Buy Me Some Peanuts and Cracker Jacks...

I just love this little onsie--I bet you know that I'm ALWAYS smiling, right?

The family--well, 2 1/2 of us--I am not such a great self picture taker

Me and my silly little girl having a lot of fun

My 2 favorite people in the whole wide world

Bella watchin' baseball and eating Puffs

Leo's brother and sis-in-law gave us Astros tickets for tonite's game against the Dodgers. Now, me being a die-hard STL Cardinals fan had to choke back some of my pride to accept these tickets (naw, I'm just kiddin'--I love baseball--I just have to give them a hard time). We brought Bella along and headed off to the big game.

We had a lot of fun and Bella made friends right away with the people behind us. Well, she was still their friend the first couple of innings when she was still a happy, smiling, non-screaming little girl. After the second inning, I am afraid they were no longer our new friends.

*sigh*

But we did last until the top of the 7th and then we figured we better leave before people started throwing stuff at us.

Because nobody loves baseball with a screaming almost 9 month old right by them, right?

But we did--because where we live we don't have MLB near us!

Thank you for the tickets, brother and sis--we love ya!

My 1st Bow

So, whatcha think? I know it's my first, but I am hoping to make many more. I am thinking of adding a white button in the middle. I can't believe how cute it turned out!

Giddy as a teenage girl....

Guess what, everyone?!

MY HONEY WILL BE HERE TOMORROW!

Or is it today seeing that is already almost 1 in the morning?! Shoot, he'll be leaving within a matter of hours! I know it has been just one week, but this ONE week has been a hard one. I am not at home and my little girl has been sick as we all know by now.

I miss having him pick on me and tell me how silly I am. I miss him cleaning my plate....and I even miss him doing that before I am done eating. I miss the smell of his soap lingering in the bathroom after he takes a shower. I miss seeing him play with Isabella and her laugh and smile and give him those special moments where at that moment it is only her and him.

I miss him. A lot.

It makes me stop and think for a moment how lucky I am to be married to such an amazing, loving, caring, kind, beautiful, handsome, giving man. I know a lot of people never find this kind of love.

But do you want to know something? I did and I thank God everyday for entering him into my life. He has made me a better person; a person far better than I ever thought or knew that I could be.

So here's to you, honey, I love you and can't wait to see you in a few hours.

PS--did you remember to bring everything that I forgot? Because I forgot to mention up above you're good at that, too!

Contacts? Maybe? PRK? Maybe?

I've had glasses forever. Well, technically not forever, but ever since I was 10 or so. I remember wanting glasses sooo bad when I was little--I swear I did everything to get glasses! I read in the dark, sat too close to the tv, didn't eat my carrots.

Guess what? It all worked. Because I have had glasses for 19 LONG years now.

And ya know what else? I don't want them anymore! I want to have eyes that can see when I wake up, fall asleep while watching tv and not having to wake up and take my glasses off. I want to see the world without smudges and dust blocking my vision on what this world has to offer me.

After telling my loving husband all of this, he told me to look into PRK or contacts. I would really like the surgery (I think), but am afraid! These are my eyes, my one shot of being able to see. The mere thought of losing them due to a fluke accident terrifies me. Leo swears up and down that I will much much happier. He had the surgery himself and has been so happy.

After all of his hype and praise for the procedure I have seriously considered it myself. So let me get off here and start looking at pricing and facilities. I can't believe I am considering this!

Get well soon, sweetheart

Hey, everyone. Just wanted to post that Isabella has a double ear infection and bronchitis. I knew something wasn't right last week, but the ped didn't think it was necessary for me to bring her in due to her lack of fever. Yesterday she had a temp of 101 and was crying, fussing and just not her chipper self. She didn't fall asleep until 2 a.m. Tired momma and tired baby.

We took her to urgent care this morning (since we are not at home) and sure enough, I have one sick little girl. Please say some prayers that she gets well soon.

