Toddler Tales and More…

these are the stories of a mommy, daddy and a spunky little toddler.

Epic Fail…I certainly hope not! September 21, 2012

Filed under: Family,Milestones — de~mommy @ 11:28 am

My baby is turning 3 next month!  With this fun celebration coming up, I wanted to make sure it was extra special for the amazing little girl that we have.  So why do I always chose themes that have absolutely no pre-made decorations or supplies??  I did this for her 1st birthday as well (Yo Gabba Gabba).

When consulting my almost 3-year-old with what kind of party she wanted this year, she advised me she wanted a Fresh Beat Band party.  So much potential for this theme, but it all has to be hand-made.  Ahhh!  I have a bunch of awesome ideas, just need to find the time to execute them. 

Part 2 of this saga is her present from mommy and daddy.  Her nursery was Chocolate brown and Pepto-Bismol pink.  That pink drove me crazy!  I had this brilliant idea to give Ella a big girl room for her birthday. Sounds totally fantastic, right?!  I let Ella pick the color of her new big girl room and she picked the most beautiful purple.  She assisted with painting and is now not allowed to go in there until her birthday because it is a surprise.  The majority of her bedroom makeover items have been received, we only have a few last-minute things to pick up.  

My husband and I talked last night about everything we need to get done over the next few weeks and it is a bit overwhelming. Especially with her being sick right now.  We have been working opposite shifts and we both work long hours, so getting the time together to tackle our laundry list of things to do is next to impossible.  I am confident we will pull this off and in the end everything is going to be totally amazing!

 

ABC’s and 123’s January 8, 2012

Filed under: Family,Milestones — de~mommy @ 1:11 pm
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Every parent thinks their kid is a genius.  And they are right!  The learning process of infants, toddlers and preschool children is truly amazing.  Our 2 year old never ceases to amaze us.  Every day there is something new and my husband and I look at each other and ask, “Who did she learn that from?”.   We work with our little girl constantly and she has a wonderful woman who watches her at daycare that also teaches her.  From the time she was born we have talked to her and explained everything we were doing…even if we thought she couldn’t understand.  The mind blowing thing is, they are sucking up all that knowledge and storing it for when it will come in handy.

 

Ella has been able to count to 10 for a long time now, but she doesn’t like to be put on the spot.  When someone will ask her to count, she will simply stare or start counting in a super soft voice so nobody can hear her.   The other night in tubby time she counted to 15 (with no help) and is now working on getting to 20.

 

So last night during our tubby time ritual, she was playing with her foam alphabet and numbers and started doing her ABC’s.  My husband and I tried to pretend we weren’t listening to her so she would continue and she did!  She said her whole alphabet from A to Z and even included the ending “Now I know my Abc’s, next time won’t you sing with me.”    We wanted to jump up and down with joy, but knowing our kiddo, we had to keep things low key. We gave each other a discreet High-Five and praised her for the awesome job!

 

So proud!

 

Cookie Time! December 9, 2011

Filed under: Adventures,Family — de~mommy @ 9:35 pm

I am on a mission to make 5 different kinds from scratch and I am currently on # 3.   I grew up with an awesome tradition of helping my mom bake Christmas cookies and today I got to include my little bugger with the tradition.

 

Ella is Miss Independent and always wants to help with whatever my husband and I are doing.  She was so excited to help today.  I had all of the ingredients but forgot a few storage containers, so we ran to the store to grab them.  When we came back she helped me unpack the bags and she put everything where SHE thought they belonged.  Later to find out the storage containers ended up in her dresser in her bedroom.  She must have really like them!

 

We got to baking and made one of Daddy’s favorites – Oatmeal Raisin.  I personally do not like them, but it was also something Ella can enjoy because it contained no milk.  (her allergy)  She added all the dry ingredients in, mixed everything up and even helped use the mixer…I held the back.  Once they were in the oven she watched in pride!  I must say…they taste pretty yummy!

 

 

Once we were done it was lunch time and naptime.  Once I got her settled, I came back out to my kitchen and started scrubbing.  I had sugar and flour in every nook and cranny.  Haha!  But I grabbed a broom with a big smile on my face knowing this is another beautiful memory I created with my baby!  and she enjoyed it too!!

 

Happy Holidays!

 

Cybèle Mendes Photography November 25, 2011

Filed under: Cybèle Mendes Photography,Family,Milestones,Photography — de~mommy @ 10:12 pm
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Every moment in everyone’s life is precious.  There are so many times growing up that I would hear my mom say, “I wish I had my camera!”  Now that I am a mother, I am always camera ready!  (or I try to be…)  There are still those milestones and special moments that every mother, father, grandparent, etc. want to capture with a  professional photographer.  It can be difficult weighing options on where to take your child for their professional photos.  How will your kiddo adjust to a stranger taking her or her professional pictures?  Will your child be comfortable in the environment?  Will the photographer be kid friendly?  Lastly, will you get the professional quality you are looking for with the price you will be paying? I have been in this situation and actually tried a few venues with not much success.

