There's a tooth in there!

Lauren's first tooth popped through her bottom gum this past weekend! She has been dealing with the pain very well overall, but does seem a bit more irritable in the evenings. Of course I haven't been able to get a picture of her tooth yet, but I promise it's in there. I'll post a picture when she lets me take one. She still poses each time she hears the camera turn on, so getting a shot of her tooth is difficult when she smiles all of the time. :)

We were able to take some beautiful pictures up at the cabin this past weekend. What a picture perfect weekend we had. I've decided that Northern Michigan is my favorite place on earth. I can't wait to share these feelings and many more up north adventures with Lauren as she grows.

Discovering sand

A beautiful evening on the beach




Lauren holds her bottle all of the time by herself now. She loves this new independence.

Outdoor pics

Here are some photos from our time spent outdoors this past week. Even with working full-time now, Lauren and I spend as much time together outside as possible. We even enjoyed our first family bike ride this afternoon. Geoff pulled Lauren in the Burley we got her for Christmas and I followed behind.

Ready for her first bike ride.

Posing for a photo in the backyard.

Discovering grass.

Helping Daddy plant the flower boxes.

Lauren now moves around by pushing herself backwards. She is so proud each time she gets herself underneath our couch.

Happy 1st Mother's Day

Geoff, Lauren, and I decided to spend my first Mother's Day taking a family day trip. We traveled about 2 hours southwest to Starved Rock State Park.

Mother's Day actually started for me on Saturday night when Geoff bought me a rose after church in honor of Mother's Day. Then Lauren gave me the gift of a little extra sleep as she slept until almost 8am Sunday morning. That was after a little wake up around 4:30am when Geoff suggested we let her sleep in her car seat for the rest of the night. She has been fighting a cold or allergies and was having a tough time breathing while lying down, so sleeping upright was helpful to her. Geoff then made me breakfast, we got ready and were off.

Lauren and I relaxing after our picnic lunch.

One of the waterfalls we discovered on our hike.

Geoff and Lauren on a bluff over the Illinois River.

We really enjoyed our day as a family. The weather was perfect (low-mid 70s and sunny) and the time spent just the three of us was wonderful. I am so grateful to have a fantastic, thoughtful, and caring husband and a happy-go-lucky little girl!

Family Photos

Swinging with Daddy in Wicker Park near Aunt Steph and Uncle Jon's apartment.

Last weekend my family came to visit and celebrate Mother's Day. We had a wonderful time shopping downtown, walking around the Chicago Botanic Garden, and playing cards/dominos. It was so nice to spend together.



Lauren posing for a photo with my cousin Jess.