fabulous weekend

So much specialness for one weekend...where do I start?  Well I suppose I could start with that cute little ball of chub in the pictures above.  That is my nephew Charlie.  He turned one last weekend.  I think he may be too cute to be only one person.  And his sweet personality is really starting to shine through these days.  My sis came into town early on Saturday to help me set up for a baby shower.  My brother and sister in law are expecting a baby girl this spring and we couldn't be more ecstatic!  Blankets and bunting and cupcakes...oh my!  Add in a new company member gala for Ballet Midwest and dinner with some of my favorite friends and you have my weekend in a nutshell.  The flannel blankets were my gift to the new mama and I have a few more things up my sleeve for later this week.  

And last but definitely not least...its Abby's birthday today.  With all that she has been through over the past few months, she is still my first sweet babe.  Eleven years ago today the life of a 21 year old kid changed.  Sitting in that hospital room with such a tiny life in my hands, I could have never imagined where we would be now.  She inspired me to grow up and take responsibility.  She inspired me to go back to school.  She made me laugh when times were hard.  She forgave me for not knowing what the heck I was doing.  Smiling and laughing all the time.  My first born.  The one who made me a mom.  Gave me my favorite identity.  While I was holding her hand, she was holding my heart.  I wouldn't be the mom or the person I am today without her in my life.  Thanks for being my blue eyed, freckle faced, dimple cheeked girl.  I love you.