MUSINGS ON MILAN AND PALOMA

He Will Be Missed.....

2012-02-11T20:40:00.000-08:00

December 26, 1938 - February 11, 2012

To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die - Thomas Campbell

We love you, Dad.

Snow Fun

2012-01-29T12:00:00.000-08:00

Last weekend the girls enjoyed their first snow of the season (I say first because I was totally unprepared for our FIRST snowfall, a couple of days before Halloween). It was also Paloma's very first time playing in snow. Unlike her sister, who experienced snow around the same age...Milan's first snow

Paloma was all about it! You can't really tell from the pictures (because she looks so serious), but Paloma had a great time, and didn't cry at all. We are lucky enough to have our own private hill on the property and went sledding Saturday and Sunday. Before the weekend was over, even Paloma was going down the hill on a sled all by herself!

Milan has been reading about snow angels for about a year now, and was able to make her first one. Well not really one, I think she made about twenty.

We had so much fun taking the girls sledding, even James and I managed a few runs down the hill. :)

Unfortunately, a few days later, we experienced a warm-up which left the girls dumbfounded as to where all of the snow went. I think it is safe to say that we are all looking forward to the next snow...

Paloma's 2nd Birthday

2012-01-15T13:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we celebrated Paloma's 2nd birthday. James took Milan to dance class so that I could spend the morning with Paloma. After naptime, we let her open her gifts. Paloma still doesn't really open presents on her own, fortunately, Milan was more than happy to oblige! Uncle Kenny, Aunt Sherie, and Vincent arrived a little later and joined us for a dinner of pizza and cupcakes. Paloma (unlike her sister) loves anything sweet and gobbled up her cupcake. The rest of the evening was spent playing Just Dance on the wii. It was a small birthday celebration, but Paloma enjoyed herself, nonetheless. I can't believe how quickly two years have come and gone.

Paloma Turns 2!

2012-01-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

Our sweet little Paloma Belle turned 2 today. I just finished making cupcakes and we're getting ready to wake this little darling up from her nap so that we can begin our little celebration. I'll be back tomorrow with more pictures from her special day!

The Princess Party

2012-01-12T11:38:00.000-08:00

Like a lot of little girls her age, Milan is now interested in the Disney princesses. Recently, when she was invited to a princess birthday party, she could hardly wait to attend! The girls were asked to dress as their favorite princess, and be prepared to receive a princess hair-do, tiara, and have their nails done. Milan loved having her hair done and enjoyed the crafts, especially making a princess wand. Milan has two princess dress-up dresses - Cinderella and Belle, she chose to wear her Cinderella dress. Just goes to show how "at-home" birthday parties can still be just as much, if not more fun than parties thrown at expensive venues.

The Gift

2011-12-23T06:51:00.000-08:00

Made by Milan in preschool. She had such a proud look on her face when she gave it to me, it made me cry. She'd been talking about making a snowman for a few weeks, but I had no idea just how sweet it would be. It's not even Christmas, but I know I've already received my favorite gift!

Picture With Santa 2011

2011-12-11T19:40:00.000-08:00

Do you think something doesn't seem quite right with this picture? Perhaps you've noticed my oldest child is missing? After waiting in line for 30 minutes, Milan bailed on Santa. Flat out refused to go near him. Which was kind of funny because she spent the entire 30 minutes we were in line-- waving to him, pointing at him, clapping her hands and jumping up and down with glee. Paloma wasn't exactly thrilled, but she tolerated it. James and I were disappointed to have Milan missing from the picture, but we're already laughing about it!

Daddy's Little Helpers

2011-12-03T19:42:00.000-08:00

Enough said!

Oh Christmas Tree...

2011-12-02T19:22:00.000-08:00

Last week we put up our big tree. Today we put up a special little tree for Milan and Paloma. It is small, has colored lights, and is covered with plastic and felt ornaments. The idea behind this tree, is they are allowed to touch and move around (to their hearts content) the ornaments. Hopefully they won't be so obsessed with the main tree, and I won't feel so bad saying "no, you can't touch that"! They had a great time decorating their tree, and spent a good part of they day hanging and re-hanging the ornaments.

