Category Archives: Family

Happy Charlie

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Today was a great day for Charlie. Unfortunately, she still has a nasty cough and her nose is a faucet, but the little one woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. Maybe because she actually slept last night (funny how that works, huh?).

This chipper little bunny had us all smiling today and allowed us to share some sweet moments with her. Here are just a handful of the many laughs, smiles, and warm fuzzies from our day…

This is even sillier because as a little one, I was notorious for walking arounf with 2+ pacis in my mouth and even more in my hands and pockets.

  
  

Baby and blankie come together to make Charlie one happy little lady.

  

Charlotte is OBSESSED with carrying baby in a swaddle. i have a feeling, she is going to be very demanding of time with her little brother. hopefully by that time she learns that throwing babies is not allowed.

    

Being goofy with Daddy 💛

    
    
   

The Toddler Food Battle

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 While Charlotte was sick over the past two plus weeks, we became VERY lenient at mealtimes. And by that, I mean that Charlotte pretty much survived on Cherrios, oranges and cheese sticks.

One thing we’ve said from the beginning was that we were going to be strict when it came to food. No making seperate meals, no giving unhealthy options because it’s easier, etc. Well, let’s just say, that’s not the standard we were operating under these past couple of weeks.

SO, since Sunday, we’ve really been trying to get back to a good place with Charlotte. We started making her veggie shakes again, we started trying to feed her more than just her favorites, etc.

Well, last night we had turkey meatballs and spaghetti squash for dinner. First of all, it was delicious. Here’s the recipe if you’re interested. Second, INSTANTLY C was not having it. She just kept saying (and crying) no and signing that she wanted to eat.

Despite the difficulty that is watching your child cry and say she’s hungry, we stayed strong. We told her that if she wants to eat, this is what’s for dinner. This game literally went on for nearly 30-45 minutes (or so it felt) until finally Mark said, “Ok, I’m going to count to three and if you don’t want it, that’s fine. But I’m going to take you out of your chair.”

1… 2… 3…

Of course, she didn’t budge.

Mark grabbed her out of her chair and once in his arms, she pointed to the bowl of spaghetti squash and meatballs. Mark looked at me like, “should I let her have this??” I nodded.

And just like that, Charlotte ate the ENTIRE bowl and asked for more.

Unfortunately, we had already eaten the rest of it… so we started giving her other stuff. In total, Charlotte ate:

  • One turkey meatball and 1/3 cup of spaghetti squash with sauce
  • One piece of toast with cinnamon
  • 1 large bowl of cottage cheese (apx 3/4 cup)
  • Apx 1/2 cup of yogurt
  • 5-10 strawberries
  • 1-2 apple slices
  • 1.75 cheese sticks
  • Veggie shake (beets, etc)

Despite the fact that during the whole (VERY LONG) experience, one jar of salsa was spilled on the ground, my favorite little dip bowl was broken (and more red sauce was flung around the kitchen), and Charlotte technically only started eating after we said dinner was done, I’m going to call that one a win for the parents!

Winter Break 2015/16

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For the first time in… I don’t know, ever, I had a REAL Winter Break this year. Even in college, I always worked over breaks. Hell, in high school I worked over breaks.

This year, I took off from Thursday, December 24th (I only worked a half day on the 23rd) through the new year… meaning today is my first day back.

Ahhhhhhhh… SO NICE!

To make it even better, the hubs was off, too!

We spent the first half of our trip really relaxing. I’m talking daily naps, afternoon movies, day dates, etc. Unfortunately, Charlotte got sick on the 24th and was sick with pink eye… then a few days later got sick with a fever, which she had for three + days.

The goofy munchie enjoying some milk.

 

That face…

 

Sweet Charlie and Daddy at a friend’s family Eve Before the Eve Christmas Party!

 

Can you tell which eye C had pink eye?? We were at the doc the next morning!

 

Christmas Carols! Guess which mini person loved all the singing?

 

Joining in the Christmas cheer.

 

Cozying with friends!

 

Girlies at the party.

 

More of the gals.

 

Can you believe she’s like 36 or 37 weeks pregnant? Looking good!

 

Hello, telephone!

 

Big chats.

 

Downward facing baby.

 

I swear we don’t just leave pill bottles lying around. This is the empty container for her eye drops.

 

Christmas Day with my Bestie, Kate!

 

Top: Christmas 2014, Bottom: Christmas 2015 – Look how much she’s changed!!  

