A Treasured Moment

Last night...at 4:43am I heard Elizabeth cry. As I jumped from my bed, worried...because she usually sleeps through the night, I ran into Elizabeth's room. I was greeted with a happy-sounding "Mommy!". Elizabeth had the biggest grin on her face. As I picked her up, she started to sign "milk" and "cracker". We headed downstairs for a middle-of-the-night snack.

As Elizabeth snuggled with me, eating her Teddy Grahams and drinking her milk, all I could feel was gratitude. I love my sweet little baby girl. She is such a blessing in my life. She has made my world a better place. She fills my days (and nights!) with sunshine.

I will forever treasure this time with Elizabeth...even if it was at 4:43am.

There is no sweeter sound...

than Elizabeth saying "Mommy".

All day today, Elizabeth has been calling me "Mommy". For months Elizabeth has been calling me "Mama" until today when she made the switch to "Mommy". I haven't really noticed a difference between the two names...until I heard her say "Mommy" today. I got so excited. It sounds so much better. It is such a slight difference but it means the world to me.

I guess Elizabeth didn't want Matt to feel left out because she also started saying "Daddy" today. She has to think about it a little more...she pauses a little in the middle. She says "Da....De". It is the cutest thing.

Have I mentioned lately that I love my sweet baby girl?!

History in the making...

Today, Barack Obama was sworn in as the 44th president of the United States of America. It has been all over the news and was quite the occasion. I have never been interested in politics. I feel that most anybody will tell you what you want to hear...and then do whatever they want anyway. In the past, as I heard politicians speak...I would zone-out...but not with Barack Obama. Whenever he speaks...I find myself listening. I am unable to turn away. I think he is so well-spoken and passionate. He has a true talent of presenting. He is charasmatic and seems to be a man of the people.

Elizabeth and I were at home, and watched today's events unfold. I have never watch an Inaguaration before, so I cannot compare...but I think today's events were a success. I was very impressed with President Obama's speech. I feel a sense of confidence and determination when I hear him speak. I truly want him to success...our country depends on it.

I love how President Obama stressed the importance of everyone taking responsibility and everyone playing a role in getting our country out of the mess that we are in right now. He reminded us of where we have come from and that we are an amazing mixture of so many different cultures and peoples.

I love when he said...

"...They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America."

I feel we do need to pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and get to work. So many people talk and complain...just get to work. It is that simple. We, as Americans, are intelligent, creative, industrious, and passionate. Let's get to work!

President Obama ended his speech in such a beautiful way. He said...

"...At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations."".

What touched me the most about the whole day's events, was a short moment in the afternoon parade. I loved how President and Mrs. Obama left the shelter and warmth of their vehicle to walk with and wave at the people that had been waiting for hours out in the cold. As they walked, Barack and Michelle Obama held hands and Michelle even snuggled into Barack's shoulder a couple of times.

Time and time again...I have been impressed with the husband and father that Barack Obama is. He has his priorities straight. He is a family man. He loves his wife and his kids. If he can lead this country with the intensity that he loves and leads his family...I know that he will do a great job.

These Boots are Made for Walking...

This past Fall, we went on a road trip to Estes Park, Colorado. While we were there, I saw these darling boots at one of the local shops. I immediately fell in love and had to have them. I tried to resist at first, but on our last day there...I went and got them! I am so glad that I did. Elizabeth looks absolutely adorable wearing them.


When we got home, I discovered that Elizabeth had this lil' cowgirl outfit that went perfect with the boots.


We don't know what Elizabeth is doing in this photograph but it is hilarious! Matt says she just needs a kissy face and she'd be doing a zoolander pose.


Here is Elizabeth just chillin' and watchin' some TV. She propped herself on the couch and crossed her feet. I just love this girl!

A Fun Little Project

I found the pattern for this great Newsboy Cap on Etsy. I have wanted to make a Newsboy style hat for Elizabeth for a while now. I was so excited to see how it was going to turn out. I think that this cap is so darling...and that Elizabeth looks adorable in it! Now the challenge is to convince Elizabeth to leave it on.

I am hoping to add a fun flower and a funky button!


Supplies Used for 12-24 month size:
Crochet Hook Sizes- 3.00mm, 3.50mm, 5.50mm, 6.00mm
One Hank (120 yards) of Blue Sky Alpaca 100% dyed cotton in Azul