Signing Papers & St. Joe's

Today we put an offer in on a house. We're not so sure it will go through, but its a start..Im trying not to get my hopes up, and trust that it is all in God's hands, and he will find a house for us in his time.

I think we just miss our own space sometimes, and of course I miss my kitchen and cooking/baking, organizing, decorating.. you know my OCD Nesting habits.

Samantha went with Daddy and I while we signed our life away just to put in an offer.
She was so good! I brought plenty of toys, snacks and books...she LOVES reading! I guess all our reading every day since she was born has paid off.



She's sportin' her pediped cupcake shoes.. i LOVE them, they are from her Teta Nina.. for her 1st Birthday.. but I want to make sure she can wear em for a while, since her feet tend to be a little on the big side ..ha!

After we left the real estate office, we went to cousin Jeffrey's lacross game at St.Joe's Field. I havent been back to St.Joe's since my cheerleading days I think. It was a good game, unfortunately Canisius lost.. boo! But the entertainment from the parents and coaches/refs swearing and yelling was so funny to watch!

And here's a pic from this morning when she was in a trance while eating her french toast sticks. I just love my little girl! She's changing and learning something new it seems every day..

Happy 4 Year Wedding Anniversary!

Today is our anniversary! 4 Years ago.. I was on a flight to North Carolina for the weekend to visit Mathew on the Military Base.... knowing that I was on my way to get married.

I told no one, he told no one. We were the two of us, alone, and it was perfect. I re-live that day in my head over and over, it was amazing. We were both so sure of what we were doing, it was the easiest big decision either of us had to make, and what a great memory we have to share...just us.

There's something special about this anniversary. Of course the big Buffalo Wedding after Iraq was great.. but this wedding was so private and special, and the two of us will hold on to this date and this experience forever as something so full of love, and so intimate. (ok i know.. i'll stop) But I seriously get butterflies still when I think about this very day 4 years ago. One of the best days on record of my life.

This weekend we're going to celebrate with a nice date night out. Grammy gave us a nice card and a new King Sheet Set.. which we desperately needed.. She said its for making baby #2... (I cant beleive I just put this in here.. but someday I will thank myself that I did.. ha!)

love you snicky!!

A few photos from memory lane when we would rack up the frequent flyer miles and empty our bank accounts just to see each other for sometimes only 72 hours.





Other than our Anniversary. Today was a very productive day for the workin' Momma.. I should re-phrase that.. for my 2nd job.. as a Recruiter. Sam took a 3 hour nap today.. ahhhhhh (heavenly)... So I got a lot of work done.

In the AM though, she only slept 20 minutes.. that was a new spin on morning naptime, but she made up for it. We ran to Wegmans for a few essentials.. Bread, Goldfish Cookies, their awesome fresh crusty bread... which Miss Janie had to have .... or else it was freak out time in the cart.. so here she is.. my little carb queen:




the girl loves her carbs, just like her momma!

And Im in the middle of about 4 crafty things to post on my other blog. I will be gettin pics up soon. One is a mounted frame with Samantha's Coming Home outfit, another is a Frame for Auntie Shauna, A letter "S" and I'm attempting a canvas bag gift.

Sushi Sunday!

This is a look at my Sushi skills!





So I tried my hand at makin' homemade sushi! I made tuna rolls and spicy california rolls. Mathew and I were going to go out for our anniversary next week and get sushi, but this made SOO much... so we have to pick a new place now!

It was a rainy Sunday today.. so a good day for cleanin' up and making sushi. Samantha had so much fun with her momma and da-da that she didnt want to take a 2nd nap today. So she passed out around 7pm...

Yesterday we had a great night with family, ate Pizza and Wings with the Ahrens Fam! Samantha loves their dog Grace .. and she just smiled and played in the yard, swinging and kicking balls with Daddy.. ha!

Week Wrap Up

Well it was a lovely spring week this week!
Samantha and Mommy did some errands and soms baking.

I made some strawberry cupcakes with white buttercream:

Samantha has her Momma's sweet tooth thats for sure. My baby likes her some Buttercream!



