One I won't forget.

I was so, so happy that while I was in Illinois I was able to see my friends (including one of my dearest, Ali, who lives in AZ and had not seen her in over a year). We met at Katie's in the city over Pasta Bowl (Ali's favorite) and it was a "baby welcome" type of event. Let me tell you, it was wonderful to see everyone, and I was so happy to introduce them to Vivian and meet all the babies from Baby Mania 2009...

Obviously it's a lot different with many babies than our usual get together over apps and cocktails! Totally worth it through because in just 7 weeks I'll be baby/child-free for a girls weekend (more on that later).
(Vivian had a lot of "costume changes" as we got there early afternoon, had our little event and then had a sleepover and put in PJs)

We took this picture the last week in June...holding bellies

Now holding babies!

It was paparazzi taking these shots. Everyone had a camera, flashes one after the other!

Ali with my baby girl.

Lisa with Miss Vivian

Me and my little lady.

A Nice Afternoon

We were lucky that in all the chaos of our busy trip over the holidays we got to spend a relaxing afternoon with the Butschers. Unfortunately, Braden was sick and couldn't join us (and thankfully my family in Homewood was able to stay with him so we could still go).

Staci and Jason's son, Aidan, was born exactly 4 weeks before Vivian. Here are Staci and I in June.

Intrigued...

Hands...

We discovered we had matching outfits...

Aidan and Vivian must be thinking "What are you two crazy women doing?". Oh wait... that was Chad and Jason saying it out loud.

Vivian: "Hey... uh... Aidan... you are precious, and sweet, and cute. But I don't think my dad or my big brother will approve of you putting the moves on me".
The Mommas and their babies.

Izzy and Viv

While still in Bloomington-Normal for the holidays we had the pleasure to see my good friend Kristy and meet her daughter Isabel (Izzy). If you recall Kristy and I had the same due date. Isabel came 4 days early, while Vivian arrived 5 days late.

I look forward to these little ladies of ours getting to know each other through the years. Reminder pic... Kristy and I - 34 weeks. Our girls on the inside.

And so they meet on the outside. Precious.

Propped up and chillin'

Starting to tumble....

And boom... time for us to put down our cameras and help the babes (but not before we catch a picture first).

A Whirlwind...

We tackled a big day of visits one day in Illinois. From Homewood to Wheaton, to downtown Chicago for one afternoon visit, another evening visit and back to Homewood.

We started in the morning by heading west of the city to visit the Dauphinais. They have an adorable home we hadn't seen yet and it was about time to catch up again with their son, Michael.

Michael and Vivian check each other out.

Mid-day was spent visiting with some high school friends... (previous, non-child related antics were documented here, 14 months earlier). From left to right - Melissa, expecting #2 in March, (her daughter wasn't feeling well and couldn't join us this day), she is holding Vivian. Next is me, with Braden getting to hold baby Megan (born in mid-November)! Tammy is next, she's Megan's mom. Farthest to the right is Suzanne with her niece, Basilia! It was great to catch up with everyone, I only wish I had more time with them.
Last stop of the day was to the Dunbar's to visit godfather, Andy and his wife Amy. They treated Braden to a Christmas present and met Vivian. Look at Andy handle two kids... Amy, he's a pro!

D-Town... good ol' DeKalb

One of our stops in Illinois was Chad's hometown, DeKalb. It was well worth the visit to meet sweet baby Carter Guymon, hang with his parents Kyle and Jen... as well as meet up that evening with Brett and the Faivres. Chad with one of his best friend's son... Carter Derek. Sharing a moment and laughing together!

Flashback... Jen and I pregnant in July.

Us with our babies in December.

Vivian and Carter... born just 13 days apart! Carter was actually due Sept 24th and lucky for them he arrived early, Vivian was due on the 14th and was late! Almost holding hands! Sweet!

Vivian sleeping, here you can really see how much lighter her hair is getting.

Ansley is 9 months older than Braden... but towers over our boy (and he's in the 90th percentile for his age). I predict a tall, beautiful model in her future! :)

Landon had this balloon type gadget and it CRACKED. BRADEN. UP. He was hysterical. Best belly laughs, and it was contagious.

The boys with their kiddos. From left to right. Ramseys - Chad with Vivian and Braden, Faivres - Landon and his daughter Ansley, Guymons - Kyle with his baby boy, Carter. I'm happy to share that less than a week after our visit Landon, Colleen and Ansley welcomed baby girl, Corrinne!

A Ramsey Xmas...

After the Christmas Eve party in Homewood, we packed up and left in the morning and drove 2 hours south to Grandma Ramsey's in Normal. Chad's brother and his family live there too, so Braden got lots of time playing with all his cousins. Many pictures to choose from, but could only pick a few. Braden digs in... he loved, loved opening gifts this year. Between his birthday and all the Christmas celebrations and visits to people's houses... the kid practically walked through any door thinking, "where are the presents"?

Big B and his Uncle Keith

Grandma Ramsey with two of her "babies"

Kylie and her other girl cousin... Miss Vivian

The four older kids (Kylie - 3 1/2, Braden - 3, and identical twins, Jackson and Logan - 22 months) rough housed with each other and had so so much fun tackling each other, Marley and Grandma!

Braden with an evil twinkle in his eye. Watch out Jackson and Logan, he's about to pounce!

And after all that hard playing it was time to chill on the couch

Uncle Paul and Aunt Steph (remember them, they live in Seattle) also happened to be visiting all over Illinois for their holiday and made a quick stop to say hello and spoil our kids with more presents! Paul and Vivian here... and Viv is sporting her first ponytail! :)

Helping Grandma Ramsey make blueberry muffins for breakfast

Christmas in Homewood...

Our first stop in Illinois... to my family in Homewood. Every year on Christmas Eve they have a big celebration with friends (and family of course... but our family is small). Here are some pictures...

Vivian meets Uncle Jimmy

Vivian's first Christmas... party dress (courtesy of Grandma Carole)

Our family of four...

The ladies, 3 generations, From left to right - me, niece Raina, mom (Grandma Carole), Vivian and sister, Auntie Lou

The big treat for the kids on this night is a special sighting of "Santa". We've gotten word he may be tracking through the neighborhood and through the backyard any minute. Braden was very excited (you know, just in case you couldn't tell from the picture where he is holding himself up and anxiously waiting)!

And so it begins...

We have arrived! After a wonderful two weeks of chaos and travel to see family and friends for the holidays we're in Texas (although exhausting at times to travel with the kids for so long). Many, many posts and photos coming soon. I just need a few more days to pull things together (and maybe relax a bit). But so far... so good. And... it may take me a bit of time over the weekend to rename and modify the design. Stay tuned.

One last thing before I forget. When I lived in Dallas almost 8 years ago I remember that people in Texas were so nice. People assume the best of everyone. So tonight I went to a drive thru for dinner and after I ordered I went to get my wallet... only it wasn't there. My very cloudy and overwhelmed self totally forgot to grab my purse. (Do you now understand just how out of it I am?). Anyway, I pulled up, apologized and told them I'd be back and replace the order. The nice lady turned to her manager and told him. He said, "that's ok, don't worry about it, have a great day" as they proceeded to hand over a complete dinner... for nothing. I'm going back tomorrow to pay for it, I have a receipt (which they zeroed out). Just had to share how kind they were!