Be My Valentine

I love Pinterest!!  It definitely helps make holidays a little more fun and unique.

Holiday Fun 2013

Click here for some photos from this holiday season.  

Happy Holidays all!! 

Gingerbread Fun with Friends

Evelina had been requesting that a few of her pre-school BFFs come over for a playdate.  I came across a cute gingerbread playdate idea on Pinterest and when I found a gingerbread village at Michael's I thought it would be perfect for them.  It was such a fun little day to plan for her and her friends.  They all had such a great time decorating their gingerbread houses and men, decorating their gingerbread chains and eating gingerbread shaped sandwiches.  Of course, my favorite part of the playdate was watching Evelina and her friends interact.  She can be so shy around others, but not these little girls she sees everyday.  They were so cute!!

July 4th and Ogunquit

If you'd like to check out some photos from July 4th weekend and our vacation in Ogunquit, click here.  

The weather turned sour while we were in Maine so we didn't get much beach time in. Even so, Evelina had a wonderful time at the zoo and the beach, as well as spending lots of time with Grandpa.  Daphne is smiley where ever we go...with the exception of sleeping in a room that isn't her own!!  

For Realz

There is something super easy about having an artificial Christmas tree.  No stray needles, no watering required, pre-strung lights.  Even so, nothing beats a real beauty.  The process of selecting the perfect tree with family, the aroma of pine filling the house, the endless trips around the tree stringing lights while humming Christmas carols.  

Last year Evelina was cutting her first tooth as we put up our tree, this year she eagerly reached for ornaments, pointing to her favorites ("Gigi" - all the way from Africa and "Doggie" - Violet's picture), pulling on or trying to eat others. She enjoys pointing at the tree and sometimes saying "tee"...she can't quite manage the "tr" sound yet.  Christmas is already more fun compared to last year!!  

I love our first real Christmas tree as a family!!  A little top heavy with ornaments but you gotta do what you gotta do when you have lots of breakables and a grabby one. 

What to do next, fill up underneath the tree with pretty packages :-)

Father Christmas :: 2011

Evelina may have been making her signature "baboun" face when she sat with Santa yesterday, but at least she wasn't screaming bloody murder.  I sat with her next to Santa most of the time, but then gave her to Santa for a few frames.  I was actually surprised this picture came out as good as it did since she was trying desperately to get to us with arms stretched out. 

Last year's photo with Santa.  She hated that headband!!  Maybe next year she will crack a smile? 

She is going to thank me one day for these pictures, I just know it.  

Thanksgiving 2011

We had a very low-key Thanksgiving this year.  Mimi and Poppy were in Kentucky visiting family but Grandpa and Auntie KK were able to spend the holiday with us.  It was a day filled with watching the Thanksgiving Day parade, coloring, cooking, eating and relaxing...and of course cleaning up, the least fun activity of the day.  

One of our goals for Thanksgiving Day weekend?  Getting Evelina to say "Auntie KK" and "Grandpa".  She will say her version of "Auntie" and "KK" separately, and also "Pa". We still need to work on Miss Lina being more comfortable with Grandpa.  She is going through another phase of stranger anxiety and it definitely applies to family as well. She will get there.

Some pictures of the day.....

Checking out the turkey; the bird, before and after

Partaking in some Thanksgiving Day reading

Auntie KK and Evelina; Granpa and Evelina complete with her pouty face and side glance; Peek-a-boo on the new learning tower; Evelina sitting down for dinner; Delish devil eggs (my Grandma's recipe)

Fun time coloring

10 Reasons I'm Thankful for Evelina

We have so much to be thankful for, but each day a little person reminds me that life just wouldn't be as wonderful without her. Her are the top 10 reasons why I'm thankful for Evelina:

1. She allows me to be a mother which is a true blessing. Yes, I may become frustrated during meal times, bath time, night time wake-ups, or when she wants to be picked up 100 times per day, but I wouldn’t change anything. Motherhood is a privilege that I do not take lightly. It is a full-time job for which you always must learn, grow and improve in order to excel. I know how lucky I am and my goal is to be the best Mommy possible. She may not know it, but she encourages me to be the best I can be every day. 

2. She exudes happiness everyday through endless smiles and giggles. As a result I have never smiled or laughed so much in my life. Even the worst day can be turned around just by seeing Evelina’s smile and hearing that giggle of hers. It is truly the best to share in her joy.

3. She means the world to our family. Not only has she brought so much joy to Chris and my life, she is always in the thoughts of her extended family; grandparents, aunties, uncles. They are constantly impressed at how smart she is, how beautiful she is, and they realize how fortunate they are that this amazing little girl is in their lives.  We may have a small family but it is full of so much love and support. 

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4. She is spontaneous and adventurous. Even though I’m such a planner, Evelina surely isn’t (yet). She flies by the seat of her pants, goes with the flow and is always up for anything. Be it chasing after bugs, going out into the snow in her PJs or not being afraid to try something new. These are qualities that, as an adult, I would love to possess.

5. She never has a shortage of hugs, kisses and cuddles. They make my heart warm.

6. She is full of personality. I just love how Evelina’s personality is evolving. She is goofy, determined, opinionated, impatient, busy, shy in new situations but social with those she is comfortable with. She can make even a smug stranger smile with a “Hi” or a flash of her pearly whites.

7. She is messy. Yup, I said it. I’m sure you’re surprised by this since I’m a neat freak. Evelina’s messiness is helping me lighten up a bit (just a little). Being a kid is about getting dirty and experiencing different textures, smells and objects in the world…it is about having FUN!! Life isn’t always tidy and neither is a toddler.

