We're Back . . .

but pictureless!! We just returned from a fab trip to Tampa to unfortunately see off Graysen's Uncle John who left for deployment (be safe John!!!!) but to fortunately also spend some time with Gracie's Godmother, Kathryn! Of course the last thing I asked when I left was "where is the camera?" and then left it behind. Although in my defense I was traveling ALONE with a 3 month old and was stressed (and drunk once I got on the plane, is it OK to breastfeed and drink wine at the same time? JK!). It was all worth it though to be there! Auntie Kathryn lost her camera charger like 2 years ago and still hasn't found it :-) so I only have pictures from my phone! So at least we have these!

We had a blast and loved Tampa (K's home seriously looks like it belongs in a magazine . . . I kept telling her what a grown up she is!!) although it was the coldest weather of the year and I was hell bent to get Gracie in a swim suit! HA! She did get to wear her sunglasses and have a mental breakdown while I was trying on bridesmaid dresses, I am sure everyone around us enjoyed that!! We did also get to take a trip to the bridal store to see Kathryn in her dress (oh my gosh . . . seriously one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen! I bawled in the store so we will see people throwing themselves in the isle sobbing at the wedding when they see her for sure!!) Enjoy the pics of Gracie girl with her Aunt and Uncle! Be safe John and come home soon!! We love you and miss you BOTH! Bunk, wish I was still there to be your wifey when you get home from work and drink wine!

She's Here!!!!! She is Here!!!!!!!!!!!! Introducing Mailee Elizabeth Hilburn!!

Mailee Elizabeth Hilburn made her big debut last night at 5:36 PST weighing 7lbs and 1.9 oz and was 19 inches long!!!! She is the picture of perfection from head to toe!! Caroline was a trooper!! I write this with tears in my eyes because I am just so happy for two of our closest friends, John and Caroline (and cooper's girlfriend Sahara too!)

I only wish we still lived blocks from each other instead of across the country now but I know if Mailee is 1/2 the friend to Graysen as you are to me, my daughter will have one of the most special relationships of her life! I love you! I miss you! I am truly blessed to have your family as a part of mine and I can't wait to hold Mailee and for you to hold Graysen at Christmas! YIPPPPPPEEEEE (as you would day!) She is here!!

We have walls!!!

Very exciting! We have walls in the new house! It is coming along quickly! Here are some pictures! This is the house our final paint scheme and design is spun off of.

I don't remember my Betsy Wetsy Doll acting like this . . .

I really don't remember my dolls growing up acting so snotty! So . . . apparently I should never have had a little girl! I have lost my mind when it comes to "decorating" her!! HA!! Jeff constantly says "leave that poor child alone!!" I can't help it! She is so darn cute and I love clothes and accessories!!! However, my little Gracie is really unsure of how she feels about all these additions to her wardrobe! She tolerates the bows . . . despises the hats . . . and loves her sunglasses!! I had to share these pictures because they are priceless. Poor thing really does cooperate . . like today I was hell bent on getting these adorable pants on her that have little built in booties with paws on them (Jeff says she is a human baby so I should stop dressing her like an animal!) and the lining was messed up and she patiently sat there for a good 15 minutes before I gave up!

"Not so sure what I think of this hat . . ."
"YEAH HATE IT! I have decided I hate it!!!!! Take it off"!! "Mom, I look obnoxious . . . take this off!!!"

" Seriously . . . Seriously . . . why are there still flashes . . . bow off my head NOW!"
"OK . . . THIS I can handle . . . Daddy and I are HOT!"

3 months old and life adjusts around us!

Happy 3 month birthday Gracie Girl!! Everyday your personality comes out more and more and everyday I love you even more than the day before if that is possible! We have our ups and downs you and I! This AM you woke me up at 4am sobbing and when I (very cranky and frustrated) picked you up you buried your face in my shoulder and just sighed . . . it may have been the best sound I have ever heard in my life. When you "re-awoke" at 9am you laid in you crib and babbled to yourself for 30 mins before I picked you up . . .the smile you gave me when I walked in the room was priceless. Like you were saying "oh there you are . . . I was just telling the ceiling fan my political views". Today you refused to nap, cried for about an hour, and for the 3rd time in our relationship I cried along with you. I was tired and cranky and just wanted you to go to sleep. Then I sat down and you laid on my lap and batted your eyelashes and smiled and I realized my life will never be what it was 3 months ago . . .and I am better for it.

I love you more than you will ever know Gracie Girl . . . and when you are 16 and hate me because I didn't let you wear a mini skirt or get your belly button pierced like Auntie Caroline or your eye brow like Auntie Kathryn, I hope you read this. I hope you read it and know that you are my greatest achievement and life is complete because you exist. Love Always, your mommy