Big Sister in Training

Dear Sweet Stella,
    Daddy and I couldn't be more excited to watch you become the most loving, caring, encouraging big sister. Daddy and I always wanted our little ones to be close in age; to grow together, to learn together, to explore together, to understand each other, to simply be there for each other. You and  your new brother or sister will be sixteen months apart. One word- Perfect. I hope that you both become best friends, enjoy each others company, and love one another unconditionally. When I first found out I was jumping up and down with excitement. I wanted this. I was hoping for this. I then had slight guilt for thinking that I wouldn't be able to give you my full attention and full love come January. But that is not the case- at all. My heart is just getting bigger and growing by the day- I will have more love to give. You will always have my attention. You will have three of us to play with now. You will have three of us to love and love you back. 

You will always be my baby. I will always love you. I am so excited to begin this new journey with you. I will become a Momma of two and you will become a big sister. You are the perfect daughter to walk this journey with. 

I love you to the moon and back. 
xoxo

Momma

Stella's first 4th of July

Is it so? Is it really Stella's last 'first' holiday? We had to do it right. As much red, white and blue as possible. And that started with breakfast. I made Rick and I blueberry flap jacks with sliced strawberries and that is just what the little munchkin had- except they were minis. She devoured the mini pancakes! Of course she poked out all of the blueberries first :)

It was a nice low key day spent just the three of us- since we weren't barbecuing until Saturday. So we enjoyed a lunch date as a family, and made a few chocolate covered strawberries.

Rick and I planned on taking Stella to her first firework show. We knew she was either going to love them or hate them. Stella is usually in her crib by 7:30/8ish and the show didn't start until 9:30; I was kind of curious how keeping her up that late was going to be. This was actually the first time we really kept her up and out for that matter past her bedtime. I followed our normal bedtime routine and just decided to take her in her pj's. That sounds pretty damn good- watching fireworks in cozy pajamas, sucking down a bottle. Good thing she thought so to. We sat right by the river and watched the firework show. The reflection on the water was beautiful. Stella was mesmerized. She would get impatient when there were short pauses before the next bunch went off. Overall it was a great experience.

I was hoping that since she went to bed much later, she would sleep much later. Ha! That wasn't the case at all! As a matter of fact she was up at 6:45 a.m. stella's time- too early Momma's time.  

Taking Stella to see fireworks is offically crossed off our Summer bucket list! Onto the next adventure! 

My little artist

Our morning started with a little 4th of July eve breakfast. Stella enjoyed some plain yogurt, with diced strawberries and blueberries and a few whole wheat toast sticks. Woohoo to red, white and blue.

Stella and I made a quick Target and Michael's Crafts run yesterday morning. We picked up a few canvas boards and some other things. Momma was up a free Caramel Apple Spice from Starbucks and was down a pair of sunglasses by the time we were out of the store. One swift throw out of the cart and the shade came flying out of the cracked lens..thank you miss stella. 

"I'm sorry Momma- I didn't mean to break your sunglasses"

Love a babe in red, white and blue!

While Stella napped, I sat in the kitchen; TV off, paint brushes out. It was so peaceful and quiet. I worked on a little painting myself to hang in Stella's room. When I decide where to hang them, I will share. Here is a little sneak peak for now...

And I finally did it. I bit the bullet and we did a little finger painting. Holy crap- what a mess! It was well worth it though because she had a grand ole' time! Here are a few pictures from our painting escapade- who am I kidding...a shit load of pictures. 

And the final product.... we're taking orders ;)

Happy Happy 4th of July!

What's cooking Wednesday

We made this a July 4th edition of What's cooking Wednesday. I have been feeling a bit under the weather and was planning on making red, white and blue breakfasts and treats throughout the week but no energy equaled no treats. However, I couldn't let What's cooking Wednesday-the week of July 4th slide by with no tasty treats, so we whipped up some festive cupcakes. I let Stella indulge for about 20 seconds and right before I was going to be on my hands and knees wiping sticky icing off the floor I took it away. It was still enough time for her to get a good ole' taste...and make a mess. 

Stella loves playing in anything food related. She loves licking her fingers, flinging it on the floor and rubbing food in her hair. I'll tell you who is loving Stella's food flinging skills lately.. is Ellie. Ellie's eyes don't leave that height chair when Stella is in there. I think she is finally enjoying having the little being around. 

Today's agenda? A few more 4th of July treats that we missed throughout the week. 

Need a Monday giggle?

Like I have said in other posts, Stella is doing new things every single day and almost all of them make Rick and I flat out laugh our asses off. This video clip is from yesterday's dip in the pool on the back deck. I tell ya...this girl loves her pool time.

Stella loves to stand on her own either holding onto her Vtech learn to walk or her baby Einstein. Getting her groove on is on her every morning to do list. Work it girl! 

 

Watching a little one grow and learn everyday is simply the best miracle. It is amazing just how much she changes day to day. 

Happy Monday and cheers to a new week!

One of those onsie-kind-of weekends.

Temps were hot and the agenda was pretty low key. Therefore, Stella lived in onsies all weekend. Cozy for her and I can just adore those chubby legs and endless rolls. Rick did yard work all weekend, so Stella got a few free tractor rides, we blew bubbles on the picnic blanket in the shade and she took a dip in her pool. Saturday was a rough one from start to finish. Stella woke up on the wrong side of the bed and was a crankass all day long. it was just one of those days. I blame it on the tooth! Her top right tooth finally broke gum! Hallelujah- thank you baby Jesus! Only how many more to go?!

Saturday night was the first night in 9 months that I wasn't home to put Stella to bed. Some people may call that pathetic? But I just call it- love being home. Dinner plans with some gals was on the nights agenda. As I was getting myself ready, I threw together dinner for both her and Rick. I knew I wanted to leave by a certain time but I found myself feeding her dinner and just saying okay, one more bite and than I am going to go...okay one more bite... I was of course rushing out of the door and just as I stepped outside, I turned back and asked Rick if my clothes matched?! Now typically I would ponder and throw together a few outfits before hand- but I found myself wanting to feed her and spend those few extra minutes with her than checking my clothes to makes sure they match. Rick's response?! Yea, black goes with everything. Except my shirt wasn't black, it was blue! Thanks honey. Some things just don't matter as much anymore. I enjoyed being out and chatting it up but I found a small part of me wanting to be home putting her in her crib and saying goodnight. Even though the past few, okay more than few, nights have been rough, one day she is going to turn to Rick and I and say- I don't want to sit on your lap and I don't want to be rocked. tear. rick better have a box of kleenex ready for that day.  I gotta bank these days while I have them. On a typical night I hope that Stella goes to sleep for the night, to wake in the a.m happy and ready to play. But, I found myself happy and excited when she got up at 4 a.m. for an early feeding. 

Sunday was a better day...she woke up happy and on the right side of the bed :) These are blurry because she wouldn't stop moving! 

I do love girls' day!

Cheers to the weekend!