We even stopped in to Grammy, Nana's (not sure what she's gonna be called yet) work and said Hi! She liked all the "toys" at Grammys work





Today we're heading to the Mall to do some shopping when Sam wakes up, and more house hunting this weekend and into next week. This morning Grammy and I hit up Walmart for some family groceries for the week.

Samantha is understanding everything we are saying lately..its so funny. I ask her now, how does the Monster go? and she responds with a great big Growl! haha.. and she also responds when you ask her how the Kitty Kat goes. I cant beleive how smart she is getting!

I will have to try and post a video if I can.. its too cute!

Nothing too special today.. just hung around, did some playing. Momma & Daddy went to Duff's for wings on a date, and then we came back and took a nice walk after dinner.

This is what happens when I try to change her diaper lately... she is a little wiggle worm fish! I have to usually give her something to hold, or if it gets really bad, I give her something she shouldnt have like the remote or my cell phone.


She was saying "Da-Da" so much today. She gets so excited when her Daddy comes home from work, and she gave him so many kisses when he got home today.

Samantha you have such pretty eyes! Momma and Daddy make pretty babies!

Movin' Monday

Today was a pretty good day. I titled this Movin' Monday, because lately, moving is all Samantha Jane wants to do! She is constantly wanting someone to hold her hands while she walks around the house, or in her bouncer, or in her little walker... we call it her "car". And today she wanted to stand and hold on to things.. chairs, couches, railings...

This picture was taken yesterday. Daddy pulled her pants up really high, so she looks like an old woman.. haha! I love that little belly of hers.



This was taken today, in Grammy's living room, she was holding on to one of the dining room table chairs.



And because she was MOVIN' all day... Miss Janie didnt feel the need to take a 2nd nap in the afternoon either... lovely. ha! But during her first nap in the morning, Momma was able to organize her binders!


I have these binders where I stash clippings from magazines, printouts from the web, or craft stores, wherever I collect them from.. Ideas for recipes, meal ideas, copies of some of my craft work, and I keep a housekeeping one, for decor ideas, and entertaining.

Its a good feeling to have everything all organized and labeled!

Sooo Cold Saturday

It was so cold today! Momma ran some errands at Michaels, Post Office and to get measured for Leslie's wedding dresses, and then, we decided to take a drive to East Aurora, to go to Viddlers - an old fashioned 5 and 10 store, about 25 minutes away.

http://www.vidlers5and10.com/

We got some old fashioned candy, popcorn, and a few cookie cutters! They have every kind of cookie cutter you can imagine.. I got a number 1 and the letter S... of course you can tell I have some cookie making in my future for SJM's Birthday Bash! ha!

We walked over to Taste, a coffee shop/bistro, and Samantha was pretty well behaved the entire trip.

Here she is at lunch



I got a delicious Chicken Salad Wrap, it had walnuts and cranberries in it, yum!



And after we had had enough, and it started to SNOW, yes I said SNOW!.... We headed for the car & Samantha fell asleep on the way home.
It was too cold to walk around, but in a few months I think we'll be back for sure. We just wanted to get away a little bit today and take a drive & we had fun as a family!

A Little Swim... & Sun... Sunglasses that is.

Since Samantha is getting another tooth, poor baby has been so crabby, constantly wanting to nurse, and not take a bottle, and has been dripping from her nose constantly. So last night Grammy and I decided to take her for a lil night swim to calm her down before bedtime.

She is definately a water child. She loves water of any kind, running from the faucet, creeks, baths, pools, falls, even in a cup!



There is no doubt that she will be in Grammy's pool A LOT this summer. She has no fear either.. just puts her whole face right in the water.. and splashes all over her eyes and doesnt even care!

Samantha you hate anything on your head! Hats.. no way, Sunglasses, forget it. I felt bad, cause for Easter I got her a pair and then she got 2 more pairs from Baka in Cleveland for Easter.

This is the best I could do this morning while she was mesmorized by Sid the Science Kid..





