Beware of the Cheese Shark

Today during our lunch at Panera Bread we were visited by the cheese shark. Beware!

Sticking out our tongues...

Ainsley loves to play with the camera on the iPhone. Tonight I decided to turn the camera on both of us. Here we are playing with our tongues. Ainsley is also showing off her vocabulary. Enjoy!

3 Days Before Christmas... We made Ornaments

That's right... We made this little Snowman. Ever since we decided on our 12 Days list I have been looking for ideas for our "Homemade Ornament". And I had come down to 2... Which this snowman was not one of. That was until the packages arrived from Kevin's mom. Inside I found a whole bunch of packing peanuts and I was instantly inspired.

I pulled out my scissors, glue gun, a ribbon from something, and my random craft box. I let Ainsley tear up the peanuts... Which she loved by the way.

I found a brochure from the Auto Show with a plain silver page and cut out the shape of a snowman. Then I went to work with the glue gun attaching the ribbon, pieces of peanuts, and a few buttons for eyes and the body. I then found a piece of scrapbook paper and cut out the nose. And to finish it all off I found this snowflake trim (don't know why) that I just attached to the ribbon.

Not to shabby... For an UpCycled Snowman!

Bath Time Adventures

So for the past week Ainsley has had a lot of fun in the bath tub. She has her bath toys we play with but she just figured out the bottle. All Ainsley needs is a squeeze bottle and some water and it's laughing fun for all. Well... Maybe for all. Enjoy!

4 Days Before Christmas... We performed Random Acts of Kindness



Day 9:  Random Acts of Kindness

This Christmas Kevin and I both felt it was important to give back. This year has been a hard year for us (like many in our lives). Because of these hardships I think we both have tried to focus on what we do have. It's hard somedays to stay focused on the good things... But we are very thankful that we have each other and our health.

I have always liked the idea of Random Act of Kindness. These Acts are selfless acts performed by a person or people wishing to either assist or cheer up an individual person or people.  I was first introduced to this 2 years ago at Ransom. They actually make it part of their 6th Grade curriculum.
Which I think is amazing. Kids should learn about kindness and helping others.  Then the day after my Birthday I got an email from Panera Bread. Inside they featured a woman, Secret Agent L, who performs Random Acts of Kindness in Philadelphia. She has inspired hundreds more to join her Secret Agent Army. I was so inspired by her... And it started me thinking about my foot print on the world.

What kind of message do I want to teach my little girl?

We decided each of us would do an Act of Kindness. Now I know that these are things that we should be doing regardless of the time of year. During this time of the year I think we all get wrapped up in our own lives we forget to help others. So anything to help others is needed. I've already started thinking about different acts we can perform throughout the year.

So... Here are our Acts:

* Kevin donated Red Blood Cells at a Blood Drive.

* Arianne cleaned out all the closets and took a bunch of stuff to the GoodWill. She also donated to St. Jude's, Share our Strength, Voice for the Homeless, and Veterans of South Florida.

* Ainsley bought a toy for the Coral Gables Fire Department Toy Drive.

5 Days Before Christmas... Drive around and look at the lights

 

Drive around and look at lights 

Ok so we didn't actually drive around and look at lights... We just drove to the Zoo for their Zoo Lights event.  Ever since Kevin saw the advertisement a few weeks ago that's all he has been talking about. So we invited The Nelson- Montet family to join us and we went to Zoo. 

It was a great night!  To be honest that was one of the things that Kevin was really excited about... we were going to the zoo at night.    The Zoo had dozens of animal-shaped lights throughout the event area (from the entrance to the Children's Zoo).  And when you put on 3-D glasses some of the lights turned into Snowflakes or moved!  They had snow machines, a faux ice rink, and other fun activities. 

We got one of the $12.50 packages that came with hot chocolate and cookies, a ride on the carousel, and a photo with Santa. (who happened to be someone that I worked with at my old place of employment). 

We even ran into our friends Christine and Eli who were Caroling around the park. 

It was a fun evening... And a great (and different) way to get into the holiday spirit. 

