Valentine's Day

 

What a wonderful day full of love. Every day is and should be that way. 

 

 

The hubs had a little work in the morning, but I got to sleep in a bit, so we didn't miss much time away. Kicked off the morning with a good workout, because showing your health some love is important too. Brooklynn joined me by trying to mimick everything I was doing. I'll have to get it on video next time. She's pretty much the cutest thing ever. We followed it up with a nutritious and festive lunch... 

 

If you know me, I relish the opportunity to play with my food. By which I mean, make it cutesy and themed. Yes, I'm THAT mom. My tot appreciates it and it makes me smile. XO.

We read some Valentine and lovey books to get B into her nap, and afterward it was off to the park... 

 

 

 

We love the playground and the park. We love the swings and the slides. We love the sunshine and beautiful days. We love heart print things and Valentine's. Most of all, we love each other.

 

 

 

 

After a day full of fun and me playing Mamarazzi, we flew to dinner. Literally...

 

We enjoyed a delicious dinner together at one of our favorite sea food restaurants. Afterward, we went for a night time stroll around some local shops. We made our stop at B's favorite waterfall to say hello and blow kisses to all of the Nemo characters she thinks are in the pond. Coffee in hand, pretty views in our eyes, and love in our hearts. It was a beautiful day.

Brooklynn thought Valentine's Day really rocked and we hope yours was filled with love too!

Brooklynn's first dance class

Wow. That time is here; Brooklynn's first dance class. I grew up in dance and always dreamed of the day I'd have a daughter and get to put her in dance too. It just never dawned on me how quickly that time would come, and that time was this morning. It was one of those major mama moments and it was beautiful. I teared up with joy when I put her leotard on and again when she went through her bow drawer to pick the perfect one to match. She chose both yellow with sequins and a pink one that matched her tutu (that was the one Mama picked too). I was a bit emotional that our baby girl was growing up so quickly, but mostly just excited and proud. Daddy helped put her bow on and gave encouraging hugs and kisses bye bye, and we were on our way. On our way to the first day of what may be come her lifelong passion, something that we'd spend so many future years doing. My whole dance life flashed in my head and I can't wait for her to experience it all. (That is if she wants to, don't worry I'm not going to be the crazy forceful mom. She can choose her passions.) In my head I pictured all the practices and recitals and going from fun little Saturday toddler classes to rehearsals everyday. From stickers after class to trophies after competitions. To those proud moments when her Daddy will give her roses after recital. All of this in a ten minute drive to the studio. Magical thoughts. 

We arrived early and got to watch "the big girls" (any of my fellow dancers remember idolizing them growing up?) and she thought they were "pwetty". As other tiny tots clad in pink arrived she would shyly smile, but get closer to me the more crowded it got. When it was time to line up, she clung... Hard. Though she knew both of her teachers from the basketball games, she was still a bit hesitant. So I walked her back along with one other mom who's daughter was on her first day too. Then the time came to set them in a circle, and for me to walk out. Fail. She immediately screamed "No, no Mama!", but with the help of her teachers holding her I made my exit. I wish I could say I got back to the lobby and saw her on the tv screens just tenduing her little heart out, but she was gripping tightly in the arms of one of her teachers. That continued for about ten minutes and they tried to ease her down with the rest of the class. She wasn't digging it. Then she'd get caught up and interested and about to like it, until she remembered the "doooooor, open the doooooor! Mamaaaaa!" The teachers did a great job at trying to keep bringing her back to the group and hold her to show her how the other girls did it. Meanwhile, the parents with me assured me it only lasts a couple times and then they love it. Which I know, I grew up in dance and taught the littles as well. It's funny, I've been the teacher and held that little girl who was scared and crying, but it's so different to see from the outside, as the mama. So, she didn't love it the first time. That's okay, we tried and we'll try again. After class, she had calmed down and gave both of her teachers a hug and kiss, and told them bye with a smile. So she wasn't fearful of them, that's a start. The whole way home she told me she liked dance and it was fun and that she wanted to go back. So we shall. Brooklynn certainly loves to dance and does it all the time, we've just got to pique turn across the floor away from her separation anxiety. We'll get there. Baby steps. Or maybe it's baby chassés. 

All in all, it was a special experience. It made my heart happy and we can't wait to try again. Here's to Brooklynn, ballerina in the making.

Big Fat Greek Birthday

Okay, so this post doesn't count as late if I get it posted within a month... Right? 

 

We celebrated Brooklynn's second birthday party at her favorite (ours too) local Greek spot. Hence the title. 

 

B's younger buddy Trent wanted to make it clear that HE loved Brooklynn and gave her big smooches in front of everyone, including her older boyfriend Hudson (who was obviously thinking "Hey, that's MY girl!")

As you can see, she was pretty smitten with all of the attention.

 

It was such a treat to have all of B's loved ones in one room, there just for her. Of course we know how loved she is, but seeing it all at once is overwhelmingly sweet. 

(Her first piece of jewelry from her boyfriend Hudson.💕) 

 

 

Brooklynn was showered with wonderful gifts, but most importantly so so much love. Thank you to everyone who's made the night and the past two years of her life so special, you're all such a blessing. 

 

 

Anyone that knows me, knows I love any reason to craft. Naturally, I continued my sign tradition with her two year stats.

 

 

If you keep up with my blog you know B doesn't eat sugar, or any junk food for that matter. I wanted her to have a dessert to blow out candles on, but certainly wasn't giving into cake. So, two hours before her party (planning a party with a toddler can be a bit chaotic, let's be honest.) I made up this recipe for sweet potato brownies. I admit, they weren't brownies. They were good, but definitely tasted and had the texture more so of a Larabar, which is a snack B enjoys often. B liked them and some of the adults did too, but it was definitely one of those you can tell it's super healthy things. But hey, that's what I want for my kid; good health. Bad news: I was in such a hurry and making it up as I went that I really don't remember the recipe. Good news: I came up with a new one (in a much more thought out process) for actual brownie like brownies that are delicious and still incredibly healthy. Post coming soon!

 

and she got to end the night with the sweetest birthday kiss. (Told you he was going to steal her back.) I mean, does it get any more adorable than that?!😍