karen in color

toddler

2012-01-28T22:20:00.004-05:00

So this evening I got home after working a Friday/Saturday church retreat, and my wonderful husband had a homemade pizza coming out of the oven. I was exhausted but excited to see my husb & baby bunny & eat some delicious dinnerz. So I'm sitting there eating, and Violet's eating little bits off my plate and then this happens:

I know I know I posted weeks ago that she had taken her first few steps, but- I kid you not- it has not happened again since that day. Anyway, we were so excited that she was ready to try it again! So of course we thought that it would continue on like this for a while- a few wobbly steps here and there. And then I was lying on the couch and fell asleep for like 20 minutes, and then Mike wakes me up because THIS was in progress:

No big deal, just gonna conquer this whole skill in an hour. After this she was for real like doing laps around the living room. And I was so impressed that she all of sudden could get to a standing position without holding onto anything- something I've never seen her do before either!

Anywho, needless to say, we were SO PROUD. I can't believe we live with this little amazing being who is experiencing everything in the world for the first time. She is truly not a baby any more... *happy/sad mom tears*

kind of winter sometimes

2012-01-26T23:32:00.003-05:00

We haven't had much of a winter lately, but V & I have been enjoying the unexpected opportunities to play outside. This one day it was almost 50 degrees, so we had to visit our old friend the swing... And make a new friend the crawl-thru tube with peekaboo holes, or C-TTWPH, as he prefers to be called.

If your face did not melt from cuteness overload in that last photo than you have no soul. If it did then congratulations, you have a soul, but no face, as you lost it in a tragic face-melting accident.

some days, i tell ya

2012-01-25T23:53:00.003-05:00

Sometimes you just have to back up and see the big picture.

Like today when Violet skipped both naps and cried instead and almost stuck her finger in an electrical socket and fell down and bonked her head on the wood floor and splashed around in toilet water... I promise I'm not a terrible mother- these things just happen...

Then I remember I get to be a Mommy to this goofy lil sweet thing who (most of the time) brings me so much joy.

PS: Isn't this the cutest little ring? I saw it on Etsy a long time ago, but lost track of who the seller is.

dress up

2012-01-24T23:03:00.002-05:00

Lady Violet looks on with disdain, for the absolutely abhorrent fur neck scarf simply will not do if she wants to keep her place in high society.

But a fur mane- that is the statement piece she's looking for.

Hear ye, hear ye! I've got one adorable little Mary to rent for any upcoming Nativity scenes!

She even has that perfect "I have to go into labor WHERE?" face.

baby blue

2012-01-22T22:14:00.003-05:00

This little girl and her daddy are my world.

Seriously, I adore my lovely family. We are three peas in a little pod.

christmas in january 2

2012-01-21T13:15:00.000-05:00

We were really excited to give our parents a photobook we made of Violet through her first year.

Violet pointed out her fav photos to Gommy & Poppy when we visited them on Christmas Eve.

Violet also pointed out her fav presidents. Seriously, whenever she's at their house, she loves playing with those presidents.

On Christmas day, we drove out to Grandville to hang with Mike's fam.

Of course Violet was once again showered with fun gifts.

Um and so was I.

YAY I got to play Clue! It had been so long. Ironically after Mike took this photo it turned out that Miss Scarlet WAS guilty.

Welp, we ditched Violet and drove home. Or should I say, Violet enjoyed a nice vacation with Grandma and Grandpa while Mike and I enjoyed a nice & relaxing rest of the week alone.

So we were free to party it up on New Year's. Our friends Matt & Rachel threw a party with a bunch of our friends.

Apparently it was so fun, I felt the need to high-five Tim.

Then pre-midnight Mike, Ciara, Brad, and I headed out to the Blind Pig to hit up The Bang!

And we put our awesome dance faces on. And stayed out late! Like we were actual young people! With a night life! It was insane!

Although we missed Violet dearly and she came home to hugs & snugs. And that was our holiday.

THE END.

christmas in january

2012-01-20T22:37:00.004-05:00

Ok, so of course we had OODLES of photos from all of our various holiday events, so let me just summarize everything in a single, solitary post! ...Ok it will actually be two posts.

The annual Christmas concert at my church is my favorite event that we do. It's also a crazy amount of work, and I am inevitably stressed out of my mind. BUT I LOVE IT because it's my baby. In fact my coworkers suggested that I name my firstborn child "Christy Concert" because I love it so much. (As you know, that didn't work out, unfortunately). PLEASE NOTE the glockenspiel on the right side of the photo- I busted it out on a bunch o songs! It was so rad.

Violet enjoyed dancing to the music from the balcony. She was lucky to get a seat- It was the biggest crowd we've had for any single event in New Life Church history. And guess who has two thumbs and planned said event. THIS GUY.

A-thank you, a-thank you.

We went to a fun Christmas-slash-graduation party at Andrew and McLaine's apartment. She made snowflakes from old school papers & tests, which was pretty cool. Fun fact: They actually cut down that tree. Like from the real woods. With a real saw. So weird.

Mike and Violet and I enjoyed our own little family Christmas on Christmas Eve Eve. Mike Sound of Musicked my presents (aka made brown paper packages tied up with string... with comics drawn on them). I love that guy.

I got Mike a bunch o camera accessories, including a fisheye lens.

...which of course he had to play with immediately.

Violet loved her new pigeon book. Seriously those Mo Willems books are great.

We also had some fun timez with friendz who were in town for the holidayz. And as you can tell, I dyed my hair that week too!

FRIENDZ 4EVA

reading rainbow

2012-01-19T16:16:00.000-05:00

These are pretty great ads. But I say, why choose between books and internet frivolity? I am a walking example of someone who thoroughly enjoys both.

This is what I'm reading these days. I have to say, since my doc prescribed me some stuff to help me sleep better (I was an insane insomniac), I certainly have cut down on my reading time. I guess that's what happens when you don't spend like 5 hours at night reading in bed.

Ah yes, I forgot about this one as well. Although I have to say, Violet seems to be transitioning over to Daddy Kisses, so maybe FD's days are numbered.

IN YO FACE, FUZZY DUCKLING.

this week

2012-01-17T09:27:00.004-05:00

blah blah emotions busy stress work parenting stuff this is really hard too much to do etc etc.

Can't I just go on a Mike & Karen & Violet vacation?**

**No I can't.

Side note: this is cool. You gotta love a good =W=eezer embroidery.

Hopefully the blogginz will be back to cuteness & fun tomorrow :/

snow bunny

2012-01-16T22:36:00.002-05:00

Miss Violet enjoyed her first sled ride the other day. And when I say enjoyed...

...I mean felt very sad and then extremely neutral about. Backing up a second though-

This was kind of hilarious. It was the first time I had put her snowpants/coat combo on and she was so puffy that she couldn't bend at the waist herself. So she just flopped down and lay there completely still... just staring.