 

Ella’s 1st photo shoot at 2 months old was decent but there were a lot of tears and I was roped into purchasing a ridiculous package that I still have an overabundance of photos from.  The 2nd time, I tried a new place and it was a TOTAL disaster.  The woman taking the photos seemed to have no clue.  She didn’t even center my baby in the picture and didn’t even crop out the background.  You could see various other backdrops and props in her photos.  I was heartbroken!  While stewing over this…I picked up the phone and dialed a close friend of mine.  She came to my rescue immediately and I simply fell in love with her work!

 

Cybèle Mendes Photography focuses on lifestyle photography, which means taking quality photos in a more informal situation.  She captures candid moments and details in realistic settings and in turn it loosens up the usual overly posed family or children’s portraits.  Her main focus is children and newborns but also photographs weddings and family portraits.

 

Cybèle’s background in photography is in fine arts.  She has a BFA with a concentration in photography, and a MFA in photography.   Her artwork has been exhibited nationally and internationally, and has received awards and fellowships for the work she has done.

 

Since Ella was 4 months old, Cybèle has been capturing the most amazing shots of her.  It was easy in the beginning when Ella was immobile, but as time progressed…she has given Cybèle a work out.  With lifestyle photography, Cybèle wants to capture her in her natural state, so if Ella starts running… so is Cybèle.  Another great aspect is the environment the pictures are taken. If the child is comfortable, the photos reflect that.

 

Cybèle’s artistic flair just takes your photo shoot to another level.  Instead of the constant stuffy studio, you can find yourself travelling to a nearby Park or Orchard .  On location or relaxing in a home, Cybèle  will be sure to capture timeless, picture perfect photos that everyone will admire.

 

I have grown to have a greater appreciation of photography and she has opened my eyes to what it really means when you say “A Work of Art”.  Every photo that Cybèle has produced is truly a reflection of her love and passion for what she does, as well as a cherished memory for my family.

 

The Holidays are approaching fast!  Book your next photo shoot with Cybèle Mendes Photography today!

http://cybelemendes.com/

 

 

For the Love of Shoes… November 10, 2011

Filed under: Family — de~mommy @ 2:41 pm
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Sure diamonds are a girls best friend, but I believe shoes rank pretty high up as well!  Most guys do not understand the importance of oh so many pairs of shoes (including my husband).  The truth of the matter is: A girl has to have shoes for all occasions and choices to boot.  Pun intended!

 

I work in the city of Wilmington’s business district, so seeing women walking around in heels is an everyday thing.  Yesterday, I was driving home and saw a woman who looked like she was in the most agonizing pain with each step she took.  Her facial expressions were classic!  Why do woman put themselves through this you ask???  My guess would be cause they look super cute!

 

I am a big fan of shoes, but am very limited these days.  My take on shoes has not changed much throughout the years.  I have styles that I stay away from completely and amongst those are anything with heels.  You would think a chica with a stature of 5’3″ tall would be in love with them, but they are not practical for me.  I prefer comfort and basically do not have enough coordination to pull off heels of any sort.

 

Lucky for me, I work in a business/casual environment.  More casual than business, thank goodness.  I am not one that is down for discomfort, especially when it comes to my feet.  My shoes of choice are flip-flops, flats, sneakers and sneaker flats.  The last one is reserved for work…this way I could rock my sneakers, but they look like casual flats so no one is the wiser.

 

In high school I worked in a shoe store that was going out of business and it truly was a blessing in disguise.  When we found out we would be closing, all the employees had 1st pick of all shoes and were able to store them in the back room until the discount was at a whopping 90% off.  WHAT?!  I know…it was truly an amazing feeling as a young woman.  EVERYONE got at least 2 pairs of shoes from me for Christmas that year.

 

Be it as it may, I have bargained with the shoe devil, a.k.a the husband, and now every time I buy a pair of shoes…I have to get rid of 2 pairs.  This is truly insanity!   While I understand his take as a guy with only a few pairs, this is heartbreaking to me.  Just because I do not wear them everyday, does not mean they will not be worn in the near future.  So to my surprise,  the other day he ordered me a new pair of sneakers (which are SUPER CUTE)….so do I still have to get rid of 2 pairs?

 

If you are looking for super cute shoes, you have to check out http://myshoeconnection.com/     My Shoe Connection is offering FREE standard shipping to anywhere in the continental U.S.A excluding Alaska & Hawaii!!  How can you pass that up?

