It's Official: We are giving Iowa a try!

Yesterday I sent a letter of intent to Iowa State University accepting their offer for graduate school. This was a really hard decision because there are so many things that we liked about Georgia. Ultimately it came down to the exceptional research opportunities I will have in Iowa. We never thought we would end up in IA, but we are excited to move on to the next stage of our lives!

Birthday Celebration

Unfortunately, I was out of town on grad school interviews on Heather's birthday, so we celebrated a few days later with my family. Heather's cousin Emily and my mom also had birthdays nearby, so we made it a triple birthday celebration!

Stephanie went all out for Heather's cake. It turned out really well. Heather's favorite part of the day is bathtime, so this cake was very appropriate.


Stephanie stacked two 9x13 cakes, cut out a tub, frosted the contraption, and added some blue Jell-o to the tub. The knobs are simply mini marshmallows attached to large marshmallows, and she used licorice for the faucet. It turned out great.

We enjoyed singing...

...and then watching her eat the cake. The blue Jell-o was her favorite.

Isn't she so cute?
It was wonderful to spend some time with family, eat a delicious turkey dinner, share gifts, and eat cake! Thanks for all of Heather's birthday gifts--she loves them!

We still can't believe Heather is a year old. She is growing so fast! We love her lots and can't wait to see the surprises she will come up with next!

Happy Birthday Heather B!!!

It all began on March 5, 2009 at 3:32pm. Heather Breanne Standage was born.


Two days later, we brought her home.

...and sleeping like a baby...when did that change?


Three weeks later, she was smiling.


By May she was developing a lot of personality.


In June we introduced her to the computer.


...and this was such a cute picture I just couldn't leave it out...


In July she was blessed. (Sorry the picture is sideways.)


In August, she started being extra curious (well, she always has been, but this is the first time we caught her on the camera).


In September, she was just as cute (and as busy) as ever!


In October, she carved her first pumpkin.


By November she was learning to appreciate food...YUMMY!


She celebrated her first Christmas in December...She loved all the noise and commotion...and of course all the extra stuff to get into.


This one was too cute to pass up! I should also add: this is about the time she started walking.


We went to her first basket ball game in January.


She also wanted to be outside and in the snow ALL THE TIME!! (She still does.)

She decorated her first cookie in February. She ate it too! :)



And here we are a whole year later with a sweet and talented little girl!

We can't believe it's been a year since Heather was born! She has always been the cutest happiest little girl in the whole world. (We are prejudiced, of course.) She has brought smiles to our faces every day she has been here, and we know she will continue to do so.
We are so grateful for our precious little Heather B. She has brought more joy and happiness (and more patience, and business) than we could have ever imagined. We are so happy she came when she did, and we wouldn't trade these experiences for the world!
We love you Heather Breanne! Happy Birthday!

Bowlicious Bowtique Giveaway!

I found out about Bowlicious Bowtique from Michele. They make the cutest little bows, flowers, hats, headbands, etc. There is a giveaway on their site this month!!! I am super excited!