Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Happy Halloween!

We took Nui Nui trick or treating at the mall today. I was amazed at how many people were there. It was a zoo. Nui Nui walked the entire mall top floor and bottom and waited patiently in each line for a treat.

It's amazing how much she's grown. One year ago, she just passed her first month, like yut peh leht. Now, she's walking, carrying her own pumpkin bucket, gathering treats, being so patient, and enjoying the frenzy.

I am so lucky :> Love her!:> :>

Sunday, October 28, 2012

The Night Before The First Day Of School

Tomorrow marks Nui Nui's first day of 'school'.

Scared. Nervous. Anxious. Pretty much describes what I'm feeling about it.

Anything leftover in the feeling space is minor excitement, needless to say, overshadowed by the former, unfortunately.

I am warmed with relief, however, that she'll be starting slowly— one day a week vs. three days, which I originally signed her up for— and also already knowing a couple of other kids who'll be there with her.

Last week was a roller coaster and I imagine tomorrow will be an even steeper ride.

Crossing my fingers she'll be strong. Crossing my toes I'll be too :> Ma petite rose is growing up #sobigsofast (momma can't keep up).



More to come...
--m

Saturday, October 27, 2012

The Dark Knightress

I took Nui Nui to her first Halloween party. It was geared more toward the 3+ year olds but we had a blast with our swim friends, whom we'll be seeing more on Monday at our first day of 'school' :> Pumpkins, an inflatable bounce house, spook tunes, soccer balls, hula hoops, prizes, and crying on haystacks. Yes, it was a party not to forget :>

Today was go go go. A fun-filled day mostly just Nui Nui and I. Swim, brioche french toast with Pau Pau, Halloween party, mall walk (and dance!.. there was a concert going on), then back to Pau Pau for oxtail stew and a movie. Phew!

We're beat. ..and looking forward to tomorrow :>

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Love Of My Life

You can never get enough cheek-to-cheek :>

...

So today marks a big day in our lives. Probably something I'm making a bigger deal out something than is really worth. First, Nui Nui is 13 months. Thirteen! Teenage dream babe! Second, I signed her up for childcare/'school'. At first we were thinking once or twice a week, half-days. Now, all of a sudden, I signed her up for three full days and she starts next week. Next week!

I anticipate a rough few weeks ahead. I'm anxious about it already. Putting my baby in the care of someone else beyond my mom is one of the scariest things. Am I being ridiculous? Ugh. I can't believe it's so hard to let go. As M runs around, babbles real words and others, grabs things to explore, climbs up when she can, and soaks in everything around her, I ask (her) 'where's my baby baby, huh?'.

Really does feel like yesterday when I could hold her in one hand and have her breathing up my neck, snuggling her face for warmth.

I love this girl to no end. I count my blessing by the seconds.

This photo was taken about a week ago but I haven't had time to post it. This picture speaks truths. I've never been so happy, so relaxed, so fulfilled without this girl in my arm. She's a ray of sunshine that warms my heart. ...I know, I know.. doting. I just cannot help it.

Kids. They change you. For me, the better :>

smak!

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

How To Rock The Red Pant!

I had so much fun making this video. I've been thinking about it for a while now and for it to come to fruition makes me happy :>

It's true you don't have a lot of time for yourself when you're a momma but that shouldn't stop you from doing the things you love. Just incorporate your little one(s) into whatever you're doing. It'll be a great learning experience for them as well. ...not once did Nui Nui knock over the tripod that took time to set up :>

Check out this momma— single, 4 kids— she really inspires me. Farting rainbows everywhere and having a blast with her kids in the meanwhile. It's what's life is all about.. in my humble opinion, for me anyway.

Also, just because you're a momma doesn't mean your look has to go with that soccer-momma van you sport around. Rock it. Rock. It. No shame, no fear.

They say you should marry not only the one who makes you happy but the one who brings out the best in you. I haven't found that one yet but kids can have those same special powers, for me anyway :>

Recovery is fun. Fun. We are young. Yes. We are. It's this pieceofm, I think, that's gotten me to where I am. For those of you who are still in recovery, still struggling: Hold on. Keep fighting. Fight every day. Never give up. You are worth it. And, It. Does. Get. Better. It does.

hugs muahs and smores!
--m

Enjoy!!

