What? I have a blog?!

Yes, I'm here. It's been months, I know. I love that I have a blog, but I haven't been putting it on the priority list. This is going to change. We had an eventful of summer which I will highlight by posting some fun pictures. I look forward to sharing upcoming events, and I plan to post some project ideas that have been brewing for awhile. Stay tuned!

I'm Crafty!

It's a bow holder!

I repurposed the Christmas picture to a cute bow organizer with some paint, ribbon and glue! I can't wait to hang it in Gabriella's room! I'm thinking of using pretty pink ribbon to hang it up. What do you think?

I found this at Goodwill for $3.99.

Ok, so by no means do I consider myself crafty. But after visiting a craft show and reading some crafty blogs recently, I thought why not give it a try.

I've been inspired!

Museum of Science and Industry

I love living so close to Chicago, and I love, love going to museums! So I was so excited to learn that the Museum of Science and Industry offered free admission for a week. We packed up, picked up Aunt Laura and headed down there for a fun-filled day. Gabriella and I are in the farming exhibit in this photo. I don't really remember what was going on at the time but it was obviously funny.

I'm a soccer mom?!

Gabriella started soccer last week. It's an indoor class right now, but we'll be going outside when the weather warms up. She had a great time and is really looking forward to her next practice. Go DINOMITES!

Gabriella and Sophie

Gabriella and Sophie are buddies now. They both had a great time at the park, so much that they BOTH needed a ride back home. Too cute!

Happy 3rd Birthday!

Gabriella loved the inflatable birthday chair.

Uncle Zach helping Gabriella climb the REAL rock wall.

Gabriella climbing the inflatable rock wall.

More to come...

Easter Bunny Fail

Gabriella was born a couple days before Easter in 2007, so this year will be her fourth Easter even though she will be just turning three in April. Her first Easter was spent at home, but we lined up to see Mr.E.B the last three years. However, the past visits didn't go so well and this year wasn't any different. She became a magnet to me when I tried to sit her down. After some coercion, we were able to get a wave and a hug (but not long enough for a good pic). I guess Gabriella only has love for Santa. Poor Easter Bunny. Better luck next year...

Gabriella's First Haircut.

Toddler Talk

Gabriella is doing well with pronouncing words in our everyday conversations, but there are still some words that quite don't make the 'clear as a bell' list. I have to admit that it makes me smile every time I hear these mispronounced words.


Binky Bink- Piggy Bank. Example: "I have monies (yes, monies) to put in my binky bink."

Pep- Pet. Example: "Sophie won't let me pep her."

Later (laa-ter)-Water. Example: "Is that later or juice?"

Shargy- Scary. Example: "That movie is too shargy for me."

Egg(s)-Leg. Example: "I hurt my egg."

Shore-Sure. Example: Mommy: "Do you want to have lunch now?" Gabriella: "Shore."

Fust-First. Example: "I do it FUST!"

Sophie

Gabriella can officially pronounce Sophie's name clear as a bell now. I'm happy that she is able to articulate words with more ease, but I do miss hearing the toddler talk in her little voice.

Gabriella had two ways of pronouncing Sophie. Feshie and what I heard as Feces. Feshie was the more frequent choice of the two. But, once in awhile, I heard Feces. I couldn't help but laugh when I heard Gabriella say "Feces wants a treat" or "Come here, Feces."

Christmas in Michigan

Gabriella had her first sledding experience and loved it! 

Gabriella finishing up her milk before heading out to Aunt Lynn's house. 

Gabriella enjoying a piece of cheese on Christmas Eve.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

I was excited to see Gabriella open her first Disney princess doll. I had been looking forward to Gabriella discovering Disney movies for a while. Aladdin was her first Disney movie experience, so I was anxious to get Jasmine as her first Disney princess doll. I can't wait to take her to Disney World! Sometimes I think "I'm really grooming her to LOVE Disney." I think it's because I've never been there so I might be more excited to go than she is. But later I think, "What kid doesn't LOVE Disney?" Hopefully, we'll be meeting Jasmine and Raja next year. Well, maybe not Raja... Santa came to our house a couple days before Christmas. We wanted Gabriella to experience Christmas morning at her own house, so we arranged for Santa to make a visit before our trip to MI. We know that this may not work out next year as she may be more aware of when the actual day of Christmas is, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

On "Christmas morning" we heard Gabriella talking in her room, so Sam and I raced in there excited to see her reaction to it all. We told her that Santa came down the chimney and left presents for her. The whole Santa coming the chimney was explained the night before, but she still seemed a little confused at first. She repeated everything we explained to her to confirm what was going on.

Our short conversation... Gabriella: "Santa came down the chimney?" Me: Yes, yes! Gabriella: "Santa put presents for me down there?" Me: Yes! Let's go see!" Gabriella: "Ok!" Gabriella was excited, but she still seemed a little confused by my overly animated face.

However, when she arrived downstairs she was in awe of all the presents and proved to fully embrace the belief in Santa! Once the present opening began, she showed no sign of wavering in speed. She plucked every last present from under the tree saying "Is this one for me?" Thankfully, Santa came through on the camera and baby-whew! I'm pretty sure there will be less confusion on this topic next year!


We returned from Michigan last night. I planned on updating the blog while I was there, but it just didn't happen. I hope to post all our events this week. Stay tuned...