A Visit with Santa

6 Days before Christmas... We Decorated our Tree

8 Days to Christmas ... Write Letters to Santa

Day 5:  Letters to Santa

A few days ago... (while I was picking up a gift card for the Outback Gift Swap) I picked up a few "Letters" from Macys.  I love Macys for their "Million Reason to Believe" campaign that they do every holiday season. I love them even more for the money that they will donate (up to 1,000,000) to Make a Wish for every letter written.  The Believe site even has Classroom Activities, create your own letter, and many other goodies.   

We wrote our letters and headed to Macys at The Falls to mail them to Santa. 

10 Days before Christmas...

Watch a special Christmas movie with treats

Last night we watched Rudolph, ate cookies and drank hot chocolate. It was a nice way to end the evening. I let Ainsley put the cookies on the stone and she had a fit when I put them in the oven. The only way we could get her to calm down was to pull her table into the kitchen and have her help me make the hot chocolate. Her favorite part of that was putting all of the mini marshmallows in her mouth... not her cup.  After all the treats were made we sat down and watched Rudloph and The Cricket on the Hearth.  And thanks to Gina... watching Rudolph will never be the same.  We kept commenting about how right she was about how Santa, Rudolphs Dad, the head elf, and the other reindeer treated Rudolph and Herbie.  

Anyway... we seem to be doing very well with our countdown.  Kevin and I are both excited that this seems to be working out well for us.  I think after 14 years we might have finally figured it out.  :)          

11 Days Before Christmas...

The Outback Christmas Party

Well,  It's that time of year.  The Outback Christmas Party.  This year Tracy decided to have it at the Yacht Club near Jungle Island.  Because of the Outback Party we were not able to do any of our Holiday Items.  It dawned on me that we should probably add in these little things into next years countdown.  As soon as I got home from Ransom we got ready and headed out.  First stop Macys to pick up a gift card for the gift swap.  Then we had to drive out to Mildres to drop off Ainsley.  We ended up stopping at Wendys for dinner.  

The party was nice.  It was out on the water so we had an amazing view of Miami Beach.  

We also had a view of a building that looked very similar to Dexter's apartment.  And being near a dock with a ton of boats that could have been Dexter's boat it struck up some interesting "holiday" conversations.

After a glass of wine I was exhausted and unfortunately we had to leave early. 

12 Days Before Christmas...

3 New Pairs of Pjs... and A Random Act of Kindness

Day 1:  Buy New Holiday PJs for Christmas Eve

This year we decided to try something different.  Instead of just a regular advent calendar we are going to do a holiday themed activity to count down the days to Christmas.  It's our new holiday tradition.  

I arrived home with a list of fun things to do and we quickly headed out to Sir Pizza for dinner.  As we ate pizza I filled Kevin in on my "New" idea.  I showed him the list and to my joy he was as excited as I was to attempt this.  At that point I realized I had left off "Visit Santa" on the list.  I guess that is a given for all families but I need a reminder.  We decided that we would make today an easy day and "Buy New Holiday Pjs" would be our first holiday adventure. 

We headed to Old Navy.  They have a pretty good selection and for a good price.  It's pretty much the go-to place for us every year.    

When we drove up Kevin noticed the Blood Donor drive.  He turned to me and said "I'd like to do my Random Act of Kindness tonight."  So Ainsley and I headed into the store and Kevin headed in to donate.  

He was in there for over an hour. Because of his size and his vain type (which his is most proud of) he was able to give Red Blood Cells.  This process is more involved than say just me going in and giving blood.  ** According to Kevin: This process takes his blood and separates the blood cells and then pumps the blood back into him.  It cuts down the time his "Gift" gets to the hospitals.  As always... he had some dizzy issues which is why he was in there for so long.  Kevin said that they had been out there for over 3 hours and he was the 3rd person to donate.  Which I felt really bad about.  They said it's the slowest time of the year for people to donate.  If Kevin hadn't taken so long I would have donated myself but after an hour there was no way Ainsley would last any longer.    

After Kevin had finished we walked into the store and picked out our pjs.  Ainsley got a cute pair with a Monkey.  I picked out a pair with Reindeer.  And Kevin (our fearless leader) got the Pirate Christmas pants with the Jolly Roger wearing a Santa Hat.

