Like Mother...Like Daughter

It's such an odd feeling when you look at your child and see yourself. And, I don't really get this feeling a lot, even though everyone tells me they think Giulietta looks like my Mini Me. However, when I look at these picture of Giulietta, it is so easy to see myself through her. 

Maybe it's because 25 years ago I was standing on that same field holding a ball under my arm, or simply because I'm pretty sure I have dreamed these moments several times before. Regardless, my girl, these pictures, this soccer season...ALL of it make my heart smile!  

Giving Back...My Brother Needs Some Help

Dear Friends & Family, 

My amazing brother, Kenny Hardy, is on a mission to save kids and he needs YOUR help. Our local Children's Miracle Network Hospital treats thousands of children each year, regardless of their family's ability pay. These kids are facing scary stuff like cancer, cystic fibrosis, and injuries from accidents, to name just a few.

On October 25, 2014, Kenny will be participating in a HUGE worldwide celebration of the social impact of gamers of all kinds. He will be playing games (video games, board games, and tabletop RPG's) for 24 hours to help raise awareness and show his support for the children in our community. It's my sincere hope that you'll find it in you heart to support my brothers efforts with a monthly pledge or a one-time gift that will go directly to his hospital of choice.

Your generous donation is tax-deductible and ALL PROCEEDS go to help kids.  Please make a safe, easy donation online today using the link below. 

http://www.extra-life.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&participantID=99852

Thanks!

A Very Proud Sister

Happy Birthday Baby!!

It's been a year since I got my first peak at your sweet little face. counted all your tiny fingers and toes. and kissed you for the first time. It's been a year since I handed you to your Daddy & saw his heart fill with love and pride as he was introduced to his son. It's been a year since I  whispered your name into your ear for the very first time, and saw your eyes open wide with wonder. It's been a year since I showed you off to your adoring Big Sisters, and watched them love on you like you were their own personal doll. It's been a year since I first held you in my arms as tears of love slid down my face. 

And, from that minute I first held you, I knew I loved you! 

You are a one of a kind boy. You light up every room you enter with your charming smile and frowny eyebrows. You have a personality packed full of charisma that allows you to exude a gentle, yet wild way. You are graced with a head full of wild hair that will hopefully never be tamed, and deep blue eyes that light up with excitement for the world around you. You have a curious side to you that allows you to show off you love for being dirty, making messes, and getting into everything that you shouldn't be. You have a contagious laugh that you let out with a belly full of air and heart full of love. You have a passion for giving hugs and delivering wide open mouth kisses right on the lips. 

And, you make everyday an adventure as you continue to climb your way through your one wild and crazy life with your tender heart as your guide. 

Happy 1st Birthday my sweet Holden Enzo!

I love you from the bottom of my heart! 

Long Eyelashes, Pouty Lips & Blonde Hair

How is it possible that my Sweet Baby Boy will turn ONE in less then a month?  It really feels like just yesterday that I found out that I was pregnant with him, but then again he has filled a missing piece of our home & hearts so perfectly that it also feels like he has been around forever.

With each passing day I watch my baby turn into a toddler and as bittersweet as it is, it makes me yearn for the time not long ago that he was so small. Multiple times a day I find myself just staring at my little prince in complete admiration, and I think how...

I love the way he smiles when he sees his sisters each morning.
My favorite place to kiss him is the soft part right above his nose and in between his eyes.
He gets overly excited when he sees any animal and flaps his arms like a bird.
I am constantly chasing him around wherever we are taking things out of his hands or mouth.
Everyone complements him on his AWESOME hair & I'm sure that will never end.
I thought I had everything figured out about raising a baby until I had him.
He looks at me just like my dad does, and it makes me smile and thank genetics.
I never thought he would say Momma, but now whenever he does my heart flutters.
We joke about him being Albino, but I really think deep inside he just might be.

and...

He LOVES me more then anyone else, and it makes me feel like the most important person in the world. I know I'm the Queen of his castle, and that my importance in his life will probably never change.

Holden Enzo is the definition of a Momma's Boy, and we are both really okay with it!