Walk with the girls

I wrote this post a few weeks ago and I guess I never posted it. We took a special walk after Shiloh was born and while trying to get Elliott born.

Motivated by the beautiful weather, trying to begin labor and getting Sofia out of the house... we went on a walk this evening. Audrey and Sofia were absolutely precious! I think they really missed each other after not seeing each other for a week. Here are some pictures of the Cousin love!
Having piggy back rides

Picking dandelions

Blowing dandelions

Smelling the flowers (don't tell them they are just plants)

Jumping off curbs

Making "grass angels"

Running

Listening for birdies

Sherwood Gardens

Less than 2 miles from our house, there is an amazing neighborhood called Guilford. (one of the reasons I fell in love with Baltimore.) In the middle of the neighborhood is Sherwood Gardens. Every year the association plants 80,000 bulbs of dozens of varies of tulips. On Memorial Day weekend, people from the community are welcomed to come dig up and purchase the bulbs. Last year, I was in California and did not own a house yet. This year, I (probably my husband since I will be holding a newborn) will be digging up some bulbs for 25 cents each to plant in our garden. The tulips were amazing! Audrey and I had a chance to visit the gardens on Tuesday after one of my doctor's appointments. Here are some pictures from our visit.

Welcome Shiloh Ariel!

Our niece was born April 17th, weighing in at 7.9 lbs and measuring 19 3.4 inches.

Congrats to George and Stef!

Proud Auntie and Uncle!

We were blessed that she was born while my dad was here, He was able to watch Audrey while we went to the hospital to visit. The hospitals have the siblings only rule since swine flu flare.

My Dad's Visit

My dad was scheduled to visit and help us work on the house back in February but was delayed by four feet of snow. He was able to reschedule and came last week. We had a wonderful time together and got lots of projects done. Audrey loved having her Grandpa around and tried very hard to steal his attention away from all the house projects. She also tried to "help," handing him all the tools at once. He got to see all sides of her... the energetic constant talker and the sick cuddle bug.

They built a bird house together.

Sick girl getting some cuddles.

Plumbing projects throughout the house was a priority. I was happy to have a new kitchen faucet and water filter installed. He also hooked up our ice maker, from which all of our summer guests will benefit. He also, re-vented my dryer, cutting the dry time in half!

He fixed our leaky faucet and re-grouted the tile in the bath. He made me a coat (actually apron) rack.

He completed numerous other projects along with helping George and Stef with some of their plumbing issue. These 70-year old houses have some plumbing issues!

I, (yes looking very tired here) got a lot of baby nesting things done while he was here... so the nursery is ready and so are we!

I don't know who adores who more!

Thanks Dad for all your hard work!

More Spring!

We are continuing to enjoy spring... being outside and seeing all the colors. I am so amazed how fast things change around here. These are a few pictures taken from our yard this month.
Taken April 8th

Taken April 17th

Miss Mischeif

We spent the night before Easter at Eric's Mom and Step-Dad's house to get a little extra family time. I thought it would be a good idea to get Audrey used to sleeping in her sleeping bag. The pack and play is not working out these days since she can climb in and out of it. She went down fairly well but when we went to check on her a few hours later, we found out that Audrey got into my toiletries. She opened all of the bottles, was found sleeping on a razor (unharmed), and painted herself and the carpet with my mascara and foundation. This was the most mischief she has ever gotten into. I thought it was ironic that though we lived at Luis and Cedulie's house for 8 months, we caused the most destruction in one over-night stay. She slept through the whole clean-up process and we decided that despite it all, she was still awfully cute.

Easter Pictures

We had a wonderful Easter celebrating with Eric's family. The girls had a blast dressing up and hunting for eggs.

After getting dressed for the day, Eric said, I looked like a walking Easter egg. Here's me and my egg. At church, we sat in the front row. I could tell some guys from the choir were talking about my belly from their hand gestures. After the service, they came up to me and said, "sorry, we woke up your baby." I guess they could see him move around in my belly from the stage... this is a very active boy!

Cherry Blossoms '10

Thursday was the first peak day of the Cherry Blossom Festival. I made my second annual trek to DC to see the blossoms with Stef, Sofia, Cedulie and Audrey. It was a beautiful day in the 70's which I don't take for granted anymore. Sadly, the pictures don't capture just how amazing it was.