Ain't Life Grand?

Evelina and her grandparents, she is the apple of their eyes.

Evelina and Grandpa during his most recent visit a couple of weeks ago

Evelina with Mimi and Poppy

Simple Pleasures

Dear Evelina,
You are still too little to realize that Mommy is always coming after you with the camera.  I lovingly call myself the Mamarazzi.  You are just too cute for words and I don't want to miss one second of you growing up, revealing your personality, or doing something new and fun.

These are two of my favorite photos from August.  Neither of them were taken in the best lighting and they are both blurry or fuzzy but they are still my favorites.

In this picture (taken by Papa), we were napping in the living room on a warm Sunday afternoon.  You were very cranky due to the arrival of your 1st year molars, and I was attempting to rest my back, which I had hurt on our vacation in Pittsburg, NH.  You very rarely will sit still these days when we hold you and napping with us hasn't occurred since you were itty bity so this was such a treat for me.  I'm looking forward to more of these moments to come (minus teething and back pain).  

In this picture you are pushing Mimi and Poppy's doggy, Lilly, around in your wagon.  Your expression is priceless.  I'm not sure what you love more, doggies or walking around with your wagon.  Put them together and you have pure excitement, complete with your tongue sticking out and eyes crossed. 

You continue to teach me that the simple pleasures in life are what makes life worth living.  I love you sweet pea.  

You are the sunshine of my life,

Mommy

Buh-Bye Zantac and Prilo

It has been approximately 3 weeks since we gave Evelina her last dosage of Zantac and Prilosec and I’m happy to report that she’s had no reflux symptoms of note!! Yay!! During her 12 month well-baby visit we spoke with her pediatrician about suspending the use of both medications but he suggested we let her self-wean and we would check in again at her 15 month visit. Most of the time, on mornings when I would be home with her, I would forget to give her the Zantac (oops, bad mama) and she always seemed perfectly normal. As for the Prilosec compound, I ultimately didn’t want to refill it again, so we just decided to stop. Our hope was that she would continue to be her happy (most of the time) self. The verdict = so far so good. It is actually a relief to not have to remember to give her Zantac in the morning and Prilosec ½ hour before dinner time. I still get paranoid that if she eats an orange or tomatoes at dinner she will wake up due to reflux pain because of the acid, but considering the abundance of both fruits she consumes, I think all is well. Keeping my fingers crossed!!

Baby, You Can Drive My Car

Beep, beep!!  We bought Evelina her first car last week, the Radio Flyer Steer and Stroll Coop.  I had been looking for a car that she could ultimately move herself with her feet, but could also be pushed until she was ready. When I came across this car, I thought it was perfection...and so far it is, and she LOVES it!!  She "steers", beeps the horn, turns on the blinkers and radio.  She just lights up when she sees it and has even attempted to get in herself without much success.  The only issue comes when it is time to take her out, we must be gentle to avoid a tantrum.  

Grandpa visited last week and did the honors of putting it together.  Even though it was bedtime, we let Evelina take her first ride in the house with Gigi as her passenger.  I'm certain she had pleasant dreams about the ride all throughout the night.  The car is now parked in the garage and is great for riding around the driveway and cul-de-sac.  Evelina loves being outside so this is a great addition to her toy stash. 

Holy Spider Web

I won't be sitting on the deck, or even going near the deck, until this is taken care of.  Gives me the heebie-jeebies. I wonder where the spider is?

EARTHQUAKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I know what caused the 5.9 magnitude earthquake to hit the east coast today, EVELINA WALKING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  YAHOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Yes, I know the epicenter was in Virgina, not Hopkinton, MA but the coincidence is too great.  I will say it again, EVELINA WALKED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Zippity Doo Dah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  We knew she could do it and she did just that at school today (we missed her official first steps but I will forgive her).  She walked back and forth in her classroom and when I arrived to pick her up, Miss Jessica made her stand up and she walked about 5 steps to me and gave me a big hug.  So proud of her.  

Once we got home she took some steps in the kitchen, but when it was time to catch her in action with the Flip she was much more interested in watching videos of herself on the camera than walking for Mama.  I will keep trying.

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 

Uh-Oh

We went out for Chinese food at one of our favorite places last night, Lotus Blossom.  It was quiet in the restaurant, so we heard the telephone when it rang.  Lina thought it was hilarious.  Each time it rang, she would raise her brows and put her hand up to her mouth using her "Uh-Oh" gesture.  She does the same gesture when she hears the train, the garage door going up or down, the washer or dryer beeping when the cycle is complete, if we burp or anyone passes gas....the list goes on and on.  So adorable.  She is a hoot.  