Charlotte was being a sass in front of her future hubby during our playdate. In her defense, the fever started that night.  

Playing with daddy.

 

More daddy snuggles.

 

Mommy & Charlie looking through her “Vacation Memory Book” from school (the cutest little book that has a picture of everyone in her class.

 

Mommy & Charlie practicing yoga.

 

Drum time.

 

Poor cookie still not feeling well.

 

Helping Daddy pick out new glasses.

 

Smooshy face.

 

Our little workerbee.

 

WHO IS THIS??

 

New Years Eve 2015/16: Bowling Party

 

Bowling with a toddler was hilarious!

 

She loved bowling.

 

Happy NYE face.

  


 The second half of our vacation was spent painting Charlotte’s new big girl room! I’ll do an entire post dedicated to the new room and painting process, but the gist is that we’re going to leave the nursery as-is (ish) – only changing decor, but leaving all major furniture/paint – and move Charlotte to the other bedroom.

 

So, to begin the room makeover, we painted. Trim and all!

We picked Sherwin Williams Intimate White, which is pretty dang pink/coral. BUT, I really love how it turned out and think it’s all going to come together quite nicely.

BEFORE (with a splash of our tester color)


  

We moved the furniture into the hallway!


AFTER: Sneak peek with just a few items in the room!

  

Mark & Kitty admiring their hard work

A Pregnant Momma’s Dream Come True

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10/29/15

About three weeks ago, I literally had the best day ever and my husband proved to me (for the millionth time) just how lucky I am. On Tuesday night, hubby informed me that I would not be going to work the following day and that he had a special pregnant lady surprise for me!

He had scheduled an appointment for me with my accupuncturist that I saw when I was pregnant with Charlotte in the morning. YES! I love her and it was amazing. I spent a good 2-2.5 hours with her and loved every second of it.

After my appointment, I went into the city and had lunch at one of my favorite spots. I realized that it was my first time having a casual and luxurious dining experience out by myself. I’ve grabbed a quick bite on a work break or something, but have never actually gone to a restaurant alone to just relax and enjoy. And man did I enjoy it.

It was a perfectly sunny day. I spent over an hour slowly eating my DELICIOUS food and reading my book. It was perfection. I was on Cloud 9.

After lunch, I walked around the city. Went into an antique shop, went to Urban Outfitters and bought a new sweater, went to my favorite coffee shop for a chai (and a giant oatmeal raisin cookie). I was the happiest girl on the block.

Then it was time for me to head back towards home for the MASSAGE that my husband had scheduled for me. I was so excited. SO, imagine how hard my bubble burst when they informed me that for some unknown f-ing reason, they had cancelled my appointment. The same appointment that they called the night before to confirm. And, of course, had no additional openings. <<TEARS>>

Okay, not real tears, but I got crabby. And then I felt guilty for feeling crabby. I had had such a wonderful day, I couldn’t let them ruin it. I went next door to do a little shopping at Marshalls only to discover that I was no longer in the mood. I needed to get back to my quiet, happy place. So I got in my car and headed over to a park by my house where I laid on the grass for a couple hours and read my book. I totally got back to that relaxed, unphased spot.

After my quiet time, I returned home for a Thai food takeout night! Mmmmm

All in all, the best day and best surprise ever!

The 3am News

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9/12/15

On Wednesday, September 9th at 3 am, we got news that will forever change our lives, hearts, and future. Our little Charlie is gaining a sibling 🙂

Now, it might seem weird that the news came at 3am… and that’s because it is weird. I had been feeling sick for a week, so I decided to buy some pregnancy tests. I planned to wait until Thursday, which was the day I was expecting my period… BUT, for those of you who remember the last time (when I took 10 pregnancy tests before testing positive), I have an issue with patience.

Anyway, I woke up at 3 am to pee (I will discuss this and other pre-pregnancy symptoms in another post), and decided… why not test now? I mean… it’s the good morning pee. I didn’t want to waste it.

So, I quietly unwrapped the test, did my thing and waited. I walked back and forth from one side of the bathroom to the other. Finally, I let my eyes reach the test: Pregnant. I can’t explain the feeling in one word. At first it was like, “duh”… I knew I was. And then came the “holy crap!” factor… not scared, but kind of “here we go again!” And of course excitement! So much excitement that I was awake for the next 2.5 hours googling, downloading baby apps, and trying to distract myself.

