princesses

It seems like most little girls go through a princess stage.
(At least this is my observation from watching my nieces and Hannah's friends.)

Hannah is definitely there.

thank you Aunt Liz and Aunt Hope for all the princess dress-up clothes

Some recent quotes to illustrate this:

"Look, I a fairy godmother."

Mommy: "Hannah-bean..." (one of nicknames for her)

Hannah: "Mommy, I not a bean. I Hannah Joy Robbins Sleeping Beauty"

Hannah: Mommy is Belle, Daddy - you Jasmine, I Beauty

Daddy: Can I be Aladdin?

Hannah: No, you Jasmine!

parenthood

heading out the door to the hospital

3 years ago tonight we headed to the hospital bursting with anticipation about becoming parents and this new little life to join our family.

(must note - that I am not in labor at this point - hence, the great smiles of happiness)

in labor post-epidural

Tomorrow we celebrate not only Hannah's 3rd birthday, but 3 years of being parents!

first outing with baby Hannah - to Peet's to get some coffee for these tired parents

And look how our family has grown!

For the record, I must say that I am so grateful to be here at this point!
The beginning is very special - but being a seasoned parent also has its benefits!

relax

A couple of weeks ago I got time off from being a mom, a wife, a house cleaner, a personal shopper, a diaper changer, a face washer, a gardener, a sleep trainer and so much more - to just go & relax!

Here's how I spent it:

beautiful scenery

delicious food

good friends

Can we do this again next weekend?

Easter

This year (due to a last minute turn of events) we hosted the Robbins' Family Easter celebration!

It was my first time hosting the whole family - 17 (minus Liz & Craig).  And it went surprisingly well and stress-free.

here are most of us around the table

After the meal, Matt's mom/Grandma initiated a game to see who among the grandkids could make the angriest face.

 And after reviewing the pictures and some minor deliberation....

Hannah won, 

with this face!

watch out for when this girl gets upset!

 And then on to the Easter egg hunt.

We've spent a lot of time in recent weeks transforming our backyard from an over-grown jungle with paths - to a welcoming place for kids to play.  It was wonderful to see the fruits of our labor!

Peter and his uncle Tim matched with their green & white stripes!

We finished off the day with some dessert!

Peter is looking forward to being able to participate in the egg hunt next year!