Milan's 4th Birthday - Part Three

2011-11-23T11:45:00.000-08:00

Last weekend we celebrated Milan's birthday with a small, Hello Kitty - themed party. We invited just a few of her friends from preschool. I made the decorations and cupcakes, ordered pizza, played a few party games, and we had ourselves a Hello Kitty party!

No, I did not make these cookies...wish I could say I did!

But I did make the favor bags...

and the birthday banner...

and the centerpiece...

and the cupcakes and cupcake toppers...

As we waited for all of our guests to arrive, I had a small table set-up with Hello Kitty (HK) coloring pages and crayons. It turned out to be a pretty big hit.

Once the party started, I applied HK tattoos to the birthday girl and all of her guests.

We played a couple of rounds of HK bingo

My chosen craft for the party was sand art. Milan loves to do sand art, so I thought the other girls would have fun doing it too...and they did! If Hello Kitty is not wearing a bow on her head, then she is wearing a flower, so we filled flower shaped containers with the sand.

Next up was throwing a bean bag (made by me), into HK's flower garden (also made by me). I had a perfectly sized cardboard box which came with Milan's Calico Critter house. I painted flowers on it and cut out the center of each flower. During the party, I had the girls line up to take turns tossing the beanbag into the holes.

Our last activity was a pinata. I didn't really like the idea of 3 and 4 year olds swinging a bat around (even without the blindfold), so I chose a pull string pinata. The idea was for each girl to take a turn pulling a string, one of which, would trigger the pinata. Milan went first, and pulled so hard, the pinata just kind of ripped open. Fortunately, the other girls didn't seem to notice that they didn't get a turn, everyone was too busy trying to grab the little goodies off the floor.

After the games we had lunch of pizza, fruit (a blend of blueberries and raspberries), pink lemonade, and of course pink cupcakes. Milan still doesn't really care for cupcakes, but she has started eating the frosting.

These next photos, James captured of Paloma enjoying a cupcake after everyone else had left the table. She figured out her own little way of eating her cupcake! :) Remind me to sign this girl up for a pie eating contest next summer!

After everything was said and done, I think the party was a success. Milan and her friends really enjoyed themselves. Personally, I thought it was still a little stressful and a lot of work for a small party, but each time I think of the smile on Milan's face, I know it was worth it!

Milan's 4th Birthday - Part Two

2011-11-22T12:40:00.000-08:00

These are just a few photos of Milan opening her birthday gifts, which didn't actually happen until the morning AFTER her birthday (long story). Thankfully the day of her birthday was so busy, she didn't seem to mind waiting until the next day.

Milan had been wanting these purple crocs for the last several months. She was so excited to finally have them, they didn't come off her feet (except to sleep) for 3 days!

Having a difficult time getting past Mommy's wrap job!

Paloma, very patiently, watched the gift opening, and didn't really try to get into things. We were quite impressed with our little/big girl!

We covered Milan's last (and big) gift with a blanket. I made them pose in front of it, but they were just DYING to pull the blanket off!

They've been playing with this dollhouse constantly. Instead of people, the collection offers a big selection of animal families. We gave her a family of bunny rabbits. She loves it!

Milan's 4th Birthday - Part One

2011-11-21T18:22:00.000-08:00

The first presents Milan opened were those from my family. These pictures are especially for them.

She's been calling her new doll her "little sweetie".

Now I don't know why I didn't think to take pictures of Milan opening Grandma and Grandpa's presents, but here are some pictures of her really enjoying one of them!

She played with the stamps for two hours, before I finally put them away. I didn't take pictures of the sheets of paper, Paloma, or myself...all of us covered in stamps, too. Thank goodness the ink is washable!

More photos of Milan opening her gifts, her party, and her interview, coming soon!

Milan is Four!

