Thankful

Can I get a big "Amen" for Friday?!!

Giada and I are back home, and I would like to thank all of you for your prayers and kind thoughts for our safe travel.

Other than a five minute crying fiasco that I was convinced was going to have the guy behind me brake a window and jump for his life, Giada did pretty well.

God is good.

Can I get another "Amen" for that?

Last one. Cross my heart.

When I was in Arizona, my family was making fun of me quite a bit for having my camera no more than two feet away at all times. I was snapping pictures of everything in site.

While I know that you photo professionals are trying not to urinate all over yourselves from laughing so hard at my poor attempt to take pictures, I still love to document my life in this way.

So it's cool. You can keep on laughing.

I'll keep on snapping.

Pictures that is.

One of the things I photographed a lot last week, was the cactus plant and it's beautiful flowers.

While I was looking at them, I thought of God's sense of humor, and his amazing imagination.

He created the cactus. Not the pretties one of His creations, in my opinion.

It's thorny, and pocky, and odd looking most of it's life.

But then it's flowers start blooming, and they are absolutely gorgeous.

That's when I knew that the entire cactus nation must be so thankful.

Which only got me think about all the things I was so thankful for, this week alone.

So today I'm thankful. SO very much thankful.

For quality time spent with family.

For eating enough tiramisu to make not only me, but also my second unborn future child, happy.

(My mom knows how to make a mean tiramisu)

via

For holding my daughter close to my heart,

and for weather that let me wear sleeveless dresses.

For geting home safely, and finding those beauties blooming allover my front yard.

For spring being here.

For seeing the love of my life

and for hearing my daughter's sweet, giggly laughter when she saw her daddy again.

For the fact that you're reading this.

I hope you're thankful today.

"And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body.

And be thankful." Colossians 3:15

Ready.Set.Easter

Hello there friends!

I hope all of you had a fantastic Easter weekend.

Mine was filled with family, food, and laughter, which equals success in my world.

Oh, and lets not forget sunshine!!!! Holy Moses do I ever love the sunshine!

I am way past the point of infatuation with this 85 degree weather.

What we share is pure, pure love dear friends.

Back to Easter.

This holiday blows my mind away with the meaning that stands behind it.

My favorite bible verse for Easter can be found in Isaiah 53.

That entire chapter shakes my entire being.

"he was pierced for our transgressions,

he was crushed for our iniquities;

the punishment that brought us peace was on him,

and by his wounds we are healed. (vrs. 5)"

I find the fact that someone loved me so much that He would rather be tortured and killed for my mistakes rather than see me get hurt, so overwhelming and powerful. I still can't wrap my human mind around that type of love.

Jesus, if you're reading, you are my hero.

I owe you everything. True story.

In other news, I've been spending some quality time with my little Joliet (I just have to use her middle name sometime! I love it too much and I never get to.)

I am also loving the multiple dates that my girl and I are having with various skirts and dresses around here.

I've missed them oh so much!

Giada is getting so spoiled.

She barely ever touches the floor nowadays.

You can constantly find her in someone's arms.

I have a feeling that I'm going to be in trouble once we go back home and she refuses to sit on her own for more than half a second.

Crap.

Last but most definitely not least, our Easter was about food and tradition.

Every Easter, we LOVE to dye eggs and make enough food to feed a small third world country.

I've said it before, but around here you eat until you're about to get sick.

Then you take another breath to make more room, and eat some more.

How are we all not 400lbs?

I'm not quite sure.

But my dad bikes about 24miles per day in order to afford this kind of life style.

We don't eat to live.

We live to eat.

No regrets.

How did you spend your Easter?

Happy Monday!

Simple pleasures

Hello there lovelies!

I'm taking a pause from this sunny weather to let you know that both Giada and I are safe and sound in beautiful Arizona.

More than that, I managed to get here without pulling any of my hair out.

Giada was a total doll during the flight.

It took me for ever to decide if I should feed her before we got on the plane, or make it all weird for everyone else around me and breastfeed while we're taking off.

Ten minutes before getting on our flight, I chose the later.

I took the "Who cares if I make everyone else uncomfortable, if it makes my kid happy" approach.

And happy she was once she was eating.

And? It wasn't even as weird as I thought it would be.

Thanks to my hooter hider, I was hardly noticed.

Moving on...

So what's been going on around these parts, you may ask?

Ok, you may not ask, but I'll tell ya anyway.

I've been indulging plentifully in this life's simple pleasures.

Because that's the kind of girl I am.

This includes shopping and hanging out with the fam, as well as

having the luxury of letting my albino legs see the light of day and be kissed by the sun.