So I finished putting her boots and mittens on so she could get out there in that fun snowy wonderland!

PLEASE NOTE HOW MUCH FUN SHE IS HAVING.

She actually did warm up to it a bit once Poppy started running around while pulling her. She apparently finds it too boring otherwise. Luckily, as an avid runner, Poppy has the kind of endurance that 2 Mommies and a Daddy put together have (probably more), so he was right for the job.

googly

2012-01-15T22:00:00.001-05:00

uhhhhh

HIIIIII

Thanks Ciara for the fun gift!

endorsement

2012-01-13T23:31:00.003-05:00

No no not this one...

This one! I mean, she's got the pose down and everything. So I'd like to formally endorse Violet as your 2012 presidential candidate. She represents the baby party and her main concerns are making the government cuter and raising taxes to finance more snuggling.

VOTE VIOLET 2012

she's number one... part 2

2012-01-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Violet was excited that Mom was finally going to let her eat sweets. What better way to top dark chocolate cupcakes with pink buttercream frosting than these adorable hearts? I made them with sparkly paper and other paper and old Powerpuff Girls valentines. (They were also in the pancakes, as featured yesterday)

She clapped after we sang Happy Birthday, and Mom had to help blow out the solitary candle.

Just look at her lil smile if you were wondering if she liked it.

She had lots and lots of presents to open. Grandma and Grandpa and Gommy and Poppy and Uncle Chris were all very generous. Oh, and I guess Mom and Dad were too.

She got lots of fun toys and books and clothes and stuff she needed. I can't post photos of them all, so I'll just put this one with her new piggy bank because she has the sweetest little grin. I also had all the videos of her I edited for my blog playing in the background, so we got a nice dose of baby Violet nostalgia.

Well, it was time for the party to end, and this little girl needed a nap. So she got in her comfies and then said bye bye to everyone.

After a good snuggle, she calmed down and quickly fell asleep. What a fun birthday!

she's number one

2012-01-11T12:56:00.001-05:00

Well, I didn't think it was enough to have the families over for Thanksgiving, so a week later we invited them back for Violet's big birthday extravaganza! Of course she was captivated by all the pretty packages. Fun fact: Violet is wearing one of the dresses I sewed for her.

I made tissue paper puffs and Mike hung them all over. Please excuse the disturbing Rudolph head lurking in the background... always lurking.

I whipped up a yummy brunch for all of us- spinach quiche, silver dollar pancakes, smoked sausage, and fresh fruits of all kinds.

Time to get down to business. Violet opened her cards first.

Not only did she receive lovely handmade cards from both sets of grandparents, but they both used the same Violet photo! I mean, out of thousands of Violet pictures, that really is amazing.

Mmmmk, Violet is getting impatient. Gotta tackle those presents.

Not to mention eat some yummy cupcakes!

But you'll have to wait until tomorrow for the exciting conclusion of Violet's lovely birthday of cuteness and sweetness.

love

2012-01-10T23:47:00.003-05:00

I really needed these past few days. For some reason (probably because it's just her personality, really) Violet has been so so happy and snuggly and giggly. I can't even explain how much a hug and (licky) kiss from my baby girl can turn a sad mood into a joyful moment, or how going and looking at her sleeping can calm down my anxiety and give me contented peace. She is such a gift.

And doesn't she have the cutest little baby behind? I just wanna reach in this photo and pinch it.

walk the walk

2012-01-09T21:50:00.000-05:00

One...

Two...

...
Three!

Ok, so I don't have a photo of it, but imagine this little girl letting go and taking a few steps on her own! As of today, Violet is officially a WALKER! Mom and Dad are so proud and can't wait to capture it on video and in photos... but she proves to be a stubborn little thing and will only walk when she wants to. Which is not when any camera is on and pointed at her.

Congrats sweet Violet!

fiery

2012-01-08T23:21:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I get bored with how I look so I change it.

(Um and sometimes that is because I am going to an occasion that requires a costume... But the hair is permanent)

lucky 13

2012-01-06T00:01:00.007-05:00

Oh me oh my, the lovely Violet is 13 months old today! This sweet girl is getting to that fun age where she has very strong opinions about what she wants. Seriously, don't even try to read her any bedtime story other than The Fuzzy Duckling unless you want it to be pushed and kicked out of your hands, accompanied by a "noooo". We have lots of fun playing and snuggling together these days. And even though I can tell you every type and quantity of animal the fuzzy duckling meets on his journeys, I wouldn't trade those moments for anything. They slip away so quickly, much like the two frisky colts who were not in the mood to go for a walk with the fuzzy little duckling.

My cutie pie has acquired a new skill just this week! She prefers to feed herself, which means Mom gets to practice her patience... Mealtimes now take about an hour. Let's just say she hasn't mastered the spoon thing completely yet.

Another milestone- her new goofy top teeth! Hehehe they are just so silly and gappy and cute.

Happy one year and one month birthday, my love!

thank you very much 2

2012-01-05T00:01:00.001-05:00

Well what do you know... The turkey made it. Let me say that the recipe I used was called "The World's Simplest Turkey Recipe", so I guess it wasn't too hard to mess up. Still, I was proud of my first turkey!

Well then we had to figure out what to do with it. Luckily Dad was there to give Mike some carving instruction.

BAM! There it is.

We all dug in, even lil V. She was way into the cranberry sauce.

After dinner, we enjoyed a raucous game of Time's Up. Let me say, if you ever have the opportunity to play this game with family members, I highly recommend it solely for the entertainment value. After that we enjoyed some scrumptious* pumpkin pie, courtesy of my mom.

And then we sluggishly skipped off into a tryptophan paradise.

*hehe

thank you very much

2012-01-04T00:01:00.002-05:00

Well, um, this is embarrassing. I am finally getting around to photos from Thanksgiving dinner. I mean *ahem* this fits perfectly because my new year's resolution is to be more thankful and eat more turkey/stuffing/mashed potatoes/pumpkin pie. Oh, and lose like 100000 lbs. Should be pretty easy.

There's our lil cutie in autumn corduroy.

Once Violet was dressed and running around with Daddy, it was time for me to get to work. I gathered some aromatics to stuff in the turkey, which included some harvested parsley from my garden.

Let's be honest- I didn't actually do any of the stuffing of the turkey. Or the pulling out the junk from inside the turkey. Or anything that really involved me touching the raw turkey with my hands for any length of time. Mike got things all situated with the carcass and then got some help with trussing from a lil video from Alton Brown.

I quickly took over when the actual cooking part of Thanksgiving dinner started. No one can baste a bird like I can.

Meanwhile, our guests were arriving... and apparently telepathically communicating with each other ahead of time regarding what to wear.

