Monday Funday

Shelby Pie LOVES being outside.....that has been consistent for a long time now. Whether it's going to the park, playing with the bubble monster, going to the pool, or "touching the ribbit" next door, she is always begging for some fresh air. It keeps me busy, but deep down inside, I love that she rather be outside than watching a movie or on an iPhone. Today, I brought my camera to the park and captured some action shots.

My Life in Fast Forward

Wow - what a month. May has been a humdinger....not in a bad way, but rather in a "where the heck does the time go," way.

For me, every weekend just zips by anyway, so when the weekends are jam-packed, time flies even faster. Each weekend this month was consumed by a major function..

Shelby's Birthday Party

Me leaving for a work trip/My mom arriving

Buying a New Car

Hosted Memorial Day BBQ

Phew. To some the above may not sounds like a lot, but for us/me - who has ZERO time during the week to get things done - May has been a busy month!

The most exciting news of all though is my big promotion! I am stoked. I love IGT and am grateful to be there and now, more so than ever! With the new title though does come new expectations and an entirely new job function too. I now manage internal communications. I am still wrapping my mind around that piece, but given the size of our company and given the fact that we have 65 offices around the globe - it's a lot of responsibility. That said, I welcome it. Openly, I wasn't expecting to be promoted so quickly, but it's nice to know that hard work and a good set of ethics will still get you ahead in life :)

Two Year Old Photos

Swoooon...

 

2nd Birthday Brunch Bash

Unlike Shelby's first birthday party that I planned for about five months, I planned this second one in about five days. I was so hesitate and plan anything until the floors were in a decent place. I am glad I just went for it and had a party for our sweetie.....we all had a great time!

We did a Sunday, birthday brunch. There were about 20 adults and 10 kids. Nice, but not overwhelming. We went with an Elmo/Sesame Street theme and Shelby was delighted. What time does one have to wake up to have a part for 30 ready by 9:30 am? Answer: 4am...I was POOPED by the end of it!

Birthday Morning

Because Shelby's birthday fell on a Sunday, we were able to celebrate her special day together. I picked up a couple cupcakes the day before and several family members had sent gifts, so we had enough fodder for a special morning. When I went to get Shelby out of bed I said, "Happy Birthday, do you want to open some presents?!" The first word out of her mouth: "Cupcake?" Welcome to the mind of a toddler.

We made a special breakfast and, half terrified she'd break it, I let Shelby use the red plate because it was her special day. I suppose we're not making memories allowing it to collect dust up on the shelf.

As usual, she could have cared less about her food, so we moved on to presents. We had the pleasure of Facetime-ing with Carli, Moose and Mowgli, she Shelby was able to open their gift with a live audience! She definitely understands the concept of presents now: something she wants, that she has to tear all apart to get to her prize.

After she tore into the final gift, she wanted some milk, so I gave in. I figured the cupcake request was about next and I rather he belly be full of milk, than cake!

And finally - CUPCAKE! Much to my surprise (and delight!) she did not eat much of it. She picked and ate some of the frosting, but was very happy to doing so.

Happy Second Birthday Shelby Clare. You'll never imagine nor fully understand the joy you bring to our lives every moment of every day! xo

Last Day at School....Being One, That Is

The Friday before Shelby's birthday I sent her to school with a tutu on. I did it last year too, so I thought it could made for a cute tradition and cute photo. The difference between this year and last: she is now faster than a speeding bullet! When taking photos inside, I can't snap photos of rapidly moving objects, ahem, toddlers, so most were blurry, but you get the point :)

I sent Shelby to school with some mini cupcakes, sunglasses for the class and some Elmo plates. I am hoping the school will share some photos from that celebration too. And for comparison's sake - here is last year before school:

Easter Sunday

Despite all the activity on the floors, we made a point to still celebrate and enjoy Easter Sunday. We started the day by "paint the eggs" in the backyard. As you can imagine, the whole project was a mess - Shelby was slam dunking hard-boiled eggs in dye, dumping full packs of glitter on single eggs and even gave a couple a tight squeeze. 

 

After the art project, we went to brunch. Unlike years past, we did not go to my friend Nicole or Katie's house. Instead, a smaller group of us got together for brunch at a Henderson, outdoor restaurant. Adjacent to the restaurant there was a very enticing splash pad that lured Shelby in all morning. Finally, as the morning turned to afternoon and the day heated up, I went ahead and let her run through, Easter dress and all! I did not snap any photos of that, but it was pretty darn cute!

 

When we got home from brunch all three of us took a nap...it was lovely and much needed. We had a little unconventional visit from the Easter Bunny - at about 4pm, Needless to say, Shelby didn't know the difference and the basket and goodies inside made her happy just the same!