Visitors

We have been lucky to have so many family and friends come in to see our Izzy, which has also given us a chance to catch up with out of town family. Poppie and Grandma Lori have both been for a visit already. When Poppie came in we took the girls to the zoo (I think that's Izzy's first official outing) and went to Pitt's graduation ceremony. Sweet Audi says that Poppie is "my friend". Grandma Lori has also flown in and is staying for a couple of weeks. She has been a huge help to have with two little ones! She's visiting with her brothers over the weekend, but we can't wait see her again on Monday. So far we have been to Kennywood, the pool, and out to Pamela's diner. I see some shopping in our future. Aunt Cate drove in and was able to visit for a couple of days. We met up with Aunt Nellie and Easton in Oakland to ride the carousel and play in Shenley Park (which has an awesome playground for kids). Cate and I were also able to sneak away to Mad Mex for dinner. As always, we loved everyone's visits. Come again soon!! My only excuse for not taking more pictures during everyone's visit is my hands were full:)
Audi with Aunt Cate...all smiles:)
Grandma Lori and Izzy. It must be love...

Kennywood

We went to Miles' company picnic at Kennywood last Sunday. It was the second time Audi was able to go on the rides in Kiddieland. It was a successful day, and I really think she enjoyed her time at the park. I see a few more years of Kiddieland i our future before we are able to hit up all the bigger rides!
Audi won herself the Sponge Bob Square Pants stuffed prize!! On the last throw she was able to toss the ball into the only red floating cup. It was the perfect way to end the day.
Grandma Lori and Audi on the cars. They were both smiling after this ride!
Izzy the trooper baby. She hung out in her stoller all afternoon. What a sweet baby!
Audi loves the carosel, which is funny because last year she was terror-stricken whenever we went on them. My little goose is growing up too fast.

Graduation!!

About a week after the arrival of Izzy I officially graduated from the Family Nurse Practitioner program. We celebrated by going out to India Garden before the graduation ceremony with our Dowiak clan, Grammie, Papa, and Poppie. I checked for my final grades (which have been posted) so I'm free and clear! There's some paper work that needs to be compleated by the school involving transcipts and such before I can sit for the national exam. I don't have any pictures of the actual night...so here are pictures of Audi and Izzy instead!
Fingerpainting in the kitchen.

Our girls!!

IZZY IS HERE!!!

Elizabeth Rose Dowiak is finally here!!! She came in at 8lbs 4oz, 20.5 inches, and we couldn't be any prouder! I'm still on a mom high, and am so excited that we have another little girl to love. She's perfect.
Here's a proud Audi "big sister" with Izzy when we first came home from the hospital.
The last prego belly shot...this was taken on the way to the hospital...
A proud Mom and Dad in the delivery room...the doctor broke my water around 8pm, and she was here 11:51pm. I had time for an epidural and 3 pushes (both the epidural and short transition time come recommended)
I think the picture tells it all (Miles in the delivery room)
We were so excited to come home!! The decorations were a surprise from Grammie and Audi. We loved it. It's so nice to be home and begin to settle into a routine. I'm just estatic that we have another addition to our family.

The Good Ship Lollipop

Last weekend we went to Station Square to meet up with the Wilson's and ride the Good Ship Lollipop. I can't remember the last time I went on the tour, but I have to admit I did enjoy the trip. They take you up and down the three rivers in Pittsburgh and point out different buildings. I could have done without the clown, although when I asked Audi about him she did say he was "happy". There are some pictures of the boat ride below...
Later that night we went to Nellie's for dinner. I had a lovely time catching up with everyone, and can't wait for the beach trip in October. I know Audi will be excited to visit her friend Tony! And as much as I hate the idea of fireworks (they're just dangerous)...Miles put on an excellent show!

Almost there...

The official word from the doctor is that this baby could be come at anytime now! Although it's exciting, I know my due date is next Wednesday. If the baby doesn't come by next Thursday I'll be induced. (There is a light at the end on the tunnel!!) So here's a belly shot taken a couple of days ago...any guesses to how big the baby will be?

Random pictures...

This is Audi at the petting area they had set up at Mt. Lebo park for the 4th of July. Although I will say her absolute FAVORITE thing to do at these little festivals is the moon walk bouncy thing.
We went to the arts festival with Grammie and Papa while it was here. I couldn't resist posting Papa dancing with the drums...
Here's Audi in a train at Trax farms strawberry festival earlier this year...
Before anyone gets any ideas...this is not our kitten but a neighbors!! Audi loved holding the new kitten, but I'm still not inspired to get a pet yet...