Hooray its Friday! Daddy and I both have sore throats and stuffy noses.. boo! We dont have anything planned for this weekend, maybe some shopping, I need to make a Michael's run for some craft supplies/paint. And I need to get measured at a bridal store to send my measurements in for Leslie's wedding in September! Leslie if you are reading this, I swear I will try to get this done this weekend!

Girls in the Park

Last night Sam was pretty good sleepwise. Poor thing cannot breathe due to her 2nd tooth on the bottom almost popping through. I made her a nice big bottle last night with my milk... and she was NOT having it.. Threw a tantrum in a half! She was a hot mess... and I of course nursed her after there was NO WAY she was taking that bottle... sheesh.. my days of breastfeeding may slowly come to a halt soon... she just isnt liking the bottle, and I dont know of any easy other way to transition. But I digress...

We needed to GET OUT today.. for a much needed playdate with Livia who will be 1 on May 1st!


Its is so nice out today. So we finally had a playdate with Miss Livia! Its been too long! Sue and I met at Glen Park and walked/played/sat with our girls for over an hour! It was so nice to chat about the MANY trials and joys of motherhood with someone else. Especially since our two little girls are going through some serious teething right now.

The girls had fun, playing with each other's toys and munching on some snacks.
But then the good ole eye rubbing started, and we knew it was time for naps! Since Samantha hasnt been napping since she's all stuffed up from teething.. I am overjoyed that she is sound asleep right now! Yeay!!!

Here are a few pics of the girls in the park, I couldnt of course get them both looking AND smiling! ha!

Crabby Tuesday

Woah... as if last nights 3am screaming fit wasnt enough, Miss Samantha Jane is teething badly poor thing, and only slept 1 hour.. ALL DAY.. Sheesh.

I tried everything but she was not happy when I tried to put her down. So thank goodness it was a nice day today.. I dressed her and we took a walk.. which worked for a little while until Daddy came home to take over.



After Daddy came home, we went to pick up Grammy and looked at another house with her. Then home for some yummy Cream of Celery soup that I managed to make despite this crazy day and sleepless night.

Now all is quiet in the house...for now.. and Im off to bed soon as well.
May God watch over Sam tonight and please dont let her be in pain =)

Cupcake Couture

Well, I did it.. My first client Maria "hired" me to make her daughter's first birthday party cupcakes! I practiced as you may have seen in other blogs... but Friday it was go time! I baked and baked and baked.. and had buttercream coming out of my eye balls. But the end product was awesome!



I made most of the cupcakes vanilla, and about 1/3 were milk chocolate.. mmmm
Here they are baking in the oven



After they were done, I tasted one, to make sure they were good.. but I needed a second opinion...



Samantha was more than willing to help me out.. She even had the appropriate onesie on just for the occasion! ha!

I made 4 different varieties of cupcakes. I started with the Sunflowers...



I hope Lily liked her birthday cupcakes! I cant wait to see how Maria displayed them at her party!



I had a good time making and baking the cupcakes. This could be my new thing!
thats all from Cupcake Couture!

April Showers Kind of Day...

Today was a typical spring day ..Cloudy and a little on and off rain all day kind of warm, but turned really cool at the end of the day. Sam and I played inside today, read books, worked on walking/crawling - whatever she wants to do first, ha!

Then she took a nap around 9:15am and slept till around 11:15am. We ate some lunch together after she woke up, which was cauliflower, carrots, and broccoli steamed, with some tater tots & ketchup. She LOVED all of it. I couldnt shove pieces in her mouth fast enough! After that she still munched on a bunch of puffs too I couldnt beleive how much she ate today. Even at night we fed her a bottle and she STILL ate some of our dinner which we ate kind of late since we were seeing a house tonight AND she nursed! Sheesh!

After lunch we headed to the post office, and then I needed a card at the card store. I know .. Cardinal Sin for a card maker to buy a card, but it is a get well card for friends of ours we met in Surf City's husband.. He is in the Mayo Clinic in FL, and I just didnt want to drag my feet making a card, I wanted to get something to them as soon as possible, so I caved and bought a card.... and then I couldnt resist these too for my little princess.. she needed them! ha!



