Breathe It All In

Around Here

2012-02-09T18:45:00.000-08:00

DELICIOUS Butternut Squash , Chicken & Quinoa Stew. So ugly I had to decorate:) My Awesome hair dresser, Hayley, made Mia this adorabe owl clip when she was 1st born. So happy she finally has enough hair to wear it!!! Find her Etsy store HERE!!

My Bear

2012-02-05T16:58:00.000-08:00

We continue to take advantage of this AMAZING weather. Swings at the park for baby, iphone photo shoot for mama! Love the mini harajuku bear hoodies from Target. Clearanced from $30 to $9..woot!!!

Baby Artiste!!!

2012-02-03T16:58:00.000-08:00

So many of my girlfriends had babies at the same time, we really have our own play group. I LOVE that! Every mom has different experiences & ideas to share. Esther & Ada asked if Mia & I wanted to try some edible finger painting. Bring on the instant pudding & food coloring!!!! Oh & Daddy with a mop for the massive clean up:) Baby's first art work..YAHOOO!!!

Sweet Girl

2012-02-01T17:26:00.000-08:00

Miabelle,

Just this week you learned to clap, wave & say duck. How did you get so big??

xoxo, Mama

Picnik is closing in April:( Go to the site until then & use all the tools you use to have to pay for, Free!

Baby Hat Fetish Continues

2012-02-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

Monday the weather was 60!!! Hello late January treat...I LOVE YOU!!! After work I did some window shopping at Baby Gap. Yes, I said window shopping. Not a word that is typically in my repertoire! I drool for Gaps baby clothes, but not so much for their prices. HOWEVER, I stumbled upon these adorable knit beanies & just wished I had a squishy newborn. Price wise the store carries them for $16.95 but had 20 % off. Normally I would turn to Etsy for knit pieces but around $14, after discount, is comparable especially with Etsy shipping. PS These adorable beanies come in bigger sizes too!!!

So I filled my Baby Gap craving at my beloved Once Upon a Child. I found this sweet vintage looking smock with amazing crochet like detail around the neck for $5.50. I squeezed my sweetie into it ...hello 0-3 months... & took advantage of the continued warm weather, for a quick iphone photo shoot. Isn't she AMAZING!!!

Good Medicine

2012-01-29T17:26:00.000-08:00

A yucky cold is traveling around our house. First baby girl, now daddy. Hopefully I escape the wrath. Nothing worse then being sick when you have a crazy 9 month old to chase all over the house!!!!!! I curled up in bed early on Saturday to get some extra rest & watched Easy A. Emma Stone is AWESOME. I loved her in The Help & now in this movie. A girly flick that made me laugh out loud. Just what the doctor ordered:) (A few trips to Target too!!!)!

Family Tree

2012-01-26T16:56:00.000-08:00

How adorable is this Family Tree from Martha??? LOVE IT!!!! For the play room or even if you have a giant family room? I found it at Lil Sugar which is all kids stuff/ALL CUTE!!!!

Skating

2012-01-22T06:54:00.000-08:00

Today was FUN.. So glad we resisted the urge to hunker down after last nites snow storm!! Damon made it easy to get out by scraping my car!! Thanks Baby. We went to Celeste's 10th birthday at a ROLLER RINK!!!! So glad Brandi said we should skate. I hadn't roller skated since I was 10, living in our Lancaster house with the half cement basement where I skated for hours to the Madonna Living on a Prayer Album!! My little cutie is snug as a bug in bed & I'm enjoying dessert. LIFE IS GOOD.

9 months

2012-01-18T17:51:00.000-08:00

Today is your 9 month birthday. To show how big you are, you said your FIRST words!!!! DA-DA. Just yesterday Brandi asked me if you were babbling mama or dada. i said no, she just kind of rambles!! But it's true, today I say Da-Da & you say Da-Da back with a purpose. I think its actually Ga-Ga but you even said it to his picture. So I know you know what it means!!! By the time we got home from Nana's you were a little Da-Da'd out, but he did get a few in person:)

You have the craziest baby hair alive. i cannot tame it!

You play peek a boo really well! Usually with a blanket, sometimes with daddy's Motor Trend magazine..It's adorable. You're a Smarty Pants!!!

You give big kisses upon request:)

You love to eat finger foods. So far you feed yourself puffs, banana chunks & scrambled eggs (yolks only). Have almost completely weaned yourself. You prefer your milky in a bottle.

We have come very close to crossing the sleep thru the nite finish line. You go to bed at 7:30pm, up around 3:30 am to eat, sleep until 7:30am. You've started sleeping on your belly/side. You nap in your crib at 10am & 2:30pm like clock work. We are finally swing free

You're not quite crawling but you still roll around like crzy. You can even navigate around objects in your way. We really can't take our eyes off you or you're gone!!

You weigh around 16.5 libs & wear 6-9 month clothes.

You are seriously turning into this little person, with such a silly, crazy personality. You NEVER slow down unless it's bed or nap time. you GOGOGO. Your days are filled with PLAYPLAY PLAY.

Finally, you love when we read you. Goodnite Moon, How Big is Baby Elmo, & a Finding Nemo book are some of your favorites.

We are loving you to the stars & back Mia Isabelle!

New Obsession

2012-01-17T05:52:00.000-08:00

We are only on Episode 4 Season 1, but we are LOVING Being Human. Thank you streaming NetFlix for having it & the original British version:)

Chasing Mia

2012-01-15T15:06:00.000-08:00

We practiced crawling today..I'm exhausted..lol Despite the hundreds of toys she had, we always headed straight for the forbidden things.

1. Mama's ribbon stash makes me very happy.

2. Laying under a Target bag hoping to shop soon:)

3. The mad scientist with her milky test tube!!!

4. Reading Motor Trend so i Daddy & I can discuss our next family car.. mini van??

5. YUM..Country Vegetables for lunch. Need we say more??

Resolution

2012-01-11T16:30:00.000-08:00

My mind set for 2012....

:Source via pinterest

Swings & Stones

2012-01-08T16:33:00.000-08:00

Swings for the FIRST time:) JOY!! We were going a little stir crazy in the house, so happy for the warmer temp & sunshine.

Not so happy for the evil kidney stone that had me on my 1st ambulance ride to the hospital for a life saving dilaudid cocktail last Wednesday. It was EXACTLY like being in labor & had me swearing no more babies. Then it FINALLY ends & you forget what you promised..I mean seriously look at that face!!

Macaroni Cupcakes

2012-01-06T17:45:00.000-08:00

Two of my favorite things:) I saw Giada's recipe for Mac & Cheese cupcakes in Parents magazine. How cute would they be as a fun finger food at a kid's bday party?

Party Times

2012-01-02T08:24:00.000-08:00

Bring on the New Year & bring on the parties. I the next few months I have a friends baby shower to help with, my best friends bridal shower to plan & my sweet pea's first birthday to celebrate!!! Wow. While Damon worked on NYE, I started hunting for inspiration on Pinterest!! Oh how I love social networking:)

This idea for a photo collage will be could be used at the bridal shower w/ fun pics of the bride & groom as well, as well as at the 1st bday party.

