My First Annie Sloan Project

For Lila's third birthday, she got a new room.  No more crib and changing table for her.  Now, she has a big girl bedroom complete with antique dresser to hold her DVDs and her TV. 

When we bought the dresser, this is what it looked like...

A new store recently opened in our area that sells Annie Sloan paint, and I decided to see what all the buzz was about.  A couple weeks later, a few coats of paint and a wax finish, and this is what we have now...

We moved it in the room yesterday and got it all loaded with her DVDs and other toys.  Lila said over-and-over, "Mom, I am so proud of you."

Cute dresser.  Cute room.  Cute girl!

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Happy Second Birthday Lila!

I should have know from the beginning, you were trouble...

Instantly, you were a prodigy when it came to persuading others to do just exactly what you wanted.

"Hey Dude, I don't think you need that finger right now, and it sure would help me get to sleep... Sooooo, I'll take that."

1 day old

I got a little hope that you I may be able to talk you into doing things when you were willing to let your mother put that stupid bow on your bald head.

Now, I know you're a genius, and you just LET me believe I was talking you into it. You allowed it to take place because you knew I would feel terrible later for making you look like a fool. You have the ammunition and are just waiting for the right opportunity to use it... My guess is you are perfectly positioned for that new car when you turn 16.

1 Year

It seems that as your hair has grown so have your powers. You've honed your craft and should teach some kind of class.... just do me a favor and don't share you abilities with government officials. They've talked us into plenty.


Lila, you are gorgeous and hilarious! I am so thankful to be your Mommy. Happy birthday Baby!

Just another day grown' up and Being Billingsley...

Lookin' Good

That's right people... This is what Lila typically looks like. Not so much when we meet you for lunch, but that's because 20 minutes and a handful of gel have worked their way into the equation. So, we finally decided to take this child for her first haircut.

We loaded her in the chair and our sweet stylist locked her in. Notice Lila's "please don't touch me lady" positioning of the arms. (I know what you K-dubbers are thinking, and no Mindy H. did not cut my child's hair, but I miss her so much I insisted on calling this lady Mindy. I talked it over with her, and she was fine with it.)

Notice the enthusiasm at the salon experience.


The longing to be any where but in that pink salon chair...

And, finally the after...


She did so well, we decided to celebrate with some dinner and games. I had the Tomato Bisque and an Iced Tea, but Lila insisted on a tall double to take the edge off. It was a rough night for her!

She did find the energy to school a little boy on Dance, Dance Revolution! Notice, in his shame, he had to turn his back to her.

She capped the night with a sweet motorcycle ride. Note the new-found uniform and obedient set of curls that kid has!

Just another adorable day Being Billingsley...

I love a trampoline.

The only thing I love more than playing a solid game of "Crack the Egg" on the thing myself is watching my kids play on it. It is hilarious.

They fall down a lot. They both think they are jumping "so high," but the truth is despite the greatest of efforts their feet don't really leave the surface. It's great.

They both think I'm some sort of super hero because I have this magical ability to get my feet to rise up above the surface of the trampoline tarp when I jump.

But, by far, the best thing about trampoline time is Lila's sweet hair when we are done...


Keep it crazy, Lila. Keep it crazy.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Tinsel Icicles...

My Mom was convinced that the one thing her tree was missing this year was tinsel icicles. Which took me back to all those Christmases hearing, "Not in clumps. NOT IN CLUMPS. One at a time. ONE AT A TIME!!"

So, of course I wanted to make sure Abbie and Lila had a chance to get in on the action. The day those icicles arrived at Mom's, we were on our way to teach the girls proper icicle administration.


They did a great job and looked really cute doing it!!


Just another day Being Billingsley...

Well, it was no crying baby picture...

I had to settle for mildly concerned baby instead, but it's still pretty cute. I also like how I can always rely on Abbie to bring her "A-game" smile.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

Jingle Bell Run 2010

Abbie's school had their annual Jingle Bell Run today. It's a 1 mile run for the kindergarten and 1st grade classes. Parents were encouraged to come and participate. So, of course, I brought candy and Lila & I sat in the stands and watched everyone run.

