A Few Random Updates

Posted on July 29, 2015 by playinghousewi

I have been so terrible about tracking Charlotte’s milestones… The worst!

So here’s the latest and greatest from the wonderful world of my sweetie pie, Charlie:

Charlotte currently has 7 teeth!!! 4 on top, 3 on the bottom, and one more desperately working its way to the surface on the bottom.
As of Charlotte’s party, she blows kisses. Talk about melt worthy. Today when I was about to put her to bed, she quivered with excitement, blew me a kiss and then pulled my face in for a real smooch. Doesn’t get any better. Plus, it makes me laugh because I totally get that overwhelming sense of happiness and love that literally erupts out of you.
Charlotte has been saying mamamama, dadadadada, woof, bababa for awhile… BUT it’s been random and not always directed at the right thing (woof was always directed at the dog or cat). However, the other night, Mark and C were sitting in her chair… I got up to walk out of the room and as I made it to the door way, Charlotte looked up and said, “MaMa!” Yay!!!! Baby’s first word 🙂 My mother in law also told me that when she got her from her crib this afternoon, Charlotte kept saying, “mom mom mamamama” as if to say, “where’s my momma???” So cute. She also kept pointing at her bread tonight and saying “ba” – such a smartie.
The mini Chiquita still refuses to walk. She cruises on her kitchen and other toys, but no walking.
We had C’s check up today and she is 20 lbs (54 percentile) and 30″ (75th percentile) – way to go!! Still tall 🙂
Charlotte loves quesadillas. They might be her favorite food. We pack them with black beans and chicken and veggies and cheese… Mm!
Move over quesadillas… You’ve got nothing on berries. Charlotte loves berries more than mommy. No joke. Raspberries are #1, strawberries are #2, and mommy is #3
On Monday we went to Mark’s friend’s going away party. Charlie must have been feeling the brofestivities vibe going on because she was all about her daddy. Either that, or she understood me when I told her to make daddy feel bad for going away on business this week (kidding…). Either way, she literally burst into lip-curling, breath-snatching SOBS anytime Mark handed Charlotte over to me. It was crazy. We had the worst ride home sans daddy. I almost cried. That little lip and the gasping for air cry is just so sad. Oy… And the whimpers. Our girl rarely cries, so it was some serious stuff
A spoon is an essential part of every meal. Charlotte will eat at least 30% more if she’s given a spoon at mealtime. Don’t be fooled, the spoon is rarely used for eating.
Charlie is still breastfeeding at least 4 times a day.
Charlotte wore her first pigtails on Monday!!! So cute.

That’s all for now!

Charlotte’s First Birthday Party

Posted on July 24, 2015 by playinghousewi

For anyone that doesn’t know me, I just love throwing a good party. I love little details and I love hosting my friends and family at the house. So yes, I’ve been pretty excited about throwing my favorite girl a birthday party since at least Month 6.

I didn’t really select a theme… the only real guideline I had was that I was desperate to see all the tiny girlies in pink tutus. I don’t know about you, but I genuinely believe that there is not much cuter than babies draped in tulle.

The other big thing was that I wanted to have the party in the backyard, BUT, did not want to BBQ. BBQ’s create more heat (Hello!! It’s July!, hazard (babies and curious hands), and work during the actual event. It was important to me that Mark and I got to really enjoy our guests and our time with the little princess.

SO, with all of that in mind, we turned our backyard into an awesome little party venue, adorned with tissue paper pom-poms, pink beach balls (I ordered these sames ones from Rakuten, but can’t seem to find the ones I purchased for $14.99 including shipping) and an awesome (and inexpensive) DIY canopy. I made the cutest little tutus and rustic flower crowns for the 4 girls, crowns for the boys using gold leather I bought on Etsy that had a very “Where the Wild Things Are” vibe, and flower crowns for the adult ladies.

I’ll post separate blogs for DIY tutus, flower crowns, leather ‘where the wild things are’ crowns, and party canopies.

We also brought in a woman to do a little song session with the kids. She’s someone who used to work at my husband’s grade school and was SUPER affordable and wonderful!

For food, I made BBQ Chicken in the Crock (I skipped the corn starch/chicken broth step… but probably wouldn’t do that again), Tortellini Pasta Salad (SO DELISH!), Red Cabbage Cole Slaw (I can’t find the recipe, but don’t worry, I didn’t like how this turned out), Watermelon Salad, and then had dips/vegetables/fruit/chips/cheese/crackers/etc. I bought the cake and cupcakes from the store and made rice krispie treats.

Just Let Us Sleep!

Posted on July 21, 2015 by playinghousewi

Between the dog and the babes, we have been getting woken up a lot lately. Last night, the little bug decided to holler at us from around 3:30-4:30 am. I can’t remember what time we finally went in there, but ugh.

