My first Mother's Day

I've had a lot of titles in my life. Daughter, friend, sister, communications director, wife, professional, colleague, and shopaholic come to mind.

Growing up and even in the early years of my marriage, I wasn't one of those women who was dying to have children. I liked kids...but liked giving them back when they started crying more. Martin and I spent a wonderful six years together as a married couple with no kids, focusing on our friends, travel, and career.

But four months ago, I earned my most important title. Mother. I can't describe the feeling of having Peyton in my life. All I can say is I've never felt a love for someone like I do for her.

My first Mother's Day was perfect. I spent the day with Peyton, Martin, and my mother-in-law. We didn't do anything fancy, and I didn't escape the house for "time to myself." I just enjoyed time with my precious little girl - and counted my blessings that I am her mother.

Spring has sprung!

The frigid temps and icicles have finally gone...and we are thoroughly enjoying the warmer weather! Peyton got her first taste of spring at Casa Hellmer in early April when we planted our annual flowers.



She wasn't much help - she slept the entire three hours in her swing, listening to the birds chirping and feeling a calm breeze on her face. She lives a tough life.

Cherry Blossoms

We have lived in Washington for 7 years and have never seen the much talked about Cherry Blossoms. Our hatred of going into the city other than for work, and the enormous cluster that is caused by hundreds of thousands of tourists have kept us away. But, we decided to brave the elements to take PK and hopefully get a good photo.

She was decked out in her Cherry Blossom viewing outfit - pink capri pants, an adorable butterfly t-shirt, and fashionable pink flower hat. Oh, and don't forget her monkey bib.



Upon arrival in dowtown DC, we realized why we never particpated in the annual pilgrimage to the Tidal Basin. Throngs of people crowded the sidewalks and streets, making manuvering around the Tidal Basin with the BOB virtually impossible. Check out all of the people on the steps of the Jefferson Memorial!



We managed to make the most of it, and most importantly, got a few family photos with the treasured blooms in the background.





This was our first, and last, ever visit to the Cherry Blossoms.

Three Months Old!

Young Princess Peyton turned three months old on April 13th. After posing for several glamour shots to commemmorate the special occassion, she celebrated with a bottle of milk and a nap. Mommy and Daddy drank a celebratory bottle of wine as Peyton received an honorary birthday bath, during which she laughed, grinned, and squealed. To her birthday delight, Peyton was then read an emotional version of Snow White by her mother, drearily fighting off sleep in order to hear the end of the story. Peyton fell dead asleep afterward, exhausted from a long and treacherous day of partying. The three month old diva awoke only briefly during the night to let out several small and groggy cries, no doubt when she realized she had received no gifts (other than love from her cheapskate parents).

The many readers of this popular blog will surely take delight in Peyton's attached glamour shots...charming, elegant, and flirtatious.

Happy Easter!

Southwest "Show Off"

Peyton boarded her first airplane flight in mid-March to visit her relatives in Arizona and New Mexico. The two week trip was dubbed the Southwest Show-Off, as we were essentially showing our beautiful daughter off to our friends and family who hadn't made a trip out to the east coast. Peyton had the biggest suitcase, cuz her Mom packed every single outfit she owns.








We flew from DC to Phoenix, spent a night at Casa Richardson, then drove 7 hours to Albuquerque. We spent the next five days in NM visiting friends and family, before heading back to Arizona to do the same there.

One Month Old!

Well, Martin and I have managed not to kill Peyton for one whole month. I can't believe she is four weeks old already. Time has flown by, and she is really starting to get big. I secretly want her to stay teeny forever, but I know we have so many exciting milestones to look forward to.

We also survived two blizzards in Washington, DC. We got about 20" of snow the first go 'round, with another 12" a few days later. We've been trapped in the house for over a week, but we are finally able to venture out. We spent the time with Grandma and Grandpa Richardson - both of whom are smitten with PK.

Since we've been bad about posting the past few weeks, I've attached several pictures of our little monkey, all of which showcase her undeniable cuteness.