Bridal Shower #1 With My Oregon Peeps

 

My bridesmaids and little sister Dana hosted my first bridal shower.  We got to have it at Dana's house.  Everything was just perfect.

 Olivia, Lindsey, The Future Mrs. Blalock and Tirza.  Tirza has to stay behind in Oregon due to being seven months pregnant so she' s become an honorary bridesmaid.  We've been planing my wedding since we were in Junior High... so it won't be the same without her.  But taking care of herself and baby to be Silas is important, so we'll just have to celebrate another time!

Dana, her hubby Nick and Elle moved into their new house a few weeks ago.  My parents helped them to bust their buns to get everything unpacked, put away, "upgraded" and ready to host my shower.  I'm so grateful!!

Lindsey made so many sweet things.  I love the favors ~ black and white bags with Tiffany box blue bows filled with my favorite candy, and a favorite engagement photo for our guests.  

Flowers from Tirza's garden and color coordinated plates, napkins and silverware.

My family friend, Pam, made delicious cupcakes.  She even made gluten free ones for me.  YUM!

 

 

I got some great marital advice courtesy of my friends and family.

And I got so excited to see presents with my new name adorning cards and presents!

Tirza and me

With Lin ~ a family friend who has known me since my family moved to Oregon in the early 90's.

My sweet Lindsey and me

Tirza and Olivia ~ friends since Junior High

My friend Misty came from work to help me celebrate.

Sonia, Nicolas, Michael and JulieAnna.  JulieAnna and my sister Dana have been friends since they were 18 months old.

JulieAnna and MPG

Elle and Nicolas were right in the middle of all the action!

Everyone was so generous and thoughtful.  Timothy and I will have many fun things to fill our home with.

YAY!  Gluten free cake and pancake mix.  I can't wait to try them! Thanks, Pam!!

Everyone gave me a hard time with how incredibly LOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGG our wedding registry is.  I blame the Fiestaware for the length.  Every color of cup, bowl, plate, serving piece gets its own dedicated entry!

The game How well do you know Timinda?  revealed how well our friends and family know us.  (And if they pay attention!)

Thank you so much to my friends and family!  We are so grateful for your generosity!

Look at that beautiful ring, Olivia!!!  She tried my ring on for kicks.  Good thing, because I just know she's going to be the next bride!!!!!

Round Two of Nicolas

I got my Nicolas fix this trip.  He is almost 10 months old, about to crawl, "talking" up a storm and continues to be laid back yet spirited and such a cutie patootie!!

His clapping and the way he curls his little toes is precious...

...and his hands are in constant motion!!

He LOVES his walker and will cruise all over the place.  (Who needs to learn to walk when you can cruise in style!)

His jumpy toy is a close second to the walker.  He's a mover and a shaker!!  And when there is any music on (especially Arabic music) he does the cutest little dances!!!

Nana and Papa Oregon bought Nicolas this cute little outfit from Gymboree.  Doesn't he look so cute in the hat?  (He wouldn't keep it on long!)



My sister-in-law Sonia plays with nonstop with Nicolas.  What a lucky little boy!!

Nicolas cut his very first tooth tonight.  Apparently fingers are very good for sucking on while you're cutting teeth.



Love.

Nicolas and a Bubble Bath

                         

Someday (soon) our nephew Nicolas will be too big for his kitchen sink bath.  But, for now, at almost 10 months he still loves his water time in the baby bath.  And the bubbles too!

He gave LaLa plenty of opportunities to catch some great shots.  The one above is one of my all time favorite shots of Mr. Nicolas.  Look at those beautiful brown eyes and long lashes!

It doesn't take much to get this little guy to smile...

...or to stick out his tongue.



LaLa and Uncle Bo love you, Nicolas Kenneth!!!

A Little Bit of Dylan and Miss Molly Madelyn

 I flew into Portland late last night.  My internal clock was still on Memphis time, around 2:30AM.  Considering I spent the lunch hour cheering on runners during a summer high heat advisory, I was dehydrated, whiny, sweaty and a bit tired.  (Cue violins). This made for bleary eyes searching for luggage and heading to long term parking with my coworker who lives in Portland and was nice enough to give me a ride to Lindsey's house. 

I love that the instant I set eyes on my bestie, Lindsey, it's like no time has past at all.  She greeted me at the door and snuck me to her 2 month old precious daughter's bedside.  I laid eyes on Molly Madelyn, who was sleeping peacefully and so angelic.  Lindsey's always dreamed of having a little girl of her own, and I'm so happy to see that she now has Molly Madelyn!! 

I awoke to the morning light and the pitter patter of two rambuncous feet shouting about garbage trucks and needing water.  Music to my ears.  Four year old Dylan is my buddy and pal and, even though Timothy has never actually met Dylan in person, we both feel a deep connection to his hilarious sense of humor, intelligence and ability to make us laugh outloud.  Even if we are only hearing the tales of Dylan from his mother via the telephone.

I headed upstairs to say hello to Dylan and was greeted with an enthusiastic, Melinda!  You're in MY house?  It kind of made me a little sad hearing Melinda.  So clear and so non toddler speakish.  He used to call me BUHLINDA (with a BIG emphasis on the "B") and somehow along the way he's realized it's Melinda, with an "M".  I sort of adored the way he said my name.

I got to pick out Molly Madelyn's clothes (Lindsey know I have baby fever - big time) and help Dylan find his green crocs and we were off to D's swim lessons.

Mr. Dylan Jackson.  Big brother, 4 year old, pre-schooler, lover of cars, and swimmer. 

He's got the sunscreen routine down.  Even if his lesson is only a half an hour and it's 10AM.  You can never be too careful.  

Who knew this could be so much fun?  Even before getting in the water!!!

D. brought his new cars to class.  Timothy picked out each and every one of them and asked me to bring them to Dylan so that he'd have a present from California.  I love that about my man.  He's so incredibly thoughtful, and a big kid at heart as well!

Not one bit shy about the water.



Hi Mom, Melinda and Molly Madelyn!!

And here she is, Miss Molly Madelyn herself.  

She's beautiful in every way.

Especially when she smiles.

A mellow babe, content to sit in the shade.  

Meanwhile, Dylan is leading his class through the hula hoop...

...and trying out a life jacket!

He's earned a few trips down the big frog slide...

...and the mention of a warm cozy towel and dry clothes is all that can get this boy out of the water!

YAY from Miss Molly!

And Mr. Independent has dressed himself.  This is only after he has pleaded with his (very fashion savvy) mom, But mom!  Those aren't the cool shorts.  I wanna look cool, Mom!  How does a 4 year old exactly know what clothes are cool and not cool.  He says the darndest things!!!!



I guess they sort of frown on prolonged breath holding.  Now what fun is that?

Love you Dylan and Molly!!!