Happy 3rd Birthday, Hannah!

Three years ago I would have never known the true meaning of  words "tired, joy, happiness, and love".   The first 6 months, I'd never been so tired in my entire life, in the first hours I never knew what true joy and happiness felt like, and in the first seconds I never knew the feeling of true love.  In the past three years we've watched Hannah grow from a newborn totally dependent on us for everything to a independent, talkative, sweet, caring, loving, funny toddler.  Happy 3rd Birthday, Hannah Banana!  We love you!

My Montage 8/14/10 at OneTrueMedia.com

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

Happy Birthday, Jack!

I couldn't let the day go by without saying, "Happy Birthday to JACK!"  Jack was Hannah's first boyfriend and we will always celebrate August 14th as JACK! day.  We'll eat a red velvet cupcake, visit his bench, and do something unexpected and nice for someone else today as a tribute to the something nice that JACK! did for us......he made us realize that life should not be taken for granted, that it's a gift we're given, and that we much "laugh harder".  Kristen (Jack's mom) posted the tribute video on her blog and as I'm watching it, Hannah ran to see what I'm watching on the computer.  She knew right away who it was.  She yelled, "JACK!".  I'm so grateful that she remembers him.  It was so sweet watching her watch the video that I had to record her.  I told her today was Jack's birthday and she began singing him "Happy Birthday".  Tears flowed.......smiles....and tears.  Happy Birthday JACK!  Thank you for reminding us of how precious life is.  The red velvet cupcakes are on me today, my treat, in memory of you. 

Sneak Peak

We took Hannah to Portrait Innovations for her annual birthday photo shoot.  Like always, she's a ham for the camera.  Richard went with us this year and he made her laugh and laugh which resulted in some great photos.  I just have to mention the best photos were when Richard was riding around the studio riding a stuffed animal giant dog.  It was fabulous!  On another note......3?!?!?!  When did that happen?  When did three years go by?  I must have been asleep for the first year, crazy busy the second year, and this past year, I'm just now getting organized and have learned how to balance work, home, and family.  Maybe this year I'll learn how to play more, relax more often, and have more fun! 

Here's a sneak peak of the "I'm 3" birthday photo shoot!

New big girl twin bed!

Thank you to the Simplicity recall of the 4 in 1 cribs, Hannah is the new proud owner of her first twin bed.  She is so excited about her new bed (we are too since it was a Craigslist score)!  It has storage underneath the bed, which is currently the location of the dolls.

Hannah's Reading Corner

I found this really neat idea on another Mommy blog and thought it was a great way to store and display books.  Richard is super handy with a circular saw and a tape measure and VOILA'! A bookshelf!  I added some fancy decorative touches (curtains, rug, new bow holder, and a shelf)! 

Family Trip to Colorado!

We took our first official family trip.  We visited the fabulous Jeff and Gina (and their super cute 6 year old Catherine).  We spent the days touring Denver, Cherry Creek, Boulder, Estes Park, and the great city of Parker.  We had a fabulous time!  Hannah did great on the plane thanks to my super duper "mom bag of goodies" kept her busy and not trying to run around or fly the plane!