Friday, October 19, 2012

Locked In, We'd Still Be In Color

If you live in the city, during recess, you'd see kids set free in what looks like prisonmates' fresh-air time. High gated bars, concrete, kids.

We are fortunate not to be locked up, though, we are limited by where we can go during my lunch break— not complaining, I heart the opportunity for midday bebe cheeks! :>

But whatever we do, wherever we are, it clearly, wide-mouthed doesn't matter. :>

Thursday, October 18, 2012

A Ray Of Sunshine Kiss

The number of times I kiss my kid is like counting seconds to infinity :>

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

A Kiss In The Reeds

I have too many photos. I can't keep up. I worked on this a while ago and forgot to post. Wouldn't it be grand if free hosted space for pics were limitless?

Well, I do love me a good kiss photo. This and more to come... :>

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Come, Give Momma A Kiss...

I got these sunglasses in the Halloween section of Target. Apparently, I was in a playful mood. I'm not really one to wear sunglasses that often but if I do, they have to have character. These about say it all. Big red hearts? Yeah, I'm completely smitten... :>

Armed And Ready!

I've been loving this nailpolish— both color and quality. I'm trying Essie for the first time. This color (minus my ring finger) is called Armed and Ready.

I love good nail polish names, I wish it were part of my job description. With minimal chipping, for day 4, this is very good for the single mum.

I've also been loving wearing a dark color— charcoal gray or near black— with a bright hot pink and the colors reversed on my other hand.

Monday, October 15, 2012

Central Park Roses

Amongst other attractions, Central Park has a garden and gazebo.

These are my lady loves in it.

Undeniably Feel Good

After failing in our attempt to take Nui Nui to a pumpkin festival, we ended up taking her to Central Park instead. She fell asleep on our way over but luckily this girl wakes up no problem, without fuss (even if she may have been tired).

Playground! Swings! Slides! Tunnels! Flowers! Tired, schmired! There's no time for sleeping! :>

We spent probably about an hour in the park. Nui Nui walked on sand and grass for the first time, attempted to step up a curb all by herself, crawled through a big pipe, slid down the slide, tried to run after the bigger kids, swung on a bucket seat, saw (and woofed at) doggies... I think she had a blast. Despite an interrupted sleep, here's what she looked like as we left... :>



Especially for those times when you are down, please, take this :>

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Babe's First Haircut!

I've been meaning to cut Nui Nui's hair for a while now. We ended up getting her clips (those metal kind that snap) but either she just kept pulling them out or they did just didn't hold or stay in place.

Then her hair seemed to be ok— long enough to stay put to the side? I don't know but something I stopped noticing to be bothersome. The past few days, though, her long hair had become straggly. Unattractively so. ..as I write that I wonder when straggly is ever attractive but whatever..

After a long day of trying to go to a pumpkin festival (and failing), reading in Barnes, playing in Central Park, and taking a dump when we got home, I decided on a whim to cut her hair right then and there on the toilet right before her bath.

My aim was to keep her side-swept bangs, not too short, and trim some of her back hair. She honestly wasn't too difficult to barber but certainly not one I could get too picky about grooming. After about 5 minutes, I dumped her in the bath and could only wait til after to see the actual results.

Well, she definitely looked different. But, as always, cute. The shorter bangs admittedly made her look more boyish but that's something we love about her or love to tease her about :>

Fun! ..despite my putting this off past 1 year old, I say this venture was a success. Following Nui Nui's bath, I was inspired to cut my own... :>


Caption: Tell me, does this haircut make my cheeks look even juicier? :>

Friday, October 12, 2012

We Love Carbs! We Love Carbs!

We've been hard-pressed to find good carbs around here so we are on the continual search for good ones. Why is it so difficult?? #lament #sigh So our search is ever ongoing.

We decided to take advantage of the good weather and go to the farmers market in a neighboring town. It's been months since we've been there and we, admittedly love their kettle corn.

I got into kettle corn when I was in NYC. They used to sell it at the street fairs. I imagine Ken still does. Yes, I knew him and he knew me :> I used to get the worst of its kind— of the peanut butter variety. It was probably one of the unhealthiest snacks you could find but it was absolutely delicious, so I ate it for dessert instead :> ..didn't make it any healthier but how's that for rationalization? :> Everything in moderation...

