Amelia "untouched"

Oh there are so many things I miss about maternity leave. Of course at the top of the list is all the time with Amelia. Some of the other things I miss are not having to pick out an outfit for work, reading the newspaper at home as opposed to attempting to read it on the L (that is if I even get a seat), the extra time for working out, long afternoon walks with Amelia and photo shoots. I took an insane amount of pictures when I was on maternity leave and frequently staged photo shoots. We had some extra Amelia/Mommy time this week so I attempted to get her to cooperate for the camera. I personally think they are darling. The last one is my favorite. As you can see her nose is pretty dirty. When Mark and I were looking at the pictures I said something along the lines of, "that is such a cute picture but I should Photoshop it so her nose is clean." Mark responded, "we don't Photoshop our daughter." So here is Amelia "untouched."

Adults Only

Disclaimer: I saw this post sitting in my drafts and can't figure out why I didn't post it a month ago when I wrote it.......

Between preparing to move into our new home, both Mark and I working full time and most importantly wanting to be with Amelia 24/7 we don't get out with friends nearly as much as we wish. For all the joys of parenthood the challenges of juggling couple/baby/family/friend time leaves me carrying around guilt on a regular basis. Thank goodness for weddings and willing babysitters which combine for great evenings with friends.

Congratulations to Randi and Niko on their Big Fat Greek Wedding. In September we traveled to Kansas to share in Randi and Niko's celebration. Amelia spent the evening watching KU football and eating ice cream with GrandAnn and Auntie M. We spent the evening catching up with my girls from college (their men and a couple of baby bumps) who I miss on a daily basis! For those who have never attended a Greek wedding they serve you shots of Ouzo on your way out of the wedding. Sorry brides but that sure beats bubbles and bird seed. Good to see we haven't lost our love of the "sorority pose" and open bars. Congratulations to Andrew and Lee on their Motown Bash. Amelia stayed in Chicago where Grandma and Grandpa Lang spoiled her rotten! We spent the weekend in Detroit and got to catch-up with many of my architecture school friends and former HOKers. Props to Andrew and Lee for pulling off a wedding on a street (which one would typically drive down) in urban Detroit. Joking aside it was a touching ceremony lead by Reverend Gene in a very hip location. The party wasn't bad either and for those of you who know my architecture crew you probably aren't surprised.

Happy Birthday Old Man

Yep, Amelia's old man turned 31 a while back. Our celebration was totally wild and included:
a round of "so big" (Yes I know standing in her highchair is not safe. I was just so proud of her for standing up on her own that I had to take a picture), fried ice cream with a candle,
a homemade card,

helping dad open his gifts,

avocados (one of Amelia's favorites),

a trip to the petting zoo with Grandma Ginnie, Poppy and Cousin G (Happy Birthday to Poppy as well as Mark and his dad share a birthday!) and

and some daddy love!