Welcome Spring!

It's only March and I can say that Spring has arrived here in Chicagoland. Mid-70s for the week...I'll take that any day! Some say the cold will come back in April, I like to be optimistic and say the cold winter days are gone and only warm days are ahead. My crocuses are blooming and tulips and daffodils are taking off! They sure do love this weather too. Every evening we've gone for walks as a family (that's how we end each day in the summer...so it's nice to know that is just around the corner).
Today Anya had her first encounter with grass. She didn't like it too much!

This age makes playing outside difficult. She's still a crawler which makes everything in the grass that much more tempting to put in her mouth. But she's much too active to be restrained to a small area like I tried today. She's going to be an adventurous monkey like Daddy!

I broke out my gardening tools to do some much needed work on our garden. I can't wait to plant our tomatoes and herbs!

Happy Spring!

Dear Anya, Happy TEN Months!

Dear Anya,

You turned 10 months old yesterday! We're talking double-digits now. The reason for my late posting is because we were in Ohio because your Great Grandpa passed away. We stayed with our relatives for the entire week and you did wonderful, even though you are getting four new teeth on the top...OUCH! You enjoyed seeing tons of new faces and playing with cousin Luke. Auntie Cindy and Uncle Tony were thrilled as always to see you and kiss your chubby cheeks!

This month you have become Mommy's little chimp, as you love to cling to my hip. You are becoming a lot better at standing and sitting on your own and are crusing along furniture at times. It won't be long until you are walking on your own! In the beginning of the month you had your first terrible cold that lasted nearly two weeks, but you were such a trooper like always! You have to be the happiest, most adaptable baby ever (7 hour car ride both ways to Ohio and new environment for a week, plus teething proved this point!)

This month you have started to become a little chatter box! You say "Momma" in context now. I love it! We have also heard you say "Hi", "all done", "more", "uh-oh", and most recently "Dadda". It's about time with that one! I feel like I say it to you all the time, but you just look at me most of the time and say "Momma". When we were in Ohio I heard you say "Dadda" a few times, but since Daddy wasn't with us he missed it!

You are so social Anya...especially with your little baby friends! It's so adorable to watch you literally light up when you see another baby or toddler! Daddy and I are praying that God will provide us with siblings for you.

You have also really started to fill out this month, probably from all of the food you eat! You wear size 12-18 months. You love everything from spaghetti to pesto chicken and everything in between. I would say with you when food has more flavor you enjoy it more. I don't blame you one bit! By the end of this month you will be completely weaned...so sad but what a blessing I was able to nurse you for 11 months! You were such a fussy nurser in the beginning but we kept at it because I new it was best for you. I am so glad I did!

I am starting to plan your first year birthday party which is going to be a very girlie party filled with vintage pieces and hints of giraffe (I had to include your famous Giraffy photos somehow!) I can't believe I am already talking first birthday with you. It went so fast, but at the same time it's hard to remember life before you. You are such a blessing and a joy to spend everyday at home with.

I love you!
Love,
Mommy

When she grows up...

What will Miss Anya be when she grows up?

A swimmer? She loves kicking her legs and feet.
A dancer? She's starting to sway to her music.
An ice skater? She may follow in Mommy's footsteps.
A gymnist? She did the splits last night (not on purpose, but didn't cry.
A telemarketer? She loves phones and calling peoople.HA!
A chef? She has a diverse palate and loves everything she tries.
A ballerina? There is something adorable about seeing a toddler with a tutu.

Whatever she does I will love and support her!

Happy Valentine's Day

Just thought I'd share my little Valentine with you!

What are your Valentine traditions? This will be our 11th year celebrating Valentine's Day together. When we were younger we boycotted the uber romantic day and went to Portillos. Now that we have a baby it's not as easy to get out.

Today I spend the day prepping Josh's favorite dinner...Steak Gorgonzola Alfredo with asparagus and making TO DIE for cut out cookies thanks to Pinterest. I can't wait for him to be home!

How are you and your lovie celebrating?

10 on 10:: February 2012

I hope you all had a great 10th! Here is a glimpse of our day...one picture taken every hour for ten consecutive hours on the 10th day of February.

This month the 10th was on a Friday and it just so happened to be a day at home. Here is what we did:

Dear Anya, Happy NINE Months!

Dear Anya,

Could it be that you are nine months already? You are growing into such a wonderful little girl! This month you have made HUGE progress with your gross motor skills. You are now...

-Pulling self to a sitting and standing position when holding onto something
-Stand at the couch and walker toys
-Go to kneeling position in pack-n-play and crib...not yet standing in there
-Army crawl super, duper fast!
-Crawling constantly to Charlie's dish, Charlie's toys, and Charlie himself...all.the.time!
-Wearing 12-18 month clothes
-Shoe size 2-3. They may be dainty but boy are they strong!I keep reading about flat feet on babies, yours are not they have arches. Quite stinky too!
-Largest snap setting for cloth diapers (that's only when I do two inserts)
-Wearing tiny pony tails sometimes with the bow that is velcro
-Becoming good friends with Ariana
-Sleeping through the night, up until you got a terrible cold a few days ago. Last night was very rough!
-Started weaning, you take formula at least twice a day now and are doing fine with it
-You eat everything we eat, besides nuts, honey, cow's milk things like that. You are doing very well with eating, pincer grasp, and drinking out of a cup by yourself. Yesterday you drank out of a straw cup for the first time and you choked a little but you loved that cup.

We are going to the doctor on Monday. I am excited to find out your growth! UPDATE: We went to your 9 month check up on Monday and you weigh 20 lbs and are 32inches long! 99% for length, 91% for head size, and 78% for weight! The doctor said you are doing great and hitting all of the developmental milestones.

This month your new favorite toy is "Violet" the dog that sings you bedtime songs at Ariana's house. She can also say your name! You also love, love, LOVE Auntie Katie's blackberry, so much that you called a client of hers. LOL!

Love,
Mommy

Updates from January

Can it really be February 1st? It's time for a recap on last month. My little flower was been growing and changing so much! Within the past few weeks she started pulling herself up into a kneeling position and sometimes even managing to stand up on her own. More about her updates Friday for her NINE month old day!!
This month has been so different than last. We've enjoyed a very mild, spring-like January. It's been so nice! I've also noticed that the sun is setting much later than it did a few weeks ago. Another sure sign that spring is in the air.
This month my hubby and I had two bridal fairs for our DJ company "Spin N Play". We met so many potiential clients, many of which we have already heard from. God is so good! It amazes us at how faithful He is and how He truly provides for our every need. It has been such a relief to have the DJ business as a source of income, as I am a stay at home mommy now. Check out our new website: www.spinnplay.com
The first week in January I started babysitting for a friend's daughter, who just turned one. She is the sweetest little girl, and is becoming Anya's best friend. Since I enjoy staying busy, and giving Anya social time, this little job has been a great blessing.
My hubby is working hard with his students for their upcoming musical "Oliver!" In years past they did "Footlose", "Guys and Dolls", "Oklahoma", and "Wizard of Oz". I can honestly say, all biases aside that this is going to be the best show they've put on because my hubby is the lead director this year. He has such a talent for leading, directing, visioning, performing, creating (I could go on and on!) He has been working long hours, so it's just been me and my girl at home with Charlie Bear. I'm looking forward to the beginning of March when I have him home by 4:30!!!
As I look ahead to the upcoming months, I realize Anya's first birthday is coming faster than I thought! I guess now I need to narrow down my birthday party "Pins" and get crackin' on my ideas!!