Audrey's First Birthday Week

This is how my birthday started out....with a big frown

It escalated to a cry....

and a temper tantrum.  Mommy had lots of fun plans for me, but I wasn't up for them.   I was teething my first molar, ya see.

I did have fun meeting dad at the park on my first birthday.

and strutting my stuff in my birthday tu-tu.  

wahoo.  It's not often a girl gets to wear a sparkly sweater and tu-tu.

I cheered up later in the week when Oma and Opa came to visit

They brought cake

and lots of toys and cuddles!

I loved the cake and their visit!  Come again!

Notes from the author:
1) Audrey's birthDAY wasn't much fun.  I planned on waking her up with a song and recording her reaction.  She started the day screaming...I'm pretty sure she ended it that way, too.  I almost joined her :)

2)  She cheered up later in the week (I think she was teething on her birthday?)  and so did I...thankfully!

3) Oma and Opa came to visit.  I learned all about teaching math using manipulatives.  I wish I would have learned math with manipulatives!

4)  Audrey hates sherbet.

Pickin' Pumpkins

Daddy had a GREAT idea

He took me on a hay ride!

What beautiful scenery!

And so many pumpkins!

Wave to the camera!

Family shot

Which one should I choose?

How about this one?

What's new??

1)  I've started going to Cross Fit classes.  There was a groupon that I could not resist.  It's definitely challenging and humbling me!  I love it and wish I could go longer than a month.

2)  I can't believe how much Audrey has changed the last few weeks.  Walking (while I hold her hands) is definitely her favorite activity right now.

3)  It's 9:42 pm.  I don't think I've stayed up this late for a loooonng time.

4)  Today I felt the need to shower before my workout.  That's sayin' something!  Now that Audrey is more mobile, I'm having a hard time figuring out when to wash up every day.  Oh the trials of being a mom.

5)  I'm on an organizing kick.  Containerize is my new mantra.  I picked that phrase up from this blog.

6)  Fall makes me miss MN.  Apple crisp, brisk weather and people who say, "ya know" at the end of every sentence...I miss that!!

Dash'n It Like a DIVA

Today, I was mamma's cheerleader!

She ran a Diva Dash full of obstacles

and wore these funny socks....do I have to take a photo with this strangely dressed lady?

All ready to take this course on.

Go, momma, Go!!!

Wow!  She has to run over teeter-totters?  

What a warrior!

Momma's friend, Steph, added a bit of flare to the race

Show'n off the Diva (squirt) guns:)

Joel and Audrey cheered me on today!  I had a great time and Joel stated "This morning felt like vacation!"  I guess I should run more races.....Who is with me??

Just Scootin' Around....

Hey, it's me.  Doin' my two favorite things.

Scootin' and stackin' stars!

WhooHOO!!  Sooooo, much fun!

And lastly, skinny jeans with a cloth diaper.  Adorable.

What's up in Jersey?

1) I got my hair cut for the first time in 6 months.  Holy. Moly.  Why is it so hard to get your hair trimmed after you become a mom?

2) I'm running a Diva Dash this weekend.  Obstacles, balance training and running.  I'm a bit nervous...especially since I will be wearing Wonder Woman socks donned with capes (this is a team outfit).  

3)  Audrey's hair is going through a difficult period.  I'm afraid to clip it back because I don't want her to eat the barrette. I've tried putting a rubber band in it, but she shakes her little head SOOO hard.  I guess she will have to look disheveled for a while.

4).  I would like some pumpkin pie ice cream.  Why is it that a carton of this delicious treat costs almost 6 dollars?  Scandalous.

Rockin' the Hawk

Good Morning!

Mommy, started snapping photos as soon as I woke up...

I guess my hair looks funny or something.

Momma wanted to show you the full 360...can you see the cowlick daddy passed on to me?

Fall Walks, Shoes and Big Smiles

Wanna take a walk to the park with me and mom?

Well, come on then!

Oh, look we're here.

PUSH me, mom!!  I promise I won't fall out.

Do you like my new kicks?  

Yeah, they are pretty sweet!

Enough chatting...mom's gonna tell you what's goin' on here in Jersey.

1)  Remember the race I ran?  I came in first place for my age group!!  Not bad for running willy-nilly this summer.  People have asked me if I'm going to run another marathon.  I'd like to, but I don't think I have the time right now.  Hopefully in the future?

2)  Audrey has become quite the little charmer.  Whenever I take her to the grocery store she smiles and bats her pretty eyelashes.  If someone does not comment on her cuteness, she grins at them until they can't resist smiling back.

3)  Do YOU want to help our little cutie go to college?  Well, if you do your online shopping through this upromise link, a portion of the sale will go to her future tuition.  This includes hotel bookings and all your favorite stores!  It's legit.  We asked Joel's financial planner!  So, far we have saved $114!  You don't have to open an account or anything.  Just click on the link, search for your store (includes ALL your favorites) and buy!

4)  I'm in love with the weather right now.  MMMmmmm......fall.  I wish it could stay like this forever!

Feeding Faces...

Hey, It's me.  The little bird.  I am in my favorite spot....my highchair.

Momma, finally decided it was okay to give me finger foods.

 She wants me to LIKE fruit and veggies.

hmmmm.....I'm not so sure about 'em.

You eat 'em first, momma.

Alright, I'll try 'em if you say so.

No BUENO!

Ain't no way you're gonna get me to try those again!
PS-momma wants you to know that she does put clothes on me sometimes...just not while I'm eating!

So, Audrey is eating chopped up tomato in the pictures above.  Obviously, she's not a fan!

Did you know it will be in Audrey's first birthday, SOON?  Really?  The 2 biggest dilemmas I'm facing at this point are 1) Should I have a party?  2) Should I feed her cake?  I really don't want to do either.  I want my daughter to have a special day...but can't we do that as a family? Parties stress me out.  Especially here in NJ where everything is done OVER THE TOP. As for the cake, I know I sound mean, but I don't want her to know that junk food exists.  If she doesn't know it's out there, she won't miss it, right???  Am I the meanest mom ever?