I can't wait to see everyone in their pjs on Christmas Eve.    

  

          

The Christmas Coundown...

::singing Ba Ba Bam Bam Bam Bam Bam Bammm... The Final Countdown::

Ever since Kevin and I first met he has always talked about the Advent Calendar his family would use during Christmas to count down the days to Christmas.  Each time he would talk about it I would invision the 5 year old version of him race past his sister to the Advent Calendar and wait to see if today was his day to put the next ornament on the tree. 

I am not sure why when he tells this story I always picture him at the age of 5.  Maybe it's because of the family portrait Marcia has hanging on the living room wall.  It's of all 4 of them... Marcia, Kelley, Kevin... and Will.  I see an entire family so happy... not a care in the world...  I don't know if Kevin pictures his childhood this way.  But this is how I like to think of it.  

Anyway... a few years ago his mother asked if he wanted the Advent Calendar.  I don't think I have ever seen him jump so fast to say "YES" to anything his mom was trying to give him.  I have always liked the idea of an Advent Calendar to countdown the days to Christmas.  We never had one in my family growing up.  The idea of taking on a new family tradition (from Kevin's side) excited me.

Not a discussion about the Advent Calendar went by without Kevin remarking how he and his sister had to alternate days.  Every day they would alternate who got to decorate the tree.  His Mom would even pack it up and take it with them to Mass.  Kevin always talked about how he and Kelley had to alternate years so they had to share who put the "star" on the tree (the final day).  I could see he didn't like the idea of sharing the days.  And I couldn't blame him.  Who wanted to sit there and watch your sibling decorate a tree while you had to wait till the next day.  Not me!!!  And don't even get me started on the "Candy" advents.  I would never share.  I would be the kid in the corner eating all of the candy!  Maybe that's why we never had one.  They knew I had no will for sharing candy.  

So after we inherited this Advent I knew I wanted to do something the entire family could get excited about.  Not just that days lucky chosen one.  But I had no idea on what or how to start.  

You see... Our problem is very simple.  During this time of the year we are both very busy.  This is the money time at the restaurant.  Even when I wasn't working at Outback full time I always would come in and sell Gift Cards.  Every year we would make a list of things we like to do for the holidays.  (Great intentions)  But without fail we would but we get so wrapped up in work they never happen.  We work so hard during this time we forget to slow down and enjoy the season.  And before you know it... that season is gone. (Horrible Follow thru)     

Last year our tree went up on Christmas Eve.  Now I know that's ok for a couple but it hit me... we are no longer a couple. We are a family.  I don't want our kids to miss out on baking cookies, watching movies, caroling, or taking drives to see the christmas lights. 

From my earlier posts you might have seen I have a new addiction... Pinterest.  Well, today while I was bopping around looking at Holiday things I found my solution.  You could say that is when I saw the Christmas Light!  

I found this site The Petit Cadeau.  Here they have a whole segment on the Advent Calendar and all sorts of fun activities to do instead of the traditional  (and sibling frustrating) candy.  

Today marks the final 12 days to Christmas... so I figured I would start with 12 this year and see how well we do.  I picked out 12 (out of the 36 suggestions they provided) things that I would like to do as a family to get us in the holiday spirit.  Hopefully we can catch the spirit before work and the other stresses of life make the holiday season disappear.  

I printed out the pdf from The Petit Cadeau and picked my favorite 12.  Tonight I am going to go to pull out those gift tags that we haven't used in years and copy the ideas over.

I am not sure which one we are going to start with... I am kind of excited to share with Kevin our new tradition.  I hope he will be as excited as I am to experience the season with each passing day.

Here is the list of 12 that I picked for this year:  

1. Go for a drive to see the Christmas lights.
2. Bake Christmas cookies.
3. Random Act of Kindness.
4. Make an ornament or decoration.
5. Watch a special Christmas movie with treats.
6. Have breakfast in bed!
7. Write a letter to Santa.
8. Shop for New Christmas pyjamas.
9. Decorate the Christmas tree.
10. Let's go: Ice skating.
11. Turn off the lights in the house, light up the christmas tree, turn on Christmas music, sip hot chocolate, and just relax!
12. Have a picnic dinner in front of the tree.            