2011-11-17T11:01:00.000-08:00

Four years ago today, I became a Mother, and what a wonderful four years it has been! I'll be back in a few days with more photos of her 4th birthday celebration, as well as her 4th birthday interview! In the meantime I just wanted to say, Happy Birthday to my sweet Milan. Mommy and Daddy love you more than you will ever know!

Halloween 2011

2011-11-02T19:54:00.000-07:00

Halloween was a big hit this year. After weeks of reading Halloween stories, working on Halloween art projects, and selecting & talking about costumes, the girls were so excited when the big day arrived. I say "girls" because even though Paloma had no idea what was going on, if Milan is excited - then...well, Paloma is excited too!

Milan chose her own costume this year, and she was determined to be a kitty cat. She made a pretty cute one!

The next series of photos detail a fit Paloma pitched right before we left to go trick-or-treating. Her fit had nothing to do with being dressed in her cow costume, (she actually really enjoyed wearing it). She was pitching a fit because I was taking her picture. My toddler, most of the time, does not like having her picture taken. This night in particular, she was not at all into having my camera in her face. Bet you've never witnessed a cow having a fit, until now.....

After trying to take Paloma's picture, Milan came up to me and said, "Mommy, I'll let you take my picture". Well thank you my little sweetie!

Thought I would give Paloma another try...this time she just ran to the other side of the sofa. :)

On our way to the first house

The first house

The girls getting the hang of this trick-or-treating thing.

As soon as we got home I swapped a good portion of their candy with goldfish and Dora fruit snacks. They were the first things the girls went for and are still asking to have 2 days later.

The Pumpkin Carving

2011-10-31T19:11:00.000-07:00

(An owl sitting on a branch)

Enjoying the Leaves

2011-10-19T18:04:00.000-07:00

Currently, we don't have a lot of leaves on the ground, but that didn't stop my little girls from wanting to go outside and take advantage of those that have fallen. We spent over an hour collecting leaves, throwing them, and making leaf pillows and beds. The girls had so much fun, I can't wait to see what they do when we have enough to make a huge pile!

Our Pumpkin Patch Trip

2011-10-12T20:14:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was our annual trip to the local pumpkin patch. In the past, we would go after nap time, but the farm would always close before we had finished doing everything we wanted to do. This year, we decided to skip naps and went right after lunch. The temperature nearly reached 80, which seemed a bit strange, but it was still a gorgeous day to be outside. The girls, especially Milan, were really into it this year. They had a wonderful time trying all of the different activities. We still didn't quite get to everything, but it wasn't for lack of time, we were exhausted!

Milan and Daddy on the giant slide

Paloma's first pony ride

She loved it so much, she went a second time!

Milan loving her sand art. This little girl cannot get enough of sand art.

Our hayride

Milan went on a pony ride when we were in Idaho, became frightened, and wanted nothing to do with this pony ride. BUT, my brave little girl faced her fear and after waiting in line a 2nd time (after deciding not to go the first time she was in line) found the courage to get on the pony. She had a great ride and wanted to go again!

I think Milan was hugging on every pumpkin she could. She and Paloma ran around the pumpkin patch like crazy people! It took forever to get them out of there.

We didn't feel like waiting in the long line for homemade ice cream, and we didn't visit the farm animals. We were too tired. Paloma fell asleep on our way to the car. What a great afternoon!

The First Dance Class

2011-09-21T17:59:00.000-07:00

Last week I learned one of Milan's friends had signed up for a Creative Rhythm dance class. The class is designed for 3 to 5 year olds, and as this is something I've long been interested in for Milan, I got the details from the other mother and signed Milan up. I wasn't sure if Milan would be into it or not, but as it turned out, she loved it. She had the most precious grin on her face nearly the entire 45 minutes she was in class. She also loved the fact that her good friend, Olivia was in class with her.

Milan and Olivia

Parents are not allowed in the room while class is in session (the reason for the lack of pictures), but there are windows that allow us to see into the room without being seen by the kids. It really was one of the cutest, funniest things I've ever seen. I'm so glad she loved it and wants to go back. It was one of those mornings that made my heart sing. :)

Trip to Idaho - Part 2

2011-09-14T18:15:00.000-07:00

During the 2nd week of our stay in Idaho, we traveled to Stanley Idaho, which is a tiny town nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains. We rented a couple of rooms which sat right next to the Salmon River. The girls played in Redfish Lake during the day and we all enjoyed the deck facing the river in the evenings. Talk about relaxing! We all hated to leave!

