She Has Arrived!

Scarlett Emma was born on July 21st. She was 7 lbs 9 oz and 21 inches long. Here are a couple of photos. I'll do more later when I'm feeling better.

Lane saying "She's just so cuuute!"

Ivy's First Piano Recital- June 19th

Ivy started taking piano in January or February from our across the street neighbor, Lisa. She loves it! Lisa says that she is extremely musically talented. Not just piano, but vocally, too. She says that she has picked it up faster than any of her other students. She will ask Ivy to sing the melody of the song and when she does she is exactly on pitch.

She did so well at her recital! She played wonderfully and didn't mess up once. She played Ode to Joy by Beethoven. In her book she learned it with half notes (very slowly) on one hand. At home she would practice it at normal speed and figured out how to play it with her other hand, too. So for the recital she played it with both hands together. She also played a duet with Lisa which was also perfect. You're amazing, Ivy!

In action

Duet with Lisa

They each got a gold medal with a grand piano on it. This was the best part of the whole night for Ivy.

Ivy was so happy and so pleased with herself. When we got home she wore her medal all night and all the next day and she kept saying, "I'm just so proud of myself." It was great.

Surprise Baby Shower

Carrie knew that I wouldn't have it unless I didn't know about it. It was actually really nice. It was more like a little dinner party with a couple of close friends than a shower, which was perfect. Honestly, I hate baby showers. I'm just going to say it. What is wrong with me? All the cutesy little whatevers and dumb games and all of that. And, there is nothing worse than hearing people's horror birth stories. The whole thing is just not for me. But this was perfect. So, thanks Carrie. I got some of the nicest gifts, too. Almost every single person gave me something handmade. I seriously couldn't believe it. It was so nice! So cute. Thanks guys!

Allison Taylor (holding Carrie's Devin) Carrie Chiapelli, me, Jen Andelin, Crystal Wilde, Natalie Hamilton (8 months pregnant) Prairie Daugherty, Lisa Marshall, Mindy Johnston

Field Trip to Morris Arboretum-May

I got to go with Ivy and her Kindergarten class to the Morris Arboretum. The kids each have a "buddy" from 2nd grade that they are assigned to. We rode the bus with Molly, Ivy's buddy. The Arboretum was beautiful and we learned so much about plants and trees!

On the bus with Molly