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?