Puzzles with Grandma

Reading or sleeping?

The view outside of our motel room

Smoke from a forest fire

Milan, Jenna, and Paloma enjoying Redfish Lake

The view from the beach

Back to the deck

Working on a sticker book with Grandpa

Pestering Jenna for her ipod touch

Coloring with Grandma

One of my favorite pictures

Milan's First Day of Preschool

2011-09-12T13:37:00.000-07:00

This morning was Milan's first official day of preschool, and was she ever excited! Although she's attended daycare part-time in the past, this was her first day of preschool and it was a pretty significant day for all of us. I can't believe my first baby is a preschooler!!!!

Showing off her school-issued bag (so much for the cute little backpack we bought her, although she is thrilled with the duffel).

She was so excited!

Stop taking pictures Mommy, I want to go to school!

Alright already!

The drive to school.

Finding her name/symbol. Her symbol is a star.

Hanging up her bag all by herself!

Milan with her teacher, Ms. Beth

Trip to Idaho - Part 1

2011-09-10T06:20:00.000-07:00

We spent the last two weeks of August visiting my family in Idaho. The girls, especially, had a wonderful time spending quality time with their grandparents, aunt, and cousins. They visited a couple of fairs, went shopping, spent four days in the Sawtooth Mountains, and helped my parents water their plants, among many other things. As is usually the case, it was difficult for us to leave.

Milan enjoying the Gooding County Fair & Rodeo

Paloma with her cousin Jenna

Paloma LOVED walking through the animal barns. Who knew she would be an animal lover!

Playing in Grandma & Grandpa's back yard

Water fight with Jenna

Playing on the deck

Milan LOVED this game and played every chance she could.

Story time with Grandma

Milan spent a morning helping Aunt Catherine water plants and came back with this flower in her hair.

Paloma loves cats

Aunt Catherine fixed Milan's hair, giving her a "princess" style.

Learning to shuck corn with Grandma

Milan roped her Cousin Kevin, into a game

Mmmm....

Yummy!

Just Something Cute...

2011-08-14T18:52:00.000-07:00

Tonight, Milan came out of her room - she couldn't sleep because her "tummy had lots of burps". It took me a second to realize, she had the hiccups!

Vacation at the Shore

2011-07-20T14:17:00.000-07:00

We all had a wonderful time during our recent trip to Ocean City, NJ. The girls had the time of their lives, which really made it special for James and I. Milan especially, really enjoyed herself. In fact, she cried when it was time to go home. We really hope to make it an annual event for our family.

All packed up and getting ready to leave for the shore.

Milan excited to begin our road trip

After checking into our hotel and having dinner, we took a walk on the beach

Paloma's very first time seeing the ocean

Milan was so excited...she was squealing and giggling. It was my favorite part of the entire weekend.

After our walk we went back to the hotel to change our clothing and hit the boardwalk.

Milan LOVED riding all of the rides!

First day playing in the ocean. Milan liked it, Paloma did not.

But they both LOVED playing in the sand

Second night on the boardwalk...they passed out early, but Milan did wake up in time to go on a few rides.

Second day on the beach. We would play on the beach in the mornings, and swim in the hotel pool in the afternoons.

Trying to wake them from their nap. I took Paloma out of her pack and play and she still wouldn't wake up

Dinner at the Rainforest Cafe...what a fun restaurant!

Last night on the boardwalk. Milan working on her very first sand art, she really enjoyed it.

Finished!

Modeling their new Ocean City t-shirts

Headed to the Shore

2011-07-15T05:54:00.000-07:00

We are leaving in a few hours to spend a couple of days at the shore. Milan is very excited. This isn't her first trip, but the last one was almost two years ago, so I doubt she remembers much. I can hardly wait to see my daughters playing together on the beach Cute photos coming soon.....

