eight is great

On our eighth wedding anniversary (today!) I thought I'd take a moment to list eight reasons why I love the husband and am still so glad I said "I do" those many years ago ...

(In no particular order)

1. He is my very best friend.

2. When we were in the early/just friend stages of our relationship, he was able to look past my late-90's fashion choices (Overalls?!  In public?  And I think that's a scrunchie around my wrist ...) and to the beauty that was beneath.

3. Although there are times when he thinks he's way more funny than he actually is, he always knows how to make me laugh.

4. He is an amazing cook ...  And understands that desserts are the way to my heart!

5. He enjoys traveling as much as I do, yet knows how to just take in the scenery and not overdo it.

6. He works hard for our family ...  Both when he is at home, or away at work.

7. He supports me in all of my endeavors, no matter how crazy they may seem.

8. He is partially (50%, to be exact) responsible for these two little cherubs ...

Happy anniversary, Honey!

Here's to eight (plus infinity) more!

pearl's first birthday bash (a recap)

The month of March was a whirlwind of activity!

Between prepping and packing for moving and planning a first birthday party for my girl (that would hold up to the standard set by her brother's first birthday party), I am lucky that I'm still in one piece!

But it was all worth it ... 

(I love it when an idea just comes together!)

Pearl's pink and green owl party theme came from a cute invitation I found and purchased on Etsy back in January (nothing like getting a jump on things!).

I originally planned on making an owl-shaped cake out of cupcakes (sort of like the octopus cake for Malcolm's third birthday), but changed gears at the last possible moment when I found the following pattern during a Google search. 

I adapted it slightly for my needs and wants, and ended up with this ...

 

 

I had just enough cake left over for a small "smash cake" so that Pearl could dig in ...

 

 

And "dig in" she did (she practically ate the entire thing)!!

 

 

All in all, everything went off without a hitch and everyone had a great time celebrating my baby girl's first birthday!

Now, hopefully, moving goes just as smoothly ...

birthday mode

Our house is a mess (I hold "moving" fully responsible), and among the boxes (and boxes!) of things packed and ready to go are Pearl's birthday decorations and favors ...

Less than a week until her first birthday celebration!

I hope they don't get lost in the shuffle before then ...

for my pearl

My dearest Pearl Agnes,

Today is your first birthday ... 

Can it really be that a whole year has passed us already?

It seems like, just yesterday, I was waddling around the house, lamenting that none of my clothes fit, and dreaming of the second son I'd soon get to meet.

Yes, it is true.

I was nearly one hundred percent confident that you were going to be a little boy from the moment I knew you were in there.  Everything about your pregnancy was identical to my pregnancy with Malcolm (from the way I was "carrying" right down to the exact same salty cravings) ... So it made sense I'd be getting a little boy at the end.

Oh boy (pun intended), what a surprise it was to have you placed on my chest with the jubilant announcement "it's a little girl!"

And, in all honesty, looking back on our first year together, I've never been happier to be wrong in all my life.

Despite my (intial and unwarranted) negative feelings about having a daughter, you have blown my expectations out of the water. 

You are definitely different from your brother (and not just because you have girl parts) in the most amazing ways ...

You are so spunky.  You get into more than he ever did at this age, and you do so with such determination and sneakiness.  One minute, you are quietly playing with something on the floor and, the next (as soon as I turn away), you are happily destroying a shelf full of books and knocking them, one by one, to the ground.

You are loud.  You are so much more vocal than Malcolm ever was at this age.  You mimic our sounds, and constantly make your presence known.  You shriek and coo and laugh and you seem so close to uttering real words in your sweet and tiny voice.

You are smart.  (Not that Malcolm wasn't, but) you already know how to get what you want ... Whether it is with crocodile tears or by acting adorable!

We are in so much trouble.

But we are so in love!

This past year has been a fun ride already, and I can't wait to watch you grow and change over the coming years ... 

You are the daughter that I wasn't expecting, but you are exactly what I wanted.

I love you so much, my little gem.

Love always,
Mama

new year's rockin' eve

Although the title of this post may suggest otherwise, the only thing "rockin'" about our New Year's Eve this year, was Pearl's onesie ...

(And her mini-attitude ...)

Onesie: Carter's (thrifted for $0.50)

Pants: Okie Dokie (thrifted for $0.50)

Socks: Old Navy ($6.00 for pack of eight)

Other than that, we spent most of the evening at home, and then made a (somewhat unexpected) trip to hang out with my husband's cousins for dinner.

We were back home and on the couch (and Pearl tucked happily in bed) in time for the ball to drop at midnight.

But, being that my New Year's Eve hasn't been "rockin'" for many years now, I wouldn't want it any other way.

my christmas cutie

Before having one of each, I often heard mothers with both sons and daughters say how girls' clothes were more fun to shop for, and so much more varied than boys' clothes.

In only nine months with a daughter of my own, I'd have to wholeheartedly agree.

Although I love shopping for both of my kids, when looking for Christmas outfits this year, I had so many options with Pearl ...

