Tiny Joys

Our friend Heather and her precious little girl, Emma, who just turned a year inspired us. We've had a potty for Chloe since September. Initially, Tom & I purchased it thinking it might help our sweet girl since she had been constipated so often. However, she DID NOT take to it at all the first two times we tried she wanted nothing to do with it. So, it has been a fixture all around our place...in the living room, her bedroom, sometimes the bathroom. She seems to be more interested in carrying it around than actually sitting on it. For the record, I'm in no rush to potty train. Although this is my first time trying to potty train a child, I'm subscribing to the philosophy that she will be ready when she decides she's ready. Our pedi told us at our last visit (18 months) that we could start introducing if we wanted to...it can't hurt, don't have any expectations, etc. I decided this past week I'd start making more of an effort to see if she'll sit on it once or twice a day. I think grand total, I probably put her on there maybe 4 times this week. I think Cole's potty that lights up and plays music peeked her interest? Anyways, tonight we put her on it before her bath and she went #1! She was rewarded with a dum dum lollipop...kind of funny since she's a little smarty!

A Halloween Filled with Pand-a-monium!

Just a few pictures from our busy day on Halloween. We started our day by heading to Luke & Hudson's Halloween Bash! We had a great time playing in Luke's yard, coloring, getting wrapped up like a Mummy! There were so many kids there and we had a great time catching up with our friends. Afterwards the party, we stopped by Daddy's office to say hello and wish him a Happy Halloween! Daddy was surprised...and we had fun visiting some of the ladies (and gentlemen too) at his office. Chloe was long overdue for a nap, so we headed home for lunch and a nice siesta. Once Daddy got home from work, we headed over to our friends house to Trick-or-Treat! Chloe loved knocking on the doors...and thought it was pretty neat that she got to pick out her own candy! Some fun memories included hearing her giggle, running down the street, her look of surprise when she got a trick instead of a treat as she was greeted by a black lab, and the joyful glee of opening up her candy and eating her M&Ms as fast as she could (because she was afraid that I was going to probably take them away at any moment)!!! She had the best time!!! Makes me look forward to Halloween next year, because I know it will be even more fun!        

A Long Hiatus

After taking a long, extended hiatus from blogging this summer...I thought you'd like to see a glimpse of what we've been up to the past few months (five, to be exact)! Here are a few highlights...

Our house sold after a day & 1/2 on the market!

Chloe was pretty jazzed to head to the pool for the first time!

We enjoyed a fabulous 10 days in California visiting our best friends, John & Marcie, and twin god children, Johnny & Jack.

Tom having fun painting the sidewalk with Johnny & Jack.

Me with my precious godson, Jack. I wish we lived closer.

Tom with his godson, Johnny. It was so good spending time with the two of them.

The Second Annual Babala-Conger July 4th Celebration! Last year we decided to start a tradition and promised to get together every July. We celebrated last July 4th together in Michigan for Chloe's Christening. This year we celebrated the fourth of July in California and went to John & Marcie's club for lots of festivities. They had a huge celebration...complete with BBQ, multiple bounce houses, sack races, tug-of-war, fair games, and of course great music and fireworks. We have lots of great July 4th memories, but this year topped my list as a favorite. Chloe had cotton candy for the first time...and the sugar rush must have helped her stay awake through the fireworks that started around 9:15pm Pacific. She was a peach...and such an angel during our entire stay in California. She might just be a California girl at heart!

Celebrating my 32nd with my girlfriends.

Fun at the Dallas Arboretum!

Those sure are some big shoes to fill!

Having fun after her bath with her magic Fairy Princess Wand.

Our beach house, Changes In Attitudes, in Seaside, FL.

Daddy's Little Girl at The Shops at the Wharf

After breakfast, we looked forward to long bike rides every morning to take in

the scenery in Seaside & Water Color. This was our third visit to Seaside,

and from our very first visit I couldn't wait to return one day with our family.

It was so special to share a place both Tom and I love so much with our little girl.

Chloe loved the sand, the surf, and jumping the waves in the ocean with us.

I really didn't have high expectations for spending a lot of time on the beach since she

is so young. However, Chloe definitely exceeded our expectations. We spent

almost four hours on the beach the first day! We were also happy to share our vacation

at Seaside with our good friends, The Malones and The Rissmillers.

We've been spending a lot of time at the Arboretum!

Chloe & Daddy at the Arboretum

WARNING: Panda on the loose!

Chloe at the BIG ORANGE PUMPKIN PATCH in Celina.

Happy Birthday Cole!

Just wanted to wish my best bud Cole a very Happy 1st Birthday! Even though you are younger than me, I still look up to you! We've had so much fun this past year. I hope you have a fantastic birthday! Love, Chloe Rose