Here it is:

Why can't things work the first time?!? Click here to see the new website.

New Website

New and Old

So, it's been a while eh?  I'm sorry.But I do have some pretty good reasons.  

1. I'm pregnant.  Yep.  It's crazy.  Though I am almost 12 weeks, there are still sometimes that it feels really surreal.  Don't get me wrong, I feel it!  Especially with Carys getting more curious and mobile all the time, it keeps me on my (very tired) toes.  And actually a cold recently was a blessing in disguise, because I couldn't smell or taste for a long time.  And if you 

can't smell, you really can't get all that nauseous.  So, a nice break.  But I'm getting back to 'normal' now after having the flu twice and that cold, and supposedly I'm starting to get a bit of a belly- so that's fun.

2.  Well, being pregnant, being a mom, doing shows at night- I feel like those are all good reasons for not being the best blogger.

3.  BUT.  Exciting- I've started another blog/website. This one is much more extensive, colorful, creative, and easier.  It's through iWeb on our new Mac, and it's very fun.  I am still trying to figure out how to get the videos to load quicker, so please be patient, but until then check out the pictures and blog.  

Well, I'm a bit sad to be ending this blog.  I can't believe that I have been doing it for a year already.  April 30th was a big anniversary for me- the day we left Virginia for Illinois.  It's been quite a year, and to know that we've all gotten through it in one piece, is quite an accomplishment I feel proud of.  

SO.  Before you take this link to my new website, check out past blogs and pictures of our dear Carys to see how she (and I) have grown.  Thanks!   love, Sarah

http://web.me.com/sarah.ev.mayo/caryn4carys/Welcome.html

These are a few of my favorite things...

Well, I thought I should share a few fun new things that Carys is doing.

• Touches the nose of the person who is holding her when you ask her to. Once she even touched "Carys' nose."
• Says "ppppstz" for UP when is in her crib and wants to get out, when she is standing holding onto your pant legs, etc. And usually it is a very-aggressive-alot-of-air-behind-it "ppppstz" not just a little "ppp" action. Funny!
• Loooooves going through Books, which she calls "BBaaaa-oo." It's actually more funny to see her say the word than actually hear it because after she is done saying it she keeps her mouth on the 'O' position, which she learns from constantly staring at our mouths as we are trying to teach her words. She'll sit through them alot easier now too, we usually make it at least 1/2 through before she tosses it.
  
• Can hum and make propeller sounds with her tongue (sticking out your tongue and blowing at the same time). The first time she learned how to do this she cracked herself up so much that she would keep interrupting the sound, which would crack her up more.
  
• Can feed herself yogurt and pudding with a spoon. Quite skillfully too.
• Signs "More" and now also says "Maa" with it. That has really helped alot..which leads to the next one
• Pointing. Amazing! Mike has made a few jokes at work that his 1-year old daughter communicates more clearly with pointing than some of his Communications colleagues. It is nice to know what she really wants now.
  
• Tantrums. Not too bad, but she definitely is exercising her will when I pick her and she doesn't want to leave. Arching the back, whining a bit. Never lasts more than 5-10 seconds (that I've seen). But I guess I am happy she's doing this, another way of telling me what she wants....it's just that she's not always going to get it! :)
  
• Says "Dada" whether I am on the phone, whether it's with him or not.
• Loves going through the Tupperware in the bottom drawers in the kitchen. Gives me time to make the food!
• Sweet with everybody. I am so thankful. I have to brag a bit- when I take her to the nursery at our gym I get the nicest compliments, from her incessant waving, to 'she's always so happy,' to one of my favorites when one of the girls said she was the best behaved kid her age there. :) That's all her, not me. If anything, I've hopefully passed on the 'love of life' mantra that I am trying to impress.
  
• Drinking from a bottle by herself. I know this is not very advanced, but it is still darn cute.
• Cruising nicely. I put this last because I am making this list partly to remind myself of all the awesome things that she is doing, to take my mind off of the 'yet-to-walk' portion. Not worried at all, just excited.
  

I know I am forgetting some things, but I'll leave that for next time. Enjoy the pictures from playing with her friend Contessa to the girlfriends road trip to St. Louis.


Sharing?
Out?Follow the leader?
Hand holding Fancy Dinner
Breakfast in Bed
Bon voyage Meg Super Trooper.
Congratulations on making it through your 1st girls weekend!
Thanks to all the girls for their help and love.

Fun Chicago Weekend

Surprised Elisabeth at work at took her out to lunch for golden birthday. My first attempt at making a home-made t-shirt.

Carys making quick friends with Evelyn, Elisabeth's niece.
The gang at lunch
Sisters extrordinaire! Flexibly showing off their pedicures.





After the Johnson fun, I went with my Dad to visit my Grandma and took this 4 generational pictures (excluding the camera woman).







Iiiiiii'm not sure this fits Grandpa.







Well, ok. Just this once! Cute.

Yep...she likes broccoli!

I was more surprised than anyone when she just grabbed it with her little paw and started munching. It was actually great- it kept her busy for quite awhile...not to mention the health benefits!