Racks and racks of cute little dresses, and skirts, and jumpers ...

Sweaters and cardigans ...

Tights and knee socks (in solids, stripes, or festive patterns) ...

And shoes ...

(Oh my gosh, don't even get me started on the adorable little shoes!)

It was hard to leave the store without purchasing the whole toddler girls' department first!

Long-sleeved onesie: Cherokee (thrifted for $0.50)

Corduroy jumper: Cherokee ($7.50)

Black leggings: Old Navy (gift)

Socks: Unknown brand (from the hospital)

Shoes: Genuine Kids (thrifted for $1.50)

I guess it is a good thing that our "Christmas" is a three-day long affair!

a different kind of christmas cookie

On the very first day of my Winter Break, Malcolm and I spent part of the afternoon whipping up a batch of Peanut Butter Dog Treats for my sister's dog (our furry nephew/cousin), Emmitt.  Not only was it an easy Christmas gift to put together, it was fun to work in the kitchen alongside my boy.

(It didn't hurt that, halfway through, he exclaimed "Mom is a good cook!")

Here is how you can make your own treats for the four-legged friends in your family ...

You will need:

1/2 cup water
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
3 tablespoons peanut butter
2 teaspoons vanilla
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup cornmeal
1/2 cup rolled oats

To make the treats:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.

In a large bowl, blend the water, oil, eggs, peanut butter, and vanilla together until well combined, then set aside.  Whisk the flour, cornmeal, and oats together in a small bowl.  Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix until a workable (it will still be quite soft) dough forms.

Roll the dough out (to about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick) on a floured surface and cut the treats in whatever shape you desire.  We used cookie cutters to make bones, dogs, and some letters ("M" for Malcolm and "E" for Emmitt).

Place on an parchment paper-lined, or (ungreased) nonstick cookie sheet.

Bake for 20 minutes.  After the 20 minutes are up, turn the oven off and leave the treats inside as it cools (this will allow them to become nice and crisp).

Store in an airtight container once they are cooled ... We "fancied" our treats up by putting them in a glass container and adding ribbon and a festive tag (since they were a Christmas gift).

Although Malcolm was disappointed that he could not taste the finished product, he was so excited to give the gift to Emmitt ...

to those on my digital mailing list

Although some of the photos were already posted, here is this year's Christmas card.

I hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season!

happy birthday, honey

Last year at this time, we were having a romantic birthday dinner in Jamaica.

This year, things were a bit more "typical" as we spent the evening with my family and our wonderful children ...

But, no matter where we are or who we are with, I am so lucky to call this man my husband.

favorite color

He requested an "orange" birthday party.

So that's what he got.

onward and upward

As we walked around outside before his party on Saturday, I couldn't get over how lanky (and, well, big) he looked.

Such a far cry from last year!

I think it has something to do with the "layered" look ...  It does it every time.

But for as old as he looks sometimes, there are still little reminders that he is just a baby.

A three-year-old baby, but a baby nonetheless.

Long-sleeved tee-shirt: Circo (gift)

Jeans: Circo (thrifted for $1.00)

Socks: Circo ($1.00)

Shoes: Kidgets (thrifted for $1.00)

And I'm so glad he's mine!

another year, another letter

My dear, sweet Malcolm,

Yesterday (at 11:54 pm), you turned three.

Three years old!

Yet, when I kissed you on the forehead and left you in your darkened bedroom after saying "good night," I couldn't help but recall the very first time I kissed that same forehead ...

Your head was much smaller then ...  Squishy, and pink. 

Your eyes were a dark blue-gray, bewildered, but alert, trying to adjust to the bright hospital lights and take in your brand new surroundings.  Trying to make sense of the craziness that had just occurred.

Just this evening, your Dad recalled how you "just stared at him" when you were examined under the warming lights that hung above the newborn bassinet. 

When he locked eyes with you, I'm sure he felt the same way that I did ...  Completely and utterly in love.

And that feeling hasn't wavered.

Not once in these past three years.

Not even a tiny bit.

If it's possible, I think I grow to love you more with each year that passes.

You are such a personality now.  Full of life, and humor, and curiosity.  You are goofy like your Dad, and full of the same kinetic (and boundless) energy ... But you are also reflective like I am, quietly learning and scheming while the world moves around you. Comfortable with silence and just listening, thumb happily in your mouth ... 

At least until you feel like talking ...

Your voice (the voice that, it seemed, took so long in coming) is the soundtrack to my days.  Questions, comments, observations, exclamations, and even songs ...  All flying through the air with such speed and enthusiasm.  Almost all of your signs are gone (unless you want some extra emphasis), now replaced by words ...  And more words ...  And more words! 

The things you say astound me.

You are smart (and that's not the mother in me talking).  You seriously amaze me with your ability to take things in (like during your very first moments) and remember them ...  Events that happened long ago, exchanges and conversations that you heard, dialogue from your favorite DVDs, details that I'm positive you didn't notice.  Somehow you piece it all together, like the many puzzles that you have deemed "easy."

