Oh…What a Beautiful Sunday!!!

It was absolutely gorgeous outside yesterday and what better way to celebrate the sunshine than to enjoy a day outside.  And that is exactly what Ella and I did. 

She is so interested in the world around her, that we had an adventure outdoors.  Her curiosity is at its peak and she wants to know as much about anything and everything she can handle.  Every time she would point and ask (grunt), I would tell her what it was…and she reciprocated by repeating everything I would say.  We explored the back yard, front yard, school yard and the neighborhood.  She had a blast! 

When daddy got home from work, we went on our 1^st family bike ride.  To say it was great is an understatement!  It was the best!  No words can really describe how special this was to Mark and me.  I love having special family time together, but this was different and way fun!  Ella’s big smile was all the reassurance we needed.

As we cruised the neighborhood, Ella greeted everyone she saw.  I kid you not, she said “Hi!” to everyone!  Haha, it was so cute.  Then she saw a big dog and was so excited, she kept yelling “Doggie, Doggie!” 

These are memories that I am really glad we are creating for her.  I cherish so many of my childhood memories and can only help create the best ones for her!

Heart Breaker

Last night, Ella wanted nothing to do with her dinner. I have read that toddlers go through this phase, so I thought nothing of it. She seemed a little cranky and we thought she was tired, so an early bedtime was looking like the only option.


After reading our books, I put her down at 7 p.m. and she was out like a light. About 45 minutes later, we heard what sounded like Ella having a hard time breathing. My 1st thought is “Oh god…her milk allergy”, so I ran in as fast as I could. As Mark and I got in there, Ella was purging everything that was in her belly. No fever, just clammy and cool.

It is so scary when you have a kiddo that is allergic to milk and you are not with her 24 hours a day to make sure she did not eat or drink anything containing milk. This time, I knew she didn’t have anything new that day, but couldn’t help worrying.

She only purged once, so I knew it was not the allergy. If it was…she is usually like Reagan from the exorcist and it is non-stop.

So, mommy cleaned Ella up and daddy cleaned her bedding and Teddy, but Ella did not want me to leave. She clung to me more than she ever has before. We sat there holding each other tight and she fell asleep in my arms. When I tried to lay her back down, she woke right up and told me to “sit sit”, so I did. I held her for an hour and half and I started to dose myself. I decided to lay a blanket down on her floor and she and I feel asleep cuddling.

Mark came in and peeked in on us, but turned around to let us be.

There is nothing worse than having a little one who is not feeling well and cannot express what it is they are feeling. I felt so bad for her, but I cherished the feeling of being needed and her not wanting me to leave her side.

She woke up this morning and seemed to be back to her old self. She drank some water and had killed 1/3 of a banana. (keeping it light, just in case) My poor lil nuggie!

Cruisin’ for Spring!!!!

I cannot contain the excitement I feel right now. I finally did it! I purchased my bicycle last night. It has been sooo long since Mark and I have treated ourselves to anything other than food, so I think we both deserve a little something. I have been dreaming of the day that Mark, Ella and I can cruise the neighborhood and local parks as a family with our bikes. We are more than half way there…Mark still needs to get his.


I have had my heart set on this ONE bike for months now and it was unavailable for the longest time. After checking the website almost daily…it is now in stock again. YAY! I woke Mark up from his happy slumber last night just to tell him, and immediately ordered it. Hey, I can’t take any chances, right?!?!

So, my pearl pink, beach cruisin’ Schwinn is on her way to me by the end of the month. Of course I couldn’t forget my inspiration for this purchase. I got a front end Wee Ride Carrier, so that Ella and I can interact and it will be easier for me to steer than a rear carrier. And no worries, we got her a SWEET panda bike helmet so she is safe and stylish at the same time!

My anticipation for warm, Spring weather has just grown knowing that my awesome bike is on its way. I cannot wait for Ella, Mark and I to hit the streets. I just know my baby girl is going to love going for rides!

Thinking warm thoughts….

There's No Place Like Home

I love weekends with this little girl!  We had no plans and that is always the best kind of weekend for us.  We could hang in our PJ's all day, catch up on some chores and just enjoy the company of our loved ones. Mark worked during the day both Saturday and Sunday, but we were able to enjoy family time once he got home.  

Ella has become so independent lately and has become such a big helper around the house.  She helps push her highchair back to storage after meals and she helps move the coffee table out of the way to clear the room for play time.  She is also beginning to undress herself when asked...she has the shirt down with very little help from us.  This morning I walked in to her having her sleeper unzipped.  haha.  

Saturday, Ella wanted to help me sweep the floor and she was actually doing a great job!

Personality is is just blossoming in this little character.  She really cracks us up!  Because she is so interested in learning about the world around her, everything is an adventure.  

Exploring my closet was on our agenda today.

She even shared a snack with her best buddy, Teddy!

Going back to work on a Monday is always hard.  What gets me through is seeing this amazing little person afterwards.  And no matter how bad a day I have....Ella knows how to make me smile and forget about all that is insignificant.  

Pizza Night!!

It's not everyday we ride home from work together, but today was one of those days.  On our way to pick up Ella, Mark asked what I was in the mood for and I told him I could go for a really good pizza.  After ruling out driving to Scranton for the REAL pizza...we decided we had to get local.  I really dislike all the pizza in this area because nothing compares to my hometown's.  Mark mentioned Domino's so we just went with that.

I placed my simple order or 2 medium pizzas, one cheese the other pepperoni and a side of garlic dipping sauce. It arrived on time and the three of us we ready to grub.  I opened the cheese and there was no tomato sauce on the pizza.  Mark decided to check the pepperoni...same thing NO SAUCE!  The crazy girl who took the order ordered our pizza minus the tomato sauce and the garlic dipping sauce was on the actual pizza...in the spot were tomato sauce should be.  Really?!?!

(sidebar) This isn't the 1st time something weird like this happened.  Boston Market chicken carver had Macaroni and Cheese on the sandwich.  haha!

Back to Domino's - I called the girl back and after a ten minute hold, she said she is placing our order once again and we will receive the delivery in about an hour.  (an hour has already gone by since the 1st order)

So, the 2nd hour goes by and Mark calls.  Would you believe the girl actually tried to tell my husband that I miscommunicated the order to her.  She proceeded to tell him that she talked to her supervisor about the order and that they decided to credit our account for the amount of our pizza.  again REALLY?!?!   We were in SHOCK!

Finally got a manager on the phone, and he made our order priority and although it took 3 hours...we got our crappy cardboard pizza the correct way.  We could have drove to Scranton and got really good pizza all before we got this.   NEVER AGAIN DOMINO'S....Never!

melanie