Aubrey Letters: Baby's 1st Birthday Countdown

 

Dear Auby,

I cannot believe that you will be turning 1 in 10 days. Everyone says time flies when you have a baby. It is absolutely true. I guess the saying is also true sweet girl, time flies when you're having fun. I blinked and you are about to be one. I cannot explain how long we prayed for you. How I was devastated each and every month that you were not with us, but with that being said, I couldn't have imagined a more perfect baby. God knew you before we ever knew your name. He knew our prayers. I simply pray sweet girl that you have a kind heart. That you know your worth. That you love others unconditionally and that you have a heart for Him.

 

I love reading a book to you titled, All The Ways I Love You. Seriously I cry like a baby for all the sweetness these books have to offer. I melt every time. From your sweet baby giggles, sloppy kisses, baby play dates, bath time splashing, reading stories and turning pages, playing with your food as most ends up in your hair, dance parties, morning time baby babbles, and the way you say ma-ma, I couldn't have imagined a better job in life. You and your daddy are my heart sweet girl. Happy 10 more days of my 11 month babe until we set out on our adventures with a one year old.

 

Afternoon Park Play Time

Hope Park is one of this family's favorite places to play. This afternoon while daddy was at the Aggie game with Michael, Mommy took baby for an afternoon park play time. While she is still a bit unsure of navigating the park on our own, she will quickly take our hand and begin to explore. She was a bit more independent this go round. It is so fun to watch her interact with other kiddos. This last trip there were several little ladies all around her age.

This past week after school, we picked up Auby and had a fun filled family afternoon at the park. The little horsey is one of her favorite activities at the park.

{Daddy Baby Love}

 I loved this sweet moment with daddy. Oh how she has eyes for him and the horsey.

We also decided to try out the swing again. Usually she's a bit indifferent, but boy did she love it this week. We even received lots of squeals too! Auby also enjoyed the slide as she kept showing her sign for "more" and would quickly try to climb back up it. Well her sign for more may look like clapping and waving, but all so excited. After the fifth time down the slide, we called it quits due to the heat. I can't wait for the weather to get a bit cooler as we enjoy many more park play times in our futures.

Hours After Tubes 9.24.14

I was told that after surgery, baby would be feeling a lot better. I didn't know that she would be feeling so well that I would be chasing her around the back yard patio. I love the way she is loving on her Penelope Pup... or choking her depending on the moment.

 

My prayers for her are continued health and hopefully an end to our ear infection battle. To my happy baby, I love that you are doing so well. We are full of laughs...

and full of love at the Zellner home after our tubes.

Auby's New Ears

A week ago, I found myself at the pediatrician's office to check on an unexplained rash that would not go away as well as a lingering viral infection for baby. We quickly discovered that she too had hand, foot, and mouth like that of many of her classmates as well as double ear infections. After some discussion, he advised that after many ear infections, it was probably time to go ahead and get tubes. I went in to get meds for a rash and before the end of our appointment was referred for ear surgery (a bit dramatic I know). Our poor house had been sick for over a month. I only prayed that this would be the answer to poor babe's sickies. So after our meeting with the ENT doctor, we were ready to schedule Auby for tubes. Since the doctor only schedules tubes for a few days a week and with upcoming activities including her birthday and party as well as flu season around the corner, we wanted to do it as soon as possible.

Mommy's heart and nerves have been a little unsettled over the past week. Working in an ENT's office in college, I knew the logistics. This would be a routine "surgery." But when it comes to your own little one, the idea of an anesthesiologist and gas just worried this mama's heart. I knew this would be the best decision, but again is a bit scary.

This morning, we checked in at 6AM and were taken back at 7AM.  Auby was given this sweet little bear to love on.

We met with the doctor and anesthesiologist and within moments she went back. Within 5 minutes, the doctor was back in the waiting room and giving us details that all had gone well. Our little girl was her usual self... hungry, but lovey as always.

After a 3 hour nap and a bit of baby babble, we spent the rest of the afternoon playing. Auby's new ears are treating her well. A few little tugs have been made to her ears, but after a bit of Motrin and her drops, we are as good as new and hopefully even better.

The doctors and staff were amazing and oh so sweet to our little. I am so thankful for their guidance and understanding of this mama's heart. Thanks to our sweet friends and family for the prayers for our surgery today. I am in such good spirits and hope this will be our little answer for all of the sickness.

Instagram Baby Beauties and Our Saturday 9.20.14

 

This past weekend was filled with lots of family fun. It is so nice that we have a healthy house and are officially able to go out and enjoy some fun in the hot sun. Saturday we played indoors until after baby girl's naptime. When she awoke we had one happy girl on our hands. I love these sweet pictures of baby and daddy playing on the stairs. If you're happy and you know it... says it all!



 

This sweet picture is from our morning play time. I really enjoyed chatting with Oma and playing with baby. This has become one of our favorite morning hiding places. Our little girl is everywhere. I love her childhood wonder and sometimes even mischievous little personality. She loves to explore new things. This month she has really gotten into books. While she's not always the most patient little listener, she does love to turn the pages, point at the pictures, rip the pictures, and even "read" (really babble) and drag the book with her.

 

You are My I Love You

This book sure melts my mama heart every time.

 

 As October is quickly approaching, mommy has spent a lot of time getting things ready for Auby's first birthday party that will be held at the end of the month. The following day, we will be dedicating our daughter at the Heights Baptist Church. Naptimes are surely a good time to get the little to dos done.

After baby woke up from her morning nap, (understatement of the year... she slept 4 hours! I guess we are still making up from our previous weeks of sickness and 1 nap a day) we went on a little shopping trip to Old Navy to buy baby girl some clothes. Auby is officially in 12 months and she has outgrown her little 9 month pieces. Once our shopping trip was finished, we made our way out to the Plano Balloon Festival.

