Evelina's 1st Easter

Easter Sunday blessed us with a beautiful day, colored pastel eggs, a first Easter basket filled with books and goodies (even peeps for Papa), a visit from Evelina's Great Aunts and Great Uncle, and endless smiles, all topped off by a delicious meal. 

Coloring Eggs; Easter Lily; Egg Nest Table Setting

Pretty Easter Dress

Evelina Bunny; Easter Basket including a cool recorded book by Mimi

Sunshine!!

Papa Love; Aunt and Uncle Love; Cracker Love

Childproofing

Since Evelina isn't a speedy "crawler", we haven't spent much time childproofing. The extent of our efforts have focused on covering outlets that are located near her designated play areas, moving the monitor video camera from the back of her crib and mounting it out of her reach, and swapping out our previously rectangular coffee table complete with glass top (so not childproof in anyway) with an upholstered storage ottoman.  

Up next on the childproofing list:  covering additional outlets and securing cabinet doors and drawers.  We can already tell she is going to LOVE opening cabinet doors considering when we're holding her in the kitchen she immediately leans toward the knobs and opens and closes the door after inspecting the dishes.

Workin' On Skills

Despite Evelina having yet another cold (arrghhhh!!!!), she has certainly been a joy over the last couple of weeks, perhaps thanks to no new teeth!! In between her constant waving and babbling (even a couple distinguishable "Hi"s), she has been spending a lot of time working on improving her gross motor skills. 

She isn't crawling on her hands and knees, but she does a lot of rocking back and forth in an attempt to launch forward.  She goes through spurts of army crawling, dragging herself forward with her arms while pushing with her feet.  Last week Auntie K and I witness her going back and forth with her knee and opposite arm and "crawling", similar to being on all fours but still on her stomach...it was quite interesting.  Although, her favorite mode of mobility is most definitely the butt scoot.  Especially on non-carpeted surfaces. As soon as she is sitting on the floor she will place her arms down and pull her body forward while tucking in her feet. She really goes places that one.  

In other news, she has been caught on a couple of occasions going from laying down to sitting.  I witnessed it once during our mommy and me group a couple of weeks ago and then this morning when Chris got out of the shower she was sitting up in the crib hanging out....too cute. She is also determined to pull up, but still needs to get the kneeling motion mastered first.  If I've learned anything about Evelina, it's that even though she CAN do something, she WON"T do it, or, even if she is sooo close to mastering a new skill, it could still take another month+ for her to be successful, case in point, rolling from back to belly.  Either way, it looks like it is officially time to lower the crib mattress and remove her mobile that she loooovvves to pull on. 

So much going on for our little one and it's all so exciting.  It still amazes me that one day she can't do something and the next day she can.  Amazing, amazing...babies are amazing. 

Here Comes Peter Cottontail

Over the weekend while Chris and I were in Austin, TX celebrating the union of my dear friend, Kate, to her southern gentleman, Jason, Mimi and Auntie were having a blast with Evelina.  A trip to the Children Museum, taking in the sites of the 115th running of the Boston Marathon, lunches out, lots of play time, and, my favorite activity, a trip to the mall to visit the Easter Bunny. Other than arriving home to big smiles, reaches, Mamas and Dadas, the next best thing was seeing this adorable photograph.  We just love this little being more than words can say....man, did we miss her.   

PS: Here is Evelina's picture taken with Santa.  It will be so fun to look back at these each year to see how much she has grown. 

Lina digs the nail aisle at Lowe's

Sad News

Yesterday, we were notified that Violet suffered a spinning episode and overheated on Monday.  After using many methods to cool her down to allow her to relax without success, Violet's foster mother brought her to the vet.  They gave her a shot of Valium, but unfortunately it did not help.  At that time, the incredibly tough decision was made to euthanize her. Our poor, helpless, sweet Violet is gone. 

The heartbreak that Chris and I are feeling is immeasurable.  We thought we were making the best decision for Violet by surrendering her to a reputable Pug rescue organization, that another home would be a better fit for her, and that she would have more fun and be a happier Pug.  We are extremely saddened to know that she spent her last week and a half of life in a strange new environment without the people she was comfortable with and those that she loved in her own way...and especially with people that loved her as much as we did. We had the utmost confidence that Violet's foster family would tend to her needs just as we did, if not better, but we were let down.  We feel a tremendous about of guilt that we caused this to happen, but we know we made the right decision at the time and we need to continue to believe that, despite this worst-case scenario actually occurring.  We aren't naive to the fact that Violet had a neurological condition but her episodes were manageable and it shouldn't have come to this.

Violet's foster mom arranged a private cremation for her.  Despite the sadness we are feeling, we are happy to know that she will be right where she belongs.  Back to her forever home on BHL.  

Violet "Pugsley Magoo" Ciano : March 13, 2009 - April 11, 2011

If there is a doggie heaven, Violet most certainly passed through the pearly gates.  She is there participating in her favorite activities, snoozing in her comfy bed and receiving belly rubs as often as she'd like, with the occasional game of fetch. Now that's a good life.  

