artsy-crafty babe

another birthday, father's day, bubble shooters, and a hammock swing

We're in full on summer mode around here.  The kids have been out of school since the end of May, so we're deep in it. Personally, I'm enjoying the freedom - no baseball, no soccer, no dance!!!  Well, Lily has dance team practice, but that's during the day, so it doesn't interfere with our afternoons.

Despite our new found freedom, last weekend was busy! We had a 10th birthday and Father's Day. Whew!!! We celebrated both at home, which is fine by me.

When we're not celebrating, we're mostly just hanging out.

Bubbles are always a favorite, especially when they're battery powered.

And a special surprise arrived today - a hammock swing!!  I only ordered one, to make sure that we like it, which we do, so I'll be ordering another ASAP.

Backyard living...love.

13

Over Memorial Day weekend the oldest turned 13. We’re officially in the teenage years! It doesn’t seem possible to have been a parent long enough to have a teen, but there it is.  

She told me not to get too mushy because she didn’t want to cry, so I won’t. But I would like to say that her Dad and I couldn’t be more proud of her. We are beyond blessed to be her parents. She amazes us every day with her accomplishments.  

Achievements aside, we are more proud of the person she is turning out to be. When someone recently commented to me about how they could see the love she has for her younger siblings in how she looks after them, I thought my heart would burst out of my chest!  She’s that kind of girl. Funny, smart, caring, beautiful - she’s got it all.

Happy Birthday Lily! We love you more than you'll ever know!!

yes, my kids are nuts!! please excuse the heaping dose of cheese in the above photos ;-)

 

Happy 8th May Day Birthday

If there's any reason to break my blog silence, there's none better than to wish my May Day Baby a Happy Birthday. Today is Ava's 8th birthday - my child who has had her entire life documented on this blog.  

8 YEARS!!!  How does that happen???

Dear Sweet Ava,

Happy Birthday! You're 8 years old today!

From the moment you were born I knew that there was something special about you. When personality was being passed out I think you got a double helping - I mean that in a good way ;-) You are FULL of hugs and kind words to everybody. It makes my heart happy when people tell me how much they love you because you're so darned sweet to them. You are special, indeed.

I've loved watching you become a big sister these last few years. Ceci absolutely adores you and wants to be just like you! You're also a pretty good little sister, too (even when you call Alex a butt). You seem to be following in your big sister's footsteps with your love of soccer and dance. I know you were sad that your soccer season just ended, but fall will be here before you know it and it will start all over again. I look forward to seeing you perform this weekend at your dance recital. I'm sure you'll do great!!

Since we'll be at your dress rehearsal today on your actual birthday I declare it an Ava Birthday weekend. Your birthday combined with your First Holy Communion makes it extra special. Yes, such a busy, special weekend, but if anybody could handle it, it's you!! I know that you'll eat up all the special attention!

Keep on shining your light, Ava, the world is a better place with you in it. And I'm so lucky to be your Mama!!

I love you,

Mom

two

I’ve already shared her birthday dress, shame on me for not having done a proper birthday post!

So yes, this girl is 2.  I could do without the temper tantrums that have become a regular thing, those aren’t so fun, but other than that she is a doll.

She is full of personality around us, but when anyone else speaks to her she turns her head or gives them a death stare, even to people she sees on a regular basis.  I’m still her favorite.  Any time we’re out in public she is my extra appendage.

Though she may not speak to an adult or big kid, she’s all over babies and kids her size.  She’ll gladly give them a kiss, which they usually do not welcome.  That does not stop her from trying again and again.  And again.

I love that she has a bit of a lisp, her sweet little “yes” comes out as “yesth”.  

She is my little home maker.  She LOVES her babies and all things baby related along with her kitchen. Cooking and taking care of babies are her thing.  Her specialty is soup and eggs.  “Taste soup, Mama?”

She is a bit obsessed with cows at the moment.  Every time we get in the car she wants to see the cows. Thankfully, there are lots of pastures full of cows near our home, so chances are that we’ll pass some cows.  If no one is behind us I'll slow down and roll down the window for her.  She likes that a lot.

Tutus, headbands, bracelets - yes, yes, and yes.

This girl loves to sing.

She has already learned to blame everything on Ava, even if Ava had absolutely nothing to do with it.  She adores Ava, but she doesn't want her touching her stuff.

She likes Ruby, not so much Oreo.  Ruby is “Ruby”.  She gets kisses.  Oreo is “cat”. “Go away, cat”. Poor Oreo, he just wants some love.

She is a good eater.  I do believe she could eat her weight in rice & gravy and beans & rice.  And cheese.

Ceci, our little caboose.  Our life wouldn't be the same without her!!

 

 

happy halloween!

A ladybug, a skeleton, a vampiress, and a chicken (or rooster? turkey?).  Fun was had by all most.  Way too much candy was consumed :) 

Somebody came up with a costume at the last minute.

I used my mad duct tape skills to fashion a skeleton.

This one likes to get into character.

And this one, well, she was just along for the ride.

Halloween 2012 :)

one

It's hard to believe that it's been one year that Ceci has been in our lives.  This sweet little girl that I couldn't imagine being without.  She turned one today.

I'd love to eloquently say something profound to mark this special occasion, but words escape me.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude and love.

