Friday, December 25, 2009

Wishing you and yours

a Verry Merry Christmas!! Hope your day was filled with smiles, laughter, love, and good food.


I spent the day with my 2 most very favorite people and now I'm off to curl up with a good book. The end to a perfect day.

Saturday, November 14, 2009

I love you....


Tonight.
Another first.
As I was tucking Marlee into bed and telling her goodnight, I said love you, as I always do.
But tonight was different than all the other nights.
Marlee told me she loved me.
Her exact words, love you.

Although I have heard her repeat this to Daddy when he tells her he loves her over the past few days or so, this is a first for Momma.

She is growing up. Everyday.

**Another photo courtesy of my talented sister Lesley.

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Already?


Today...
I went to look in on MK, who was so quietly playing in her room.
She was sitting in her rocking chair reading a book - which she does often.
I stood in the doorway watching her.
She looked up at me, got up and walked to the door, and shut it. On me.
Already?

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Halloween Fairy

This year M was lucky enough to score a beautiful fairy costume from my friend's daughter. Isn't she adorable?

First, on Thursday we took M to my parent's church trunk or treat and it didn't take her long at all to figure out the whole trick or treat thing.

Since she seemed to have so much fun, Dave and I took her to a few houses to trick or treat with her cousin Haylee on Halloween.
The first of many.

Haylee the ballerina, my Sissie Stacey, and Marlee the fairy.

And let me just add that it I can slowly see how crappy future Halloween's are going to be with Marlee's peanut allergy. Not fun. Not fun at all.

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

My Husband...

The other day I was out in our side yard and I saw a trail of popcorn on the ground. I turned to my husband and asked him what the popcorn was for. He tells me he left it out for the squirrels to eat.
How I adore this man.

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

A Typical Conversation

A typical conversation with my MK last night:

While showing MK a picture of a squirrel:
Me: what is that?
MK: mouse.
Me: no, that's a squirrel.
MK: mouse.
Me: squirrel.
MK: mouse.

Moving on, now showing MK a picture of a giraffe:
Me: what is that?
MK: zebra.
Me: no, that's a giraffe.
MK: zebra.
Me: giraffe.
MK: zebra.

So, apparently my 30 years of wisdom means absolutely nothing to my - wise beyond her years - 2 year old. I'm so in for it. Oh how she is so much like me.

Sunday, October 11, 2009

Pickin' Pumpkins

Our trip to the pumpkin' patch today. Or as Marlee calls it, the pumpkin store...



M set out to find the perfect pumpkin






and pet the animals




and go down the huge slide...by far, her favorite


can you tell


and even though she looks to be having a good time, this was her pouty expression for most of the morning


unless she was going down the slide, that is.

PS-yes, those are holes in Dave's socks. As he says, they are his Sunday socks...Holy. Get it?

Sunday, October 4, 2009

2 Years...or 24 Months


At 2 years, Marlee Kay...
-weighs 28 pounds - 50th percentile (at 27 months).
-measures 35 3/4" - 75th percentile (at 27 months).
-wears a size 5 diaper.
-clothes size 2t.
-shoe size 7 (approximately).
-has 16 teeth, all but her 2 year molars.
-sleeps 12 hours at night and takes about a 2 hour nap.
-now puts together 3 and 4 word sentences
-counts to 10.
-has not only food allergies, but environmental too. bad.
-is so much like her momma.



Favorites...
-books. I cannot even begin to explain her love for books.
-curious george cartoons. over and over again.
-her lovey's. two. mr. bear and mickey, which she pronounces "niney".
-the library.
-milkie.
-music. the louder the better.
-being rocked before bed.
-climbing. up on the counter, out of her crib, everywhere.
-hoarding things.
-drinking out of Cooper and Mollie's water dish.
-cheese.
-being outside.
-blankie game. something we do before bed.
-medicine.
-abby cadabbie.
-testing me.
-swinging.
-jumping.
-noodle roni.
-going out the doggie door.
-her momma.


Dislikes...
-the shower. she is terrified.
-the vacuum.
-time out.
-the drive through car wash.
-meat. with the exception of chicken nuggets.




*all photos are courtesy of my beautiful and oh so talented sister, Lesley. Go check her out. You can also view more of little M's photo shoot here and here.

**PS-yes, I realize this is almost 3 months late, however most of this post was done just after she turned 2 (other than her height and weight). I am just now getting around to finishing up and posting. Better late than never, right?

