Hello and Goodbye....

2009 has been a year of big change for me. I believe in fact that I've experienced the biggest changes in my life this year. On May 25, 2009 James & I said hello to our baby girl, the one we had dreamt of, waited and longed for. And on November 15, one month ago today we said goodbye to my beautiful Mother, my mentor, encourager, cheerleader, my constant support, my listening ear, the one who believed in me, invested in me and loved me, no matter what. It pains me to revisit that goodbye. I still can't believe she's gone. But knowing that she is no longer in pain, rather completely restored and whole brings me joy.

I say goodbye for now. But I have peace in my heart because I know this goodbye is only temporary. I will see my Mama again. I do so long for that day.....

Friends...

A sweet Sunday morning visit for the two girly-girls.

Georgea has a lot to learn from Alexa, and Alexa is a willing mentor.

Georgea & Alexa

Georgea catching up with her buddy Alexa at the airshow. I love seeing these two together.

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is one of my favorite places on earth. I love the laid back attitude, the dog friendly atmosphere, nearby wine country & the astoundingly beautiful beaches. James & I have really enjoyed our road trips to Santa Barbara with Vida and were super excited to take both Vida & Georgea at the end of September.

This was a quick trip that we tagged onto an already planned trip to LA for work. Short but sweet. We packed in a nice sunset walk on Friday evening, dinner at our favorite, "Brophy Bros." for clams & fish, and some more time on the beach with Vida and Georgea before heading home Saturday afternoon. James played photographer & I think he captured some great shots.

Sunset snuggle.

Vida is in heaven here more than anywhere. She loves romping in the waves!

Upside down girl enjoying some giggles!

Vida soaking from her swim & waiting for a treat. We let her off leash here & nowhere else. The rocky cliffs alongside the beach keep her "fenced" in.

LOL! She really cracks me up. Vida runs so hard for so long that her legs hurt at the end of the day. She does this to herself, she just can't help it.

Making a friend along the way.

Peaceful. We've had a lot going on lately, that's caused worry & stress. This day and a half was a gift that really brought some calm and peace.

After waiting so long to hold Georgea in my arms, it really was a dream come true to take her to this special spot. I loved walking that beach snuggled up with my angel.

Reaching for Vida while she takes a drink. Georgea LOVES her doggy.

A girl needs hydration after such a hard workout!

Beautiful Santa Barbara sunset. A sweet moment with with James, Georgea & Vida.

Breakfast beachfront Saturday morning.

Patty-pat Vida. This dog puts up with a lot from Georgea....but she sure has learned to appreciate all of the items falling from the high chair.

The two girls did remarkably well together on the drive. Here Georgea catches a quick nap as we head from breakfast to the beach.

For a 70 lb. dog, Vida finds a way to fit in some rather cramped spaces & get happy there. She really is an adaptable girl.

Saturday morning on the beach.

Playing Catch Up

I'm way behind on posting photos, so I'm playing a little catch up. Georgea is long over her chest cold from September, but I think these pics are so darn cute. My little angel taking her nebulizer treatment while playing with her toys, smiling & doing a little texting on Mama's blackberry. :-)

Frightening how young this starts, really!

I LOVE it when she smiles so big that her eyes almost close! One of my favorite things in life!

My baby.

Random photos

Georgea has had some chest congestion & is on a nebulizer breathing treatment regimine. She was so hysterical when they treated her at the Dr's office that she was soaking in sweat when the treatment was complete. At home, quite a different story. Here, playing with her brush & cup while Mama sings to her, administering the breathing treatment.

Soooo boring, she fell asleep!! I'm going to take this picture to Georgea's Dr. She won't believe it!

My little angel. Such a good girl.

Sunset fun with Dada. The swimsuit is a bit large, but Daddy picked it out & Georgea was oblivious. :-)

I'm telling you, this little girl has special smiles that she reserves, just for Daddy. She really knows how to work him over!

I can't believe how long her beautiful hair is growing.

Checking out the sunset.

Go Phillies! We have to root on Uncle John's team. :-)

Georgea loves to splash on the side of the pool. She splashes & giggles....so sweet!