Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Dinner Date


A few months ago my Husband and I decided we needed to have more "date nights".  Since The Boss was born we seemed to be so caught up in spending time with her we neglected "our" time.  We decided a cost effective way to re-connect was through "date night" at home.  We try to do this once a week but sometimes it's a few weeks in between depending on our schedule.  On date night, we sit and feed The Boss dinner but we don't eat.  Once she has gone to bed for the night we make something new for dinner and eat with adult conversation.  It is amazing how relaxing dinner can be when you aren't worrying about the other person at the table putting their dinner in their hair.

This weekend it was Mr. D's turn to come up with our meal plan and he did not disappoint.  He takes this very seriously.  He made Lasagna Rolls from the Men's Health cook book Cook This, Not That.  He found the recipe online but after eating this we are seriously considering buying the book.  





It tasted AMAZING, and there were tons of leftovers for a second meal this week.  What I love about it, is you can eat what you love with healthy substitutions.  I am a huge believer in eating healthy, eating fresh, and really paying attention to what we put in our bodies.  The recipe substitutes ground turkey or chicken for beef and even used spinach which shocked me that Mr. D would even try.  The taste was not compromised at all and we weren't left feeling bloated and overly cheesed out the way you sometimes feel after Lasagna.

If you want to give if a try check it out here.

Friday, April 20, 2012

This Weekend...



These three little monkeys will be having a sleep over again this weekend.  
As always, they are so excited to spend time together,
 and Mommy and Daddy are excited for a night out with friends.

 I am so grateful for a wonderful family that helps us out and loves our Girl like one of their own.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

I'm Planning a Second Birthday Party

Yesterday I talk about how big The Boss is getting.  I cannot believe she will be two in just a few weeks.  Last year, I started planning The Boss' first birthday the day she was born (not exactly that soon, but I planned for a long time).  You can see my many tutorials for this huge event here.  This year I hadn't thought too much about her party until my niece turned two...she's eight weeks older so that means it's time to start thinking about it.  While my sister was starting her plans she stumbled across a few Minnie Mouse ideas and sent them too me.  Her email read "You should do this...she'll freak." Since my older sister throws awesome parties for her kids I decided to take her advice and start my planning.

I spent sometime Googling Minnie Mouse Parties and found a number of inspirational ideas.  Apparently my two year old isn't the only one obsessed with Minnie Mouse.

The first thing that caught my eye where invitations over at lil sugar.  Last year I used a photo invite, so these would be a new project, and a change from last year.

 
I found these over at Patty Cakes Bakery.  She made them for her daughters 2nd Birthday as well.  They are adorable but clearly way to difficult for my comfort level.


 I've seen this idea in a number of cute versions.  It seems a little easier and closer to my cake decorating ability.
 

And I saw cute thank you tags here.


I really want the decor to be simple and subtle but still fun and whymsical since it's a toddler party.  I plan on using balloons similar to these.  Maybe it's because I was born in the 80's and attended a number of showers from the mid 80's to early 90's but I really like helium balloons.


Since I was in the mood and feeling inspired I took a trip to Michaels to gather my supplies.  As always, I have more ideas than I have time for. Stay tuned.




Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Stop Growing...


Stop Growing already…..would ya?


I remember my Mom saying this to me at some point,
I thought she had totally lost it.
These days I am beginning to think she wasn’t all that crazy!
Maybe it’s that The Boss will be two in about 6 weeks,
Or maybe it’s because I've been visiting lots of babies,
Maybe it’s just something in the water?


The Boss has grown from a Baby to a full person overnight.
Mr. D and I stare at each other in shock at the things coming out of her mouth.
Full on sentences,
Preferences,
And just general conclusions of the events around her.

When I was on maternity leave with her, she was my little buddy.
Her cheery, loving personality made me smile everyday.
I would chatter to her and she would grin back.
It was like being out with my Bestie.
I told my Hubby that she didn't have a choice,
She had to my best friend from now on.
Now when I go out with her, it’s her doing all the talking,
And me grinning in amazement of what a beautiful little girl she’s become.