Oh, and we discovered she likes Lo Mien...no MSG please.   

New Shoes

When Evelina graduates from the infant room at school and enters the young toddler room in early September, she will be required to wear shoes at all times.  Up until now, I have taken a good guess as to what her shoe size may be, purchasing cute little shoes for her to wear when out of the house. But, for the most part, I haven't cared much about function since she is still not yet a walker.  Although she was sooooooooo close this weekend!! Most of the time she continues to be barefoot since I've read it is better for their feet and helps them grip better on surfaces, etc. 

Since she is on the brink of walking (I am hoping and praying anyway!!) and I want her feet to continue to develop well, I thought that this would be the perfect time to buy her some flexible, supportive shoes, in the right size.  Grandpa, Evelina and I headed over to the children's shoe department at Nordstorm, got her little feet "professionally" measured by a shoe department expert (what a saint) and tried on a bunch of different options. We settled on a cute sequiny pair of Stride Rites and a purple pair of Tsukihoshi sneakers that are also machine washable.  She looks like such a big girl when she wears them, even though her tiny 4 - 4 1/2 foot is the size of most 9 month olds!! Now the only struggle?  Keeping them on, the girl loves ripping off Velcro. 

Time Capsule

Evelina's birthday time capsule has officially been closed. I finally got my act together and completed the project.  I can't reveal what is actually in the time capsule since Evelina may read this blog one day before she is actually 18, but I can say it will be a lot of fun to open on 6/6/2028!!  There are even a few letters that were sealed that I didn't even get to read.  So exciting!!  

Baby Doll Feeding and Peek-a-boo

A couple of Evelina's favorite activities these days include feeding her baby and playing peek-a-boo with her via the bib.  Even if Lina does try to feed the baby's eyes, I give her props for trying.  It's all about the effort :-)  This baby is my savior a few times a week, especially when I'm making dinner.  If my bodyguard is a little too close, I ask her to go find her baby and give her a bottle and then she is off to complete the mission, after taking an imaginary swig herself.  

Wagon Walking Crack-up

Evelina could walk or almost run with her wagon from the family room into the kitchen hundreds of times a day. She loves it and finds great joy in the activity as can be seen by her many smiles.  Today, I just happened to do a couple of running steps next to her and what erupted was an endless crack-up session.  She could hardly contain herself....it was hysterical.  I just love hearing her laugh, it is the sweetest sound and it brings so much joy to my everyday.  xo



PS:  Apologies for the shaky hand, Chris and Grandpa were much more involved in watching the final hole of the PGA Championship being played, then recording Evelina's cuteness. And, my bad for not turning more lights on. 

Playroom Progress

The playroom is coming along, slowly but surely.  Now that my organizing fix has been satisfied, I can focus on the playroom again.  Free time is limited these days (thanks in part to summer and to our dismay a child who doesn't love long naps), but I would love to be finished with the basics in the next few weeks.  What remains on the list: 

• Frame and hang animal prints 
• Hang pinboard over desk  
• Purchase additional storage baskets 
• Organize storage baskets Montessori-style 
• Hang wire to display Evelina's future art projects
• Purchase and hang mirror...Evelina is in a vain phase and we can use it for future dress up activities

 Things that can wait for now: 

• The easel since she isn't really old enough to use it yet 
• Art supply organization
• Bunting for the ceiling 

Let's Get Organized!!!

Every so often, I feel a strong desire to organize, it is in my DNA. For the most part, the house is very organized compared to some but there are just certain areas that really get to me.  The closets, the garage, the cabinets...places that anyone who comes to visit rarely sees.  One of my favorite blogs is "I Heart Organizing", I'm so envious at some of the projects featured, there are crazy organizers out there.  I'm jealous!!  I think I missed my calling to become a professional organizer. 

Recently, our linen closets, bathroom drawers and cabinets started getting under my skin so over the past couple of weeks I decided to tackle them.  Lots of purging, refolding (this technique is the bomb), any many trips to The Container Store, I can now breathe again. It feels good to be organized.  


Our hall linen closet before and afters.  Nothing earth shattering but it sure makes me happy.

Summer Vacation Week - 2011

Back Lake in Early Morning Fog

Here I go again with a delayed post...oh life, why are you so busy?  