I LOVE LOVE the simplicity & clean lines of this cake. The fondant would probably be changed to butter cream & the rosettes in bright colors w a cute #1 in there somewhere. How perfect for a smash cake??

:photo

I'm also obsessed with this tulle table skirt but not sure how expensive all that tulle would be?

NYE Inspiration

2011-12-31T18:54:00.000-08:00

I can not believe it's about to be 2012..I can not believe we have the most perfect baby daughter. I can not believe she is the Class of 2029..My husband would second me when I say that makes me feel slightly old.

picframe iphone app <3

Honestly getting older doesn't really bother me. More dreams come true, i'm smarter, sassier & best of all, a mama!!. My resolution for the New Year?? To shake off the 2011 tough times..terrible work woes, double mortgage hell blah blah.. I found myself stressed & cynical more times then I would have liked in 2011.

2012, be kind to my family & i'll be kind to you. xoxoxoxx

Merry Christmas 2011

2011-12-26T17:13:00.001-08:00

We had a super low key Christmas this year. Just Gma, Gpa & boxed Giant Eagle side dishes (don't judge they were surprisingly good!!) to accompany our turkey. Damon did an awesome job decorating the house. He hung stockings, xmas lights & made the house feel all cozy. He's good at that! Mia loved unwrapping her gifts. Lots of crawling & learning to walk toys!

Next year I promise myself, I WILL START PLANNING & SHOPPING SOONER!!!!! Who wants to come??

Cookie Party

2011-12-26T16:58:00.000-08:00

The Trifecta & friends gathered for our 1st annual cookie & ornament decorating party. Hopefully the tradition can last & grow for many years to come:) Very little decorating happened as the babes are all too little!!! We did eat tons of Damon's DELICIOUS white chicken chili & Chris's to die for spicy buffalo cheese dip! (Recipes to come)

Baby Gavin

Baby Ada

Santa Baby

2011-12-23T16:58:00.000-08:00

So our visit to Santa didn't go quite as well as I hoped. Good thing Santa was Uncle Tony:) The clenched fists are a new way to enunciate her displeasure. Like the piercing screams aren't enough. My poor sweet pea:)

Classic baby moment. I'm loving every mama moment..xoxo

dress:baby gap

8 Months

2011-12-19T05:18:00.000-08:00

Loving you tiny peanut butter!!!!

You still don't have any teeth but just this week you are drooling like a maniac. I THINK the bottom 2 may pop thru in the next few weeks. Although I had no teeth until around a year so maybe it's wishful teething..lol

Wearing 6-9month clothes in most brands. You have some 12 month onesies as well.
Getting ready to celebrate the holidays with your best friends, the Trifecta (Mia, Ada, Gavin)!!!

You have never been a very mellow baby. This month you have been very sunny or very stormy..No in between. Sunny: We walk around the mall & you are trying to get the attention of everyone who walks by so you can smile & giggle with them.
Stormy: We take away the wash rag you like chewing in the tub & you clench your fists and scream bloody murder. Bloody murder screams can also be heard during clothing & diaper changes. Some back arching can also be seen. Fun times!!!

Your favorite toy is a plush Sesame Street book. Each page has a noise button. Your obsessed with the phone page:)

We road tripped to Indiana for Thanksgiving & NewYork for a Holiday Party. You traveled pretty well minus a serious all nite nervous break down in NY. We hope you will soon love traveling as much as mom & dad do. At 8 months you have already visited 4 states:)

You started making a strange latin sounding noise. It's a trill or purring sound. No one can believe how well you can roll your tongue..ha!!!
You don't crawl but some how you roll and contort your way where ever you want to go.
It still blows my mind to see you grabbing toys that you want or putting your own binky in your mouth.

Sleeping well..Bedtime around 7:30pm. You usually are up once to eat around 4am then sleeping until 7:30 am.

Your eating great. You overcame any hesitancy & now truly love eating. I can't even say what your favorite pureed fruit or veggie is b/c you love them all. We also introduced yogurt into your diet this month.

Holiday Cheer

2011-12-17T13:13:00.000-08:00

Santa came early for me this year. He must have known I needed a pick me up!!!! The gift? My new iphone 4..YAHOOO. I smell new apps baby. Especially instagram.. I know I am way behind but I have been wanting to ride this train for some time now:)

Mia's 1st ornament came too & i love it!! Still wish I would have put first christmas instead of merry christmas..but hey whose perfect? Not this mama!!!!!

P.S Love you Santa!! Can not wait to give you a big pineapple upside down cake martini kiss tonite:)

AWESOME DEAL ALERT!!!!

2011-12-14T18:42:00.000-08:00

Paper Coterie has some SUPER CUTE things. I found a coupon code for $35 off your order!! That equals ALMOST FREE PRODUCT. I ordered a super cute growth chart for my cutie babe price tag $29. I entered the promo code H2SMERRY. Brought my total to $9.07. WOOT!!!! Have fun, rumor is this code is good until 12.16!!! Look at this cute memory keeper!!! PS I found the coupon code here!!

Family Pics

2011-12-14T18:29:00.000-08:00

When Mia was 6 months (October) we had a family photo shoot. The pics of all 3 of us turned out awesome. Her solo shots..she wasn't having it. I may have a baby hat fetish..

After several pics like this one, we realized it was time to call it a day. My girl is not a morning person (get's that from her dad). So we shot again IN THE AFTERNOON!!! about a month later:)

Sing to Me

2011-12-06T17:55:00.001-08:00

Driving home tonite listening to The Coffee House, (love) I heard Chris Isaak Wicked Game (amazing). Anytime I hear it I always think of the Friends Episode "You were worth the wait & I don't just mean tonite."

I miss Friends.

Love Them

2011-12-04T16:52:00.001-08:00

We took Aunt Carrie to North Star for a birthday breakfast this morning. Damon showed her the glory of the ricotta pancake:) I snapped some pics of her & Miabelle with her iphone!!!

Oh Xmas tree

2011-12-02T19:19:00.001-08:00

We went to Black Forest Pines in Johnstown to get our 1st tree as a family of 3. We pulled Mia in a sled out into the field and cut our little cutie down!! I ordered her 1st ornament today too!!!! We can not wait to decorate.

Tub Tub Hair

2011-11-29T18:13:00.001-08:00

My sweet Miabelle. Her hair just keeps getting better & better...

Wish I was... a mini Cousteau?

2011-11-26T07:47:00.001-08:00

FYI...It's not actually Shark Week BUT Nat Geo had a really cool documentary on the Great White Shark vs. the Killer Whale. In 1997 a group of whale watchers witnessed the only recorded encounter. Killer Whale was the hands down winner.

At one time I hoped to follow in the foot steps of the great Jacques Cousteau & be a kick a$$ marine biologist. I think my desire was sparked by a trilogy of Cousteau photography books my mom & dad picked up at a flea market when I was little.

