First Easter Egg Hunt

I have plenty to blog about: Easter and Eggs, a visit from Crystal, etc.....

But first, I want to take a minute to recognize the individuals in the South here who have been affected by the tornadoes and storms from last night. So far, almost 300 perished lives have been accounted for. It was a storm to remember, unfortunately.

But most fortunately, we are safe. While Atlanta did not suffer too bad of the storm, Alabama did. And for those of you who know about my husband and his job..... a HUGE portion of it is in Alabama - Birmingham and Tuscalossa. As a matter of fact, the hotel that Derek normally stays in has terrible damage all around it. THANK YOU to all of you who called to check in on him. My phone "blew up" starting early this morning - my brother Matt called to make sure Derek was ok by 8am. It continued ringing all day - friends in Wisconsin, Chicago, family in Illinois..... thank you. You are all too thoughtful. It feels so good to know we are so close in your thoughts. When Derek got home tonight (he was in Arkansas this week) I rambled off all the names of people who called to check on him - he said, "Really?, That's so nice." And it was. Now we must pray for the healing and cleaning of this tragedy.

Moving to a more happy note, this was the first year Bianca could participate in an "Easter Egg Hunt." So, as soon as I got home from work and church Sunday morning (I went to sunrise mass at 6am... and it was really a sunrise mass held outside the church), we had an Easter egg hunt. It was soooo cute! Bianca could say "egg" really well. We hid 6 eggs and would say, "Where's the egg? I think it's somewhere over here...." and she'd see it and squeal with delight! Such a joy. We had to do a few rounds of hiding the eggs - she couldn't get enough.

Easter morning I left work at 5:45am and went to 6am Sunrise Mass. I had never been to anything like it. People were sitting in lawn chairs and standing outside in the parking lot. The church I attend, St. Brigid, sits up VERY high and almost seems to stretch it's tops into the clouds. Honestly, it's like something you'd see in Rome. When I first got there, it was dark and you could hear the birds starting to chirp their morning songs. By the time church was over (and it only lasted a little over 30 minutes), the sun was peaking over the other side of the church and the birds were singing their Easter songs. It was the most beautiful site.

More to come soon..... Aunt Buggie visited this week!

Happy Anniversary

Derek and I celebrate our 3rd wedding anniversary April 26th. Hard to believe it's only been three years - I feel like I've known him forever! We "met" almost the same weekend exactly 2 years prior to our wedding. My very good friend, Gavin "Clint" Pearson, introduced us. It was the annual school reunion at Elmwood (Derek's 10th year) and Clint was uptown at the bar with everyone. He had his serious girlfriend (who is now his wife of 1 year!) in town with him and he wanted me to meet her. I had been working outside all day, mowing the yard and doing odds-and-ends. I was gross - in work clothes all day and I'm sure I was not looking too hot. Clint introduced us and left us there to chat. Derek must have been impressed with my "country girl work attire" because the next week he started chatting with me and asking me out on "official" dates. Honestly, I don't know what he saw because I was filthy, probably smelly, and just not attractive! I made sure I was looking much better at the first date.

Our first date was at Jalepenos in Peoria. I remember thinking how skinny Derek was. He was training heavily for running the Steamboat race and he couldn't have weighed more than 160lbs. He was all dressed up after a day of work at CAT and looked pretty cute though!

Our relationship started off with its challenges. I lived, worked, and went to school in Champaign, which was about 90 minutes from his house. Between him traveling and me working weekends, we had to try our best to make things work. It was tough at times - he was eventually moved to Atlanta and we were separated again. But things worked out.....

Derek proposed to me in the month of October. He proposed to me in a way I couldn't have planned better. In my home, alone, with nobody but us. In the same home I had been in since I was born. The place where he asked my parents if he could marry me. In the house that built me.

When we were engaged, I remember my mom and dad telling me three important things:

1. Once you are out, you can't come back

(ouch... really??? but this is a good thing to tell your kids - it makes them think about the choices they make and lets them know they BETTER make good choices!)

2. Love the one you are married to more than anything. Having babies and raising kids goes fast, and the majority of your life will be spent with just your spouse, not with your kids.

3. Your children are an extension of your marriage.... your marriage is not an extension of your children.

Derek, the last 3 years have been amazing. We have our ups and downs.... but I can honestly say - our down days are few and far between. Someone once told me, "You know you have found the right person when he/she makes you want to be a better person." Derek, you make me want to be a better person. We are a perfect balance. You are my best friend, my soulmate. My life is everything with you in it. Thank you for asking me to marry you. Thank you for giving me the most beautiful little girl ever. Thank you for making everyday an amazing day in this wonderful life. I love you. Happy Anniversary.