   

A Day with Pam in the Gardens

Happy Halloween

Happy Thanksgiving

'twas the night before Turkey Day

'twas the night before Turkey Day... 

It's been a family tradition of our for the last 5 years to go to our friends Gina and Eric's house for Thanksgiving.  We absolutely love it. And now it's become part of our family traditions... The Holidays at the Nelson-Montet house. 

Every year (and every holiday) I get the lovely job of bringing the veggie tray (in addition to my dessert and sweet treats for the kids). At first I was kind of sad by my contribution. No one eats the veggie tray! But this group does. In fact sometimes thats all the kids ate while they run back and forth from the Wii to the table.  After I realized that my veggies were all the kids ate... I have always tried to make this simple side dish better. I am thrilled to bring the veggies... And 2 years ago when I was pregnant I couldn't be any more  thankful because I couldn't stand to be near food let alone cook it. 

Well... This year thanks to Pinterest and Mario Batalli I have reinvented my veggie platter. Meet Gobbles the Antipasto Platter. I decided to put him together tonight so I won't be so rushed tomorrow. There were things we wanted to do last year with Ainsley and didn't get to it because we ran out of time. Not this year!  

A few weeks ago I was flipping through Pinterest and found a photo of someones veggie plate in the shape of a turkey. And I knew at that moment... This is what I will do this year. 

Gobbles the Antipasto has all the yummy veggie regulars (except tomatoes-which never get eaten), my sweet pickles and black olives favorites, and a few lovely suggestions Mario gave on The Chew (for Thanksgiving Appetizers). I got some salami, pepperoni, and a container of olives from the olive bar. (remembering this is for kids 7 and younger). 

I made his body out of peppers and cucumbers. His feathers: salami, pepperoni, cheese, carrots, celery, sweet pickles, and olives. My favorite part was making the face and legs. He was so easy to make. And I can't wait to see the kids reaction to him. But I have a feeling I'm going to be making Gobbles the Antipasto Turkey again... 

Sunday in the Park with Ainsley

I'm a S'more-aholic

I admit it. I love S'mores! Love them. Maybe it's because they remind me of my childhood. Or maybe it's because they are so gosh darn delicious. Whatever the reason... I love them.  So it is no wonder to me that I am addicted to them. Heck, I even collect them. I mean our Christmas Tree has multiple ornaments and S'more Garland. And I even have Salt and Pepper S'mores Shakers with a Graham Cracker stand. And "Marshmallow World" isn't my favorite Xmas song just because I love the Rat Pack. Nope... I am addicted!   

So when it came time to put together a little treat for the kids this Thanksgiving... (You see after dinner at the Nelson-Montet house we go outside - gotta love South Florida weather- and watch a movie in the backyard.) ... I thought ... what would be more perfect than watching a movie and eating S'mores?

Nothing!!!! Right? 

I went to Target tonight to pick up the items needed to make little S'mores kits for all of the kids.  And that's when I saw it... StackerMallows!  Flat Marshmallows made for easy melting for toaster ovens and microwaves. Can we say... Genius!  I had to buy them and of course eat some tonight.

And thanks to Pinterest I have the S'more on the brain 24/7.  This site was already causing me to lose hours of my life looking at craft and food things I want to make.... but not a day goes by where I don't find another S'mores recipe I "MUST" try.  Right now my list has 4 that I can't wait to make: S'mores Bars, Frozen S'mores Parfaits, S'mores Cookies (where I learned August 10 is National S'mores Day - which I will be celebrating next year!), and last but not least.... S'mores Popcorn.  

And I am sure (thanks to Pinterest) my list is sure to grow... Good thing I stocked up on Chocolate, Marshmallows, and crackers tonight.  
        

Epcot's Food and Wine Festival 2011

The day after the wedding we went to Epcot for the Food and Wine Festival.  I don't know what we were more excited about:  Taking Ainsley to Disney or hitting the countries for treats.  