I haven't seen my toes this happy in a really long time.

I think one of them may have even winked at me.

Yes, I have winking toes.

Yes, it's one of my superpowers.

No, I will not tell you the secret to it.

Get over it.

Also, I ate way more gelato than a girl who's trying to lose 8 post pregnancy lbs should ever eat.

{Side note: this girl has completely missed every single lesson on self control.

However, oddly enough, she attended every "instant gratification" class.

My butt and thighs have agreed to pay my tuition if I retake those missed classes.

I said I'll only agree if they pay me in chocolate.

We're still debating.

End side note

PS: Being able to have a conversation with my butt is another one of my superpowers.

Please try to contain your jealously.}

One of the nicest things about this vacation?

Having to change about one third of the dirty diapers that I usually do, thanks to my mommy.

Not a bad deal, if you ask me.

Next stop: Easter.

This family goes a little bit food crazy when it comes to ANY holiday.

You get stuffed to the rim, like a fat pig before Christmas eve.

Please pray that when I come back next week, I still will only need to lose 8lbs and not an extra 15.

Ok, I'm off to eat my way through this town.

I hope all of you have a wonderful weekend and a great Easter!

Things you've been dying to know

Sometimes I have those random thoughts running in my head, and I just can't help but share them with the rest of the world. What can I say, I'm a sharer. Besides, I bet you were just dying to hear what goes on inside my brain. NOT.

• When I was a kid and did not speak English, I would have donated the skin off my left thigh to understand how they caught the bad guy in Scooby Doo. Now I do. And they say that some wishes can’t come true.
• The thought of people dying every day due to hunger makes me tear up every.single.time. It’s so heart breaking.
• The day I realized that I won’t go to hell for wearing makeup or jewelry was one of the best days of my life. Because I love them both oh so much. Crazy, I know
• Ten years ago I was dreaming about the life that I’m living today. Today I’m living my dreams.
• I love the fact that I have a husband who loves me even when I look like a fool.

• I never thought that I would have a blue-eyed kiddo or that blue eyes would be able to melt my heart so easily, for that matter.

{"Mom, it's only 8am. I still got my drool on. Can't those pictures wait?"

The answer is no, no they can't. }

• I’m amazed that so many of you are willing to follow me without being bribed, and more than that, that so many of you are willing to read the random things that I write about. For that I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You make my day with your comments. Truly.
• The fact that Jesus has made the CHOICE to die for me and become my Savior blows my mind away and breaks my heart all at the same time.
• Oh, and in case you were wondering what happens when you misbehave in this house, here's the answer. You get put in the corner. She didn't do anything wrong, by the way. We're just practicing for her teenage years.

{Speaking in british accent: "May I bother you for some crumbs please?"}

Happy Tuesday Loves!

Birthday Weekend

It's Monday again.

Usually I would start counting down for the weekend, starting... now.

However, this week I'm counting down to Wednesday.

Just two more days until Giada and I hop on a plane and take off to sunny Arizona!

Or, just two days until the nerves of flying with an infant will make me pull my hair out and start eating it.

In case you are wondering, not a favorite hobby of mine.

But then again, the thought of sunny, warm weather, makes the loss of hair so worth it.

Moving on to today's post.

This past weekend involved many giddy, sugar high, cute kiddos.

And a very excited birthday girl.

Giada went to her very first birthday party, at the young age of 4 1/2 months.

Her cousin turned 5 and she asked for an Easter themed birthday.

Her sweet mother gladly obliged and threw her the cutest little birthday, completed with a hatched egg cake and egg hunt.

Even the Easter bunny was there.

Well, she's there all the time, since they own her.

Still, perfect timing to own a bunny, don't you think?

So what did Giada do while everyone else was celebrating?

She took turns napping, sucking on strawberries, and hanging out on the swing with her momma.

Aren't you a bit jealous of the life of a four month old?

I know I am.

Of course, minus the incontinent part.

That I can do without.

I hope your Monday is nothing short of fabulous!

Something sweet for your Friday

It's sweet, sweet Friday friends!

No really. It is.

Or at least it will be after you make this yummy goodness.

Yesterday I thought I should give this new dessert a try.

They are called "Brigadeiros" and are born and raised in Brazil.

But just like many others foreigners, (coughMEcough), they have made their way into the American hearts and homes.

You only need a few ingredients to make them.

Ingredients:

• 1tbs butter
• 3tbs unsweetened coco
• 1 (14oz) can of condensed milk
• 2tsp Nesquik (he didn't make it in the picture)
• LOVE

So here's what you do.

