Birthday, Wedding, Father's Day

We had a busy weekend, and thus, several pictures to post!

Friday was my birthday...my first birthday as a Mom. It felt different because I'm definitely not #1 anymore. But it was also really special to be able to celebrate with my daughter.
My parents came up and spent the afternoon with Lily and me. We went shopping at the Wilton tent sale and went out to lunch. After Matt got home from work we had a nice relaxing evening at home. All in all, a great day.On Saturday we went to Michael & Laura's wedding in Chicago. Michael is a friend from high school, so several of my other high school friends, their parents, and my parents were there. Matt and I stayed the night in Chicago so Lily had her first sleepover at Nana & Grandpa's house. It was a big production to get Lily and ourselves ready, packed, and out the door, but we managed and actually made it everywhere on time.

The "townie" girls

and the husbands

The reception was at The Congress Plaza hotel, which was beautiful. I got to dance and catch up with old friends, which I always enjoy.

The happy couple and their last dance. Now they are in Tahiti/Bora Bora which is where Matt and I honeymooned. I almost hopped in their suitcase because I would LOVE to go back!

But we couldn't go too far because Sunday was Matt's 1st Father's Day. Before we left Chicago we had breakfast with my parents. Then we drove straight to Matt's parent's house to see them and Lily. Though we knew she was in good hands, it was tough being away from Lily that long.

Lily had a great time with Nana and Grandpa and so did they. They reminded us how lucky we are to have such a sweet and easy baby.

3 Generations

After Father's Day dinner we had birthday cake for me. It was Lily's first birthday party and first time seeing candles being blown out. As usual, she just stared and didn't give much reaction. That girl is like a sponge and just soaks everything in.

5 Months Old

Lily is 5 months old! Since there was no doctor's visit, I'm not quite sure what her height and weight are. Last I checked, she was around 16 lbs. She's still wearing 6 month clothing, though I think she'll be in the 9 month size before summer is over. She is long-waisted so outfits quickly become too short.This week Lily really started "talking". She's making "ba-ba" sounds instead of just noises. She talks the most when she's got something in her mouth (like the rattle below) or during a diaper change.

She's very good at rolling from back to tummy and hasn't figured out tummy to back. She usually just stays on her tummy until she gets tired and then cries for help. She's still a big fan of the "half roll" and watching tv.

This month Lily found her feet. She hasn't put them in her mouth, but she like to grab them.

Lily's hair is coming in nicely on the top of her head, but she has a giant bald spot in the back. She was born with all of the dark brown hair in the back and it's slowly falling out. All the new hair is blonde - about the same color as mine. I'm sure she will turn brunette when she's older, but it's fun to see her blonde for now.

I am consistently giving Lily rice ceral once a day. She is a pro at eating from the spoon. (As if anyone doubting the eating skills of a Cianciarulo.) We use the cereal as just a snack and are waiting until the 6 month mark to introduce more solids.

A few more pics in her "adorable" outfit...

"Hey...I know you!"

"I love Pooh bear"

Family Photos

Sorry for the delay in postings. I guess we were too busy having fun (or too busy working for that matter.) Over Memorial Day weekend, Lily and I went to Indiana to visit Grandma and Papa. We took Lily to an art fair in Lafayette. As you can tell by "serious Lily", she was pretty overwhelmed by the crowd.

The following weekend, Matt, Lily, and I went to my Aunt's house for a family gathering. Many of my cousins got to meet Lily for the first time. Lily eventually warmed up to them, but for the most part she was quiet and "taking it all in" like she does in new situations and around new people.

Cousins Allyson & Shelley

Great Aunt Carolyn

(keys taste good!)

Cousin Linda

(rattle tastes good too!)

Cousin Morgan

Cousin Jill