Cecilia's Party at Lagniappe

Cecilia turned one on December 9th, and we had her birthday party at Jonathan's parent's new fish camp in Bay St. Louis - "Lagniappe." What could be more appropriate than a fish theme! It was cute. It was a small party with family only. Next year we will probably have something a bit bigger and invite her pals.:) It was such a fun and special time!!

Maama's little helper --- Cecilia helping Jonathan's Mom unload groceries when we got there on Friday. And how cute is it that they are dressed alike??!

My Step-Dad Dave caught me taking pictures with my mini-cam. Jonathan is getting me a "big girl" camera for Christmas. Thank goodness. In fact, I think he is buying the same one Dave is taking my picture with --- yay!

My Aunt Susan and Aunt Lynn own a shop, The Paper Moon in Biloxi, MS, and they did these precious invitations for us!!

A few decorations for the party... (There were some others I didn't get pictures of... Ugh!)

Splat cake. See below for what she was doing just minutes before attempting her "splat..." Needless to say she wasn't enthused! She did, however, perk up for gift opening time. Not surprising...:)

Snoozing on her Mama Jo (my Mom)

My brothers Miles & Jules

Miles' girlfriend Brittney and her precious nephew, AJ!

Trying to wake up from her nap

She was NOT happy about this hat...

We traded the hat in for this bow...

Papa (Jonathan's Dad) observing while we open gifts...

She loved Aunt Leah & Uncle Josh's gift --- a personalized singing monkey!!

Changed into jammies after her party to play...

Her new ride from Maama and Papa

Sunday morning before we left --- hanging with Aunt Sarah, Uncle Ben & Baxter

First Flight!!

Jonathan, Cecilia and I flew to Houston, TX this weekend for Jonathan's Aunt's wedding reception. It was a lot of fun, and we were happy to see everyone. We only stayed one night. We left early Friday morning and got back Saturday night. This was her first flight, and she did amazing!! She loved it.

Cecilia flying right seat as second in command to Josh Reed

Josh has two kids. He told us he's seen some babies get reeeally sick in the air. Fortunately, Cecilia wasn't one of them.

Mid-flight...

She wanted nothing to do with her toys but wanted to play with THIS the entire flight. Figures!

Exhausted from trying to open the door release....

A visit with Cecilia's great Grandpa (my Mom's Dad - Carlyle... who Cecilia was named after). He lives in The Woodlands, TX. His health isn't too good, so he doesn't travel anymore. While we were in town, we went for a visit.

During the reception, Maama (Cecilia's Grandma) spotted this Santa. Cecilia was very intrigued, and we got some cute pics. She was trying to figure out if she made his list!

Very curious...

She liked him after all!

Changed into some comfy clothes and headed home (with her punch cup from the reception)

Are we there yet??! Thought she would sleep on the way home... Nope

Leah's Wedding Week & Thanksgiving

Jonathan's sister Leah got married at the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, AL this week. I've always wanted to stay at the Grand, and it didn't disappoint! It was amazing!! Everything was perfect, and the bride was stunning. The family decided to stay for a few more days and celebrate Thanksgiving there. YUMMY food (way too much food)! Cecilia had a great time. She was so sweet and did soooo good at all the events. There was a night or two of rough sleeping. Missy kept waking up wondering where she was. Of course, this only woke Mommy. Daddy has the unique gift of sleeping through anything... even if it occurs three feet away from him.

What am I thankful for this year? Family... my sweet little family on out. God entrusted us with a beautiful baby girl, and I only hope we can fulfill our obligations as parents according to His plan. The only thing missing this holiday is my older brother Adam. He passed away on Jan. 11, 2010. In fact, Cecilia was named after him. Adam Carlyle O'Keefe & Cecilia Carlyle Duhon --- Carlyle is the first name of my maternal grandfather. I do plan to blog about Adam. Just need to feel up to it.

Back to the week - pics are below. Congratulations, Leah & Josh! We are so happy for you both and look forward to a cousin (or tw0) for Cecilia SOON!

Ben, Ceci & Jonathan

Ben & Ceci

Mrs. Roxie (My Mother-in-law), Ceci & Justice

Sarah (Sister-in-law --- Siblings in order: Jonathan, Leah & Sarah), Ceci & Ben (Sarah's Boyfriend)

I think we know who this is...

Jonathan's sisters and cousins (Cecilia wanted Daddy!!)

Leah & Josh... gorgeous!

Thanksgiving Brunch --- How cute! She wasn't scared a bit!

Grabbing his beak!

Maama, Papa & Ceci (she LOVES to stay at their house!! Lucky Mommy & Daddy!!)

Strolling downtown Fairhope

Loving her shades!

ING New York City Marathon --- Nov. 3 - 6, 2011

I'm finally getting around to writing about my first trip away from Cecilia. It was difficult, but I couldn't have had a better reason to leave... seeing Molly (Malone), Laura (Mayfield) and Sarah (Tartt Hautt)... Three best friends from college and I haven't seen them in, hmmm.... maybe a year... over a year... longer? Seems like a decade. I love and miss them! AND they ALL live in Atlanta... everyone but me! How terrible is that!? Of course, I must say THE reason we went to NYC this particular weekend was to see Laura run her first marathon. The few days prior to the run included great food, a fabulous show (howtosucceedbroadway.com) and much needed catching up... leading up to our chasing down Laura during the run. Did I mention us making signs "thinking" this a) will certainly give her motivation when (if) she sees us and b) help her spot us in the crowd. Ha. Doubtful... This marathon included ~47k runners. Molly, Sarah and I were overly confident in our ability to see her at mile 18 then mile 24. Mile 18 proved to be a disaster. The tracker app was delayed. How can a MARATHON TRACKER APP be delayed when you are "tracking" your runner... seriously? Well, it was. We missed her there and ran to mile 24 where we anxiously waited to get a glimpse of our friend. AANNNDDD we found her! Luckily, Molly told her to put her name on her tank. While we waited, we cheerfully shouted on fellow runners. We fiiiiiinally spotted Laura. She was doing GREAT, looked GREAT... looked better than us after we ran to mile 24 to catch a glimpse. It looked like she was one mile 1. Go Laura!

She finished, we ran to fetch cabs back to the airport... and finally I made it home to my Cecilia! It was a fabulous trip with great friends. A few pics are below. (After returning from this trip, I left for a cruise three days later with Jonathan, my Mom and Stepdad for four days. Did I actually think scheduling two back-to-back trips away from Cecilia was a good idea... maybe months ago when I was up all night and nursing around the clock. In hindsight, that won't be happening again. Details and pics from that trip to come.)

She's READY!!!

Aaaaand... Congratulations, Laura!!

Laura, Molly & Justice

Molly, Sarah & Justice