MOST IMPORTANT STEP:

Open the can of condensed milk and eat at least two spoonfuls of it.

Or don't. But it's your loss.

Next, mix all your ingredients in a pan and set over medium heat. I didn't do it this time, but for the next batch I would also add some instant coffee to this. I think it will make them so much yummier.

Stir for about ten minutes until it starts to harden.

Meanwhile, get distracted and take a picture of your cute Sous Chef.

She's drooling over what's about to come, which only means that success is near.

Once you're done stirring, let the mixture cool down until you're able to get your hands in there and play.

If you enjoy having your skin being melt off by hot condensed milk, don't let it cool down.

Again, your choice. I'm staying out of it.

Next, grab a good spoonful of this mixed yumminess, and with greased hands, roll them into balls. Here's the fun part: once you're done rolling, sprinkle them with coconut, nuts, chocolate sprinkles, or what ever makes your heart go pitter-patter. Get creative for goodness sake.

Take a step back and admire your work.

Pretty, no?

Now go on. Eat your masterpiece.

Best part about this dessert is that it's good for you.

You don't believe me?

See, milk is good for your bones.

And coco is good for your heart.

It should not be confused with coca (aka cocaine) which is NOT good for your heart.

Now you know.

THE END

"Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first." ~Ernestine Ulmer

Have a beautiful weekend loves!

WIWW

Can you believe it's Wednesday already?

I may be a bit too excited about it, because a week from today, my pasty legs are going to enjoy the warm sun that resides in Arizona. I see a nice sunburn in my near future.

Is it sad that this idea puts a smile on my face?

You see, Giada and I are flying over to see my family for one week.

I may or may not suffer from severe spastic colon from the simple idea of going by my lonesome self in an airplane, across the country, with an infant.

The potential nonstop screaming, gives me nightmares.

Please pray for me, and especially for the rest of the United passengers that are going to be on that flight and will be forced to hear my screaming child.

Anyway...

Today I've decided to participate in WIWW over at the "Pleated Poppy."

Last week was my first time, and I thought, why not show my face around here once again.

Besides, I know that in a couple of months, you'll beg me to stop complaining about wearing nothing but scrubs almost every single day of my life.

So you see, I have to take complete advantage of wearing normal clothes for as long as I can. I must do it!

It also gives me a great excuse to take more pictures with this little cutie.

Gosh, do I ever love this girl and all the slobber that she comes with.

Have a fantastic middle of the week friends!

4 months

My sweet little Giada bear,

You are four months old girlie. This means that I’m the lucky mommy of a FOUR month old. Give me a second while I faint.

Sweet baby, you are SO much fun to be around. This month, your personality has really started to show, and little girl, you are a charmer. You make everyone around fall in love with you. You greet most people with a huge gummy smile, and they can’t help but love you right away. You are a “talker” just like your momma, and like to squeal every time you get excited about something. You have also fallen completely in love with your daddy. You follow him around with your eyes and are always trying to start a “conversation” with him as soon as he walks in the room. Needless to say, you also have him wrapped around your little finger.

{Little Love, you completely refused to stay still for your monthly picture with the kitty-cat. We'll just have a blurry picture of you this month}

Giada love, you have hit a few milestones lately. Last week you rolled from your back to the front. And after doing it once, you were like a rolling log, doing it over and over again. You also started eating rice cereal, and just a little bit of veggies. So far you’ve tried carrots, squash, and sweet peas. And you know what’s the best part? You love everything mommy gives you. I’m not going to lie; I’m working really hard to make sure you won’t be as picky with your food as your daddy is.

You are still not realizing that your toys are there for you to play with, for the most part. However, this weekend, I saw your face while you were batting one of your toys, and you were concentrating so hard because for the first time you experienced cause and effect. My heart may have skipped a few dozen beats while witnessing that.

Yesterday we went to your pediatrician, and she was so impressed by how much you are progressing. She thinks you are so developmentally advanced for your age. Honey bear, you’re only 4months old and already making your momma so proud! Right now you weigh 13.1 lbs, and are 25 ¼ inches tall. Your height is in the 84 percentile, and neither your daddy nor I can figure out where you got these tall genes. You still wear some 0-3 month clothes, but are growing out of them so fast. You can also fit in a lot of 3-6months outfits already. Dr. B also said that your bottom teeth are starting to come in. It’s a little earlier than most babies, but then again, it seems like you want to do everything early. Everything but sleeping through the night that is.

