Dallas Road Trip

Last weekend, Anne and I drove to Dallas so that we could see my Uncle Sam and Aunt Anne and I could attend a bridal shower for my friend, Katie.

Katie and I lived together while I was in New York.  She's the daughter of one of my aunt's dear friend and was in need of a roommate the summer that I was interning in the City.  Although we didn't meet until the day I moved in, it worked out perfectly and I'm so glad that we've kept in touch all of these years.  Actually, I moved to New York 10-years ago this weekend.  It was a wonderful summer and I'm so glad that I had the opportunity to do something so incredibly special.

When we got to Dallas, baby Anne and Sam quickly became pals.  She sat in his lap and walked up to him asking him to hold her.  It was incredibly sweet to see the two of them together.  She loved Aunt Anne as well and I think the jewelry Anne wore helped them to become fast friends as well.  Aunt Anne also pulled out some of her childhood blocks for Anne to play with.

Sam graciously, our should I say, bravely, agreed to babysit while Anne and I went to the shower.  I had no doubt that Sam would do a great job; however, I was worried that Anne would be fussy and he would have his hands full.  While we were away, they grabbed lunch, went for a stroller ride and played.  When I got home, we all needed another nap after being so busy.

Sunday, I was sad to leave the two of them.  We had such a wonderful time and they mean so much to me.  I'm so grateful for their support and love.  I just wish that I could get to Dallas more often.  I know we'll back soon for the wedding, but hope to squeeze in another trip before then.

Thanks for a wonderful weekend, Sam and Anne.  We love you!

***It should not surprise anyone that I didn't take pictures, but next time, I will capture some of the sweet snuggles between baby Anne, Sam and Anne.

Videos That Just Make Me Smile

Here are a few videos that I love and although some may be sideways, they still just make me happy.  I'll figure out how to record things correctly soon, I promise!

1.  Backwards Crawling

2. Anne in a Basket

3.  Taking Out Her Frustration

She's Walking!!

For a while now, Anne has been so close to walking, but just like crawling, she has a fear of just taking the plunge.  She will walk all over the house pushing her walker or holding our finger; however, she will sit down immediately if you let go.  

Today, Anne and I went to the pool to enjoy a little time in the sun and while we were walking, I let go of her  hand and she didn't stop, she just kept walking.  I had to remind myself that I was in a public place and I couldn't immediately break down or start squealing.  I just stood there and watched her with tears in my eyes.  I'm so proud of our little girl and love watching her grow.

At the pool - pre- first steps.  Love those little curls.

Sorry this is sideways, I'm learning how to record things.  

Water Play

Today, Anne and I set outside before dinner so that she could enjoy the weather.  I put her swimsuit on her so that she could splash in the water while I watered my flowers.

Here are a few pictures of our girl playing with the water faucet.  It became apparent that we needed to step it up a notch with a sprinkler for our next day of water play!

Family Trip to San Antonio

Before the temperatures hit 90+, we planned a trip to the San Antonio Zoo.

On Friday afternoon, Matt, Anne and I hit the road for our overnight trip to SA.  We booked a hotel room off of the Riverwalk and as soon as we got there, Anne AKA "Miss Nosey Pants" had to check out all the things the room had to offer, including the view.

 Unfortunately, it was raining, but that didn't keep us from talking a stroll on the Riverwalk so that we could eat dinner before calling it a night.

The next morning, we met Matt's cousin, Kristin, and her husband, Mike, at a nearby restaurant.  It was great to see them while we were there.

Afterwards, it was time for the zoo.  We all enjoyed it and look forward to taking Anne back when she's older and can hopefully appreciate all of the animals.

This is how Anne sat throughout most of the trip at the Zoo.

Roll Tide!

Overall, it was a successful overnight trip for the Gardiner Family!

Home Sweet Home

Early this year I took on a new project at work - to develop the models and process for which we will expand the LIVESTRONG navigation services program.  Immediately, I realized that this would be a project that would challenge me and that excited me.  I appreciate the opportunity to learn new things and test new strategies and determine if they are successful.  I'm sure somewhere Shea is thinking I am a dork.  Regardless, I love things like this.

With this new project, I've been on the road a lot and after a year of light travel after having Anne, this definitely reminded me of what it's like to work for a national non-profit.  Almost every two weeks, I've been on a plane to Chicago and most recently Los Angeles.  I enjoy traveling and luckily both of these are great places to visit.  However, Chicago in February - April is cold.  Very cold!  Travel has also been good for frequent flyer miles and hopefully will set us up for a trip somewhere or a free trip home to Alabama for the holidays.  

I'm happy to report that I will be home for the rest of the month of May.  As I type, I'm on a plane heading back to Austin from Chicago and looking forward to getting home to Matt, Anne and Murphy.  I admit that traveling is harder on me emotionally now.  I make trips as short as possible, but thankfully, FaceTime has provided me the opportunity to see Anne every day while I am away.  It's nice to see her face when she wakes up and before she goes to bed.  I'm also grateful for a very patient and understanding husband and a mother-in-law who is incredibly helpful and supportive of us.  Without them, I'm sure I'd be miserable, but enjoying the work and having them to support me makes this much easier.  Well, as easy as it can be when leaving my sweet girl at home.  

My first expansion project launches in early June and I look forward to seeing how it goes and how we can ultimately make sure it's successful in providing cancer support services to people in Chicago.  Next up, LA. And I am determined to maximize at least one trip there to see some sights, not just the LA airport.  

Sick

This morning, Anne woke up and I could tell she wasn't feeling well. She was warm and not quite her usual chatty self. I went to work and checked on her throughout the day.

Later this afternoon, Mrs. Gladys mentioned she was not getting better so I left work a little early to check on her. When I got home I took her temperature, it was 103. We immediately pulled in the car and headed north to see the pediatrician.

Anne has a double ear infection and she's on antibiotics and the road to wellness.

Poor bunny.