An Evening with a Princess

Holding Evan for two hours didn't satisfy my Mayla Craving. When Friday evening rolled around, I found a few reasons to drive to Phoenix to see her. Jeff was heading to play church basketball, and it just so happens that my husband also loves to play a game of basketball here and there. So I self-invited ourselves up so I could see Mayla for that few hours! It was worth it. It had been over two weeks since I had seen her last, and she gets cuter every time I see her. Is that even possible?!

We beat them to their house by three minutes. Megan had to pick Jeff up from work. I paced their front porch while waiting, and then we studied their orange tree. Anything to keep me from missing that little baby! When they arrived, she was dressed in a beautiful little pink jumpsuit that had a tail! What are these people trying to do to me!

She ate dinner. Her favorite meal of the day (other than lunch, and the two snacks in between. Breakfast isn't so bad, either, but those two middle-of-the-night feedings are wonderful, too). Then I got to hold her while the boys left for some church ball. Megan and I had such a nice visit. My brother married the biggest sweetheart in the world, and Megan is such an amazing mommy. Mayla was one tired baby, so I got to watch her bathe and get into her pajamas. And then my camera battery died. But I got a few shots in before my world came to an end!

Isn't she just precious? I post these pictures for those family members who haven't gotten to enjoy basking in her princess presence, but my Mommy is coming to town on Monday to help T'liese and Evan for the week. Mayla will love spending some time with Grandma, and I already know it will be impossible to count the kisses she will receive! You should smell this baby...so sweet, so clean. She is a sweetheart. Megan put her to bed, but she cried until Daddy gave in and brought her back out. I got to hold her, and she finally fell back to sleep. I didn't want to give her up, but I eventually placed her back in her beautiful Italian crib. Such a sweet little lady!

I am already anxious to see her again...hopefully on Monday when we pick up my Mommy from the airport. If that work thing doesn't get in the way!

Well Worth the Wait

My sweet little nephew, Evan, arrived yesterday after a long, hard day for mommy, daddy, and baby. At 3:15 PM, Evan finally came out weighing 6 pounds, 5 ounces and measuring 18.5 inches long. He is such a cutie! I know they had a rough time yesterday, so I had to find something to do to keep me busy so I wouldn't go crazy from not seeing him! Therefore, I made cupcakes. What else? Red velvet with cream cheese frosting (T'liese's favorite), and some chocolate Hershey cupcakes topped with chocolate ganache and a dab of cream cheese frosting, just for good measure. Luckily, as soon as the goodies were finished baking this morning, Joe and T'liese were ready for some visitors!

I had him aaaaaaall to myself. I think there was something to my plan to visit in the middle of the afternoon when all other normal people have jobs!

He is so sweet. He is such a good baby. He only cries when he is getting his bum changed (who doesn't cry when that happens?). All other times, he is Mr. Pleasant and Content. Look at all that hair! Long eyelashes. Beautiful little button nose. We think he has T'liese's mouth. He came out as a perfect little being, and we are so happy he is here.

It was hard to leave after my visit, but I came up with an excuse to see him again tomorrow. My new nickname could be "Makes Lasagna After Birthing." But you can just call me Proud Aunt. I wear many hats. Evan is so adorable, and I can't believe he is finally here! Congratulations, Joe and T'liese! You are going to be incredible parents, and Evan couldn't have been sent to more wonderful people.

Cupid Strikes Again

The weekend came and went, and the hubby and I were able to spend lots of time together. I made cookies on Friday to give to some church ladies whom I visited Saturday morning. I love making cookies with M&Ms, but they just seem to taste better when they are pretty Valentine colors! Unfortunately, there were lots of leftover cookies, so I asked John to munch them down so they wouldn't thwart my weight loss goals. He happily obliged.

John walked to work on Friday and fell for the old leave-your-car-key-at-home-for-no-specific-reason trick. I have wanted to get his car cleaned for ages, and he finally agreed! The inside and outside got scrubbed and now look brand-new. It smells so clean and sparkly! Even John was impressed, and I think he realized after he saw the results that his little Corolla was in dire need of some TLC. That was his Valentine's Day present, as romantic as it sounds.

After John arrived home from basketball on Saturday afternoon, with a bouquet of flowers in hand, we got ready for our evening out. My lesson was ready for church on Sunday, which allowed us to simply enjoy our night together. We went to the Superstition Springs Mall and wandered around the Sears Appliance Center and the JCPenny Home Store. It's so fun to see furniture and dishwashers that could someday be in our own home. I can hardly wait! We got so involved looking at furniture sets that we lost track of time. As we walked to The Cheesecake Factory for dinner, we were overwhelmed by a huge line waiting for the delicious food of one of our favorite restaurants. We were so hungry that we decided to pass on the hour-long wait. Chili's still offers its 2-for-$20? Done!

We split some mozzarella sticks while waiting for the main course. I ordered a few mini tacos while John got a huge bacon cheeseburger. His fries were really good, too, but I can tell you that because he ate most of my meal. We then split the Paradise Pie dessert, which certainly lived up to its name. Dinner was yummy and fun, but my body certainly noticed the high amounts of salt and sugar after the meal was finished. Having carefully watched what I have eaten this past month has made me recognize how much healthier it is to eat at home! But it was a splurge evening. Holiday celebration, you know. Hey! Today is President's Day! Another one to celebrate? Not even...on the drive home, I told John it was good but not worth risking for next time. I will get a salad!

Sunday was church day. My lesson went well, and I love my calling. That evening, we attended a fireside where a cute old couple talked about their secrets to a successful marriage. They had been together forty-four years...I can't wait to get there with John.

It was such a fun weekend with my sweetie, and I sure married a good one!