Stella P's Life...

Happy Four Months Baby Girl

2011-11-29T16:56:00.000-08:00

Our baby girl is now 4 months old - on 11.28.11!

4 Month Stats:

** update to include her stats **

Weight: 12 lbs, 5.5 oz - 25th %ile

Length: 24.5 inches - 50th %ile

Head: 16 inches or approximately 40 cm - 25th to 50th %ile

She seems to be our longer, slightly skinner peanut. She is following her growth chart well. She actually curved a little more upward on the length chart (it was a little more noticeable on the chart than the weight and head). Who knows, maybe she will end up the taller of the two kiddos.

She was approved to start eating rice cereal now. And she is doing good otherwise. She is still a little lazy with the lifting her head up at tummy time. That's what the Dr. said... she's the lazy one! Oh well.

At 4 Months:

Sleeps really good at night almost all the time

Smiles all the time

Laughs (especially at Stella)

Loves her giraffe blankie and snuggles it to her face

Holds her head up pretty well, still a little wobbly sometimes

Eats 6 oz every 4.5 hours (sometimes a little longer)

Is pretty predictable - falls asleep for about 20 mins before every feeding like clockwork

Almost never cries and if she does she wants to be held

Turkey Day - Ruby's First!

2011-11-27T19:29:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

Trust me, she really is a happy girl - She was trying to show off her shirt!

See, proof she is happy!

Sweet Ruby on her first Thanksgiving!

Babies sleeping off all that turkey they didn't eat.

The shirt Stella wore on her first Thanksgiving!

Stella holding Cameron for the first time - Touching his hair!

Thanks Auntie Susanna for the homemade whipped cream!

"Look Momma, there is still some left!"

This year we are thankful for (just to name a few):

Each other

Stella

Adding Ruby to the family

Great friends who are like family

Family, especially my dad who watches the girls everyday!

The fact Quinn only has 3 weeks left of academy!

The once a week 1o min phone calls Quinn gets!

And even though I despise the academy and the fact that it has taken away my husband for nearly 2.5 months already.... well... I am thankful the academy is teaching my husband what he needs to know to be a wonderful, well educated (and safe) police officer!

Springfield

2011-11-27T19:19:00.001-08:00

On November 18th, I drove down the Springfield with the girls to stay in a hotel with Quinn. He had to be back at "boot camp" early on Sunday the 20th, so we drove down to get as many hours out of the weekend as we could. It wasn't a bad drive, and we got to see Quinn way earlier on Friday evening (around 4 pm instead of 9 pm if he had come home). The hotel was nice on Friday night, and not so nice on Saturday night when our entire floor was taken over by a frat party... that caused us to have to move rooms with ALL our stuff and two kids! Oh well. It was Ruby's first "vacation" and it was good quality time with Quinn.

First time in a hotel room - Spit up and all!

It was super windy out!

Checking out the Illinois State Museum

Learning about Lake County

Learning about mussels

Digging for bones - She wouldn't get in with him!

This is what infants do at the museum!

It was an interesting trip. One that I will have to make again in a few weeks. At least the trip I make in a few weeks will be for Quinn's graduation, and he will be coming home with us!

Halloween Post

2011-11-27T18:53:00.001-08:00

Happy Belated Halloween Everyone!

Yep, being a "single" momma for the time being has really made my blogging come to a screeching halt! Oh well... here are a ton of pictures from our Halloween festivities!

Stella painted her own pumpkin!

She put Elmo is Daddy's pumpkin since we didn't carve this year!

Our Family of Pumpkins - Quinn, Me, Stella, Ruby and Nicky!

Making Halloween pizza cookies

Stella's masterpiece!

Trick-or-Treat Day!

I actually had two people love me so much that we ended up with two peanut costumes for Ruby!

Peanut and Cupcake - Yes, Stella wanted to go as a cupcake again!

Ready to hit the streets!

Cameron and Auntie Susanna came along too!

Ruby's First Halloween!

Little Miss Peanut - This is the other costume!

It was nice to celebrate Ruby's first Halloween and Stella's first trick-or-treat that she actually understood this year. I cannot wait to take them both next year. The only down side was the Quinn was back at "boot camp" that day, so he wasn't there, that's why there are so many pictures!

3 Month Post ...

2011-11-27T18:39:00.001-08:00

... The day before her 4 month "b-day" ... oops!

I hadn't realized how far behind I was on posting. Oh well. Poor second child getting neglected on the blog front.

Well...

On October 28th, Ruby turned 3 months old. She didn't go in for any appointments, so I have no idea how much she weighs or how long she is. Once she goes in for her 4 month appointment I will be able to guess at what she was at 3 months based on the 2 month and 4 month stats.

At 3 Months:

Ruby looks less like Stella as a baby

Ate 5 oz for a few days, then 5.5, and then 6 oz.

Sleeps really good - From bed (9 or 10 ish) until 6!

Smiles all the time

Laughs

Still hates tummy time

Didier Farms 2011

2011-10-13T18:48:00.001-07:00

Saturday October 8th we made our annual trip to the Pumpkin Farm. This marks Stella's third trip, and Ruby's first. I know Quinn and I went at least one year before we had kids, but I think we went two times before that (not just one).

This year it was hot and sunny out. We had a parent fail and forgot sunscreen AND milk for the baby. Luckily there is a Walgreens right across the street because Ruby was due to eat like the second we walked into the farm. Quinn had to run all the way back to the car, go get formula, and come back... while I got stared at for having a screaming, sweaty baby. After Ruby finally ate, we went about taking pictures and enjoying the pumpkin farm.

Trying to get a 2.5 year old (who only wants to see the animals) and a 2 month old (who can't do much of anything) to pose for pictures together is pretty much always a fail.

Stella is cute in this one and Ruby is puke coming out her nose.

Picking out Ruby's pumpkin for her.

Showing off her pumpkin.

Nothing like posing a sleeping baby in front of some pumpkins in the sun.

Auntie Rachel showing Stella the pony ride.

Quinn told Stella this llama had a cool haircut. Later that night Uncle Jay asked her what she saw at the pumpkin farm and she told him "the one with the cool haircut."

Stella got to do the petting zoo and ride a pony again. She wasn't too sure about the pony, but she managed to smile at least half the time. We got our pumpkins, pictures, apple cider donuts, kettle corn, and got a little sunburned too. It was fun. I can't wait til next year when Ruby is big enough to walk around! We did miss Uncle Jay and Auntie Susanna this year. They were supposed to come with us, but their little bundle of joy decided to make his appearance 4 weeks early, so they had some more important things to tend to. Hopefully next year they will bring their little man with us too.

We Have A 2.5 Year Old!