A couple of weeks ago Chris and I took the week off for some family time and a vacation up north...way up north.  We I had grand plans of a beach vacation, something we could turn into an annual tradition (similar to my childhood...but not at Hampton Beach), but I didn't leave us enough time to find something affordable so Chris and I decided to introduce Evelina to the Tall Timber Lodge in Pittsburg, NH.  The same lodge that Chris (and sometime me) ventures to in the winter months for his weekend snowmobiling adventures.  It is such a beautiful and peaceful location nestled in the Grand Bois du Nord, surrounded by lakes and the Connecticut river.

Evelina and I started out the week with a trip to visit the New England Aquarium with "Auntie" Debi.  The highlights for Evelina being the different species of penguins and the top of the huge fish tank.  If she had her way, she would have taken a dive right in.  

 
We headed up to Pittsburg a few days later, on the way stopping at The Basin in Franconia Notch for a little break.  Toddlers and long car rides aren't meant for each other. 

Typically, when we visit the Tall Timber, we rent a cabin, but this time we rented a 2-bedroom apartment with views of Back Lake.  It was the perfect spot for us and allowed Evelina to have her own room...thank goodness since I haven't slept in the same room with her since she was about 3-weeks old.  We weren't sure how Evelina would do sleeping in a pack 'n play overnight because she had only slept overnight at the hospital after she was born and then our house, but she did surprisingly well...minus her typical 1 wake-up that has been plaguing us these days.  One of the best things about the room was that one of the walls of Evelina's bedroom was a shared wall with the Tavern (very sound proof though), so once she was asleep for the night, we would slip over to the Tavern for dinner or drinks with the baby monitor.  SCORE!!   

We spent a lot of time gazing out at the lake, feeding the ducks and ducklings, walking along the dock, loon watching, kayaking and fishing.  Our two big activities were taking Evelina out in the motor boat for the first time and bringing her on her first hike.  

All I can say about the boat ride....she HATED the life preserver.....and sitting still of course.  We putts around the lake until we thought she would lunge overboard.  We hiked the Falls in the River trail in Pittsburg that followed the Connecticut river ending at some beautiful falls.  We were looking for a semi-easy hike, on a flat trail, with beautiful scenery.  What we got was an easy-moderate hike on a very windy, bumpy trail with lots of roots, spider webs and bugs.  It was great exercise...especially for Chris who was wearing Evelina in a back pack.  All of the walking and movement lulled Evelina to sleep and she missed our reward, seeing the waterfall.  We heard that in the fall when some of the lakes are lowered in preparation for winter, that you can actually see Salmon jumping up stream.  

 Overall, we had a fun trip and enjoyed being away from it all, which is easy to do in the middle of nowhere.  Vacationing with a little one is quite exhausting though and it was nice to get back to Casa Ciano.  I'm looking forward to next summer already!!  

14 Months!!

You are 14 months old!! Last month came in like a lamb and went out like a lion….thanks to three of your 1st year molars making an appearance. OUCH!! You were NOT happy during the final days of your 13th month. Fevers, endless night-waking, a lot of fussing and clinging, decreased appetite. Teething is no fun. Your papa and I wish we could make the pain go away but we know it is just part of growing up, until then we will continue to give you lots of extra cuddles and the occasional dose if ibuprofen. I keep saying to myself, only 9 more teeth to go!! 

You are turning into a little girl more and more each day, even though you aren’t walking yet and still don’t have much hair. I am getting anxious for your first steps. We are positive you are ready and could walk if you put your mind to it but you are a cautious little one. You will walk until your hearts content with your wagon, walk as we hold both of your hands or just one hand. You will even stand and balance for minutes at a time while clapping or playing with toys, BUT, you just don’t want to take any steps on your own. I’ve been trying to convince you that life would be easier if you walked but you aren’t interested. Why would you be when you are such an efficient and fast crawler (studies actually indicate that the longer babies crawl the more coordinated they are, this may be to your benefit…hmmm…maybe you know this)? As for your hair, there has been some growth over the past month; soft, light brown hair with a little wave in the very back. Maybe by the time your 2nd birthday rolls around, you will be able to wear cute hair clips. 