And since both Mike's and my families were there, it was serious group photo time. 1000000 pix later plus the above, it was time to go back inside and continue to wait for the scrumptious food. Also, don't you think it would be creepy to be that guy who says in all seriousness "scrumptious" when a server at a restaurant asks how everything is?

The table was ready to go. All we needed was some food on the plates. OOH SUSPENSE will the turkey make it??? Guess you'll have to check in later to find out.

thingies

2012-01-03T00:02:00.002-05:00

In my fantasy land, all writing utensils would look like this...

And I would have a room like this to escape into...

And I would always wear dresses and tights and lovely flowers in my hair ...

And I would place awesomely designed movie and rock show posters on the walls...

And I would track down this lovely vintage rosary and just look at it all the time because I love love love it.

wah

2012-01-02T00:01:00.001-05:00

Let's just say that no one is happy that Christmas vacation is over.

Time to get back to work...

2012

2012-01-01T00:01:00.001-05:00

What a difference a year makes, right? This time a year ago, I was sleep deprived and healing from surgery and freaked out about what we had done in bringing a life into the world when I had no idea what to do with it or how to take care of it.

And now I definitely wouldn't say I've got it all together and know everything about parenting, but I've spent the past year getting to know my daughter and learning how to provide her with what she needs. And I can't believe it's possible, but I really do love her more each day.

Happy New Year! I hope you all get to spend the next 366 (it's leap year, right?) with someone you love. Or at least with people you can mildly tolerate.

nyeeee so cute

2011-12-31T00:01:00.001-05:00

Happy NYE! Please enjoy this video from two people who are so freaking adorable I can't stand it. Seriously if they got together I think my head would explode with glee.

But I would settle for them doing a movie together in which they end up skipping off into the horizon in a love induced stupor, unlike how this other movie I know turned out... (I'm looking at you, 500 Days of Summer. However, for the record I did really really like that movie)

Hope you all get to party tonight! xxoo
Love, Karen, Zooey D, & JGL

in conclusion

2011-12-30T00:01:00.000-05:00

If you can believe it, I'm finally done with posting NYC photos. What can I say? We had a week's worth of adventures crammed into parts of two days. Anyway, on our way out via Jersey we saw this... Which explains why we couldn't get the gas pump to work.

We headed back to our little place in the mountains in Pennsylvania for a couple more days. We were a little photo-ed out after NYC, so there's not much left to document.

One last trip to Chet's Place to hang with the locals and grab a delicious $6 steak dinner.

One last swim in the pool. OH MY GOSH I love this photo because the presence of Mike's reflection makes it look so creeptastic. The upper level of the rec room looked down on the pools for photo opportunities just as these.

Then it was time to hit the road.

Home sweet home. We live in this traffic light.

fav food

2011-12-29T00:08:00.000-05:00

yumz.

Plastic: It just isn't the same thing.

success

2011-12-28T00:01:00.004-05:00

Time to stroll down a few blocks from Times Square to some Broadway theaters.

Neato light-up sign!

We got there pretty early, so what else was there to do but pretend we were hangin out with Harry Potter?

And then we did hang out with him. I wouldn't say the show has very memorable songs, but the script and acting and choreography were phenomenal. And Daniel Radcliffe was amazing in it- super funny and entertaining.

When we left, we were in super Broadway musical mode!

wash [ ] pk

2011-12-27T09:31:00.000-05:00

We spent an achingly long time walking around NYC, so it was time for some chillin. Washington Square Park was what we needed.

Please note this is the very park that Rory Gilmore visited when she ditched school to take a bus to NYC to surprise Jess. Sadly this scene was not actually filmed there, otherwise Mike and I could have recreated it. After all, we are an example of the lasting love they should have shared... But I digress.

I mean check out these lovebirds. Do you see them up in the tree in the nest? HAR HAR I know how to deliver a doozy of a joke.

doopa doo monuments n stuff

Mike lost at chess to an old guy. I wish I could've jumped in because I would have murdered him.**

**in chess.

And then there was a pretty fountain set into the ground with circular steps around where you could sit.

It was also a nice place for one to enjoy a cannoli that one may have procured earlier.

We eventually left the park and stopped somewhere for a beverage and some quick eats. And what is in front of our faces but an ad for the very next item on our itinerary? Broadway, baby!

crayons & cookies

2011-12-26T23:23:00.003-05:00

Well, Violet's a big girl now (12 going on 13 months!), so I figured it was time to get the crayons out so I can start putting all those masterpieces on the fridge.

She was a little confused.

And then discovered how fun it is to put things in her nose. Next year maybe?

In other news, this is what happens when you ignore the "place 2 inches apart" suggestion on baking instructions. It was more like a molasses cookie cake. A sweet, delicious, molassy molasses cookie cake.

merry christmas everyone

2011-12-25T00:39:00.003-05:00

I miss you guys. I just can't keep up so well on the blogginz because this month has been super busy and honestly quite stressful. But over the past day or so Mike and Violet and I have been able to slow down a little bit... and next week even has a glimmer of hope and the promise of rest and relaxation.

I hope you all have lovely Christmases and enjoy time with fam n friendz.

xxxooo k

kitty cat

2011-12-20T22:56:00.001-05:00

Whenever I open a new gallon of milk (and if you know me at all, it's often), I throw the plastic ring from the neck of the jug down on the floor for Zooey to play with. She seriously rejects all toys except for that. We'll see her run by with it in her mouth...

...much like in these photos. Apparently Zooey's behavior is rubbing off on Violet. Here she was, just helping unload the dishwasher and we catch her in the act.

Maybe she likes to use it for a teething ring. She is finally getting those TWO TOP TEETH in! Pretty soon she'll look like this----> :B

bldgz plz

2011-12-19T00:01:00.004-05:00

Mike and I are unabashedly those nerds who walk around NYC and are like OOH REALLY TALL BUILDINGS *click click camera* when the people that live there are like *sigh*. Kinda like when we were in Sturgis, MI and we were like OOH AMISH FAMILY WITH A HORSE N BUGGY *click*. I gotta say though in that case it was truly amazing because the local Walmart had specific parking spots for horses and buggies. Wha?? I can't help it, I'm just a (mid-sized) city girl.

But back to the big city...

Speaking of weird parking spaces... Mid-sized-city-girl me was amused by this as well.

And the journey continues.

around the world in 80 minutes

2011-12-18T00:01:00.001-05:00

On our NYC foot travels, we passed through the notorious Canal Street. Street vendors selling knockoff name brand items abound. In fact, we couldn't walk twenty feet without a person disguised as a tourist leaning in furtively and whispering "Prada? Chanel? Gucci?" Apparently they are people who are illegally selling actual name brand bags- If you are interested they'll take you to a secret location where the deal goes down. WEIRD.

Or you can just buy any kind of crap for like $5. I did barter with a dude for a pair of sunglasses since I forgot to bring mine that day.

And then like two seconds later you realize you are in Chinatown.