2011-10-10T18:55:00.000-07:00

October 9

Stella Turned 2.5

STATS:

26.6 lbs

35 inches

TIDBITS:

Stella sleeps in a "big girl" bed now

She is working on potty training (slowly)

She is a great helper around the house

She loves to dance

She can sing "Twinkle Twinkle" "Pretty Little Bluebird" "Wheels on the Bus" and some songs from YGG

She LOVES her little sister

She talks a lot and in FULL sentences

She still won't give up her Binky at bedtime

(and I don't really care either)

And as sweet as she is most of the time, she also has the attitude of a 2.5 year old!

All the things that we should have been doing at this age (potty training, big bed, ditching the binky) are slowly going to happen. We made the transition to the bed, but the others are a work in progress. You can only alter a little girls life so much... and I think getting the little sister kind of trumps all the other things at the moment.

Stella really started talking more and more when Ruby was born. She is no longer as shy as she was, and will talk in front of or to people that she normally would not have. I cannot believe that we have a 2.5 year old! She is so wonderful and I love every minute with her, even if she wears me out half the time!

Stella's First Hair Cut

2011-09-28T19:09:00.000-07:00

I finally cut Stella's hair for the first time today. We have been talking about it for a while, but today I just decided it was time. Her hair was pretty long in back. I was hesitant because I didn't want to lose those "baby curls" in the back, the ones the don't really grow back. However, her hair gets pretty messy when she naps or sleeps because she pulls her blanket over her head. I would have to wash and dry her hair every day to get those curls to look great, so I cut it.

Before: I had her set up on the table, with a movie on.

After: She sat still the whole time! This is after I dried it (since I used a spray bottle).

This is after I actually washed and dried it (to make sure it was even).

And a little post hair cut treat for being so good!

Don't miss the earlier post on Ruby's 2 Month Bday!

Ruby is Two Months!

2011-09-28T18:50:00.001-07:00

Today Peanut is two months old!

9.28.11

*** updated post with stats included ***

Ruby's 2 Month Stats:

Weight: 9 lbs, 12.5 oz - 25 %ile

Length: 22 inches - 25 %ile

Head: 38.5 cm - 50 %ile

When the nurse got her weight I thought wow, over 1.5 lb gain (going from 8 lbs, 3 oz).

Then I looked at Stella's 2 months and she went from 8 lbs, 4 oz to 10 lbs, 8 oz!

I guess Stella was my chunky little pumpkin and Ruby really is the peanut!

Ruby At Two Months:

She likes when Momma rubs her head, it makes her smile.

She is super smiley first thing in the morning.

She smiles at Stella a lot too!

She eats 4.5 oz of milk, every 4 hours.

She usually lasts a little over 7 hours after the last night time feeding, before waking up again to eat (usually around 4 or 5 am).

She pouts her lip out when she is sad.

She HATES tummy time!

She still wears NB sizes, but is starting to get too long for a lot of it.

I cannot believe it has already been two months. She has grown so much already! We love both our girls so much!

Big News!

2011-09-27T19:08:00.002-07:00

I would usually say "No, I'm not pregnant" following the term "Big News" but I would think that most of you would assume we are not announcing another baby coming so soon.

We are announcing the fact that Quinn got a new job!

Feel free to contact me if you want more details about the new job.

We are very proud of him!

Baby Shower

2011-09-27T19:08:00.001-07:00

Well, this post doesn't really pertain to the kids, but this past Saturday I co-hosted a baby shower for Auntie Susanna. We did a "She's about to pop" theme. We did treats with the word "pop" in them: pop rocks, blow pops, lollipops, tootsie pops, cake pops, etc. We also did it in the colors for Sweden (since that is where Susanna is from).

Please excuse the lack of photos and the fact that they aren't actually placed well. I was trying to do a mega update in a short amount of time.

Yo Gabba Gabba Live

2011-09-27T19:06:00.000-07:00

On Friday September 16th, we took Stella to Yo Gabba Gabba Live again. We took her last her too. This year we went to the one in Milwaukee. We left Ruby at home with Grandma (her first time with someone other than us). We had a wonderful time with just Stella. She LOVED the show. She was probably the loudest kid in there! It's amazing how much she has grown since last year.

Update From The Last Month

2011-09-27T18:52:00.001-07:00

We've been busy... okay?

A little over a month ago... I think... Stella made another step in the direction of Big Girl! She is sleeping in her Big Girl Bed. We just decided to switch it, and this time we left it. She does really well in the bed. She has only come out twice. Once because I was feeding Ruby and could not go help her, and she came out this morning too. Not sure if she was yelling for me and I just didn't hear her, or if she just finally figured it out. I cut her some slack this morning because it was raining really hard (she doesn't like rain or storms).

The Big Girl Bed

At the beginning of September I had registration for the swim team. Quinn happened to have an interview that night, so I had to bring both girls with me. Here they are wearing their matching seahorse leggings (both before and after).

Here is my wonderful hubby snuggling with Mini-Mini!

Peeking over his shoulder!

The other day I was looking all over for Stella's milk cup. I looked in her room, our room, the playroom, bathroom, kitchen, living room, drawers, etc. I really thought I would have a rotting cup of milk somewhere. Stella just sat in the chair in the living room, telling me it was in the playroom. I was able to find it.... and it was NOT in the playroom.

See it?

She put it in the farm. The farm was on the floor, right next to the chair she was sitting in!

My sweet Ruby!

And the big sister!

Another of my little peanut!

And finally... Stella started her pre-preschool class again this past Saturday!

Ruby - One Month Old

2011-08-28T20:29:00.001-07:00

Ruby - One Month Old!

8.28.11

Ruby's One Month Stats:

Weight: 8 lbs, 1 oz - 10 to 25 %ile

Length: 21 inches - 25 to 50 %ile

Head: 37 cm - 50 %ile

Ruby really is our Little Peanut! She is charting well with her growth, she is just on the smaller side for now. She actually weighs just 3 oz less than Stella did at one month, but based on all other measurements together, she is on the smaller side.

At one month:

Ruby eats about every 4 hours

(giving us a few 6 + hour chunks a couple times a week at night!)

Ruby cries more than Stella did

(Stella only cried when hungry, Ruby needs to be snuggled more)

Ruby doesn't really like the Binky so much

Ruby wears Newborn size clothes, but is getting too long for some of them

Ruby grunts A LOT when squirming around at night

Ruby hates tummy time, but needs to do it even more because she favors laying on one side and we have to make her face the other way more often now

And Ruby still has a fantastic and loving big sister!

One Month Photos with Monster!

My Girls!

2011-08-24T08:46:00.000-07:00

The minute I found out I was pregnant with Stella... I was in love.

When I found out Stella was going to be a girl... I was even more in love (because of my mom having passed away shortly before).

When Stella was born... I felt more love for a human being than I ever thought possible!

And it happened all over again with Ruby!

I am so happy to be a Momma of two girls! All along I was really hoping for another girl because I cannot wait for Stella and Ruby to share a childhood of fun like my sister and I did.

My Big Girl!

My Baby Girl!

Ruby's First Bath

2011-08-12T18:45:00.000-07:00

Two Weeks Old!