Springfield Day

On President's Day, Carys and I met Uncle Johnny and Robin in Springfield for a day of fun. We had a great time going to the Lincoln Museum, if you haven't gone- you must, but were not able to take pictures there. We did, however, get to take some at this old 1950's diner on Route 66 called Cozy Dogs. I had a great grilled cheese while they had the famous corn dogs which they are credited for creating. The picture of Carys in Robin's lap is her trying to spit out the 'dog' portion. Distingued palette.

Now You can comment too!

Yes, now everyone can comment on my blog! I changed the setting to that everyone who wants to say something about the blog can do so. All you need to do (if you haven't before) is to go to down to the bottom of the post and click on 'comments (there is a picture of a pencil next to the word).' You will be taken to a page where there is a big open box. Write what you want to in it and you can sign your name or remain anonymous, then go down further to the option 'anonymous' and tick that box. Then click 'Publish Your Comment.' And you're all done!

Thanks to those of you who do leave comments, there are just some days where I feel like no one is reading it, and it can be time-consuming especially with a little one. So I like to know that it is being used. Thanks!!

Birthday Party Pictures

It was a wonderful party! Carys was a doll during the whole thing, and looked pretty cute in her Janie and Jack dress and cute, sparkly, big girl shoes. I had a TON of help with putting the final touches on everything- thanks to Elisabeth, Jess, Robin, Christine, Krista, Jen, Becca and especially my wonderful Mom. Couldn't have done it without you ladies. We had fantastic guests from family, to neighbors, to an old Illinois Wesleyan professor, to the old owners of our house, to friends from as far and wide as Chicago, Springfield, and St. Louis. We feel loved! How appropriate that the name Carys means love (in Welsh, of course). Thank you all for the love you have shown her and us throughout this special 1st year. Enjoy the pics!

Carys Birthday/Valentine's Day balloons welcoming everyone to the house.

Carys and I on her big day.

Carys enjoying her first few, surprisingly dainty, bites of her lemon cupcake.

Big bite, little paw.

The boys eating the lemons that were a 'garnish' from the lemon cupcake plate. I think they thought they were oranges!

The Gorgeous Grandmas.

Johnny, Robin, and Carys. Totally unposed. Just being them. Hilarious.

Cousin Josie and Carys in matching shirts.

Erin telling Carys a really funny joke as Grandpa Evans looks on ('looks on'...reminds me of my old yearbook days!).

Carys and her friend Eva digging in.

The spread.

Carys staring ardorably at someone while Grandpa Evans and Aunt Ree have a chat.

The best way to end a great day, is having a cuddle with those you love.

Unfortunately, Mike was taking most of these pictures so I don't have him in any of them. But he took a great video of everyone singing Happy Birthday to her. We'll see if I can get that on!

Happy Birthday Beauty!

Carys' Birthday! January 30th

Happy Birthday Beauty
Birthday hug
Peek a boo!
Is this how a crown is supposed to feel?

Her 1st Pizza!  The table next to us was celebrating another girl's birthday-Paris!  Can you believe it!  They were very sweet though and brought over a huge slice of cake.

More to come from her big birthday bash.....

One Year Ago Today

I still barely believe it even when I look at the pictures. Today, last year, Mike and I went to an appointment after a long week of bedrest for me and was told that Carys would be induced on the 30th! The last appointment we had gone to we were told it would be early February (her original due date was the 10th), so the thought of having a baby in three days (let alone actually knowing when you would be having them!) was surprising and exciting.


It's an indescrible feeling knowing you are on the brink of something life-changing. The cusp if you will (thanks E). And it has been 10 million times better than I could have ever imagined.

10 Days Until the BIG DAY!

10 more days...
10 more days until my daughter's 1st birthday. I absolutely cannot believe it. Yes of course this year has gone by quickly, but slowly at the same time. Both Mike and I at times have been anxious for the next step whether it was eating solids, sleeping through the night, crawling, (and now) walking. But we need to constantly remind ourselves to enjoy every minute of it. And now as her infant days are drawing nigh and we look towards toddlerdom, I'm getting very nostalgic and sappy. I want everything to freeze. I want to hold my Beauty like this forever, before she is constantly squirming to get down and explore the world for herself. I am so looking forward to her walking around, putting words together, telling me what is in her little head and heart...but at the same time- I love guessing. THE FACES she makes! They just kill me. Of course I think she is the most beautiful baby (kid!) in the world, but what I most proud of are her expressions. They are so, for a better word, expressive! She reacts to so much; it just makes me think that there is just so much inside waiting to get out. I can't wait to hear/see/feel it with her.

But, again. Those first few days, the first smells, the first time I got to hold her, the first outfit, first time feeding her...all those firsts. Oh how I miss them! I just can't believe that she was given to me to take care of for life. What an honor. Don't get too old too fast please. I love you so much Carys girl.

Alma Mater Pasta

I have of late been obsessed with
a cooking website:
http://www.101cookbooks.com
I love it to pieces, has THE best vegetarian
recipes and she takes such amazing pictures
of her food too. So I was inspired to take this
pic of what I like to call 'Alma Mater Pasta.'

Get it?