Thankful for You

2011-11-24T05:35:00.001-08:00

I use this blog to talk about the things I am thankful for every time I post. Images of my awesome husband & our beautiful baby girl hog up all the Internet pages:) My mom & dad deserve a million pages as well.
I am so thankful for the best parents in the world. Your support & love means EVERYTHING <3

We love you!!! xoxoxoxoxox Liz, Damon & Miabelle

Holiday Yums

2011-11-21T16:55:00.001-08:00

I was so excited to tell everyone about the Ben & Jerry's Red Velvet Cake ice cream I found. AND THEN I took a bite...All I taste is red Dye #whatever. It's a very strange, almost chemically taste. I am going to try & take a few more bites but I am seriously glad I grabbed a pint of B & J's Cinnamon Bun too!!

Something that did work out well?? Stacy's Gingerbread Pita Chips (Giant Eagle). OMG! They ARE Amazing. I really only grabbed them b/c I had a couponyet some how I ate (almost) a whole bag in one car ride!!! I can only imagine dipping them into a Tastefully Simple Toffee cheese ball!!!! YUM

I know I sound like a fat cow but I do also try & incorporate healthy things into our family diet..Last nite was the 1st time I cooked a butternut squash. I took inspiration from Mia who now gives baby jar squash a thumbs up!!!! What until she tries this recipe for Garlic Baked Butternut Squash from allrecipes.com. IT sounds simple, but it was totally delicious. The parm cheese rocks out!!!!

2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
3 1/2 pounds butternut squash, peeled and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
In a large bowl, combine the parsley, oil, garlic, salt and pepper. Add squash and toss to coat.
Transfer to an ungreased shallow 2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 400
degrees F for 50-55 minutes or until squash is just tender.

7 Months

2011-11-18T05:02:00.001-08:00

From your 6th to 7th month you have had some serious physical changes.
Your started eating cereal & purees.
You LOVE your oatmeal.
It's a slow process, as we add one new puree every 3-4 days.
We took a whole week off new foods as you were EXTRA fussy. We think it may have been an upset tummy from multigrain cereal.
You like peas. Despise sweet potatoes, bananas & pears. Indifferent to avocado & carrots. I think it is just going to take a lot more tasting.

The cereal has helped you sleep ALMOST thru the nite. You go to sleep around 7pm. You go down in your crib with no binky. You just sing, coo or fuss for a minute then your out. Were up eating between 4-5am & then back to sleep until 7:30am.
Still taking 2-3 naps. The morning is usually the longest at 1.5 hours. Then 30minutes to an hour in the afternoon.

Started sitting up at 6.5 months!!

As soon as you started sitting you also started, rolling & rolling & rolling.You have also figured out how how to bounce in your exersaucer. We call you a bucking bronco:)

We will be retiring the Bumbo & moving you to your big girl high chair. You arch your back & look like you could flip out of the Bumbo at any second as you reach for anything you can find.

I have FINALLY gotten back in to the swing of working!! It took forever but I am working 4 days a week & feeling more productive. I STILL forget at least one thing per day. Whether it's my purse, a piece of my pump or diapers. That was me before baby so I am sure it won't be getting better any time soon!!!

Feeling It

2011-11-13T07:54:00.001-08:00

This could be the motivation I need to get back to the gym.. It makes me laugh out loud...

Baby Blogger

2011-11-11T05:20:00.001-08:00

Miabelle,

Today is 11.11.11. You are officially sitting up. I've suspected over the last week that you were strong enough. I think you could sit up but didn't want anyone to know:) I know that you will be on the move soon & your dad & i will be CHASING after you for a long time to come!!!! Love you sweetheart..XOXOXO

Shark attack or Dance Off?

2011-11-10T17:16:00.001-08:00

Coolest band aids ever. I think the Trifecta needs to stock up!!!!!

Peas & Carrots

2011-11-08T18:18:00.000-08:00

Introducing solids has been FUN!! After the initial homemade sweet potato disaster I figured it out. Decided to try some Earth's Best organic jar food to start. She's tried peas, pears, carrots, & of course sweet potato. So far peas are the run away winner!!!

Tomorrow we are going to try home made bananas. I'm thinking the key is to add way more liquid for a smoother texture. Experimenting with the First Years Babypro. I have a serious food processor on my Xmas list & the VITAMIX in my dreams:)

Couponing Tips

2011-11-05T13:20:00.000-07:00

I am a shopaholic. I love thrifting, garage sale-ing and now COUPONING. It is seriously addicting!!!! My sister in law is a champion couponer & with a few tips from her i was off and running.
If you have watched Extreme Couponing on TLC, don't get your hopes up..lol Getting free groceries is hard. By groceries I mean food items. Now you want some free toothpaste, razors or super cheap toilet paper? Let's chat!!!

With stores like Wal-Greens & CVS having Register Reward programs you can easily score tons of "free" (or dirt cheap) items. As long as you don't mind continuing to shop here in order to use your the in store rewards you earn!! Target is another great store to coupon at *Tip* Target will let you stack a manufacturers coupon with a Target. For example, there s a $2 off Maybelline lipstick web coupon on Targets website. There was also a $2 off Maybelline lipstick in a the Sunday paper a few weeks ago!!! So the deal right now at Target looks like this

$5.54 for delicious Maybelline lipstick or lip gloss
$2 off Target web coupon
$2 off Sunday paper coupon
$1.54 for delicious Maybelline lipstick or lip gloss AFTER COUPONS!!!!

Not impressed by still paying $1.54 after coupons? Sorry man, make-up is expensive!!! How about some free Annie's Mac & Cheese?? Friend Annie's on Facebook and print a .$75 off coupon. *Tip* Create a FB page just for couponing!!!!!! Kroger has Annie's on sale $10 for 10 making a box $1. *tip* You don't have to buy 10 to get the $1 deal. *Tip* Kroger doubles coupons up to $1. So the deal looks like this.

$1.00 for yummy organic Mac & Cheese
$.75 off Facebook coupon
Kroger doubles my coupon to $1
FREE yummy organic Mac & Cheese!!!

Don't think I didn't want to ask all 251 of my FB friends to like Annie's and give me the coupon..HAHA P.S this coupon offer is over. Some of my most FAVORITE couponing blogs are:
The Krazy Coupon Lady
The Frugal Burgher
Stretching a Buck
Coupon Geek
*Tip* Check em Every Day, multiple times if you can. You never know when a sale will pop up:)

Big Day

2011-10-31T17:03:00.000-07:00

Today was a big for Miabelle. It was her 1st Trick or Treat. Since the Pirate costume didn't work out Esther & Christy let her borrow a cute lil Lady Bug costume. I didn't get any good pics bc she was bundled for the cold weather:) She ate carrots for the 1st time. Nana Marcie said she really liked them. i feel bad I wasn't the one to feed them to her. Now she's up past her bed time!!! Happy Halloween!!!!!

