so green.

Played in the grass for the very first time today! It's so green and beautiful and fun. :)
you can click on pictures to see them larger

and my favorite shot from our little playtime...

She loved it :)

and yes, I later had fun trying out some new photo editing things.

new projects, new fun and a little accountability.

Quinn and I embarked on a great shopping adventure with grandma and grandpa the other day. It was for my upcoming birthday. With project wishlist in hand, I felt just like a kid going birthday shopping years ago with my grandpa and grandma ginny. (We always had an amount we could spend and some people (my sister) would buy as many things possible for their birthday amount.) So I guess I felt like my sister as a kid on her annual birthday shopping trip with our grandpa and grandma. This time we were shopping with Quinn's grandpa and grandma, and instead of Claire's and 5-7-9 (remember that store?), we were hitting up places like Michael's, JoAnn's and Home Depot. A sign my 30's are very near. (and 5-7-9 (which really should have been called 0-2-4) wouldn't fit anymore anyway... more on that later.)

We definitely got a lot of bang for our buck, and all that is needed to tackle 5 DIY projects on my list. Yes! So, items purchased, but also great hobbies for me to do. thank you mom and dad!

Projects to be posted soon... (some already complete)

We finally busted out this big girl's new highchair and gave up the Bumbo for eating times.

and enjoyed some good 'ol playtime with her food just for fun.

I will be that jump in the rain puddles type of mom I think. well, within reason.

On another note, school is back in session. Todd is back into the school routine. Volleyball is going great. I'm surprised how much it doesn't feel strange to not be back into the school routine myself. I think that's because I know I'm not supposed to be there. Being teacher to this one adorable little student is the best routine I could ever imagine.

that smile is the best.

accountability and the more on that later part... this last little part is purely for selfish but good reasons. I know when I post something I hold myself to it. In effort to lose the last 13 baby weight pounds and then 20 more, a little accountability is needed. This won't become a weight loss blog, just a little motivator to help a new mommy lose that last bit of baby weight...and a little more will be great too. so, thanks! :)

Have a wonderful week! xoxo, Lisa, Todd and Quinn

rainy days and randoms.

rainy days call for lots of peek-a-boo.

and a game of searching for any possible ray of sun to sunbathe in.

and modeling.

and so many smiles and giggles.

and freaking mommy out that all this scooting was going to turn into crawling today!  You are too little!  (she decided to leave that for a later day)

Who are we kidding? 
We do all of these things on the sunny days too. :)
well, except for the crawling scare today

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Quinn and I snuck in a visit the other day with great friends.  My Sammy, Meghan and Charlie (and mom and dad, Susie and Kevin).  I have known this family for 12 years and started babysitting for the kids when I was 17.  Over the years I've turned into Auntie Lisa, because babysitter Lisa just didn't seem to fit after becoming a regular part of this very special family.  I love and have always loved my time with them.  They are the best kids.

summer 2009

Sammy was almost 2, Meghan was almost 4 months, and Charlie was yet to join the family when I first met them.  Sammy became an official high school student today. wow.  Crazy to think these girls are now old enough to babysit for me. Charlie's lack of interest in all things girly and cutesy (like babies) I don't think he would quite jump on the opportunity like the girls, but I know he would be a wonderful helper too.

Then

Now
with my little girl

this is the sweetest moment. i just love this moment.

It was not a surprise at all that these girls were absolutely amazing with Quinn (and loved her to pieces too). I'm so glad they could meet, and I look forward to more times together with them.

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other random recent events:

A visit with my Uncle Mark, Cousin Zac, Zac's girlfriend Jen, and Noah (who has recently joined the Rogal family from Africa) 

So glad we could catch them and meet Jen and Noah.

The start of building forts and new playtime adventures in the works. It's these new moments that make it so much easier to see her getting so big.

oatmeal. yum.

what her mouth is saying behind this box... "mama, I could so be this cute baby on the box"

finish detailing the crown moulding. check.

major kudos to my talented and hard-working husband.

discovered these hands a long time ago, but now seeing them in a whole new light

it's like she just realized all the amazing things she can do.


and amazing things you will do my little love.


