Here Comes the Bride

Lest you thought I was kidding in yesterday's post. Today, Bella played "weddding" all day long, designing quite the gown and veil for herself. The finishing touch was Nana's mardi gras beads. She makes a beautiful bride, don't you think?

The Atlantic

John got his first toe dip in the Atlantic over the weekend. Bella, on the other hand, submerged herself. The water was so nice - it's true - I am not just saying that! As soon as we got to the beach, Isabella delighted in running in and out of the water and searching for shells. Mommy had the workout, I mean pleasure, of accompanying her in and out of the water while Daddy dipped in John's feet. We were at the beach by 8am on Saturday morning and it was the perfect way to start the day. On Friday night Bella and Dave indulged in boardwalk ice cream and I got my first fresly squeezed lemonade of the season. Poor John, he got nothing but mommy's milk. Soon, little one, very soon.

Congratulations, Jennifer.

Our beautiful niece, Jennifer had her special day this past weekend in Ocean City Maryland. She made a stunning bride and it is quite apparent that her and her new husband are refreshingly in love. We were so happy to celebrate with her on her wedding day. Bella is still talking about Jennifer, the bride with the Cinderella dress. In fact, she just wrapped herself in towels and beads and asked if she looked like Jennifer. This was my first daytime wedding (not that I've been to that many weddings in my life!), but it was so nice - so relaxed - so family friendly. When you think about it, that's what weddings should be. Speaking of marriages, one of my favorite websites - www.heavenlyhomemakers.com has a great post today on marriage. It is certainly worth reading.

John's First Visit to Hollyridge Farm

John made his first visit to Hollyridge Farm recently. He enjoyed getting to meet his Mom Mom and Pop Pop and Aunts Dottie and Sue with cousin Crystal. Bella got special attention too and had a fun time like always. John was welcomed into the family when he got to sit in the official Pop Pop chair with the other John White. As you can see from the pictures, John really likes the Pop Pop chair just as Isabella did on her first visit. Mom Mom took good care of everyone, making us feel at home and making some delicious meals for us. Thank you! Thank You!

Pink Snow

Isabella calls, "Mom make it rain on me." And I shake the branches as the last of the cherry blossom petals fall to the ground.

Easter 2010

This Easter was truly a glorious one and so symbolic. Perhaps our Lent was more fruitful than usual, letting us truly relish in the Ressurection. Perhaps the sunshine and blue skies inspired the soul after the long dark winter. All I know is that all of creation was singing praise on Easter morning and we couldn't be happier.

Mommy's one request for an Easter picture as a family of four was met with toddler dismay and a squinting handsome husband, but I am sharing it anyway!

John got to meet his extended family which he loved because he is such a ham! He even napped during the celebration, falling asleep while Grandma was pinching his thighs. (On a side note, how come my kids take naps at other people's homes, but not mine!!!) Spending time with her cousins was the highlight of Bella's day. She also enjoyed sneaking jelly beans to her friend Grace (hopefully Fran is not reading this). And Aunt Barb planned a very special Easter Egg Hunt for the little ones. Bella's older cousin, Samantha, is a little mother to her, attending to all of Bella's needs. As if that wasn't enough, Papa was sneaking ice cream to the kids outside before dessert. (Yes, I knew about that).

Check out Nana with her 7 great grand children.

The only missing element of our day was Belgian chocolate. I mean my sister.

Our Little Man

I know, I know. I've been behind on posts. Before you think that I simply couldn't get my act together managing life with two kids (ahem - you didn't actually think that, did you?) let me tell you about the 3 month rule. If you are a mom, then you know the 3 month rule. If you are not a mom, then I will fill you in on the details. The 3 month rule is that after you have a baby, you have 3 months to get it together. Usually, you are excused from ANYTHING in the 3 month post partum period. Why? Because you are still recovering from having a baby and you are in baby bliss, savoring those early moments. Anyway, John is now almost 4 months and the 3 month rule has expired, but that is ok b/c I really did max it out and I really do have my act together now (relatively speaking, that is).

So, here is our little man. He is so absolutely adorable and pleasant. He NEVER sleeps during the day, and for such a sleep deprived babe, he is always smiling and laughing. I only met one other babe that never slept. Her name is Isabella.