So anyway, we loaded ourselves up on carbs on this trip and mom's choice to get brioche was a fabulous one. Brioche is a french bread, light but saturated with butter. nom nom... It's a pricey bread but great for cutting into thick slices and making into french toast. Cheaper and more delicious than eating out :> Totally worth it, at least every once in a while.

In MYC they sell almond brioche at Celi Cela, which used to be a favorite. That with a latte from Think Coffee and I was set.. sigh, all this talk of deliciousness is making me hungry..

Enjoy and thanks for watching!

Thursday, October 11, 2012

My World, In Color

One of my closest friend writes:
'I completely understand your concerns about the future, particularly when it comes to education. However, I’m becoming more and more convinced as I interact with people in the world that where you go to school is much less important than what’s going on at home. You nurture your kid, you provide enriching experiences, you meet all the basic needs, and one way or another they’ll be fine. M’s life opportunities won’t be limited by where she goes to daycare. Nor will attending Harvard guarantee a successful career or happiness. Uncertainty at every step of the game is the norm, so all we can really control is the love we give them and the things we do with them.'
I was telling him, or from the sounds of it, lamenting? (but not really) about finding a part-time school for Nui Nui. She's interested in other kids and I want her to be able to have that interaction. With year-long waitlists, non-refundable (and non-guaranteed) application fees, and a slew of parents wanting the same for their kids.. ok, I got a little overwhelmed with the schooling thing, oops.

The pressure of being a good parent and wanting the best for your kid is a given. I never understood, though, the actual worry involved until I became one. My friend is absolutely right. His words are wise and, actually, restores my faith in men :> I post this for myself and all parents out there. Number one when a parent is providing unconditional love. Un.Con.Di.Tion.Al. To the core. ...the rest should follow.

I would not be where I am today, if it weren't for my mom and her love. Kids are not always the easiest but she proves love conquers all... even the worst of beasts.

I am lucky, not to mention ever grateful, to have these people in my life, including this little girl. Thank heaven for little girls... :>

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Baby's Got the Groove! - Dancing!

One of our favorite things to do on the weekend is go to Barnes, get a stack of books for Babe, get a stack of books for ourselves, and treats to eat and drink for all. It's our relax time. It's our reading time. It's our mindless, catch up with pop culture time. And now it's become our dance time :>

I heart looking for cool books for Nui Nui to 'read', tinker with, or groove to :> This time of year, the children's section center island is filled with Halloween stories. We found this It's The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown book and after reading it on a couple of visits already, I'm tempted to get it.

More importantly, I need to look for some jazzy fun music for Babe to listen to and get her groove on! If you can recommend me music— preferably on YouTube, please do share in the comments below! I'd love to share it with Nui Nui!

Enjoy and thanks for reading and watching! :>

Baby's First Birthday Fashion Haul!

The videos and photos are piling up! I can't keep up!

Every day continues to be some great adventure with Nui Nui and worthy of capturing on camera :>

This video was filmed over a week ago and I only had the chance to upload it today. Better late than never, right?

As I mentioned to one of my viewers, I am very (very) grateful for my daughter and all the things we have/get, especially the love and support we receive from family, friends, and social media folks (like you!) all around the world.

I cannot say it enough, I will not wait until just Thanksgiving, and will continue to say Thank You to You over and over again. THANK YOU! Thank You! Thank you! :>

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Baby's 12 Month Update!

My, how far we've come-- 1 year, 100 videos! That was purely coincidence, I swear. I actually produced more than 100 if you count the ones I also did on HealthyButJuicy's channel.

This year has been amazing and I'm uproariously beaming... and on an increasingly daily basis, no less.

Nui Nui continues to grow and develop at a lightning speed rate and I imagine I will continue these updates for at least another year. I'm scratching my head wondering, when does your baby's birth day of the month ever become a day you don't celebrate? ...I imagine, like most things, I'll lag behind most :>

Enjoy and, as always, thanks for watching!

ps. What's your baby up to these days? Would love to hear! Share in the comments below!
pps. Video suggestions warmly welcome :>

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Baby's First Year TAG! 25 Q&A's!

So a year has past and a lot has happened/developed since. One video cannot sum this incredible year up but I created this TAG, consisting of 25 questions and answers that touch upon some major items.

I'm so behind on editing but a couch update and birthday haul are on their way..

Enjoy and thanks for watching!

Part 1:


Part 2:


Full entry at HealthyButJuicy.com!

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