God bless you all and talk to you soon.

Aw....Thank you, Amanda!

Oh my goodness. First I would love to thank my bloggy friend Amanda from Lifelong Playdate. She gave me a bloggy picture! But because I am still learning all of these blog thingies I need ya'lls help.

1) How do I make her name a link you can click to take to her blog?
2) How do I make the award be on my page?

See, I told you I needed help! I want to show it off, and nominate some of my other blog friends!

So, thank you, Amanda for my pic and I promise in a day or so I'll have it working :)

Before I leave, just an update on how we are all doing. We're doing GREAT! Texas is wonderful like always, my Daisy puppy is wonderful--no accidents in her crate or the house. Can you say smart little doggie?! Bella isn't so sure about this little bundle of fur that wants to kiss her, but she is now crawling to the crate to "talk" to Daisy. Maybe she's telling her the cat is the boss at our house? Hmmm...

I hope this post finds everyone doing great and did I tell everyone that I am getting a brand new blog design? I know you can't wait and maybe you are as excited as I am! Her name is Krystyn over at Krizzy Designs. I need to put her blog under my favorites--I'll do that as soon as possible (which is Mommy talk for when Leo gets here to Houston on Friday and I have a few spare moments).

Again, Amanda, thank you! I'll be by your blog later to thank you there, too.

Too Cute for Words....

Houston, Texas....here we come!

I know what y'all are thinking....they are travelling again?! Why, yes, yes we are. Isabella and I are flying to Houston tomorrow.

This will be her 3rd plane trip.

In 8 1/2 months.

She's practically a pro now! Luckily for me (knock on wood) she is a wonderful traveller. I'll have lots of snacks, toys and fun mommy games to play. I'll drink just enough coffee to make me lots of fun, but not having to run to the bathroom very much. (Have you ever taken an infant in one of the airplane bathrooms?! Impossible! Have you ever had to change a stinky diaper in one of those things?? It's horrible!).

I bet you are wondering what we're doing in Texas, right? Well, my sister-in-law is getting married 4th of July weekend! I am so excited for her! Wedding days are so magical and it's the one day you feel like a princess. I love weddings--I am a total sap and always get teary eyed as the bride walks down the isle. There's just something special about that moment when she's walking down smiling (or if you were at my wedding, crying--happy tears of course!). I can't wait to show y'all all the pictures.

Wish us luck tomorrow! Oh--Leo will be joining us later on in the week. He has to work so that's why Bella and I are flying--it was a lot cheaper than driving to Houston, that's for sure.

I'll try to post as much as possible and keep everyone updated.

And in case you are asking if I am all packed and ready to go?

Nope. I haven't packed a single thing. Tonight should be lots of fun!

She got a baby doll, y'all

Last night we had to run to Wal-Mart to get a soft sided crate for Daisy. After we found one that would fit in my suitcase Leo told me to get myself something to snack on for our movie, The Martian Child. I immediately grabbed a box of Hot Tamales and he got some Mike -n- Ike's. After that I told him I wanted to walk down the toy isle with munchkin.

She was in awe of everything in the toy isle. She played with toys that I would let her hold, she looked around at everything surrounding her.

She was in heaven, absolute heaven.

But me being the rational person I am (okay, Leo really told me what I'm about to say, but since this is my blog lets pretend I said it, okay?) decided to hold off on getting her a pushing/riding lion until we get to Texas. As Leo pointed out, "Hon, that can't go on the plane with you guys".

Really? It wouldn't fit as a carry-on?

Thanks, hon, sometimes I don't know what I would do without you always being the rational one.

Okay, back to the story--sorry, Leo, I love you to pieces, but you always make me laugh :)

I declared to Leo we needed to get Bella a baby doll. She has lots of stuffed animals, but no baby dolls. Off to that isle we go.

I immediately looked over the shelf a made a mental note of the ones that looked creepy and acted creepy. I had a vast variety in my hands to let Bella pick out a cute baby.