2011-08-11T19:31:00.000-07:00

2 Weeks Old on August 11, 2011

Ruby's 2 Week Stats:

6 lbs, 11.5 oz

19.5 inches long

The main reason for the 2 week appointment is to see if Ruby went back up to her birth weight. We (and the pediatrician) were a little worried about her weight in the hospital and at her 5 day appointment since she lost so much at first. We were able to fatten her up a little, and she did manage to get just above that 6 lb, 10 oz mark! Go Ruby!!!

All in all she is doing wonderfully. Her skin is lightening up (she had a little bit of jaundice at first), she is gaining weight now, and she is becoming a little more alert during the day.

She is on a pretty predictable schedule, and really only fusses or gets angry when she needs to eat. She is pretty similar to Stella when it comes to the only fussing for food thing. Neither of them really cared about anything else at the beginning. Stella was definitely a binky baby from the very beginning. Ruby on the other hand does not seem to need it all the time, like Stella did. Ruby also seems to prefer the soothie hospital style binky over the Nuk binky, and Stella was the other way around.

We love Ruby so much! We can't believe these two week have gone by already. It is amazing to have another sweet baby girl in the family, and even more amazing to see how much Stella loves Ruby.

Ruby on her "2 Week Birthday"

Mini-Mini Has Arrived!

2011-08-08T20:23:00.000-07:00

On Thursday July 28th...

We woke up as a family of three... And in a few hours became a family of four!

Quinn and I arrived at the hospital at 10 AM. We checked in and did all the necessary check in/pre-op stuff. A little after 12 PM I headed into the OR to get prepped for surgery (a c-section since I had an emergency one the first time), they started the surgery, in walked Quinn, and out popped Ruby!

When I first saw Ruby I cried, just like I did with Stella. The first thing I thought was how tiny she looked. Stella was 7 lbs, 3 oz at birth, so not much bigger than Ruby, but Stella has such a big head! Ruby as a tiny head, so I immediately knew she was smaller than Stella. I gave her a kiss and off she went with Daddy to the recovery room to get cleaned up.

The surgery this time was way better for me than it was last time. Last time I was so tired afterwards that I was barely coherent enough to know what was going on. This time things were calm, I actually got to pay attention to what they did to Ruby in the recovery room, and I was actually feeling pretty good by the time we got to our room. Quinn kept saying how different I was acting and looking this time around.

Stella was the first person other than us to meet Ruby. We didn't think she would be jealous (we were prepared for it just in case), but she definitely was not jealous! Upon seeing Ruby for the first time she immediately had her hands in the air saying "hold her." She held her, gave her kisses, and even knew to be very gentle when touching her. Every subsequent visit to the hospital, Stella wanted to hold her immediately. She calls her "my baby," and checks on her all the time. We were definitely not prepared for her to be so into her little sister, but we could not be happier with how wonderful of a big sister Stella is!

Now that we are home things are going good. Stella is still loving her little sister. She loves being a big sister, and she loves to help out. She runs into the room with the changing table to help with diapers. She tells Ruby "it's okay, baby" when she cries. If Stella leaves the house with Daddy, she asks if baby can come too. We are so happy that Stella is enjoying Ruby as much as we are.

It was a little rough coming home since our basement flooded the night before Ruby was born. I was able to pretty much forget about the basement since I got to share my birthday with my baby girl, but it was rough knowing how much stuff was damaged because of the water. My dad and my friend and co-worker Amy could not have been more awesome during this whole thing. Amy signed up to stay with Stella while we were in the hospital, but she went above and beyond with all the help she did with getting things out of the basement! We now have no carpet in our basement (which was less than two years old), but oh well. We definitely are not putting carpet back in, and we hope to get things back to normal before Quinn goes back to work on the 16th.

Happy Birthday to Momma and Daddy!

2011-08-08T20:19:00.000-07:00

On July 28th I turned 27. On August 3rd Quinn did too!

We went to Tsukasa for our birthdays (as always), but this year we did it a little early. With Mini-Mini's date of delivery fast approaching, we knew we needed to go before then. It was good to go to our last big celebratory dinner as a family of three! Next time we go to Tsukasa it will be as a family of four now!

Stella liked "playing" PacMan while we waited. She also learned how to use the kiddie chopsticks, even if she only ate her fruit snacks with them!

Greg and Andi Finally Got Married!

2011-08-08T20:14:00.000-07:00

July 16th, 2011

Greg and Andi Got Married

I have known Andi since we were about 6 years old. We "introduced" her to Greg at a concert while we were in college, and the rest is history!

We are so happy for them, and we had a blast at their wedding. It was really fun, despite being really hot! Everything was really casual. Paper on the tables, little buckets of crayons to color with, little games like crosswords etc in the favor, picnic style food, and lawn games! It was definitely one of the best/most fun weddings we have been too. Stella had a blast coloring and learning how to play badminton (with a giant badminton set).

Mega Storm of 2011

2011-08-08T20:06:00.000-07:00

On Monday July 11th we had a Mega Storm that knocked out our power for almost a week!

We were heading to the grocery store down the street for me to pick something up to take to work for lunch. We noticed the power flicker at the store as we pulled into the lot. I mentioned to Quinn to just drop me off at work, and pick up something for my lunch later. As we headed out of the parking lot the tornado sirens went off. We rushed home because I didn't want to drive with Stella in the car if the sirens were going off. We got home and rushed to the basement just in time.

When it was all over, it was a mess outside! Branches and trees everywhere. Lots of houses on the street with holes on their roofs. Lots of downed power lines. Needless to say, I did not make it to work. Quinn spent hours cutting up trees and big branches.

We ended up having to stay with Jay and Susanna all week because staying in a house with no power, in the middle of July, with a two year old and nearly about to pop pregnant was not an option! We love them so much for their hospitality and Stella had a good time having a "sleepover" in their living room!

It was really a great way to spend a last couple of weeks before giving birth! Little did we know that another Mega Storm, or Mega Rain for that matter, was going to happen the day before giving birth that would flood our basement... but more on that later!

Super Belated 4th of July Post

2011-08-08T19:47:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July... just a tad late!

Please forgive the lack of posting. We have been busy. Here is an update about what has been going on since the 4th of July!

On July 3rd, we took Stella to the Waukegan Parade. She had a blast talking about the fire trucks, police cars, and the suckers she got! It was hot out, but a very pregnant Momma managed to have a good time with some great friends.

To cool off after the parade Stella went swimming in her festive suit!

On Monday the 4th, Quinn had to work the Highland Park Parade. Stella and I decided to head down there with him to watch and then hang out in the park afterwards.

She loved the petting zoo, but only wanted to pet the baby goat, and nothing else!

She also passed out on her phone in the car on the way home!

We then went to the Waukegan Fireworks on the 4th. Stella was not fond of the fireworks last 4th of July, but she was a little better at Gurnee Days last summer. This time she was a little scared at first, but then we think she figured out they were just pretty in the sky!

She passed out by the time the finale hit though!