All the white people were standing in a confused clump by a street map.

I'm sorry, but this is the best photo I've seen in my life. Today, anyway.

Mike had to get legit bubble tea of course.

And I wanted some fresh, authentic Chinese food.

Um yeah right. This place was rad though.

Yumz. What can I say? I like my Chinese food with a dash of Americaniness.

And you walk like one street over and then you're in Little Italy. Clearly I had to track down some awesome cannoli. Like duh.

Mission accomplished!

o christmas tree

2011-12-17T10:13:00.002-05:00

It's kinda funny that the last time we did this, Violet was curled up warm n cozy in my tumz. We didn't want to not have the tree up for Christmas, so we put it up early in anticipation of our baby who was "due" "November" "29th". This year baby V got to help.

I decided last year when we got the tree (it was our first one, btw) that I didn't want to just buy a package of ornaments. Either I was going to make them or someone else was or they would be ones we received as gifts. I bet you can imagine just how many I made between being pregnant last year and raising a child this year (*ahem* one...), soooo Etsy to the rescue!

Also Etsy.

Etsy again. I only get a few a year, so I figure soon enough I'll have a cute little collection.

I did make this cute lil heart garland though.

Ok ready? ONE... TWO...

THREE!*

*Spoken in Tootsie Pop owl voice.

Annnnd then this happens. Ironically WHILE I was creating this post, I had to remove Zooey from climbing up inside the tree... *sigh*... What a grinch.

On that note, Merry Chistmas!

day at the office

2011-12-16T00:01:00.000-05:00

HELLO WELCOME TO DADDY'S OFFICE HOW MAY I HELP YOU?

HMM OK GIVE ME ONE SEC TO LOOK THAT UP ON THE COMPUTER *TAP TAP TAP*

OH EXCUSE ME I AM GETTING A VERY IMPORTANT CALL. YES MA'AM I'VE GOT YOU DOWN ON THE SCHEDULE FOR A THREE O'CLOCK PEEKABOO APPOINTMENT.

OK I'M BACK WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU? *GRIN* COPIES, YOU SAY?

THREE COPIES COMING RIGHT UP. K THANKS BYE.

SOMETIMES I NEED TO REMIND DADDY OF MY CREDENTIALS.

THAT'S MORE LIKE IT. IT'S TIME I STARTED RUNNING THINGS ON MY OWN AROUND HERE. DADDY MAYBE WE CAN PENCIL IN LUNCH NEXT WEEK. NOW GO FETCH ME A STEAMIN HOT MUG O MILK.

99%

2011-12-15T00:01:00.000-05:00

Well it was time to head over to Zuccotti Park to see what all the hubbub was about.

Um that was pretty much it. I was kinda surprised. People were just sitting around. All the articles I read said that they were yelling and marching around all the time. So yeah... I dunno? Either way, they are cleared out by now. And their objective has been reached, aka still no one knows exactly what their objective was.

The tent city was set up right next to the World Trade Center site. People working on the new buildings stood by on their break to enjoy the entertainment.

Meanwhile, progress continues.

1%

2011-12-14T16:32:00.002-05:00

Ahhh there we go. Now I'm right at home among my fellow rich and powerful friends. Oh wait-

That's better. GOLD BUILDINGS ONLY PLEASE.

Hey friends wait up!

Gotta leave the stocks alone for a sec for a pretzel break.

Um and I wanted to get food from this truck because it is TOTALLY RAD LOOKING AM I RIGHT. I'm serious.

Hmmm time to find those pesky protesters.*

*I know this is like SO totally two months ago of me, but that's how I roll.

southie

2011-12-13T23:23:00.003-05:00

So I'm back from the dead and back into your hearts! Lucky you. Anywho, I am crazy behind on my events. I'm still in the vacation pix and we got Thanksgiving dinner (cooked by yours truly) pix and Violet's birthday pix and as always general Violet cuteness pix. And don't even get me STARTED on the videos. THE VIDEOS.

But yeah anywho, our second day in NYC we started out in the South Street Seaport. Tis on the southern side of Manhattan, near the Brooklyn Bridge.

It was fun to see the sights, but the real reason we were there was for the TKTS half off Broadway tickets booth!

Some super fun pix of our Broadway adventure coming... eventually.

It's good to be back! xoxo k

a whole year

2011-12-07T18:09:00.004-05:00

In honor of Violet's birthday, I took a stroll down memory lane... I can't believe how much she's changed (cliche). This year has gone by so fast (cliche #2). And I can't wait to see what new things we have to look forward to this year... although I'm hoping she'll go easy on the rebellious toddlery-ness (cliche #3)!

ONE

2011-12-06T02:04:00.000-05:00

OH MY GOODNESS this baby is one year old today! ONE YEAR AGO she was getting pulled out of my tummy and Mike was like "I see her I see her!" and I was like "I wanna see her!" but they had to clean off all the gunk and get to work stuffing my guts back in and sewing me up but then they gave her to me and although I was numb from the chest down it was the most beautiful feeling in the world.

I love you dearly, my sweet Violet Melody. I never could have imagined what joy you bring to my life (and Daddy's life too of course)! xoxoxoxoxo (x1000000)

Next we'll take a look at baby V through the months!

precious moments

2011-12-04T22:34:00.002-05:00

So when I think of precious moments, I don't imagine those ceramic figurines commonly found in Christian bookstores and on the mantles of the elderly. I think about the time I spend with my sweet baby girl and wonderful husband. Tonight was one of those times I wish I could box up and keep forever so I can take it out and revisit it whenever I want.

Right before her bedtime bottle, Violet was sitting on my lap and giving me kiss after kiss. She normally squirms away when I kiss those cutie cheeks, but she was very excited to kiss my cheeks and get kisses in return. Then during her bedtime story she got a serious case of the giggles. Daddy was reading her a story, but she kept looking at me and dissolving into a giggle fit. After the story she wanted to cuddle with Mommy and snuggled up on my shoulder and let me hold her close. Finally Daddy had to tear me away. When he laid her down in her crib, she looked up at me and grinned her two-teef smile.

I know I'm not capturing it exactly right in my description, but trust me... it was the most perfect thing I can remember experiencing in quite some time.

True love.

snapshots

2011-12-02T00:01:00.002-05:00

subways everywhere

NY pizza

three story H&M

reward for Mike accompanying me to three story H&M

taxi

taxiiii

times square

times squarrrrrre

train back to jersey.

Still another day's worth of NYC photos... There was just so so so much to photograph.

december days

2011-12-01T00:01:00.000-05:00

DECEMBER MEANS MY BIRTHDAY ANNNNNND CHRISTMAS.

FER MY PRESENTS I WANT ALL THIS CANDY PLZ.

JUST TRY AND SAY NO TO MY POUTY SMILE.

rock out

2011-11-30T00:01:00.002-05:00

I'm telling you, we were ALL OVER that Rockefeller Center the first day in New York. Turns out you can go to the top and see the city from every direction.