It is amazing to us how much you now understand. We can ask you to do so many things and you follow through. “Go get your baby and give her a bottle,” and you will go find your baby doll and start to “feed” her. “Where’s the doggy” and you will “point” to a picture of Violet or other dogs. The list goes on and on. This comes in handy when I have to do something and you are right at my heels. Asking you to go get something and bring it to me gives me a little bit of free time. 

Speaking of pointing, you don’t actually point with your pointer finger yet. Yes, this is something that your worry-wart mom is concerned about and I shouldn’t be. You either point with your thumb or your entire hand. I’m sure that your pointer finger will be the finger of choice soon, but for now, you favor that thumb of yours. 

Goofy smile

You can now show us where you belly button is. Sometimes you will lift your shirt up and other times you will pull it out by your neck and look down your shirt. It is hilarious. It doesn’t stop there; you can also show us where our belly buttons are by lifting our shirts. Pointing out your head and mouth are your other favorites. We are working on other body parts, too, such as, your nose and feet. You did start to stomp your feet this month!! When we sing, “If Your Happy and You Know It”, you will clap and stomp your feet at the right time. It is lots of fun!! 

Your Papa and I both limit the amount of time the television is on during your waking hours. Up until a few weeks ago, you were more interested in the remote then actually watching TV, but recently, we have started to let you watch Sesame Street in the morning for a small amount of time and you just love it (don't worry, you still love the remote)!! You smile and giggle at Big Bird and Elmo, and you thoroughly enjoy monster time. I wonder if you actually know what Elmo is saying with his strange voice but I don’t think it matters to you. They are your buddies. 

You are obsessed with blowing kisses, walking with your wagon, pulling the leaves off your soft lettuce toy, dropping food from your high chair (still, when will this phase end?), helping me empty and load the dishwasher, doing belly flops on our big bed while giggling or saying “Ahhh”, looking or going outside to see the flowers, doggies, the sound of the train, Gigi (both your giraffe lovey and the word), opening your mouth really wide and putting your hand up to it as if saying “Ah Oh”. 

You remain a very sweet and shy little one, but you have spurts of being very mean. Biting and clawing at us instead of being gentle or going after your friend’s hair. It isn’t very nice but we are working on it. You have even become cuddlier over the past month which has been nice. It may be due to your molars but we’ll take it. 

Monthly photo shoot, behind the scenes

You are proficient with signing more, eat and all done. We attended a signing play date last month and learned some tips and tricks to teach you to sign, so we’ve been working on improving your skills at meal times, when we read books or when we see something that I know the sign for. It has even been fun for me to learn signs for animals and other things that you love. We will keep practicing and maybe you will pick up some others in the next month. You understand so much of what we say that it would be nice if you could communicate by signing until you can actually verbalize the word. 

Smiley and happy are two words we use to describe you and so many people agree. Be it family members, friends, your teachers, strangers at the grocery store/target/etc. or restaurants. Everyone loves to see your smile and even your mean face. Smiles are contagious and you always make others smile right back. Even though you are shy around new people and will always put your head on my shoulder and give shy smiles, there are some strangers that must exude some kind of different vibe to you. With these strangers, you will immediately wave and smile. I wonder what is going on in that brain of yours!!

I’m dying to know, will you walk this month? Learn some new words or new signs? Please, please, please!! 

You are the sunshine of my life,

Mommy

I Die

I seriously die when I look at Baby Gap's cute fall collection.  Honestly, do they have this in my size?  Thanks to Auntie KK, Evelina will be sporting this outfit when the new school year begins on September 6th and she transitions to a toddler room.  My goal for the next month? Not to go crazy on "back to school" purchases.  Chris The budget won't be thrilled with me. 

1st Trip to Charlestown Navy Yard

Cooling off in the soft grass

We've been busy, busy these days and I've had some serious low back pain to contend with soooo the blog hasn't been high on my priority list.  Photos of our vacation in northern NH will be coming soon, but first, Evelina's 1st trip to the Charlestown Navy Yard a couple of weeks ago.   
 
We couldn't let a beautiful Sunday pass by without taking the opportunity to introduce Evelina to one of the most historic spots in the city, a place that used to be our "backyard".  She even got to experience her first taste of ice cream...yum-o!!  

Pretty archways and blue hydrageas

Old Ironsides

1st taste of ice cream at Emack and Bolio's

Now that's a big ship!!

Fun!!  I wonder how big Evelina will be next year?

4th Anniversary

Happy Anniversary to my sweet, caring, patient, loving, comical hubby.  You are my best friend and the best Dada.  

I love you

xoxo