Carl + Cake

Better a little late than never: Carl celebrated number 31 on March 29th. He is such a good husband and daddy. We are so lucky we get to love him on his birthday and always.

I made this amazing rich delicious peanut butter and chocolate glazed + peanut butter frosted + chocolate cake for him, not because I am amazing, but rather thanks to my friend Rachel, who gave me the recipe! All of the little tips were so helpful -- I love recipes like that. I highly recommend the cake, and celebrating birthdays! Cheers to Carl and many more!

Happy Birthday, Ann Leslie Baker Robinson - aka Mom!

Today is my mom's birthday. I can't really put into words what she means to me. She is the best mother, and over the years my best friend. She listens, supports and encourages, has a true servant's heart, giving generously of her time and talent, and is so loyal. She always used to say to me that I wouldn't really know how much she loved me until I had kids of my own. She was right. It's been so fun to see her as a Nana. At times she can be a tough critic, but that's what moms are for - encouraging the best from their children. Most of all, she is my biggest fan. The feeling is mutual. I love you, Mom!

Our little hoot turns 2!

Gracie turned two on May 26th! It's been a whirlwind - we celebrated four birthdays within a week's time. So so fun, but so busy!

Here are a few pictures to capture her special day. On her actual birthday, we had a low key dinner at our house with Nana & Grampy. Grace had been sick that week and wasn't quite feeling herself. But the Elmo potty book we gave her got a smile!

On Saturday the 28th we hosted a little gathering for friends and family. We are certainly blessed!

One of her favorite gifts was from her Uncle Steve, Aunt Sarah, and cousin Evy: her very own camera. She goes around with it everywhere shouting, "Cammy! Cheese!!"

We had her two year check up last week, and aside from being very very timid at the doctor's office, she is growing very well and the doc says she's perfectly healthy! She is in the 80 percentile for her weight, and 55 percentile for her height.

She loves to scribble, play, dote on her baby dolls, entertain and be entertained by our dogs, try keys in doors, smear on chapstick ("kick"), tote a purse everywhere, and we are just getting our feet wet now that it's summer. The pool looks to be a fun pastime! When we drive past Great Grandma & Grandpa's house, she always says "Gamma" and same goes for Mimi & Papa's or Nana & Grampy's. She also knows when we are about five houses from home.

Her little mind never ceases to amaze us. Just over the weekend we were in the middle of fixing breakfast and she surprised me with her first unprompted "I love you." Melt my heart! I need to remember that moment any time the terrible twos creep in! She's figured out the birthday song and birthday cake, and her famous line is "Happy to you." Happy two, to you, Gracie!

Carl turns the big 3-0! (+ Grace at 22 months)

Carl turned 30 on March 29th...he has accomplished so much in three decades! Grace and I are so blessed to have him as our daddy and husband. Our friend Amy (check out her amazing blog!) made an incredible bike cake. She is so talented!

Grace hit the 22 month mark over last weekend. She is a growing girl! Not a lot has changed since the 21st month. She is saying phrases more and more like, "All done," "All gone," "I go," "Ah bite (a bite)," "I tit (for I sit)," "Tis you (thank you)," and "Bess you (bless you)." She is also identifying things by their names more and more instead of just pointing and whining! She also has a growing fascination with trucks. She calls them "cucks." ANY time one goes by our house, even if she can't see it, she alerts me with a gasp and "Cuck!" She is also becoming more aware of her actions. She knows if she pushes a friend it is wrong, so she immediately turns to them for a hug or a kiss. I'm glad? Two is just around the corner!