Baby Food for Pirates

2011-10-30T16:44:00.000-07:00

All the cool Mommy things I'm trying this weekend don't seem to be working out.. Mia has done so well with her cereal I thought she would LOVE sweet potatoes. I was (am) so excited to use my baby blender & whip up my 1st batch of home made baby food. So much for that. She HATES them. She gags & looks like she wants to puke.

I've been eagerly awaiting her Halloween costume to come in the mail. After diligently measuring her head I ordered a sweet little pirates cap complete with AWESOME eye patch. TOO BIG.. I guess tomorrow I'll be on the hunt for a last minute costume:)

Ohio Historical Society

2011-10-29T17:08:00.000-07:00

I heard an ad on the radio for the American Soldier photographic exhibit at the OHS. I thought Damon would like it so off we went for date day:) The photographs followed soldiers from the Civil War all the way through to the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan. We also checked out the Controversy exhibit, a good conversation starter if nothing else!!!

:source

Loved seeing all the Early Early (Paleo) Native American artifacts from regions all over Ohio as well.

Go To

2011-10-28T07:21:00.000-07:00

Cous Cous is my go to meal when I am trying to eat a ton of good stuff but don't want a salad!!!

Prepare cous cous according to box directions.
Cook squash in a pan with olive oil.
Cut your avocado, tomato, & cilantro.
Once cous cous is cooked add squash, Gorgonzola, sunflower seeds, craisins & cilantro.
I usually wait 10 minutes to add the tomatoes bc they get too mushy in super hot cous cous.

Squeeze a little lemon on top & YUM YUM!!!

2 Years

2011-10-23T16:44:00.000-07:00

Happy Anniversary My Love:)

I love that you read emails I sent you 3 years ago. I love that you keep asking to ink Mia's foot prints. i love how we make each other laugh. I love how you send me pictures of the baby when she was a tiny newborn. I love how sentimental you are. I love that you embrace my home decor ideas & spend hours making them perfect. I love how you love that you converted me to eating tomato soup & watching TV w/ the close captioning on. That's not all you've changed. You changed my life and made it better. I love you more EVERY Single day!!! Thank you for North Star Breakfast this morning & pumpkin donuts last nite:)

Six Months

2011-10-21T14:08:00.000-07:00

You had your 6 month pictures this morning at 9am. Mama should have known better then to schedule them so early. LIKE your dad, you are NOT a morning person. I'm pretty sure you didn't smile once!!!!

You started cereal & seem to like it. You laugh and smile, opening your mouth for bites.

You weigh: 141bs 2 ozs

You are : 24.75 inches long

You love when we sing to you. The Nakey Peaches & Good Morning songs are your favorites.

You are more of a wild child everyday. You squeak and babble & arch yourself backwards to escape.

You give big slobbery kisses that are kind of painful.

Your favorite toys are Sophie the Giraffe & plastic rings.

You drink between 4-6 ozs from a bottle & eat every 3 hours like clockwork.

Your hand eye coordination Amazes me!!!

Daddy can often be found at Babies R Us spoiling you w toys & gadgets.

Mama can often be found at Once Upon a Child spoiling you with Tutus & Jeggings:)

Your nite time sleep is still very erratic. Sometimes your up once sometimes your up multiple times. I am hoping cereal will help with this.

We love being your Mom & Dad!!!!

Sing to Me

2011-10-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

I remember many a preteen/teen angst filled nights listening to this album. Over. & Over. & Over. lol

A special angsty shout out to numbers 4, 5, & 12!!!

Milestone: Cereal

2011-10-16T11:35:00.000-07:00

Ok Dad, I'm ready for cereal.

Or NOT......
PS LOVE your new iphone.

We'll try again tomorrow!!! We started with Gerber Organic Oatmeal Cereal. 1 TB cereal 5 TB bm.

Bedroom Re-Do

2011-10-10T06:19:00.000-07:00

As we speak Damon is working on a DIY head board for the wall just behind those chub chub thighs!!! Next i'll hang a beautiful photo collage. Our bedroom will finally be complete & I can show off the AMAZING wainscoting job he did bak in January!!

Knit Hats

2011-10-09T12:28:00.000-07:00

The beautiful weekend slipped away as we battled a baby cold Friday & Saturday. The cold may or may not be partnered with teething. i just can't tell. It left a fussy, snuffily baby who wants to sleep during the day & cry at nite:( Happily it's Sunday & she seems to be feeling a little better. The true test will be bedtime.

While she was napping I started playing around on Pinterest!!! Finally i jumped on the band wagon. No more 1500 book marks. Haha How AMAzing are these knitted caps from Etsy!!!!!!

Find our sweet little owl friend at HookedbyKristen. The grey & pink at EcoStreet.

Sweet

2011-10-06T16:44:00.000-07:00

Mia's Gma bought her the super sweet book Wherever You Are My Love Will Find You. The sentiments are so loving & the illustrations beautiful!! I would like to have the whole collection!! Kohls has the books on sale for $5 as part of their Kohls Cares for Kids program. It hurts me to pay more then $1 (Once Upon a Child) for a kids book but we may have to splurge!!!

Around Here

2011-10-05T09:03:00.000-07:00

Watching: Most recent Netflix

Listening: Always on a BIG country Kick!!!

Eating: Got a new All You magazine & it had some YUMMY crock pot recipes. 1st up, Corn Chowder w Shrimp. Sorry to my husband who hates seafood:(

Away We Went

2011-10-03T16:59:00.000-07:00

Mia conquered her 1st airplane trip!!!! We flew to Tampa to visit Lara & Jimmy. We stayed in a studio apartment on the beach in Clearwater (30 minutes from Tampa). Being an extremely visual person, the word studio (hello 250 sq.ft) meant nothing to me. I mean look at these adorable Trip Advisor pics!!! Murphy beds are fun!!! Add a swing, pack n play & our luggage. YIKES, we were a little cramped. Lots of whispering & close captioning while the baby slept!!

Despite our self inflicted small quarters we had a blast & learned a ton about traveling with baby!! B/c Mia is still primarily napping during the day in a swing I was concerned about a week with no good naps...EEK!! Bring in Kiddy Korner, a St. Pete consignment shop smart enough to rent baby necessities. We got a car seat, pack n play & the blessed swing this way. SO AFFORDABLE too!!!

Clearwater has amazing sunsets and a fun festival at dusk each night on Pier 60. Damon & Jimmy went to a Rays vs. Yankee game. We also checked out Steinbrenner field, home of the Yankees spring training facilities. Damon was in heaven at the gift shop!!

We stopped at the Clearwater Aquarium to see Winter!!!! She is not the dolphin below, that is Nicholas! Stud. Those nurse sharks were kind of creepy!

Mia went swimming for the FIRST time!! She loved kicking her legs and cruising around the pool! I think she just loved being outside in general. Her first sand, her first beach breeze. She was in heaven!

