Making Special Memories as Momma and Mini

I have said it countless times but these next few weeks call for special moments and lots of creating memories; not that I intend to stop the things that Stella and I do together by any means. But since it is just her and I right now, I have been trying my best to make the most of our time. I love the fact that it doesn't take much to make my little girl happy and full of smiles. Whether it be just a walk down the tow path in town to collect flowers to bring home and put in a jar of water, or sitting on the counter top baking cookies with me. 

No stroller, an open tow path, sun shine, marching, picking flowers and naming their colors, playing ready...set...go...freeze!, holding hands, rocks stuck in our sandals, and smiles ear to ear describe our walks on the tow path.

so long toes...nice knowing ya!

Peanut Butter Snickerdoodles. "Stella, do you want to go take a nap or bake cookies with Momma?" I bet you can guess which answer she gave ;) So we postponed the nap to bake a few gems. We rolled the dough into balls and sprinkled them with cinnamon sugar. Not sure how long I will be sweeping up cinnamon sugar off of the floor, but totally worth it. 

totally blurry, but the happiness in this picture makes my heart sing...

I can just eat up those chubby toes...

A Few Highlights from our Weekend

Lots of baby talk and preparing for baby in our home lately. That includes wrapping up a few house projects that we want to get done before his arrival and trying to explain to Stella that "Ree" is going to be here soon. (I think we can officially check off the nursery. Besides a few last touches that we are working on, the room is pretty much a wrap.)

After telling me numerous times that she is a good girl, she points to my belly and says Ree, good boy... so stinkin' cute. Still unsure of how deep her understanding is that there will actually be another human added to our tribe, but she refers to him a good amount of the time. <3

Knowing that soon my time is going to be limited spent differently between toddler play, feedings, and tending to a newborn I have been using every ounce of energy this Momma has to make our days feel full. Whether we are stuck inside because of shitty weather, outside on the back deck or out running errands- time is so so special. I have a hard time saying no these days.  More bubbles even after I have blown infinity and am short of breath?...sure! One more sand castle so I can knock it right down and ask for just one more?...sure! One more treat Mom?....of course, you are asking a preggo Momma!  I have been climbing my big ass belly in her crib more during her wake ups and just laying with her chatting, playing in the bath tub with her when the pool is off limits because of weather, building endless sand castles while leaning over the sand table for what feels like eternities, and playing 'ready, set, go!" in the yard like this belly doesn't exist!

A few highlights from our weekend...

Wrestling in bed with Daddy...2 head bumps and a fat lip later...she was ready for another round. I am not sure where this girl learned her wrestling moves, but they were legit! crack out and all!

This might have just been my favorite moment of the weekend.... 1 container of birthday cake ice cream, two spoons, the best sharer there ever was ;), and a not so clean kitchen floor... 

And I have to include this clip...Rick and I are so proud of Stella. At 21 months she is counting from 1-12. We are still working on the number 3, well that 'th' sound more specifically but she always seems to amaze us! We hear her counting to herself all the time! 

Stella, there will always be room in my arms for you.... love you baby girl to the moon and back. <3

Lately in a Few Pictures...

some sand table action....likes it dry; hates it wet. So no sand castles here...haha

oh my word.... virgin Miami Vices. They bring me right back to Aruba. I pair these suckers with a little island music...all I am missin' is the clear teal water. 

we did it! Almost all of Stella's hair in a hair tie!

this is Stella's favorite breakfast lately. She asks for 'yoda' which is yogurt with berries. 

water color paints are a life saver when Momma just needs a minute to get something done...

a little 4th of July festivities...red, white and blue tye die cake!

early mornings out on the back deck and we are red solo cuppin' it in the a.m.

piggy polish parties outside...

