Reunited, birthdays, visitors, and something for the birds...

Before leaving Pa and Mimi's, Pa taught us how to make big bubbles!

Back altogether in SC, we were frequently found at the park,

blowing bubbles,

Going to the train station,

and riding the train.

Rossi picked out her outfit, we were surprised that she kept the hat on the whole time.  It was quite hot that day.

We visited Cherokee, NC for a camping trip, and enjoyed playing in the rain.

Cool fountain you can play in.

Why Scott, you sure have changed a lot. :)

Scott and I both celebrated birthdays over the summer, Rossi enjoyed all the celebrating..  This was for my brother's b-day we made rice krispies.  25 lit candles and a two year old can be a little tricky! :) 

We then were visited by Pa and Mimi

Some photos were taken.

Family photo. 

Rossi making a bird feeder.

Hanging it up.

Just a few inches taller and she would have reached it. 

Beautifully decorated.

Feed the birds...

Almost..

Got it, just had to stretch a little..

This was a couple of days later and Rossi was just so happy, she had waited patiently for the birds.

Distance makes the heart grow fonder...

A couple of months ago we anticipated the arrival of a letter from Clemson University letting us know the outcome of our future.

The outcome....

We would be moving to South Carolina and Scott would be going back to school to earn a masters degree in Automotive Engineering.

So we made our plans, found a place to live, and started packing... then we keeping packing right up until the truck arrived.

We said our good-byes to our dear friends in VA and  packed a rental truck to the max. Then head off for our  drive of  7 hours from VA to SC. After arriving we reversed the process and unloading and unpacking all of our stuff.   We had lots of help from both of our parents. (Their help and support can never, ever be repaid in money, but we hope they know how much we appreciate all our parents have done for us.)

After a week in SC we had to go our separate ways for a couple of weeks.  Scott had to return to VA to finish up work and Rossi and I found our way back to NC for a extended visit with my family.

We sure have missed him, but being the great dad and husband that he is, he came for a brief visit to spent the day with us.  We sure are two lucky girls..

We have been getting spoiled with lots of fun things going on with family and friends. I  am sure Rossi will not want to leave. 

Here are a few photos of our stay thus far.... 

The little gardener.. 

The goods

Digging up some dirt

More sand

My beach baby

Learning to swim with her floaties on.

Jumping in all by herself...   This makes me so nervous!

Loving the water

All dressed up to play store.

27 months and Growing...

It is funny how you live your life in weeks, then months, up until the age of 2 and then by years.   Rossi just had her 2 yr. check up this past week, but since I always wait a couple of months after the schedule checkup she had her "27 month" check up.   Since December our little turbo has gained 2 pounds and grew 2 inches.  Which puts her now at 23 pounds and 34 1/2  inches tall.    She seems to be growing and developing right on target.  She does have a shy personality around people at first, which the doctor quickly found out. She had asked Rossi to say a couple of words that we knew she could say so she could hear her speak.  Rossi was adament that she was not going to talk, not even for a kitty cat sticker.   The doctor got her wish though, as she was packing up and telling Rossi that she was about to leave, Rossi blurted out "Thank you" and "Bye".   I guess she is not very fond of doctors. :)   

Facts about Rossi:

Likes:
 - watching curious george
 - racing other people
 - anything with wheels, can't figure out why ;)
 - Books and will finish the sentence sometimes before you do.
 - pretend work and playing store
 -  talking on the phone
 -  being naked
 - painting

Dislikes:
 -  any kind of bug in or on our house, car or her toys
 -  loud noises

Being a mom

I have loved being a mom, even from the moment I saw the double lines on the pregnancy test.  It has been the most challenging, frustrating, and hardest working "job" I have ever had.  But with all that said, it's the best, most rewarding, most fun, and most exciting "job" I will ever have.  The other night I was able to shoot these photos.  In them you will see my naked little girl (her favorite way to live), with long hair that falls well below her eyes (because wearing a bow in the house is no fun),  playing with her backpack (that she keeps easy mac packs in) and her purse (which carries all her important papers) and has her dad's complete attention (which she is loving 100%) .   This is the life I enjoy living.    This is why I love so much being a mom.  An early Happy Mothers Day to all who help love and nurture a child. 

Easter 2013

Pretending to be "Mr. Potato Head"

Easter Egg Hunt

Looking for some treasures!

Got It!

Full bucket

Rossi chose the sidewalk chalk bucket to hold her eggs.  :)

Now time to get messy!

Dying Eggs

Writing a secret message

She was drop them in so that it would make a splash!

Beautiful eggs

Being silly

CHEESE

What a doll!

She is growing way too fast!

HAPPY EASTER!

Rossi dropped a bottle of cooking spray on her toe :(. This is what it looked like right after it happened.

The was the next day, it had so much pressure.  Poor kid!  Right after this photo,  she hit it on something soft and it exploded released the pressure. She felt much better after it happened and now has a half on, half off toe nail.  She has been such a trooper!!