Our Red, White and Blue Weekend!

Let me just dust off my keyboard here... ;) Last week wasn't so much a busy week, but a germy week if that. Stella and I battled off a crappy Summer cold. When I get a cold, it is so hard for me not too spread any germs since I am home with her all day. I try my best to wash my hands as many times as I can and disinfect surfaces, but sometimes it is just inevitable. Rick and I were cleaning up after dinner last night and were talking about how nice this weekend was. Rick was home and didn't have to work Saturday- so right there the weekend felt just a bit longer, even though they still aren't long enough. It was just one of those no set plans- go with the flow kinda weekends. 

Our weekend went a little like this....

we kicked it off on Friday with a day in town spent with Nana since she was off work...

hummus, veggie burgers, ice cream...

later that night we attempted the fireworks but it was a flop. The 'foofs' as Stella called them were being set off across the river so we set up camp along the river. The trees were so overgrown that we couldn't see the beautiful bursts of color. But Stella enjoyed staying up late, and running around near the river just as much. 

collected rocks, picked weeds, caught lightening bugs...

Saturday breakfast of course had to be red, white and blue! layered pancakes with some whip, blueberries, bananas, and strawberries! yum! We also made a star spangled pie and some red, white and blue cupcakes! They were dipped in to too soon for pictures... ;)

Later that day, we went to Gammy and Pop's for a small barbeque. 

Alcohol free wine for me, good ol' american bbq eats, sparklers, mosquito bites, a little red, white and blue attire for Stella, 

Two late nights for Stella called for a day home on Sunday. Rick opened the resort on the deck Sunday morning- haha! He hosed everything out and filled the water table and pool with fresh water. Stella and I put our suits on, slathered up in sunscreen and played on the deck. 'diapers hangin' out and all...that's how we roll!'

Naptime was glorious. Rick and I sat outside, both with a miami vice, listened to some island music and made some new plans for the back yard ;) and wished how we were back in Aruba! 

We also had some family weeding adventures- Stella included, it didn't take her long to catch on :) However, she pulled out anything that was green. Sometimes weeds, sometimes grass! Who knew an almost 2 year old could weed! 

That's a wrap for the weekend. And for the record our little babe is now counting up to 15!! We catch her counting anything and everything...including her steps at times. :) 

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