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sick, Part II



She is sick, again. Another lower respiratory infection and this time she threw in an ear infection. This is two of these infections in less than two months, which is so not good. So, again, she is on breathing treatments, which I dislike. If you know me, you know I am anti-medication, but sometimes it is necessary. This is one of those times.

Don't let the above picture fool you, she fights taking the treatments. So. Not. Fun. I, the anti-bribe Mother, now bribe her with chocolate milkie or a candy corn if she will sit still for the treatments. Sometimes it works, sometimes not so much.

Oh, and have I mentioned we no longer have health insurance? Why is it when we have it we don't use it, and when we don't have it we need it. Between M's frequent visits to the doctor and me with my sprained ankle, it seems I have been to the doctor more times in the past six months than all of last year. Murphy's Law, I guess.

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

My Marlee Kay - #2

My Marlee Kay,

Where has the time gone? You have been apart of this world, my whole world, for 2 short years. You see, 2 years ago on this very day, you and I met, and my life has never been the same. Time is going by so fast, too fast. I thought once I got past your first birthday, things would slow down. I was wrong. I thought as I look through pictures of you as a tiny baby, I would always ache to have that time back with you, to be able to hold onto you at that moment in time for a little longer. And, although I still feel this way, I am now finding myself looking through pictures of you from a year ago, even six months ago, and missing you then. You are growing up right before my eyes. It seems everyday you are learning something new and truly amazing me in one way or another. I could sit for hours and watch your little curious brain going. You are so full of life.

You have brought so much to my life. Because of you, I now find joy in the simplest things. Because of you, I feel a sense of completion. Because of you, I feel blessed and so lucky. Because of you, my heart is so full. Because of you, I know true innocence. Because of you, I smile (and laugh) every single day. Because of you, I stop and smell the flowers.
Because of you, I am fearful. Because of you, I contemplate the what if. Because of you, I second guess everything. Because of you I question greatly.

Oh how I love and treasure everything about you, my beautiful daughter...your unexpected hugs and kisses, your imagination, your innocence, watching you run into your Daddy's arms when he walks through the door...so delighted, hearing you call out for your Momma first thing in the morning...how I love hearing that word, how you say "ne-night" when you know it's time for bed, how you tell everything "bye bye" when I tell you we are leaving, your snuggles first thing in the morning, watching you dance to music (the louder the better)...especially in your car seat, your voice..

You are a determined, curious, temper mental, giggly, impatient, loving, delightful, beautiful soul. I am so fortunate that you chose me.

I love you. So much.
Your Momma

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

M.I.A

Yes, I am aware that I have been horrible about posting. I have so much I want to write about and document, but I never seem to find the time. Where are the days going?
With that said, I'm getting my grove back. Stay tuned.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Weekend Free

My Marlee Kay,
Tomorrow I will be leaving you for a couple of days. This is another first for us as we have never been apart for more than a couple of hours. Daddy is going to take such good care of you while I am gone and I know you two will have such a great time! If I know Daddy at all, I am sure he will not stick to your same strict schedule that Momma sticks to; and that's okay. I just want you to have fun. I also want you to know that this whole leaving business is very hard for me. As much as I want this well deserved break, I am going to miss you so! I will call you everyday...multiple times a day, and you will never be far from my thoughts my beautiful girl.

As I rocked you and put you to bed tonight, I held you just a little longer. I took in your pure smell, and I explained to you that I will be gone for a few days. Oh how you will miss me my love. I'm not sure who is going to have a harder time with my absence. But I will be back, and it will be like I never left. Promise.

See you soon,
Your Momma

PS-I secretly hope that you wake tonight so I can rock and hold you just one more time...

Monday, August 17, 2009

So far today...

M and I
Slept in...
Snuggled on the coach while watching Curious George and drinking milk (M) and coffee (Momma)...
Played...
Caught up on laundry...
Went to Einstein for Pizza Bagels...



Just want to remember mornings like this...

**Photo courtsey of my talented sister, Lesley.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

Sick Sick Sick

We are so so sick.
Marlee with an lower respiratory infection (she gave us quite a scare with this one) and a sinus infection, and Mama with a nasty chest/head/nasal funk.

And a husband/daddy who canceled his weekend trip to stay home and take care of his two favorite girls. Thanks Daddy!

