Happy Birthday Month!

Just like her momma...Miss L's birthday has been less centered around one particular day...and more about the entire month {of fun!}. This happened naturally as we hosted a cupcake-themed birthday party for our family in MI one weekend, followed by her birthday {on a Wednesday this year}, and finished up with a birthday party "Cupcakes & Cocktails" for our MN friends the following weekend.

Her {current} favorite past time: playing with our patio furniture cushions

To make matters worse {or "sweeter" rather}, we had her 1-year photos a couple of weeks prior to our MI trip, which also included a smash cake. After all of the celebrations, Miss L is certainly a pro at digging into the sugary good stuff.

Yumm!

It has been an amazing year being blessed with the presence of this little doll. She is so incredibly happy, easy and fun - we count our blessings! No one can properly prepare you for the joys of parenthood, but it is with elation and pure joy that we thank our Lord for Miss L. And the happiness and smiles she brings to her family that loves her dearly when they {on occassion} get to visit with her is a treat to watch and certainly something we treasure. Dare I mention the pure strangers that light up when they see her smiling face in the aisle of the grocery store or on the sidewalks near our home.

At the recent 1-year visit {which was the most difficult one thus far in my opinion...thank goodness daddy was there!}, we had an A+ check-up with the following stats:

• Weight: 18# 10oz - 10th percentile
• Height: 27 1/2" tall - 25th percentile
• Head - 17 1/2" circ. - 50th percentile

Behavioral stats:

• Eating...everything in site!  We breastfeed every morning, enjoy 2 {6oz} bottles during the day, and lots of big girl food - loves nutri-grain bars, oatmeal, rice, chicken, yogurt, and cheese
• We have been introducing organic whole milk the past 2 weeks
• Started trying to feed herself with a spoon
• Sleeping well over night - 8:30pm - 7-8:30am, 2 naps daily of 4 hours
• Playing with everything - especially books, Mr. Cole and daddy!
  {He knows just how to make us girls giggle}
• Walking Running everywhere!
• Tooth #5 was found on her birthday and #6 quickly followed behind
• Gave the pacifier up at 7 months in exchange for her "silky" - the little lovey animals with a satin blankie attached - we have like 5 in our home

There are 11 days remaining in the big birthday month...of which we will keep her birthday party decor up around our home for every single one of them. This year flew right on by...having the decor up makes me savor this month, even if just a little while longer.

Coming soon: birthday party post{s}

We.Are.Family!

I sure try to count my blessings daily, but it is nice to recognize them outloud. I have been blessed with three amazing siblings whom I love and admire dearly.

We had the fortunate opportunity to have a "(first annual) Siblings Weekend" back in June at my brother's place in Columbus, OH. We flew in from Minnesota, one sis drove north from Cincinnati and the other sis drove south from Michigan.It was filled with lots of relaxation by their pool, adult beverages, fun with Miss L and touring the sights around the beautiful area where they live. No plans or agenda...just casual fun.

I must admit living hundreds of miles away from my siblings is probably the most difficult challenge I face daily. I see how much joy Miss L brings to their lives. I know how much they miss her due to their constant flow of phone calls, texts, phone messages, cards, gifts and geniune love they each generously share. Although given our work ethic, career aspirations and passion for a great life - I don't foresee us four residing in the same city, let alone all in the same state. However, it sure would be nice to be within driving distance.

Last weekend, as we hosted a 1st birthday party in Michigan for our family there - it was so nice to have all of my siblings present. In fact, the party would not have been a success without the help of my two sisters. At times I felt like a slave driver, but they rolled up their sleeves and helped with anything and everything. One sis was even willing to clean my mother-in-law's bathroom (the host home). They truly would do anything for me, and likewise. I am incredibly thankful for my three siblings and their three significant others - all are great role models for Miss L and a HUGE part of her life, even if hundreds (nearly 1,000) miles away.

L to R: Aunt L, Uncle JJ, JJ's gf L, Auntie Jen (holding Miss L), me & J

Learning to Like Coffee

After some trials and errors, I have found a successful recipe for brewing a cup of coffee for the introductory coffee enthusiast.

I use "Cinnabon" flavored creamer in conjunction with Archer Farms Vanilla Cinnamon Nut flavored grounds and top it off with some sugar.

Basically, a little coffee + flavored milk + sugar....super healthy, right?

Since beginning my new full-time job about 6 weeks ago, the added daily routine of a caffeine injection has been very helpful.

