Cutie-Pa-Tootie

My name is Niki. I’m a coffee drinking, baby food making, blogging mama to baby girl Ashley, 2 labs, and a cat. I absolutely LOVE being a Mom! I enjoy taking pictures of Ashley and making homemade baby food for her.

I like doing anything outside whether it's going to the beach, strolling around the neighborhood, or just going to a park. I enjoy blogging and reading other Mommy blogs. I’m up for learning new things and have recently become interested in photography. I like a clean house, beds made, and checking off my to-do lists.

I am married to Van, my best friend. We met in high school and have been together ever since! We practically grew up together. I feel very lucky to have found the man of my dreams so early in life. We married in 2004 and had a little girl in 2009. I can't imagine life without him. He keeps me grounded. He’s very practical, methodical, and technical. He’s a computer genius.

We like going on vacations and would love to go back to Europe one day. Van is a regular “guy’s guy” and enjoys fishing, flying and riding his motorcycle. But he is also a family man. I love him!

Ashley is our little bundle of joy. She was born in October 2009. Since she was a fall baby, we called her Lil’ Pumpkin while she was in the womb. Van now calls her Pumpkin Pie. I never could have imagined how much I would enjoy being a mother to this sweet little girl. I am just overwhelmed with love for her!

Ashley likes eating homemade baby food, bouncing in her exersaucer, and watching the dogs play. She is entertained by my goofiness and she loves to sing and dance with me. I've never met a baby as happy as she is. She is a reminder of what life is all about. She makes us smile and laugh every single day!

Toby is our 8 year old black lab and Blake is our 3 year old chocolate lab. They are uncle and nephew. They have their own couch and some may consider them a bit spoiled. I enjoy making Frosty Paws (doggie ice cream) and baking homemade treats for them. Although I have to admit, I haven’t done much of that since Ashley was born. We celebrate their birthdays with doggie cake.

Toby is obsessed with tennis balls and Blake loves his red ball. They are the best of friends. And they both LOVE swimming. Especially in my parents’ pool at the beach!

Jimmy is our 4 year old tabby cat. Van rescued him from the jaws of a pit bull when he was a mere 8 weeks old. I don't think Jimmy has forgotten that seeing as he is very attached to Van.

Jimmy is an indoor/outdoor cat who loves to roam the neighborhood and hunt. He likes to bring us "gifts", anything from birds and rabbits to field mice. He is a sweet cat, but I wouldn’t cross him if I were you. You don’t want to see that crazed look in his eyes!