Whats New?

It has been a while so I figure Id do a mini update!

Our house is still coming along. It's been difficult with trying to tackle everything with long work ours and a toddler... no family nearby to help. But, we are making progress! Here is a picture of our mantle. My husband is super talented. Next, is to hang the tv in the top! 

The before picture, which is from online :)  You can see it was a brown mantle..We painted it white and then we created a separate piece up top.

After....

The wall paint color is Mink by Sherwin Williams.

Once, everything is hung up..I will post more pictures!!

 I went back to work 2 days a week! Wow, what a transition..  it was about 2.5 years since I worked and I won't lie..I almost quit! So glad I didn't. I am an OTA and I've met some very nice people...great therapists and my patients are just the best. Well, most days they are :) I work in an Alzheimer based facility. Some days are fun..others are sad..but I always leave with the feeling that I hope I gave them purpose today. 2 days a week has been great...allowing me time with my little man...and getting back to work has helped me regain who I am... who I used to be... I'm not just a Mom! Plus, bringing in some money doesn't every hurt!

A few weeks ago I entered to win a Joovy race-car and a gift card to SwimZip...and I won!!!  I couldn't believe it..I never win!  Isn't that what we all say? :)  

Andrew starts school in two weeks!!  Its a preschool class designed for 2 year olds. Two hours a day...Two days a week. He has been in Speech Language Therapy for the past couple of months, due to delayed speaking. The boy understands what we are saying..requesting.. He is super verbal...but just not saying specific words. I think we are up to 6 words now..Which is amazing considering all he was saying was Hi and bye...The Speech Therapist is very excited for Andrew to start his school, and she tells us its the best thing for him. To be around other children his age who are speaking...allowing him to observe and learn. Physically, the kid is amazing. He kicks a soccer ball better than me.  

We went to the beach last month for a couple nights and wished we could have stayed longer!! We only had one great beach day..and this was it!

We went to Bethany Beach, DL..where I went every year as a child. So naturally I took my kid to all my favorite places! One being the Candy Kitchen!!!  This is also the beach I went with my Grandmother..who passed away this past April. Wow, it was definitely emotional walking around and remembering those specific moments...

The Husband and I are finally getting away at the end of the month. We are headed to the beach. Just the two of us. I can't wait!!! It feels like forever since we have had a a few days to ourselves. Between his crazy work schedule..me working...Andrew..house projects... Its been really busy.I miss us!

So, that's about it! I can't wait to share pictures of my Little Guys..First day of school!!!  I'm already emotional just thinking about it. I mean ..its only 2 hours a day.. but still!!!

Giveaway-Little Fit Hats!

Little Fit Hats Giveaway!!

Click on over to The Lil Mamas and enter to win 

a Little Fit Hats and read my review!!

We really love these fun, one of a kind hats!!

Photography by Weekend Snapshots by Ashlee Zimmerman

Planes, Planes Planes!

My head was spinning with ideas for his 2nd birthday photos!  First, I really wanted to take him to see airplanes. Andrew can spot them high in the sky...any day...any time! So, we got in contact with a friend who actually manages Reigle Airport in PA.  After three rain delays, we finally found a cloudy but no rain evening to head over for some exciting shots!!

 

That is a picture of my Grandfather looking out of a fighter plane in WW2. That is his lifejacket hanging on the suitcase. Before my Grandmother passed last month, I shared this idea with her and she was so excited to see the pictures. I just wished I would have been able to have shown her.

 

Andrew was taken off guard by how loud those airplanes can be! 

It took him a little bit to start and reach for the gadgets. He would not let go of me :)

 I was ready to take off and head to the beach!

 

They found this small plane in one of the hangers and cleaned it off for him. It was super cute!!!

 

These two pictures are some of my favorites. They were also the last two photos taken that day. 

He looks so mature...

I wasn't sure how to dress him for these photos..I kept it simple, Gap Jeans and Sweater, Freshly Picked Moccasins! Note to self, next year plan to have pictures taken in the summer when the sun is out and the temps are much warmer :) 

Drew Turns 2!!

I can't believe my Little Darling is already 2 years old. OR, should I say 24 months old :) Andrew has been totally into planes and helicopters for the past few months. Pointing to them as they fly high in the air...it is quite adorable. He even uses his hand and pretends its an airplane soaring thru the sky! 

So, when it came to making decisions on a theme this year, it was a no brainer! So, pinterest inspired Disney Planes themed party was created!

I was so super happy with how it all turned out! My friend whipped up the cake and cupcakes which was a huge help!  Isn't the suitcase adorable! I got it off a Facebook local yardsale page :) 5 bucks.  I found a picture on pinterest which initiated the whole design. Cloud balloons and checkered flags were found on Amazon. Printables-Etsy. 

         

Andrew had a cake all for himself! 

Orange fondant balls and "2" candle really made it all pop!

The cupcakes were so super yummy!!  They were also so darn cute! 

We located several different Disney Planes characters from Target, Toys R Us, and Walmart.  Orange gumballs were used for the main cake!

Another pinterest idea! The older kids loved them! 

Those Andrew wings...

I put up crepe paper to turn down the glare and I think it actually made the pictures look cuter! 