That didn't work. She kept staring at this one cheap-o doll. It cracked me up that she didn't want a nice one, she wanted the simplist doll of them all.

So, without further anticipation, here is her new baby.

If it counts for anything, the baby laughs and Bella either laughs herself or just smiles. She talks to baby and all around loves her.

Hopefully this cheap thing will last until she goes away to college....

Oh my goodness...

A miracle has happened, everyone, a miracle. I am in such shock that I can barely type. I want to call everyone I know, everyone who has heard about the sleeping battles I have had w/my darling Isabella.

Deep breaths, Michelle, deep breaths.

She. Fell. Asleep. In. Her. Crib.

I repeat.

SHE FELL ASLEEP IN HER CRIB!!! Finally!! After 8 1/2 months of refusing to sleep anywhere except my arms and waking up almost everytime I would lay her down.

I feel accomplished, like I can do anything at this point!

I made her a bottle, gave her the bottle and then laid her down. She was pretty quiet with the exception of one fussy moment. I went in there, covered her with her blankie, gave her the bottle and kissed her. I quietly told her how much I loved her.

Then I walked out.

Quiet, peacefulness, stillness echoed through my house.

Worried, I went and checked on her. And this is what I saw.

My little girl is growing up. And I couldn't be more proud of her.

Introducing...

Our newest addition, Daisy! Isn't she adorable?! I am beginning to wonder if I'm a little crazy for getting a puppy when I have an 8 1/2 month old who is now quite the crawler...

Nah. Not crazy, just a girl with a big heart for babies and animals.

We should be getting her in less than a week now! Of course, like always, I'll be blogging about her.

Stay tuned for more Daisy posts!

Bella-isms

Isabella loves her blueberries

Always laughing and being our little ham

I love her expression here!

Isabella enjoying a hair washing from Boo

Just a preview of what she'll look like on her 1st birthday....

I have been at a loss lately on what to write about. Maybe writer's block? I'm not sure, but it drives me crazy as I just sit here at the computer, pictures loaded and nothing comes to mind on what to write about! So, I thought today I would just write about the funny things about my little girl that get my cracking up quite often. I hope you enjoy them as much as we do!

She loves it when Boo gives her hair a "bath". Boo has been notorious for cleaning Leo's hair when he's sleeping. It is hilarious! Since Bella doesn't have very long hair yet, Boo finds it necessary to clean hers as well. The picture above was after Bella was inside from swimming and Boo smelled suntan lotion on her and immediately started cleaning her. Have I mentioned my cat also loves lotion? Strange.

Isabella also loves toes. No, seriously, she does. Last night I was lying on the couch and she came over and was just patting me. The next thing I knew I felt the most excrutiating pain! She had bit my big toe as hard as she could!! There were two deep imprints on my toe....ow!!

She is also quite the talker now. She will talk to anything and everything! Yesterday she was talking to a bird that was gathering sticks and flying them up to her nest. She was very upset after the bird flew away. Maybe she is a new generation of Dr. Doolittle? Hmmm...

Anytime I have a drink in front of me she MUST get some. Except last night she couldn't....I was enjoying a nice glass of white wine and she was going crazy for some! I told Leo to go and get himself some water and let her have some of "his" water. The entire time she would look at me and gulp down water. When I was finished with my wine she was done with her water. Lol! It was too funny for us to see that she wants to be like her mommy. I love my little mini me.

I hope you enjoyed a few of the Bella-isms. Hopefully soon my writer's block (blogger's block?) will pass over....

Dinner Parties and Fun Times

Relaxing outside at the snow cone stand

My 2 favorite people...

Isabella having fun eating some homemade sweet potatoes

Check out that cute smile and those teeth....