I have expanded to using a Caramel Machiatto creamer on occasion. I feel that my palate is expanding and I am hopeful that this Fall, I truly may enjoy a pumpkin spice latte.

Any suggestions for your favorite flavored creamer?!!

;)

Winning!

I'm sorry for the lack of posts this month - we've had fun with visitors in town, the job is keeping me busy and we are enjoying summertime fun as a family...unfortunately, not without a little family drama.

Here is a {rare} very frank and honest post. Fair warning: nothing below is sugar coated by this usually forever-optimist...

I've never been one to declare myself a victim in the rollercoaster divorce of my parents. Some people chalk up their shaky mental state, relationship problems, daddy-issues, etc...due to the unraveling of their parent's marriage. Although my parent's marriage was tumultuous my entire lifetime, I don't think I have pulled the "divorce card" on any challenge I have overcome. I also do not think I have ever felt the pain of my parent's divorce...until yesterday.

I've felt many things over the past decade of the dramatic saga surrounding the ending of my parent's marriage - sadness, disappointment, frustrations beyond imagination...but sheer pain was felt yesterday when one parent emotionally hurt me from 1,000+ miles away.

I think this pain was apparent to me and extra deep because it involved my baby girl. You see, my parent's divorce has been anything but civil and has never quite "ended" due to money owed, unending court papers, a lack or morals and values, and basically two adults who act like teenagers. And now, one of Miss L's grandparent's informed me that they would not be attending her 1st birthday party...nor any birthday party in her lifetime, or graduation, 1st communion...basically, anything except a "wedding." For as long as the opposite grandparent is present, they would not be in attendance. I really cannot imagine this because it is too painful for me. Now, this divorce is affecting the next generation.

Ouch! As soon as I heard this via a phone call yesterday, my heart raced and tears flowed heavily down my cheek. I prayed hard last night, that they would have a change of heart and thoroughly listen to the horrible words coming out of their mouth.

This is the same grandparent that I planned the timing of our party around so that they could attend another special function that same day. But of course their decision was intended to "alleviate stress" on J and I. When in reality, it causes a wealth of stress...and pain.

Well, I am thankful this said grandparent had a change of heart and will be attending the big party after all. Unfortunately, this is only after I mentioned a competitive word, "winning." This phrase was the motivation to prompt a change of heart. Sadly, it didn't derive from the principle of missing their granddaughter's birthday...nope...but seeking an upper hand or a competitive edge. How comforting.

I didn't choose the situation God blessed me with, but I certainly try to make the best of it. Wait for it...here's the optimist line: Although all of her grandparent's are a bit handicapped by life's difficult hand dealt to them, at least she is blessed with my 3 siblings who are wonderful aunties and uncle; plenty of 'great-grandparents' alive and full of love and a fabulous great aunt and uncle that just spent the last 5 days spoiling her as if she was their own grandchild.

Her little {well, BIG} smile erases every tear...

Tiny Dancer

It is no secret, Miss L loves music and loves to dance. Below is a video link to her dancing away to her "Pal Violet!" - she was cracking us up tonight!!

Grilled Salsa

After J rec'd a nice, shiny new grill for Father's Day 2012, we have been trying to grill more frequently and try some new recipes. Ironically, this morning we were having family time in our bed and watching some HGTV when we watched  $10 Dinners host make fire-roasted salsa.

Fastforward 8 hours, we are grocery shopping together for the week and we decided to make this fire-roasted salsa since we would already be grilling this evening.

Ingredients to grill:
Tomatoes, Serano Peppers, Onion, Shallot & Garlic

Check out this fun on the grill:

Once these veggies were perfectly charred, we put them in the food processor with fresh cilantro, salt, pepper and fresh lime juice.

Yummo! This tasted sooo good, we enjoyed it nice and warm! The leftovers are in the fridge now and I am certain the flavors are marinating and will be delicious on Tuesday - when we have Chicken Fajitas.

TGIF - Free Starbucks, anyone?

You can find me at a Starbucks near my work...sometime between 12 - 3pm today! Hope you can escape for a little Friday fun!

Monday Funday!



Mommy & Me!

We kicked off our work week with the anticipation of a family fun night, complete with takeout and splashing in the fun "Foot Ponds" in a neighboring downtown area. Miss L loved it...she truly is our lil' water bug!

We had so much fun, we are heading back for more this coming Monday!

It truly was a great way to start our work week, as we prepare for daddy traveling for work, followed by a great finish on Friday with Couples Golf Night/Date Night for us!

