Happy Holidays!

We've been busy enjoying ourselves this week.  Among other things, we built a gingerbread house

Wrapped gifts

Made tasty treats in the kitchen

And spent time with family.  I will be taking a break from the blog for the next week, but wanted to leave you with a couple of little video clips.

AND

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Milan and Paloma Visit Santa

Last Friday evening, we attended Milan's annual school Christmas Party.  Santa made his usual appearance.  Each child attending the party was invited to sit in his lap and received a little gift.  Surprisingly, Paloma did not cry.  If anything, she seemed a little confused...can you blame her?

After Paloma had her chance on Santa's lap, we quickly placed Milan next to her so that we could get a picture of the sisters together.  

Milan immediately freaked, and as planned, we quickly removed Paloma and took a quick picture of Milan and Santa.  I was hoping to get another crying Santa picture (because I think they are so funny and they keep me smiling all year).  Milan didn't disappoint...  Don't worry, she was only tortured for about 45 seconds.  :)

Very similar to last year's photo, don't you think?

11 Months Old and Guess Who's Walking!

Less than a week ago, Paloma took her first steps, but it wasn't until today that I would say she officially began walking.  She's been on her feet taking steps most of today.  I had a feeling Paloma would be walking before her 1st birthday.  My little ladybug is busy, busy, busy!  It's been really hard to photograph her the last several weeks, but that's ok, it documents what life with Paloma is like at the moment.  She's still a very happy and cuddly baby.  She's slowly showing signs of improvement as far as eating table foods.  So hard to believe a month from today we will be celebrating her first birthday.

Why You Are Unlikely to Receive A Photo Holiday Card From Us

Twice last week, I tried to capture a photo of the girls to use for a photo holiday card.  These pictures come from the "better" of the two sessions.  Tried to use props - didn't work.  Tried to bribe Milan (marshmallows, candy, etc) - didn't work.  Made goofy faces until my face went numb - didn't work.

Enough said.

Paloma Belle a.k.a. The Wrecker

My little Paloma doesn't like things to be neat and tidy.  It bothers her so much that whenever she sees things organized, she does whatever she can to quickly remedy the situation.

It starts off innocently enough, casually crawling over to an area and pulling something off of a shelf or a table.....just to look at it.

Before you know it, there are just a few more things on the floor.

That's when it's like she KNOWS she shouldn't be doing this, so she pauses long enough to give you a cute little look or smile (also known as the distraction technique).

And then...

BAM!  Everything within arms reach is on the floor.

But look at that face.  Sigh.  Love.  Go ahead honey, tear up the house.  

Paloma

You all are probably thinking poor Paloma is getting the short end of the blogging stick, but rest assured, she is not.  I'll be composing a post sometime over the weekend all about my little Moma.  In the meantime, I wanted to share the sweetest little picture.

I love my little Paloma Belle.  :)

Ballerina Outfit

picture taken this morning

Milan has a favorite outfit.  It's her "ballerina outfit".  I'm not exactly sure where she learned what a ballerina is, but she's into them and asks to wear this get-up nearly everyday.  It's almost always the same - ballerina shirt, ballerina skirt and leggings or jeans.  It's probably a good thing I don't do laundry everyday.  :)

picture taken one day last week

The Big Girl Room

A few weeks before Milan turned 3, we decided it was time to turn her nursery into a "big girl" room.  We got rid of the changing table, converted her crib to a toddler bed, put away some of the baby things, purchased a few new accessories, created some art, and came up with a room Milan is really excited about.  She's been wanting to show her Grandma and Grandpa.....so here it is!