Sunday, July 26, 2009

Another First

I would like to start out by saying Dave and I try our best to watch our potty mouths around Marlee. There are definitely a few bad words that are not used; in front of M, that is. However, every once in a while, you will hear a few choice not-so-bad words. Especially the S word...

Yesterday (July 25th), as we were driving home...
Dave says, "holy sh*t".
Marlee responds, in the sweetest, most matter-of-fact voice, "holy sh*t, holy sh*t, holy sh*t".

We get home and Marlee did something to which Dave responds...
"little" and he stops himself.
Marlee then says "sh*t".

So, moral of the story...I guess it's time to stop calling my daughter and the dogs a little sh*t.

Monday, July 20, 2009

Baba No More

On Tuesday, June 30th, Marlee had her last bottle (baba),
My goal was to have her off the bottle before she turned 2. I had 10 days to spare!
It was a very easy transition. Tuesday evening I just told her she was going to drink her milkie in a big girl Elmo cup.
And that was that.

Monday, July 13, 2009

Make a Wish...7/10/09

Marlee's birthday was pretty low key. I really wanted the day to be about her.

Dave, Marlee, and I started the day off at Chuckie E Cheese. She had been there once before, and had a blast.
Came home. While M napped, I baked her cake (and cupcakes) and Dave wrapped presents.

Marlee woke and the fun began...balloons and presents!

Later that evening we had family and my one friend over for cake and ice cream. And more presents!

She actually blew out the candle!

Happy #2 my sweet girl.
I still can't believe 2 years has gone by...

Friday, July 10, 2009

Two and Counting

Today, at 5:09pm, my daughter has been a part of this world, my whole world, for 2 years.
Happy Birthday my beautiful girl...


07.10.09


07.10.08


07.10.07

*More on her birthday celebrations to come.
**Check out her identical facial expression in the top two pictures.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

Little Slice of Heaven

*Today I...
spent the afternoon with 3 of my favorite sisters.

*Which consisted of...

..delicious, hi-caloric lunch - chips with salsa and guacamole, fries with ranch, and a chicken caesar salad. Conversation included our girl trip to NEW YORK CITY this fall.

..a couple of hours at the Red Rock Spa. Jacuzzi, steam room (which I disliked), laying poolside, and a swedish massage...divine.

..coming home to a happy daughter who was so delighted to see me and dinner on the table.

..rocking my sweet baby girl before bed.

It doesn't get any better.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

She Pooped

Or as we say poopoo stintee.

Today, at 1 year, 11 months, 2 weeks, and 1 day old, my daughter poopoo stinteed in the toilet.

Have I started potty training, you ask? No. A couple of months ago I bought the ring that goes on the toilet and a small potty chair. Every couple of days (or weeks) before bath I would ask her if she wants to sit on the toetoe (that's what we call it). In the beginning, M would sit on it for a couple of seconds and hop down. Now, over the past few weeks she wants nothing to do with the potty and I don't push her. Tonight right before she got into the bath I ask her if she wants to go potty on the toetoe. She says no. I had a feeling she had to go (and was worried we might have an accident in the bath) so after bath I asked her again. She pointed to the toilet and said toetoe.
So, after about a minute or so, she poopoo stinteed in the toetoe.


My big girl.

If you are curious, no, she has yet to pee in the toilet.
I've heard that the peepee on the potty comes much easier than the poopoo. Not for my daughter. She knew exactly what she was doing when she was doing it.


Yes, I took a picture.
Yes, my husband thinks I'm crazy.
No, I won't completely disgust you all by posting it.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Yesterday

we had a yard sale.
The profit was going into my treadmill fund.
A treadmill that I have been coveting for months.
Never did I think my junk (err stuff) would add up to over $700.00.
Very exhausting but so worth it.
That's all.

Sunday, May 31, 2009

Teeth

I try to brush Marlee's teeth twice a day, after breakfast and before bed. If I shoot for twice a day, I know it will get done at least once. It's always the last thing she does (or we do) before she goes to bed.
The past few nights after milkie, I tell M it's time for night night, like I always do. And you know what she tells me? Teeth. She says teeth and points to her teeth. Telling us to brush her teeth.
Habit already formed.
Little, yet big, things like this remind me of how quickly her little brain grasps and absorbs things.
I definitely don't give this little human being enough credit.

**PS-yes, I know I promised SD post and pics. Check back in a day or two. Double promise.

Monday, May 18, 2009

Today...

was a great day.





Just want to remember.


