Rainbows, Panera and Blue Bell

Utah is a great state.  Beautiful mountains & scenery, family-friendly, and no humidity.  They have many tasty restaurants, such as Red Robin, Cracker Barrel, and Zupas.  Plus, it has awesome children consignment stores.  But there are three things that would make Utah even better.

Number One:  Rainbows.  I'm not talking about the multi-colored arches that come after a rainstorm.  I'm talkin' about the shoes.  Utah-ians have not been introduced to the wonder of Rainbow flip-flops.  They are comfortable, supportive and match any outfit you have.  I had to search all over to get Bobby some after his last ones were worn out, and there was only one store that carried them... even then I had to order the Rainbows through the store because they didn't have his size.  Utah, your feet would be happier if you had Rainbows.

Number Two:  Panera.  We have a bagel restaurant here that is good, but if you're not there before the group of retired men take over, you can't find a seat and they run out of the bagel you want.  We need a Panera.  I miss their bagels and salads, and I drool when I see my NC friends talking about eating there.  Utah, your bellies would be happier if you had a Panera.

Number Three:  Blue Bell.  Everyone here loves Farr's, but I'm telling you, you haven't eaten ice cream until you've had Blue Bell.  The most delicious thing I've ever eaten.  Bobby and I could take out a whole gallon of mint chocolate chip in two sittings.  Now, I have inside sources who tell me that Blue Bell would like to make their ice cream available out here, but it's just too expensive to ship.  I think we should start a petition to get them to send it to Utah.  Utah, your scales would be sad if you had Blue Bell, but it's worth it.

Don't take this post the wrong way.  I love Utah.  I love my Utah people so much that I want them to experience these happy parts of life.  So, my Utah friends, next time you see me, let me tell you all about these three amazing things!

11 months old!

Gianna is 11 months as of yesterday.  This age is the best.  She is friendly with everyone (although shy at first, which started this past month), but saves those special smiles for Mama and Daddy.  She can still wear most of her 6 month clothes, but can also finally fit into her 9 month clothes.  Such a tiny thing!  As of today, she weighs 17lbs 10 oz.  And I can tell!  She has gotten heavier just in the past couple weeks, so naturally, the muscles in my arms have gotten bigger.  

So, here are some things from the past month:

Her hair has grown a lot, and we're pretty sure it's Bobby's hair.

She finally got into size 1 shoes.

Learned how to pull up and stand.

Can stand on her own (but gets nervous).

Says, "Uh-oh!"

Learned (finally!) how to wave

Actually chews intead of just swallowing her food.

Went swimming for the first time.

Her favorite foods are Macaroni and Cheese, watermellon and ice cream.  You should see her beg from her daddy for some ice cream!

Went to Florida for the first time.

Knows the words "No," "wait," "all done," "milk, and "more"

Spent more than 4 hours away from me.

Sleeping totally through the night and taking two long naps (although she seems to slowly be transitioning to one nap).

These next 3 are very similar, but they were all so cute, I couldn't choose.

The belly shot

Can't believe a year is fast approaching.  I'm looking forward to the celebration, but I'm pretty sure I'm going to break down and cry at some point.  She is getting so big and doing new things all the time, I just need her to slow down and stay a baby for a little bit longer!  What a fun, happy baby you are Gia!  We are so glad that God blessed us with you!

Imagine if...

Imagine if I had my own plane.  I could fly in for a visit with friends and family, watch American Idol with Kelly, have a date with Bobby while our parents watch Gia, and fully appreciate Utah's lack-of-humidity after returning from the South.  The only problem would be that I hate flying.

But I'd like to have these moments more often:

One is the loneliest number

"One is the loneliest number that you'll ever do

Two can be as bad as one,

It's the loneliest number since the number one."

~Three Dog Night

This is the song that's been playing in my head all day.  Bobby has been gone this week at a conference, so it's been just me and Gia.  Originally, I was going to hang out with other adults everyday and get a bunch of errands done.  But then Gia got sick, and I had to cancel hanging out with people.  This is how the poor thing looked for the past 3 days.

Instead, I've been inside, rocking the baby when she's tired and trying to distract her when she gets fussy.  I've had sweet friends offer to have me over and help me, but I couldn't really take Gia anywhere, and I didn't want to get anyone else sick, so I've been just here at the house, taking care of my sick baby.  We were able to get some things done on Monday and Tuesday, but then yesterday and today she's felt worse and been more fussy, so I've been stuck inside all by myself.  

