Chi-Town with my Girl (and other stuff)

So much to catch up on.  Where does life currently stand?  Well, we just celebrated Squirt's baptism this morning, along with family and friends.  Tim's lovely mom was here for the weekend, which will get its own post one of these days.  We promised to raise our baby girl in Christ and as I sit here, I have to remind myself what an enormous promise this is.  It's not to be taken lightly.  And so we'll pray that we can do right by our little girl and raise her to be a strong Christian woman. 

I start back at work tomorrow, which means my baby Squirt will be going to Dude's in home day care 3 days per week.  I thought this would be a super easy and exciting transition.  I love my job and I've been eager to get back....I'm having a tough time with the thought of it though.  I've grown quite attached to my little chubby bundle and I sure hope that she loves being at April's house.  Oh how I hope.  She definitely knows her Mama and responds to my voice and my touch and my expressions.  Hard to think of her not seeing me all day.  But I'm not going to dwell on it.  It is what it is and I know it'll all be good.  Just might take a while for us all to get used to yet another life transition.  Deep breath. 

Backing up....I took my baby girl to Chicago last week for a wedding shower for my soon-to-be sister-in-law, Becky.  I had never traveled alone with one of my children, so this was a big first for this Mama.  I did get a little teary, I will admit, as Tim and Dude walked away from me at security.  It didn't help that my back back contents spilled all over the place as I was putting my stuff through the security nightmare.  I know, drama.  Shockingly enough, I survived.  The flight was great...helped that American reserved the seat next to me for her car seat.  Thank you sweet airline angel who was looking out for us.  Squirt was an air bound angel and we had a fantastic mini vaca at Nana and Papa's house. 

Saturday was filled with food prep for the big hooplah.  Kira and Ross came with the boys, which was awesome.  Oh how I love those little dudes.  Didn't get a shot of Dylan, but check out Hudson's angel eyes below.  Some of my best gal pals stopped in for visits throughout the weekend, which was a total blessing to me.  I miss those girlies and wish we could catch up face to face more often.  Sunday we showed Squirt off at Hope Church (her name sake) and then hosted the shower for 15 lovely ladies that afternoon.  My gram, aunt and cousin came in from GR....so good to see them and introduce them to my Squirt.  Monday my Dad and I took Squirt downtown for a few hours.  Mom V showed her off at work and then Kira and I took Becky out for a sister's lunch.  It was so great to get to know her better and spend time with everyone before the big wedding day in May.  Kyle found a good wifey and we're so pumped for the two of them to start their life together. 

 Lifelong friend, Erin, spent some QT with us on Saturday moring. 

 Rachel stopped in that afternoon too.  Thanks for making the effort friends!

 Look at that face.  Little angel boy.

 A good lookin' group of women....all related.

 Gigi and her first great-grand daughter.

 Food prep.  A whole lotta' food prep.

 My creative mama put out an awesome spread and hosted a lovely shower. 

 The glowing bride to be.  The joys of getting married and opening shiny new goodness.

Melis and Kate came out for dinner Sunday night.  So good to sit down and catch up with these girlies.

That wraps up the weekend.  We flew home Tuesday and were greeted with my spunky little man running at me full force.  Oh how I missed my boys.  It didn't even matter that the airline lost my luggage (for 24 hours).  I was with my fam again and that was a good thing. 

Signing off for now.  Who knows when I'll get back on here again...I'll try my darndest.