witchy outfits and new paint

Helena trying on her new Halloween spider-witch dress




And we decided to work on her room, which had never felt 'finished' to me. Here's the before shot:























and here's the room with fresh paint and new rug:

better, no?

At the Audubon Nature Center...

New wings, bed, and chopsticks. And a wedding.

more vacation pics

hey- its our one vacation of the year- gotta milk it... no, really i just got my hot littles on my sister's pics - she has an awesome camera...

and these are from this weekend...

Helena Day

Can it be one year ago that she was placed into our arms?? It feels like last week - I cannot believe how quickly the year has flown by. I remember that moment so vividly- the foster mother placed her into my arms and she just snuggled in, head against my shoulder, arm wrapped around me. Such a joyful weight - I felt myself melting into her.

Over this past year, we've watched her learn to sit up, to eat solid foods, to crawl, to stand and creep, to use a sippy cup, to learn some sign language and some words, to zip up and down stairs, to wipe her own face, to a million other little and big victories. Such learning and growing over one year! Physically, she's gone from 19 pounds to 25, and grown 6 inches taller.

Mostly, though, she has transformed us from a rather self-centered individuals to being PARENTS. She is the center of our world. She is on my mind first thing when I awake, and last thing before sleep, and most of the minutes in between.

Happy Helena Day, baby! We love you so, so much.

Vacation getaway...