Deck the halls ....

Friday night we put up all the Christmas decorations...I was anxious to start the holiday season with Elizabeth! She was so cute as she looked on while we were decorating....Every now and then she just would smile and coo at the Christmas lights. It was a fun night and one of many to come this holiday season.

Gobble Gobble!!!!!

We had such a great first Thanksgiving with Elizabeth. She was such an angel for us all day ...despite all the noise of our families. The day started with a friendly game of flag football with the Ruwe's...followed by dinner w/ my family .....and ended with pies with the Ruwe's ....AHHHHH...we are tired!!! She loved all the family members doting on her especially her Grandmas, Aunts, uncles, great aunts.We also got some great news from aunt Lisa....They are having another baby due in JULY! We are so happy for them and excited to get another cousin. I am happy to pass the maternity clothes on....it is fun to have a sister in law to go through all that fun stuff with.

Seriously though, Andy and I were talking today about how much this year is different. This time last year we were trying to have a baby! We are so THANKFUL for Elizabeth and she has blessed our lives in so many ways. We are also very thankful for all of our friends and family ...our lives are so rich because of them. Happy Thanksgiving, Andy, Erin, & Elizabeth

Bath time with Daddy!!!

Elizabeth still loves bath time and we still love it also! I am constantly taking 'bath' photos of her...she will HATE all of these when she is older. This particular Sunday night we all were getting ready to watch TV together (Jack Bauer returns) since we had such a busy weekend. Again...here a FEW of the many pictures we take of our little girl. I have had a busy weekend with my blog. As Valerie would say I 'blogged out' all weekend. hahaha...... Enjoy more naked pics. (of the baby of course)

BUSTED!!!!!!!!!!

Elizabeth was screaming crying on Sunday morning ...she was reading the sport's page and she could not make out some of the words and desperately needed her glasses. I looked everywhere and she just kept yelling at me and screaming for them. Then I found THIS shocking evidence..... Uncle Joey pretended to come see Elizabeth but all he wanted was her designer lenses. You should be ashamed of yourself Joey....she is a young child & you really disappointed her. I calmed her down but she still refuses to come to the wedding. Andy & I will still be there because we know she is being irrational. ( hahahhahah.....) - Sorry Joey, couldn't resist.

Saturday night with Mommy

Saturday night while Andy was at the UC game Elizabeth and I had a nice night together relaxing. It was just what we needed after a busy first week back at work. We snuggled in our jammies on the couch and even had some unexpected visitors. Uncle Joey & aunt Jen stopped by after eating dinner in the area. They looked so nice all dressed up that I had to take some pictures. They were both so cute with Elizabeth and she loved the attention. After they left, Elizabeth fell asleep with her glasses on again! She was reading 'What to expect the first year' and fell fast asleep on the book.

Caring for Colt

Friday night we were able to help a friend in need. Brigid (Sullivan) Bennett's son Colt has been in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at Children's hospital since Febuary of this year. Colt was diagnosed with a diaphramic hernia and has underwent several surgeries this year. He has had MANY complications and the family is still staying so positive. Friday night, a bunch of people were able to get together and finally help out with a benefit that 100% of the proceeds went to the family. It was so nice to see a good turn out and all the great donations that people made. I really hope that this helps them with all the medical bills that are piling up. It was nice to do something for Brigid because she is the sweetest person who would do anything for anyone in need. She is such a strong person and I admire her very much! Especially during the holiday season...Please keep the Bennett's in your prayers.

Here are some pictures of the little guy...He is ADORABLE!!!!

Bittersweet.

Today was very bittersweet for me...It was my first day back at work and I had very mixed emotions. Andy was able to drop Lizzie off at her babysitters and I was to pick her up - The much better part of the deal if you ask me. I did wonderful all day and even had fun. I relized that I missed a lot of people at work and felt refreshed after being off so long! BUT, towards the end of the day it starting to get really bad. IT referring to the NEED to hold my baby & that I was 'incomplete' somehow. Soon enough it was time to pick her up and get home. I cuddled with her all night & Andy had to fight to hold her. She was really tired after a day of playing with cousin Lydia which is a good sign! All in all.....The day went well and we all three survived. I want to thank all my friends, co-workers, & family for all the sweet messages & phone calls - All of that understanding def. made my transition back to work that much easier.

Growing like a weed....

Before our date night on Saturday night we got some pictures with Elizabeth since we were dressed up (rare around here lately) I could not believe that she is already growing out of that sweater dress and tights. It is the one she had her fall pictures in and I thought she would be in it for awhile. It was very small on her...that will teach me to pay full price for an infant's outfit - NEVER again. Little girl stuff is REALLY cute but they just grow so fast!!!

Friday night walks....

Friday night when Daddy came home we decided to take advantage of the warm weather & take a long walk. We bundled Elizabeth up...boots n' all and got on our way. We were very close to going in Molly Malones for a pint of 'Irish cheer' but decided it may be smokey for our 'half pint' - so we came home instead like good little parents. Elizabeth really likes her baby bjorn but only with Andy. I tried it one day with Valerie and it was swinging between my legs....I don't think I had it fitted very well but she REALLY hated it when I wore it. I will stick to the stroller!

Baby in blue jeans...

Sunday night cousin Joey & his soon-to-be bride Jennifer made us a GREAT dinner! We all got together for great food & even better company. Also a big day because Elizabeth wore her blue jeans for the first time - She looked like such a big girl! Audrey wasn't feeling that good so the girls didn't 'play' but Elizabeth had fun with uncle Joey & Jennifer! We are looking forward to their wedding on New Years Eve. We are so lucky to be such great friends with our family.

Thanks again Joey & Jen....We will see you at the shower(s)

When Daddy's away...the girls will play!

Andy was out of town for a few days last week so I had some play dates with some friends. Andrea brought her two daughters to our house to visit....Laney and Anna had fun holding Elizabeth & I couldn't believe how big they are getting. Audrey came over one day and wrestled with Elizabeth....she had her in a sleeper hold but I think they both got tired. I also got to go to lunch with Buffy and Camy which was nice. Valerie & I had a rainy shopping day that we turned into a lot of fun.. (with some funny pics. to prove it) Grandma even got to come down and hang out with us to keep us company. Daddy was so excited to come home to his baby girl. We missed him but as always had fun! Luckily, he won't have to travel for awhile.

I vote for Daddy!!!!

Happy Birthday Daddy!!!!!

It is a very important day in our country but I can't forget my Daddy's birthday. Mommy & Daddy went to vote VERY early today but I am to little. I vote for Daddy instead.He is so important to me and I love him so much. He cuddled with me all last night when I was sad and hurt because of all my shots. He is always so happy to see me and I LOVE when he comes home at night. I love you so much Daddy.....Happy Birthday!!!

Love, Elizabeth

P.S. Mommy loves you & wishes you a GREAT birthday.

Watch me roll!!

My boo boo!!!

Elizabeth had her 2 month doctor visit today and had to get all her shots....It was very hard for me and just a little bit hard for her. She is growing like a weed but as always, I was so glad she is growing and healthy! She is 12lbs. 4oz & 23 inches which is wonderful! Here are some pics of today with our little girl!