I duplicated my message to hubs from last time, but instead of putting the announcement sign near the toilet (which didn’t work as planned last time), I put it near the toothbrushes. After reaching over the sign and pregnancy test three times, he finally saw the message and ran out of the bathroom with a full face of toothpaste and half screamed, “REALLY?!” with a big sudsy smile!

The sign when I told Hubs we were pregnant with Charlie:

amazing dad

The sign to announce our newest miracle:

  
We’re really happy and really lucky. We literally just started trying this month. Mark said I must have hungry eggs. haha Nice, huh?

We let Charlie break the news to the parents:

  

Chanukah, Oh Chanukah…

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Top: 2015, Bottom: 2014 – It’s crazy to see how much our lady has changed!


This was literally my favorite Chanukah to-date. Charlotte is the perfect age for it… she LOVED lighting the candles each night and singing the one song Mark and I could remember (dreidel, dreidel, dreidel, I made you out of clay…). And presents… Well, she loves them.

The beauty of Chanukah is that there are 8 nights, so you can spoil without overwhelming. Charlotte got one present per night (although there were a couple nights where she received more than one at family gatherings) and absolutely loved it. We had tons of celebrations and it really was just a perfect night.

Night 1

I posted about our first night at Mark’s Dad & Step Mom’s, so I’ll just post a little recap pic of the toddler carrying around her bag filled with gifts…

IMG_7279

C’s Gift (from Grammy & Grampie):

Night 2

On the second night, Mark’s Mom came over with the most delicious meal! We had fish and BLINTZES! Cheese, blueberry and cherry. Mark and I literally took down two full trays. Restraint isn’t our thing. After C went to bed, we had a great time sitting at the table chatting and catching up.


  
C’s Gift (from Nana):

Night 3

On the third night, we went with my sister and her fam to my nephew’s Chanukah party at school. Oy. So cute. The kids did a little performance (hello, song session… C’s fave), there were donuts (another win for C), and a photobooth! We had an absolute blast and Charlotte LOVED playing with her cousins.


  
  
  
  
  

 C’s Gift (from my Aunt & Uncle):

Night 4

The fourth night was a Wednesday, which meant swim class! Charlotte was feeling a bit clingy and didn’t participate too much. BUT, after class, she was very excited to receive 6 whole pairs of socks… all of which made it to her hands for “sock hands.”


  


C’s Gift (from Mommy & Daddy):

Night 5

On the 5th night, Charlie and Mommy had a little Chanukah date. When daddy got home that evening, we lit the candles and gave Charlotte her present. I was really excited about this one and was a little disappointed once opened.

C’s Gift (from Mommy & Daddy):

  • Fisher Price Classics Record Player – I was really excited about this. First of all, I found it at Meijers for $18!! Yay sales! But also, C loves music and I used to play with this toy as a kid. Well, you know the saying, “they don’t make ’em like they used to”?? They don’t. This thing is kind of a piece of crap. It’s cheapo plastic. Anyway, C still enjoyed it, so whatever!

Day/Night 6

On the 6th day, Mommy & Daddy joined Charlotte at school for 30+ minutes for a Chanukah party! It was adorable. The kids presented on Chanukah and everyone sang songs. And of courses, sugar cookies. C was in heaven. That night, we had challah french toast for dinner at home.

Mommy with a mouth filled with cookies!
Charlie hugging her bestie, Chloe.


C’s Gift (from Auntie Erika, Uncle Mike & Cousins Audrey & Emily):

  • Learning Resources Cash Register – To say that C likes her cash register would be an understatement. She puts the register on the fireplace ledge, sits on the stool for her piano and “works”… pushing buttons, opening and closing the register, running the credit card… she loves it. We’ll save the play money for when she’s a little bigger.

Night 7

The 7th night was spent at my parents’ house with my sister and her fam. It was year two of the annual “Pajamakuh”… aka, I buy all three kids matching jammies and spend the night ooing and awwing at how damn cute they are. We had latkes (mmmm) and brisket! It was a nice little family celebration and C had an absoulte blast with her cousins.

 C’s Gift (from Grandma & Grandpa and Auntie Jessie, Uncle Evan & Cousins Judah & Gabby):

  • My First Tech Toys – This is an adorable set of noisy little keys, a remote and a phone. I KNEW C would love this. They look real enough to really intrigue her. Her fave? The keys. Duh. She walks around the house pushing the buttons and showing everyone. Toby included.
  • Stella Feeding Set – This set is awesome. C loves the little can of peas. Not to mention, she loves taking turns feeding herself and Stella.
  • Melissa & Doug Alphabet Express Floor Puzzle – To be honest, we haven’t had a chance to pull this one out yet. BUT, everytime she sees the box, she has a blast pointing at every single item she sees. Definitely going to be a winner.
  • Chanukah Book – I can’t seem to find it online (because I can’t remember the book title), but it’s super cute.
  • My New Baby book – Very sweet book for the new big-sis-to-be!