Mia baby dipped her toes in the Gulf of Mexico, conquered her 1st plane ride like a champion. We also recommend Frenchy's for Monday nite burgers, Clear Skies for amazing seafood and live music on the patio. Find yummy desserts at A Serious Cookie.

Shopping Spree

2011-09-21T17:14:00.000-07:00

Sunday I met Kristen & Sara at Easton to replace some of the mangled pieces from my chap stick stained work wardrobe. We stopped for a few pics in front of the fountain. Thanks Aunt Sara!!!!

My new favorite place to shop for work clothes is NY& Co!!! They have GREAT coupons (hello $90 off $180).Also on the list of required browsing Francesca's LOVE & H&M! Even better, their pants come in petite & are the PERFECT length (I'm 5'3), WITH NO HEMMING REQUIRED. Yahoo!!

5 Month Birthday

2011-09-18T07:59:00.000-07:00

Not a lot has changed since I posted this after your last check up.

Your dad went hog wild at Babies R Us & got you an awesome Baby Einstein ExerSaucer. You love to sit in it and try and eat the toys. We put a pillow under your feet so you can bounce. You haven't quite figured that part out yet.

The tongue out is a signature look for you. You love to smile & laugh, sticking it out.
When bottle fed you drink 4-4.5 ozs. I'm wondering if I will ever need to buy the bigger 9 oz bottles?
I wish I was a better photographer. You are TRUELY a BEAUTIFUL girl!!!
"You are Kind, You are Smart & You are Important!!!"

This picture is the face your dad gives me when he is done having his picture taken. Sloth from the Goonies? The apple has not fallen far from the tree my love!

The Help

2011-09-16T14:15:00.000-07:00

Off to see The Help with Sara. Hopefully it cheers me up. i washed my work clothes, the ONLY ones that fit me in my post-pregnancy not quite into my pre-pegnancy body, with a PINK CHAPSTICK. I know from experience after those clothes hit the dryer I may as well throw them ALL away:( I'm so upset..

Sweet Thing

2011-09-13T17:09:00.000-07:00

Pear & Brie + Eggs

2011-09-10T16:57:00.000-07:00

We made it to the Olde Worthington Farmers market this morning. Hurray. We took Gma & Gpa to La Chatelaine for breakfast to celebrate Grandparents day!! My mom & I both had the daily omelet special, Pear & Brie. Delicious. I googled Pear & Brie omelet so I could share a yummy recipe, but wasn't successful finding exactly what I wanted. So follow this recipe & just add eggs. lol Enjoy:) Mia loved her 1st trip to the Farmer's market. She was riding in her new sweet stroller daddy splurged on!! I felt sassy just pushing it!!

1 (6 inch) brie round
2 almost ripe pears
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh thyme
Eggs!

Directions:

1 Cut off top rind of Brie and discard. Set Brie aside. Preheat oven to 425°F

Peel and core pears, then slice 1/4 inch thick.

Lay on a generously buttered baking sheet in a single layer.

Roast in oven for 15 minutes.

Turn slices and continue roasting 10 to 15 minutes or until edges are caramelized and brown.

Arrange pear slices overlapping in a circle overtop Brie.

Refrigerate, uncovered, for up to half a day.

When ready to serve, heat in a preheated 350°F oven 10 to 12 minutes or until softened.

Sprinkle with thyme ADD EGGS.....lol

4.75 Months

2011-09-05T15:04:00.000-07:00

You finally had your 4 month Dr. visit!! You officially weigh 12.8 lbs & are 24 inches long.
You did a lot better after these shots then your 2 month.
You love hanging out w Aunt Sara!

Taken 9.5.2011

You are OFFICIALLY swaddle free. I thought the day would never come:)

With a cloth diaper on you can where 3-6 month clothes.

We moved you from the bassinet in our bedroom to your crib!!!

You can seriously ROCK the skinny jeans!!

Around 4 months you had a horrible sleep regression. You used to sleep 5-7 hours straight almost every night. Between no more swaddle & being in your own room (plus I think a massive growth spurt) you have NOT been sleeping well. Sometimes up every 3 hours. Just when I thought I was going to go crazy you slept through the nite 3xs in a week.WOOT WOOT!!!

Shirt; & Jeans-Baby Gap (a la Once Upon a Child)
Flower -Fleuriste

Labor Day Weekend

2011-09-05T13:37:00.000-07:00

This weekend we melted at the sweet corn festival!!! FINALLY we saw the last:( Harry Potter movie & ate some delicious Orange Leaf Frozen Yogurt. It's a self serve yogurt bar with yummy flavors & amazing mix ins!!! If you haven't tried it go NOW:) We also had dinner with my mom & dad, which included cornish hens & a serious food coma after!! I guess in review all we really did was eat..

YES PLEASE

2011-08-28T11:07:00.000-07:00

Dear Lizzy is having a rocking give away...I'm comment 800 & something. i would LOVE LOVE LOVE to win an awesome J-Tote!!I just love the Rose in Teal (& raspberry). If I don't win maybe DAMON WOULD READ MY BLOG & feel the need to buy it as a gift...:) A girl can dream....

Girls Nite Fun Times

2011-08-27T17:12:00.000-07:00

Last nite Sara & I went to her cousin Katie's for pizza, chocolate, wine (I skipped the wine bc i feel guilty pumping & dumping) AND ESSENTIAL OILS. I seem to be getting more granola-eee by the day & I LIKE IT!!! We went thru a little intro class to DoTerra (Gift of the Earth) Essential Oils. I have always been interested in alternatives treatment to every day ailments. Fatigue, anxiety, lack of focus etc. can all be treated with massage, acupuncture, yoga!, & of course oils. I bought an intro pack containing Lemon, Lavender & Peppermint. Guess who got a little Lavender on her feet before bed this evening!!!!

Uses for Lemon Essent ial Oil

Stimulates the mind, increasing concentration and the ability to memorize

Place a drop of Lemon essential oil on cold sores, herpes or other mouth ulcers to lessen pain and aid in healing. ( I wonder if this stings!!) Gna Try it!!!

Uses for Lavender Essential Oil

It helps in treating migraines, headaches, anxiety, depression, nervous tension and emotional stress. Induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.

Uses for Peppermint Essential Oil

Massage several drops of Peppermint oil on the abdomen to relieve nausea. Is one of the oldest and most highly regarded herbs for soothing digestion.

Green Baby

2011-08-23T16:06:00.000-07:00

I went to Sprout Soup today to take advantage of the Fuzzibunz buy 6 get 2 free deal.. While shopping I saw an advertisement for Green B.e.a.n Delivery. I have been looking for a CSA, a way for us to get fresh, organic fruits & veggies. So excited about Green B.e.a.n. Two things I like that are a little different then a classic CSA. 1. They deliver to your door..Woot 2. your not forced to receive the product every week. You can opt out weeks as needed.. Yahoo. They also offer organic pre-made baby foods!!! I know it says Cincinnati but they cover Columbus too!!