She must have had a good time because she still talks about fireworks today, and mentions that she likes the big and little ones!

Father's Day 2011

2011-06-19T18:35:00.000-07:00

Happy Father's Day Everyone!

We did not really do much that was too exciting because Quinn has been busy with regular work, Ravinia, and all sorts of other things. He was gone in the morning, and then had to go to Ravinia to work tonight, but we spent some quality time together from late morning until he had to leave.

Stella just loves her Daddy so much. She asks for him nearly every morning when I go into her room, but she usually answers herself by saying he's at work. She squeals when he comes home from work, and she loves to talk on the phone with him when he is not home. She is now especially fond of calling him before bed to tell him she has her blankie, binky, and that she is going ni ni. Since he has started to get busy working Ravinia a few nights a week, she really goes to be well when she calls him to say goodnight.

I am so grateful for Quinn and everything he does for our family. He is especially great now because of Mini-Mini coming (just like he was extra wonderful while I was pregnant with Stella). He really makes it a point to help out even more than usual since I am starting to get more and more tired. I hope he remembers what is in store for him once this baby is finally here!

I love how he plays with Stella, and I love how much she loves him. I knew the moment he first held Stella when she was born that he would be a fantastic father, and can't wait for him to do it all over again with Mini-Mini!

So....

Stella giving Daddy the card she made him!

The presents Stella and I made for Daddy!

Close-up of one of the frames!

Fun Times In June

2011-06-16T15:58:00.000-07:00

Let's see... Not much is new in the Curren household. We were enjoying summer, and the warm weather that let Stella play in the pool, but lately it hasn't been warm enough. I am definitely hoping that it gets warm enough soon, so she can play in the pool before I have to restrict her outdoor time when it's really hot out because the baby will be here and won't be able to be out in the heat.

Here are some photos of Mini-Me enjoying her pool so far this summer!

On the 5th we took Stella to Dockside and the Waukegan Harbor for the first time this year. She has been going since she was born, but this was our first trip this year. This was the first time she was able to pick out her own ice cream flavor.... she picked.... PINK! I guess it didn't matter what actual flavor, as long as it was pink, so she enjoyed a bowl of strawberry ice cream... as well as some licks from our flavors.

This past Sunday Stella and I went to Andi's Bridal Shower. This was really Stella's first real bridal shower she has been to. She went to one when she was about 4 months old, so this one is really the first one that she could participate in. She "played" some bridal bingo, played with Andi's parents dog Willow, and enjoyed lots of yummy food. We are super excited for the wedding in July!

I do want to add a "Thanks" to my cousin Sarah for the super cute dress that Stella got in the mail shortly before this shower. Stella loves the dress, it matches her little orange sandals, and I think she was super stinking cute in it! Stella is very into wearing dresses these days!

Summer Has Begun!

2011-06-04T18:48:00.000-07:00

It appears that we finally have some summer weather around these parts. We went straight from what... 50 to 80? Oh well. Stella really enjoys the summer weather, and will spend as much time outside as she can (or she will spend as much time in the heat as her almost 8 month pregnant Momma can take).

Memorial Day weekend we had a "cookout" at Uncle Jay and Auntie Susanna's house. It rained and rained that Sunday, so we spent it inside instead of on the balcony, but it was fun anyways.

Stella eating up the yummy food!

Since the weather on Monday of Memorial Day weekend was so nice, we got Stella a new pool. The one from last year was inflatable (and easier to use), but this one is hard plastic so it doesn't matter where we set it down because nothing can rip through the bottom like we were worried would happen to the other one.

Apparently Stella missed the memo that you are supposed to wait for your swim suit before getting in... because she got in in her clothes!

Today we decided to give the pool a proper try... with teeny bikini, instead of shorts and a t-shirt.

Then Stella enjoyed some watermelon, in her panties (they must be called panties, not undies or underwear or any other variation, or else she looks at you like you are talking gibberish), in front on the open front door, next to Nicky....

Once she was dressed again... she needed to wear Momma's shoes around the house.

We did make a trip to Key Lime Cove two weekends ago, and I will post those pictures soon. We have some videos of that to post as well, and a disposable underwater camera to develop too. Hopefully I have enough energy to keep up with the blog, keep up with Stella, and count down the less than 8 weeks until Mini-Mini joins our circus!

AAUW Spring Carnival

2011-05-15T19:23:00.000-07:00

Today, despite the rain and wind, we took Stella to her very first AAUW Spring Carnival.

It was a little packed inside the building because all of the games and tables were moved inside (just the animals, bounce houses, etc were left outside), but it being packed was definitely a good thing for AAUW. We are glad so many people came out to enjoy the carnival, even if the weather did not cooperate.

Stella played a few games, including the bozo buckets, which they let her "cheat" at (which you can tell in the pictures). My clean queen did not want to get her face painted, although she did think the paint on the table was for her to use, since it was set up in HER classroom. She sort of enjoyed the police dog demo from the Waukegan Police Department, until we tried to get her close enough for a photo. She LOVED the petting zoo! This was the first time she would actually touch any animals at a petting zoo. She especially loved the baby pig and the baby sheep. She got an awesome balloon animal parrot, and enjoyed cotton candy for the first time!

We had a great time, and cannot wait for more AAUW adventures!

Last Day of School!

2011-05-14T11:13:00.000-07:00

This morning was Stella's last day of the spring session of her Early Explorers class. She truly loves going to school! Quinn went to the first class of the session, and then came again today for the last class. He was amazed at how much she has grown (in such a short amount of time) with the things she does in class! We will definitely miss class this summer, but we plan on enrolling her in the fall session as well. Can't wait!

Tomorrow we will be taking Stella to her very first Spring Carnival at AAUW! I definitely remember going as a child, and cannot wait to see the carnival as a mom, rather than a child!

P.S. Don't forget to check out the previous posts that are also new!

Mother's Day at the Zoo!

2011-05-13T18:56:00.000-07:00

I cannot believe I just celebrated my third Mother's Day as a mommy! My first Mother's day I had only had Stella a month before, so I wasn't up for doing much other than going to brunch. Last year for Mother's Day we went to brunch and took Stella to the zoo for the first time. We decided that we are going to make a tradition out of going to the zoo for Mother's Day (as long as the weather cooperates), so we went to the zoo this year too! Last year we did Milwaukee, so this time we did Brookfield Zoo. We decided to skip brunch this year, since Easter and Mother's day were so close together this year.

Next year on Mother's Day I will be a mommy of two!

P.S. Check out the previous posts on Easter and Stella's birthday party photos. Also, if you click each square of photos... you can see them bigger!

Belated Easter Photos

2011-05-13T18:50:00.000-07:00

For Easter this year Stella colored her first eggs. Instead of her dying them, she got to use paint and stamps. She had a blast, which was great for us to see since she usually does not like to get her hands dirty.