PS-please bear with me. I will be writing about and posting way too many pics of our San Diego trip later this week...promise.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

Sigh of Relief

I made it through another semester...
Just a few more to go.
I. Can. Do. This.

Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Messy Face


Pudding...1st timer
05/12/09

Sunday, May 10, 2009

Round 2

Another Mother's Day, my second, has come and gone.
Today, I feel fortunate...
...fortunate to FINALLY be a Mama and celebrate this day
...fortunate to have a healthy daughter who amazes me daily
...fortunate to have a wonderful husband who would do anything for us

and last, but certainly not least
...fortunate to have the best Mom a girl could ask for. Happy Mother's Day Mom. I love you.


4 generations..Mom, Grandma, Me, Marlee Kay. Oct 08

**I so milked this day for all it is worth. I told my husband I wanted nothing more than a clean house and to be dotted (is that even a word) on all day. The dotting part, he went above and beyond. I barely lifted a finger all day. The clean house, well, it got about half done. And I am more than pleased! Thanks for making my day so special. Next year Marlee will have to step up.=)

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Back to Reality

We are home. After 5 days of pure bliss in San Diego.
Back to reality....work, school, cooking, cleaning, laundry, working out...you know, the usual.
Many many posts and pictures to come from our first family trip.

Before I move forward I want to share something funny....
The house we rented in Pacific Beach had a black and white painting of Audrey Hepburn. Many times, M pointed to that picture and said "Momma". Well, thanks Marlee.
One night she was holding a box of Orville Redenbacher popcorn (yes, she had popcorn for the first time on vacation, and she loved it) . She pointed to the picture of Orville Redenbacher and said "Daddy".
I couldn't stop laughing. Dave, not too much.
So, I'm the beautiful Audrey Hepburn and Dave is the old Orville Redenbacher.
Kids, I tell ya.

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Hippie Hair

Before:



After:


Not the best view of the cut, but the best picture of me. And really, isn't that what's important?



Posting pictures, as promised, Sissies.
I cut off about 7 inches.
No more hippie hair.

As a side note, went to the eye doc today and I am officially blind (well, almost). My prescription is now -6.00 (left eye) and -4.75 (right eye). When, oh when, will my eyes stop getting worse?

Monday, April 27, 2009

Progress

It's been (almost) 7 months.
7 months since I made a commitment to make exercise a part of my life.
7 months later, I am happy to report that I have made good on my commitment.

Things that keep me motivated...
*I am down 10 pounds (as of April 1st - haven't weighed myself since)
*I (finally) reached my pre pregnancy weight.
*Flexing in the mirror (joking, kind of)

I am still working out with a trainer a couple of times a week, and she has really helped motivate me and keep me going.

About a month ago I made a goal for myself to run a 5k by my 30th birthday (this August). After running (no pun intended) this goal past my sister and workout partner, Stacey, we started running and haven't looked back.
I am now up to running a steady 2.5 miles without stopping....and it feels good!
Stacey and I (and maybe Dave) are hoping to run our first 5k in the next couple of months.

I realized my first goal was so minuscule, and I have upped the ante...

My new goal...
I have decided to run the half marathon (13.1 miles) in December. And, of course, Stacey is on board with me as I think she might enjoy running even more than I do.


**Make no mistake, this whole running and work out thing has not come easy to me. I have had my good months and bad, and by no means do I crave going to the gym. However, over the last couple of months I have really started noticing changes. It has taken so much longer than I had initially expected, but overall I am at a very good place and feeling very positive about myself.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Sign?

We leave for San Diego soon, very soon. I have been so excited as this is our first family vacation since Marlee was born. It's also the first vacation Dave and I have had in years.

I have envisioned long walks on the beach, a trip to Sea World, shopping, strolling through Balboa Park, etc. Walking, lots of walking.

Only problem(s)
-I think I sprained my ankle today. It is swollen and sore.
-Has anyone else been following the swine flu outbreak? It seems to have originated in Mexico, which neighbors San Diego. Great.

Do you think it's a sign?

San Diego or bust!

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Easter 2009

We colored eggs, which M thought were balls.


The Easter Bunny stopped by and left M loads of good stuff...


and hid some eggs for her to find.


First time blowing bubbles, and yes, she tried to eat the wand.


Favorite photos of the day


...


We finished Easter off at Grampy and Grammy's house with my family. Dinner + egg hunt = fun time (other than the Marlee mishap).

