the binky wars

Lula still gets her pacifier when she sleeps... naps and night time only... otherwise the binky stays in the crib. Lately she has become obsessed with having it all the time. She "sneaks it" and then runs and hides so she can use it without me knowing. I usually try to keep it in the middle of the crib back against the wall because her little arms are unable to reach it. However the other day as I am trying to put laundry away... she got creative.  This is what I hear from her room, "mom I'm gonna use my net to get my binky." I'm like, okay sure Lula, go for it; obviously I'm thinking she has no chance of accomplishing this goal so what's the harm in letting her try. Well then I hear, "mom! I got it!" I walk in to find this...

It was so cute and she was so proud. I reminded her that binkies are "catch and release" only, but she wasn't buying it. She kept it for a little while until I distracted her and hid it somewhere a little more secure.

Aunty Chriddy and Uncle Garrett get HITCHED!

This is long overdo... but time always finds a way to slip away from me!

In January, we hopped on an airplane and headed west. Destination: Los Angeles to celebrate Aunt Christine and Uncle Garrett! 

It was really great to be back in LA, the weather was perfect; it was so clear you could see all the snow covered mountains! We hit a lot of our favorite restaurants and found some new ones...

The best part of course was visiting with friends. Andrew, Kim and Olive were generous enough to open their home to us, and let me say this, Lula was beyond stoked! So much better than a stuffy hotel room. The Cahn house is like paradise to her... a playdough table, an art table, books and toys everywhere. Movies, popcorn, cupcakes, princess dresses... not to mention her pal Olive!  Lula was living it up! Thank you Cahns! And we will miss you Sunlight Place!!

One our favorite activities was catching the metro and heading to the science center, there were so many cool exhibits. In the short amount of time we were there, we saw a real baby chicken hatch and got up close and personal with the space ship Endeavour!

Not only did we get to visit with our old LA friends, since Chriddy was getting married, there were so many people we don't get to see very often... like Auntie Sarah from NYC and the Rabins who live on the Big Island! Phoenix I miss you so much!

 I hate that we see everyone so infrequently now, especially with kids because they change so much so quickly and unfortunately the week went by way too fast.

But I will say this... it ended in spectacular fashion...

Garrett and Christine's wedding in one word: EPIC!

In several words: beautiful, sentimental, classic, inspirational, funny... with great atmosphere, great food, great people, incredible desserts (noviello) and a dance party that was off the charts. Did I mention the entertainment? That speaks for itself, if you haven't seen the video prepared in honor of the groom, do yourself a favor and copy and paste this address...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YwIgfxZRyB4&list=UUN_Y800nYOx9xt7dTPmb56Q&index=1

I wish I had more pictures of the event itself, because it was truly beautiful, but I decided to go sans phone, camera AND Lula so I could fully enjoy the evening. Let me just say... I totally did! Congratulations Christine and Garrett! We wish you a lifetime of happiness, thank you so much for including us in your incredible day! We love you and miss you! 

A sweet little delivery...

The other day when we got home from a long day, there was a sweet little package waiting for us. It had an even sweeter note inside. It was a bag filled with an assortment of delicious Isabella's Cookies from our favorite perfectionist confectionist: Chris Noviello! The note, addressed to Lula, instructed her to share with her mom and dad, she reluctantly complied! Thankfully she did because the Maui-Wowies are my favorite!  Lula (and Ellie) were way into "The Shortcake."

Thanks Noves,  You're the best!

from the mouth of babes...

 Here are some gems I've been holding onto...

- I opened a present for christmas and inside was a new bra, Lula saw it and said, "mommy got boobies!"

- One night we were eating spaghetti for dinner and she kept dropping it on her belly, she finally said, "I need a rain jacket!" It was so funny. After a continued conversation, I think Olivia the Pig may have talked about that before; still it was used in the right context and really funny.

- Out of the blue she said, "My doggie says, 'I like kitty poo.'" And it's true, she does. Then Lula said, "yucky!"

- I was trying to get her to nap the other day, we battled for about 30 minutes. During one of our interactions, when I was threatening to take away her binky, blankie, minnie mouse and pillow if she did't stop talking she looked at me and said, "I really love you mom." I love you too Lula. "I really love daddy too." "I really love my doggie too, mom." It was so sweet, but clearly she was trying to play me. So I sweetly replied, "We all love you too Lula, but if you don't stop talking, I'm taking the binky!"

Potty Training Diaries

Disney World and Back! NO ACCIDENTS!!

We still have accidents here and there, but this was a HUGE accomplishment! We stopped twice on the way down and once on the way back (it was a three hour drive). She even HELD it while we were stuck in traffic until we could make it to a gas station!

We went to EPCOT and it was a lot of fun! We were there to celebrate her cousin Emma's 4th Birthday (I cannot believe she is already FOUR!) Auntney, Uncle Luke, Aunt Chelle, Uncle Matthew, Aunt Erica and of course Emma were all there! It was a really fun day. I'm bummed I didn't get a great picture of all of use, but here are a few from the day...

Can't wait to go back... I think Animal Kingdom is next!