The Easter Bunny left Stella a fantastic Easter basket on Easter Sunday. She got some candy, playdoh, handmade matching and counting toys, a travel magna doodle (since she loved the big one from Uncle Jay and Aunt Susanna for her birthday), and some other stuff too.

We also went to brunch, as usual, and then she got a cool book and hide-n-squeak eggs from Auntie Rachel and Matt. A few days later she got a basket from Uncle Jay and Aunt Susanna too!

Belated BDay Photos

2011-05-13T18:46:00.000-07:00

Okay... So it's a month after Stella's actual birthday, but having a 2 year old and being 7 months pregnant is a little tiring. When I could be updating the blog (after Stella goes to bed at night), I actually am sitting on the couch watching TV with Quinn instead... Anyways... here they are!

Happy Birthday Stella!

2011-04-16T14:33:00.000-07:00

Stella turned 2 on April 9th! We cannot believe she is now 2 years old! These past two years have been crazy and busy, but they have been the best two years of our lives! Stella got to open presents with just us on her actual birthday, and then we headed out to the Seahorse end of year banquet. Sunday, she had her very own Yo Gabba Gabba Super Awesome 2nd Birthday Party!

She got to meet her little friend Henry for the first time, and we hope they become good friends. She ate lots of sweets, showed off her super cool custom shirts for the party, and opened some presents. About half way through the presents she said "done" because she didn't want to open anymore. How could I possibly produce a child that does not LOVE to open massive amounts of presents? My sister will know exactly what I am talking about!

All in all the weekend was fantastic. Stella is turning into such a little girl! I would love to just freeze time so she doesn't get any older, but she is blossoming so much that it is fantastic to see her grow.

She has not had her two year check up yet (we are waiting until the beginning of May when our favorite doctor comes back from maternity leave), so we do not know her stats right now.

She can talk in a lot of complete sentences, she remembers way more than we would like her to, and she is very determined. She definitely likes to be a big girl, and likes to do things on her own! On the other hand, she is very helpful, loving, and is starting to learn more about sharing and how to be patient.

*** On another update... I updated the look of the blog. To see our "About Us" section, as well as "Stella's Likes" section, those are now at the bottom of the blog. ***

Also, I will dedicate a post to just birthday photos... instead of photos and text... so keep watching for that!

March 29

2011-03-29T11:07:00.000-07:00

March 29th, 2011

Eating cereal like a big girl!

March 28

2011-03-29T11:05:00.000-07:00

March 28th, 2011

Cute little braids!

March 27

2011-03-29T11:03:00.001-07:00

March 27th, 2011

She insists this toy be played with on the couch.

March 26

2011-03-29T10:59:00.000-07:00

March 26th, 2011

Fascinated by the airplane that went by.

(I took pictures on the 26th, but none turned out well, so this is a cheat... this one is actually from the 25th... oops)

March 25

2011-03-29T10:56:00.000-07:00

March 25th, 2011

Goofing around with monkey.

March 24

2011-03-24T13:31:00.000-07:00

March 24th, 2011

Feeling a little under the weather... nothing a few cartoons won't fix!

March 23

2011-03-24T13:29:00.000-07:00

March 23rd, 2011

Watermelon is yummy!

March 22

2011-03-24T13:24:00.001-07:00

March 22nd, 2011

This day requires three pictures!

Testing out Mini-Mini's Mini Crib!

Giving herself kisses in the mirror before nini!

Showing off her hat before nini!

March 21

2011-03-24T13:22:00.001-07:00

March 21st, 2011

Running around avoiding getting her coat on before taking Momma to work!

March 20

2011-03-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

March 20th, 2011

Taking over the bean bag chair when Daddy gets up!

Stella's First Day of School!

2011-03-19T11:17:00.001-07:00

March 19th, 2011

Today Stella attended her first day of school!

Daddy and Stella outside AAUW Nursery School!

Thinking "Why are we not going in, Daddy?"

Stella at the rice table in class! (This is off Quinn's phone so the quality is not as good)

Quinn and I both went to AAUW for preschool. It was probably just as exciting for us to take Stella this morning as it was for her to go! We went to an open house last weekend and got the info for the Early Explorers program (kind of like pre-preschool with Mom or Dad in class too). She did miss the first two weeks of class, but there are still six weeks left. When we left the open house last weekend she was saying "Bye School" in the car. We have been talking about school all week, and yesterday when I told her she was going to school in the morning she said "It's so exciting!"

This morning it was interesting to be back in the same classroom that we were in as kids, and to see it through Stella's eyes now. She had so much fun, and was actually pretty upset that we were leaving. She said "Bye Guys" to the teacher and another mom and her little girl, and said "Bye School" once we went outside.

I know Stella is super excited to go back for the next class, and I cannot wait either!

March 18

2011-03-19T11:14:00.000-07:00

March 18th, 2011

Stella loves to make Daddy pick her up so she can look out the peephole.

March 17

2011-03-19T11:10:00.001-07:00

Happy St. Patrick's Day 2011

We didn't really do anything productive on St. Patrick's Day this year. I did make Stella pancakes with green M&M's, but that's about it. We tried to go out to an Irish pub for dinner, but it wait was too long so we just ended up at a regular old restaurant... oh well. Quinn says St. Patrick's Day celebrates him anyways... so it is not a requirement for him to go out and drink green beer or eat corned beef anyways.

March 16

2011-03-17T09:17:00.000-07:00

March 16th, 2011

Daddy/Daughter Time!

March 15

2011-03-15T19:04:00.000-07:00

March 15th, 2011

Sneaking the binky when it's not ni ni time!

March 14

2011-03-15T19:01:00.000-07:00

March 14th, 2011

Ni Ni Snuggles

March 13

2011-03-15T18:58:00.001-07:00

March 13th, 2011

Little ladys first fruit snacks!

March 12

2011-03-15T18:53:00.000-07:00

March 12th, 2011

Caught stealing a police car...

... you better run!

March 11

2011-03-12T06:27:00.000-08:00

March 11, 2011

Sweet baby girl waking up!

March 10

2011-03-12T06:25:00.001-08:00

March 10th, 2011

Showing off her new favorite monkey friend!

March 9

2011-03-12T06:14:00.000-08:00

March 9th, 2011

Stella is 23 Months Old!

We do not know her height or weight because she hasn't needed a trip to the doctor for stats since 18 months.

Stella can talk in lots of "complete" sentences now! She talks ALL the time too.

She is still a picky eater, but her new love for yogurt is going strong.

Her favorite show is still Yo Gabba Gabba, and she is even starting to ask for specific episodes by title.

She still loves stuffed monkeys, and her collection keeps growing... thanks to an unnamed man :::cough grandpa cough::: that lives next door.

My favorite thing about Stella right now is that she is so loving. She still loves to snuggle, give hugs, give kisses, and even give eskimo kisses. She even kisses and hugs baby through my belly. She will even say "love you" to the baby! Hopefully she is still this loving towards her sibling in August!

That is all for now!

