Philadelphia Freedom

Good Counsel Girls (minus Sara) - all married off now!

A few weeks ago, I flew to Philly for my first weekend away since Nick was born. While I missed my boys, it was really nice to have a few nights alone. I even got to sleep until 9am both days! My friends Sara and Steve from Villanova got married and it was great to see my college crew again. The wedding was beautiful (and the band was awesome) and I can't imagine a happier couple.

Annie, me and Joan

The bride and groom doing their infamous Double Dutch

Becky, Joan and Eileen

One year down!

It's hard to believe that it was already a year ago that I went in for my 34 week appointment (alone since Andy was climbing in Vegas) only to discover that I was going to have a baby that very same day! I can't believe how fast our little man has grown, but it's also hard to imagine life without him. It's been such a great year and we are so lucky to have such an awesome, funny, well-behaved (most of the time), and adventurous dude in our lives. It's more and different that I could've ever imagined and I wouldn't change it for the world.

Nick's birthDAY was actually more of a birthWEEK, which, given how he came into the world, seemed appropriate. It been with the arrival of my parents, Mimi & Papa, a week before the big day. Nick was lucky to be able to spend a whole day with them while we were at work. They took him to a toy store where he got to pick out his birthday present. According to Papa, Nick insisted that Papa also get a new harmonica and accompanying song book as an early Father's Day gift. Needless to say, Papa perfected Taps over the weekend! We spent the weekend in Manzanita where the weather was, well, typical for the Oregon Coast. I'm not sure why I ever expect anything but. We stayed right on the beach though and had a great time.

Being the popular boy that Nick is, he drew quite a crowd for his first birthday party. His girlfriend, Malia, was the only other baby he wanted to invite (except Brady who wasn't able to get a flight in for the party). He got lots of great gifts - new toys, clothes, and a cool photo album from Mimi & Papa.

I was actually out of town for Nick's REAL birthday (which makes me a terrible mom, I know). I'm pretty sure he didn't know the difference but have a feeling his dad will be sure to remind him once he's older! Luckily, Andy's mom came into town for the big day and Nick got to spend the whole day with her. She bought him a new car (lucky boy!) which he can't get enough of.