Cones

First snow cone!

First snow cones of the season and definitely not the last! I was a big time snow cone junkie when I was pregnant with Everly and that craving has returned with this pregnancy too. It was only natural to bring Ev along today and introduce her to her first snow cone, which she absolutely loved.

Me: “Want to go get snow cones, Evy?” Ev: “Cone nuts? Yeah!” It was a done deal.

She had Strawberry, I had Tiger’s Blood, and they were a godsend in the 89-degree heat. The whole way home Ev talked to us about the “cones” and how good they were. Looks like I officially have another snow cone fan to hang out with this summer.

Very happy girls

We had a delightful weekend. We had friends over on Saturday night and I made these enchiladas which were fantastic. Ev stayed up late with us and was the highlight of the night, dancing to records in her PJ’s until her eyes grew heavy and she took my hand to take her to bed. One of my best friends, Lauren, and I, stayed up late talking and even decided to go on a late-night milkshake run. It was a lovely weekend indeed.

Love,
E

21 Months Old

So happy to have her pool out

My Everly,

Since it’s been a few months since I posted your last update, I figured you were probably due for a little something. My, how things have changed in just a few short months. You are running, jumping, climbing, swinging, talking, and learning all sorts of new things day by day. And you always manage to make your Dad and I laugh at any given time- you are such a happy, funny girl and we absolutely love it. The other day, when I asked you what you would like for breakfast, you promptly said, “Honey!”

You love to dance, hug and kiss, and to explore new things. You’re fascinated by nature in all facets. Whether you catch a glimpse of a cardinal bird on one of our walks, find a turtle in your backyard, or see a roly-poly inching along our front steps, it gives you the biggest thrill.

You’re talking like crazy these days, saying your colors, repeating things we say to you, pretending to read my magazines and books, and counting a little bit too! You’re very in tune with reading the emotions of others. You can tell when people around your are sad, or upset, and you always show them affection when they need it most. I love this about you! Sometimes, you get emotional too when you think people are hurt or upset. The other day you got so upset and started crying when you were watching Winnie the Pooh and Piglet fell down and bumped his head.

You love to play with your stuffed animals and take care of them- feeding them, pretending to change their diapers, putting them in your shopping cart and taking them on little trips around the house. You are such a caring little girl, and we know you’re going to make such an amazing big sister! We just love the adventures that every new day brings with you, Everly Grace.

Love,
Your Mama

Gotta love driveway pool parties in May

The Beans Have Officially Been Spilled

Everly’s going to be a big sister!

The rumors are true!  We’ve been keeping a big secret to ourselves over here for a while lately, and it feels great to finally announce that we have another little one on the way!  It’s been so nice keeping it just to ourselves and close family and friends, but now that I finally have a little bump to show for it, we figured it’s time to spread the news.

To say the least, we are completely overjoyed and can’t wait to give Everly a sister or brother later this Fall.  We are due on Halloween and Everly and Baby #2 will be two years apart- exactly what I’ve always wished for!

Finding out that we are pregnant for a second time is just as surprising and exhilarating as the first time.  The fact that I’m going into my fifteenth week is crazy, so I’m just enjoying every moment as a mama of one and trying to wrap my head around what it’s going to be like with two little rugrats!

Below is my first bump pic with Baby #2 at 14 weeks.  See my baby bump pic with Everly at 15 weeks here.

Cheesy first baby bump pic at 14 weeks

Love,
E

Dear Everly, You Are 18 Months Old

Dear Everly,

At just 6 months shy of age Two, you never cease to amaze your Dad and I with showing  us something new you’ve learned each passing day.  You’re like a little sponge, taking in each and every person you encounter, reading their feelings, studying their movements and mannerisms, and imitating actions, repeating words, and using everything in your power to communicate.

Recently, you’ve demonstrated your interest in climbing and love walking on the balance beam at your tumbling class.  You also love pretend-play with your stuffed animals, brushing your teeth, and reading books.  Most of all, my little Everly, you love to move your body and dance when you hear the sound of music.  You’re never inhibited- even in a room full of strangers- and I hope you always hold on to this confidence.

You’re starting to show so much affection toward others, which warms my heart like nothing else.  You always have a hug for me, a kiss for your Dad, and a snuggle for Roxy and Leyla, and your awareness about others’ feelings is starting to grow more apparent to those close to you.

Your reaction to the world and things around you is quite humbling.  Many times I’ll hear you gasp in excitement at the sight of a full moon through our dining room window, or I’ll catch your eyes widen in wonder as a sunset peeks over the horizon.  It makes me remember the true beauty in ordinary things that we sometimes take for granted, which is such an important lesson you’ve taught me.

Not a day goes by that I don’t tell you that you are beautiful, that you are smart, and that you are important, and if I teach you anything in this life, I’ll do everything within my power to make sure that you always know this.

Love,
Your Mama

Lazy Weekend

It’s been quite the lazy weekend over here, given that 2/3 of our house is currently under the weather.   Friday night, Everly woke up in the middle of the night with a very hoarse cough and was having trouble breathing.  She had what I’m pretty sure was a Croup attack, which luckily in our case, was not serious.  We used a cool mist vaporizer, which seemed to help a lot, and I slept right by her side all night, waking up to check on her each time she stirred.  Saturday morning, she was her usual happy, devilish self. 