We had such a fun time at the Plano Balloon Festival. To read about our afternoon/evening at the Balloon Festival, click here.

So here's to our Instagram Baby Beauty and our Saturday  9.20.14

Up, Up, and Away @ Plano's Balloon Festival 2014

 This Saturday, our family went Up, Up, & Away at the Plano Balloon Festival. As a teacher who has been given free tickets for the past 5 years, I cannot believe we have not made my way out to see the beautiful balloons. I have to say that the lift off show, while a bit tampered with due to wind, was a bit small, it was so fun seeing the massive hot air balloons take shape and raise right above our heads. The company I shared was also pretty magical in its own right.

I just thought these adorable balloons were too cute not to take a few family photos. Plus one of the vendors gave away a small toy to Aubrey and a sucker to her parents. Look like she got the best end of the deal. A small little taste was all she received, but boy was she eyeing me the whole time I had the sucker in my mouth. Not too worried about our little sweet enjoying her sweet tooth for her upcoming birthday party.

{Daddy giving Auby her 1st Lollipop}

{Mommy/daughter Balloon Fun}

 

 

The festival was packed with vendors, food stands, games and galore. While it was a bit hot, we decided we couldn't leave the festival without sharing a funnel cake and some McAlister's sweet tea. Looks like Auby got her sweet tooth from her mama!

After a quick bite, we made our way to the field and found a spot on the grass. Sadly this being our first balloon fest were a bit unprepared, but quickly made due. We let the stroller shield our girl from the direct sun, and watched the sky divers before the hot air balloon lift off. It amazes me that people jump from perfectly good planes, but seriously how cool was this!

After a 10-20 minute wait on the wind conditions, the first balloon took flight. It was amazing to see just how close they were and how grand in size. The crowds cheered!

Of course many of the themed air balloons were a bit further away. The poor pirate just didn't take wind and I missed the flying pig that I was so excited to see, but still a great showing.

{Themed Hot Air Balloons}

Our little family of three sure had a fun time at the festival. Auby really did do a great job. She definitely needed a few small breaks out of her stroller to run around and watch the bigger kids.

 

By 7PM, our babe was over it. She was a bit fussy and ready for her night time bottle and bed. So we said good-bye to the balloons and a quick night-night, and made our 3/4 mile walk back to the Plano Centre for the night. Happy Plano Balloon Festival 2014. I surely can't wait for the next.

 

September Somethings in 2014!

The month of September has taken on many different faces. We have had lots of fun and exciting celebrations...



including my 30th birthday celebration and toga party.

 

We have had many outings this month... including new restaurants



 {Aubrey's dinner and food Mohawk}

Our first merry-go-round at the mall...

{Mommy had a bit of vertigo issues:(}

and park and play time.

 We also had weeks of sickness...

{relaxing with Mommy}

{Photo taken at ENT's office 9.18.14}

 

{Photo taken at Pediatrician Office 9.17.14}

 

From hand, foot, and mouth to double ear and sinus infections, and growing an additional 4 teeth, our poor girl has had it all this month. We have even met with an ENT to schedule our babe for tubes. We are hoping this will be an answer for our sweet girl.

 

So with busy days and no rewind or pause buttons, it's time for our little family to get organized.

 

 

My goal this month is to take things a little slower. To enjoy every opportunity, the good, the bad, and the hot mess moments. To see all the beauty in our lives.

 

{Homemade peek-a-boo tents}

 

And to also know in my heart that Aubrey's in good hands. I pray that while our time is limited each day, we're making the most of each moment. My goal is to be grateful even though baby girl has woken up {almost} every night this past month from a few times to every few hours, to be thankful for those extra snuggles as one day when she's grown, I'll surely miss those 2AM cuddles. To relax more and worry less...



 

 {Play time on the stairs}

 {morning cartoons before our ENT visit} 

 

 Here's to being silly and making a mess... 

Here's to making more time for the husband and I.   We've had some pretty good not so hot days that we enjoyed outside on our patio. What a great study to do together.

 

 And to waking up each day and walking in the light of God. To following Him in all we do and enjoying all the little somethings along the way.

My 30th Too-ga Party!

Celebrating my 30th birthday began with pampering and pedicures and ended with an exciting toga party...or better referred to as a too-ga party by my bestie's four-year old son, Bryson. While I knew that a few friends would be getting together for what I thought was just a small hang out... I had NEVER expected a Toga Party. I couldn't have been more excited and of course more thankful. I am so thankful for my husband and best friend, Kristin, for making this day so very special and memorable. So here's to our first Toga Party, to fun theme gatherings, to great friendships, delicious food, adorable baby play time, and amazing fun with friends.  

{Kristin and I}



 {The food and décor} 

 {The Hanks & Baby Kayleigh}

 {Jenn & Ellie}

 {The Zoutendams & baby Audrey}

 {The kiddos at play}

 {Me and my little}

 {Michael and the Fantlet Twins}

{Happy 30th with cake} 

 {The Birthday Song}

 {More Hank Fun}

 {Steph, Kristin, and the kiddos}

 {Audrey got in on the cake eating} 

 {ABF Ladies and Babes}

 {The Zoutendams, Zellners, & Hanks}

 {Jenn and I with our little ladies}

 {McLean Family}

 {The Besties and the babes} 

{If You're Happy and You Know it:}

  {Girls just want to have fun}

{Up, Up, and Away!

Jacob-3 and Bryson-4}

 

What an amazing 30 years it has been! I am so thankful for all of the amazing memories made and the people who have made those memories an adventure!