Have a wonderful week and weekend. Do amazing things.

the big 6 month post

Yesterday you became a big six months. And this was my favorite shot from many during our little monthly photo shoot.

I could say all the cliches for how fast time has flown or how big she has
become, and it's true it seems like it was just February and this tiny 5 pound peanut was snuggled in my arms. But, I don't think about the cliches as much as every single person we run into says them all to us...and I think it's because I feel absolutely and completely present for every single growing moment, every little precious second. Dishes often fill the sink, laundry in the dryer often waits a little longer, toys and blankets thrown across the floor wait anxiously in those spots to be played with and used again.
I don't want this to ever change. I am completely present for her and I want to say the same years from now. I'll never look back and say I wish I had washed those dishes more often, but I know it's possible to look back and say I wish I soaked up every opportunity to play, dance, giggle, swing, talk, and so much more. I love that I can be present for her (this is where I should apologize for not being as readily available by phone). And if this simple blog encourages someone else to put down a dishrag, a phone, or computer and be more present in these moments, well then...enjoy.
because it does go by fast.

6 month stats:

Height/Weight: Sorry won't have those till her Monday dr. appt.  Dr. appt update:  14 lbs. 14 oz!  In six months she has gained 10 pounds and moved from not being on the weight chart to the 27%.  She is also almost 26 inches long and still has her precious little petite head ranging in the 7% now.  Everything is growing and she is doing fantastic! 

Eats: I love making her food. So far she has tried rice, sweet peas, zucchini, pears and apples. Sweet potatoes and avocado are next on the menu. When she is not eating her little meals, she takes about 3 six ounce bottles a day.

Sleeps: Bedtime at 7pm. sleeps 12-13 hour nights. 3 naps a day. naps are usually: 2 hour morning nap, 2 hour mid-day nap, and 1 hour late afternoon nap. Good sleeper and still so easy to put in her crib to sleep. (right around 4 months she had some occasional sad times going to sleep (combination two teeth coming in and becoming more aware that we put her down and leave her), but she is back to easy to bed sleeper).

Favorites: She loves to play, roll and scoot all over the place. Blankets are all over the floor so she can just move as she pleases. This little girl pretty much is happy with everything. Such an easygoing baby. There are some preferred toys as well.

inchy

ellie

and turtle

and this is living room playland

Sizes: Size 1-2 diapers (we have a large box we got for free of size 1-2's and we are trying to get our use out of them, otherwise I really should say she is a size 2) Wearing 3 month clothes still, we are getting great use out of this wardrobe. Starting to wear more 3-6 month onesies and 3-6 month jammies, but most 3-6 month oufits we try are still too big.

Who does she look like? Well, this is really up to you. And it entertains us to hear so many different points of view. But Todd and I agree that she looks a lot like her mama. I see a little Todd in her eyes, but he says he doesn't. Speaking of eyes, her eye color has been transitioning pretty slowly, still has blue, green and brown in them (but the blue has faded even more) so they are hazel for the most part.

Personality?: We are so enjoying getting to see more and more of her personality every day. She is still the peaceful, calm, smiley, happy, easygoing baby she was even as a little preemie just home from the hospital. I am so not the mom that ever needed to catch up on extra sleep. Even when we brought her home I slept way more than I did pregnant. While we have established great eating and sleeping routines for her, she still does fantastic on those busy days when we aren't home at all.
Quinn, you are such an amazing little baby and we will brag about you forever.

Firsts: So many that have developed over the last few months... sitting up, eating rice, veggies and fruits, logrolling quickly across the floor, scooting, grabbing everything (especially faces), standing with support, giggles!!! and so many more...

Happy 1/2 birthday baby girl.

I am in the search still to find a photo editing program. Just haven't done it yet. So for now I use the basics available at picnik.com for free.

just a helpful tip that can save some pictures.

have a wonderful week :)

its so much better.