Bunny Love Again, 18 months

If you remember, last year Bianca loved the Easter Bunny. My last year's blog at this time revealed her "bunny love." You can re-read it HERE. Kinda funny.... cause most kids hate the bunny. I personally think it's scary looking myself!

This year it was no different. Bianca climbed up on Bunny like they were buds. The little boy in front of us in line was 3 years old and his mom kept telling us how it's a rough age to take them to get pics and it was "good we came early" so Bianca didn't see other kids crying. He went first and wouldn't go near the bunny, let alone sit on it. Poor lady didn't get any pics at all - and her son looked SO CUTE! Bianca's turn and she loved sitting and smiling.

Kinda funny.

She was such a good girl today. She had her 18-month appointment at the Dr's office. I absolutely love our pediatrician. She is so thorough and spends a lot of time going over things and screenings (autism, hearing, eye sight, etc). Bianca got a great bill of health and her vocabulary is "awesome". She's still a munchkin, weighing only 23lbs. She's in the 35%tile for weight - which we are happy to report is the HIGHEST she's ever been! I guess she's got her dad's metabolism because she eats like crazy and nothing seems to stick. Last night, she ate an entire piece of pizza.... crust and all. And it was a BIG piece.... along with fruit and yogurt. My mom laughs because her 18-month pants can't stay up due to her little backside. Such a smidget! She also got 2 shots, but now she's done with immunizations until she's 4 years old.

At 18 months, Bianca.......

feeds herself with a spoon most of the time

tries to put on her own shoes

speaks mostly 1 word at a time, but can also say 3-4 word half-sentences

loves choo choo trains, Sesame Street, Cookie Monster, and Sprout channel

knows and uses quite a few sign language words

occasionally tells us when she wants to use the potty

enjoys cookies, donuts, and pizza

sleeps 12 hours at night and takes an afternoon nap 1.5-3 hours long, depending

wears size 4 diapers, 18 months clothing

loves outdoors, other kids, and animals

follows 2 and 3-step directions

650+ mile playdate

A little over a month or so ago, Derek said to me,

"You know.... I still haven't seen Brezdan. I think we need to take a trip and visit."

YEEEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!!!

Brezdan is the newest addition to the Schaub family. He is already 6 months old - hard to believe. Especially when he's tipping the scales at 22lbs. (yeah, he weighs about as much as Bianca - who's 1 year older.... can you say football player???)

So, we booked a trip and made a 36-hour trip to have the greatest playdate ever. And indeed it was.

They played and played and played. We had fun watching the girls all day. Bianca is obsessed with kitchens, so this was right up her alley....

And then there were the ears. This was a very funny idea by Wendy. Of course, the idea of taking a good picture with 3 kids sitting still and posing for the camera is a great "idea".... but VERY hard to carry out. Brezdan was the best.

Those proud papas and their look-alike babies......

Smiles by all....

And Aunt Wendy is very good with the kiddos.... she brought out Bianca's favorite outside game - BUBBLES!

They sat and ate their snacks together like little old ladies. Looking at the pictures I took, they remind me of myself playing with my girl cousins. We were inseparable. We have so many fun memories together. The importance of family staying close is unmeasurable. It is sad we live so far away, but we will continue to do these short visits in the near future.

They look very different. But one thing is for sure - they both have.....

And those blue eyes.... they melt me

Matt, Wendy, Sidney, & Brezdan.... thank you for the greatest playdate ever. We had a great time. It was a fun-filled 10-hours of non-stop play. We miss you. We love you. Yes, I'm still holding back tears.

Dandelion Day

It seems like every time we go to the park, Bianca gets hit on. Today, a young, very cute boy named "Cruz" gave Bianca her first flower. A dandelion. He was 3. He called Bianca "Little Lady" and told her, "I really like your fancy hair bow." Hilarious. He helped her climb up and down the play equipment, and ran after her ball when she threw it. Quite a gentleman.

Maybe it was her cute Elmo tee-shirt I had bought her in Vegas. All the kids loved it.

When I tell her, "We're going to the park!" She tells me back, "BALL!" I've gotta make sure I grab the ball to play with while we're there.