Night 8

Okay, don’t judge, but on the 8th night, Mommy & Daddy were so dang tired… We went to dinner with my parents (Mexican food… very jewish, huh??). I didn’t feel like wrapping up the markers I got her and even more so, I didn’t feel like her unwrapping them and wanting to color (it was bedtime)… so we just skipped the final night. Oops. Sorry, Charlie.

Hope your holidays are just as wonderful and filled with love.

Weekend Review (& the First Night of Chanukah)!

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We had another busy, busy weekend! On Friday, I met my mother and sister for a manicure (what’s better???).

I painted my nails “dutch tulips”… a nice Christmasy red for Chanukah 🙂

 I even made it back in time to play with my little bumpkins and put her to bed.

On Saturday, Charlotte had her very first gymnastics class! My little babes is growing up so fast. I can’t believe all of these new activities and experiences she’s been having.

Charlotte was a bit overwhelmed at class, but after getting some good bouncing in on the trampoline, she lightened up (her grip… she was a clingy koala for most of class). And of course, in her sudden, post-jump excitement, she started running towards all the people and stepped right off of the mats and faceplanted on the only foot of hard surface in the dang place.

  
  
  
 After gymnastics, I headed out for brunch with my girlfriends to celebrate one of my sweet girlfriend’s birthday! It was delicious and a blast.

  
 Then, we made our way back to the gymnastics place for open gym. Round two was really great for Charlotte. She had an absolute blast.

  
 That evening, my friend Jenna and her two boys came over for a visit. Mark took all three kids to the basement playroom and gave Jenna and I a good hour or more to chat and catch up. It was perfect.

 Then on Sunday, we headed to the nursing home to wish Mark’s grandmother a happy 97th birthday! Charlotte was a bit overwhelmed by the home. She wasn’t super comfortable, but did manage to give Grandma Dina a couple birthday smooches.

  
  
Finally, after Charlotte’s nap, it was time to go to Grammy & Grampie’s for the first night of Chanukah. And let me just say, Charlotte had a blast. We didn’t have a booster seat, so we sat her on top of a couple medical books and strapped her in with a belt. It worked perfectly and she loved sitting at the table like a big girl.

When it came time for presents, Charlotte absolutley LOVED opening her gifts and found a ridiculous amount of joy lugging around the gift bag containing all of her new items. In fact, she hasn’t stopped lugging around said gift bag.

  
  
  
 It was a blast! All in all, a very fun and eventful weekend.

Practicing for Her New Role

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Last night my Milly (Mother-in-Law) brought Charlie a wonderful and perfectly timed Chanukah gift: The Baby Amaze Learn to Talk & Read Doll

  Charlotte absolutely adores her new Baby Amaze and spent the whole evening practicing for her new role as BIG SISTER beginning in May 2016!

Yes folks, you read that correctly!

Miss Charlotte will be welcoming a little brother or little sister into our family somewhere in the vicinity of May 20th.

Cheers for growing families! Wish us luck 🙂

 

My Vehicle is a Moving (& Sometimes Stationary) Target

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I’m not sure if I mentioned this in my little recap, but on Wednesday of last week, as my mother and I were prepping Thanksgiving dinner, my father plowed into my parked car that was minding its own business on their driveway.

Let’s just say that Dad was throwing a temper tantrum and clearly not paying attention. Anyway, enough said.

The damage: 

   
While you might not believe it, today… just 9 days later, I was hit AGAIN! Thankfully, neither Charlie, the other driver or myself were hurt.

I was simply minding my own business, looking for a parking spot at the doctor’s office when BAM! Dude flew out of his parking space and bashed my car door (just a touch) and the back door (a lot).

I jumped out of the car and when I opened the back door to check on Charlotte, she just smiled and waved. Apparently she was unphased. Seriously, she’s a tough cookie.

Anyway, this second hit was way harder and the back door does not seem to be functioning correctly.

I’m supposed to hear from the other guy’s insurance tomorrow. Fingers crossed this is an easy process.

The damage (to the other side of the car): 

   
I’m thinking maybe I shouldn’t drive this weekend.