We kept up with the lazy trend for the rest of the weekend: I put on a big pot of Vegetable Beef Barley soup, my parents stopped by for a visit, Marty grabbed some records, we stayed up late & watched a movie, and I even squeezed in a trip to H&M to pick up a few things.

Around dinnertime tonight, I noticed Everly seemed warmer than usual and tired, so I gave her a bath and once she was out and in pajamas, she reached up for me and actually led me to our bed- two and a half hours before her normal bedtime, I might add.  This is not characteristic of her at all, so I’m crossing my fingers that she’s not coming down with something else.

A few pictures from our weekend…

Hope you have a lovely week!

Love,
E

Little Yoginis

Today was a very special little girl’s 3rd birthday party and also Everly’s very first yoga practice!  That’s right, we attended a yoga-themed kids’ birthday party at the studio where I’ve been practicing for the last few years, and also where the Birthday Girl’s Mom (and a good friend of mine) is an instructor.

We were stoked to see how Everly took to it and weren’t surprised one bit when she jumped right in with all the kids on the mats.  We can’t say that she mastered any poses this time but she sure had lots of fun and definitely seemed intrigued with what was going on around her.

Here’s a few shots from today…

The kids followed a playful practice, then decorated Tree Pose cookies with icing and sprinkles.  It was hands down the most adorable kids’ party we’ve ever attended!

Love,
E

2011 In Review

What a year it’s been!  I’ve been reflecting on 2011 and thought I’d share a few of the year’s highlights…

Everly
We went from scooting, to crawling, to talking, and babbling, and climbing in the past 12 months.  This year was a big one for our little girl; Everly tasted plenty of new foods, got to squish sand between her toes and experience the magic of the ocean, celebrated a very special first birthday, and decided she likes our bed way better than her crib.  She’s proven to be quite the fearless little girl, and not a day goes by that she ceases to amaze us with her loving and carefree spirit.

Marty & I
This past year, we both continued to balance the challenges of work and family life, but we could not have done any of it without each other.  We learned some truly remarkable things about parenting this year, and have a lot to celebrate.  On top of taking on extra responsibilities in our professional worlds, we both sucked it up and got our butts back in the gym, and are looking forward to continuing to do so in the New Year.  Also notable, I’m proud to say that I have successfully weaned Everly from nursing after 16 months.  As a longtime advocate for breastfeeding, I’m so proud and happy that I was able to give my daughter the best start in life and hope to do the same with my next child.

2012 – Goals, Dreams & Future Plans
At the top of this list for 2012, I hope to continue to live a healthy lifestyle and do things that genuinely make me happy.  More yoga, cooking whole, healthy meals for my family, blogging more, and taking a day here and there to do something spontaneous with the ones that I love.  These are the things that always put a smile on my face, yet I sometimes find a challenge in fitting them in along with everything else that goes into a typical day.  However, when I make the time, I never regret doing them.  Also on the radar for ’12: we’re counting down the days until we get to return to Destin for another family vacation, and secretly dreading saying Bye-Bye to Everly’s beloved Binky, which will also be happening soon (fingers crossed!)

Thanks to everyone who made our 2011 fantastic!  We love you & can’t wait for what 2012 will bring!  So grab a glass and raise it up, because this one’s gonna be a good one too!

Cheers!
E

Remember last year? Read my 2010 Year in Review.

Christmastime

It’s been very Christmasy around these parts lately.  And just as we suspected, Everly took to the holiday like an old pro, even though it’s only her second Christmas to date.  She went crazy for Christmas lights and decorations, so much that we decided she just needed her own mini lit-up Christmas tree in her room.  Why not?

We enjoyed plenty of Christmas cookies and old holiday tunes on the record player, but most importantly, it was great to spend time with family.  Everly had such a blast seeing all of her little cousins, Aunts & Uncles (Great Aunts & Uncles too) , and getting spoiled her Grandparents and her GG.

And on Christmas morning, she woke up with an extra twinkle her eye since we told her the Big Man would be making a stop at our home this year with a few little surprises for her.  Some of her treats included a tea set, wooden play food, and a special table and chairs set for tea parties.

I can’t believe we’re just a few days away from 2012… We’re so thankful for having such an awesome year and are already making our resolutions for the next one.  Hope you all had a very happy holiday and wishing you all the best for 2012!

Love,
E

Moon Face

Dear Everly,

File this under one of the million things about you that i never want to forget.  Your Grandma & Grandpa started teaching you about the moon the other night and trying to get you to say it.  When we say “Moon,” you pucker your lips up (as you are in this picture) and it’s the cutest/funniest/most adorable thing ever!  Tonight I showed you a picture of the full moon (emailed from Grandpa, of course) and when you saw it on my phone, you sleepily pulled your Binky out of your mouth and started doing your signature moon face.  You then ran over to the window and pointed up to the bright white ball in the November sky and said “bye bye”.  Somehow, you always manage to turn a plain old Thursday night into something magical.  Love you, kiddo.

Love,
Your Mama

Trick or Treat

This little mischievous, woodland gnome was spotted in our garden on Monday night…

She was up to no good, as usual.  But we decided to keep her anyways.

And who would have thought that Trick-or-Treating would come so naturally to her?

The sneaky little bugger even talked us into letting her have some candy.

Those gnomes just always get their way…

Hope you had a Happy Halloween!  We sure did!

Love,
E (+ Marty & Everly)