Where did 6 months go?

Today we went to Duke Gardens to take Mia's 6 month pictures.  As I write this post I am just shocked to think we have a 6 month old.  6 months!!  A whole 1/2 a year!  Really?  Seriously?  WOW!  Where did the time go?

Mike and I are so blessed to have such an amazing little girl.  People tell you that your life will never be the same when you have a child.  It is hard to explain, and definitely something you cannot fully understand until you become a parent.  Mia is the most wonderful gift in the world.  She is so sweet, cute, cuddly, happy, spunky... the list could go on for days.  We are so thankful for the moments we have shared over the last 6 months with Mia.  She amazes us more and more each day.  You wonder how you could love someone more than you do, and then the next day comes and goes, and your love for her has grown even stronger!  

Mia, Mommy and Daddy, love you more than words can express.  We look forward to each day with you and many, many, more to come.  Thank you for making our world brighter than we could have ever imagined :)

Pictures taken by Nicole Faby Photography

More to come... these pictures take forever to upload :)

Happy 30th Birthday Uncle John & Happy 1/2 Year Birthday to Mia!

Today we had a surprise birthday cookout for John.  The entire menu was filled of things John likes to eat.  If you know John, you know he likes plain plain plain, nothing fancy.  The menu consisted of cheese and crackers, bbq chips, plain peanuts, and sesame sticks for apps.  For the dinner we had chicken spedies, mom's caesar salad, asparagus, and pasta salad.  We topped the meal off with John's mom Mary's chocolate chip cookies, reese's peanut butter cups, and ice cream cake!
We had a great time celebrating John's birthday with lots of friends.  Of course Mia and Elyn made for great entertainment!  They had a blast playing all afternoon.  

First Time at the Pool...

and Mia LOVED it!  Mike got out of work early for the holiday weekend and we headed to the pool.  Mia sat in the pool and splashed like crazy.  Good thing because we spend most weekends during the summer at the pool!  

Mia and the ladybug book

We have a mover!  Sort of.  Mia loves her ladybug book from her cousin Claire.  Here are a few videos of Mia rolling over (happy this time) and rotating on her tummy to get the book.  Enjoy!

Only thing missing...

during our daily outdoor adventure is... DAD!  
Mia, Rooney, and I have such a great time everyday enjoying each other's company.  We wish we could have Dad join us more often.  Have I told you how lucky I am to have such an amazing husband who is letting me live my dream?!?  Mia and I have fun all day long, every day!  AMAZING!  Thank you honey for all you do for our family.  We love you*

Big girl in the front of the shopping cart

Mia's first time riding in the front of the shopping cart at the grocery store.  She liked to lean to the right every now and then, but other than that she had lots of fun.  She is eating her cell phone in this picture, but you get the idea.  What a BIG GIRL!!

Homemade pasta and sauce -- YUM!

Mike and Justin made us a yummmmmmy Sunday dinner. Their specialty is homemade pasta, sauce, and meatballs. Soooooo good! 

Here they are making the homemade pasta..

Grandma Moe and Mia watching

Grandpa Pete and Mia played with some toys while waiting

Even Brinkley and Rooney hung out waiting... 

Did I mention this is a 4+ hour long process??!!

BUT totally worth the wait!  You should be jealous.... it is so GOOD!

Thanks boys!!

Weekend with Grandma Moe and Grandpa Pete

Grandma Moe and Grandpa Pete came to visit this weekend for Matt and Brittany Brearley's wedding and of course to see Mia!  We had a great visit.  On Friday we went shopping and had lunch at Village Deli in Cameron Village in Raleigh.  When Mike got home from work we went to Tobacco Road Sports Cafe in Durham for dinner.

A few shots at dinner.  Notice Mia's ponytail in the picture with Grandma Moe!

On Saturday morning we were scheduled to take Mia's 6 month pictures.  Unfortunately it rained so we had to reschedule.  We decided to take a few shots in the backyard since we were dressed.  Mia is not in her outfit, but here is a preview.

Rooney even jumped in a shot!

After pictures we went to Parker and Otis in Durham for brunch on the outdoor patio.  The food was excellent!  New fav breakfast spot.  Grandpa Pete watched all the dogs and Grandma Moe watched all the babies.  No pictures because we forgot the camera.  What a fun weekend!  Can't wait till next visit!!

First Beach Trip -- Sunset Beach!

Mia's first beach trip was a success!  We headed to Sunset Beach, NC this past weekend and had a great time.  The weather was amazing!  We were a little worried about the road trip.  Mia hasn't been on a road trip since her NY trip when she was 7 weeks old-- can you believe that she is 24 weeks old now!?!  She did great!  Uncle Justin and Aunt Steph road in the backseat and kept her entertained until the last 15 minutes, then she had a melt down.  Just in time for us to stop at the grocery store, pick up last minute items, and get her out of her carseat.

Once we arrived at the beach house it was operation BEACH TIME!  We had a lot of fun testing out the sand, water, sun, all for the first time.  Here are a few pictures of the first day.

Elyn loved the water this year!  She still isn't a fan of the sand.  Which made it easier to watch her because she wouldn't crawl off the blanket.  I am sure next beach trip won't be so easy :)  Mia was the polar opposite.  She was not a fan of the water at all but enjoyed digging in the sand.  Perfect pair these little girls!

Saturday was matching bathing suit day!  Aunt Colleen bought the girls matching bathing suits.  They looked so cute, these pictures just do not do the suits justice!

Playing with the dads under the tent while the moms caught some rays.

E looking like a little southern belle.  So adorable!!

The cooking crew!  Thanks for making sure we got fed guys.

Mia playing with the girls.  She got a kick out of Jenna's crazy faces.

Elyn's dinner line up

This is my favorite!  Mia is all snuggled up with me. 

Jenna took some shots from the crows nest.  This is the view from the top of the house. 

Sunday morning started out with a nice walk on the beach.

.

We had such a great time.  Looking forward to many more beach trips like this with great family and friends.  Hopefully next time Mia likes the water!!