Our park has a great little pond, too. B loves the ducks and says "Quack!" so loud that none of the ducks really want to get too close.

It's a beautiful Thursday here in Atlanta. High of 75 and sunny.

Here's her standard "get up" for going outside lately. She wears a hat and sunglasses. Once the glasses go on, they don't come off. She loves, loves, loves them. Sometimes they are worn inside, too.

Happy Thursday and have a great weekend!
p.s.It's not really my news to share... so I won't give specifics.... but I'm an aunt again! Abbey & Jon welcomed healthy baby boy into the world Tuesday. They're doing great and we can't wait to see them.

Bye Bye Nathan

My cousin, Nathan, came over last night. It was so good to have some company. He leaves Georgia on Saturday so I wanted to have him over for a good home-cooked meal before he left. He's such a sweet "kid". I'm just so proud of him - coming all the way down here to finish out his college education with an internship. It's a long ways from Brimfield, Illinois! And another reason to be proud - he's a smart cookie. He's graduating with HONORS from Western University.... and he's already been accepted to Grad School. Good work, Nathan!

He is the biggest Cardinal fan I know. The first thing we had to do when he got here was turn on the St. Louis Cardinals game.... opening day..... you'd think I'd know that being married into a family of Cardinal fans.

He brought over a sweet little book for Bianca. What a nice guy - thinking of Miss B....

But I think she liked his boot better. She played with it while he was here - she found lots of neat places to try to hide it. Like in her #1 hiding spot: under the seat of her princess car.
Heres a couple of things I had packed up for Nathan for his drive back Saturday. There was more, but I forgot to add it all. A healthy apple, some chips, treats, a little coin, and of course.... home-baked cookies and goodies!
Nathan, I wish we had more time here with ya! Georgia always welcomes you and you are more than welcome to stay with us for a visit anytime. Good luck to you!

Vegas, baby!

Vegas, Baby. That's where I was over a week ago. I so needed it. And I so enjoyed it. The last time I was in Vegas was three years ago with Derek when we were engaged - live'n it up! I went to clubs, wore heels, did the town! This time, my main focus was catching up on sleep. I had a room all to myself - where I enjoyed peace and quiet knowing I did not have to wake early for anybody else but ME. It was selfish, I know, but it was nice. The first time in a long time. (in case you're wondering, I slept til noon). I ate WAY too much. I shopped, but only bought things for our little person at home. And lastly, but MOST important - I got to see my brother, Doug, and his wife/my best friend, Crystal. Lovely.

My favorite hotel is Caesars Palace. Probably because of the Forum Shops.

I was bad. I ate cheesecake. An entire (large) piece. In my oversized King bed. That was after I took a piping hot shower for 30+ minutes. Afterwards I rented some new movies in my room from the overpriced TV offerings. It was awesome.

All while my momma was back in Atlanta, watching my baby.

And what a relief. How nice is it to go away and not have to worry? As a matter of fact, I think my daughter quite enjoyed time with "DeeDee." She is at the age where she soaks up everything she hears like a sponge. I came home to hear her saying things I had never heard her say before. Derek said my mom made her laugh harder than he'd ever seen. Now it is clear to me exactly why my niece, Sidney, calls her "Silly Grandma." She is silly, but the kids love it!

Dropping my mom off at the airport was tough. I feel like every time I drop off "the moms".... it gets harder and harder. Bianca is getting older, and it's time away from her grandparents. I wish we were minutes - or even just a few hours - away. We are not. A month or two (or three.... Susan - 11 weeks is WAY too long!) goes by before Bianca sees her Nana or Dee Dee.

But I am so grateful. Grateful we are not yet overseas and it is only months that go by before we see each other. Grateful our parents can financially and job-wise afford to take the trip here. Grateful they have the health to travel. Grateful they are all here on this worldly earth our God has made.

But yes, I've been slacking on my blog. I apologize for all you who have emailed me and asked to make sure I am alive cause you haven't read anything new.... and I will tell you - it feels pretty dang good to know you would call/email to check on me - thank you. It makes me feel like we're not forgotten!

So, I'm gonna do better. I've just been a little busy. I've been on a baking frenzy for some reason. I've been cooking and baking up a storm: peanut butter chocolate sandwiches, "human" chocolate puppy chow, monster cookies..... and that's not the dinners. I don't know what's gotten into me, but cooking seems to be at the top of my "to do" list - and my husband is happy about that!

I think it's cause I put off cleaning.....