Ma! Meatballs!

Here's messy face enjoying another Italian dinner. Love it when she enjoys my cooking!

Family Photo Shoot

We had our second family photo shoot this past May. Our photographer suggested this great location, the Lily Pond near the Lincoln Park Zoo. Emily was pretty good despite having 3 teeth coming in during this time. We are really enjoying seeing pictures that include all of us for once! 

First Visit of 2013 to Lincoln Park Zoo

We enjoyed this gorgeous day with a long walk to Lincoln Park Zoo. We took Emily here many times last summer but I don't think that really registered with her. We have a feeling the zoo will be a lot more fun this year!

Silly apes! 

Emily is not so sure about that tiger...Brian said his name is Mr. Woods. Get it. Tiger Woods. Ha ha Brian, you're hilarious! 

Emily was pretty excited about meeting a real cow for the first time. She is obsessed with her cow lovie so she was pretty stoked about the real deal.

Fun With Nana & Papa

Brian's parents were kind enough to watch Emily for 6 days while we got some R&R in Mexico. She had a great time with her grandparents and aunts while we were gone. She also got to visit and enjoy her Nana's childcare center, looks like she loved the new toys and new friends she made!

With Aunt Kaitlyn at the park!

Old People Are Weird

While in Mexico Brian and I came across some pretty odd old people...

 First there was this guy. He strolled on into this restaurant wearing worn, faded blue shorts, a ratty t-shirt, Etro blazer and flip flops with his pug dog. But wait, it gets better. This dog is famous! He is the pug dog from MIB II! And that's no joke, we witnessed the way this dog naturally moves his jaw like he's talking. We were obviously star struck.

Then there was this lady who let this little bird hang out on the top of her head for a good 15 minutes, minimum. The bird is a resident at the restaurant but that doesn't mean you have to let it make a nest in your hair crazy lady! 

We love the park!

Emily is absolutely in love with the park these days. Everyday she lets us know she wants to go by picking up her sparkly grey stride rites and bringing them over to me and Brian shouting "Eh, eh!" Emily code for, "Put these on me!" And if one of us is putting our shoes or coat on she thinks for sure we are going and does a little happy dance and pats her tummy in excitement. Feel bad for her when all we are doing is running out to take out the garbage!

She loves the swings and watching the other kids play and run around. She did love the slide until one of her rubber soles got stuck and she ended up going head first the rest of the way down. Darn shoes! Brian and I love to watch her run around and observe her curious little ways.

We like to get in on the action too!

Emily's 1st Birthday Party

We celebrated Emily's 1st birthday this month with a pink and pink party! Yes, I'm so good at creative themes... It was perfect having Brian back home to celebrate and help with all the party prep and clean up. Here are some photo highlights from Emily's 1st birthday. A big thank you to Brian's sister Meghan for being the photographer!

Emily's birthday cake from Sweet Mandy B's.

Reaching for the cake!

Emily's cupcake, not so sure about this...

Spoiled rotten with lots of gifts from everyone!

Enjoying her new radio flyer tricycle, happy girl! 

Easter

This post is a little late and to be honest I've been really bad about posts these past few months. Going to try and get better here!

Brian was able to come home the day before Easter which really made this holiday so much fun. He was such a trooper and despite the 10 hour time difference and jet leg made it through the whole day.

Here are some fun photo highlights of our day!

Emily checking out the goods from the Easter bunny.

Having lots of fun with bubbles!

Family photo, apparently Brian is the only one paying attention while Emily and I goof off. 

Our Easter princess with a silver spoon in her mouth. Typical. 

Happy Easter from our little bunny!

11 Months!

Emily turned 11 months on the 10th, I'm just a little late with the photo shoot. She's become quite the walker this past month, she still isn't crawling the traditional way, but can scoot around pretty well. Her scoot looks pretty similar to Golem's moves from Lord of the Rings. Brian doesn't like that comparison, but it's the best one I can think of!

It's very difficult to capture her sitting down these days. 

Was pretty fascinated by the snow coming down this afternoon.

Looking pretty chill in her shades.