Happy Valentine's Day Snow Bunny

I was never one of those people who hated Valentine's day when I was younger and single. But, I'll admit, I always flashed forward to what this day would be like in my future. Never in my wildest "flash" did I imagine the amount of love that I would feel, being a mom.  Leah, at almost 23 months, is so full of life and literally makes us laugh until we are crying! We are about three weeks away from meeting our next child and I can only hope that she will learn to be just like her adorably sassy sis! Happy Valentine's Day to all!

9 Months Later

Well, shockingly enough motherhood, work, and life has taken over my time to post on a regular basis. But, the good news about this post, 9 months later, is that I actually have a semi-good excuse...we are having another baby in 4-5 weeks. Pregnancy sickness, plus running around after a toddler should excuse me in some way. :/
Here is the quick version of where we are at...

Leah is now 22 months old and an absolute blast. She is talking up a storm, mostly in her own babble, and getting very excited about being a big sister...to a little SISTER! Trevor pulled the lucky card of a house full of estrogen! HA! My mom is actually watching Leah for us this school year, and probably next as well. She has been amazing to have around! This weekend was also Leah's first time in her "big girl bed". She was actually the one to ask to sleep in it, and has done great.

Trevor took on a new position this school year, as an Associate Principal at one of our district's junior high school. He is in charge of discipline and athletics...his two favorite things! HA! It has been an adjustment, but he loves the people he works with.

As for me, I am 35 weeks pregnant and tired. No surprise to most of you moms out there. I feel really great though, so I try not to complain...too much. I have a student teacher this semester, so that has helped keep me off my feet at work, which has been a huge relief.

I am going to try, as best as possible, to get back in the swing of posting regularly. Fingers crossed...

Roller Chair Ride

The things we find to entertain us...

Leah's New Ride

Leah was finally able to celebrate her birthday with grandma and grandpa Chapman this past weekend. She got some fun things, and her favorite is in this video...

Leeeeeeah

We are trying to teach Leah to say her name, in any way possible. This video was taken during snack. I was trying to put a clip in her hair and she kept pulling it out...she thought it was hilarious.

Future Supervisor

We decided that it was time to put in a new patio in the backyard. The original started to sink and was causing uneven walking, obviously making me nervous with a baby running around out there this summer. We figured since it needed to be done, to also expand it a couple feet all around. The crew came and went within one day. We had to work, so we left my mom and Leah on duty. I think Leah took her job a little too seriously. Luckily, the workers thought she was adorable...even though she supervised them through the glass door all day.

Outside Play

Climbing In & Out, Up & Down

Leah's current favorite large motor activities consist of climbing in and out of things and up and down things. This includes: stairs, couch, chairs, laundry baskets, boxes, toys, closet, doors, etc. It's all fun and games...until you get your tush stuck! HA!

Curly Hair

I took a good six months before Leah's hair became a full head of hair. With the several warm days of weather, we have been finally able to see some curls. The best "look" is right after a bath, and a blow dry...spa curls in less than two minutes! Love it!

Easy Weekend...well maybe...

Leah woke up in the middle of the night Friday and got sick, twice. After the second load of laundry, we decided to bring her downstairs with us, and bring down a "puke" bucket. She was looking a little rough. We finally put her back down at 11PM and she slept through the night. Nonna and Nonno came to visit on Saturday and we have a nice easy weekend catching up. Thankfully, she never got sick again.

Great Friends

A Busy Day of Play

12 Months Old

I've said it every month, "I can't believe I have a"...12 month old! Leah's 1 year check-up was about one week ago. Poor baby had to get four shots. But, as always, was a total trooper. Her current stats are: 28 inches (20%), 21 pounds (50%), and head circumference is 18 inches (72 %). She is eating almost anything these days, and loving the independence that finger foods offer. She has also recently taken a few steps. Very exciting! I have so many amazing memories of my first year as a mother, as well as some not-so amazing memories. For example, the sleepless nights, the teething, the hormone-induced explosion of tears, etc. But, as most mothers will say, it was all worth it. Leah has been a true blessing! Her loving nature mixed with her sassy attitude is exactly what makes her my kid. People would always say to me, "just enjoy this stage it goes by so quickly, you'll get through it". Boy was everyone right! Not only did we get through it, but it flew by! I look forward to a lifetime of wonderful memories with the little girl that made my dreams a reality.

Happy Easter

Easter was so much fun with Leah. She loved her Easter baskets, well she loved the fake grass most! She got a lot of adorable clothes, and some fun girl accessories like: a purse, hairclips, fake lipstick (ya know, the essentials). The weather was so beautiful we even spent some time outside! Hope everyone else also had a happy, hoppy Easter! =)

A Definite Product of Mom & Dad

Although Leah is a loving baby, it is very much on her terms. These pictures were taken at daycare, and I couldn't help but to share them. This is how I imagine the conversation going on... "Not feeling a hug right now, but thanks," quickly followed by, "Are you kidding me, I don't want a hug, do you really think I want kisses?!" HAHAHA...we'll have to improve the facial expressions if she ever wants a chance at making friends!

Taking Steps

The steps may be slow and quick, but they are still steps! =)

Spening Time With Nonna

Nonna came back with us after the long week in Des Plaines to give me some time to get things together, plus Leah was getting her 12 month shots. The weather has been beautiful so they enjoyed a nice walk one day, and a little piano playing the other. Great memories!

The Next Morning: April Fool's Day

Joke was on us this morning when we went to get Leah from her crib. We found her with her shirt around her neck, both arms and back completely bare. She party so hard yesterday that she got crazy in her sleep, too much sugar I guess.

First Birthday Party

I can't believe my baby girl is one today! The party was a huge success. Leah LOVED her cake and seemed to also enjoy ripping the paper off her gifts! The people who came to this party were: Nonni, Uncle Joe, Bisnonni, Uncle Mario, cousins Rosario & Mario, Zia Maria, Alex & Kristi. Happy Birthday Baby Girl, we love you!