Last night we had our friends over for dinner. We had an amazing time, great food and our daughters absolutely love each other! Leo grilled out some chicken and asparagus. I made some seasoned red potatoes, salad and a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. It was delicious and we all had a blast just talking and hanging out. I am so glad we have another couple friend to hang out with. And the major plus? Our daughters are just a couple of weeks apart in age. The girls were playing and baby talking to one another all night, it was just too cute! When they were leaving Isabella stuck out her bottom lip pouting that her best friend had to leave. We can't wait until we are back in July so we can all hang out again! (We are going to be in Houston for a couple of weeks for Leo's sister's wedding. I can't wait!!)



We also got pictures of our puppy, Daisy, yesterday! Can I just say she is adorable?! We went to PetSmart to buy her some stuff, too. It was so much fun picking out things for our little puppy. I can't wait until we get her so I can take pics with my camera and show her off to everyone.



Enjoy the pics and I hope you have a fantastic week!

Happy Birthday to Me!

I am officially 29 years young today. I don't feel any older, really. I am a little awestruck by the fact that this time next year I'll be 30. I'm not dreading 30 at all. I am actually excited to start a new chapter in my life.

But back to this 29 years thing. Leo and Bella made me a beautiful card. It was so sweet! I could tell right away how hard Leo worked at it. We're planning on going to Chili's in early evening....I'm getting me a Presidente Margarita...my favorite margarita in the world! I suggest anyone who hasn't had one, you MUST go and try it. If you like margaritas, you'll LOVE this one! We may go shopping or something. Not really sure what we'll do. I know it will be a great day, though.

Thank you everyone for the cards and birthday wishes. It means so much to me!

It's been a long week...

As you can see, I've been MIA almost this entire week. It's been hectic, crazy and tiring.

Leo is in Orlando (gets back tomorrow) for a conference. Isabella is sick, bless her heart. This time she has an ear infection and she's been diagnosed with asthma. The doc said she may or may not grow out of it, but I just feel bad for her. I have asthma, eczema, allergies....and he said it's no wonder she got it. Now I'm dreading if she has eczema, it is so miserable.

Anyways, I'll try to post more sometime this weekend. Saturday is my birthday and then there is Father's Day, so it'll probably be early next week.

Have I really stooped to this?

As I'm browsing through my DVR's playlist I have realized something. Something that I almost don't want to admit to myself. Something that I can't believe I am about to share. To the world.

Are you ready?

*Deep breath* I am addicted to reality television. There is not a single show that I've dvr'd that's NOT reality! I take that back--I have recorded 2 80's movies. But those don't really count, do they?

I have no idea when I became so addicted to reality. I generally make fun of a lot of it anyways. I think sometimes seeing other people's lives make me happy to be who I am. Not that I need them to make me happy...but just grateful that I am me.

Name the show, I probably love it...Top Chef, The Real World, Rock of Love, Jon & Kate Plus 8, Project Runway, The Real Housewives (OC or NYC), Snapped, Captured, The Hills...I could really go on for quite awhile, but I know I am really just embarrassing myself now *blush*

So, tell me....do you watch reality tv? Please tell me I am not the only one out there with this, um, addiction.

I also want to add I do love Medium, Grey's and Desp Housewives...but they are on summer break.

There. That's 3 "normal" shows.

Whew!

You know when you have a project that keeps looming over your head like a dark cloud? And it keeps growing and growing until one day you throw your hands up and yell, "Okay! I'll get to it!"

Well, I didn't throw my hands up and yell it, but I did cave in.

My project? Isabella's room. It used to be such a peaceful and relaxing place to be. Quiet, clean, everything had it's own place.

That was before she was born.

After she was born, it just got a little out of control. Clothes, socks, pajamas that didn't fit were piled high in her closet. Toys that were no longer her favorite piled in front of the clothes that no longer fit. Her baby swing, play gym, baby bath tub, bassinet also joined the mountain of clothes and toys (do you like how it went from a pile to a mountain? Because that's what it now is!).