**Last photo courtesy of my sister, Kristy. Two photographers in the family...aren't I lucky!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

One Year Nine Months



At one year nine months, Marlee Kay...
-weighs 27 pounds
-measures ????? inches tall (reminder: Measure M)
-is still in a size 4 diaper
-wears 18-24 month clothes
-shoe size is 6w
-has 16 perfectly straight teeth, all but her 2 year molars
-sleeps 12 hours at night
-takes one 2-3 hour nap
-gets into e.v.e.r.y.t.h.i.n.g
-is fearless
-repeats everything
-put her first two words together - thank you



Favorites...
-being outside. period.
-jumping on her trampoline
-putting things in her mouth when she knows she shouldn't
-Mr. Bear - her lovey. Mr. Dog comes in second and Mr. Frog third
-shoes
-bath time
-water
-books
-drinking out of a big girl cup
-Sid the Science Kid and Curious George cartoons
-Shrek (the movie)
-carbs - especially bread products
-testing me
-climbing. still
-Elmo and Abbie Cadabie
-blankies
-balloons
-grapes, bananas (which she calls mine), cheese, and noodles
-DADDY!
-Cooper and Mollie - especially Cooper (or as she says Coocer)



Dislikes...
-getting dressed
-brocoli, asparagus, leafy greens - any green veggie but green beans
-the blow dryer and vacuum (this is new)

**First photo courtesy of, yes-you guessed it, my sister Lesley.

Sunday, April 12, 2009

The What If...

I would like to preface this post by saying (or writing) that I am what many consider a "helicopter parent". I'm that Mommy at the park that gets on the play structures with my daughter, helps her down the slide, etc.

We have a pool. It is gated. Marlee is not on the patio without Dave or myself. Ever. The gate is not fool proof. We also have a latch at the top of our back door leading outside. Just in case.

Sometimes when she naps, I have crazy fears about her climbing out of her crib (which is now impossible since we put the crib mattress on the ground and basically placed the crib around it) opening her door, getting to the back door, getting all three locks unlocked, getting outside, getting through the locked gate, and drowning in the pool. Kristy, you know my crazy fears!

Our pool scares me.

Today we went to my parents house for Easter Dinner. They, too, have a pool. It is not gated. Dave and I are a pretty good team in keeping an eye on her. If she goes missing, one of us is on her pretty quickly. She is fast. So fast.
She was in the living room and the next thing we know she is gone. Dave asks, where's Marlee? We both immediately start looking for her. Dave to the front door and me to the back. As I approached the closed and locked back door, I could see nothing but a child's hand as I looked out through the blinds. Yes, it was Marlee. I screamed Dave's name and went running outside. Marlee was out there on the patio, happy as could be, playing with Hunter, my parent's dog. Once she saw and heard me she went running towards the pool, thinking we were playing some sort of game. I caught her less than one foot from the pool.

I was so choked up I could barely talk. There was a moment that my heart completely stopped. Everything around me stopped. A horrible moment.

Marlee is fine.

Come to find out Marlee had went to the back of the house (which she had done quite a few times to sneak into the toy closet), went out the door to the garage, went out the outside door, and went around to the pool (I think).

As I said, she's fast.

I believe if it wasn't for her interest in Hunter, the pool would have been her interest. Marlee had been watching and talking to Hunter through the glass of the backdoor earlier. Also, she had to walk by the pool to get to where she was on the patio with Hunter.

Tonight, Daddy got Marlee her bottle. About halfway through she got up off the couch, went into our room, laid on our bed, and finished her bottle. Dave and I lied on either side of her, and just snuggled our baby.

I kept thinking, what if.
What if.
What if.
Awful feeling.

If it's possible, Dave is even more crazier than me when it comes to our pool.
If he has his way, Marlee will be swimming before summer's over.

Sorry for the dreary post.
Stay tuned. Tomorrow will be a much happier, Easter post.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

Marlee Lately

Month in Review...


Feeding the ducks (or as M calls them: quack) at the park.



Graduated to the big swing. After playing with my friend Jessica's daughter last month, Marlee wants nothing to do with the "baby" swings anymore.



Goodbye high chair, hello booster (3/19). You can see from her expression, she loves her big girl chair.



M's new ride.



Can't get enough of the Cheetos.



Relaxing in a storage bin.



First good owwwwwwwwwwwie, as M would say (4/5)



Loves horsey rides from Daddy.