It really seems like yesterday that Mark and I were sitting in a Chinese restaurant, visiting my brother Joel and his wife Elizabeth. I remember they were a little giddy and excited to share with us that they had just found out they were expecting a baby. Although they don't live very near, it has been so fun to wait in anticipation with them for their sweet baby girl to arrive. Yesterday afternoon their little Annie was born. She and Elizabeth are both doing so well. Yesterday afternoon, my mom came over and we were able to talk with the three of them via Skype. I'm thankful for this technology but it made me want to be there even more! 
These photos aren't the greatest quality but I think you can see the joy beaming from their happy new-parent faces. I like to think little Annie was giving me a smile. :)
This was their reaction to me saying, "Ooh, I think her mouth is moving." They didn't want to miss a moment!
And this is what is making me the biggest mush right now. My brother is a daddy. Can you see how proud he is of her? Mark even mentioned something last night about it after we finished Skyping with them. He's just radiantly proud of his beautiful daughter.
I don't doubt for a second that Joel with be an awesome father. Growing up we have had an exceptional example in our own dad and I expect Joel to follow in his footsteps. 
My friend Kristen and I often tease that our two little ones will get together some day. A few days ago we had an impromptu play date. Elianna is now big enough to interact more with James. How fun!
Seriously? This little one is so gorgeous!
Happy Birthday, Mom! She stopped by this afternoon with my grandparents and I snapped a few pictures of her with the German Chocolate cake I made her. Yum! (don't look too close--the cake is seriously lopsided!--I was hoping the side-wise angle of the photo would disguise that :)
the edited photo above....too much contrast? too dark?
the original--James LOVES shovels and brooms. When he sees them he says, "Da -da!!" very excitedly. He feels like the king of the world when he gets to carry them around.....but back to photo editing.
Part of my beef with editing photos is that I'm indecisive about what it is I really like...the above picture is after some tweaking. It's lighter, his eyes show more reflection...perhaps too washed out?
...but I sorta liked the contrast in this one, the original. What sweet cheeks!