Turn around, bright eyes

I know that a lot of you parents probably turned your kiddos' car seat around way before their one-year birthday, but I'm a rule-stickler always thinking of the what if's. Anyway, we finally turned ME's car seat around today and I don't know who's more excited...me or her. It was fun to watch her stretch out her neck to make sure that Drew was driving "10 and 2".

Happy 1st Birthday...really?!?!

I really can't believe that it's been a year already!!! Considering that I checked into the hospital on the 19th last year, all weekend Drew and I recapped what we were doing this time last year. For example, as we were heading out the door last night at 6:00 for Drew's company Christmas party, I realized that that was the time last year when Dr. S broke my water and I was freaking out because something icky was happening to me (that's another story). And I remember when the nurse was wheeling me out of the hospital with ME in hand, I couldn't believe that they weren't going to make me take a test to make sure that I really was fit to be responsible for someone else's life. Wow! It's amazing how most of parenthood comes naturally to you and how you pretty much forget all of the uncertainty that Drew and I had when you leave the hospital.
On to the birthday girl...
We woke up around 8 this morning, but she was ready for a nap by 9:45 and we were supposed to meet my family for breakfast at 10:15. So we let her take a quick nap, then headed to Cracker Barrel to eat pancakes. When we got back home, she took about a 2 hour nap, so you'd think she would have been in the best mood for the remainder of the day. I don't know if she's not feeling well, or going through a growth spurt, but she preferred to be held most of the evening and wanted her paci. Ugh! But at least we were able to get her to open a few presents and eat some cake. The picture above is her new beanbag that Drew and I got her. She got a ton of other great gifts from our friends and family, too. Thanks to everyone who celebrated ME's life with us tonight! Hopefully, I'll have some more party and cake pictures up later this week.
Mary Elizabeth, you are such a sweet angel. Da-da and I truly have enjoyed watching you grow and develop the fun personality that you have . We can't wait to see what the future holds for you. We love you and HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BABY!

Merry Christmas, the toilet is full...err fixed!

First, I'm sure I have to explain the picture of Cousin Eddie (and I know what he really says, but I'm not putting cuss words on my blog). It's become a Dees tradition to watch Christmas Vacation while wrapping Christmas presents in our house, so that's what we've been doing today. But before we could watch the movie, Drew fixed our toilet that's been leaking for quite some time and I'm very excited about it!!! I know cheap thrills!

Also, I have to let you know that I'm living an artificial life now. We purchased 2 fake trees this year rather than buying a real one. Even though we did this about 2 weeks ago, I still have a nauseous feeling about it, as I love the joy of picking out the "right tree" only to come home and discover the hole on one side, or that it's lopsided, and the fresh smell. But since we were gone over Thanksgiving this year, I didn't get as much time as I normally do to decorate. Plus this will give me more time to work on ME's birthday every year. The biggest selling point, though, was that I could get more than one tree!!! When Drew and I got married, he agreed to get a real tree every year as long as we didn't get a cat. So where's the cat, you ask? We still don't have one. I renegotiated. I asked if we could get an artificial tree as long as I could have more than one. So we now have black/white tree in the kitchen (which I'll be the first to admit is a little big for the space), a "traditional" tree in the den, a Barbie tree in the foyer, and we're getting one for ME's room this week. I'll try to remember to take pictures of all of them and post them later. As you can tell, ME was just as excited about the new trees as her dad was...

I'm aware she only has one shoe, a sight often seen with her, but she's happy isn't she?

I've got some news!!!

If you can't guess it by looking at my list of friends' blogs and see who I added, or by the clipart, then I guess I'll just tell you...I'm going to be an aunt, Drew will be an uncle, and ME is going to be a cousin!!! Yep...Brant and Kari are expecting a little one on June 23rd. The funny thing is that when they told us, we didn't quite catch on to what they were telling us b/c they're due date is the same day as Drew's birthday. But now that we've figured it out, which it just took us a few seconds to smarten up, we're so excited! I know we didn't find out what we were having, but I can't wait to find out what they're having. Mine and Drew's instincts are guessing a boy right now.

The City that NEVER Sleeps

I can finally say that I've been to New York! And now I know why it's called the "city that never sleeps". I realized it on my last day in Drew's dad's apartment (about 8 stories up) when I was awake at 7:30 am on my vacation due to the honking on the streets. New York City is an amazing place, though! As Drew and I said, it's amazing to think of how it was ever built with the subway system, grid system, etc.

We really had a great time. Since this was my first time, I wanted to be the tourist that did everything. Our legs paid for it, too! You really do walk everywhere! Here are some pictures of our trip.

In front of the Brooklyn Bridge

On top of the Empire State Building -- Proof that Drew can conquer his fear of heights!

Drew and his dad on top of the Empire State Building

In front of the New Year's Crystal Ball

I've always dreamt of going (actually being in it) to the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade. Although, I didn't get to sit right on the Macy's star like I had requested, it was still neat to see how gigantic the balloons really were! We tried to go watch the balloons get blown up the night before, but we got stuck in traffic and we missed it -- maybe next time. As you'll see in the pictures, our view wasn't the best. For some reason, everyone thinks that just becuase you're tall, you must have an Inspector Gadget-like neck and see everything...not true!

Our view from our 1st location (across the street, and on the other side of Columbus Circle). Obviously, this wasn't my seat on the Macy's star!


Our view for a while (children on their parent's shoulders).

I just thought this was funny...a mom on a step stool, with her child on her shoulders. We'll know how to do it right next time. :)


I know my hat is crooked, but Hello Kitty was coming and I didn't care!

In front of the Flatiron Building with my "designer" bags in hand!

Thanks, Mike and Ron, for being such great hosts while we visited. I really had a great time and can't wait to go back! Also, thank you to VeVe, LaLa, and Grandy for taking care of ME while we were gone. I know she had a great time!