Thankful

I just had an absolutely wonderful weekend, after a week that could have been better in about 1,000 ways.



My brother and niece came from CT for my aunt's birthday party Friday night. It was a wonderful time, although exhausting. It baffles me that I used to have that much energy! And I'm quite energetic now!



My niece is a little firecracker! She's 4 years old, going on 20. She's the boss, and she thinks she knows everything. God help her parents when she's actually a teenager! ;)



My grandma just turned 86 in November. Her life is an inspiration. No matter how much pain she's in, or how bad life seems, she tries to keep herself moving as much as possible. I hope to be just like her when I'm her age =)



My dad has been gone a month, to florida. Its great to have him back home! My niece adores her papa gary. So sweet =)


Here's one of Jim and I with our niece. She's gorgeous isn't she?




Uncle Adam and Aunt Sara got to spend most of their weekend with them, since they stayed at their house.

Marissa

How is it EVEN possible that you are four years old today?! The first time Jim and I came to CT and held you was one of the coolest days of my life. I was so excited that after having two nephews, I had a niece. I had you.

Your nickname as a baby, from your daddy was "smiley" because you were ALWAYS smiling and happy. Such a loved little girl.


You have grown FAR too fast for me. Could you maybe slow down just a bit? please?
You have brought so much love to our family. Love I didn't know we were missing, but love I couldn't live without now.


When I saw this picture, taken by our wedding photographer, I gasped and teared up. Your innocence is amazing. You are a gorgeous little girl. I love you so much sweetheart.
Now, stop growing. No more preschool. Stay this innocent and pure, It is beautiful on you =) I love you so much baby girl!! Happy birthday!

Aunt Missie & Uncle Jim

Happy birthday baby girl!

I cannot believe my baby girl is two today!! It doesn't seem like it has been that long since she was this little!!!



Marissa,

I was SO Excited when your daddy told me you were on your way. I called everyone in the world, my voice trembling with excitement to tell them I was going to be an aunt again! I'm already an incredibly proud aunt to two INCREDIBLE Nephews, but I was so sure you'd be a girl. Your daddy and mommy were so excited to tell us about you, and I nearly jumped out of my seat when I found out for sure you were a girl. It was just over two years ago I held you in my arms for the first time. You were so tiny. So precious. So perfect. You still are. :-D I love you sweetheart.



I heard this song as I was driving out of work the morning you were born. Tears rolling down my cheeks, I drove home. I wished so much I was driving the hospital to hold you. But I went out 11 days later, and took over two hundred pictures of you in the hours I was at your house. (I know, Aunt missie taking a ton of pictures, its unheard of!!)


Happy birthday baby girl. I love you SO MUCH! I can't wait to come spend time with you and Dylan soon.

*Disclaimer* My niece and nephews ARE the cutest three children in the world. don't try to tell me otherwise :-D