First we stopped off in the Land for Breakfast and then headed over to the Living Seas to check out the Nemo ride.  Then we rode the Figment ride.  There was no one in line so we let Ainsley walk the all the way up to the ride  (which I got video of).  Then we went to watch Captain EO. This was Kevin's first time watching it... and I hadn't seen that movie in over 15-20 years... so I was very surprised that I knew where Michael hit his "Ehee" and hit it with him.  Needless to say Kevin was impressed.  :)  And not just with the movie.  After we rode a few rides we decided it was time to hit the Food and Wine.  We went to the old Body of Life building and got our passport and gift card and headed out (Canada to Mexico).

Everything was going great.  We really liked the craft beer selection and tried a few new things.   Ainsley was enjoying it too.  As we were walking by France I see this HUGE cat walking around and who would it turn out to be?  Marie!  I turned to Kevin and said "She has to see this Kitty!"  So we waited in line and as soon as Ainsley saw Marie she just got the biggest smile on her face.  I was hoping she would say Kitty but her amazed little face was worth it.  Ainsley even started petting her.  But not as word.  It was if she was speechless.  The handler even commented about how excited Ainsley was.  And Marie was great with her.  She didn't rush us off... we later joked about what Marie thought when Ainsley walked up to her all wide eyed.  Marie can go back with pride saying she got the "Mickey" moment!  

After we left France we headed over to Italy.  There was a guy taking photos so we walked right up and got some family photos taken where we had our reception.  He was great... and took some great photos for us.  

It was a perfect day... and then... it got interesting.  I won't bore or gross you with the specific details but if you notice in the photos that Kevin and Ainsley are wearing 2 different outfits... well thats because Ainsley got sick.  Twice.  Once all over the stroller and the other all over Kevin.  As we drove home that night we thought about how you would hope your kids first trip to Disney would be magical.  You never think they would end up with a stomach virus and puking all over you.  

Anyway... we waited it out at the park instead of getting in the car and driving home.  The last thing we wanted to have happen was her get sick while we were on the turnpike and we can't do anything.  

After an hour she seemed to be feeling better.  We were able to keep some fluids in her.  So we stayed to watch Illuminations.  It's funny cause during the day someone was talking to us telling us that we "just had" to see it.  It was the best!  We both just smiled and said "Well, we just have to stay and see it then.  Thank you!"  What could we say to him? I think watching it for the first time as a family hit both of us.  Our kids will say "Why do we have to go to Epcot and see their lame Firework show?" But for us... it will always be something magical, special... the celebration of us becoming a family. 

    

The Living Seas and Nemo

The Collins at Illuminations

Marie and Ainsley

In Paris...



The McChangho Wedding

Congratulations Kathy and Billy!!!!

Can you tell that we are excited that Kathy and Billy finally tied the knot? 

Today we headed up to Orlando for their wedding.  It was a lovely day! A beautiful ceremony... and a "never gonna forget this evening" reception.

Because Kevin had to work the night before we left Saturday morning (missing all of the events the day before).  Traffic was insane on US1 for 9am on Saturday.  It actually took us 45 minutes to get to 95 instead of the 20 it would normally take.  So needless to say we were booking it to Orlando to make it for the 2pm ceremony.  Our goal was to take the bus from the hotel.  Which according to the email Kathy sent out was leaving at 12:30pm. 

It was a fun intense trip up.  At one point I even asked Kevin if we needed to could he get dressed in the car.  haha... But to make a long story short we made it on time.  We didn't make the bus.  But we were able to check into our room, get dressed and head out to the church.  

After the ceremony (which was lovely... and shorter than normal Irish Catholic Mass Weddings) we headed to the Grand Floridian.  It was a wonderful reception right by the beach.  In fact half the wedding guest ended up walking in the sand, lounging in the Beach Chairs, or playing in the water (the adorable flower girls and Bride).

After dinner we headed to the marina where Kathy and Billy had their dessert reception with a view of the Magic Kingdoms fireworks display.  And since it was the anniversary of the park opening there was an extra special fireworks display.  