Violet, you will never be forgotten.  We love and miss you.  

xo 

The BEST Crib Sheet

When I first started to decorate Evelina's nursery, I knew I couldn't live without the Brooke crib sheet, it was part of my inspiration since the colors along with the cute owls and trees where perfect for my vision of the room.  For the first 6 months of Evelina's life, she was swaddled. She had imited blowouts/leaks during the night, but since she didn't really move around much and her hands weren't free to grab anything in fear of her smothering herself, we felt safe having a multi-use pad underneath her to protect the sheet from any messes (or spit-up mishaps).  Changing the crib sheet proved to be a difficult process and not easily done alone, especially with a bulky bumper impacting the mattress from being lifted out, so the pad saved us from having to deal with any mess in the middle of the night.  We could just swap out the pad and be back on our way to dreamland.    

Fast forward to a couple of months ago when Evelina started to prefer sleeping on her tummy.  Come to find out disposable diapers are designed with more protection in the back and middle, not the front. Even in a night-time disposable (I still haven't found a cloth option I'm in love with for night-time), the front of the diaper just doesn't have enough absorption for Evelina to accommodate 11-12 hours of slumber.  This results in Evelina's PJs being wet in the morning and many times, her sheet getting soiled as well.  It doesn't help that she likes to "unload" a big one as soon as she wakes up either.  Because of the increased frequency of leaks, changing her crib sheet was starting to become quite a hassle.  

After receiving a recommendation from my friend JoEllen (mom of the cutest Ruby), I decided to try the Clouds and Stars Quickzip Sheet. This has seriously got to be one of the BEST inventions...ever.  It has a fitted section that goes around the mattress and a separate sheet that attaches to the fitted section via a zipper.  If the sheet gets soiled, just unzip it and attach a clean one.  No lifting of the mattress required.  It takes about a minute, if that, to replace the sheet.   I LOVE IT!! Now, I wouldn't have traded it for the whimsical sheet we used originally and that we'll most likely use when Evelina transitions to a toddler bed, but for this stage, it is PERFECT.   

As much as I love the Quickzip sheet, ideally, I would like to avoid tummy leaks all together.  A couple of methods I plan to try are:  

• Putting the diaper on backwards so the more absorbent back is in the front - I wouldn't be surprised if Evelina decided to sleep on her back or side that night!! 
• Putting on two diapers - This just seems like a waste
• Using a Flip or Grovia diaper cover over her disposable - I may try this method tonight.  
• Use a fitted cloth diaper with a wool cover - I've heard this is bulletproof thanks to the wool, I just need to pull the trigger and find the perfect combination for the right price. 

Oh, in case you were wondering, safety first in the Ciano household.  Once Evelina was no longer swaddled and became quite the mover in her crib, we switched out her beloved Brooke crib bumper and replaced it with a breathable bumper. A great invention (since traditional bumpers aren't recommended anyway) that keeps the crib cozy while protecting arms and legs from going through the rails.  It certainly makes me feel better knowing that if she happens to stuff her face into the bumper, she will still be able to breathe.  Although, one of her favorite activities during the night is to untie the bows that hold it in place, but I like knowing she enjoys exploring.  Too cute. 

Photographing.....

an infant/almost toddler who is constantly moving and looking for the next thing to touch, chomp on or play with, is becoming increasingly difficult.  I think the days of the monthly sticker may be over. The month 10 sticker is history. 

10 Months!!

Dear Evelina,

You are 10 months old!! You’ve entered double digit territory and in only two short months, we will be celebrating the big O-N-E!! I must admit that the past month has been the most challenging since your birth. Even though your Papa and I love experiencing life through your eyes and find so much joy in watching you grow and develop, the past month was far from filled with sunshine and roses.

The month was plagued with your ever-present cold which caused a cough and runny nose, contributed to you being extremely fussy and clingy, and prevented you from sleeping very well in your crib without being propped up in your car seat (thank goodness you still fit it in!!). Papa and I can’t be certain, but we think your cold also heighted your reflux symptoms and made for some extremely difficult bottle feedings and may have even caused you to stop enjoying even your favorite foods. To top it all off, you cut SIX teeth…OUCH…my poor little baby.

Despite your cold, congestion, coughing, teething, eating challenges, and reflux, you find joy in so many things. Some of your favorites include dismantling your play mat and chomping on the parts, shaking your maracas or banging together objects, deliberately throwing things to the floor while in your high chair, splashing and watching me blow bubbles during bath time, listening to stories, turning and touching the pages in your books, running around your entertainer, sitting and scooting to grab something fun to play with, standing at your Zany Zoo or activity table (or anywhere…you LOVE to stand), dumping out bins of toys, trying your best to get a hold of the laptop, our phones, remotes, glasses (both drinking and eye), listening to me and your Papa play music on your entertainer keyboard, my favorite being Papa’s version of the Rocky theme.

You always flash your biggest smile when I sing the ABC song or the Hello song from our Mommy and Me class. You love when I make animal sounds, especially the monkey sound. Even when you are in the back seat of the car in your car seat, I will make the monkey sound while driving and see you smiling away in your mirror. It is just too cute. I can’t wait to bring you to the zoo to see real monkeys!!