Andrew was super tired at this point and I was so worried we were about to all witness a meltdown. Soon as we all started to sing to him... he was smiling :) Whew!

 

He was so careful while eating the cake! 

Once we gave him a spoon, he dug right in!

When I took this picture, it was as if he knew I was snapping away... he stopped walking and looked at me. He gave me the best smile ever. Every time I look at this picture I tear up. 

Oh, and I had to make him an official Drew Airlines t-shirt :)  I also whipped up some pretzel bags with the same logo!

 A quick family picture!

 

We are so grateful for friends! 

 

Bubbles are always a hit! We really lucked out with the weather! It was a gorgeous day!!! A big thank you to my parents for allowing us to crash their house to host Andrew's birthday party!!! I can't believe my Little Darling is 2 years old!!!!

Its February?!

I can't believe FEBRUARY is here. Remember these V-day Minis!!!  My lil Darling will be 2 years old in April! Which makes me feel soo excited and sad at the same time!  So here is some randomness of our past couple of weeks!

Our last weekend in California, Maryland was full of packing and last minute bowling fun with our neighbors Who, we were truly blessed to have around us. It was Andrew's first time too and wow it was adorable!

Our neighbors! Our kids got a long so well and were very cute together! Its funny cause we are both originally from PA (Harrisburg) and PSU grads. I will definitely miss their faces and someone for Andrew to play with!!!

One weekend back up in PA, we went to Chocolate World, as we all know is our fav place ever. We went early on a Sunday so it was very empty. It was perfect to snatch a picture of our lil guy on a Hershey bar! I think he is starting to love that place just as much as his parents :)

Then comes moving weekend! This was taken after closing and the keys were handed over :)  We headed over to our "home" to unpack a bit before the movers came. Yes, his face says it all. He really likes his new home. Thank the Lord :)

Definite whirlwind!!!  If this weather warms up just a little I will post some pictures up of our house! Id love to have a picture taken of us standing out front..like everyone else seems to do! But this SNOW and ICE is not giving up! Definitely missing the sunny CALIFORNIA weather for sure!

Lil Mamas!

For almost two years now, I've been super lucky to be part of a private facebook group called Lil Mamas. It's a safe place to throw out those TMI questions...to why is my baby NOT sleeping?!  We are a group of Moms who are there for each other and most of us don't even know each other! 

The creators of Lil Mamas also started a blog for the public. Sharing different product reviews to personal stories. They keep it real. Very real. So be prepared!

The most recent article posted by Celia- GIRLS has exploded and going viral! Tons of Facebook shares and almost a 100 comments from Moms with their piece of mind. So, if you have a minute or two--take a look and leave us with YOUR opinion.

It's basically a look at what our society is doing to TWEEN girls! I don't have a little girl but I do know that if I did, she wouldn't be wearing a padded bra at the age of 5! I want to keep my little girl a LITTLE GIRL for as long as possible!

SO-- Head on over NOW!

Hello 2014: Moving... Again!

Two years ago, we took the plunge and moved from Redondo Beach, Ca to California, Md. I was pregnant and we felt it was the right time to move closer to family. So there we were... new home, new town, soon to be new parents and new job. Wow, when I list them like that I'm not sure how we did it all?! I won't lie..it wasn't easy. Especially the preggo part:)   Since then, we have made a ton of  memories in this home....

Andrew came home to his very first bedroom!

Lately, I have been spending more time in that chair holding him...thinking back of all the firsts that happened here..I get emotional each evening as we sit and read his favorite books.  It was really the only room that we completely decorated, since we new we would be moving again at some point. (we are renting) 

We are currently over three hours from our family. Our goal has always been to move closer if possible. Well, that goal has been achieved!  Now we will be just under two hours. In a town with excellent schools and a mall. Ha... we don't have much in our current town except Target!  Closer to Whole Foods, shops, and many more activities. Plus, our families will be more willing to come see us and not have to stay over night. With that being said, we are excited but wish we could take Andrew's bedroom along :) Trust me, I have taken a ton of pictures to show him one day. We plan on making his next one super special and fun. 

So, on January 17, we have settlement on a house we found in a great neighborhood!

 Please meet our new home. 

 It definitely needs some updating inside, but that can all come with time. Being first time home buyers is incredibly nerve-racking :) We are hardcore renters! Though, it will be great not having the share walls with anyone. As soon as Spring arrives a nice fence for the backyard will be installed for our little crazy dog Kingston! My favorite part is that its located on a cul-de-sac. Nobody driving too fast down the road = safe for my Little Andrew! 

So, needless to say it is going to be a crazy next few weeks with moving and my Husband starting a new job (again). But, family is close by to help! Nothing can replace family... Nothing. 

As 2014 begins, I pray that we will start making a ton of memories in our new house. Andrew falls in love with his new bedroom and my Husband will feel content with his new job and new role as a homeowner. As for me, I pray for my health. These past two years since Andrew was born has been a struggle. I also never knew how strong I could be. Andrew makes me stronger. He makes me a better person. I am also grateful for this blog. It's a great place to document :) 

I hope everyone who was out and about last night had a GREAT time!!!! We stayed in and watched, "We're the Miller's" OMG...HILARIOUS!

Happy New Years Everyone!