Eighteen Months Old

2011-07-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

Paloma had her 18 month well check today, and is doing great! 21 lbs - 11th percentile and 2 ft, 8 inches - 70th percentile. She continues to say new words on a daily basis. Loves to play with her babies and balls. Her current obsessions are: Elmo, apples, and books. She loves to draw and be read to. She is beginning to watch Sesame Street. She adores Milan and constantly asks for her when she is away. She dislikes having her teeth brushed, but tolerates getting her hair combed. She LOVES to play outside. She continues to sleep well at nap time and through the night. Compared to Milan, she is much fussier and at times can be very clingy, but she also likes to cuddle more than Milan did. She is a climber and right now, I can't take my eyes off of her...not even for a second. She's a sweet little girl and I just adore her!

She Speaks

2011-06-26T12:15:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to take a moment to document the words Paloma is using at 17 months. I know if I don't write it down SOMEWHERE, I'll forget, so here goes:

Daddy

Momma

Sissy

Baba (sippy cup and bottle)

baby

book

blankey (although it kind of sounds like she is saying baby)

bite

bird

shoe

sock

feet

belly

apple

hello

bye-bye

night-night

uh-oh

Elmo

train (she only says it when she sees it in a book)

banana (sounds like nana)

All done

I do

Swimming

2011-06-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

Last Sunday, we took the girls to the swimming pool for the first time this summer. It was Paloma's very first time in a big swimming pool and she LOVED it! She played in the kid's pool for a long time and didn't seem phased even when she fell twice and got a mouth full of water. James took her into the adult pool with him, and she loved it too. In fact, she cried when it was time to leave!

Milan was giddy playing in the water. She has been taking swimming lessons for the last 4 weeks, so it wasn't her first time in the pool this season, but she was thrilled anyway. In fact, she seemed a little more self-assured, which I assume is because she has been taking lessons.

We all had a wonderful time, and plan to visit the pool frequently this summer!

Over the Past 30 Days...

2011-06-16T11:28:00.000-07:00

The time definitely got away from me, and unfortunately I barely have any photos to show for it. We had a very nice visit from my Mom and niece, Jenna. I didn't take a lot of pictures while they were here, but my Mom did and I'm just waiting patiently for my copies. :) We had a couple of bats in the house this past month...I didn't get a picture of them, either. I did, however, take a few random photos like the one of Paloma eating spaghetti by herself for the first time.

Milan on her first day of camp

Paloma playing in a sprinkler for the first time.

Our visit to Morris Arboretum

Milan and Jenna at the arboretum

More fun with water

Couldn't resist a cute bottom picture

The Big Sister Update

2011-06-15T09:57:00.000-07:00

Milan is doing really well. She's adjusting well to her new preschool (it's actually a day camp during the summer months). She likes her teacher and is making new friends. The school has it's own pool and the children are given a swimming lesson each morning. So far, the swimming lessons are Milan's favorite part of camp. Overall, she seems to love it and although she is only going two mornings each week, wants to go everyday. Besides playing outside, she still loves to read and now spends quite a bit of time coloring and drawing. She's a lot of fun right now, and I'm really enjoying the one-on-one time we spend together. We're starting to play boardgames and have real, little conversations. Still can't believe I'm able to have conversations with my daughter! Can you believe she's already three and a half!?

Seventeen Months Old

2011-06-14T19:05:00.000-07:00

She's a climber. Within the span of a week, she started climbing on EVERYTHING. This little cutie pie is wearing me out! Her favorite word is "no", but it sounds more like "nooooooooooooooooo", especially when she runs away from me (which is most of the time). She loves to be outside and doesn't come in from the outside without putting up a fight. She's my spunky little daredevil, much different from Milan when she was this age. Even with all of her newfound independence, she still loves to cuddle and snuggle into the base of my neck, especially when she is tired or upset. She loves to look at books, color and play with babydolls. She is also obsessed with balls. LOVE this little girl

I know I've been a terrible blogger lately, planning to come back and update you on what we've been busy doing this past month.

