Breaking in the Patio

We broke in the patio last night! It was a lot of fun. Can't wait for many more summer nights with all of our friends.

Burp the Baby

This morning Stella & daddy were playing with the baby dolls. Stella thinks it's funny to burp the baby...watch the video above.

Put in My Place

After work Andy runs upstairs to change from jeans to shorts. Stella usually follows. Today I tried to follow since Andy was telling me a story. I got stopped at the bottom of the steps by Stella. "No mommy. No upstairs. Go back in kitchen." She even stood guard at the top for a bit.

Tiny Toes

A few quick pictures from breakfast this morning!

Happy Birthday to ME

Tonight was the first night we got to enjoy the patio. Stella loved it. I love the new patio set! We were going to wait to get one during an "end of season" sale, but there was a big Memorial Day Sale and Andy said we could go ahead and get it if I was ok with it as my b-day present. YIPPEE!! Now we can enjoy it all summer.

Today we went to a Memorial Day parade in Glendale with our neighbors. It was fun. The perfect length for a 2-year old...almost 20 minutes long! Stella was apprehensive at first, but as soon as the candy started flying...she was having a blast screaming "Whoa!" I don't think she understood that you actually eat the candy - she never asked to eat it. But she was very competitive about getting it into her "purse".

Clean-up

The patio is finished and the yard work begins. Stella was at grandma's overnight so Andy got lots of stuff done today while I ran errands with Charlotte. We are going to need a lot of dirt...started with two truckloads today.

Singing Sensation

Video of Stella singing "Twinkle, Twinkle" to Charlotte is above. Stella singing her ABCs is below:

Patio Perfection

YIPPEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Now check back in 2-3 years to see the completed landscape! That may even be optimistic..........

Shapes Puzzle

Here's another video. Stella does NOT like when mommy puts the puzzle pieces in upside down. She's getting really good at her shapes and colors.

Puzzles

Here is some video of Stella. Stella LOVES puzzles. This one actually makes the animal sound when you put the puzzle piece in the spot. I was lucky to be able to get her on camera while putting on the rooster...cocka-doodle-doooooooooooooo!

Kiss Kiss

No patio pictures tonight. The guys were here until 9:30 trying to get the steps finished and the cuts complete so that they can seal it all tomorrow. Great guys, but NOISY work! The neighbors had to love us between 7-8 pm when they were doing the concrete cuts (very loud) which made the street look like a dust storm. Our deck (and Stella's outdoor toys) needs a major bath! Here are a few quick pictures of the girls tonight. Charlotte looks a little concerned about Stella coming into her space. She's used to the top-of-the-head kiss, but not the on-the-cheek kiss.

Concrete Project Day 3

The concrete pour was today. These aren't the best pictures due to the location of the sun. And the color will NOT be what you are seeing! Stay tuned until tomorrow...

Concrete Project Day 2

Here are a few pictures from today. The guys got the project ready for the concrete pour tomorrow!! Charlotte started the evening in a good mood and Stella had fun making her hair crazy in the tub.

Demolition Day

Demolition Day! We are getting a new front porch, walkway and backyard patio this week. Stella was very confused by the construction!

Sleep Deprived - Stella's Turn

Today Andy put up black-out panels behind Stella's curtains (with her "help"). She has been having a tough time falling asleep at night and taking naps. This has made her not-so-fun in the mornings and during the evening "witching hour". Friday she came home with a low-grade fever that has been going around at daycare. Last night she got up three times and had episodes that seem to be night terrors. We were up googling the situation in the middle of the night. If you've experienced them with your kids - we feel your pain! If not, it's freaky as the child is extremely upset but not consolable and actually made worse when you try to console him/her. The top two causes are fever and sleep deprivation. We are hoping it's not going to be a continuous situation. She's taking a great nap right now and we hope for the same thing at bedtime tonight! Meanwhile, I'm cracking open a Coke to make it through the day!!!

CHEAP new CHEAP toys CHEAP

I love Craigslist. I hate always being the 2nd person to reply to a post. I've been trying to get a kid-size picnic table on Craigslist for weeks...but I'm never quick enough to reply. Until last night. I went today after work to pick it up and ended up with another table/chair set and a play kitchen...all for $45. And in great condition. The family is moving to Florida and the husband kept telling the wife, "Show her the kitchen", etc. And I kept saying, "If you can get it in the back of the Pathfinder, I'll take it!!" Stella loved it all.