 

If it Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix it! November 2, 2011

Filed under: Family — de~mommy @ 12:50 pm

Breaking out the Scranton in me for that title!  This is also my mantra I live by.  I am a simple kind of girl and it doesn’t take much to make me happy.  Sure…there are things I enjoy spending money on, but I do it with flare and for special occasions and I budget everything out. 

 

 I recently watched one of my favorite interior designers, Genevieve Gorder, redo a bachelor pad and the man was clueless as to where to start when designing his new place.  She explained to him that having things to start conversations is important in your home (especially when you are a bachelor on the prowl).  Old pictures, random objects, things you personally like and things you would like to do.

 

My home is full of conversation starters!  Every time we have guests over, they check out all our family photos and ask questions about the things that are strategically placed around my home.  The object that gets the most attention is my TV.  She is a voluptuous 36” RCA box TV that is knocking on 11 years old.  I don’t think there is anyone who can pass up commenting on it, haha.  She works and serves her purpose!  No need to replace something that works like a charm. 

 

Another fun topic is usually my cell phone.  I have a bottom of the line, touch screen Samsung that was free with a 2 year contract.  I am able to make/receive calls, take/receive pictures, and I can text and receive text messages.  My husband and I both prefer this basic phone.  The way I am with my klutziness, it is better off this way.  I have had my phone for 6 months and she is chipped up and has approximately 8 cracks in the screen.  I can still read everything, so it hasn’t affected her purpose. 

 

To add to the list of antiques…I have a 12 year old Krupp’s Coffee/Espresso machine.  She makes the most glorious coffee this side of Newark.  Friends often request a cup from the old gal and say it’s the best.  Sure a Keurig would be nice, but then you have to worry about having an abundance of K-cups on hand.  Nope…if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!

 

Oh and I also have a landline!  We tried doing without it, but I live in a dead zone for cell service.  Both of our cell phones drop calls constantly when we are home.  So a landline is necessary if we want to keep in touch with family.  Which we do cause they are pretty awesome!

 

There are so many other things I can go on and on about, but the truth is we do not find a need for all the top of the line, fancy smancy technology that is out now.  I’m not knocking those who have it, but for us…simplicity works.  We have what we need and are proud of what we have. It’s paid for and we earned it!  The one thing I know that we will need and can’t live without will be a new laptop.  This too is knocking on 7 years old.  Lol.

 

Our home is beautiful and I am proud cause it is ours.  When it comes to life, you do not need the latest in trends and expensive technology to survive.  Love and pride is all it takes to make a happy home!  And we have an abundance of that, so I think we are in great shape. 

 

All Hallows’ Eve October 28, 2011

Filed under: Family — de~mommy @ 1:34 pm
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Tis our favorite holiday of the year!  Nothing like breaking out the gore and scaring the bejesus out of the neighborhood kids.  Well that’s how we used to roll…

 

The freaky decorations are up, but there will not be any chasing the kids down the street with the chainsaw this year.  Now that we have a kiddo, we have to keep things PG.  I am hoping when Ella gets a little older, she will want to join in on Mom and Dad’s freak show…but for now we have to keep it clean.

 

I decorated the house inside and out last weekend, and when Ella woke up Monday morning she was a little hesitant when entering the living room.  I told Mark we would give it a day or two, if she was still creeped out…we would take down the skulls and gothic portraits.  After explaining to Ella that they are just pictures and they are harmless…she now walks around giving kisses all the Halloween decorations and growling at the scary pictures.  Truly Awesome!  Now I have another worry…I have young nieces coming over for dinner and trick or treating.  While I know my baby is cool with it, will they be?!

 

I know everyone has their own take on Halloween, but I like sticking to the old school SCARY Halloween.  I remember being a kid and looking forward to this time of year and checking out the houses that catered to this.  When we were kids, parents encouraged their children to go to the house with the tombstones, fog and creepy music.  Homeowners even opened their houses up to the kids…with a guy laying in a coffin holding a bowl of candy, when you reach for it…he sat up and scared the crap out of you!  That’s what I am talking about!!! 

 

Having a 2 year old, I understand that things can be frightening to the younger ones.  People and things scare them without masks and creepy settings, so we are keeping it low key for a while.  But you better believe the older she gets, I will be the mom setting my kid up for a well-deserved scare on Halloween! BWAUH HA HA HA HA!!!!!

 

Have a Safe and SPOOK-tacular Halloween!!!!

 

And so the sobbing begins… October 1, 2011

Filed under: Adventures,Family,Milestones — de~mommy @ 8:11 pm

Tonight I am uber emotional!  My baby turns 2 years old in a week and a half and I am having a hard time dealing with it.  I love seeing her grow and learn and I know it has to happen, but it all seems like such a blur.  The past 2 years have just gone way too fast and it truly has been the best time of our lives.