8. She always finds joy in the little things. It could be something as simple as bubbles floating through the air, balloons, playing peek-a-boo, “jumping” on the bed, hearing a doggie bark in the distance or a bug crawling up the wall. The simplest things bring joy to her life. Seeing things through the eyes of Evelina is like seeing something again for the first time. What a wonderful gift to receive as a parent.

9. She puts life into perspective. Life isn’t about money, working long hours, or being married to a Smartphone, it is about spending quality time with your family. Life is too short and precious to miss out on memories with loved ones.

10. She is our present and future. I can’t even remember life before Evelina arrived. Of course, I miss being able to get up and go whenever and wherever, but life just wouldn’t be complete without the little bambina. I am most thankful she is our daughter and she chose us to be her parents. Nothing could be better then watching her grow, planning for her future, and providing her everything she will need to be a happy child.

Halloween 2011

I’ve never really liked Halloween. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy the candy-eating aspect of the holiday and carving pumpkins, but I’m not very creative in the costume department so have never really enjoyed dressing up. I remember being a punk rocker about 5 years in a row as a kid and on many Halloweens I would volunteer to give out candy (we got A LOT of trick or treaters in my neighborhood growing up) to get out of dressing up. Even though I don’t have a love for Halloween, it is certainly fun to celebrate the holiday by way of a 16-month old toddler. 

The requirement for Evelina’s costume this year was that it be cute and easy to wear. I didn’t want anything to heavy or bulky, I wanted her to be able to walk around easily, and I wanted to avoid any hats or hoods since I knew she would rip them off anyway. I think she made a darn cute ‘50s tot that’s for sure…and I didn’t see anyone else in the same costume which was a bonus.

Ashland Mom's Club Annual Halloween Party.  There was a professional photographer on site to take fun pictures of the little ones. 

 

Evelina and her friends a school enjoying yummy cookies
after the Halloween parade.

Halloween 

 Hmmm...what shall I try?  

We gave Evelina some M&Ms for the first time and she loved them.

Click HERE for more pictures of Halloween 2011.  

Halloween Art :: Pumpkin Painting

One of Evelina's BFF's, Holly, brought over a couple of cute small pumpkins a couple of weeks ago and they were just screaming to be used for some Halloween fun.  I came across this fun pumpkin painting idea on one of my favorite blogs and decided it would be a perfect art project for "the bean" (and easy for Mama).  Evelina had a great time and was very angry sad when the painting was over and it was bath time.  I must say that she was quite proud of her work when she saw the finished product this morning.  

Won't be the Same

Halloween just won't be the same this year without our first little girl dressed in costume.  We still miss our Vivi.  

Halloween 2009

Halloween 2010

:-) :-(

Halloween Art :: BOO!

I came across this cute hand ghost idea on Pinterest and thought it would be a fun project for Evelina and I, and a cute memento of Halloween 2011.  

Evelina's favorite part of the project was when I painted her hand with the paintbrush, she loved the sensation and giggled as I painted.  Once we finished her hand print, I gave her the extra paint and brush to keep her busy while I painted the ghost's face (I had to make him happy of course) and applied the glitter.

When I showed Evelina the finished product she immediately said "BOO!". Teehee...so adorable!!  

Next up, some fun pumpkin painting!!

July 4th Weekend 2011

Yeah, I'm bad...it is now July 18th, I know this.  Anyway, here is a photo dump of my favorites from 4th of July weekend.  A trip to check out a local park, a visit to Uncle Paul and Auntie Joyce's for pool time and a BBQ, a visit from Grandpa (sadly I forgot to whip out the camera), and water table fun

Evelina and the Elf at Cushing Memorial Park

Evelina and Auntie Joyce

Evelina checking out the property with Auntie Joyce

Evelina after pool time

Our pretty girl

Evelina and Mama

Jordan's new tattoo...well put

Zonked out after lots of fun

Water table fun!!  Yay!!

Father's Day 2011

It's hard to believe that this was Chris' second Father's Day.  I've said it before and I will say it again, this year went by SOOOOO fast!!  

Father's Day 2010

Chris is such a wonderful father to Evelina.  He is patient, caring, fun and playful, and doesn't even mind getting up during the night when she is in need of comforting (and Mama needs her beauty sleep).  He may not admit it, but I know he loves snuggling with her at night and falling asleep with her in the nursery.  It really is just too sweet.  It makes me love him even more.    

In deep conversation

We can already see that Evelina is a daddy's girl.  She LOOOOOVVVVVES her Papa so much.  She beams whenever he enters a room, she crawls as quickly as she can to him, climbs on him and uses him as her jungle gym.  As soon as she hears the garage door open and I say that Papa is home, she starts looking around for him.  Just recently she started to cry when he drops her off at school (so heartbreaking).  Many times, if he is holding her and I try to take her, she will turn into his shoulder and hold on tight. So adorable!! It has really been such a joy to see their relationship blossom.  She is lucky to have such a wonderful DA-DA-DA-DA!!!  

Sharing goofy faces :-)

We weren't able to spend the entire day together, but we did find time to have a little snack picnic as a family out in the yard while enjoying the beautiful afternoon sunshine.  While Chris was putting Evelina to bed, I whipped up one of his favorite meals, Shrimp Scampi, in celebration of his second Father's Day.  Yum-o.  

Papa, I love you!!

Honey, I love you, too

Moi xoxo

PS:  I just realized that Chris wore the same shirt on both Father's days...what are the chances of that?!