Happy Father's Day Rick

I know many pregnant women think about how their husband will be as a father during their pregnancy, or even before they marry him for that matter because I know I did. I know that I have always wanted children and to have a family even long before I met Rick. I know I have talked about Rick and how much I appreciate him before. I mention how much he does for our family in bits and pieces throughout my blog posts. I don't get too braggy about my husband and all that he does for our family, but I do try to make an effort to thank him and tell him how grateful I am for how much he does for our family. Because of him and his hard work I am able to raise our family which is above any dream I ever had. I honestly thought this would never be possible, but because of him it is.

So since this weekend is Father's Day, I am going to brag a bit...

The first few days of parenthood are pretty much a blur. However, there are certain memories and moments that I remember so vividly. I remember the look on his face when I was wheeled down to the OR for our surgery, and how he was my biggest cheerleader when we found out we were going to have to deliver through a c section, how he held my hand through the entire surgery, how he kept reminding me that we had to do what was best for Stella, how he helped me shower and do something as simple as use the bathroom in the hospital, and how he immediately fell in love with Stella and would clearly do anything for her. He learned to swaddle a baby in the hospital like no other. It took him no time at all to fall into fatherhood and fall in love with his daughter.

I remember how Stella would fall asleep on his chest and how much he loved it. I remember how proud he was as a father when Stella would hit a new milestone--- solid foods, rolling over, crawling, walking, especially when she said "Da" for the first time.

It is no lie that everyday life is so busy and tiring for that matter. Work, raising a toddler... but nothing about Rick's loving and caring nature has changed. Rick works all day and then looks forward to coming home to toddler play land. Stella asks about him all day long, and watches out the window for him to get home. She runs to the back door and greets him with the biggest smile. Most days, I can't tell whose smile is bigger. They are both so happy to see each other. He is always doing funny and silly things to make her laugh. Their bond is something so so special and just continues to blossom and grow each day.

I could really go on and on about all of the things that he does for us and ways that he helps us. Things as small as washing my filthy truck or filling the gas tank never go unnoticed. He cares so much about our family and that is a quality of his I admire very much. I feel incredibly lucky to be able to celebrate him on Father's Day and show him just how much we appreciate all of the things that he does to make our family life special--- big or small.

so here is to you Rick... Happy Father's Day! xoxo

One of Those 'More Pictures Than Words'

Stella and I have been keeping busy around here. A few things that we have been up to...

Last Friday we headed to the farmers market in the morning. This farmers market is extra special because they have an entire petting zoo; which we will be visiting again very very soon. Stella loved all of the animals. When Rick got home from work later she told him about the animals that she saw, some of their colors and where on their body's she pet them. It is amazing what her little memory can recall. Of course on the way out she had to pick out of rocks from the gravel road to take home....this girl's obsession with rocks is like no other! I bet my diaper bag would be much lighter if I emptied all of the collected rocks out ;)

Later that night, Rick and I were able to scoot out of the house to one of our favorite restaurants. Date night...woop woop! Unfortunately, my eyes are much larger than the room in my belly lately and it doesn't take much to fill er' up. 

We have also had a few nail polish parties... Stella loves to paint her own nails and I love that the nail polish magically floats off in the bathtub. 

 

And Tuesday called for a pool and water table day spent outside. Suncreen, sun rays, lots of popsicles, bubbles, bubbles and more bubbles, funny  inappropriate shaped water balloons ;), munching on crushed ice (Stella's new favorite thing to eat; she will choose ice over any candy or snack!), virgin Miami vices (oh my word- these are my jam!!), picnic style lunch on the back deck, and Momma in a two piece! Yep, I said it; a two piece! thank goodness for some yard privacy! 

And last but not least...

I have had a few of Ricky's ultrasound pictures hanging on the far side of the fridge. Yesterday, after dinner and out of nowhere, Stella pointed to the pictures while talking to Rick and I and said "baby Ree!" Never once have I showed her them or pointed them out to her...she amazes me. 

"in about 6 1/2 weeks you will be a big sister, and the best one yet!" Love you Stella to the moon and back.... you make Momma's heart feel so full ;)