Hook 'Em Horns!

DISCLAIMER: This posting is meant solely for the enjoyment of dear "Aunt" Stacey. It does not in any way reflect the subject's true affinity for a particular team. GO HAWKS!!!

Date Night!

Last night Dave and I had our first official date night since Little Miss Ivy came along. We left Ivy with Grandma and Grandpa McAllister and headed to the movie theatre to see "Grown Ups". I think the movie was pretty good, however, I was preoccupied with missing my little girl and constantly checking my cell phone even though I knew Grandma had things under control and would never call unless there was an absolute emergency. Dave and I had a nice (although short) date but I was ready to get back to Ivy and give her lots of hugs and kisses as soon as the movie was over. When we got back to Grandma and Grandpa's, I could see Grandma through the window walking around with Ivy in her arms. I knew that meant she was probably fussy. Grandma said she was "a little fussy" but I think she was putting it mildly. I know she'd never tell me otherwise though! I suppose it didn't help that I forgot to bring Ivy's pacifier. I'll chalk that up to the new mommy being sad about leaving her little girl.

Anyways, now that we've passed this milestone, maybe next time we'll do dinner AND a movie. Aaah, how life has changed! :)

To John Deere We Go!!

Today Ivy and I went out to John Deere to meet all of my co-workers and for Grandma to play show and tell with her new grand-daughter! I couldn't have asked for Ivy to behave any better than she did, although I was a little nervous in the car on the way there as she cried at every stop light. First we went to visit Grandma and Ivy even cracked a smile for her. Grandma was pretty excited about that!

Then we went and visited mommy's department where everyone oohed and ahhed over her some more. The most frequently heard comment was, "Look at all that hair!".

I brought Ivy's picture to put on my desk so it will be there on my first day back. Being at work today made me realize how much I really am not looking forward to going back to work. It was nice seeing everyone but I honestly could not get out of there fast enough. Oh, August 16th is going to come way too soon!

BFF's

Yesterday Ivy and I stopped by to visit my long time friend Nicole Sullivan and her new baby girl, Faith. Nicole and her family have been going through a difficult time as her niece Jessie was badly injured in the 4th of July Parade in Bellevue. Ivy and I thought a little visit would do Nicole good and we really wanted to meet baby Faith! Ivy and Faith are just 5 days apart! Over the past few years, Nicole and I had somewhat lost touch but at our friend Rachel's wedding, we reconnected and learned that we were each pregnant and due within a week of each other. Having previously had two c-sections, Nicole was a big influence in me ultimately choosing to have a c-section myself since Ivy was breach.

Nicole and I had a nice visit, catching up and chatting about our girls. Both of us had been convinced we were having boys so we are still pinching ourselves that we actually had girls!! And then of course, we had to put Ivy and Faith in the crib together to take some pictures. They were fast friends - every time we would pull them apart, the next thing we knew, they were right next to each other again. It was so cute!! Who knows, some day the two of them may be playing Barbies together just like their mommies did a long time ago!

Fashion Show!

Having a baby girl is like a fashion show every day and I LOVE LOVE LOVE it! Here are some pictures of Ivy modeling some of my personal favorite outfits in her wardrobe. Her first look is a Baby Gap multi-colored polka dot sundress from her Aunt Lindsay and her flower power headband from our friend Kelly Lemm of LoveHappy Boutique!


Ivy's second look is her "Little Hula Girl" outfit from Gymboree. This outfit was given to Ivy by my mom's co-workers, Julie Christy and Janette Koepke. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately for my wallet, we do not have a Gymboree in Dubuque. Alas, out of town shopping trips are a must for any fashionista baby like my little Ivy and I have no doubt, Grandma will be happy to accompany us on said shopping trips!