Even though we’ve had challenges during meal times over the past few weeks, you love broccoli, all fruits, pancakes, pizza, grilled cheese, graham crackers and yogurt. You eat much better for your teachers at school then you do for me and your Papa. What’s up with that?

In other developments, you are a chatter box and continue to be a razzberry blowing addict. I don’t *think* you have officially said your first actual word yet, but I have heard “Bye”, “Hi” and “Yeah”. I’m tough, so until I hear a word more than once in the correct context, it won’t be your official first word. Until then, we will enjoy all of your rambling, complete with Mama’s and Dada’s, and continue to teach you all we can.

You are also working on perfecting your pincher grasp and army crawl. Your favorite place to army crawl is on the bed, rushing toward the edge to peek over, which isn’t very safe my darling. You are also determined to pull up to standing, but you haven’t quite figured out that you must get on your knees first. I wouldn’t be surprised if you can pull up before actually crawling on your hands and knees. Either way, you are quite a bundle of energy and are constantly moving….you must have ants in your pants!!

Of course, you continue to be Miss Fuss-bucket during diaper or wardrobe changes, and when we wipe your nose, face or hands…LOOK OUT. You also haven’t been enjoying being on your tummy these days since you would prefer sitting or standing instead. But, it’s Mommy’s goal for you to learn to crawl so practice is required!!

Your cold seems to be winding down, and so far, no new teeth are cutting through so we are hoping this month is full of many new milestones that don’t include getting into the Guinness Book of World Records for the amount of snot mucus a baby can produce!!

I love every little bit of you and look forward to seeing your sweet face each day and being blessed by your smiles and giggles. I can’t imagine a day without your version of hugs and kisses…even if you do pull my hair and pinch my neck.

You are the sunshine of my life,

Mommy

Goals for 2011 :: Q1 Status

My Goals for 2011 are always in the back of my mind but they have proven to be difficult to achieve.  An endlessly sick/teething/fussy child who is back to taking short naps, and working really put a wrench into any progress on goals.  This is where I'm at: 

• Organize the pantry in the kitchen -ACHIEVED!! When Lina was in a long nap phase. 
• Wean from the pump - ACHIEVED!! Zippity doo dah, zippity aye...freedom. 
• Paint, have a back splash installed in the kitchen, and find some fab curtains to hang around the slider - I keep trying to convince Chris to make a trip to the tile store with me but I get the feeling he isn't really digging this goal. We did make a pilgrimage to the paint store though and asked for some help choosing a color that would work nicely with our family room and dining room colors.  At the moment, we are leaning toward Moroccan Spice. I think it will look nice if we choose a lighter back splash. 
• Convert the existing office into a playroom for Evelina - I have started to put my vision together for the room and we selected a color that will compliment the other colors on the first floor (Wheatfield).  I'm not sure if I'm in love with it, but the swatches I painted are starting to grow on me.  In the next week or so, Chris and I are going to start clearing out the room. 
• Hold a yard sale - Chris and I talk about this each time we walk through the basement. We need to dedicate a weekend to go through everything we have and decide what we want to include in the yard sale. In the meantime, I'm thinking about posting a few things of Craig's List. 
• Plan (and go on) a summer vacation - In Process; We had grand visions of renting a house on the Cape for a week but we would've had to book late last year to get something decent and in our price range.  So, instead we are going to plan some long weekend adventures with Evelina.  Outdoor adventures up north, beach weekends, etc.  
• Have a date night with Chris AT LEAST once per month - FAILED; Our "baby sitter" AKA, Mimi, had surgery on her foot.  Walking up and down stairs with a cast isn't easy and I'm not ready to hire an actual babysitter yet.  Soon...soon. 
• Tone up for Kate and Jason's wedding - FAILED; I have maybe lifted a weight 2 times and the wedding is next weekend.  Spanx will be required. 
• Practice patience -I'm not completely achieving this goal but I'm not failing either.  I am well aware that I'm a work in progress and this is one of my character traits what will improve over time.  I'm trying my best. 
• *Try* to worry less - Totally FAILING!!  Evelina still not crawling has concerned me, BUT, since she started army crawling a week or so ago, I feel a tad better.  
• And most importantly, be the best Mommy I can be and have fun!! I'm *trying* to be the best and that's all I can do.  This past month has been very challenging and by the end of many days I just feel defeated.    

Here's hoping for more success in Q2.

Violet Cuteness of the Week || Final Edition

We miss Violet.  It's difficult to adjust to a new routine without her, and even though she slept most of the time and didn't take up much space, the house just has a sense of emptiness about it. The living room without her curled up in her bed, our bedroom without her snoring in her "apartment".  It is sad, we are sad.  We know her spirit will always fill 19 BHL, and we will always remember her being as cute as could be, making everyone smile.  

I should also add, Violet's foster family is super nice...and the best part is, they have an in-ground swimming pool.  If Violet is there during the Summer, she will be able to participate in one of her fave past-times as can be seen here, here and here.  

E and V || Being Nice

I definitely believe that pets play a part in teaching children how to be caring and gentle.  I'm hoping that Violet taught Lina just a little bit about how she should be kind to fuzzy, cute creatures.  They are just too cute.  :-(