We were talking with Kathy when the Disney Staff started escorting everyone over so we were one of the first guest to see the set up... and It totally took my breath away.  I actually turned to Kevin and said "They just topped our reception!"  

It was such an honor to be there for Kathy and Billy.  To be a part of their special day.  And even though Kathy blames us for the Fairy Tale Wedding Bill... I think (and still do) their weddings are worth every penny.

Congrats again.... :)        



Kevin and Ainsley on the Beach



Arianne and Ainsley on the Beach (taken by Kathy's photographer)



Ainsley's New Photo Book...

I got another FREE photo book from Shutterfly.... YAY! 

So.... here is Volume 5!  Enjoy! 

Click here to view this photo book larger

Cooking with Baby: Lunch Time, Lunch Time

September 16, 2011
Last night I made a Bertolli Pasta dish. It was one of the frozen packages that has everything included and cooks up in like 10 minutes. A new busy parents DREAM! In the past year these packages have been a staple in our house. Maybe I should buy some stock...
Anyway... The plan was to eat that for dinner when Kevin got home. But around 9pm all I really was craving was a 1/4 pounder. Yeah... The McDs craving has hit! I'm actually still craving one... Maybe for dinner. I called Kevin to see if he had passed the Golden Arches to find out he was bringing home some pork chops.
Here I am today... Thinking of what to make for lunch and all I see is this left over pasta staring at me. And the more I try to ignore it... It keeps staring! I quickly remember Giada's episode yesterday where she made frittatas. She said her mother would make these all the time with left over pasta (sauce included).
I think I had actually made one before... But I baked it... So... I preheat the oven, whip up some eggs, cut up some left over asparagus, and that "make me feel guilty" staring pasta. Viola! 30 minutes later... Lunch!
Take that... Left over pasta!
This recipe was a home run and not just for me. Ainsley really liked it. And because of the dairy and added veggies I feel good feeding it to her. And because of the texture she was able to feed herself and was able to chew it well (with her 8 teeth).
Here is my recipe:
Take That Pasta Frittata
Preheat over to 350.
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup of milk
- 1 1/2 cups of cheese (shredded)
- 2 cups of left over pasta (we had Bowties with Chicken in a Vodka Sauce with Asparagus) (sauce included - cut up a bit)
- leftover asparagus (diced)

Beat together eggs and milk.
Add cheese, pasta and asparagus.
Place is a dish.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Let cool for 5 minutes.
If you like a crispy, golden top place under boiler for 5 minutes (or till preferred brown).

Oliver "Buddy" Collins... Thank you for being our friend!

Oliver "Buddy" Collins... Thank you for being our friend!

You were just a little kitten when you came into our life. I never imagined how much a cute little ball of orange fluff would make our family complete.

It will be so hard not to think of you (and cry) when we look at your chair, do the laundry, make the bed, when we open the door, give Ainsley a bath, have ice cream, watch tv with a blanket, buy a new pair of shoes, open a loaf of bread... just to name a few...

It's even harder when we go to bed... Because you were always there with us. Taking up as much room as your little body would allow. You will always be our little Bed Pig...

For the past 12 years you have been "our Buddy". You were more than just a cat to us... You were our friend! You were our little boy! You were family! You were always there... And for 12 wonderful years you were a better friend than some of the humans we once called friends.

Thank you for choosing us... Thank you for allowing us to take care of you...

Thank you for all the wonderful memories...

Thank you.... For being our friend!

In Memory

Oliver "Buddy" Collins

9.01.99-08.07.11

Letters to Ainsley: I Remember...

Dear Ainsley,

A few days ago Daddy quoted a song from the musical Rent.  At first I thought he was just playing around and then it hit me what and why he was singing it. 

"Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand, Six Hundred Minutes.  Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand, Moments so dear.  Five Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand, Six Hundred Minutes... How Do You Measure - Measure A Year?"

First, I was surprised that he actually knew the words... But I knew why he was saying them.  525,600 minutes ago I was writing a post about how I wasn't sure when we would meet you.  How do we measure your first year? 

I remember...