March 8

2011-03-08T14:45:00.000-08:00

March 8th, 2011

Mini-Mini's first photo-op!

Don't want to forget big sister looking all cute for Mini-Mini's first photos!

Eating her first Paczki on Fat Tuesday (thanks Auntie Rachel for bringing them)

March 7

2011-03-07T18:28:00.000-08:00

March 7th, 2011

Favorite post bath location.

March 6

2011-03-07T18:24:00.001-08:00

March 6th, 2011

A girls hair can't always be super styling.

March 5

2011-03-05T16:10:00.000-08:00

March 5th, 2011

Kisses for Horsie!

Don't want to leave Nicky out!

March 4

2011-03-05T07:46:00.000-08:00

March 4th, 2011

Noodle time!

March 3rd

2011-03-03T13:30:00.001-08:00

March 3rd, 2011

Cheese just might be that good!

(These were both too good to not post)

March 2nd

2011-03-03T13:26:00.000-08:00

March 2nd, 2011

(I didn't get to take any on the 2nd, so this is also from the 1st)

Pudding is finger-licking good!

March 1st

2011-03-03T13:23:00.001-08:00

March 1st, 2011

Stella showing off her rice pudding eating skills.

I am going to attempt to post a picture a day for all of March.

Pictures may not be posted on the actual day, but the pictures will be from each day.

A Random Update

2011-02-19T09:12:00.000-08:00

I haven't updated about Mini-Me in a while. This post will not contain any photos, so hopefully you guys keep reading anyways... I know the pictures are what you want, but oh well.

Stella is currently a little over 22 Months. In just 49 days she will be 2! I cannot believe my sweet baby girl is almost 2!

We are unsure of her height and weight at the moment. She hasn't needed to be measured in a while. I will try to measure her on Wii Fit to see her weight, otherwise we won't get her weight until her 2 year check-up.

Stella is currently a very picky eater. She loves almost all fruit (especially grapes, pears, apples, and bananas). She likes veggies, but is picky about when she wants to eat them. She HATES meat, and will not eat any of it. She still loves 'roni (mac and cheese), but will only eat it a couple times before she moves on to something else, or we have to make a new box. She loves yogurt, but hates cheese. She asks for pancakes a lot, but prefers homemade to any other kind. Right now her favorite favorite thing to eat is Pop-Tarts (all thanks to Momma being pregnant and really only being able to eat that for breakfast).

Her favorite activities include:

Taking baths

Making messes

Coloring

Playing with all her toys at once

Bouncing (she likes Daddy to bounce her on the couch or bed)

Stella talks a lot now, and sometimes talks for entire car rides. Most of the time she makes sense, and we can understand her, but when she talks to herself in the mirror or oven door.... who knows what she is talking about!

She says "I love you," and likes to give kisses (only if they can be followed by a hug or vice versa). She likes to yell at the dog when he barks, by telling him to "hush." She also yells for him in the morning when he is outside and we put food in his bowl. Apparently food in his bowl means he needs to come eat it right now!

She is still shy around other people at first, but usually warms up pretty quickly. She loves her Uncle Jay and when people come over she asks if it is him when she can hear the door to the house open.

There is so much I could think of to add, but I will try to keep this post semi-short.

We love our Mini-Me and cannot wait to see her blossom even more!

Belated Valentines Etc

2011-02-15T12:56:00.001-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day - 2011

For Valentine's Day for us (Quinn and myself) we had a yummy dinner and got some yummy cupcakes. Stella is really the only Valentine we need, so we just spoil her instead.

Sunday we drove into the city to get some cupcakes from Molly's Cupcakes. Good thing we pre-oredered them, and that we went on Sunday because by maybe 5 or 6 on Valentine's Day they were sold out of cupcakes.

This is the dozen we took home!

This is my Mini-Me's "Mini Molly" she got to eat in the store!

Sunday night we headed out to Tsukasa for dinner with Jay and Susanna. It was yummy, as usual! And we love sharing our holidays with great friends.

After dinner we came home to share our cupcakes with Jay and Susanna. Stella also got to open a little gift from them. She loves that they spoil her so much. Her favorite thing out of the bag... the pack of toothbrushes.

Stella showing off her new cupcake valentine shirt from Momma and Daddy - while opening her present from Jay and Susanna.

Stella's Valentines from Momma and Daddy (that she got on Valentine's Day)

Loving the flower!

Hugging the kitty!

Kissing the kitty!

On another note not related to Valentine's Day.... I have been away from posting for a while because I was terribly sick with the flu. Being three and a half months pregnant at the time was also not fun, and made it a bazillion times worse. I am on the mend right now, but I have been really tired still. I spent almost 3 full days in the hospital because of the flu, and hope to never do that again. It was my first time away from Stella overnight, and she definitely knew something was wrong. She was not her normal self for almost a week after I got home.

Hopefully the rest of 2011 and the rest of this pregnancy go a little better!

Mexico Trip!

2011-01-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

On the 12th we got up bright and early, scratch that... dark and early... to head to the airport. We got on a 7 am flight from Milwaukee to Charlotte and then got on another flight from Charlotte to Cancun. Stella did awesome on all the flights (to and from). We were impressed on how well she did, and she even said "weeeeee" when we landed.

My cousin Sarah and her new husband Mike got married, and Stella got to the their flower girl. We had an amazing time, and Stella officially went on her first vacation.

At the airport in the wee hours of the morning.

Checking out the plane we were about to get on.

On the flight from Charlotte to Mexico!

We arrived at Dreams Riviera Cancun Resort and Spa in the afternoon!

Stella checking out the Mexico sand for the first time.

Baby prints in the sand!

Quinn in the infinity pool!

Stella passed out in our room! It was a fabulous room!

Pool at night.

Stella chilling in the pool.

Sipping on her drink!

My little flower girl!

Under the gazebo!

Giving her flowers a sniff!

Stella and Cousin Sarah aka the bride!

Stella and Daddy before the wedding!

Dancing the night away!

And more dancing...

And more dancing...

Rosy cheeks from all that sun and dancing.

Bikini time!

Iguana time!

Family shot with the iguana

Yes, it was on our heads!

Family photo with lobby building in the background.

Hanging in the hot tub!

Bye Bye Mexico!

We had a GREAT time. It was all-inclusive so drinks and food were available 24 hours a day. We were probably in the pool by around 8 AM every morning. Stella was not fond of the ocean, but she loved sipping on her non-alcoholic drinks in the pool everyday. She had a blast dancing the night away at the wedding, and even made some cool new friends (one of the bridesmaids and Mike's sister in law who left her 8 month old daughter at home). It was a lot of fun and we are hoping to go back sometime in the near future!

Check back for videos soon.

Snow Day

2010-12-29T10:30:00.000-08:00

Over the holidays Stella got to play in the snow for the first time. She knows what snow is, but we finally got around to getting her some snow pants and snow boots so she could actually enjoy it. The first time we put all her gear on (when we were trying it on) she was less than thrilled. I wasn't sure how she would feel about actually getting into the snow. I guess she will love putting all the gear on now because she had a blast!

