Bumbo Baby

We bought this pink Bumbo seat about a month ago. I don't think it was such a hot item when Olivia was born. Now I couldn't imagine life without it--especially at mealtimes. Harper loves to sit with us at dinner and watch everything that is going on. She also looks so undeniably cute while doing it.

I could just EAT. HER. UP.

Oh! The Difference a Few Years Will Make

These two pictures are of my two favorite girls. Notice anything. Oh....what a difference 6 years makes in the life of a child.

Olivia and her early afternoon school session. You can only imagine the totally content look on her face....NOT!


Here's Harper.... an early afternoon nap while Olivia studies. Notice the content look on her face...it's REAL! Don't tell Olivia, but I just might choose Harper's activity over hers if I was given a choice. Zzzzzzzzz!

A Little Playtime

Love this picture of the little Harper girl. Good morning sweet one!

My Three Babies

I know that it might be surprising to hear...but there are now three important "babies" around the Stone household. The following babies are listed in no particular order of love.

Baby #1. Harper
Don't you just want to pinch those chubby little cheeks. I don't think she could be any cuter. The jury is still out on the southern girl headband and bow. I think it might make another appearance. BUT...only on "dressy"days!

Baby #2 Olivia.
She probably should be addressed as the big girl of the bunch...but she will always be my sweet first born baby. She is in that top model phase. Every picture we take she sticks out her hip, flips her hair, and tries to "smile" with her eyes. Fabulous!!!


Introducing Baby #3 My NEW Dyson vacuum
Yes....this can be considered my new baby because I am growing to love it as a member of the family. It is amazing, smart, stylish, helpful, dependable, lightweight, and helps clean the house without making more of a mess. This little beauty came to live at our house yesterday courtesy of my very nice mom. It was an early anniversary present for Michael and me....and we love, love, LOVE our new bundle of joy.

Big News!

Olivia received a surprise present today from us. Seeing that it was not her birthday or a major holiday...this made the gift a REALLY big deal. During the unwrapping process, she made sure that she voiced her hopes of finding a new Barbie inside of the box. But instead she found....

a shirt with the words Big Sister. Of course my hopes that the meaning of this shirt would "click" with our 6 year old sweetie were not quite realized....

See the confusion on her face.... huh???

Well, the wise Michael was finally able to explain the Big News to our little Olivia. So here it is...the BIG ANNOUNCEMENT to the few faithful followers of this blog. In February--Michael, Olivia, and I will be welcoming a new little one to our family. We are all excited and hopeful for the wonderful things that the future holds. Please pray that everything goes as God would want it for our growing family. One final thing....

Later this afternoon Olivia decided to practice taking care of the baby using her own Bitty Baby. I think she will be the Best Big Sister ever!

American Girl Lunch

My mom took Olivia and me to Chicago for Olivia's 6th birthday. The main reason for the trip was a visit to the American Girl Store. Before leaving we made reservations for lunch at the cafe. It was so much fun. Above Olivia and Kit (along with 100 others) are ready to be seated. They look mighty cute in the matching outfits that my mom made.

The waiters make sure to include the dolls when seating the party. Kit was given her own special chair and place setting. We were also so lucky to be placed at a great table right next to the window. Everything was so nicely decorated in pink, white, and black. The napkin holders are hair ties that we were able to take home as souveniers. The box in the middle of the table was a conversation game to play throughout the meal. It was filled with questions to ask and answer. Very cute.

Here is a picture of the cute cafe. The lights are made from pink flowers. The picture really doesn't do the sweet restaurant justice.

When we were seated a waiter promptly brought over warm cinnamon buns as a special treat! Yummy! Above is a picture of the appetizer platter. The big, doughy puffs were cheese stuffed pretzels....mmmm! I did not get any pictures of the main course, but it was equally as delicious. There were plenty of choices: salads, sandwiches, mini burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, pastas, and souffles.

Finally, the meal ended with a delicious dessert that we were too stuffed to eat. Our waitress sang Happy Birthday to Olivia and the whole cafe went quiet. Everyone clapped for Olivia and she got to blow out a birthday candle. There were a lot of birthdays that day, but it was special because Olivia's was the first one celebrated.

Of course this special lunch was only one part of our Chicago visit. In the next few days, I will post about Olivia's other adventures and her new doll she brought home. I didn't want to pour all the excitement into just one blog!

Turning 6

Today was the day! Olivia turned the BIG 6! We decorated the house with streamers and a banner. Olivia and I baked and decorated our first chocolate cake. We ate lunch at the Cheesecake Factory. The waiters even sang Happy Birthday and treated her with a chocolate sundae.

Olivia received a fishing pole, bubble wand, and a special Barbie. As I type this- she is enjoying decorating her new Barbie's clothes. From Mimi and Papa, she received a swimming cover-up, Hello Kitty sponge, and money to take to the American Girl Store. Next week- Nana, Olivia, and I will celebrate her birthday at the American Girl Store in Chicago. Turning 6 sounds pretty good to me....