March For Babies/Chicago

Me, Tanesha, Lori & Anitra.

Miss Margaux braving the rain!


A kid walking on those new-fangled stilts!

Today was the March of Dimes walk and of course since I was involved, it rained. Hard! There was a huge turnout and I personally surpassed my own $300 goal and raised $620...thanks to all of you who donated! The M.O.D. is a great cause and it was heartwarming to see such a diverse mix of people out there showing their support today.

6 Months Old

April 24, 2009: 6 months old!

A half a year old already. Unreal! She continues to be an absolute sweetheart who is mastering the fine art of rolling over. Her two little front bottom teeth have cut through and she has realized that she can grab her own feet. Normal little milestones that thrill Mommy & Daddy!

Baptism

Made by my mother from my wedding dress.

Fr. Salmon performing the baptism. She didn't cry!

Anointed with oil.

Godparents Uncle Mike & Aunt Kim.

We finally had Margaux baptized this past Sunday, she's no longer a heathen baby! Haha. The baptism took place at our local parish, St. Giles in Oak Park. Such a pretty church. We enjoyed gorgeous weather leading up to that day and then it rained...of course...remember our wedding? Anyway, it was a beautiful ceremony followed by a really nice reception at our home with YUMMY food catered from Massa Cafe in Elmwood Park. Margaux was surrounded by people who love her very much...Byard family, Prater family and Chicago family. What a lucky little girl! Thank you everyone...props to Dale for the great pictures!!!

Out For A Stroll...

Aunt Susie & MVP

My parents and my sister flew in today for Margaux's baptism on Sunday. It's a gorgeous day, sunny and in the 70's and Little Miss Thing loves it outside! Aunt Susie discovered the tops of some tiny little teeth coming in on the bottom...explains the increased drooling and hand chewing! We pulled out the Hyland's Teething Tablets...here's hoping they grow in quickly and with minimum discomfort!

More Photos...

The wonderful hosts, Tony & Lara...he is packaging up his delicious split pea soup!

The tired little hostess, Belle, wearing her Easter bandana.

Easter Morn

She will be giving great smiles until the second she sees the little orange light on the camera and then...instantly serious!

What a glorious morning! We woke up to sunshine and gave Margaux her Easter basket in addition to the many goodies that she received from family and friends...thank you all! We then got her all dressed up and headed off to a beautiful mass at our parish. The place was packed with many standing but we managed to squeeze into a back pue and make it to communion at which point MVP was giving off a certain aroma...bad smell for such a pretty little girl! We then headed to Lara & Tony's for a fabulous feast with a fun group of people. (It was amazing but it's back to Weight Watcher's for me tomorrow!) In other news, Little Miss rolled all the way over this morning and we also discovered she is probably allergic to apples.

Meeting The Easter Bunny

Woodfield Shopping Center: My friend Heather pointed out that this bunny looks scary, not fluffy and white and Easter-ish at all. I had immediately thought the same thing! This was more of a Beatrix Potter looking rabbit, but in super-size it's kind of spooky!

Hanging out at the mall!

MVP met the Easter Bunny for the very first time today. I don't think he made that big of an impression on her, judging from her expression in the picture! I am told that by next year she will probably fear him, it will serve me right for being amused by some of the terrified children screaming and reaching for their parents today. I felt bad for the kids, but I was imagining the pictures and it gave me a chuckle! Some of the all-time greatest childhood photos are those that are full of chaos, in my opinion. Looking forward to a nice Easter tomorrow...

Growing Gal

She enjoys her bouncy activity center.

Not sure if that is carrots, sweet potatoes or winter squash on her face...she likes them all!

A lot of changes in the Little Miss this past month! She is developing such a delightful little personality. She continues to love music and being sung to, reading her books, watching Yo Gabba Gabba and cuddling. She smiles and laughs a lot, she is especially intrigued by a pink rubber ducky in her bedroom and by her own image in the mirror. She recently started eating cereal and fruits/veggies and she is doing very well eating everything we have given her. Lately she has been fascinated by the dogs, giggling and reaching out to them. She is trying her hardest to roll over but she has not been able to make it over that bottom arm yet...soon, I am sure. We have also made the switch from her carseat stroller to a "big girl stroller" where she can face forward...makes for a much happier little passenger when we are out and about!

Pothole$

Potholes are menacing and I think the worst of the worst are here in Chicago! Last Sunday morning on my drive in to work I had the misfortune of hitting a huge crater, causing damage to my front right tire and rim. I made it to work but not without a service call from good old AAA. The final tally for repairs/replacement was more hundreds than I cared to part with! (Alloy wheels.) I will be submitting a claim to the city but not holding my breath for quick reimbursement! Be careful out there, it's like an obstacle course!