Daddy showing Stella how to throw the snow.

Stella trying to throw the snow.

She was more than knee deep in it!

Smiling at Grandpa next door!

She even liked sitting in it!

And burying herself in it!

Having a good time!

Daddy trying to sled in the backyard.

Pushing Stella on the sled.

She wasn't too thrilled with the sled. We need tie a string to it so we can pull her around, but she didn't really think it was fun because once she stopped... Nicky knocked her over into the snow. We went inside after that!

Don't forget to check out the Mega Christmas Post if you haven't already!

Mega Christmas Post

2010-12-28T10:07:00.001-08:00

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We are just now getting around to uploading photos and what not. We did our usual, Christmas Eve/Rachel's Birthday Dinner at our house. Soup, sandwiches, and cake. This year Rachel brought a Candy Cane Pie to add to the mounds and mounds of cookies and cake we already had.

Stella showing off her Christmas dress a few days before Christmas.

The best "smile" I could get.

Yum! Candy cane!

Sitting with Daddy on Christmas Eve.

Again with the "smile"

Trying to get in a photo with Momma before bed. You can see she is reaching for Blankie!

Christmas tree number one.

Christmas tree number two.

Christmas tree number one with the Stella's presents from Momma, Daddy, and Santa!

Christmas morning Stella got up bright and early (Santa must send out a signal to all kids to get up). We got up and got ready and Stella opened her stocking and a few presents. Auntie Rachel and Matt came over, and Stella opened a few more. Finally the grandparents came over and we ate breakfast casserole, frozen fruit salad, and coffee cake. Then, guess what?!? Stella opened more presents. She pretty much made it through the presents from us and then needed a nap. After her nap she went back into opening presents from everyone else.

Stella and her stocking!

Nicky and his stocking!

She went right for the big one first!

Tear that paper off!

Stella with her kitchen from Grandpa (from my dad).

Nicky getting in the presents.

Playing with some Mega Bloks.

Stella and most of her haul this year! Yes, we know she is spoiled!

Yum... pretend candy cane!

Birthday cake!

And some bath time fun after a long day of opening presents and eating cookies!

We had a fantastic Christmas. Stella is super spoiled, and we are definitely thinking about scaling down a bit next year. We have so many toys now! We hope everyone else had a Merry Christmas!

Stay tuned for a post on Stella playing in the snow!

Thanksgiving

2010-11-28T15:01:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving (even if it's a little late)

Even though I love to blog, and love to keep everyone up to date on Miss Stella P... I am Thankful for my family that keeps me too busy to get on the computer and post all the time.

Anyways... Thanksgiving was wonderful. We had a ton of food and we spent it with family and friends. Stella would not eat any of the Thanksgiving food other than cranberry sauce, green beans, pumpkin pie, and Andes Mints (Andes Mints are a MUST at our Thanksgiving).... oh yes, and let's not forget Stella's love for pickles!

We did no midnight shopping this year (like we did last year), and I think being in a nice warm bed was way better than freezing to death like last year!

Stella wore her fall sweater vest before the arrival of our guests.

Then she had to put on her turkey shirt.

Hanging out on the table.

Stella and Momma - I am so thankful for my sweet baby girl!

Say "Cheese"

Hanging out after dinner.

Not really a whole lot to post on. Again, Thanksgiving was great. We did a little shopping on Black Friday after all the mad rush people were done. We went to brunch in the city with my Rachel, Matt, my cousins, and my uncle. We put up all the Christmas decorations, and now we are just waiting for Christmas to hit.

Hopefully I will update soon.....

Cupcakes First Trick-or-Treat!

2010-11-06T10:06:00.001-07:00

Happy (belated) Halloween! Our sweet little Cupcake went as nothing other than a...
Cupcake for Halloween this year. She also had her first Trick-or-Treat experience this year as well!

Posing outside the Friday before Halloween after showing her costume off at my work.

This one really has nothing to do with Halloween, but this is a cute little outfit that our favorite babysitter Sara got Stella at the end of the summer!

Brrr... it was chilly at the Waukegan Park District Halloween fest on Saturday night.

Watching the fire with Daddy

Listening to spooky stories

My cute little pumpkin head!

Lights at the Halloween Fest

Waiting for guests to arrive for her Pre Trick-or-Treat party

Daddy giving Stella her very first pumpkin cookie. We only wish this was a real one from the bakery my mom and dad used to get them from for the high school girls swim team when my sister and I were kids... but this one was from O'Brothers Bakery and it was pretty darn close.

Yum!

Last year they looked exactly like the real deal, and tasted almost as good. This year they had a candy corn for a nose, but still taste almost like the real deal.

Gotta pick off all the chocolate face first!

And now for the Trick-or-Treat cuteness!!!

Ready to hit the streets!

Come on Daddy... let's go!!!

After the first house she knew what was going on. She was not really able to say "trick-or-treat" (I was only able to get her to say it at home a few times) because she gets shy around new people, but she knew she was getting stuff in her bag.

Waiting!

Such a big girl walking on her own. She refused to be carried at all, and REFUSED to let anyone carry or touch her bag!

Stopping along the way to check what's inside.

Checking out her loot.

After the big event, we took some photos... it's pretty hard to get us and a cupcake to look at the camera.

Begging Daddy for dirt.

Screaming at some kids down the street.

Putting the cupcake back on for Auntie Rachel (who was working earlier in the day). And of course Nicky in his police uniform!

Our family of pumpkins on Halloween night.

We had a blast this Halloween. Both Quinn and I had more fun taking Stella Trick-or-Treating than we ever did as kids. It was so much fun to see her walk up to each door, or turn down the next driveway. She was so well behaved, and the huge grin on her face after each house was enough to make you cry! We are grateful for Quinn's parents who stayed at the house to man the door, and we are grateful for our friends who slowly walked the streets with us. We are so lucky to have you guys in our lives, and we love sharing Stella's experiences with you all.

We cannot wait until next year when she is a little older... although, she is probably going as a cupcake again... if it still fits!

Pumpkin Farm Take 2

2010-10-19T11:45:00.000-07:00

Since we love fall so much we decided to take Stella back to Didier Farms a second time this season. Last time we needed to stock up on fall treats, get in some good photos, and find just the right pumpkin for each of us. It's not that we didn't have a wonderful time last time, but when you have to fight off lots of other families for just the right pumpkin, just the right box of pumpkin donuts, or the great photo opportunity, well... there is a little more stress involved. This time was not really planned, and it was really just about having a good time.

Still loving the wagon ride!

Checking out the chickens.

Cool tractor made of hay!

Trying to sneak herself another pumpkin!

Busted trying to get that pumpkin!

"Are you sure Momma? This one is really nice!"

"What about this one?"

Thinking hard about how to get the big pumpkin in the wagon since I wouldn't get it.

Riding a pony for the first time ever! She was a little nervous at first.