Just before the race, Abs identified her running buddy. She explained to me that it's best to have a buddy because it really "pushes you to run harder." Here she is with her fellow Olympian-in-training...

They stretched as a group and then they were off-and-running...

These kids were so fast, Lila and I almost didn't have time to finish our Reese's Peanut Butter Cups. Before we knew it, Abbie "The Blur" Billingsley was rounding the final turn blazing her way to the finish line...

I know what you're thinking... and the answer is absolutely YES. She gets her superlative athletic skills from me. Just look at that stride, the high knees, the straight posture, and the fact that she reduced the boy in front of her to throwing himself at the finish line in pure exhaustion. His fear of being beat by a girl kept him going for a mile, but he couldn't have lasted much longer. Abbie, on the other hand, was just getting warmed up.

Just another day Being Billingsley...

P.S. In case you were wondering, Lila and I did achieve a personal best today for most Reese's consumed in a 15 minute stretch. Those pb cups don't unwrap themselves people.

Somebody Likes Spaghetti Sauce!

Look who's fabulous!!!

We recently had Lila's one year portrait done by our favorite portrait artist!

Lynyia also did Lila's very first photo shoot, and she has done ALL of Abbie's portraits.
She's pretty amazing!!

Here are just a few of our favorites...

Just another day Being Billingsley...

She's a Year!

She's officially 1! What a wonderful year it has been. A few things I've learned...

• You can do a whole lot of work to get a baby to come out of you, but it doesn't mean that she will like you even close to as much as she loves her Daddy. Extremely unfair.... especially since I'm the one who will have to rock stretchmarks and a swimsuit with a skirt the rest of my life.
• Babies actually CAN be born mean. She's a feisty one and always has been!
• We will be investing in pre-paid legal services. Lila thinks the word "No" is simply a suggestion.
• Thinking it's hilarious when other people fall down/get hurt must be hereditary because Lila enjoys it almost as much as I do.
• Some one-year-olds will eat their weight in pulled pork. I have a feeling we have a future competitive eater on our hands.

Lila, in the last month, you have amazed us with lots of cool new developments...

• Tooth #6 has emerged! You've got quite the toothy grin!
• You attended your first 4th of July parade. You were generally irritated and HOT. Check out the sweet hair... I intend to use this picture in your high school yearbook.
  

• The fireworks show later that night was a huge hit. Something about explosives really held your attention.
• On July 13th, you had your first frosty sippy of milk. You were a fan!
• You've got a ridiculous vocabulary for your age. Your Dad and I calculated 12 words that you are using regularly. Your pediatrician didn't believe us until you told him "Thank You" and pointed out the "lights" in his office. (I can only imagine the words that will come out of your mouth in the future when someone doesn't believe you...)
  
• You wave when you say "Hiiiiiii" and "Byyyyyye."
• And, you have officially started walking. When you fall down. You laugh. You're a strange child, but I'm glad you are laughing with me.
• You had your first birthday party. Your favorite part was the frosting!

• You weigh in at a healthy 19 lbs 6 oz, and are 28 1/2" long.

Lila, you are a joy! I can't wait for you to wake up in the morning because you make it a beautiful day. I'm so thankful for the honor of being your Mommy.

Now, let's go see what kind of trouble we can get into...

Just another day Being Billingsley...

One Year Lila Hope Style

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL GIRL!

Just another day lovin' Being Billingsley...

Lila's First Birthday Party!

Have I mentioned before that this is my little clone??

"Whatever. Someone is an idiot and left a cake sitting right here. In my way, by the way!"

"Well, I guess if it's here, I'll just take a little off the top. Whatever."

"This is good, but I better play it cool."

"Oh, Geez! I gotta get in there."

"I'm impressive."

"I love Cake, and I don't care who knows!"

I love you Lila Hope, and I REALLY love that you share my appreciation for baked goods with cream cheese frosting. You are amazing!

Just another day stuffing our faces and Being Billingsley...