After a trip to the beach with Meemom and Momma I wanted to drive!

I always look back when changing lanes.

Both feet on the floor and two hands on the wheel, may the wind take your troubles away.

Always eat a cracker while driving.

Maddogging other drivers

That was rough.

Birthday Party continued

my new fun adorable hat from christy


uncle koo koo and uncle andy


my new favorite book from kate and avery

opening presents


What is everyone doing?

Birthday Party

Happy Birthday to my Baby Elle

A little pre party snack


my new chair

singing

my birthday girl

Elle had a wonderful time at her birthday party. Lots of fammily and friends came out to help her celebrate. Unfourtunately, she only napped for an hour so by 6:00 she was done as in asleep. She was still not interested in the cake. Yet, she enjoyed everyone's company. Elle made out with so much loot it is unreal. She got some pretty awesome stuff. We all got nice and full on Queen's BBQ, deviled eggs (a la Christy) and cakes and salsa by Meemom.

Please keep Michael, Liz and Michael's family in your prayers!


http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/michaelbiron

It is not hard to count my blessings!!

I am truly blessed. To be surrounded by such wonderful people is just a wonderful gift that keeps on giving. I couldn't ask for a more supportive, loving and fun family. My mother is the most unbelievable woman alive. I only pray that I can be this strong of a force for my own daughter. My husband truly amazes me. After 16 years I am still madly and deeply in love with him. My daughter is truly amazing. My brothers are pretty awesome. My daughter is so in love with her uncles. My pets make live so much more adventurous (even with floors that have to be cleaned daily). My job, (as challenging as it may be)working with children is the best! They remind you of what life is all about. My wonderful friends who keep me sane and make me laugh. To have your very best friends not in the same town makes things a little difficult. But they are only a phone call away. I feel like we are part of each other's every day life even though they are not here. Wouldn't trade ya for the world. I have already decided what my new years resolution will be. Given that this year has flown by, I want to slow things down and take time to celebrate each day and enjoy it. I also want to be the best mother, wife, daughter, friend and teacher that I can be. Love you guys! francie

Happy Birthday My Baby Elle!!

I can honestly say that I am in pure astonishment that you are already a year old. You are already an unbelievable daughter and little person. You have such a funny little personality. You are so strong willed and determined. You want what you want when you want it. I respect that but also think that sometimes you can't have what you want. You are the sweetest little thing to ever walk the face of the earth. You share kisses with all of the people(especially Uncle KC) and animals that you love. You also love to pat me, daddy and meemom as well as the dogs and cats. You have made a drastic improvement with the pets. You pat instead of ripping hair out most of the time. Your best friend and best teacher is your MeeMom. You absolutely adore her and everything that she does. She has taught you so many things that I can't believe it. Including how to climb up and down stairs something that gives mommy a little anxiety. She also helped you master walking and now you try to run Meemom has taught Mommy a lot about being a Mommy as well. We still LOVE to roll as FrancesX 3. We have so much fun! Your favorite word remains to be Bob (AKA Buddy the bud man buergler). That is fine. You also say Mom, Dad, NaNaNiNi (Meemom) and a few other things but not consistently. You eat lots of stuff (apples, pears, peaches, plums, strawberries, bananas, green beans, peas, beats, brown rice, couscous, cottage cheese, tofu, crackers, toast, eggplant, zucchini, squash, spinach, apricot, kiwi, yogurt and more. Yet avocado and cantaloupe remain as your favorites! You are growing and changing every day. If I ask you where is KC, or meemom or dad, you know right where to look. If I ask you where is buddy or bruce or Lupe you know the difference and look at the correct animal. Crazy. You are such a little sponge and we are blown away by you. Your daddy was explaining his love for you like this. He said that a mommy loves her baby from the beginning of the pregnancy. But for Daddy he was excited about the pregnancy and he loved you when you were born but he can't believe how much more he loves you each day. He is amazed by the way his love grows and grows. I am too. Elle you are such a delight even when you are a fussy pants. You can light up a room with those eyes and that smile. I adore you and am so amazed by all of your accomplishments. I can't believe that it has been an entire year. 365 days, 52 weeks how ever you want to look at it. Thank you for all of the love and joy that you have brought to us each and every day. You have given us all a new and important job and meaning to life. We can't be live that we can love anyone/anything so much and that you are OURS! We love you with all of our hearts Pootie Girl. It has been a great adventure and we are looking forward to many many more!

Love,
Your Parents

Mr. Mom

David played stay at home Dad yesterday. My mom had to go to a funeral in Houston. I, unfortunately couldn't go to the funeral or take off to take care of my girl because I have already used so many days this year. So David and Elle hung out all day. Somehow Daddy got Elle to sleep until 8:15 in the morning, which is pretty much unheard of! They ran several errands together including Home Depot and the fish market. When I came home I found a happy, unscathed baby! Good work Daddy. Daddy went to work out and Elle and I went to the store. When I came home Daddy was fighting the war against these gangster mosquitoes that we have in fish village. Daddy then proceeded to cook an unbelievable meal. (after he peeled his own shrimp). I was a little nervous about how the sauce was going to turn out because it was a little complicated. THIS MEAL WAS FANTASTIC!! Go chef daddy. Good work.

not sure how i forgot to share this but elle took her first steps on October 15th at her Meemom's house. Mom said she would walk before she turned 11 months and i guess that elle was listening. That Sunday she took about 5 steps for her dada and I. we were able to get video. i will upload it soon. It is pretty great. She continues to take more and more steps. She has taken up to about 11 in a row. She prefers crawling because she is lightning fast. Watch out world! Here she comes.

Baptism continued

Elle's Baptism/Halloween

We had a really busy and exciting weekend. Aunt Clare arrived Friday evening. We went to dinner and had a pretty relaxing evening. Elle passed out on the way home from dinner. Aunt Catherine arrived so late Friday night that she came in, ate her gumbo and went to sleep. We didn't see her until bright and early Saturday morning. Elle was so excited to see her two godmommas!! Uncle Will came in town on Saturday. Mom, Clare and I went to get a pedicure while Daddy and Elle rocked out. We ran lots of errands that afternoon. We went to the original with Elle still in her costume for some yummy food and drinks. Then we took our little duck to go see her Meemom. Meemom was busy preparing for the baptismal celebration that she put together for Elle. We went home and went to sleep after a catastrophe in the kitchen involving red pepper. Poor Uncle Will! Sunday was Elle's baptism. It truly was a wonderful day. The weather was unbelievable! My girl was surrounded by tons of people who love and adore her. We were so happy to see everyone. Some of our favorite people live out of town so we don't see them as much as we would like to. It was a beautiful ceremony. Mom had a reception following the baptism. The food was AWESOME! Meemom outdid herself again. The day couldn't have been more perfect than it was! Enjoy the pics!

Happy Halloween Quack Quack