I have no idea what the deal is. Is she still just totally pooped from partying like such a birthday rockstar (aka skipping naps, etc) this weekend or is she teething? Or is she just in a bad routine?

I have no idea.

Last night, she was face down, looking like she was sleeping… But whining/crying on and off. Every time we’d decide to go in there, she’d stop crying and be totally still.

We ended up giving her baby Advil, but are totally confused as to what the issue really is.

Hopefully tonight will be a quieter night.

Look at her creepily watching the camera while daddy tried to calm her…

Happy birthday!!!!!

Posted on July 16, 2015 by playinghousewi

We got your gift from Grandma, Grandpa & Great Grandpa all set up (which took HOURS), went to the grocery store to get ingredients for berry pancakes and a special lunch, picked up 6 pretty pink balloons and one ginormous balloon that’s bigger than your whole body and barely fit through the door of the car… And now, we are all set for you to wake up (in a few hours) because TODAY IS YOUR BIRTHDAY!

I can’t wait to make today a very special day for you, my lovey girl!

Perfect Day-Before-the-Bunny’s-Birthday Lunch!

Posted on July 15, 2015 by playinghousewi

Clearly someone read yesterday’s blog post to the bunny because we’ve had such a sweet little day together (minus our 5:30 am wake up). Here are some (ha! Many…) pictures of our happy little bumpkin at lunch and our happy little snuggle sesh in the car before it was time to get strapped in the car seat.

Be prepared for an absurd amount of clapping…

The Final Day of Infancy

Posted on July 14, 2015 by playinghousewi

To my sweet little bunny girl,

Tomorrow is your final day as an infant, as Thursday marks your 1 year old birthday! Over the past 12 months, I have fallen deeper in love with you than you will ever truly know. I have been the luckiest mommy in the world to have been able to spend almost every single day of your short little life with you. While bringing you to work has had its challenges, it was above all, the most incredible gift. I have had the privilege of witnessing every milestone and moment. From the first time you rolled over or crawled to your first time standing on your own to your first kiss. I have watched as you discovered likes and dislikes, everything.

I am so incredibly fulfilled by this amazing year with you. You are the funniest, happiest, most lovely little being I’ve ever known. Your little smile (and your big smile) bring me instant flutters. You literally light me up with your joy, curiousity and playfulness.

We have a bond, you and me. Our humor seems to have many similarities, which keeps us giggling constantly.

When you randomly smooch my face or give me a tight squeeze of a hug, I melt away. You’re just such a blessing and I’m so incredibly thankful for you.

So, let’s make tomorrow – your last day as my tiny little infant – just as magical as the days before… and remember, come Thursday, we start a new chapter. A new page in our little story. And come Thursday, I will love my tiny little toddler just as much as I do my tiny little infant.

Happy almost birthday, bunzo.

xo,

Mommy

Another great weekend

Posted on July 14, 2015 by playinghousewi

This summer has been so much fun! I feel like with my June 27th… Or 28th (I can’t remember) due date and my July 16th delivery, I spent a whole heck of a lot of the summer waiting for baby to arrive and hibernating once she did.

Regardless, we are definitely making up for it now. Between the fun family activities and visiting with friends, it’s just been a blast.

Friday we had a low-key evening with my folks. Nothing too crazy, just a quick dinner at mom’s and then off to bed for the little one and some wine and relaxation (aka tutu making) for hubs and I.

Tutus are done!

On Saturday, I went and got a mani with my mom and sis and then mom and I went to Costco… It was time to do some party shopping.

Then, Mark’s momma came over to play with C and Marky and I headed to our friend’s for her lake’s annual fire works and a fun little BBQ!

On Sunday, after some family snuggles, we met Mark’s mom at the breeder because she got a new and totally adorable new pup. She’s the cutest!

After naps, marky and Charlie went to his dad’s for their weekly visit and I went to my friend Jenna’s kiddies’ bday party! She made the cutest dang ninja turtle cakes ever. Also, I’m obsessed with her potted plants. Such a pretty arrangement.

After the party, it was time for dinner with my brosef who’s in town!

One Week…

Posted on July 8, 2015 by playinghousewi

My baby turns one full year old in a week from tomorrow. How in the heck is that possible? A big part of me feels like she’s always been a part of me… it’s impossible to think of how it felt when she didn’t exist, when I didn’t love her in the biggest way imaginable. Yet still, when I examine the fact that it has been an entire year, that my baby is a toddler, my head spins in disbelief.

I feel this internal struggle… part of me is sad because this year has literally flown by, but in the same breath, I’m so happy because my tiny little munchkin has turned into such an incredible, funny, spunky, loving, chipper, badass little bunny. This age is hilarious and amazing.

But seriously… where did this past year go?