Today was my absolute perfect weather day.  I just soaked it all up, let every single breeze blow through my hair, took every breath deeply and watched the delicate sun rays light up my daughter's little face. The constant breeze blowing through the house made every inch of you calm and relax.  Low 70's, no humidity, my favorite, not everybody's, but it's mine. I've come to realize I am a 55-75 girl. I'll take the 80's without humidity, and I'll happily take the 40's with a little sun.
I thought a lot about how Todd and I often say we want warmer weather (during the winter) but most places that just means that it gets even hotter during the summer. Where in the world has that gorgeous, low humidity, mild temperature that I crave the whole year through? Today, it got me thinking about plans I once had.

Three years ago I had my mind set and my plans ready to make the brave move across the country for a different experience, a different culture, a new adventure on my own. I was set and that gorgeous San Diego weather was awaiting me.

Three years ago I also met the most amazing man. I think you can figure out why I've maintained my pale freckled skin and my chicago accent. That leap to southern cali, that plan I once thought was absolutely right for me didn't happen.

It was then that I completely threw all plans and timelines aside and knew that life itself guides you into the most amazing places.

Oh that plan...ha (sighing as a more mature almost thirty-something)
this...

its so much better.



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I am a dreamer.
I married a dreamer.
I hope she is a dreamer too.

that big smile, that raised eyebrow, this girl is going places.
she is a dreamer.

Now that she is here I can't imagine her not experiencing all of the seasons here in the midwest. I wonder what her favorite weather will be?
I wonder if she will love snowfall at Christmas, the excitement of pulling out her first pair of shorts in spring and fall football weather as much as I do.

Fall is coming and I'm so excited. I think I've always overpassed the anticipation of fall due to the craziness that August has brought in the past. I realized this is my first calm, relaxed and absolutely stress-free August ever (well since I was 3, the year before I started Kindergarten). I love the excitement of back to school clothes shopping, new school supplies, fall sports getting underway, seeing friends again. But I'm a little excited I get to sit back and enjoy watching it this year. Twenty six years of the August build-up, and this year I get to do this...

help this baby girl practice sitting up.


Our days of practice, play, daily dances and our squeezes.

The restful breaks we take...

our silly girl moments

our deep and engaging conversations

It's a different August and I'm liking this new change this year.

I am so a dreamer.
Todd and I often play the "what's on your list?" game. Because I think it's so important to have many dreams, many wishes, many aspirations to hope to check off that list. And some may not get checked off but what fun would life be not to have those things to look forward to?

My Our dream house always continues to evolve. I have loved creating and searching floor plans since I was young. If I wasn't a mommy, or a teacher, I would be an architectural designer. The dream house has evolved for 15 years (well at least since my first real plan I drew up and filed away). In it's evolution it's shrunk about 2,000 sq. feet. :) What's our dream house right now? Well, I'm in love with Craftsman Bungalows. It's hard to find one with an open floor concept, but I finally did. I can already see it's quaint characteristics and charm.

Dreams are so good. Even if they don't all come true in your life.

I hope she dreams. I hope she one day learns herself that plans and timelines are not nearly the same or as important as dreams. And when she finds herself feeling disappointed when something does not go as planned... I know she will read this one day and understand that the path life took her...

its so much better.

all of a sudden.

all of a sudden our little girl seems like such a big girl.

see??? sigh ...such a big girl.
now, when I tell you her shirt is still newborn size that may help put things a little more in perspective. but still...such a big girl. she even rode on a park baby swing today. a swing!
I'm so sorry baby for squishing you into this adorable made for you newborn onesie so I could see you wear it one more time. and I'm so sorry that I took your picture as soon as you woke up with those beautiful tired eyes.

this big brave girl rode a swing today, that's right.  And she loved every second of it. I think she especially enjoyed watching her shadow get bigger and smaller. Her face was glued to looking down, but there was a huge smile on her face.

yup, kind of like this one. :)

today is what we call one of mommy's absolutely perfect days.  another amazing day with our happy happy little girl.  fresh air in the house, a light breeze blowing on us during our playtime, our snuggles, our giggles and squeezes. we haven't felt that in so long.  77 degrees, a welcome break from the heat, gorgeous sun. we took advantage with an extra long walk and a little stop at the park.  long naptimes also allowed for some productivity on the to-do list.  and daddy came home early, just in time to squeeze in some extra playtime.

today we had the perfect balance of it all.

looking forward to our adventures tomorrow.