Daddy's Little Girl



Exploring our lil' hand prints



11 Months of Fun

Yesterday was a big milestone. The "one month until the big birthday" milestone! Sniff, sniff...tear!

Happy 11-month birth day to Miss L! As I prepare to host a party {or two!}, I wanted to take a moment to jot down a quick update!

Just about 10 days ago, she started walking {like overnight!}...and she is now nearly sprinting across our wood floor and has demonstrated she has the footing of a donkey!

She is climbing stairs like a Pro...but now, we are working on teaching her how to get down them properly.

Approximate weight: 18.5 pounds {our best guestimate!}
This is up quite a bit from her 15#7oz just 2 months ago. A growth spurt has arrived in the last month, accompanied by lots of sleeping too!

This has prompted us to pack away most of her 6-month clothes and she generally is wearing 9 months, some 12 months. Size 3 diapers. And Size 2 {barely} shoes.

A fun Saturday evening with Miss C!
We even took a fun bath together following our playtime!

She loves playing with Mr. Cole, spending time in her sensory tunnel that I made her {thank you Pinterest!}, playing with her water table on our patio, and of course our laptops, remote control, cell phones, ipad and anything with a power button. Her favorite past time is dancing!! Anytime any song is played, she is grooving! Fun and Gotye are her current faves!

Her hair is getting super blonde, like her daddy {when he was young} and barely there; which is the reason why she has a headband/bow permanently fastened to her head.

Mr. Cole has learned to sit there and take it!



American Beauty - as the shirt says!

Feeling like Supermom

I am amazed at how naturally I have been settling into the full-time working mom life. It's been just over one week and I cannot even begin to describe the excitement, fulfillment and pure joy that I am experiencing.

As my dear friend C has noted, "prayers have been answered." I agree 100%. After the highs and lows we experienced with {almost} moving last month, it is comforting to experience a great start of something that feels very natural.

I know Miss L is in great hands with her nanny, Miss E {they went to the Zoo today and Miss L LOVED it!}; and I love my new job. Together, that makes for a happy-working-momma. However, I am still endlessly searching our neck of the Cities for full-time daycare.

The daycare search has proven to be the most challenging part of this equation. Homecare versus Center, and then if a home, finding one that is open past 5pm...AND with an infant opening. I have been on four interviews; three homes of which I would not permit Mr. Cole {our cat} to stay the day. The search saga continues...

Our daily routine is being molded well. It is nice to accompany Jeremy in the mornings as we get ready and many days enjoy breakfast together. I have ceased daytime breast feeding/pumping; instead, just focusing on a feeding every morning and evening. And for my housekeeping sanity, I strive to complete these three housekeeping items daily:

• A clean/empty sink when I go to bed
• Miss L's toys in her toy box {basket}
• Make the bed prior to leaving for work

Most nights are busy with dinner, a family jog, and bath/showers. On off nights, I am trying to accomplish a large housekeeping task {like laundry}. And every night involves setting out outfits, ensuring the diaper caddy is full, and meals are arranged for tomorrow. Tonight, I felt like supermom or superwoman, rather! I cleaned the 1/2 bath, washed the hardwood floors in 1/2 of the first floor {the dining room and sitting room don't get that dirty, right!?}...as well as prepared a healthy salad for dinner, additional cleaning of Miss L's dishware {which is really bottles and spoons!}.

The sink is clean, bottles are ready for tomorrow and now is time for some R&R while daddy is away...a vodka lemonade, my favorite coffeehouse Satellite radio station playing and my laptop. Now, I am ready to rest my eyes and do it all over again tomorrow!

This is the view from my new place of employment,
in a sales and marketing position.
We offered members this spectacular rooftop dining experience...
note the river, the skyline, sunset...and it was 80 & beautiful {last Thursday}

A Week of Firsts

I really was planning to post a "Wordless Wednesday" tonight but I have so many exciting things to talk about, that I am far from wordless, however, I don't have a lot of any photos to include. Sorry.

Monday

My last day of "so-called-freedom," Miss L and I enjoyed some pool time with Miss C and her mommy...followed by a daycare interview {went okay, it was the first "center" I explored}...followed by a random afternoon of shopping at the MOA...and pooltime at the neighbors with daddy!

This was all fun and games...but the real fun happened when Miss L took her first steps!! Her daddy hasn't validated this movement...yet. Also, Miss L drank through a straw for the first time. I purchased one of these "cuties" smoothies for her. They are found in the produce section and made entirely of fruit {juices}. She loved it and drank well from the straw!