A couple days ago we put you in your own room, and so far you seem to be doing great. You are waking up about every 3 to 4 hrs a night. Your pediatrician recommended that we skip your 3am feeding. She said that when you wake up at 3am to just go in there, “pet” you, and let you go back to sleep. I’m SO not looking forward to that, because I know the screaming that will be accompany that.

Sweet pea, we are so blessed to have you in our lives and to call you our daughter. One year ago on April 10, we found out that you are coming into our lives. Now, just a short year later, you’ve made us the most proud and happy parents, and I can’t thank God enough for you. Both your daddy and I are so excited to see you grow and fill our hearts and lives with laughter and happiness. We love you to the moon. And back and forth time infinity.

Love,

Mommy.

Weekend adventures

With all the snow threats I was receiving from my iphone weather app, I was starting to think that this weekend was not going to start out so great. But then yesterday, Spring and I had a little chat. I went all gangster "White Chicks" on it. I even snapped my fingers in it's face and used the "yo, yo, yo ma Spring" {Translation for those of you who don't speak Ghettoese: "Dear Spring"}. I guess it wasn't aware of the fact that I lived in Detroit for a few yrs and had some gang affiliations. I don't. But for some reason that always seams to work if I want to threaten someone. And what do you know? I scared Spring out of hibernation. Here's some proof.

Also, some of us turned 4 months old over the weekend, and tried out some new foods.

Like rice cereal and carrots.

The entire face approves.

Oh, and also some fruits. Sucking the life out of strawberries is a new found hobby.

It's always a great weekend in my book when I can hang out with these two loves.

At least one of them, was NOT enjoying having their picture taken.

Snuggling sleepy babies, who refuse to let you sleep at night for more than 3hrs at a time, is necessary every single day of my life.

However, it's especially a must on the weekends.

I may have had a fight with a piece of cake.

I also may have won.

My soul thanked me.

My thighs... not so much.

How was your weekend?

Have a sweet and happy Monday lovelies!

Ciao Bella

I've been bitten. By the travel bug that is.

And you know what? It's contagious. True story.

Ever since I can remember, I've been wanting to see the world and everything it has to offer.

I thrive to learn about other cultures and their history. I become easily flabbergasted by various folklore, and by the many reasons for their beliefs and traditions. I've always found learning different languages so intriguing. While I speak English, Romanian, Spanish, and some Russian (a lot less than what I spoke when I was a kid), I wish I could learn at least three more. And it's got nothing to do with showing off or being awesome, which obviously I am.

Ask my husband.

Oh and my mom. Definitely ask my mom about my awesomeness.

They'll tell you the truth, since they are not bias at all.

But instead it's because, personally, I feel that when I learn a new language and its "slang," is REALLY when I get to know the roots of it's culture and people. Besides, the more languages I know, the better I can ask for food in different places. And really, it's all about different food for me.

I should just have a giant tattoo on my forehead saying "FEED ME." In italics preferably.

How am I not 500 lbs? I don't know. It must be the breastfeeding. At least that's what they keep telling me. Hmm, I may breastfeed until Giada is 10 yrs old if that's true.

Ok, stop gagging. I'm only joking.

Anywayyyy.....

Basically all this blabbering about traveling is leading me to share with you one of my favorite places that we've ever been to.

La bella Italia.

Say it with me now: "La Bella Italia." Don't you feel more sexy already?

Yeah, this tiny European country has that appeal, doesn't it.

We visited my numerous extended family who lives there, about 3 years ago.

From its history, to its people, to the fashion, and let's not forget the food, they just know what it's all about.

It just goes to show you that great things do come in small packages.

The architecture in this country is breath taking. So gorgeous.

{Side note: Do you think that people who live on the river ever go skinny dipping at night? You just got to wonder sometimes.}

Plaza San Marco - Venice. We walked on the narrow venician streets for hours. There was so much beauty to take in.

And the romance this city brings?!?! Oh my gracious! You cannot be there and not want to be in love. It draws you in, and it captivates you with all it's magnificence. It's undeniably a magical place.

If you've been there, you know what I'm talking about. If you haven't, you've got to put it on your travel list. You will not regret it. Scouts honor.

Happy Thursday. Go do some traveling now!

WIWW

Today I'm linking up for the first time to "What I Wore Wednesday," which actually is what I wore on Tuesday. Because when you wear sweatpants for three days in a row and then decide to put on normal clothes, you've got to document it. And while I can rock out a comfy pair of sweatpants like the best of them, it sure feels nice to dress up like a grown up. Besides, the sun was calling out my name, so I had to oblige.

My partner in crime wanted to participate as well. So who am I to decline her request.