Checking out the other ponies.

Hanging on for dear life!

She really did love it!

Holding on like a big girl!

Goofy girl on the hay ride!

Probably thinking "Momma why is the camera over there?" since I usually take the photos.

Stella and Momma!

Technically this was Stella's second hay ride (we did one last year at Apple Holler, but last years didn't even have hay on it).

Tractor pulling in before ours left.

Pumpkins in the patch.

Stella took this one!

Silly baby!

We had a wonderful time again. Stella rode around in the wagon, rode her first pony, and rode on her first real hay ride. It's amazing to see how much she has grown up, and how much she loves doing new things now. I look forward to what the rest of fall brings us, and I cannot wait until Halloween!

Yo Gabba Gabba Is Awesome!

2010-10-14T08:11:00.001-07:00

To celebrate Stella's half birthday ... yes, you read that right ... Stella is now 1 1/2 years old! ... Anyways ... like I was saying ... to celebrate we took Stella to see Yo Gabba Gabba Live! on Sunday October 10th!

For those of you without little munchkins in your lives, go check out Yo Gabba Gabba. I should note that before Stella was born I thought to myself, "there is no way I am watching that," but surprise surprise... we watch it all the time. Stella LOVES it! And you might even be able to catch Quinn or me singing along to it too.

Anyways ... Saturday night (Stella's 18 month bday) I made this awesome Foofa shirt for her to wear. We made sure to get pictures of her shirt and the tickets!

If you look carefully you will see that one of the seats was seat 409, and that happened to be the one in the middle where mini-me sat (she was born on 4.9.09, remember?). It was like Yo Gabba Gabba knew that would be cool too!

So on Sunday we took Stella's first train ride to downtown Chicago (she took the train once from Waukegan to Highland Park, but this was her first trip all the way into downtown).

Once we got into the city we headed over to the Chicago Theater for the show!

We didn't have our big camera inside the theater, so we tried to make some stills from the videos we took. I apologize ahead of time for the poor lighting.

DJ Lance and Plex!

So excited!

There's a party in my tummy!

DJ Lance with his Blackhawks jersey on (the back even says his name)!

Dancey Dance with Leslie Hall and the Yo Gabba Gabba friends!

We even saw Biz Markie do his "beat of the day," but I could not find the clips of that one. He even took kids from the audience to do a beat (which doesn't really work too well with kids under 5, but oh well)... I just kept thinking of singing his "single" from long long ago... I know some of you know what I am talking about.

Anyways, Stella loved it! She even got a balloon when they fell from the ceiling (and another little girl gave hers up to Stella when Stella's first one popped). She danced, smiled, laughed, and clapped most of the show. She got her very first "concert" shirt on the way out too. And then we headed home.

Quinn and I probably had more fun than Stella, but oh well. It was an awesome day, and I just hope Yo Gabba Gabba is still around in a year or so... so that we can take her again once she is older!

And finally here are two videos from the show!

Is there a party in your tummy?

Gotta love DJ Lance and his Blackhawks jersey!

Didier Farms 2010

2010-10-05T12:22:00.000-07:00

As promised here are more photos from our recent trip to Didier Farms.

It was a little chilly at first, but once Stella started running around and once she was excited, she warmed up!

She loved the wagon ride, even if you can't tell.

Stella and Aunt Sanna posing!

So many pumpkins!

Pointing to some of the big ones!

Showing off her pumpkin shirt that was hidden under her sweater!

Making sure Daddy was looking at the goats too!

Aunt Sanna trying to get Stella to check out the inside of the tee-pee!

Stella holding her pumpkin (the third one she actually picked because the first two were icky)

Not so sure about the HUGE one!

Uncle Jay, Stella, and Daddy with the big one! Too bad they run about 50 bucks, or this would be in my yard!

And the ladies posing with the big pumpkin too!

We had so much fun this year! Last year was great because it was Stella's first year at the pumpkin patch, but it was cold and she was only 6 months old last year. This year she was SUPER excited to see all the pumpkins, animals, and ride around in the wagon. We got pumpkins for each of us (Nicky got one too), we got pumpkin donuts, kettle corn, and some hot cider too! I hope to take one more trip back closer to the end of the month for more photos and yummy treats!

Pumpkin Farm!

2010-10-03T19:11:00.000-07:00

Today we took our annual trip to Didier Farms. For the past few years it has been just Quinn and me. Last year was Stella's first trip! This year Jay and Susanna came with us, and it was nice to share our love of the pumpkin farm with really great friends. Anyway... Stella LOVED it! I am so excited that my baby girl loves the pumpkin farm as much as I do! Right now I am tired from all the fun we had at the pumpkin farm, so I am just giving you some comparisons from the trip last year vs this year. Hopefully within the next day or so I will overload you all with Stella and her pumpkin farm cuteness!

We love fall so much in the Curren family, and cannot wait for more outdoor fall fun!

P.S. Click on the images to see them larger!

Labor Day Weekend

2010-09-10T18:02:00.001-07:00

Labor Day weekend didn't really start for us until Sunday the 5th because Quinn works on Saturdays. Sunday we decided to go up to Apple Holler and check it out before all the Halloween festivities start. It was a lot more crowded than we thought, but we still had a good time.

Stella was a little nervous around the really big pumpkins.

This is about a close as she would get.

She did like the bins of apples though.

Daddy showing Stella the fake leaves inside.

Stella's first wagon ride.

The Golden Goat Bridge!

Last year the goats would not go up on the bridge.

Stella pointing at the goats.

Goats heading down.

Hanging out in the wagon.

The big chair!

Getting ready to check out some apples.

After checking out the apples, we rode the little train around.

Stella posing after the train ride.

Then Stella played on the other (non moving) train. She thought it was really cool, but there were a lot of non well behaved children that were a lot bigger than her (and probably too big to be in there) that kept just knocking her over.

And believe it or not, this is a happy/excited face. Most might think it is an angry face, but nope... this is what she looks like when she is super excited!

Stella also went down the little slide...

And she did not like the little slide.

We picked up this caramel apple while at Apple Holler too. I got one last year for Halloween, and they are super yummy. This year Stella is old enough to enjoy the treats that fall brings...

Monday we did a lot of organizing and cleaning around the house. Grandma even came over to entertain Stella so Quinn and I could get done faster.

Tuesday we went to Bowen Park. Neither of us have been back since they renovated the park, so it was new to all of us.

Posing in front of the new sign/map.

Daddy showing Stella how it's done!

After the park we hit up the library too. We got a few books, and Stella borrowed her first movie from the library.

Wow.... this post is a lot longer than I thought it would be, but oh well.

In other news... our Wednesday babysitter started school again this week, so Papa Hewitt will now be watching Stella every Wednesday. Maybe I will leave the camera with him next time, so he can take some pictures of what he and Stella do during the day.

Happy weekend everyone! Stella and I have to go shopping for new Colts gear to get ready for Sunday's game!