I remember the day when we found out that we were going to be parents.  Oh, how excited we were.

I remember the day we first saw a picture of you.  You looked more like a little Yoda than a little baby.  Boy... did we get that right?

I remember calling you Fred... and Daddy calling you Fredina.  Because he knew that you were a Girl from Day 2! 

I remember the day we found out you were a Girl...  I cried because that meant we now had a wedding (yours) to pay for.  And also because I know that there would come a day (like all teenagers with their mothers) where you will say you hate me... and that just broke my heart. 

I remember the time I first felt you kick.  And the look on Daddy's face when he finally could feel.

I remember sitting in our closet looking at of your clothes and talking to you.  I would tell you about all the places I wanted to take you and the adventures we would share. 

I remember the day when we discovered you liked ukulale music. 

I remember the countless trips to triage... and just hoping you would stick around for a little while longer.

I remember the prayers I would say every night... Giving thanks for allowing me to be your mother for another day and praying for one more day.

I remember the pain, the discomfort, and being tired all the time.  But at 3:31pm that day... it was all just a distant memory.

I remember not hearing you cry and was worried something was wrong. 

I remember waking up the next day and touching my belly. It felt so weird because you were no longer there... and then looking over and seeing you in your Daddy's arms...    

You became our little girl... our Froggy... an amazing little person!   

For the past year... you have become my partner in crime and Daddy's little girl.  Since you have arrived, we look at each day as an exciting adventure that we get to share with you. 

I remember your smiles at 5am. 

I remember the days you fell off the bed or the couch. 

I remember the way you would fall asleep on us... and now the big girl sleeping in her bed. 

I remember all of your 1st!  Your first tooth, your first meal, your first "dada", our first hug, your first trip, your first shots, your first taste of ice cream, your first Christmas... just to name a few.  

  

Now... I tell you (much like I did when I sat in the closet looking at all of your clothes) of all the exciting things we are going to do or places we are going to see one day.... You have grown so much in the past year and we can't wait to see what the next 525,600 minutes brings us.

Happy Birthday Ainsley!  

Love, 

Mommy  

Nothing good happens after... 11?

Last night we had an adventure... One I hope to never have again but I am sure we will.

I'll set the scene 11:30pm. Our living room.

I was sitting at the table ordering photos from Shutterfly (I received 25 free prints on Saturday after we left for Key West and had to get them by yesterday).

So I am sitting at the table, on the computer, and Kevin has Ainsley. She keeps crawling around. (poor kid was stuck in either her stroller or car seat all day and finally fell asleep on the way home).

She sees that I am on the computer and scurries over to me. (she loves the computer and hitting the key board). Anyway... Kevin comes over and starts playing with her but all she wants is that lap top. So he picks her up and puts her on her shoulders. Next thing I know there is a crash and I look down and there is glass everywhere. She had grabbed a glass that was on the table. It fell and broke on Kevin's head. I look down and his leg is bleeding... Like bleeding. I swoop up Ainsley who is freaking out and I run to get a towel. (I am sure Kevin's version has me running around asking if his femoral artery was cut and if I needed to call 911. I just say that means I care...)

I try to vacuum up the glass but Ainsley is freaking out. And to be honest I was sort of freaking out because Kevin kept saying he was fine and was bleeding like crazy. I mean this is the same guy who hurt his back and ended up sitting on the arm rest of the couch staring at a wall for a few hours saying he was watching tv. So I'm not always trusting when he says he's fine. I end up finding out his head is cut as well.

We eventually bandage up Kevin and try to put her to bed... I pray we never have that happen again. And I am so thankful everyone is ok.

Kevin wanted to put up bloody photos on Facebook saying "what do you think happened?" I didn't think it was funny. But I did want to share.

How much is that Doggy in the window?

I just had to share this photos of Ainsley in front of the dog store on Duval. She was so close to passing out and then we walked by... This is the first time I have shown her something to look at that she actually became interested in it. She was so excited looking at the 5 puppies play. I think she actually caused more people to stop and look. After a few minutes of letting her "talk" to the puppies I started to lead us away... She had a fit! She was not done talking to them... So we stayed just a minute longer then headed on our way. But starting to think she is an animal lover.