Balloon Festival

2011-08-21T07:09:00.001-07:00

Last nite we packed up & headed to the All-Ohio Balloon festival. Despite having her 1st stuffy nose, lil girl did great (if you pretend she didn't scream all the way home). She loves to people watch:) Damon & I had fried dough, cake pops & gumbo. Not to mention the bag of double stuffed oreos we killed before we left. EEK!!! Next year we will go later in the evening so we can see all the balloons go up at dusk and light the sky.

Poor Darth Never made it off the ground despite the Star Wars theme song playing for an hour straight!

4 Months

2011-08-20T18:45:00.001-07:00

On your 4 month Birthday Daddy took you to the bowling alley to celebrate!!!

We also met Baby Gavin for the first time.

You have your first cold:(

Mama heard you sing "Hi Liz."

You talk to us in a very hi pitched (raptor-like) squeaks.

You weigh 12.5 lbs.

You can now grab things and put them in your mouth.

Daddy says you coo "I love you."

Over the past few weeks I tried a swaddle experiment. Now that she can roll it's time to stop swaddling. So I tried the sleep routine with 1 arm in & she was up every 3 hours for 4 days straight!!!! The following week I decided to go cold turkey with no arms in & we were up every 4 hours. Last nite we decided baby needed a good nites rest b/c of the cold. Daddy swaddled her tight and she slept for 8 hours straight!! Oh how we will miss our Miracle Blanket!

Fun w Flare

2011-08-15T10:35:00.000-07:00

Mia's Aunt Carrie knows a ton about photography!! I asked her to give me a lesson on capturing sun flares with my new camera. Here was are the results of our experiment:) We still have a little work to do but I love them!

Great Family Weekend

2011-08-14T08:54:00.000-07:00

Uncle Don Aunt, Aunt Lori & Ricky came from Rochester to visit us this weekend. Yahoo!!! Lori & I snuck out for the Sprout Soup cloth diaper swap ( I got 5 more cloth diapers all snaps) and a little extreme couponing at Walgreens & CVS. Lori watched Mia for an hour while I redeemed my Mother's Day Massage (from MY Mama). Finally we hosted a little dinner at the condo & Aunt Carrie, Grandma, and Grandpa came to hang out & snuggle with Mia. Carrie gave me a great photography lessons pointers on capturing sun flares (pics to come). We always have so much fun & feel the love when our family gets together. LOVE YOU!!!

Finally we hosted a little dinner at the condo & Aunt Carrie, Grandma, and Grandpa came to hang out & snuggle with Mia. Carrie gave me a great photography lessons pointers on capturing sun flares (pics to come). We always have so much fun & feel the love when our family gets together. LOVE YOU!!!

Dawson's Creek

2011-08-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

Team Dawson or Team Pacey? Team Jen or Team Joey?

I was Team Jen & Team Pacey. Currently I am Team Edward:)

Milestone 15 Weeks

2011-08-08T10:07:00.000-07:00

Mia decided to show off on her 15 week birthday & roll over. I just happened to be video taping bc she has been holding her head up so strong during tummy time. YAHOOO!! So these pics are her 2nd time EVER rolling from tummy to back.

Penny Treasures

2011-08-07T07:59:00.000-07:00

Marcie & I found some fun yard sales this weekend!!! Woody, Rex, Slink, Pink Lady Power Ranger & Kick A$$ truck for them to ride in??? .54 cents baby! WOOT

Happy Weekend

2011-08-06T18:26:00.000-07:00

Tonite we had a yummy dinner with Mia's Uncle Tony & Uncle Jeffrey. Dessert? Chocolate covered cannolis!! LOVE my little family...

Close to 15 wks

2011-08-04T15:50:00.001-07:00

This little girl is getting close to rolling from her back to belly. She is obsessed with chewing on her hands and anything else she can get to her mouth. She is very observant, following Damon & I with her eyes as we chat around her. She weighs around 11.5 lbs. She is our JOY!

Christopher Pike

2011-08-01T05:46:00.000-07:00

I miss (1990's) going to Waldenbooks to find the newest Christoper Pike book. Coming home, spending the rest of the day & night finishing it!!! Don't forget Witch & The Last Vampire. R.L Stine was a close runner up as my favorite author in the early 90's. Those were the days:)

Bath Time

2011-07-30T18:15:00.000-07:00

She is finally starting to love bath time, splishing & splashing all around. I'm excited to try the Yes To Carrots Baby Shampoo (on clearance at Walgreens). Actually Damon will try it b/c daddy is in charge of all baths currently:) Mama just sneaks in to take pics of my cutie!

Unlucky 13

2011-07-26T15:28:00.000-07:00

We were channeling Cyndi Lauper at her 13 week photo shoot!!! She slept ten hours straight for the 1st time.YAHOOO!!!!

Unfortunately, 13 was not our lucky number. There was a terrible storm on Saturday evening, knocking our power out for several hours. The water rose flooding our entire basement. Damon spent ALL DAY carrying EVERYTHING that was down there up into our dining room. It's a little claustrophobic at our place right now. Thank you so much to Bryan & Sara for helping out!!!

Avocado Chicken Salad

2011-07-22T16:02:00.000-07:00

Have you been to Cheeky Kitchen?? OMG, EVERY Recipe is mouthwatering..Their Avocado Chicken Salad is on my mind for lunch soon..

ingredients:

1 cup chicken breast, cooked and shredded
¼ cup corn
¼ cup black beans, rinsed and drained
¼ cup green onions, chopped
¼ cup tomatoes, diced
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
¼ cup corn chips, crushed
2 tablespoons white vinegar
4 tablespoons mayonnaise
Salt to taste
2-4 avocados, sliced in half with pits discarded

directions:

In a medium bowl, toss the chicken breast, corn, black beans, green onions, tomatoes, cilantro, and corn chips together. Add the vinegar and mayonnaise to mixture and toss to coat. Salt to taste. Spoon salad into halved avocados. Serve immediately with a spoon and fork.

ALSO, equally delicious sounding!!!

FRESH CORN SOUP WITH TOMATO-CRAB SALSA

POTATO & ASPARAGUS PIZZAS

3 Months

2011-07-18T12:50:00.001-07:00

At 3 months your personality is really starting to peek through. You want what you want WHEN YOU WANT IT!!!! You probably get this from your Mama!!!

Have thrown your nap schedule to the wind. You used nap 4 hrs in the AM & 2 hrs early PM. Now maybe an hour 3xs/day?? It's not too pretty, fussy butt.

Your nite time sleep is also ALL over the place. One nite you might sleep 7 hrs straight, the next your up every 3 hours. Just keeping Mama on her toes:)

You love to play airplane & be naked on your changing table. You get so excited & bicycle your legs as fast as possible!

You had your first real belly laugh a few days ago. Daddy & I were sitting on the couch laughing. You joined in with these deep gorgeous belly laughs like we were the funniest people in the world. We have tried to make you laugh out loud several more times but haven't gotten more then big smiles.