I love everything about this little girl.


I love…

  • That she brings me a coffee from her kitchen every morning while I straighten my hair.
  • When she sings along to the ABC’s and claps, stomps, and shouts hurray because she is “Happy and She Knows It”.
  • How she yelled “zucchini” with excitement when the Japenes chef started chopping it on the grill at Benihana.
  • That she asks “Okay Mommy?” if she hears a loud noise or if I drop something.
  • When she yells “Bye” to each of her friends by name and waves to each of them when leaving daycare.
  • That it’s a reunion of kindered spirits every morning when I go to get her up.
  • When she grabs my face gently to give me a kiss and then hugs me, completely unprompted.
  • That she is potty trained and is teaching every baby, stuffed animal and toy she owns to go potty.
  • Whenever she sees a Starbucks cup, no matter where we are she says "Mommy's coffee".
  • How much she loved Sea World...while other kids were bored and looking around she was yelling "Go...JUMP!" to the whales.  The people around us were killing themselves laughing.
  • Her enthusiasm for everything we do!

Baby Girl if you are reading this, and I fear too quickly you will be, can you PLEASE stop growing?  It’s happening way too fast….Mommy’s not ready yet! 


Friday, April 13, 2012

Spring Cleaning plus Toddler Proofing

You know those days that are just jam packed?  Those are the days when The Girl decides to show me how much she has grown.  Don't get me wrong...I love spring cleaning, there is something about tidying and purging that makes me feel accomplished.  However,  day after we get home from Florida is not the day I feel prepared for this type of project unless it's for her safety...and this time it was.

Enter messy linen/medicine closet.


 Not only did I not know she was strong/smart enough to open the closet, I did not know she was tall enough to get the Baby Advil out and bring it to me saying "I need medicine."  Yup, The Girl knows a good thing when she finds it.  Baby Advil is like liquid gold in cherry flavoured form.  That stuff works within seconds of entering her mouth and apparently, she likes it.  After I got over the shock I knew that very minute was when I would clear my schedule and ensure my child was not high on "medicine" without parental consent and supervision.


A little revamp and we were ready to go.  Unfortunately for her, the "medicine is was too high to reach so she will have to settle for a snuggle in the clean towels for her fun.

 

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Toddler Hat

We recently visited Florida (you can see our pictures here) and this meant I had to get The Girls' summer wardrobe ready a little earlier than usual.  I bought dresses, shorts, a bathing suit and a hat!

I'm not sure what genius decided that someone wearing a size 2T hat was mature enough to leave their hat on without a strap, but that seemed to be a pattern with all the hats I liked.  Seriously though, the second it goes on, The Girl throws it off.  This didn't stop me from buying the hat I wanted,  but I did need to added one.

I started with this...


Found the seems on the inside and hand stitched some elastic I had at home to the inside.


 Stays on perfectly and didn't change the shape at all!


Am I the only one LOVING yellow and navy these days?

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Florida in Instagrams


We just got back from Florida.  
We spent a little less than a week visiting Mr. D's family.  
And even though it seemed like a quick visit we sure packed a lot in.  

Orlando, Sea World, Painting Eggs, Easter Sunday, Family time, and so many memories.








 Linking Here:
a {little} dash of ash
a good life


Sunday, April 1, 2012

April Fools Baby

This weekend my sweet niece turned two!
I remember when I heard my sister was in labour with her.
It was two weeks early, so Mr. D convinced me it was an April Fools joke.

No, joke...this sweet girl was on her way!


We love this sweet girl to absolute bits!
The Boss and her act like twins separated for years whenever they see each other...
even if it's only been a day.
 

My sister did a pink and red party for her sweet girl.
It was fun and Girly, just like Little A.


We had so much fun.
We ate great food and enjoyed sweet treats.
The Boss enjoyed eating the turret of the castle cake.
She really couldn't get enough of eating cake out of the cone.


Happy Birthday Little A!  We love you so so much!