Party Hearty!!

Yesterday, the day I'd been planning for weeks finally arrived!! Morgan's first birthday party!! I tried really, really, REALLY hard not to get stressed about it because, after all, it's only a birthday party and it's not like we were inviting the president or Martha Stewart or anyone who is hyper-critical! OK, so I got a little stressed out!! But we had a great time with our friends and family, and Morgan was an absolute angel! She loved the polka-dot balloons and trying to walk in those big ol' tennis shoes. Chris fixed delicious hamburgers and we had lots of accompaniments. It was a gorgeous day with a nice breeze, so we really enjoyed being outside. The tent we borrowed from John & Kelly was perfect - I attached balloons to it (LOVE those pink polka dots!) and the photo garland I made with pictures of each month of Morgan's life - it really turned out cute! After Morgan's cupcake trial run on Friday, I couldn't wait to see what she did with her little baby cake - she LOVED it! She went at ti with both hands and ate quietly until it was all gone!! It was so sweet! I knew she'd never finish in time to open gifts, so I took care of that and she got some great things - cute clothes, fun toys, and some pretties. It was a wonderful time to spend with the ones we love!!
I'll post more pics tomorrow!!

See you soon!!

HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY!

Happy Birthday to our sweet Morgan!! I cannot believe it has been a year since our precious little "bonus blessing" was born! I never thought I would be able to be a new mom again at nearly 40 years old, but Morgan has brought out the best in all of us! We have enjoyed every milestone and are so thankful to have such a happy, healthy baby.
Her party isn't until Sunday, but we celebrated a little bit today. She wore her "happy birthday" dress (& looked ADORABLE in it!!) and her new tennis shoes. After supper, she devoured her very first cupcake with gusto! She'll have no trouble with her little cake on Sunday!! I'll post some party pics on Sunday (after my nap!!) Happy birthday, sweet Morgan! We are so looking forward to celebrating many more birthdays with you!

See you soon!!

Remembering September 11 . . .

I remember September 11, 2001, almost like it was yesterday. The day started off like most other days did at that time: Chris was at work; Bailey, who was almost 9 months old, was in her high chair after having had breakfast; and I was in the kitchen with her, fixing my own breakfast and watching "The Today Show" on the little black and white television I had on the counter. I was watching intently just as the first plane hit the first tower. The newscasters were stunned and obviously shaken, as I was, too, as I thought, "What a horrible accident" until the second plane hit . . .

While my family did not personally know anyone who died in the attacks of September 11, it is impossible not to be affected by the tragic events of that day. Everyone who died that day was someone's husband, wife, son, daughter, sister, brother, friend, co-worker, mother, or father. And while the death of a loved one is difficult and painful under the best of circumstances, losing someone in such a violent, senseless way must produce a pain that is impossible to explain and even harder to overcome. It is my prayer that the families, friends, and co-workers left behind in the attacks of September 11 feel the love, support, and prayers of those around the world who are remembering them and their loved ones today.

See you soon!
Angela