Rarely do you cry, it's more of a fussy, grunty, frustrated sound..grrrrrr..grrrrr.. You kind of growl & it makes me laugh:)

You love being with Marcie on Tuesdays & Wednesdays, sometimes w Gma & Gpa on Thursdays.

Sing to Me

2011-07-17T13:14:00.000-07:00

I love the way music can so easily evoke a memory. When I was pregnant with Mia, "Mean" by Taylor Swift would come on and i would put one hand on my belly, sing at the top of my lungs & feel my baby girl dance. Now every time it plays I remember those moments & it makes me happy!!! This Taylor Swift/Coldplay mix reminds me of walking down the aisle...Apparently Taylor Swift is my friend..lol

New camera!! Woot..

2011-07-16T11:50:00.000-07:00

My Dad just gifted us his Olympus Pen.. In true Mike fashion he bought it when it FIRST came out. ( HE LOVES new toys!!). He also gave me the Olympus Pen for Dummies book. Probably a good idea!!!! Can't wait to start playing around w/ it. Thanks Dad!! We LOVE IT!!!!

Bumbo Baby

2011-07-14T16:40:00.001-07:00

Somebody loves her Bumbo Seat:)

Sweet Details

2011-07-11T11:42:00.000-07:00

I wanted to post pictures of Mia's nursery. I absolutely loved shopping and decorating it!! Damon did the hard labor, building everything and painting. I would sit in here for hours before she was born, looking at her things & dreaming of holding her!!!

Her bedding was custom made by from Amy Butler fabric. Damon really wanted her to have some wall decals which he found at Kohls. He also insisted she have a magnet board to hang her favorite pictures & art projects. Mia's Aunt Carrie found her THIS adorable Star Wars book. I framed Yoda and Vader with white Ikea frames. She also got Mia the cute knitted monkey & bug.

Butterflies: Target

Crib & Changing Table: Target (I elbowed a few people out of the way on Christmas Eve)!!

Pink Ottoman: Once Upon A child via Pottery Barn Kids

Glider: Lazy Boy

Knit Toys: Sprout Soup

Ceramic Owl:West Elm

Magnet Board & White Shelving Unit: Ikea

Custom Amy Butler Bedding: Lily Baby Creations

Custom Curtains: Selby Lane

DJ 3000

2011-07-09T15:35:00.000-07:00

I can't be married to a die hard Yankees fan and not give a shout out to Derek Jeter for making his 3000 hit even cooler by hitting a home run!!!! He became the 1st Yankee to ever hit this milestone & only the 28th player ever in MLB history. My love was watching! We hope to head back to New York & check out the new stadium sometime soon. Mia already has Yankee onsies that Daddy bought her:)

Damon's Rum Party

2011-07-09T11:21:00.000-07:00

We hosted a farewell to Lala & Jimmy Rum Punch Party last nite!! Damon cleaned and cleaned & made the most delicious concoction ever!!! It was delicious and dangerous all in one yummy glass. We also had mudslides, frozen margaritas, & Riesling..OH MY!! We had so much fun & are so glad all of our friends came out to play!!! Thanks to Gma & Gpa who kept Baby Mia for her 2nd sleepover!!

Even Baby Gavin got in on the fun:) I made a strawberry trifle using the Tastefully Simple Almond Pound Cake. YUM!! Sara brought the Tastefully Simple Carrot Cake cheese ball it was also delicious!!

Damon's Dangerously Delicious Rum Punch

1 cup Bacardi® 151 rum
1/2 cupMyer's® dark rum
1/4 cup Malibu Black® coconut rum
2 1/2 cups pineapple juice
2 1/2 cups orange juice
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tbsp grenadine syrup

:source

Guilty Pleasure

2011-07-05T16:15:00.001-07:00

As a serious pleasure seeker I am ALWAYS indulging. So bad I know!!! Eggs w/ gorgonzola & avocado, Ben & Jerry's chocolate brownie, a new dress from Limited..... BUT my latest GUILTY pleasure? Ice Loves Coco!! They are so cute! Who doesn't love Ice on Law & Order SVU!!!

10 weeks

2011-07-02T06:19:00.000-07:00

Mia had her 2 month shots on Monday. This is her holy S%$# why did you hurt me look!!! Mama cried when she got her 1 month Hep shot, so I decided to step out of the room & let daddy handle the shots. I could hear her screaming in the lobby:( At home she started screaming like someone had chopped her legs off. A little baby Tylenol & a warm compress on the left leggy & she was much more comfortable!

Weight 10lbs even

Length 22 in

Her hair pretty much looks like that every day:)

I call her Jimmy Neutron

Drooling profusely

Discovered her hands.

Likes to try & eat both fists simultaneously

Has cute lil peach fuzz growing all over her head.

Seems to be growing more content.Much less crying & fussing.

Lots more smiles & "talking"

Ninja Baby Shower

2011-06-30T15:51:00.000-07:00

Brandi & Baby Gavin had their Ninja!!!! themed shower last Sunday. How ADORABLE was the ninja cake?? It was the coolest cake I have ever seen!! I found a cute recipe for candy sushi in the May issue of Parents Magazine. Mine didn't look quite as great as this pic from the magazine but it was cute!!!

Love this picture of Mia with her Aunt Brandi. We love her and CAN NOT wait to meet Baby Gavin:)

To Make Candy Sushi:

Follow original Rice Crispy Treat recipe. Smooth batter thinly along a 9 x13 casserole dish after you've greased the bottom.

Lay a line of gummy worms about an inch from the edge. Roll and cut for yummy sushi rolls.

Cover rolls with fruit roll-ups aka seaweed:)

For Nigiri, mold Airhead candy and use a fork to create ridges across the top for yummy salmon & tuna. Wrap with fruit roll ups. ( I could only find green fruit roll-ups in a multi-pack.

Serve with chopsticks!!

Beautiful

2011-06-22T17:11:00.000-07:00

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day, I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return."

Mary jean Iron

Father's Day 2

2011-06-20T12:13:00.000-07:00

To My Dad,

The guy who shows me everyday how to live life with joy and zest by enjoying the things that make you happy, books, music, hobbies, travel, cooking.

Love you Pop!!!

I haven't done much scrapping lately, this is from last year:)

Father's Day 1

2011-06-19T05:34:00.000-07:00

Damon,

I had never heard you sing until baby Mia came. I had only seen you dance a few times. Now you sing, dance, smile, & laugh whenever your with her. You'll do anything to make her smile. She brings out a new side of you that melts my heart. Mia is already a daddy's girl for sure. I love you both so much.

Happy First Father's Day!