And once we were done posing for the post, we did what we do best. Play.

And it was the bestest! You should try it. It will change your life. Cross my heart.

I hope your Wednesday is easygoing and fantabulous friends!

They say we look nothing alike

When Giada was born, one of the first things we asked ourselves was "Who the heck does she look like?"

And what I got from people (including the husband and my own mother. Hi mommy!) was "I don't know. But she sure doesn't look like you."

Or something along those lines.

Great. No bragging rights for me.

There should be a universal rule that if you puke for 16 weeks, wake up a zillion times per night to pee for 4 months, can't see your own feet for another 5months, and push a 7lbs baby out of ya, she should resemble you a tiny bit. It's only fair.

So then Giada was about one month old, and you could really see her daddy in her eyes.

Literarily. They have the same eyebrows. She can even raise them the EXACT SAME WAY that he does. Ever since then, everyone started saying how much those two look alike.

And I'm ok with that. Because the man is good looking.

If he wasn't, THEN we would have had a problem. Vanity happens to be my friend sometimes, I do admit.

I digress...

So a few weeks ago I was looking at some of my baby pictures, and I don't know if it's my imagination working overtime, or if all those other fools have been wrong all along (fingers crossed for the later), but I saw something of myself in Giada.

Maybe it's just the fat cheeks.

And that's totally fine. I'll take the fat cheeks.

So I give you my beautiful mommy and yours truly on the left back in the day, and Giada and I on the right.

Blurry picture of moi at 9 months. I think that Giada's picture from above looks more like this one.

And Giada at 3 1/2 months.

So what do you think? Is my sleep depravation causing me to see things?

Or is there something to all my crazy talk?

You can be totally honest. I won't hold it against you... too much.

Happy Tuesday!

It left just as fast as it came

Spring was here last Friday.

And of course, I got my hopes up like a teenage girl high on hormones who thinks she's in love for the millionth time.

What a fool I am!

Sadly, our romance was shortly lived. Regardless, I wasn't going to let the short time we had together go to waste.

Nope. Not me.

This little blue eyed girl and her mommy were in desperate need of some vitamin D.

And we were going to get us some, darn it!

So we grabbed the husband, dash daddy, dash awesome dude that took the day off to spend it with his girls, and headed over to the park.

It was Giada's first time there, so of course, this special event in history had to be documented.

She really enjoyed the swings... for about 30 seconds, until the sun started blinding her.

She wouldn't open her eyes if my life depended on it.

That's cool. We still had fun with our eyes closed.

Those two spent some quality time with each other wearing short sleeves, and unbuttoned jackets. You know, the way quality time is supposed to be spent in April.

This 70 degree weather also called for some super yummy frozen blubbery and chocolate yogurt. Unfortunately, there is no evidence of it because I may have ingested it faster than a fat kid can swallow a cupcake. But it was SO good. I pinky promise. Go get you some, and thank me later.

Fast forward two days later and where are we? Back in the snow-suit, that's where.

Snow-suit people!

Kick me in the shins, and call me fat while you're at it, won't you? It will hurt less.

Dear Spring, if you're reading this, I'm pretty mad.

However, if you're willing to come back to me, I will give you another chance.

Special offer just for you.

Thanks.

Sincerely,

a very vitamin-D deprived girl.

Happy Monday!

So close that it's pure bliss

This Friday I’m happy. So happy! The weather has been so beautiful and yesterday I’ve been able to taste the spring in all its glory. That alone makes my heart skip around in unmistakable delight.

But there is more to that happiness. What really makes my soul burst at the seams with joy is the fact that I’m able to hold my little girl so close that I can hear her tiny, perfectly made heart beating. So close, that I can smell her sweet, soft baby skin. So close, that I can look deep into her beautiful, big, blue eyes and know that she is all mine, and at the same time acknowledge that she recognizes me as her mommy.

One year ago, I was scared to death that I was never going to experience those feelings. I was petrified at the mere thought of never being someone’s mommy. Each month that I found myself reading yet another “not pregnant” urine test, was making my heart bleed a little bit more. Those two little words are unmistakably heart breaking, no doubt about it.

But God is good. So good in my life. His mercy and love endures forever, and nothing is impossible to Him. Because that's the kind of God I serve. He has heard my prayers and the many tears that my aching heart has cried. Just one year later, He has blessed me with the ability to hold, kiss, see the smiles, and hear the laughter of a perfectly created baby girl. To me, THAT, is pure bliss.

"For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him."

1Samuel 1:27

Have a happy weekend lovelies, and stay blessed. Always.