Charlotte’s birthday is next Thursday. It’s a work day, so her actual special little day won’t be anything too grand, but I’ve been trying to think of things to do to make it a little more fun for her. She loves balloons, so I was thinking maybe I’d decorate her high chair with balloons… make her pancakes with fruit for breakfast… I was debating taking her to story time that morning, but I’d have to wake her from her nap, so I’m not sure about that one yet.

Maybe we can have a picnic outside for lunch… what to make for dinner? I don’t know…

Help! What are some fun ideas to celebrate her special day? And yes, I know she won’t remember later in life, but that doesn’t mean she shouldn’t enjoy each moment of her day!

Mini smirk.

The magic sling.

Happy fourth!

Posted on July 8, 2015 by playinghousewi

i LOVE long weekends. Especially when we don’t have too much planned… Ugh! I literally took at least three hammock naps this weekend and I actually have a little color in my skin.

We had an absolute blast hanging with family, getting stuff done around the house, relaxing, and enjoying each other. All in all, a great Fourth of July weekend!

Lunch with little miss sunshine and her cute tush…

Had to sneak in Charlie’s 11 month pics before I totally missed it… Ugh. I really dropped the ball with these pics. Sorry, bunny! I tried… But you’re SUCH a pain during these photo shoots.

  Fourth of July pool party!
  Lounging 🙂



Charlotte crawled over to this random group of girls and ladies for a nice chat! So silly 🙂

I joined…
Listening to Grandma, Grandpa and the band sing to little Charlie!

Zonked!

Did I mention I finished the dang growth chart???

Weekend in Review

Posted on July 1, 2015 by playinghousewi

This past weekend was SO busy and wonderful! Not just busy in the “we’re new parents and don’t really go out” sense… but for real busy.

On Friday, we headed to Lake Country to visit my sweet little love of a friend, her hubby and their NEW baby girl, Bailey, in the hospital. It was such perfection to hold her warm and cozy little cutie. Charlie enjoyed the visit, too! She loves to point out the obvious… “hey momma, look… that’s a baby”… “hey momma, loook… the baby is crying”… “hey momma – waaaa – I sound like the baby.”

Yes, I “paraphrased” her grunts and pointing.

After our visit, we headed to this cute little Italian restaurant with our friends Erica and Jake. We were a little nervous because we didn’t sit down for dinner until around 6:30/6:45ish… which is Charlie’s bed time. BUT, she was very well behaved and allowed us to have real adult conversation and a really great time. She even FELL ASLEEP IN THE CAR!!!

First, we taught her to drive!

Up until about a month ago, this child has not dozed in the car since she was a tiny tot.

On Saturday, Marky went golfing with his friends while I lived out my nightmare with the animals. I will post separately about the shit storm that has been our pets these past few weeks, but to summarize, I went in to change Charlotte after her nap. Within seconds, Oliver the Cat waltzed in, strolled behind Charlotte’s glider and URINATED on her carpet with his evil ammonia pee. I proceeded to soak up pee for the next 15 minutes while Charlotte projectile sobbed in my face. It was fab.

I was desperate to get out, so after the urination game, Charlie and I met my parents, neice and nephew at Strawberry Fest for lunch (a cute little festival in a neighboring town). After the fest, Charlie and I went home for a nap.

Post-nap, Charlotte went to her Grandpa and Grandma’s (Mark’s dad and step mom’s house) for a sleepover party! Of course she was pumped. She loves them and Grampie lets her play with whatever she wants. They had an absolute blast and Charlie was very well-behaved.

While she enjoyed her slumber party, Mark and I went to a housewarming party at his friend’s house downtown. It was great! They had the cutest little setup on their driveway. Their house is great. It was a nice night amongst adults.

Then, Sunday we were up early to pick up the little one and head to Chicago to see my brosef. We were a little nervous about driving out there because unless Charlotte miraculously slept in the car, she’d be without a nap all day… which she’s never actually done before. We rigged a little cave for Charlotte in the back seat and actually managed to get her to sleep for about an hour of our 1.5 hour drive.

It was enough to keep her happy for a great day! We went to lunch and then walked through a cute little art fair! It was SO much fun to be out and hang with my brother. It was definitely the most time he’s spent with Charlotte and I have to say, it was perfect. She absolutely loved his goofy nature and he seemed to have a lot of fun playing with her. It really made me so happy.

After Uncle Matt time, we stopped by my friend Marci’s house to smooch her and her little baby who is already 6 weeks old! And of course, we had to introduce the future husband and wife!

Then, grabbed a quick dinner and headed home. At dinner, Charlie met her first ex-boyfriend! It was another little babe who was just 2 weeks older than her. The two were FLIRTING up a storm… staring at each other, chatting, showing off. It was way too cute. Notice her facing away from the table?? She was watching her new bf.

After din, we got on the road… two hours later, poor Charlie didn’t get in bed until 9 pm, but thankfully slept most of the way home. She literally fell asleep within 45 seconds of being strapped in her carseat.All in all, a busy and great weekend!