Annapolis, Maryland

Pete's company flew us up for the weekend. Annapolis is a beautiful town - home of the US Naval Academy and many quaint restaurants and fun boutiques. We had a wonderful time strolling around with Mia. She's already becoming quite the little traveler. Other than one or two over-tired, end of the day outbursts, she did great.

Here I am with my little side-kick. She was helping me navigate with the tourist info map.

Just a block or two from our hotel.

Little square where they had an outdoor farmer's market. We bought some olive bread, goat cheese and wine to enjoy back at the hotel.

Resting by the Chesapeake Bay.

Mia thought the grass was way weird.

Enjoying the breeze and comfortable temperature.

I think it was parent's weekend or orientation at the Naval Academy.

Somebody was all pooped out, but wouldn't nap in the room - stroller did the trick though.

Mia looooved the cookies at the Jewell & Associates picnic.

Ready for bed after a long day of site-seeing (we brought along her pack-n-play, but she liked to cuddle in our bed with a little Olympics on).

My 2 favorite people.

Big girl in her high chair.

Adorable.

Hammin it up.

View from our hotel room terrace.

Monkeys are not allowed on terraces.

Mia's Birthday Bash

Somebody was feeling a little under the weather that day.

But she toughed it out and was a real champ for her party.

Cupcake icing is lip-smacking good.

Now there's a smile!

Yummy cupcakes from Alessi Bakery.

We also had pulled barbeque pork and Cuban sandwhiches, pasta salad, potato salad and fruit salad from Liz's mom Cathy (the food was a hit!) and Maria's awesome salsa.

I made the sign to match her dress.

Corey and the pups.

Mia's buddy Ella checking out the dogs.

Chili chillin'.

Mom, Dad and the Lovely Lady

Hanging with the fam.

Some of the playgroup moms and their little darlings.

My honey bunny.

Somebody let Mia drink and drive.

The Corral's.

People sure loved that Mia Sangria!

A couple of Peter's.

Mia sure does love her little buggy.

Finally got to meet Lucky dog!

More to come!

We've been taking it easy since the party - poor Mia Moo came down with a nasty cold the night before her big bash, and is still fighting it. Since we leave Saturday for Annapolis, we're trying to get some much-needed rest so we can have lots of fun this weekend. I'll post pics of her party and smash cake probably later today or tomorrow. Thanks again to everyone who came out! Mia loves all of her presents and can't wait to see you all again.

Happy Birthday Mia Lily!

Dear Mia, Okay. I'm going to try and not cry my eyes out when writing this. It doesn't help that I just went back and looked at old pictures and have a big lump in my throat. You're such a big girl now. You've flourished into this lovely toddler that's so sweet and beautiful and smart.

It seems like just yesterday you were so small, with diapers that looked two sizes too big. We'd laugh at how the binky was bigger than your head and how your socks just never stayed on. They'd always slip from your tender, tiny feet. And now in the blink of an eye you are 20 pounds and 30-3/4" long and wearing 18 month sizes. You're gaining on my 5'4" fast, lol. You may have me beat by 5th grade.

Many moms have told me it happens quickly - the whole babies growing up thing. The days are long, but the years are fast. Any day now you'll be taking your first steps. And before I know it you'll be talking (all the time) and running around the house, begging to stay up late and read just one more book. Your hair will be long enough for pig tails and you'll know how to say I Love You. And suddenly in a flash, you won't need the training wheels anymore. You'll want to close the door to your room and play your music loudly. But let's just take things slowly, okay?

Watching you grow is bittersweet. You've opened my heart to a joy I've never known until now, and changed me in a million ways. I'll do anything, everything I can to protect you. And I'll always be right there to cheer you on. You're already such a strong, confident and aspiring little force. I am so proud of you. You are the light of my life.

I love you more than you'll ever know. Happy birthday, sweet heart. - Mom

A Very Special Dress

For a very special girl.

Friday Night at Grandma & Grandpa's

Pete and I went to go see The Dark Knight and then to dinner with Keri and Jaime, (also expecting their first - a girl!) so Mia Moo went to hang with Grandma and Grandpa for a few hours. She sure does love these guys.

Somebody got a little scrub in the sink.

All relaxed and refreshed and ready for her PJs.

Looking like quite the little Cubanita in this shot.

An Early Birthday Present

Coolin' Off at the Zoo

A New Style

I made this in a day's time. It nearly drove me to the edge of insanity. Not sure if I'll be doing too many more like this.