Shannon’s World

A few weeks ago I noticed a weird white patch up on Libby’s upper gum…not like a tooth but like a raw patch.  Since this raw patch was located “under” her existing bottom tooth, I figured the poor girl kept hitting the roof of her mouth with her single tooth.  I tried to feel and look at Libby’s top gums but she would not cooperate. . . until today when I discovered her TOP LEFT tooth had cut threw . . .WITHOUT Mike or I even knowing and without any real teething/complaining, etc.  NO LONGER CAN WE CALL HER SNAGGLE TOOTH!  She’s also so, so close to having the bottom right tooth pop threw – it’s right there…we can see it!  I don’t think I’ll be able to snap a photo of “upper tooth #1″ but I will try.

Nanny and Pa-Pa (as Libby calls them) arrived today…let the spoiling begin!  We’re looking forward to a nice long weekend and visit.

I thought one thing when I caught a glimpse of the Democratic Convention on Tuesday night:

I’m no fashionista, but I do like to shop and I like nice things. A while ago (gosh, maybe 7 years ago) Kathy Jackson gave me an article in Real Simple about 10 Classic Pieces.

I started thinking about my own list of classic pieces I own or would like to own. Things that are timeless, never go out of style, often times expensive, but worth it. I think often I am quick to purchase things because they are on sale or work “right now” instead of thinking about the long term investment or need (I can see that at this point all the males that read this blog, if there are any! are either rolling their eyes or have stopped reading!).

Below are my two lists….classic pieces I have and want to have. I’ll update frequently and am interested in hearing your thoughts, too.

Pieces I consider classic/timeless that I own:

Burberry Scarf
Cole Hann shoes (I just bought two pairs)
Mikimoto pearl earrings (thank you Mom and Dad)
long, black, velvet, strapless Ralph Lauren Gown (seen here)
Coach leather purses
jewlery from Tiffany’s

Pieces that I’d like to own:

Burberry Quilted Jacket (and one for Libby, too ) or trench

Diane von Frostberg wrap dress (this isn’t a traditional wrap, but I ADORE it)

Jimmy Choo, Monolo or Christian Louboutin shoes

Chanel No 5 perfume (not toilet water) – I wore this on my wedding day

Hermes scarf

I am interested in reading this new book that just came out by one of the Project Runway judges: The One Hundred: A Guide to the Pieces Every Stylish Woman Must Own.  I wonder if we have the same ideas on our pieces?

It was a big week for half our family.  My brother got a huge promotion at work…I got lost in lots of military talk but something about being “reordered” to the top of the class in front of him. . . woo hoo!  We will now have to call him Commander Cross. . . which makes him old.

My dear ol Dad also got a promotion…he now has the initials V.P. on his business card. . . woo hoo!  We are looking forward to celebrating in person next week.

We went to the pool yesterday and had a great time.  Libby had to wear the 3T bathing suit I bought her for next year because her 24 month and 2T swim suits were too small!  I can’t even believe it.

Libby continues to be fearless!  She loved to sit on the edge of the pool and jump by herself into the water/Mike’s arms.  She also liked to sit on the edge of the baby pool and kick her legs in the water.  We’ve been having great weather (no air conditioning for a week), so we didn’t stay at the pool very long as Libby was starting to shiver and turn a little purple!

I had the privalge of standing up in the wedding the first weekend in August for Eliza and Pete.  I feel like I’ve been talking with Eliza about the details for months and let me tell you the day was perfect and not a detail was missed.  I love the colors and the use of one of my favorite flowers: sunflowers!  You can check out a slide show of the wedding here (don’t laugh too hard at the pics of me dancing with the 10 and under crowd!).

p.s. One recommendation for any brides to be: we wore dresses from Ann Taylor and they were awesome – well designed, comfortable, easy to order, free returns, you can use discounts and the dresses have lots of great details (such as snaps to secure your bra straps in place – love that!).

We are back from a whirlwind tour of NW Indiana, Rhode Island, Cape Cod and Maine!  Lots of pictures to upload, lots of stories to tell, lots of laundry to do, groceries to by and emails to read.

While I work on the list above, check out the super cool store my uber talented neighbor Heather started on etsy…the coolest website ever!  You can shop her etsy store here.

My Aunt made Chicken Stuffed Shells the other night and they were excellent – delicious and easy.  Recipe can be found here.  I believe my Aunt used one box of stuffing and said you can also add frozen peas.  I’m making it tomorrow night for Mike’s family.  Libby also loved this dish!

Enjoy!