You are caring and sweet ...  You love everyone.  Your grandparents, your aunts and uncles, your cousins, adults you see at church or the grocery store, and Pearl.  You love your sister.  Your complete dismissal of her presence during her early days has been replaced by a growing interest.  You like when Pearl touches, looks, or "growls" at you, and you are quick to share Spot (if only for a second or two) when you notice her being fussy.  You always want to snuggle with her on her ocean activity mat and make her laugh when he's hanging in her doorway bouncer.

"Pearl like Malcolm!"  You exclaim, a grin crossing your face.

Of course she does. 

How could she not?

You are truly everything I could have asked for in a first child and so much more ...  You have set the bar so, so high and have made me so proud to be your mom. 

So proud that you are my little boy.

It's been three years since you came into my world ...  Three years since you made me a mother and changed everything.

I can't wait to see what the next three (and beyond!) will hold.

Love Always,

Mama

cute floral centerpieces for my cute baby girl

Pearl was baptized over the long weekend, which meant a gathering of extended family and friends at our house afterward.  In order to make our garage a little bit nicer for my girl's first ever party in her honor, I put together some simple floral centerpieces for the folding tables.

I already had the small metal pails from Malcolm's second birthday party, so all I had to do was remove his "street signs" and put flowers in their place.  Easy!

Here is a quick tutorial ...

To make the centerpieces, you will need:

Small metal pails
Floral foam (mine were half spheres that fit snugly into each pail)
Silk flowers (I purchased mine in bulk from www.afloral.com)
Wire snips
Shredded paper

Clip the silk flowers to your desired length (I found that about two inches off the bottom for the central flower and four to five inches for the perimeter flowers worked well).

Insert the stems into the floral foam.

 

Once all of the flowers are in place and how you like them, use the shredded paper to "fill in" the gaps and create a more finished look.

Proudly display your final product!

In all, each centerpiece cost just under $5.00 and took less than five minutes to make from start to finish ...  Not a bad little decoration, if I do say so myself!

celebrating mom

Mother's Day is just around the corner and this mother of two is actually "on the ball" this year!

(Who knew I could be so productive with an extra kid around?!)

The cards have been made.

5x7 Folded Card

View the entire collection of cards.

(I don't think my Mom reads here much, so I shouldn't be spoiling anything!)

The gifts have been bought.

The itinerary for the day/weekend has been set.

All that's left to do is spend some quality time with the influential women in my life ...

And hopefully be doted upon by my own little family!

Happy (early) Mother's Day!

fry up a fiesta

With "Cinco de Mayo" this past weekend, I had the perfect excuse to make a dessert that I love, but never get the chance to have ...

Mexican Fried Ice-cream!

This version that I created is actually "un-fried" so it is as easy to make as it is delicious!

You will need (approximately) ...

3 cups of cornflakes
1/2 cup of sugar
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
Vanilla ice-cream

To make the "un-fried" fried ice-cream ...

Begin by scooping balls of the ice-cream.  Use your hands to form and compact them slightly, then place them in a wax paper-lined dish and into the freezer.  Allow them to set for about 15-30 minutes.

In the meantime, put the cornflakes in a resealable plastic bag and use your hands or a rolling pin to crush them.  Add the sugar and cinnamon and shake to combine.

Working in batches, remove the ice-cream balls from the freezer and, one by one, coat them in the cornflake mixture.  I like to use my hands to actually smash the cornflakes onto the surface of the ice-cream, rather than just rolling it.  If at any point you feel like the ice-cream is becoming too soft, put the balls back in the freezer for about 10 minutes, then roll again ...  I like to roll each ball 2-3 times in the cornflake mixture to ensure that they are well coated.

Return the finished fried ice-cream to the freezer and allow them to set for another 30 minutes or so.

Enjoy with your favorite ice-cream toppings ...  My husband likes to drizzle his with honey and I like chocolate syrup.

Extra fried ice-cream can be stored in the freezer in the resealable bag ...  Although you will probably be tempted to eat them all in one sitting!

coordinated cuties

This Easter was our first big chance to step out as a family of four, so I did what any (normal) mother would do ...

I pieced together (somewhat) coordinating outfits for my children!

Dress shirt: Old Navy (thrifted for $0.75)
Khaki pants: Cherokee (hand-me-down)
Socks: Circo ($1.00)
Shoes: Converse (thrifted for $1.00)

Polka-dot jacket: Circo (part of three piece set for $11.00)
Long-sleeved undershirt: Gerber (pack of three for $6.00)
Onesie: Circo (part of three piece set for $11.00)
Stretch pants: Circo (part of three piece set for $11.00)
Socks: Walmart (pack of ten for $6.00)

The only thing that would have made my creations better (children and outfits!) is if I could have snapped a coveted "sibling photo" of the two of them snuggling together.

Unfortunately, Malcolm wasn't feeling it.

Maybe we'll get lucky next time we have an excuse to "dress up" ...

merry christmas, mon

Merry Christmas from my family to yours!


I hope it's as enjoyable as a sunny (and warm!), Jamaican day!