Blowing Dandelions

2011-05-11T18:43:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous Spring weather all week, and fields full of dandelions. Blowing dandelions has become our new, favorite pastime.

The End.

Big Changes

2011-04-29T20:22:00.000-07:00

Recently, we made the difficult decision to leave the daycare/nursery school Milan has attended since she was 5 months old. I cried my eyes out the day we put down the deposit to her new preschool. That was a couple of months ago, and yesterday, the day I've dreaded for weeks and weeks, finally arrived.....her last day. I've been an emotional wreck all of yesterday and most of today. We've all loved this school from day one, and made the decision to let her continue to attend, two days a week, even after I was laid off nearly two years ago. These last few days have been a constant barrage of memories from the last three years, and I can only describe our leaving as being heartbreaking. I worry that we made the wrong decision. I worry she won't love her new school. I feel like a terrible parent for taking her away from the only teachers and friends she has ever known. I feel guilty for taking her away from a place she loves and is loved. I feel sad knowing I will no longer see the teachers and the other children I've seen nearly every week for 3 years. I feel extremely emotional knowing this, in a way, closes the chapters on her infancy and toddlerhood, as we emerge into the preschool years. I feel shocked at how quickly 3 years have gone by.

I realize that making these kinds of decisions is what being a parent is all about, but this is the part of being a parent I dislike the most. I can't wait to get to the other side of this ache in my heart, knowing that Milan is happy and well-adjusted in her new school, and knowing we walk away with 3 years worth of wonderful memories.

They held a good-bye party for Milan yesterday. They did all of Milan's favorite things which included: dancing, watching Dora, reading princess stories, and eating ice cream sundaes. James and I were overcome with emotion when we picked up Milan and prepared to leave the school for the last time. We watched as each of her friends, one by one, walked over to hug and kiss Milan good-bye.

Silly faces

Surprised faces

Monkey faces

Happy faces

And a special thanks to Jen. We knew the minute we met you 3 years ago, our little baby would be in good hands. Thank you for helping us take care of her over the last three years. She loves you. We all love you!

First Trip to the Dentist

2011-04-28T10:16:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, Milan visited the dentist for the very first time. After we were seated in the dentist's chair, Milan's breathing became quite rapid, so I knew she was scared, but it didn't take long for her OUTSTANDING hygienist, Renata, to reassure her which made the rest of the appointment a breeze. Milan did a great job, James and I were so proud of her. I was thrilled - 20 teeth and no cavities. Milan was thrilled because afterwards she got to pick out two small toys in addition to the purple princess toothbrush and 3 princess stickers Renata gave her for being such a big girl. Her first trip to the dentist was a big success!

The Easter Egg Hunt

2011-04-24T19:13:00.000-07:00

Boy, did we have a fun day! After waking up to Easter baskets and a breakfast which included several jellybeans for Milan, we dressed and headed outside for our egg hunt. The weather this morning was gorgeous! The ground was wet and muddy from rain the day before, but it didn't stop us from having a ton of fun.

Paloma didn't really participate in the egg hunt, but she had a wonderful time running around the yard.

Then we enjoyed the fruits of our labor...

Later in the day we went out to dinner. I tried to get a picture of Milan and Paloma together before we left, but Paloma wasn't really in the mood...

My Little Milan

2011-04-20T17:59:00.000-07:00

Milan is blossoming into such a neat little girl. The words that come to my mind when I think of her - sweet, smart, and fun! I thought about doing a post similar to the one I just did for Paloma, giving you a bunch of facts about Milan, but I think I'll let her speak for herself. Check back in a couple of days for Milan's first ever video interview! In the meantime, I'll leave you with a few pictures taken a couple of days ago...

Fifteen Months Old

2011-04-14T11:47:00.000-07:00

Paloma loves to play outside. When it's finally time to go inside, you can pretty much be guaranteed she will scream at the top of her lungs. At the moment, nothing upsets her more than having to come in from outside.

She says hi/hello and bye/bye-bye, appropriately.

