We are back, part 2

Oh, the guilt. The agony. Quinn's first birthday pics are in this pile of photos. 

I am a HORRIBLE mother. 

I will own it. 

Quinn, I documented every moment of your sister's life. Someday, when you read this, what I want you to know is that I was a much better mother with you than I was your sister. Seriously. It might feel like I wasn't following you around with a camera, but honestly, I enjoyed you so much more. I don't mean that I didn't enjoy your sister. I really did. But with you, I'm much more relaxed. I am much less neurotic. 

And somehow, I do not have pictures of you taking your first bite of cake. I cannot even think about it. 

Sweet Quinny checking out Pearl. She is Pearl obsessed. Quinn hit the usual's first: Mama, Dada (in no uncertain order), then Pearl made top 5. 

Just a typical day in the kitchen

Quinn's first basketball game. Big E's team (Charleston Southern) did really well this year in their tourney; we caught a few games.

With Alli, Cora's adopted  big sister. Alli is so good to Cora!

Here, Cora was declaring that she does not like the carwash, but she likes the car blow dryer.

Hide-n-go-seek has become a favorite past-time at the Messal house.

With Danielle & Scott, Trevor & Tracy, at a Charleston Wine & Food Festival Event.

Trevor only looks homeless. 

I have NO clue where we were here. None whatsoever.

Quinn's first birthday. How happy!

This series of pics was awesome. We totally missed the timing on the presents. When Cora turned 1, Sharon and Aunt Feather gave her the doll bed they had when they were little. When Quinn turned 1, I gave her the one my Papaw Dennis made me. When the bed came out, Cora was devastated. She just stood there with her head down for what felt like forever. It was just a miss on timing - Cora had presents, too. It was heart breaking - I have no idea how to teach her to not expect presents on other people's birthdays. It was a really hard thing to watch.

We have more pics, I promise. But they are on the external hard drive, which is packed-up, because we are homeless for 4 weeks starting today (story to follow soon). I include these pics as a place holder just in case...

I cannot believe it has been a year. Was there life before Quinn? I can't remember it!