We celebrated today with family and close friends.  It was a glorious day with the most wonderful weather.  We couldn't have asked for more.

Last week we had the chance to spend some time with my grandmother.  Near the end of our visit, after observing us throughout the day, she commented to me "you're really enjoying this one".  Yes, so true.  I have been enjoying Ceci as much as possible.  I know from experience how quickly the time goes by.

Happy Birthday, Ceci!  I love you baby girl and I'm so happy that you're part of our family!!!

9 months

I blinked, and my babe hit the 9 month mark.  Just like that. You'd think I'd be used to my children growing up right before my eyes, but I'm not.  The truth is that I'd like to hold on to this one.  I'd like to savor it this time around with the experience of parenting three others under my belt.  Sigh.

But this little one is determined to experience it all as quickly as possible.  Walking?  Almost.  She crawls at lightening speed and has no fear cruising the furniture...and lets go.  Slow down already!

This girl loves to eat.  Yes, she is my child.  The only thing she doesn't like is baby food.  If we're eating it, she wants it.  Avacados are by far her favorite.  She also likes mac & cheese, beans & rice, chicken, cheese, yogurt, bananas, just about everything we've given her.  Today she was all over my mock garlic mashed potatoes.  Yum!  Other than the table food, she's still breastfeeding.  I've got one healthy little lady.  Oh, and she still doesn't have any teeth, but that doesn't deter her one bit.

Our biggest challenge right now is getting her older brother & sister to leave her alone.  She's not too crazy about being picked up by them, but that's all they want to do.  It drives us both crazy!  She LOVES when they play with her, but picking her up, not so much.

Of course this doesn't apply to big sis Lily.  She's her second mama :)

Oh Ceci, we love you so much!

 

beaching it

Last week we took a little road trip down the coast to the beach.  Dare I say it was one of the most relaxing vacations we've had in a long time?  Well, moments of it were anyway.  Relaxing hardly comes to mind while vacationing with 4 kids including a mobile baby, but it was.  I think the key was space. 

We had a 3 bedroom condo all to ourselves, so we all had space to spread out.  I think we now need a kind size bed, though sleeping in one was kind of like sleeping alone even though a flailing baby and husband were sleeping right next to me.  On second thought, having more space in our bed might tempt others to join us.  Nevermind.

Somebody wasn't a fan of the beach at first.  I don't blame her, I'm not much of a fan of sand either.  But by the last day she was eating handfuls of it.  She came around.

Beach to pool, pool to beach...wash, rinse, repeat.  It was fun, but boy was I happy to get back home.  I'm still quite the homebody, only now I'm a tan homebody :) 

eight

Shame on me!  Two weeks ago we celebrated another special day in our family and I have yet to write about it.  My goodness, what is this blog coming to??

On June 14th Alex turned 8.  EIGHT!  Can somebody put on the brakes please?

My boy.  My only boy.  My goofy, sensitive boy who is usually a mystery to me.  I don't really know boy stuff, but he's no typical boy, so it all works out. I guess. 

What stands out most to me about Alex is what a big heart he has.  This year I have watched him be so very generous with his sisters.  How many 8 year boys do you know that will spend their own money to buy gifts for his sisters?  This one does.  It floors me every time.  He also says that Ceci is the best thing that ever happened to him (even though he wanted a little brother more than anything).

Before you think he's all sensitive and sappy all the time, don't be fooled.  He also knows how to get those sisters of his all worked up and annoyed.  That's what brothers do, right?

And the jokes.  I think I've mentioned his prankster side on every birthday post I've ever written.  Now that he's getting a little older, his jokes are getting a bit more witty.  Love that.

Oh Alex, you just keep being exactly as you are!

God Bless Ceci

The month of May is always busy for us. We have 3 birthdays, Mother's Day, a dance recital, extended family birthdays, and various other little things thrown in. This year we had some biggies thrown into the mix - a First Communion (Alex) and a Baptism (Ceci). Sandwiched between Lily's actual birthday and her sleepover friend party, we celebrated Ceci's Baptism on Saturday afternoon.

 

Going into it I was feeling a bit frazzled. We usually do this before our babies are 3 months old, but here we were with Ceci approaching 7 months. Would the christening gown still fit her? The gown worn by her sisters, brother and cousins? Would she look like a giant baby up there among the newborns? Or be totally uncooperative when it came time to pour water on her head? Thankfully, she hasn't grown like her oldest sister & brother, so the gown fit fine. And the other baby being baptized was 6 months old and screamed like a banshee the entire Mass (hee hee), my little Ceci looked like an angel up there!

Once we got to church a calmness came over me. We forgot the bonnet and she wasn't wearing anything on her feet, but we made it on time.  It was a beautiful baptism (despite that screaming baby).  Ceci was in the best of spirits. Seeing each of my kids sneak kisses on Ceci while the baptism was taking place was heart warming. This baby is so loved.

After Mass we all gathered at our house for some celebrating. It was how I think entertaining should be, but rarely is for me. Entertaining usually stresses me out, but I had everything done ahead of time this time around. We were able to enjoy good food and visit with our family and friends, stress-free.

 

I'd have taken more photos, but I was in the moment. It wasn't until everyone had left that I thought to get some photos of Ceci in her christening gown. My sweet baby.  Bless you, Ceci!