Her current favorite toys: baby doll, stroller, vacuum, and ball

She loves to look at books and be read to. It seems like she alway has a book in her hand.

She likes her sippy cup, but LOVES her bottle.

Some of her favorite foods: blueberries, grapes, strawberries, cheese, yogurt, pita& hummus and blueberry waffles

When we're out shopping, Paloma loves to bounce up and down to the beat of a song while sitting in a shopping cart.

She loves to color with crayons.

When she's tired, she likes to curl up into a ball and lay her head on my shoulder, much like when she was an infant.

She's all about her Daddy and loves yelling for him "DA DA"!

She loves to take a bath and cries when I pull her from the tub.

Sibling Love

2011-04-11T11:56:00.000-07:00

This week a little lovefest developed between Milan and Paloma. One day, Paloma turned to Milan and began hugging her and just never stopped. It's been an almost constant thing this week. Fortunately, most of the time Milan loves it and is all about being the recipient of Paloma's affections. A couple of times, however, Milan lost interest in what seemed to be an endless hug and ran off. Paloma responded by chasing after her and trying to tackle her to the ground in order to continue with the hug. You might wonder why I've posted so many photos of the hugs...it's because I know it's not going to last! Might as well enjoy it while I can!

Playing Outside Again

2011-04-07T18:19:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed another nice day this past Monday. I took the girls out after their nap, and this time we brought out our sidewalk chalk. This is one of Milan's favorite outdoor activities, and as it turns out, Paloma loves it too. She actually sat and colored for about 15 minutes, before deciding to come up with other ways to play with chalk...like trying to steal it all from her big sister!

Paloma Plays Outside!

2011-03-31T17:58:00.000-07:00

I can't believe that just a few short months ago, Paloma was enjoying the outdoors, but in her stroller, saucer, or a blanket on the grass. A couple of weeks ago, we had our first 70 degree day, so of course I brought the girls outside, which was the first time Paloma officially "played"outside.

At first, she didn't know what to do with herself. She just stood in one place and soaked up all of the sights and sounds.

She stared at the pavement, never having been this close to it before.

She loved walking on the grass.

And feeling the breeze blow through her hair

And then she took off

And didn't look back

And although I was so excited for her, I felt a little sad because I know one day she (they) really will take off, and barely glance back.

No, I didn't forget to take pictures of my little Milano.....in this picture she was telling me, "when I growed bigger Mommy, I drive Daddy's car".

Yes, I know you will, baby.

Paloma played

And played

And played some more

She was in her own little world.

Oh, hi Mommy!

Milan is in such a fun stage right now. It's been a little hard to watch my baby slowly disappear and be replaced by this little/big girl. But, she's a wonderful big girl!

She's become obsessed with 'Dora the Explorer', and I'm still trying to figure out how it happened. For so long, I'd been diligent in avoiding the whole Dora craze, but it found us anyway.

Playing Princess

2011-03-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

We play princess A LOT in our house. My Sister gave Milan a trunk of dress-up clothes for Christmas, and since that time, playing princess has become a very popular activity. At times, it's nearly impossible to keep regular clothes on Milan, she's always asking for her princess outfits.

These days, even Paloma is getting into the act. She doesn't really tolerate anything but this little skirt and the bracelets on her arm (although occasionally we will attempt to put fairy wings on her), but it's just so fun to watch the two of them parade around together.

Milan casting a spell on her dolls

Paloma trying on a princess slipper

Milan would walk around in these shoes all day if I let her.

A very sad princess

Happy St. Patrick's Day

2011-03-17T14:37:00.000-07:00

Nighttime Adventures

2011-03-16T14:17:00.000-07:00

Milan has been in her toddler bed for four months now, and things have been relatively quiet...until the last few weeks. She has taken to playing when she should be sleeping. If I hear her, I will go in and put an end to her after-hours party, but many times, I don't hear her and when I go in to check on her before I go to bed, I discover this.....

