Our Adventure called Life

As we rubbed the sleep out of our eyes and prepared for the day, we were surprised to learn that a cold front had pushed through and it was downright chilly!  It was a packing fail as I realized none of us had clothes for such a chilly day.  We made due and ventured out to see the sites. After picking up Paisley from my parents hotel, we took a taxi to the September 11th museum.  What should have been a "quick" drive a few miles took roughly 30 minutes.  I was thankful that I wasn't driving in this horrendous traffic, but even more thankful that I do not live in a big city.   There were plenty of tourists once we arrived at ground zero.  The last time I was here there were still piles of ruble from the catastrophic events of September 11th.  Those piles were now replaced by 2 beautiful and peaceful water falls.     I was a little nervous about taking the kids into the museum, as I imagined it was sacred ground and I didn't want my kids shrieking and rui

                                    Birth                   11 Months                                   7lbs 5oz                 18lbs (+/-)                                19.5 inches              28 inches (+) It's hard not to feel the burn of tears threatening to fall as I think we are now 1 month away from our baby turning 1.  Our baby girl that filled us with fear when we first heard the phrase "It's a girl."  The baby girl that was born pouting, sticking her bottom lip out.  The baby girl that learned how to rule the 3 other people that live in this house quicker then anticipated.  That baby girl is already 11 months old. Sleep has been our biggest challenge since birth.  We are back to only 1 feeding a night, roughly 2am she wakes up to eat, then quickly goes back to sleep.  One night time feeding is much better than 2 or 3!!  During the day she likes to take an early nap around 8:30am that lasts anywhere from 1.5 - 3 hours.  Later in the day she may

As our party entered Club 21, I glanced at the swanky setting and the yuppies sipping aged whisky in their sport coats.  I sent up a quick prayer that my children would not break anything, scream to loudly, or spill anything on anyone other than their father or I. We sat at a table near the bar for drinks and appetizers.  Scott and I were daring enough to try "most" of what was served... I may have been the only person in the entire building carrying a diaper bag and dried cranberries, but I "think" our little group blended into the setting nicely. We headed downstairs to the wine cellar where dinner was waiting. We had to pass through the kitchen on the way downstairs which was interesting!  I was going to help the chef cook a thick filet, but since I was holding the baby I figured I better not get too close to the open flame. As the heavy door to the cellar swung open, I peered into the windowless room and felt my breath catch ever so slightly.  I&#

As we arrived at the park, the wedding planner met us and guided us through the paths in Central Park to the wedding location.  Rhea was waiting at the top of Wagner Cove for everyone to arrive.  I'm not sure I'd ever been happier for my sister than I was at that very moment.  She beamed so brightly it was impossible not to match her smile with my own.  She had tears her eyes as all of her favorites gathered in one spot. I walked down the stone aisle with Greg's oldest son as the violinist played.  The cove was beautiful with a small gazebo placed in front of the water.  Onlookers gathered both on foot and canoe as the preacher began the ceremony.  I let his words of love and commitment soak in as I glanced behind me at my husband and our 2 babes.  Even though he had a squirmy babe in his arms and we were slightly nervous Paisley would jump in the water, Scott and I smiled at each other.  We had survived getting to NYC, getting everyone ready for the wedding, and we w

The traveling daddy and daughter When Rhea announced New York City is where she would marry Greg, I was a little nervous about how Scott and I would handle two small tots in the big busy city.  Scott and I are always up for an adventure, so we were up for the challenge (plus, there was no way I was going to miss my sisters wedding)! My favorite little boy traveler The kids enjoying their first taxi ride Plane tickets were purchased, a room was booked at the Park Lane Hotel, and then we waited for May 27th to arrive! We drove to St. Louis and caught a direct flight to NYC.  I am constantly amazed at how nice the security screeners are to people with kids.  It was a breeze to get through with both kiddos and all our gear.  Wearing Lila also made the entire process so much easier as both my hands were free to catch thrown objects, wipe up spills, carry snacks and drinks, open doors, pull luggage, etc.  Both kids did pretty good on the flight and I don't mind when str