Only rough thing is climbing up 70 flights of stairs.

Ok not really there was an elevator.

And then this sight!

Central Park + morrrrre

It was cool 'cause there were actually three stories of observation deck goodness.

lolz... giant Mike, lil Empire State Building

NYC HIGH SCHOOL CLASS OF 2011 CONCRETE JUNGLE WHERE DREAMZ ARE MADE

It was a lovely time. And I can't believe it was snowing a couple days before this. I mean look at that blue sky and the lack of winter apparel!

eyes & ears, awesome edition

2011-11-29T00:01:00.003-05:00

Wes Anderson MOVIE MARATHON

Amanda Palmer's ukelele covers of some of my fav Radiohead songs!

And just to really push this blog post into EUPHORIA TERRITORY, let me now include a photo of Violet at Achilles:

TOO MUCH HAPPINESS.**

**I have a lot of emotions.

cathedral

2011-11-28T00:01:00.002-05:00

During our first day in New York, we visited St. Patrick's Cathedral. It was really (x20) beautiful. Here, I'll PROVE it to you:

I wish I could surround myself with worn Catholic icons and candles and peeling paint in an enclosed series of abandoned rooms. Yes this may be considered weird, considering that I am not Catholic... and because it is just weird. I am just really captivated by deteriorating beautiful structures. Show me a cracked stain glass window or a melted Madonna and I'm all good.

ANYWAY back to (the very non-deteriorating) St. Patrick's.

Ahhhh. A silent haven in the middle of the rushing loud busy busy New York streets.

...But I gotta admit, I like the busyness. There are more NYC adventures to be had!

giggle chaser

2011-11-27T00:01:00.001-05:00

Um this is one of the cutest things I've seen in my life.

N Y/B C

2011-11-26T00:01:00.004-05:00

We finally arrived! NYC, hope you are ready to get Karened and Miked.

*Ahem* excuse me while I get all touristy and whip out my foldy map...

We spent a chunk of the day doing various things in Rockefeller Plaza, which houses NBC Studios.

Note to tourists: This building is very confusingly laid out. Also there are virtually no bathrooms.

LOOK IT'S MATT LAUER.

We went on the NBC tour (no cameras allowed, boo) and we saw ?uestlove from The Roots walking in to work for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Later I saw Scott Adsit who plays Pete on 30 Rock. I'd been on the tour before, but it was still fun to visit Studio 8H where Saturday Night Live is filmed. And a bunch of other places too.

SPEAKING OF JIMMY FALLON (drumroll plz), we AMAZINGLY got the chance to score last minute tickets which let us into his show rehearsal AND THEN be in the audience for the taping OF THE SHOW. I WAS SO EXCITED because Mike & I are big Jimmy fans and watch the show religiously. Once again, of course no cameras of any kind allowed...

He did a pretty spot-on Justin Bieber impression on that episode. The guests were Billy Bob Thorton, the Eurythmics, and Taraji Henson (from the new show Person of Interest). Unfortunately he didn't do any of his signature games that include audience members, just shoe golf with Taraji. Mike and I had this dream that we'd be on "cell phone shoot out" or "models and buckets" or something. Or maybe Justin Timberlake would show up for "History of rap" FOUR.

But I'm not complaining because it was so so so so rad and fun.

And after the taping we bid adieu to Rockefeller Center.

More NYC stuff from earlier in the day and later in the day and the next day are up next!

ol' jersey

2011-11-25T00:01:00.000-05:00

We packed a bag and hit the road outta Pennsylvania for a couple days. I mean, the place we were staying was only a couple hours to NYC, so we had to swing by. To save money we stayed at a hotel in New Jersey right by the border.

We got there late in the evening and planned to get up early and take the train into the city.

TOWELZ

And we're off... NYC pix comin your way soon.

thx

2011-11-24T00:01:00.001-05:00

I'M THANKFUL FOR
1. the cuteness of Violet in her jammies
2. my big library of well-worn reread books
3. Violet's giggles & snuggles
4. Mike's constant photo-taking that documents everything
5. Mondays & Thursdays when my parents watch Violet for a chunk of the day so I can work, do errands, relaxxxx
6. purple eyeliner
7. green eyeliner
8. the love & attention Violet gets from all her grandparents
9. you people who look at my blog

10. musicccc (& that Violet starts dancing when she hears it)
11. robbers not breaking into my house and stealing my laptop
12. never getting leprosy
13. never getting smallpox
14. getting chicken pox when I was younger so I don't have to worry about getting it now
15. my karate instructors for teaching me how to kill someone with my bare hands
16. my hawt husband

***List not complete

autumn ride

2011-11-23T00:01:00.000-05:00

xoxo, Violet + Mom + Dad

training

2011-11-22T00:01:00.002-05:00

So at the thrilling Scranton Mall, you walk through the food court and out a side door and onto this bridge to walk over to the trains.

We had originally planned to take a four hour scenic train ride through the mountains that left from here, but the day it was offered was right after the snowstorm, so we stuck around the townhouse instead. We still wanted to stop by to check out the area though.

Don't mind me, just pretending I'm on a train ride.

I just barely made it out in time. But I HAD to get this photo.

There must be a reason why they had to post this sign... ?

snippets

2011-11-21T13:30:00.000-05:00

Consider this post the leftover gravy that sits in the fridge when all the turkey's already been eaten (too soon? Let that sink in and reread next week during your tryptophan OD). Basically I've got these random pics that really would be better in a related post, but I've already got the main dish allocated to better posts. Um this is very poorly written. ANYWAY, here are some random vacation photos.

Ok, Pennsylvania residents, 'fess up... What is with all of you people and your man-made lakes out on the lawn? It's like your own version of the in ground pool. I had no idea this was a THING.

We had quite the time tracking down the local establishments. There was one place in particular that took us multiple tries to find. We'd see a sign like this and there there would be nothing for miles (after many options to turn off). It was like a choose your own adventure book... with mostly sadness at the end.

Luckily we had some good ol' entertainment back at the resort.

Everyone's a winner!

Especially if you are my sharpshooting husband MJH. He got a bear, dude.

And I felt safe under Mike's ever-protective watch for sudden bursts of sunshine.

We took a lil trip into Scranton. It was about 30 minutes away and PACKED with adventure.** To see the one touristy thing- all the old timey trains on the old-timey train tracks (to be featured soon)- you actually had to walk through the Scranton Mall.

**There was almost nothing to do there.

But boy am I glad we had to... because we experienced such joys as the Wall of OPOLY...

This one thing that looked like all the happy toys were in prison...

And then this. The best-named dollar store I've seen in my life.

PS: hehehehe

x's

2011-11-20T00:01:00.000-05:00

MWAH

salty 2

2011-11-19T00:01:00.001-05:00

The hike continued...

And we came upon the first mini waterfall of the three waterfall hike.

Annnd then I realize that according to the trail map, we were supposed to hike UP THE WATERFALL to get to the other ones... Um what? Icy wet unstable rocks? We turned back and took the easier route that let us see the water from above.

We saw Penny Rock, which is (duh) a rock that people pound pennies into. They said it was really bad luck if you take a penny out, so of course I tried to do that cuz I'm all like WHAT NOW JUST TRY AND STOP ME. (I couldn't get one out though...)

Look! Then we saw deer! (This may have been on the side of the road on the drive back)

Onto the next adventure! SIDE NOTE: I just love how this photo is all like looking forward it's winter and looking back it's autumn... SO DEEP.

salty

2011-11-18T00:18:00.002-05:00

We visited the Salt Spring State Park sign.

Oh yeah and then we went in and did some hiking. Because of recent severe storms n such, some of the trails were in jank condition. But, being the avid hikers we are**, we pressed on with tenacity.

**lolz

'Cuz it was just so darn pretty.

We were told the hike that included three waterfalls was "difficult", but we thought it "can't" be that "hard". After all, we are experienced hikers.**

**lolz

And then it turned into this kind of "hiking".

DID WE FALL AND BREAK OUR LEGS? DID WE FALL IN THE FALLING WATER OF A WATERY WATERFALL? STAY TUNED FOR THE EXCITING CONCLUSION!!!!!!**

**Just let me have my fun.

v break

2011-11-17T00:01:00.002-05:00

We have tonsss of vacation photos, so you know I gotta take some breaks to keep you up on baby V too! Don't want anyone going through serious withdrawal here. Anywho, Violet had fun with Grandma & Grandpa at the mall play area.

And she made some new friends too.

What can I say? She's a lil social butterfly.

snow way

2011-11-16T00:01:00.001-05:00

Well, this is what we woke up to, just as promised. We were completely unprepared (I had checked the weather a few days previous and the snow hadn't been predicted yet). We had to make a stop at Walmart to pick up a few items of warm clothing. At first it was kinda funny, but then as the drive grew more treacherous through the mountains, it became really scary.

Uh yeahhh that's a semi.

In case you can't tell, it was extremely difficult to control the car. I WAS TOTALLY FREAKED OUT. When we finalllly got there, I was able to kind of start to relax after being clenched and panicky for a good few hours. Phew.

Watching some awesome tv helped.

The next morning we woke up late, made a big breakfast, and decided to venture out.

It was a beautiful sunny day, and the snow had already completely melted on the roads, including the uphill driveway that I had to push the car up the previous evening. Our place was a townhouse with a jacuzzi (yay). There was also a rec building with an indoor heated pool (empty since we were there on the off season), arcade games, wireless internet, and THIS BEAUTY:

Nothing like the sweet sounds of a beautiful instrument.

Then we took a drive through the mountainous country, and stopped for dinner at a local townie restaurant- Chet's Place!

I tried the turkey dinner special, not expecting much, but it was DELICIOUS. And their food was so ridiculously cheap.

I wanna convince Chet to open an Ann Arbor location.

Next up- we hike up a river!

R&R

2011-11-15T12:01:00.002-05:00

WOWZ! Mike and I had the opportunity to take an awesome vacation a couple weeks ago. And yes, I said that correctly: "Mike and I"... as in, no Violet. I was super worried I would miss her BUNCHES to the point of sad sadness since we were going to be away from her for nine (NINE) whole days! But I also knew we needed some time to relax and get some rest and do non-baby-related fun stuff.

Mike was just happy to get outta town. We were so so grateful to our wonderful friends Jen & Kevin for hooking us up with an awesome FREE place to stay in the eastern Pennsylvania mountains for a week.

Jill, our GPS lady, guided us well.

Meanwhile, I was dreaming about holding Violet (seriously, I was).

We drove several hours that first day and made a stop on our way...

...To visit our dear friends Brian and Demoree!

(and Clover)

We got some good gaming in.

And Dem made us some great food. And then...

They informed us there was going to be a snowstorm that night (Please note the 6"-10" predicted at the bottom of the screen!) Vacation story to be continued...

And back in Michigan, Violet was having a grand time in Grandville with Grandpa & Grandma. Ain't life grand.

YES

2011-11-14T11:23:00.002-05:00

I AM SO EXCITED FOR THIS MOVIE. If you haven't read the Hunger Games trilogy- DO IT.

video veekend

2011-11-12T00:01:00.002-05:00

I know I inundate you with baby photos, but sometimes you just gotta see this cutie pie in action. Check out this sweet lil thing:

No big deal, just gonna toss Violet in the air.

Nothing cuter than a bejammied Violet.

Violet keeps a nice home.

Annnnd just a few weeks later, she's all bundled up to play outside.

matchy matchy

2011-11-11T00:01:00.000-05:00

Of course I always match her toys to her clothes. This means when she starts playing with something else, I HAVE to go change her entire outfit. The laundry has gotten completely out of control, I tell you.

playing dress up

2011-11-10T00:07:00.000-05:00

I dunno if you remember, but I made a promise and I intend to keep it. In past posts (#1 & #2) I showed you the very first dress I made with my then-brand-new sewing machine. And at the time it was too big for tiny V, but I said I'd post pics when she finally fit into it. Wellll here ya go.

Love that sunlight in her light blond wispy hair.

a very happy karen

2011-11-09T00:01:00.001-05:00

I love getting FUN in the mail. So when the A Very She & Him Christmas album showed up a few weeks back- even before the official release date!- I was muy excitedo kareno.

I mean look at the red vinyl... Seriously, colored vinyl records are one of the simple joys in life. And the fact that something so pretty also plays actual music is like 50000000 bonus points.

And you gotta love this "hand-written" note from Zooey & M.

Mmmk after admiring it, why don't I actually play the thing...

Happiness!

mill it over

2011-11-08T00:01:00.002-05:00

Any annoyance you may have of more cider mill photos will dissipate by the presence of the above image.

If her face looks a little red it may be because...

...this was happening immediately before for some unknown reason.

And we rode off into the sunset. The End.

PS: eyelashes!

autumn lovely

2011-11-07T00:01:00.001-05:00

Well, you know me... I have a hard time narrowing down photos of Violet. So you've got a few more coming from our trip to the cider mill. I blame Mike for being such a good photographer.** And Violet for radiating cuteness.

Baby's first hayride! (Or whatever you call it when there is no hay, yet you are still being pulled by a tractor)

Baby's first donut... that she got to watch Mom & Dad eat!

(Still holding a grudge about that whole donut thing)

Just a fewwww more to come.

**I actually take some of these photos too. And edit them. ACCOLADES PLZ.

11!

2011-11-06T00:01:00.001-04:00

Take a look into this sweet little girl's eyes... She is eleven months old today! However, she's still a little tiny baby to me. And her teef agree. Still only 2 (but a tiny sliver of a third seems to be comin soon)!

She really is a happy, giggly little thing. We love going on adventures with her. We got a lotta great pics at the cider mill recently.

[Time out for proof of giggles]

Cutie smile: check! Elbow dimple: check!

Sad lil pumpkin surrounded by pumpkins.

There we go- just her size. And apparently just the size for an animal to steal off our porch, which would happen later the evening this day took place.

Smooch addict- 11 months and counting.

Violet is astounded by her cuteness.

Oh my goodness this lovely girl fills me with joy!

And we love her more each day :)

cowttakes

2011-11-05T00:10:00.001-04:00

What can I say? The public HAS SPOKEN. They NEEEED to see more baby cow Violet photos!

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

The cheeeeks

Just hangin with another barnyard animal.

And then it's off to bed.

And thus concludes my bajillion Halloween-related posts. Thank you and good night!

mystery shopper

2011-11-04T00:01:00.003-04:00

Note to readers: The "Halloween Baking" section at Meijer is a great place to find "torture masks".

Violet just loves to sit by the lettuce. It's become a tradition.

Time to check out! We've got this down to a science: I scan superfast and Mike bags.

As you can see, Violet's role is to be our cheerleader.

She applauds Dad's Tetris-like bagging skills.

hallohangin

2011-11-03T00:09:00.001-04:00

Spooky decorations 101: get glow sticks from the dollar store, and break 'em open into jars.

As you can see, we passed around Violet like a squishy hot potato.

:)

dare ya

2011-11-02T00:08:00.000-04:00

Haha I love itttt. Mike was awesome enough to take this photo (because of course he had DVR-ed an old episode of Double Dare). The answer is Twin Peaks, duh. However, to be fair, if I was on that show then I wouldn't have known the answer either. (They took the physical challenge)

hulseween, the deadly sequel

2011-11-01T00:01:00.003-04:00

Don't mind me, just being spooky and then having a heart attack.

Anywho, what's the fun in dressing up if you don't invite friends over and make them dress up too and make them eat candy with you and make them hang out with you? Apparently I am very influential among all these people that I am making do things.

Hello Kitty and an Information Scientist!

Witch!

Paper doll!

Dennis and Liz Lemon from 30 Rock!

Tim! ...improvising and turning into someone just bitten by a zombie before they've turned into a zombie!

Bartha Stewart (um creepy twin of Martha? I didn't get the name thing) and Sherlock Holmes!

halloweek!

2011-10-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

Since I love this holiday, I'm going to extend it beyond today [side note: This may or may not be because I have a million photos]. So keep an eye out for more spooooooooky karen in color! But first I gotta deal with something....

Apparently there is a cow loose in my house.

Hmmm I guess cows can climb stairs now.

Getting closerrrr

Ahhhhh she slayed me with her greatest weapon- a chubby-cheeked grin!

I was kinda surprised that Violet giggled at first when she saw my face.

HAPPY HULSEWEEN! Obviously we have a family theme going: DISEASES. I am heart disease, the number one killer of Americans. Mike is the Black Death, the number one killer of people in the Middle Ages. And Violet is Mad Cow disease, the number one killer of people allergic to extremely cute things.

Stay tuned for more!

prep

2011-10-30T00:01:00.002-04:00

Tomorrow is one of my fav daysssss. I'll give you a hint... It involves dressing up and candy and DRESSING UP and fun and DRESSING UP CREEPYYY OH MAN i love it.

on the road

2011-10-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

It's about time Mike and I got outta town...

we're doomed

2011-10-28T00:08:00.000-04:00

I saw this coupon come in the mail with the other ads... Obviously my reaction was I HAVE TO GO.

So we headed into the dark abyss... to SALINE.

lolz GPS

We're ready to take on the monsters.

So we head in and experience the scary... the SPOOKY... THE DEADLY-

GOOOOOOAAAAATTTTT!

Luckily the rest of us survived. Sadly, Ciara was eaten by the haunted goat that day, so Brad had to settle for Krazy Hilda as a consolation prize.

mommy duties

2011-10-27T10:38:00.002-04:00

Just adding to the collection! And when there's no time for makin cubes, a jar of baby food gets the job done just fine.

sweetness

2011-10-26T23:50:00.002-04:00

We're in quite the busy season these days. I'm trying to catch up.... There's so much cute Violet to be seen, after all.

things & stuff

2011-10-23T19:16:00.001-04:00

Where was this last year on Halloween when I was pregnant? Via my bud Katie.

This is also adorbz.

This is also amazinz. IDEA SAVED FOR LATER.

I found a totally addictive website that lets you upload a photo and convert it into a stencil.

Speaking of music, I love when people design stuff like this. (I also love this song)

Speaking of art(s & crafts), I love when people make things just because they are pretty, even if they are impractical. Beauty for the sake of beauty is necessary in the world. And I'm defintely doing my part by creating this beautiful work of art:

:)

4 years ago

2011-10-20T14:31:00.001-04:00

Little did I know that I was walking toward the most amazing person in the world.

I am referring to Mike of course :)

The past four years have been wonderful. And let's not forget the greatest product of our marriage- besides our friendship and love together- this sweet thing:

Now I get to look forward to many more years with my lovely family.

hangin around

2011-10-19T13:55:00.001-04:00

Play. Eat. Sleep. Repeat. All day. That is Violet's life (and therefore mine too of course!)

time for fun

2011-10-18T16:08:00.002-04:00

After a drink of water, it was time for little Violet to go off to bed so the grown ups could play. One of my fav games of all time is Time's Up- everything you need to know about it is here in the review my husband wrote for AnnArbor.com. Anywho, let the crazy fun commence...

In case Mike's handwriting isn't clear enough, Jon and I wonnnnnn woohooooo.

still here

2011-10-17T23:57:00.002-04:00

HI GUYS I MISS YOU. MOM'S BEEN BUSY THO DUH

I'VE BEEN CHILLIN PLAYIN PINBALL

AND DOIN STUFF ON THE LAPTOP

DON'T MIND ME JUST WATCHIN AN AGE-INAPPROPRIATE MUSIC VIDEO.

BYE FER NOW

an experience

2011-10-14T00:01:00.001-04:00

So I guess not ALL cats respond to Violet the way Zooey does.

Anywho, while we were hanging with some friendz we decided to have an experience...

A MICHAEL JACKSON experience, that is.

Like as in the dancing game for the Wii.

hahaha Mike's face lolllersons

HEY MOM IT'S MY BEDTIME COME ON LET'S GO HOME

Sorry, baby... too busy bustin out the Thriller dance while Lady Catherine the cat looks out the window in disdain.

We made fools of ourselves. DANCIN FOOLS.

long lost bros

2011-10-13T19:28:00.000-04:00

I merely bought this particular pepper. I WISH I could say I grew it myself. Because it. is. awesome.

fade

2011-10-12T13:16:00.000-04:00

Summer fades into memory

like the infant season

into graceful young girl.

lullaby

2011-10-11T00:01:00.002-04:00

I get to see this every day, so I thought it would only be fair for you to receive another dose of sweetly sleeping Violet... Those cute little positions she gets herself into get me every time.

sgt pepper

2011-10-10T09:31:00.001-04:00

Well, it was time to reap the efforts of my gardening... Check out our bountiful harvest. It may be paltry, but I wanted to give it the royal treatment- kabob-ing on the grill. After all, this is all that was left after a few other peppers were sacrificed to feed some hungry, thieving animals.

No, not these animals, but they do look similarly mischievous, teamed up like that.

And why not make the most of hot charcoal by grilling a feast?

I sprinkle salt with abandon. Mike has never loved me more than in this moment.

I finally get to taste the first bite of red pepper...

Sweet satisfaction.

Instead of juicy steak, Mike favors chicken and grilled sweet potato chips.

Even Violet got to eat one of her new fav foods- watermelon.

I think I would try to grow peppers again. My main issue was not putting them in a sunny enough spot- for some reason I thought that area of my lawn was less shady than it is. Anywho, I will remember that for next year. For now, we've moved onto enjoying autumn and its harvests :)

found objects

2011-10-09T20:31:00.000-04:00

art

music

words

more words

under the sea

2011-10-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

Sometimes I wanna play with Violet's toys. I mean this little ocean tent thingy is kinda awesome. I would have loved a little hideout like this when I was a kid.

And I'm not the only one who loves it.

double digits

2011-10-06T00:36:00.002-04:00

Oh my! Miss Violet's cumulative months of life have entered into double digit numbers! That's right... Gummy bear is TEN whole months old.

She's not quite walking yet, but we're ok with that. It keeps her a lil baby longer. She has been walking around furniture and any other little thing she can hold onto like crazy. Other fav activities are clapping, not growing any more teeth, and clinging to Mom's leg... And clinging to Mom when other people wanna hold her. (I'm just loveable, I guess.)

Newsflash: Violet's kissability has not changed with age. Cheeks are still yummy.

Maybe a future student?

Wait! Don't-

Nooooooooooooooo (Everyone knows it's bad luck to step on the M)

Me and Violet and her lone two teefs ride off into the sunset. Happy 10 month bday pretty girl! My goodness in like two seconds she'll be a whole year old! *sniff*

eyes & ears

2011-10-05T12:16:00.000-04:00

Feist, Metals- new album just came out yesterday!

Man on Wire- crazy good documentary about a man who high wire-walked between the World Trade Center towers.

Divergent, Veronica Roth- Um yes this is definitely a book from the young adult fiction section. But it's got everything a futuristic dystopian novel should have! Fans of The Hunger Games, check this one out. And then lament with me as we wait for the next two books in the trilogy to come out.

VersaEmerge acoustic covers.

VersaEmerge acoustic non-covers.

more reasons to love fall

2011-10-04T13:00:00.001-04:00

Tights weather.

Gourd weather.

ballerina girl

2011-10-03T21:22:00.001-04:00

Sometimes you have an adorable baby girl who is wearing an adorable pink tutu and you don't know how much longer it will fit so you insist on a photo shoot. And sometimes that baby girl just isn't into posing next to a tree and smiling.

So you get her fun play table and that at least stops the crying...

Ok, now this is getting a little better...

An actual smile!

With a bonus squeal of glee :) Mission accomplished!

fallin for you

2011-10-02T21:03:00.000-04:00

I really love fallllll. And October is awesomez because the weather is still lovely (+ there are pretty colors on trees). Also this is the month I got married, and this year we have AWESOMEZ ANNIVERZARY PLANZ (more details to come). Also I guess I'm using the non-word "awesomez" now.

Oh hey this is what I was doing this exact time last year... Whoa:

Kinda weird that that stomach blob is this lil blob o cuteness now:

Now we can enjoy this season together! (Outside of the womb, that is.)

addicted

2011-10-01T00:01:00.001-04:00

We CAN'T STOP taking photos of Violet sleepingggg

X-treme close up (feat. eyelash prettiness and pouty lip cuteness)

And come on... she just keeps doing silly stuff... like ending up perfectly perpendicular with one bare foot weaseled out of her snapped jammies. So yeah basically I DON'T CARE I'M GONNA KEEP POSTING CUTE SLEEPY PIX.

ps: HAPPY OCTOBER! I love this month. More autumn musings to come.

boom boom pow

2011-09-30T00:01:00.000-04:00

SONIC BOOMS SHOW AUG 2011. 'Twas rad.

happy miscellany

2011-09-29T00:01:00.000-04:00

1. A Very She & Him Christmas pre-ordered on red vinyl

2. Cute graffiti

3. Cats inserted into Renaissance art

4. Paramore stage antics

5. Junk mail art

6. Pretty tattoos (kinda reminds me of something coming soon to a limb near you)

7. Hardcore cute jewelry

Things are just things, but some things can make me happy.

what a day

2011-09-28T00:07:00.003-04:00

Sometimes the day starts off great. Despite my bad night of sleep, Violet is happy and giggly and behaves when I bring her to work with me... I manage to clean the living room AND kitchen... I get to watch a couple episodes of Twin Peaks while Violet actually naps in her crib (this is rare).

And then afternoon hits. Violet is uncharacteristically inconsolable and cranky for unknown reasons. I'm starving and exhausted but V screams when I set her down so I don't eat. The toilet breaks. And while grieving with friends who have experienced a tragedy, I find out more heartbreaking details about the situation.

Then it hits 6:30pm and Mike comes home from work. He feeds Violet dinner. He insists I nap. I wake up to find out that the two of them went to Home Depot to get parts to fix said toilet and it's finished. Then I walk in the living room and there is a beautiful bouquet of flowers for me along with hugs and kisses from my wonderful husband and sweet baby girl.

It doesn't make everything all better, but it's enough to get me through another tough day. I certainly have done nothing to earn or deserve this. God has just graciously blessed me with good gifts. I mean, just look at that photo again. Precious. :)

daddy date

2011-09-27T00:01:00.001-04:00

Mike and Violet had something of an unplanned adventure when I took the wrong car to band practice one Saturday- leaving them with no way to safely transport Violet. Bus to the rescue!

After all, Violet was dying to go to a Magic the Gathering tournament downtown. Or to the stadium to watch the Michigan football game (Obviously she insisted on the sweatshirt).

And of course she had to stop in the new(ish) 7-Eleven on State St.

And of course she had to giggle and be cute and make a monkey face.

Then I tried to make up for my earlier mistake by driving downtown to pick em up. Fun Saturday afternoon adventure!