Today I tackled her room head on. She was even in there helping me out! Let me take that back...Isabella suddenly became fascinated with everything that was everywhere. If I folded clothes and put them in their baskets she would crawl over and remove each of them. Occasionally she would start shaking something really hard on TOP of the basket and I took that as a sign that she was, indeed, trying to help out her momma. Clothes were hung up. Towels, washclothes, blankets, shorts...you name it and it was folded and put in it's place. It looks great!

Now I just have to convince my husband to help me put everything in the attic and storage room outside. Wish me luck on that one! After all of that's put away I'll take some pics to show you all the hard work us girls did.

On another quick note, I have decided to cloth diaper Bella's little bum. I couldn't be more excited! I have been doing LOTS of research and asked the wonderful women on my iVillage board for some advice and they gave me the most amazing advice ever! I can't wait to purchase the diapers and take lots of pics. I'm sure I'll even have some interesting things happen to blog about. Much more interesting than cleaning a room.

My Girl

The Morsel

It happened. Isabella popped a piece of Boo's food into her mouth. I didn't think she had any in her hand when I picked her up to take her away from Boo's food. Wrong.

I was folding a blanket and glanced at Bella because she was unusually quiet--just like the saying if the kids are quiet they're up to no good--and chewing like a cow gnaws on grass. I scooped out "whatever" was in her mouth and I knew without even looking what that was. A brown morsel of kitty food. Delightful!

The weirdest part? She seemed to enjoy that little morsel even more than she enjoyed her lunch today. Things that make ya go hmmm.....

Little Einstein

Have I mentioned what a smart little girl we have? Last night we were all in the living room and I called Boo, our cat, over to see me. I clicked with my tongue and called her kitty. At that precise moment Isabella started clicking her tongue and said kitty. Leo's and my jaws dropped and we both said, "Did she just say kitty?! Oh my goodness, she said kitty!"

She hasn't said it since but if you say kitty she'll start clicking her tongue to call Boo over. She even looks up at me and smiles.

Ahhh...I knew she would grow up fast, but I wouldn't mind hitting pause every now and then.

What do you think he's trying to tell me...

Check out the enormous toothbrush Leo picked up for me....what do you think he's tring to tell me? Either I have a big mouth or bad breath! He swears that's the only size they had, but for some reason I'm not buying that....

Our Baby is 8 Months Old...

Me changing channels trying to decide what to watch
Now this fun! I'm climbing Mommy!
I love climbing.....
But not as much as I love chewing on Mommy!
Mommy says I have curls now!

Hi, everyone, it's me, Isabella! For some reason mommy is really excited that I am 8 months old. I am becoming such a big girl now. Did you know I have 2 teeth? Or as Mommy calls them "teefers". Why does she call them that? I am also a crawling machine. I especially love it because now Mommy chases me and it's the funnest game ever! I have recently discovered 2 very weird things with all my crawling:

1)Kitty kitty does not eat the same food as me. And how do I know this? Because I found her bowl of what Mommy and Daddy call "kitty food"! I think if she eats it, I can too, but each time I try Mommy catches me and shakes her head saying no no no, ackie ackie. Hmmm...I must find a new tactic to get to kitty's food.

2)I also found the neatest little house today. It is hidden in a corner and has a little swinging type door. When Mommy saw me playing with this house she practically screamed and scooped me up saying that's kitty's litterbox! Eww!! Then she made me wash my hands with soap and water. What was that about?!

Mommy has been letting me swim in my pool lately. It is so much fun! We have fun in the sun and I really like it! Mommy has a bunch of toys in there and she watches me and she gets a tan. She also tells me I am getting a tan. She thinks it's real cute!

I now can also dance, clap and wave. But my newest and (secretly favorite) milestone? I can shake my head no! I shake it back and forth really really fast--especially if I am not liking the vegetables Mommy is giving me.

I hope you liked reading about me. Mommy says I have to go now. It's my bathtime! Yay!

Ta-Da!

Isn't it beautiful?! We love it, absolutely love it.