We are so blessed little one – we live in one aMAZing neighborhood surrounded by friends and fun. We see most of them almost every single day. Here are a few highlights just from the last couple of days:

These pictures were taken in Laura and Alan’s beautiful front yard garden. I bet there are more than 50 types of plants in their yard. We often talk with them while they are gardening.

This is Laura and Alan’s kitty cat named Senior. You search for the kitty cat everytime we visit with Laura and Alan. She is usually hiding out under a small bush or something. You are a better finder than she is hider most of the time. : )

And then there is Hannah and her family. This night we started by playing hockey in their driveway (just before bed in your pj’s) and ended with running through the yard with Hannah and Timmy as their Daddy sprayed all of you with a hose. You got to borrow Hannah’s froggie towel – you loved it!

Bernie, the puppy, having a beer. (Bernie is owned by our college student neighbors.) You greet and pet “BARnie” (as you call him) many times a day! And you giggle and giggle as he gives you “kisses!”

Like tonight after our walk down Park Ave, we often end up hanging out with Roz, Katie and Colin in their yard, open air porch, or in their home. And, like tonight, Roz often gives you bunches of grapes.

Susie, Joe & Martha, Michelle, Anthony & H2, Robbie and his wife, Audrey, Keith & 2-year old Alexandra are also great friends who live on our block.

We are so blessed, Baby Girl. You bring so much joy to everyone!! You connect people, sweet girl… you build community with your eye-sparkling smile and sincere greetings. Thanks for being you!!

Auntie Amy is here! How awesome is THAT?!?!

Ice cream two nights in a row!!!



She is the BEST

Last weekend we celebrated Marissa’s “happy day!” Check out the two “drivers:”

Hey there Beautiful –

Friday night you and I chalked up the sidewalk outside our house with lots of pretty colors… it was then you and I decided we should spell Mommi with an “i” instead of a “y.” We traced your hand and mine, your foot and mine, and when Daddy joined us, we added his foot as well (and decided we would spell “Dady” with only one D… just to be silly.)

Saturday morning, we headed down to Highland Park for the Lilac Festival. Just before we left, Mommi got a wonderful mother’s day present from Auntie Amy – check out these beautiful flowers! (Daddy was helping you sniff them.)

These are the gorgeous flowers in bloom at our local park. We checked them out while we were waiting for the parade to begin.





We had a fanatastic time at the parade. With each new parade entry, you would excitedly say, “Mommi, look!!” You waved to all the people in the parade, and so many of the waved back, melting a little when they saw your enthusiastic greeting!

After the parade and a nap, we headed down to Judi’s sister Karen’s house for a Mother’s Day celebration with all of Judi’s family. You had the BEST time with Mark, Judi’s nephew. You read books and chased one another, wrestling and giggligng! My face hurt from smiling so much just watching you two!

Today, after chuch, we headed down to Charlie’s Frog Pond for brunch…. ate some eggs, made a mess, and giggled a lot!

I know I’ve told you this a million times, but I thoroughly LOVE being your Mom. You often point to me and proudly say, “Maya’s Mommy.” I’m honored and humbled and thrilled to be that person! Let’s see, here are a few of the things you have been up to lately:
* You sing your a,b,c’s song many times a day. “a. b. c. d. uh. uh. gee.” “h.i.j.k. el.el.el.el.p.” “q.r.s.” “t.uh.v.” “w.x” “y.z.” Today, during the church announcements when most of the congregation was quiet, you broke out in this song by yourself. We were standing up with the Gospel Choir in front of the church – most of the choir members looked at you with a wonderful full smile. (You kept singing 🙂 I love you Peanut!)
* You say “chocolate” now instead of “KoLaKock.”
* You are very good with using “please” and “thank you”… even when people give you compliments. When someone like the man sitting next to us at the restarant today says something like “You are so beautiful,” without missing a beat you say, “Thank you.” When someone sneezes, you say “Bless y ou.” They say “Thank you,” and again, without missing a beat, you say “Welcome.” As we walk home, you greet most people who are sitting out on their porch with a sweet “hi!” And if they don’t respond, you say it louder. : )
* Sweet words in your vocabulary these days: “oop i city” (oopsidaisy) and “oth” (off)

I love you my Baby Girl –
*Mommi

After a quick little day-long interlude with you and Daddy I headed back out for meeting number 2 – a trip to the “Big Easy,” New Orleans LA:

All of these pictures were taken for you! So you could see where your Mommy was and know that she was thinking about you!!

I love you Baby Girl!

The best part of my week away was coming home to you and Daddy: