About one role.

My role as a student ended nicely. I got another A before year's end. I decided that I should just TAKE IT EASY and really enjoy the graduate school journey. I was trying to double up, finish this time next year. I do this all the time and I miss out on the essence of what is really going on around me. This upcoming year I am vowing to do my best and TAKE IT EASY. I am much to critical and hard on myself. Who else do you know that works, cares for toddler, runs business, and writes while in graduate school and still earns A's in each course?

I am grateful.

And this is what HAPPINESS looks like. A pic from Spring this year. I'm one heckuva mom!

the thing about toddlers...

There's no one "thing" that makes them irresistible. I must confess that it was working around this age group of kids that tugged on my heartstrings to have a baby of my own. Part of the "melt-my-heart-ness" for me is the chubbiness and rpundness of their little faces and bodies. They are in between babies and little ppl in the world. I love their assertiveness and growing independence. I enjoy cutting up food into bite size pieces. The teeny toys that they play with using their pudgy hands. Those hands and faces sure do get sticky at every meal. The daunting task of potty training along with their beeming pride @ every success. They already have their own sense of humor and will CRACK UP at the oddest things. The giggle of a tot is priceless. Don't even get me started on the toddler aisles at the store. All the sippy cups, suuction cup bowls.little bitty cutlery because they can't yet maneuver the tools we adults use to eat. And with toddlers, you can still get away with baby clothes like onesies and one piece outfits. My little one's artistic expression is awesome. She is meticulous about everything she does. Each embellishment has a place.

Embracing the joy of toddler-hood is the only thing keeping my positive emotions afloat. My Cassie will only be One year old for 4 more weeks. I am graeful for her health and all she has learned. She will always be mamahs baby. And I know she will be a toddler until age 4 unlike the baby stage that only lasted about 2 yrs :( There are times I wish I could put a drrop in plastic liner into a playtex bottle and feed her formula then burp her. Those days are long gone. Now I have vegetable wars and meat protests of a toddler lol.

the perfect book for the mood is "I Love You Stinkyface". And yes I love my little Stinkyface Cassie

toddler stocking stuffers

*drumroll please* and now the best ornaments for toddlers as promised.
1- spf chapstick. I bought lipsmackers sports edition. I like that they can be clipped on a necklace.
2- band aids. We're going to need them anyways. This is usually around the time you begin to run low.
3- banditos/zani bands. This is not coming from the child development associate. In fact please note that they are intended for other children. Our problem is that "C" puts her hair bands on her arms. I figure the bandito fad is less likely to cut off her circulation. Now I just have to keep a close eye on her and make sure she doesn't put them in her mouth.
4- mini Disney princesses. They cost 1/3 of the price of the Barbie sized ones and I think Cassie's toddler hands will maneuver them much better.
5- veggie puffs. They have a hint of fruit juice to sweeten em. She still is not fond of veggies so this helps get some of those nutrients she refuses in raw veggie form.
6- stickers.
7- hot wheels cars. I bought girlier colors if there is such a thing. I wanted her to have unisex toys. She has taken an interest in vehicles. I can't wait to hear her "vrooom vroooms" on Christmas Day.
8- peel off nail polish. "C" picked out a deep purple hue. And of course I'm wondering if that means morado is her fave color hahaha. Probably not.

well that wraps up my list. Hope this helped. Happy holidays.

Plan of action- Christmas

If you have a toddler @ home like I do then you proably want xmas to be hassel free. Here is what I am doing in an effort to make xmas seamless this yr. #1 - opening up plastic covers and losing all plastic ties on gifts. #2- hanging clothes on hangers for easy transport to her closet #3- putting batteries in toys that require them #4- big items that require assembly like easel and dollhouse will be assembled and standing instead of wrapped inside their boxes #5- waste basket for wrapping paper will be in the living room. #5- not getting caught up in the hype of "most popular toys" but instead focusing on things my child already enjoys @ other friends' homes or that she has requested or that I know for sure she would play with #7- buying practical things that I would have to buy anyway such as sleeping bag and step stool of appropriate height for her bathroom. I hope this helps. Stay tuned for my list of great stocking stuffers for toddlers!!!!!

12 days of Christmas Left

We have been in Christmas spirit still. I love it. St.Nicholas Day was belated due to the sharing of "C" between households (pout). Here is a little lookie @ the 2nd ever ST.Nicky experience:










The "loot":

As you all can see based on the pics she enjoyed her pretty boots more than the loot! For those of you who don't remember or who weren't following our blog last year...St.Nicholas day is a German holiday that children celebrate by cleaning/polishing their boots and putting them on their doorsteps. If they are good children St.Nicholas will fill their clean boots with nice things. I learned of this holiday when I was a teacher. Two of my students and their mother created a wonderful St.Nicholas experience that I will never forget. It has become our family tradition to acknowledge the holiday which falls on December 6th of each year.

Here's what else we've been up to. #1 Eating these Christmas tree cookies that they sell at my fave...TARGET!!!! We keep finishing the boxes off and buying more. "C" asks for em in the store nonstop "unhhh cookieee, unnnhhh coookie mamaahhh" lol. I keep telling her, "we have to buy them first hunny."
#2 Singing Christmas songs, C loves to sing "Fa wa la la laaaa" it's adorable.
#3 Warm bubble baths. We don't participate in the bathe every other day old wives method. We're just high maintenance and we moisturize double in the winter to avoid chapped skin.
#4 I sent out my xmas cards!!!!! The postage stamps are truly reflective of the midwest this year. They have the cutest pine cone illustrations on them.
#5 Green eggs and ham with red grits breakfast. Yummmmyyyyy. I loved this meal way more than "C" did. Daggghhh oh wellll, you win some you lose some. I still made it with her in mind. I love nothing more than creating special memories for my only child. I hope she knows how much mammah loves her and tries to make her days and life special and memorable as we reach each new milestone.





Until the next time...

25 Days of Christmas

We are so super-de-duper excited that the month of December is finally here! C and I have been doing special "sumthings" for each day in December. I can hardly contain myself as I anticipate Dec 6th/St.Nicholas Day!!!!! Cassie has some Fancy-Schmancy boots to set out! I will share what we have done so far for each day in December.
Dec 1- Put up xmas lights, conversation about Abuelita's experiences as a little girl at Xmas (w/official orange tasting as a symbol), sorted red and green dark choc m&ms




Dec 2- Watched "Olivia" Christmas DVD collection with friends and ate Christmas tree cookies, Watched "Home Alone" with uncle Tae and Gave uncle Tae a personalized xmas card, purchased small gifts for friends,






Dec 3- Painted our nails Christmas colors with friends, Gave friends small gifts



Dec 4- Recieved a gift at Abuelita's house. New Barbie and first Barbie car!!! Picked out xmas tree and a few special ornaments from Meijer...Go Midwest!!!
Dec 5- Putting up our tree...can't wait for the unveiling this year. Wink Wink





I was really glad that "A" put up the tree for "C" this year. I think she felt really good playing with daddy and being in his shadow until the job was done.
Dec 6- St. Nicholas Day!!!!!

Time to spruce up

How do you create a dream home with little funding...one step at a time! The photos represent the newest embellishment to our home. I actually look forward to reaching my door because I get to look @ our new regal welcome mat. The previous one was left behind when we first moved in. I never liked it. Everytime we would bring someone by I'd cringe. It represented nothing about the interrior of our home. I also intended on purchasing a step stool for Cassie's bathroom. She loves it even though it doesn't really get the job done. I have to find her a higher elevated one. Nevertheless it matches the pink, black, and green decor.
What piece can you add to your home that will create positive emotion when you encounter it? A new clock or maybe a new soundtrack. We will begin blasting our holiday music today in honor of December 1st.

Can you have it all?

Yes you can have it all as a mother! I myself am a graduate student, mother of toddler, budding entreprenuer, educator, and with support I run the household. Those are the base titles/obligations. I ensure that our toddler is involved in extracurricular and active actities. How can a mother have it all???? I have compiled a list of tools/acessories that have been helpful to me: 1- support group 2-belief and trust in a higher power (God for me) 3-following a life coach 4-making to do lists and actually using it 6-setting both long term and short term goals 7-imaginig the BIG picture when little irritants occur 8-having values that I live by C-creating a priority list to check major decisions and choices against 9-putting myself first 10-not being afraid to start over,redo,remix,or take a risk 11-being willing to take the long route 12-utilizing a piggy bank and empty pop cans 13-acessing everything that is free 14-prayer and meditation 15-recognizing the value in a good cry or vent session 16- looking through "worth lenses"/seeing situations and circumstances for what they are worth 17-counting MY blessings 18-acknowledging the "better and worse" theory...someone will always be better off than you and someone is always doing way worse than you so live by your own scale.
utilize any one or combination of these tools and I'm positive you will begin having it all in your life as a mother! Get started on one now.

it's a good day when-toddler eats

I'm the proud parent of a toddler! She is not yet 2. We have been going through food wars since she advanced from only baby food to a combo of table foods with. She seems to believe she can survive off of dairy and sugar alone. I beg to differ :/ I will be honest and say she wins the battles most of the time. Today she ate tuna caserole and a Jiffy blueberry muffin. It made my whole week. Whenever she eats my "cooking" I beam with pride. The following is hoq I "throq together" our tuna casserole:
preheat oven to 350 degrees
prepare velveeta shells and cheese according to package instructions
combine finished shells and cheese with 2small cans on tuna and 1 reg can of sweet peas in a caserole dish
bake for 40min-1hr until top looks slightly crisp and golden
cheese lovers can sprinkle their desired flavor of shredded cheese on top before baking. I would recommend sharp cheddar.
let stand aprox. 20 mins before serving.
we like ours with pillsbury croissants.
good luck with your hungry little toddlers!!!!

I admire you

I admire my daughter for being so brave and facing her fear today. I guess she had had enough of being afraid of Mr.Vacuum. She hopped down from Beary White's lap on the lazy boy and walked right near him. I held out my hand for her and she began walking with us. I put her hand on his handle and she began ordering him around. She had gained control over her fear and over him. I did not see myself in her at all. I am often times so fearful that I dont take a risk and face the music the way she did. Things are gonna start changing in me. It is part of her natural character and I thank God for that. No more fear!

What do you guys do all day?

Mostly bond together but here is a sneak peak in on a few special moments.

This is C reading in "Beary White's" lap. This book is her favorite out of my collection. It's called "Been There Should've Done That"...It's a college manual for entering freshmen students. She always finds that one and pulls it off the shelf.

Motherhood at its Finest!!!!

This is us with our hair all wrapped up.

Then came the shower caps.

She enjoyed her first shower (well not included the baby shower hahah get it?) last Friday. She played with the sprayer and really just had a ball. I am looking forward to the sprinklers with her this summer.

So yeah just a few special memories I wanted to save.

Best,

Q

joke

Hahah saw this on someone's blog: "Men, give him an inch, and he thinks he's a ruler"
hahahahah cute

Going to daddy's

Today I got to cry to my dad. It always helps to do that. He listens and gives sound advice. I can honestly say that this time I was so broken that I was ready to hear him and actually follow directions. Im glad C has her daddy.

We ate dinner together and it was such an overwhelming feeling to see my dad be "granddaddy". His life has taken on a whole new dimension because of it. Im glad I got to give him the gift of C. I can say the same for my mom. We got all bundled in a blanket and watched law abiding citizen. Good movie! The Battle Fam gives it two thumbs up. He also fed me a bite of banana cream pie which believe it or not I had never had. Delish! I cant believe I've been missing out.

It was good to be around my dad today. I hope he knows how much I love him. I think I'll send him a letter in the mail even though we live about 10 minutes away from each other. I love mail.

