Isn't she lovely?

Yeah, I stalked you on the Internet-I figured there had to be a photo of someone as fabulous as you circulating the world wide web. I don't know who loves spending the day with you more, me or P-Stack. I know this is corny, but I never see him light up with anyone the way he does you. He is a fantastic judge of character!

Thank you for being the best auntie ever--and for Add's Chuckie (sorry, I had to)-and for being my sistah.

I love love love you.

Now stop crying.

Easy Peasy

How is it that I, the most dramatic child ever known, had such an easy baby??

Add, not only do you look more and more like your dad each day, but you are as calm and easy going as he is as well. Cool as a cucumber (we're not counting this teething phase). You always just "go with the flow"...like last night when the power was out for 2 hours on one of the hottest days of the year. I have learned so much about patience from your dad, and even though you are only 6 months old, you are teaching me as well.

Let's just make a pact that this carries over into the "terrible two's" phase, okay?

Pinky swear?

Oh the drama...

This is something my son and I don't have in common right now: the love of food. Oh, I'm sure he'll get there someday, but right now he is rebelling like the best of 'em. First it was the zucchini-you would have thought I was putting battery acid in his mouth.

Okay, you win. Let's try avocado! I mean, who doesn't like avocado? Uh, Addison doesn't. And I am just remembering my dad doesn't either. Great.

I am determined to get this kid to eat green vegetables. And he is determined to spit them up all over his body (see photos). So I guess this is our first battle..Game on, kiddo. Game on.

Today just isn't the first day of summer....

Nor is it just the longest day of the year. It's father's day~your very first.

Truthfully, every day is father's day, and I hope that you feel that. Sure, we may not give gifts every day, or go out to a fun lunch, or share chocolate hazelnut gelato (wouldn't be a terrible idea)~but I hope you feel appreciated, loved, and cherished everyday.

You've only been his dad for a few months, and already you blow my mind with your patience and your ability to make him feel so special. And the way you make him laugh!! Woody Allen once said, " I am thankful for laughter, except when milk comes out of my nose"

I am sure Addison feels the same way.

Daddy-O

I have learned much from my father~not just my dance moves. He has taught me the importance of commitment. He has shown me how important it is to put God first. We share a love for family, old movies, and of course, ice cream. He's Italian through and through, but never uses that as an excuse to "go all scarface" on people. Strangers love him~he knows just how to make everyone feel comfortable, but even better, special.

No matter if it's his family, job, or teaching those pre-schoolers at church, he is always reliable.

I think what is most amazing is that I see such similarities in my husband and my dad~and that makes me a super blessed little lady.

Happy father's day, dad. I love you.

But lay off the milk and cookies before bed.

I love me some Jaggers

I have always been obsessed with the 70's-the style is BEYOND. The music~the feeling it evokes-I love it all. I feel as if there is such authenticity to that era, and that so many people just try to emulate this time period. I am sure that I am guilty of it as well.

If there were a couple to be crowned king & queen of this time, it would be Bianca & Mick, in my opinion. Sure, the marriage didn't last...but no one can deny how insanely cool they are.

And, I mean, they did create Jade.

It's totally worth it....

Really. Accessories are over-rated. I haven't bought a pair of earrings in ages. You are saving your father so much money, he doesn't even know. Someday I will be able to wear them again, because you won't have any desire to pull, tug, and rip them from my lobes.

And that will make me very sad.

You've come a long way baby...........

It was suggested to Jared and I that we celebrate Addison's half birthday's since his given birthday is so close to Christmas. Not quite sure if I agree with the concept, but I couldn't pass up his 6 month birthday! We started the festivities by having lunch with Uncle E. Addison loves him, and was swooning over his pants (they were pretty fantastic).

Tonight we tailgated with a ton of friends before Addison experienced his first Royals game. So many people came out to celebrate-even David Cook!! Well, even if they weren't all there for Addison, it sure felt that way. He had such a great time, and was super tuckered out by the end of the evening. So were we-which is why we relaxed with some strawberry balsamic cupcakes, champagne, and Joel McHale.

Addison Jagger, your dad and I are beyond thankful, ecstatic, and blessed that we get to be your parents. These past 6 months have been life changing in so many ways, and we are so thrilled for what's to come. You're a pretty special little dude. We love and adore you madly.

Happy 6 months pancake.

I say a little prayer for...me.

So, all this dancing with Ms. Anderson has really done a number on my knees. I refuse to think it's because I'm 33. Hey, if Paula Abdul is still dancing then why can't I??

Tonight my knee was EXCRUCIATING. I mean, I was shuffling around my kitchen, not being able to put any weight on it, while making cupcakes (hey, this is why I do her dvd's in the first place).

Anyhoo, I muttered a quick prayer under my breath, nothing very focused or formal. Within minutes my knee was completely back to normal. No joke. I know this sounds very late- night- Christian -televison-call-in-and-give-us-all-your-money-blah-blah-blah, but it's the truth. No, I don't think it's coincidence-not even for a second. He listens people,...and I think this was a nice wake-up call for yours truly.

Just like Babyface asked, When will I see you again???

I am missing you TT.

That's all I'm gonna say...........

He wasn't that impressed....

Okay, so it wasn't glitz and glamour, but Addison had his first road trip this past weekend. I was honored to do the make-up for a bride getting married in Blaine, MO. Where? Exactly.

We decided to make a day out of it. While I was getting the bride ready, Jared and Addi had an adventure on the trail, apparently the only thing you can do in Blaine. After, we headed to Lawrence to spend the rest of the day. For those of you who are Woody Allen fanatics like myself, I LURVE Lawrence. Such a darling place to spend a day or weekend. Our little man did great, and is already begging us to drive to Chicago next month...to be continued.

What a difference some drapes make

These are courtesy of my insanely wonderful mother. I am obsessed with them. I love you mamma. Thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Oh, Philip Lim How do I love thee?

Let me count the ways........................................

Speechless

I die. Bananas. Perfection.

Making friends with phyllo

Had some friends over for dinner tonight. Decided to make this dessert.

You know, try something TOTALLY different. Something I have never made before for guests that were about to arrive any second-which resulted in a phone call to my mother discussing the proper way to handle phyllo dough, sweating, cursing at the phyllo dough under my breath, and saying a few prayers.

While mine didn't look exactly like the photos (does it ever?), it was de-LISH. Totally took me back to Paris when I literally shed tears over this pistachio concoction from a corner patisserie. Keep in mind I am a, "it better have chocolate in it" kind of dessert girl, if something is cocoa free I usually pass.

Highly recommended- try it---you'll be fast friends.

The best of Times.....

Seriously-what did your dad and I do for entertainment before you came along? You are getting so big my boy. Please accept my apologies for the emotional breakdown I had the other night regarding this. It was a routine pacifier check while you were sleeping, and BAM! The floodgates were opened. Wasn't it just yesterday that I could barely find you in that huge crib because you were so tiny? Wasn't it just yesterday that you got lost in all of your clothes, because they were so huge on you? Now we are having to retire the bassinette on your stroller (frightening), and you have a storage container FILLED with clothes that are too small on you!

I know that you are just doing your job, but your mom wants to freeze time...just for a little bit?