Sydney is walking! & other "pictureless" news...

I have to get a video in here of our beautiful girl walking! She started taking several steps on her own last week and is now walking all over the place. (Any tips would appreciated as far as uploading videos)... We are so proud! She is too - she claps every time she falls down. Darling!
For now, here's an update on life in the Rawlins' home:
1. Sydney is completely over her sickness and I am so grateful. The bad news is...
2. Once Sydney was well Pace began showing signs of the same virus and yes he got it, only worse. Adult symptoms are more painful, very uncomfortable and longer lasting. He did get to feeling better, only...
3. Once he was nearly over that he noticed other pains and we ended up in the ER one evening because the infection he was fighting wasn't responding to the medicaton the doctor prescribed... So, long story short, he is almost well. He finally felt up to going back to work today. Luckilly he has all next week off to fully recooperate. RnR, gotta have it!
4. Last but not least, I need a new digital camera (hence the no new pics problem). I want one with quick picture taking ability because as soon as I push the button Sydney moves and I never seem to get the picture I want. Any preferences on cameras? Point and click, quickly, and I HATE having to change batteries so frequently. Any input is appreciated. Until next time... We're on to potty training. Wish us luck. :)

Sydney is Quarantined...

Our baby is sick... I thought she was teething, (drooling alot, fever, crying, putting her fingers in her mouth and saying "ouwee"). But yesterday she was crying hysterically, all day almost, couldn't sleep, wouldn't eat or drink, just really upset. So I called her doc and they got her in right then. Poor baby! He checked her throat and she has a virus that causes little canker-like SORES all over her throat! It is aweful guys. All he could do for her was prescribe some pain medicine and tell us what to feed and not feed her (things that wouldn't irritate the sores), keep her comfortable until her body fights off the virus. He said it has been going around. Anyway, she's quarantined, no other babies will get it from us. Today thankfully she is feeling better! Playing, drinking milk but still can't eat much, you can imagine. Poor baby!

1st year pics!

I took Sydney in to get her 1st Birthday pictures taken... Here's one of the finished products. I like Kiddie Kandids for photography - you get your picture the same day and I like their posing and backdrops... I have coupons if anyone wants them. Pretty cute, I am bias and love it!

Yes! to full-time motherhood

Today I celebrate my first week as a full-time mom and I can honestly say I am so happy to be here! Pace is too - I am alot nicer now that I'm home more. Ha! Seriously, though, once Sydney turned a year and we could see that Pace's studying days would soon be postponed for a year (law school starts next fall), we carefully and prayerfully determined that my last day at work would be June 1st. Let the good times roll! We have no money, kidding, little money, but feel it's worth the sacrifice for me to be here always with Sydney. She seems happier too. I feel extremely blessed to have this opportunity to shift roles and enjoy her as she grows. It's AWESOME!

Pace's long awaited and much studied for LSAT (Law School Admissions Test) is this coming Monday, June 11th. He is doing great with his practice tests... though he of course is a little nervous. Keep us in your prayers if you would please! He will find out how he did 2-3 weeks after he takes it I think. We'll keep you posted on the treck to and through law school.

7 Random Facts About Me? Ummm....

1. I have horrible teeth. They may look straight but are very cavity prone. Weak teeth, a gift from my parents...
2.I have a FURNITURE fetish. I very often long to redo my home with entirely new furniture, or upgrade to a larger home and decorate all over again. I really want to buy all the furniture I see that I like! Even though I cannot possibly find places to put them all. Luckily I also have a fetish with wise financial management.
3.Which leads me to my third random fact: I enjoy spending quality time reveiwing my finances, it's actually a hobby of mine. Not just balancing my checkbook but every other aspect of a family's finances, i.e budgeting, saving, investing, managing loans, everything. It's so fun... My favorite pastime.
4. I once had a boyfirend admit to breaking up with me because I wasn't "athletic enough". HA! Hilarious! Of course I'm not athletic, didn't he know that earlier, hello? I trip while RUNNING, folks!
5. I told my husband shortly after we got married that he was my favorite person. Being the completely honest, often overly honest person that I am I felt the need to follow the statement up with, "OK, I really like Ashleigh", (my little sister). Woops! Of course he understands, but... Times have changed though - he knows he is higher on the totem pole now after 2 years of marriage, that's for sure! (Love you, Ash!)
6. I put on 75 lbs with my first pregnancy... there is no way I would be able to put that in here if I hadn't lost it all (ok most of it all). Yeah, that's alot of weight! (Aleia, you are so skinny! Even while pregnant! You REALLY have it good!) Won't be doin' that next time, guaranteed.
7. Last but not least, I hate indoor pets. I hate hair, smelly excrements, slobber, claws in my furniture, etc. Just more than I am willing to put up with. I love them outside though, kind of! Gotta have the kitties!!

Sydney turns 1

She was scared at all the people singing at her...

but once we gave her cake to eat on her own she was just fine!

Made quite the mess, but in the end (after cleaning her up a little) she was entirely adorable.

I never thought we'd get such a kick out of watching her eat cake by herself for the first time but it was DELIGTHFUL to witness as a parent. Just loved it!