Happy 4 year anniversary!!!

Four years ago today I was walking down the aisle to Pachelbel's Canon in D. I was nervous and fidgety, but all of that seemed to melt away the moment that I saw John standing there with his warm smile. And yes, I cried. I cried like a baby. This was a wonderful day and I was so fortunate to have my family and friends there to witness as I became Mrs. Varley.



I couldn't have asked for a better partner in life. John is not only my husband and father to our children, but he is my best friend.

Here are just a few of the many reasons why I love you, John:

1. You challenge me to be a better person.
2. Your zest for life is contagious.
3. You always know how to make me laugh.
4. You are beautiful, both inside and out.
5. You are a man of your word.
6. You are extremely generous, sometimes to a fault.
7. You are my biggest supporter, always lifting me higher.
8. You are an AMAZING father, so kind and patient.
9. You make me feel so pretty.
10. Oh, and I love the way you dance :)

This has been by far the best four years of my life and I know it'll only get better from here.

Much love,

Daisy

Pinus torreyana

06.24.09

Today was the day that I decided to take some extra steps toward getting back in shape. I am not a huge fan of the gym. I would much rather be walking, hiking or swimming outdoors. Anything to avoid the monotony of exercising side by side with strangers on the elliptical.

And so, I took the girls, invited the Yeum gals and hiked up to Torrey Pines State Reserve. If you haven't been, you should! The view from atop is breathtaking.

The following images are courtesy of my iPhone.



Much love,

Daisy

Children's Portraits [The Uribe Girls]

Yesterday, I got to catch up with an old friend and hang out with her little darlings. Seriously, it seemed like only yesterday Hannah and Sophia were crawling around together in their diapers :)



I love Dannie's spunky personality!





Here's the 3rd installment of the Uribe girls...Irelyn! Love that name.

















Last but not least, the adorable Hannah.



Much Love,

Daisy

My Family: the Bainters

I value quality family time.

My mother, siblings and their kiddos came down to San Diego for the weekend and we had so much fun catching up, relaxing and enjoying each other's company.

It's amazing how far "the Bainters" have come since first arriving in my home town in Central California. We've grown from our tight unit and expanded with little ones of our own :) Good times abound when we get together.

And so, we spent some time on Saturday at La Jolla Cove soaking up the sun.





Josiah. Such a character.



My younger brother, Michael, can only hold a serious expression for so long. LOL!





Here's his little tough guy, Mikey, showing off his guns.



The oldest of the grandkids, Alycia and Sophia are the best of friends.













Love you guys!!!



Much Love,

Daisy

Window

“A smile is the light in your window that tells others that there is a caring, sharing person inside.” - Denis Waitley



Much love,

Daisy

Treasure

"No one has yet fully realized the wealth of sympathy, kindness and generosity hidden in the soul of a child. The effort of every true education should be to unlock that treasure." - Emma Goldman



Much love,

Daisy

Gianna

Gianna Alexandra Varley was born on May 3, 2009.
weight: 6 lbs. 12.8 oz.
height: 18.75 in.

In the early morning of Sunday, I felt little contractions as they came and went. I brushed it aside because the pain was minimal. I thought, "hey, it's just a false alarm. Nothing to worry about. I still have 3 more weeks." Boy, was I wrong.

It's 5:30 a.m. and the pain has intensified. I'm still unconvinced that I'm going into labor, so I take a nice, soothing bath. What the heck was I waiting for? Was my threshold for pain that high? I call John who comes running in like a mad man and tell him to call the doc a.s.a.p. Now, imagine being in John's position, trying to pry a woman in labor from the bath tub, dress her and get her into the car all the while stopping every 2 minutes because she feels like the walls are caving in and crumbling around her. He was amazing.

We rushed to the hospital at 100 mph with the window rolled down. We arrived at the hospital at 6:20 a.m. I am trying my best not to push, because that's exactly what you want to do at that point. The security guard assists me out of the car and into a wheelchair. He blazes through the lobby and into the elevator where my water breaks. Yeah, it was wonderful. At the triage, we find out out that I'm already 10 cm dilated! What...the...f...??? Can I get my epidural please?! "A little too late for that, honey," says one of the nurses.

They transport me to the delivery room. I barely notice John and Sophia in the corner. Everything's a blur. Nurses surround me in a flurry. There's not a doctor in sight. As the next contraction comes, one nurse tells me to push. I close my eyes, grip the sidebars and give it everything I have. Can anyone say "ring of fire," because I just experienced it. Five seconds later I hear the sweet sounds of her cry. My eyes pop open in total shock. John and I stare at each other, our jaws dropped to the floor. Whhhaat? Not only did I give birth in a nanosecond, but I did it all natural. It was unbelievable.

And so that's the story of how Gianna came into this world. This past week has been so surprisingly pleasant. She's given me more sleep than I expected, she rarely cries and she has such a sweet smile. I feel so lucky! Motherhood is the BEST gift.

Okay, enough babble. Without further adieu, I would like to introduce you to my newest little darling, Gianna.











Thank you to all of our friends and family who have been so supportive and loving during this time.

Much love,

Daisy