Q

Oh how I luv WW

Wings Wednesdaaaaay! It is such a natural high. When Adj gets out of class and goes to Pizza Hut to get our wings on Wednesdays I am pleased. They are always so good, we go to the one on Washtenaw. They really care about presentation over there. They do things right.
We sit at the table and chow down on our wings and bread. Usually C is fed by then but will walk around holding a breadstick just for the heck of it. She is quite the kinestethic type.

C does so many neat things. Here is a list of just a few:
-gives kisses, especially to babies
-squats all the time
-points
-talks gibberish
-walks around with cell phone, cordless phone, wii controler on ear and pretends to talk
-makes her own phone out of her hand by laying it over her ear
-brings shoes to you that she wants you to put on her feet
-chooses books off her bookshelf for you to read to her
-places things in your hand that she needs help with
-reaches items up high that she doesn't want you to take from her
-hides behind your legs
-helps throw things in the garbage...everything that is
-drops things and says uh ohhhh
-helps put tape on pictures for scrapbooking
-colors
-puts tape on backs of pictures for scrapbooking
-claps for herself after achievements
-hugs all soft things
-lays her head down when she wants to take a nap/rest
-brings you a cd when she wants to listen to it
-gets off bed and couch alone, by any means necessary
-smiles all the time
-gets super excited about "cheesy weezy"/kraft singles
-drinks out of cups and straws
-is crazy about cow's milk!!!!!
-can watch Nick Jr. for a very long time
-appreciates bubbles
-enjoys bath time
-whines during diaper time
-loves dogs
-cant stand getting her hair done, but loves to look in the mirror afterwards

Just to name a "few"???

Tatrums

Hey guys and gals! I like this pic b/c we were havin a pretty cool night. I was bowling my tail feathers off but not really getting that great of a score. Babes was beating me and Jazz but not doin his best performance either. He gets along well with my pals. Anyhoo his bday party is next week. Im lookin forward to steppin out and lookin good together. I have to really represent and make sure everyone knows he's got the most beautiful woman inside and out. It will be a blast b/c all of his fam and friends are cool and laid back people. And did I mention we are all comedians in our own rites?

The tantrums have erupted from Puddin like a volcano. She's still my favorite girl though.

I ended my day eating sloppy joes that Adj made. We love that gook! Ummmm. C...not so much. She repeatedly spat it out. Ive been workin on this week's goal of more veggies in her diet. She ate half a baby food container of squash. Humph. Will do better tomorrow. I had to deny her of more cookies. She is truly my mom's wish, Angelica the cookie lover she is. I call her the "cookie monster".

Lata Allagatas

Q

Preparedness

Cassie recieved a CINDERELLA DRESS from Daddy on her bday. That is her easter dress. I bought her purse which is super-dee-duper cute the other day along with her easter basket, a few fillers, and novelties for her God siblings and friends we are inviting over to look for eggs on the patio.

I am stoked about this event.
Go Q! Go Q! Go Go Go Q!

I have also chosen my bday theme, and I am working on a welcome Spring party for my old college pals to get together.

Mommyhood is great.

Q

a Wittle Woad Twip!

Blogging is becoming easier. Managing two however is a little challenging b/c I get them mixed up. Im so glad blogging doesnt feel like a chore. I actually look forward to recording the exciting things that have been happening our way.
So for starters this is me at Red Robin super excited that Daddy came with me and C this time. I knew he would love it. This is not my best pic but I've decided to stop expecting perfection of myself Here is Daddy surveying the menu for something Delish.

And then we have Puddin chewing on the crayon box.

Now about the road trip. We had to travel to another city to go get C's Big-girl bed. So we loaded ourselves onto the "blue lagoon" and picked up Nana and PawPaw.
Cassie was so excited. She couldnt figure out what the ocassion was to have such a packed vehicle.

After getting her bed we stopped at Krispe Kreme doughnuts. Hooray. C and I screamed so loud in the car to show our gratitude. Here she is with her hat on. She closed her eyes but a pic is a pic right???

I loved being with my fave ppl. and spending time together. It's the small moments that count most in my heart.

Best,

Q