Painting, Puzzles, Balloons

 Piper really loves to paint. I really should be a better mom and let her do it more often. I admit - she is so young, gets it everywhere, that sometimes I just don't want to clean it up! How's that for an honest mommy confession? :(

 I definitely let her do all the puzzles she desires, and she knows most of her alphabet and numbers from doing this!

 Auntie Em bought her a balloon from the hospital gift shop when Piper was there for an appointment. She LOVED it, and it lasted a LONG time. Win, win for everyone.

Fairy Cute

Going out verses Staying home??

I always struggle with "Am I getting Piper out enough?" with "Is Piper on a predictable routine?" It can be quite exhausting for a "new" mom to struggle with all these questions about what is "best" for children. So, like with everything else in this life, I just try to maintain a balance. I try to make her life fun, but also we are pretty routined with her. I'm sure there's always going to be something I can be doing better!
When Piper was a baby, I had MAJOR anxiety about taking her out very much. So we're pretty accustomed to staying home most days. When Piper turned one, we ventured out SO much more! She is at such a fun age, and I could just eat her up (most) days! I even took her to her first movie a few weeks ago, and she was SO awesome. I love watching her grow up, although it's definitely happening too fast.
So while we make our way to different playgrounds, the mall, friends' houses, and other places frequently, staying around home can be fun, too.

Easter 2012

 Easter is probably my favorite holiday. As a Christian, it means so much to me. I love having my own little family to start traditions, and who share my love for the holiday. I am so thankful, and try to never take any of it for granted.
He is risen, He is risen indeed.
We went to our church, then to Bonita and Dennis's house (Bebe and B-Bob) to Piper. Bonita is Diane's sister, and we usually end up there on Easter Sunday. We love it!

 Anywhere where there are dogs, Piper is a happy camper.

 And I have to mention I was pleased with Piper's bow I made to match her dress. While I KNOW man looks on the outward appearance while God looks at the heart, I have a lot of fun with dressing her. I know I can't put too much importance on it, and I try to find balance in that all the time! (Although, our lack of money helps me control it! HA!)

 Diane has bought both of Piper's Easter dresses, and I absolutely loved them both.

 A rare family photo!