the sky.  How cool for her though...baby girl, it's way too early for snow to Mommy!

Lou's First Halloween

Happy 1st Halloween Addison!

{bad lighting, but I love her facial expression}

Another first to write down in the books.  So crazy to think that this time of year is here and will be gone tomorrow.  Our pumpkins I couldn't wait to go pick out, carve, and light are to be put into the trash.  Crazy.  Time is hustling...I'm not so sure I'm all about it!

{those baby blues get Mommy every.single.time.}

{Miss Serious}

However, I must admit, I love watching this little one grow.  She is SO amazing!  Addison is very curious and watches your every move.  She grabs anything and everything in sight...especially if it's yours.  She absolutely loves holding/having out cellphones.  What is it with kids?  She wants it as soon as she sees it...it doesn't have to be on, making noise, or doing anything at all.  It's like she knows it's important.  Her first top tooth is shining white...and the three other top teeth have decided to come at once I believe. Poor Lou!  She hasn't been to happy with them- they hurt!  In fact, Halloween night she wanted nothing to do with getting dressed or smiling.  I'm lucky I got what I did.  

{with her pumpkin}

{she wouldn't look at me, of course, but I love how she's holding onto her first pumpkin}

As I was sitting outside taking these pictures, a family walked up with a little girl who will be two the second week of December.  Her name was Ellison.  She is going to be a big sister soon- due the week after her birthday.  It was so surreal watching this little girl walk and talk- all the while thinking Addie will be there in no time.  I cannot believe this is the little bundle we brought home from the hospital merely 7 months ago.  I swear time flew before, but now...I pause for a minute and she's entered a new 'phase' or surpassed a new milestone.

{SO happy}

I want to bottle her up.  I want to freeze a frame in time of her with her Daddy.  This girl works him like no other.  She has him wrapped around her little finger.  Addison acts differently around Daddy, it's funny at this point in time.  I know that might change come the teenage years, but for now it's cute.  

{her 'I'm going to bite you face'}

{oh hey Mom, I'm cute}

{cutest 50s girl EVER}

{the bite face, again}

Grandma Pat made her Halloween costume.  We loved it!  It was perfect.  She was ADORABLE as you can see.  Thank you Grandma Pat!  We had intentions on being a trio, but when I was left to making the costumes solo...working full time...and lacking creative costume making capabilities, that didn't happen.  Bummed.  But we will get to that next year.  When she can walk...and attempt trick-or-treating!

Although Auntie Kim did give Addie her first lick of a sucker...of course, she liked it at first and hated it after the third lick.  Good thing we brush those teeth!