 

I remember holding this teeny tiny life in my arms for the 1st time and at that time I was sobbing like a crazy girl as well.  Those were tears of amazement, awe and pure pride with the perfect little girl that we created.  She really has made us whole and I am so blessed to have her and my husband.

 

I had an emotional time with her 1st birthday too.  Why do I feel like it is only going to get harder and harder each and every year?  Tonight as I watched her strut her stuff around the house, the tears began to flow.  My hubby knows how I am, so he just looks at me and smiles.  Ella heard me sniffling and went out to the kitchen.  When she came back she said “here mommy” and handed me a napkin.  Oh my god, this brought the tears on stronger.

 

Everyday I count my blessings for this angel in our lives.  I am proud to be her mommy!  She is and always will be my baby.

 

And the Oscar goes to… September 22, 2011

Filed under: Family — de~mommy @ 11:30 am
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What an actress!!!  We seriously did not think our not even 2 year old had such a talent, but she certainly surprised us with this gift yesterday.

We picked our kiddo up from daycare yesterday and when I was taking her out of the car, I set her down so she could walk to the door on her own.  Once she was down, she limped over to her father’s car and said,  “Mommy, mommy…boo boo”.  So I brought her inside and checked out her body and only saw the normal bumps and bruises a toddler has all over their legs.  I told her she was ok and set her back down on the floor.

It didn’t stop there.  Once down, she limped away crying and talking about her boo boo.  She said it hurt and wanted us to pick her up.  So I called the woman who watches her and asked her if Ella had fallen and hurt herself.  She asked me what was wrong and I explained that Ella has been limping around saying she had a boo boo.  Well, she just started laughing.  She explained to me that Ella and her friend Navaeh have been making fun of her all day.  Ella’s daycare Mom-Mom injured her foot last week and is now walking with somewhat of a limp.

So now with this news, Mark and I are finding this somewhat amusing.  Either Ella convinced herself that she had a boo boo or she is really trying to play her parents at such a young age.  I took her outside in the yard to see if maybe her swing set would take her mind off it and NOPE…still limping.  Well Mark grabbed her ball and asked Ella to play.  He kicked the ball and all of a sudden Ella took off running after it.  She must have remembered about her boo boo after a few strides because she came to a halt, turned to my husband and said “Daddy boo boo all better” and took off running again!

What impresses me is she knew how to get so deep into character that she too believed she had an injury.  My goodness…we put her to bed last night and continued to laugh about it.  This kid is a trip and she is still so young!  We are definitely in for it!

 

After the Storm August 28, 2011

Filed under: Adventures,Family,In the News — de~mommy @ 2:38 pm

Man oh man…what a night/morning!  We were prepared for Irene’s arrival and I am glad that we were.  Mark had to stay at the hotel to be sure he was at work in the morning.  I know… I am still kinda bothered, but I will choose to keep my mouth shut about that one.  He came home for dinner and went back before things got super crazy.

 

Ella was in bed at her normal time and I was cleaning up from the tornado (a.k.a.the kid) that whipped through my house earlier that evening.  As I was doing the dishes, the lights began to flicker.  I knew it was coming but was still a little panicked when it happened.  The power went out around 10 p.m.  Shortly after, I heard the little one start to cry.  She sleeps with white noise from her air purifier and fan, so when the power went out…she woke up.  I brought her in my bed in hopes that she may fall asleep next to me.  With the sound of the wind and rain…there was no sleeping to be had.  She kept getting up and asking about the noises and wanted to see it.  She would lay back down for a few more minutes and then would sit straight up smiling at me and asking for a snack.  Haha.  Leave it to her to have hurricane munchies.  She was talking my ear off, but yawning at the same time.  I even pulled out my kindle and we read a few chapters of my book together.  I finally got her to fall asleep around 1 a.m.  I woke up around 2 a.m. for some reason and noticed my lights were on in the kitchen, so I got up and shut everything down.  Ella then woke me up around 5:30 a.m. chattering up a storm.  I knew the kiddo did not get enough sleep, so I put her down in her crib where she then got 3 more hours in.  Thank goodness.  When I woke for good, I got 2 cups of coffee in and when I was getting ready to start our hurricane omelettes, the power went out again.  So cereal it was!

 

Our power came back on about 12:45 p.m. and so far so good.  I have checked everything and the only thing that seemed to have impact from Irene is the tree in front of my house who lost a few limbs.  Some leaking in the fireplace, nothing major.  It is still a little windy, but this feisty chick is outta here.  “SEE-Ja!!”, as Ella would say.

 

Thank you to all my friends and family and the husband for the continuous checking in.  So glad everyone is safe and very grateful to have each and everyone one of you in our lives!

Our special Hurricane Treat. Notice the little hand reaching for it.