And after her 2nd nap I found little Samantha Jane like this....



This has been pretty typical the last few days. I'd find her waking up on her stomach, and today she was holding on to the bars of her crib again, wanting to bust out of jail, ha! Its only a matter of time before that crib mattress gets lowered... maybe this weekend.

Tomorrow is going to be BUSY.. Im getting ready to make my Cupcakes for Maria's daughter's birthday party, she's picking up the cupcakes on Saturday so I have to have everything pretty much all set by tomorrow night.

Easter Weekend 2010 In Ohio

We had a great weekend in Ohio for Easter!
Samantha was great in the car, as always. She slept for over half of the ride both ways .. which was even better!

We arrived at Baka and Paw's House Friday evening and went for a swing in the backyard to stretch our legs! She was so happy to see Baka, Paw and Teta Nina too! She got spoiled with some very nice Easter gifts, bubbles, new outfits, bumblebee earrings from Teta Nina, and bunnies!! I think we came home from Cleveland with 4 or 5 new stuffed bunnies! ha!



She was so great with going right to Baka and Paw. I was so happy. Lately she has "stranger danger" syndrome, and kind of freaks when people come near her who dont see her everyday...she was laughing hysterically all weekend at Paw, playing hide and go seek around the kitchen, swinging, and feeling his scratchy beard!



Easter Sunday, we tried to get a family picture, but Sam wasnt havin it...



In the car on the way to Mass



After Church and a breif cat nap we walked around the front yard. It was such a beautiful day, sunny and near 75 im sure.





Then in the afternoon we went to cousin Gracie and Julia's house for a huge Easter dinner... and desserts of course!

Gracie was holding Samantha on her lap in her little car, and then they walked around the yard, and Grace made sure Samantha didnt eat the grass she was picking..





Here are a look at the awesome Mock Peach cookies that I helped make.. I HAD to know how to make them for future reference, ha!



We said goodbye to Baka, Paw & the family, and headed back to Buffalo... Samantha slept until just past Erie, where we stopped at Chik-Fil-A (I was SOOO excited!) Samantha loved the nuggets, and sat in the highchair like a little lady while Daddy and I finished our lunch.



When we got home, Auntie Shauna sent ANOTHER awesome Easter gift/basket for Samantha! She loved it, even the chocolate which she was trying to pry open with her 1/2 of a tooth! She sent us a phone, 2 great books, candy, a pooping bubble gum chicken and Samantha's all time favorite .. a BALL!!!



All in all it was a great weekend in Ohio and always good to come back home too.
Wehn we walked in the door Samantha knew she was home though, she kept kicking her feet and shreiking.. haha..

9 Months Old

We are NINE months old today... My gosh where has the time gone...(I know I always say this) But I cannot beleive how fast babies grow, and change, even within a few days they can learn new things...unbeleiveable!

Anyways!... On to Samantha Jane!



She is 9 months old today!
She is around 22lbs, and wears size 3 diapers.

She is completely weaned from breastmilk at night which Momma likes, ha! She is walking with our assistance, but has recently been letting go of one hand to try and do it herself. She loves balls, and she can kick them pretty far.. for a 9 month old!

She eats all sorts of finger foods, some baby food, but she's not crazy about it.
She can say Ma, Ba, and Da-Da... Yes, just this weekend, she mastered saying Da-Da while we were in Ohio for Easter.

Samantha is learning how to become mobile without crawling, she I have observed is using her arms to turn around on the floor, and to pull herself up ( which I found her holding onto the crib bars this weekend in Cleveland, like she was in jail)
So we may have to lower her mattress before this month is over!




She continues to be such a happy baby, always laughing and giggling, and I could just smooch her all day long. Which sometimes I do. Because if the first 9 months go this fast.. before I know it she'll be yelling at me to stop kissing her! So I need to get some prime time smooching in while I can!



I have a feeling 9 months has a lot of changes in store for us, and we're only in day one!