It's pretty funny to find all of the things Milan has decided to bring into bed with her. This particular evening her bed was FULL. In addition to the 3 stuffed animals she always sleeps with, I found - 7 books, a pair of slippers, two baby dolls, her princess doll, a purse, and 13 items from her Little People playsets.

As I peeled back the covers, I kept finding more and more toys. It's a miracle she was able to fall asleep at all! I tried to take pictures, but they really don't show just how many things she had in her bed. The pictures are out of focus - the room was very dark and I was shaking because I was trying not to laugh. :)

Two or three times a week, this is what I find. It's so cute, I really look forward to checking on her and discovering what she was into that night. These are moments I treasure, and I will be really sad when one day, they come to an end.

Fourteen Months Old...

2011-03-15T10:50:00.000-07:00

...and full of energy! She plays hard (just look at the bruise on her forehead), dances whenever she hears music, loves to look at books and just last week began "reading" out loud. She adores Milan and tries to follow and do everything her big sister does. She walks around "talking" on her phone and loves to wear bracelets. Whenever anyone in the house starts to sing, she likes to join along. She's definitely not an even-tempered baby, but when she is happy she's a little snuggler and very affectionate. And as you can tell by the photos, she does not like to cooperate when it comes to having her picture taken!

Random End of February/Beginning of March Photos

2011-03-03T09:12:00.000-08:00

Sleepy Baby

2011-02-16T18:48:00.000-08:00

Going

Gone.....Today Paloma fell asleep while eating her lunch. Mid-chew, really.

She didn't even wake up when I scrubbed the hummus from her hair, face, and fingers.

My sweet little angel.

Happy Valentine's Day

2011-02-14T08:42:00.000-08:00

Life At Our House

2011-02-13T20:14:00.000-08:00

Milan requesting to play the "dancing game", wearing her princess dress...these days, this is a scene you will see frequently at our house. A bonus--if you listen closely, you can hear James in the background, belting out an Elton John tune while doing dishes (something that is NOT frequent...the dishes, I mean). He doesn't know he's being recorded. :)

Cabin Fever

2011-02-06T18:12:00.000-08:00

This past week was another cold, stormy week. This time we were hit with ice, so not a lot of time spent outside. Which means Mommy has to come up with things to do, to keep her two daughters occupied. Like painting.

Paloma busy trying out different types of finger foods

Making butterflies and people out of hearts

Milan surveying our handiwork

Paloma still snacking...

More painting

Playing with the indoor playhouse. I don't bring this out regularly, but when I do, it's a big hit.

Paloma playing with the kitchen. She likes to bring me food and hear me noisily eating.

And of course getting into her big sister's favorite toys, especially when Milan leaves the room.

Mommy playing with the settings on her camera

Still playing...

Mommy's almost done...then we'll bring out the play-doh!

Fun in the Snow

2011-01-28T11:39:00.000-08:00

Wednesday we received well over a foot of snow. The next morning, Milan was very anxious to check it all out so after breakfast, she went outside with James to help clear the cars and sidewalks.

She couldn't believe the size of this chunk of ice!

Milan enjoys pulling her sled almost as much as she likes being pulled in it.

Later in the day, they went out again to make a snowman. The snow wasn't the best for making snowmen, but they managed to make a small one, anyway.

She named him Frosty.

I've been asked to read stories about snowmen ever since!

Paloma's 1st Birthday Party

2011-01-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday we celebrated Paloma's first birthday with a little lunchtime party with a few family and friends. We kept it small and simple.

I made the decorations myself. :)

Paloma took it all in stride.

Singing Happy Birthday

Such a little cutie!

Just like Milan two years before, Paloma was not interested in eating her cupcake. She decided it was more fun to drop the pieces off the side of her highchair. (To this day, Milan still does not like cake).

Ever take a picture that is out of focus, but you just love it anyway? This is one of those for me.

For Christmas, my sister gave the girls these really cute coordinating outfits. I think Milan and Paloma look absolutely adorable in them. Milan loved hers so much, she insisted on wearing it 3 days in a row.

Having fun with balloons

Ready for her nap

Happy Birthday my sweet little Paloma Belle!