Firsts

Picking out her own clothes

Giving herself a bath

First ice cream cone

First baseball "game"

Now that Lydia is two she's really expanding her horizons on what she can do, so we've had a lot of "firsts" recently (you can see some of them in the pictures above).
We've had tons of fun just playing in the backyard at our house.  She loves any sports, soccer, baseball, catch or just running around. 
We keep ourselves busy  by going to story time at the library, gymnastics, The Science Center, Pump it Up, the zoo, picking different parks to visit and lots of play dates.  There are so many family friendly places to go to in the Des Moines metro and we take advantage.
Lydia is getting special mommy and daddy one on one time before baby number two gets here in August.  Although I'm going to make sure the fun doesn't end for her when her new sister comes along. 

Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Inspiring, Compassionate, Proud = "Beyond Cancer"

This is how I feel when I think about the five part series I just completed with ABC5 Chief Photographer, Don Schmith.  We had the opportunity to listen to some amazing people tell their courageous stories.  Here's a link to the page on our website with all five parts.  Take some time and watch them.  You'll walk away feeling inspired.

Garden Planted!

Lydia and Evan

With a great looking forecast including some rain this weekend Brad Edwards told me tonight was the time to plant my vegetable garden.  My daughter, Lydia and I had some help.  Our good friends Sarah Behrens Brummer and her son Evan helped us do the digging, planting and watering.  Tonight we planted various tomato plants, okra, squash, beans, cilantro and peppers.  And a big thanks to Brad for one of our tomato plants that he grew at his house. I was super excited to find organic plant food!  We are hoping for a great harvest in the weeks to come.
Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Evan, Lydia and Sarah

Sarah and me

Birthday Fun!

My sister Magdalena, her two little girls Elizabeth and Brielle and Lydia and myself.

 The sister Magdalena, husband Justin and their two girls.

 Lydia LOVED spinning the birthday wheel, I think that's when it clicked that the day was for her! (above)
(below) My husband and i got her a doll house, its a hit!

My baby girl Lydia turned TWO on April 14th!  We had a big birthday party for her at Incredible Pizza.  We had eleven kids and twenty-seven adults, its good for the adults to outnumber the kids, especially at birthday parties.  It was a blast and the birthday girl sure had a good time. 

What was exciting for me was ALL of my brothers and sisters came throughout the week and stayed the weekend to celebrate.  We all haven't all been together in maybe six years.  So my parents, two brothers, three sisters, all significant others and children were here in town.  We had a so much fun playing games and talking! 
We seized the opportunity and took some long overdue family photos.  Reporter Jessica Daley did a great job snapping them for us!  Thanks Jessica! 
Being around family just makes me one happy camper!
Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Blank Park Zoo

Last week I caved in and bought our family a year long pass for the Blank Park Zoo. We've already gone twice. Today we went with some good friends and just had a blast. I love that you can bring a guest in with our pass! It wasn't too crowded, probably due to the overcast skies. Lydia and her friend Mila had a blast. The seals, otters, goats, lions and fish were all ready to entertain! We have some great pictures to prove our fun day!


Rachel Pierce
rpierce@myabc5.com

Generosity at its best!

This weekend I threw a baby shower for a wonderful young woman. Her name is Jessica. I met her while doing a story about teenagers who benefited from programs and services that got them through tough times. Jessica went to Orchard Place while she finished high school, transitioned into the Buchanan House, and is now staying at the Lighthouse (a home for young mothers). She is one of those young people who easily could have made different choices and ended up in a completely different place, like on the streets. But here she is expecting a baby boy, going to college, and living in a place that will help her stay on track.

I sent an email to several metro businesses asking them to contribute to a "community cares" gift basket for this amazing young woman. I received an incredible response! Suite Dreams in Clive donated this ADORABLE, luxurious elephant coat and an adorable plush ball.

Once Upon a Child in Clive donated a beautiful soft blanket and a discount card for their store.

Me 'N Mommy to Be (West Des Moines/Ankeny) donated a $50 giftcard!!!! And so did Kidding Around in Clive!!!

I was sooo excited to share these gifts with Jessica and show her that the community really does care and wishes her the best.

So here's to amazing generosity and thoughtfullness!!! And congratulations Jessica!!!

Amanda

Lots of green, but only a little candy :(

My family ventured to downtown Des Moines for the St. Patty's Day Parade. It was a great atmosphere with lots of people and beautiful weather. Believe it or not this was Maddox's first parade. Both of my boys loved looking at the cool cars when they drove buy, especially any fire trucks or police cars.

We got a few bead necklaces thrown our way and one little bouncy ball. Unfortunately that was all of our bounty. We didn't get a single piece of candy!!! I think we were too close to the end of the parade route and everybody was out of candy. Definitely a bummer, but still worth it.