Her personality is really starting to show more now... Especially when she is not happy with something. And me signing "stop" only makes it worse.

Key West Pool Fun

After we settled in to Key West (hitting Publix, checking in, and taking a nap) we hit the pool. Ainsley was the Belle of the pool. Everyone was saying Hi and laughing at her splashing.

For her Birthday I picked up these cute sun glasses for $3 at Janie and Jacks. I couldn't wait 2 weeks to give them to her. They match her swimsuit perfectly!

 

I have also found a new snack for her. I got some squeezable yogurt at Publix and I froze them to make a frozen pop. She loves them!

Country Breakfast Fun!

Daddy is headed back down to Key West today so we are tagging along for the weekend. But on our way down this morning we stopped off at the Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Ainsley did so well... She had an ENTIRE pancake! And she ate it all! She just sat in her chair right up next to the table and ate her breakfast.

But while we were waiting for breakfast to arrive we let Ainsley play with the peg puzzle. Oh that was fun. She just pulled out all of the pegs and tried to put them in her mouth. She was even separating them by colors (I am sure by accident). She would get so mad when we would try to put the pegs back in the triangle. We have one of these at home so I think it might be time to pull it out.



Letters to Ainsley

Dear Ainsley,

The other day I saw a commercial that made think of you... It was about how a Dad used the Internet to write letters to his daughter (from the time she was born till she is old enough to read them).

I try really hard to update our blog every once in a while with things that are going on in our lives, how you are growing up, or other random things. But I never thought to use it as a form to communicate to you now... For the future. There are so many things I want to tell you... Words of wisdom... Or other silly stories... But I know I will forget about them before you are old enough to understand.

So... Here is your first story...

I started teaching camp at the theater last week. But by Thursday of the 2nd week you had enough of me being away from you. Yesterday morning (around 5:30) you woke up screaming a scream that I can only describe as a nightmare scream. I rushed in to console you and as soon as I walked up to your bed you popped up and grabbed onto me. You held on to me as if your life depended on it. I sat down in the chair and you just curled up and fell back asleep. When I went to leave a few hours later you just looked up at me and the little sad face you make washed over your happy face. My heart just broke.

Then last night I could not get you to calm down to go to sleep. As soon as we took you in your room you just grabbed onto me and started crying. I finally took you back out to the living room and you curled up in my arms and fell asleep. I couldn't put you in your room... So you slept with us.

This morning was the same thing... You saw me in bed and smiled your happy morning smile but as soon as I started to leave that smile turned into a frown. Daddy is off today so i know you will love being with him! He even said he would bring you to come visit me while we were at lunch.

I know you don't understand now... But I love you so very much. I don't want you to ever think or feel that I don't! Or (heaven forbid) think that I am leaving you for forever! It's good for us to have time apart. This will help you be more independent and an even stronger little girl... And one day woman!

Tomorrow is Saturday and we have 2 whole days together! I am so excited! I know that by the end of Sunday you will be tired of me. And there are only 6 more weeks of camp and then I am all yours again!

Love you,

Mommy

Ainsley's Book - vol. 3

When Ainsley was a few months old I made her first photobook.  The original thought was to make books and send them to my mom and Kevin's mom.  I was not expecting to fall in love with the idea of making "books" instead of putting photos of Ainsley in just a regular photo album.  As soon as the first book arrived I was in love.  (Sorry Moms... but I promise a book is coming for you guys! A very special book.) 

Anyway.... The days of Scrapbooking are long behind me.  I knew that I just don't have the time anymore to put a scrapbook together and so I am so glad I found an alternative.  I just had visions of all of her photos sitting in a shoebox till she was 20. 

The first book sort of happened by accident and I really like how I was able to combine 2 months of "What's going on with Ainsley" in each volume.  So far I have made 3 books... The slideshow below is the 3rd book.  I know I am a few months behind but this is a lot easier than scrapbooking.  These photos are from November - December 2010.  And thanks to Shutterfly I can share them with you now. 

I hope you enjoy....

Click here to view this photo book larger