Gia says, "We miss you, Daddy."

So, right now I'm drowning my loneliness in American Idol and a bowl of Death By Chocolate ice cream.

These are the moments when I espeically wish that we had family living nearby... it's okay to give them the baby's sickness, ha ha.  I know that both our moms wish that they could have helped me out, but just having them call to check in on me helps a lot.  At least I have Gia to give me snuggles and Nola to keep me safe.  But Bobby, I'm ready for you to come home!

Spring Teaser

So, we had three days of gorgeous weather: sunny, warm, and slightly breezy.  It caused my tulips to bloom, and Gia & I were able to just get out and sit in the yard.  I did some gardening, which ended up being hazardous to my health.  I got a splinter 1/2 inch long stuck in my thumb (thank you to my neighbor for saving my thumb with your pocket knife), and then the rose bush stuck me and made me bleed.  Remind me why I bother getting the dandelions out?

However, the weather has turned cold, rainy and windy.  Gia and I got one more walk in before the rain came, but now it's nasty outside.  And, according to the news, it's supposed to stay this way for four days.  What a tease.  I love the snow and the cold of winters here in Utah, but after 4+ months of it, I'm ready for spring!

At least I got some cute pictures while we had the sun.

Praisin' the Lord for the beautiful weather!

Easter Scene from Steel Magnolias

Remember that ending scene from Steel Magnolias, where they are at the Easter Egg hunt with Jack?  And remember the scene in the beginning of the movie where they talk about hacking into the ugly armadillo cake?  Combine those two mental images, and you have our experience.  Not only was there an Easter bunny at our community hunt, but there was also a person dressed up like an armadillo.  That's right, nothing says "Happy Easter" like getting your picture taken with a giant armadillo.  I meant to get a picture of it, but forgot.

Today Bobby, Gia and I woke up early to go down to the local Easter Egg Hunt.  Let's just say that we were not even 2 minutes late, and all the eggs were gone.  The hunt was so over that people were all leaving just as we were just getting to the park.  To be fair, I was warned by our city news letter that this would happen if we were late, but good luck getting us out of the house on time on a Saturday.  Next year we will be ready.

Anyway, the real reason I dragged us down there (Bobby went with a cheerful heart, but would not have gone if I hadn't been excited about it) was to get pictures with the Easter Bunny.  I'm all about capturing the big moments of our lives, particularly all the "firsts" of Gia's life, so that we can share them with her as she grows up.  It also builds holiday tradition, which I'm really into.  

I wasn't sure how Gia would react to the human-sized, furry bunny that reached out to hold her.  Would she stare at it curiously or cry, making it impossible to get a picture?  But no, she LOVED it!  The moment she sat in his/her lap, she lit up a smile right at the camera.  My little ham loves any attention she can get, even if it's from a fake, large rabbit.  She wasn't scared in the least bit!  Apparently, all that time she's been spending with our big dog has really paid off.  So, here she is with the Easter bunny!  

 

The Man of My Dreams

Once Upon a time there was a girl with the hope of marrying a handsome, kind, Jesus-loving man.  She looked far and wide, dreaming of the day that he would ride in to pursue her, woo her and love her.  But most of all, she wanted him to love the Lord and lead her as they discovered His will for their lives together.

Four years ago today I married that man, and he made my dream come true.  He is kind, strong and selfless.  He provides for our family, puts his whole heart into our marriage, and would give up everything he has for our daughter.  He makes me laugh, hugs me when I cry, cooks dinner for me when I get stressed out, and tells me I'm beautiful.  

I always thought I would marry a man no taller than 5'6... Bobby is 6'3.  I thought I would marry an Italian... Bobby is a hodge-podge of backgrounds (and Italian is not one of them).  I was NEVER going to get married before dating someone for 2 years... Bobby and I got married 7 months after we started dating (or 9 months after we met).  For all the things I thought I wanted, God gave me better.  When my dad spoke at our wedding and said that he couldn't imagine a better man for me to marry, I cried knowing how truly blessed I am.  

When I think back on this day, surrounded by so many of our friends and family who love us and witnessed our marriage, my heart feels full and satisfied.  It was hard to leave what I knew: my family, friends, church & home in Boone.  But God has given us what we need, and blessed us with a strong marriage where we had to rely on each other.  I miss our family, but am so grateful for what we have... from the South, to New Orleans to Utah, following the man of my dreams.  I love you, Bobby.  Happy 4th anniversary!