Cloth Diapers

2011-06-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

I started using my collection of cloth diapers this week!! I gathered a mismatch variety from craigslist, my baby shower, and a sale at a Sprout Soup. We have a few Bum Genius, Fuzzibunz, & Apple Cheeks. I have the most Apple Cheeks, which are by far the cutest. BUT i have discovered a few drawbacks that make me sad. First they are a 2 size diaper, meaning two sizes should should fit bby up until potty training. The Size 1 diaper goes from 7 lbs-to around 20 lbs. Mia weighs approx. 9.5 lbs and at almost 9 weeks is far from being a super chunky babe. The Size 1 Apple Cheeks squeeze her lil thighs and leave pretty serious red marks. Not sure if this is to be expected from all cloth diapers or not. 2nd draw back , I can't wash them with any diapers tht have velcro b/c they snag the super soft fleece & leave the Apple Cheeks looking ragged. This means an extra load of cloth diaper washing just for 6 diapers, not really efficient unless I buy a ton more Apples. I hesitate b/c of the squeezy thigh issue.

Next up for Cloth Diaper 101 I learned you need special detergent and special diaper cream. WARNING: Most diaper creams will harm your cloth diapers!!! After some research I chose California Baby, which you can get at Target. Woot. Also, I started off detergent wise w/ Rockin Green. How can I pass up the Mighty Mighty Marshmallow scent??

I will post more as we continue to use & learn about cloth:)

8 Mondays

2011-06-13T08:39:00.001-07:00

Note: I uploaded the small pics. If any one can help w/ the problem below it would be much appreciated:)

Note: HELP!! I am posting from my MAC which I have never done before. I am experimenting with using photobucket to create web images BUT the pics are too big.OBVIOUSLY. I want them bigger, but not this big. What do I do???

This little girl has been ours for 8 Mondays (Equivalent to 7 weeks) :)

She is getting SO pudgy!!!! LOVE IT!!

This is her 1st cloth Diaper. It's an Apple Cheeks.

Mama loves her head bands from the etsy shop little town boutique:)

She is so strong & can lift her head like a champ!!!

She is smiling & Cooing much more.

Had her 1st sleep over w/ Gma & Gpa this weekend.

Slept 9.5 hrs last nite w/ 1 feeding in between!

Let's Go MAVS!!

2011-06-12T17:47:00.001-07:00

YAHOO for the Dallas Mavericksbeating the Miami Heat to win their 1st NBA championship. I am not anti-Lebron, Dallas is just a a veteran team that has beenwaiting a long time. Dirk Nowitzki was/is Amazing. I'm not usually a fan of the big men BUT he sinks the most BEAUTIFUL jumpers!

Movie Fun Times

2011-06-09T07:33:00.000-07:00

Going to see Bridesmaids with my mama & SaraR. today. My plan is to sneak in the world's greatest milkshake, the cake batter shake from cold stone!! DELICIOUS!!! Hopefully the movie will be added to my list of favorite chick flicks.

Combine these movies with a glass of wine (champagne maybe?), some yummy desserts, a best friend & it's a slumber party for the win!!!

Romy & Michelle's High School Reunion
Dirty Dancing
Bridget Jones's Diary
13 Going on 30
Someone Like You
Footloose
The Sweetest Thing

Sanity

2011-06-08T12:35:00.000-07:00

I can NOT stand to hear my daughter cry. I will try anything to make it stop!! Epidural Guy has recently been replaced by Vacuum Guy as my new BEST friend. Check it out on youtube, 12 glorious hours of vacuum guy's white noise. Here is baby Mia listening to the lovely melody of Vacuum Guy!!

Tired

2011-06-06T18:10:00.000-07:00

We just got home from Mia's first adventure, a trip to visit Damon's brother and sister in law in Rochester. We also made a quick stop at Presque Isle State Park. D introduced me to the park last year and I fell in lovve. We cant wait until baby girl is old enough to play on the beach and dip her toes in the sand. Until then her first trip included wearing her fruity sun hat and fussing while mama desperately tried to get some cute pics:)

Good Stuff

2011-05-30T07:08:00.001-07:00

I found some FUN Summer must haves.

1. LOVE this sweet dress and cardi from Ruche. The sleeves on that cardi are ADORABLE!!
2.& 3. Heading to Sephora for Dr. Brandt's Detoxifying Anti-Oxidant Water Booster Gogi Berry
AND the YUMMY scent L'Eau D'Issey Florale.

4. Triangle & 5. Maya Heading to Vicky's for a cutie bikini (maybe!!)

5 Weeks

2011-05-26T09:59:00.000-07:00

Mama's sweet little bug!!!
8 lbs 13 oz
20.5 inches

Loves her Dad.
Loves her swing.
Loves to eat.
Loves water sounds the best.
Loves to take walks.
Sleeps thru most outings.
We are so in love.
Every sound, every gummy grin, every cry, makes life better!!

velvet deliciousness

2011-05-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

My love for ice cream is probably why I still need to lose 15 lbs of baby weight!!!! Seriously though, how can i resist the new flavor from Blue Bunny?? "Rich, red velvet cake flavored ice cream is elegantly paired with cream cheese frosting flavored ice cream and red velvet cake pieces." YUMYUM!!!!!!!!!!!!!

see it!

2011-05-18T11:54:00.000-07:00

On Sunday Mia stayed with her grandparents for the first time while we went and saw Thor. I loved it. Especially the freeze giants. For me they are reminiscent of what could have been if Darth Maul's character had been further developed!!! Love Natalie Portman as Jane & Anthony Hopkins as Odin!

One Month

2011-05-16T12:25:00.001-07:00

You are sleeping really well. Usually you sleep 4 hours, up to eat then down for another 3 hours.
Your pretty fussy if your not eating or sleeping.
We are trying to use the swaddle, binky and your swing to soothe you.
Usually one of those helps.
You love to lay on daddy or my chest when your awake.
You give us the biggest gummy smiles and melt us with your big blue eyes.

Mama wonders if your eyes will stay so blue.
Everyday is getting easier as we get to know you, your sounds and what makes you happy.
Your our BEAUTIFUL, AMAZING girl.

Happy one month birthday Mia Isabelle:)

OH NOOOOO

2011-05-13T14:46:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was my first day out and about work wise. My mom has been filling in for me and she went out of town so I filled in for her filling in for me!!! The good news is baby Mia was in her daddy's capable hands. He sent me this cute pic.

The bad news is when i came out to my car after an hour long meeting THIS is what I saw..Don't worry, no one broke in. I just got out of the car and didn't shut the door. OH MY.. I used to blame that stuff on pregnancy brain. Now I guess I need to realize I'm just a hot mess. Haha..EEK

Make time to snuggle!

2011-05-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hope your having a snuggly Saturday. Ours has been filled with kisses, doughnuts, Mother's Day flowers and soon, play off basketball & The Last Airbender.

Technical Difficulties

2011-05-06T17:45:00.000-07:00

This was the screen on my laptop a few minutes ago..Technical difficulties could also apply to our week of nursing...BUT things are getting better and easier every day. I am so lucky to have such amazing support from my husband. SERIOUSLY best guy EVER..LOVE HIM!! Oh and I fixed my computer too...lol

Newborn Photos

2011-05-05T14:01:00.000-07:00

Some newborn Mia yumminess from Sarah Gee Photography. She took some beautiful pics of her nursery I will post soon:) Baby girl was four days old!!!