Breakfast of Champions!

Evelyn's new favorite breakfast by far.....

 Cheerios!!

Cincinnati Union Terminal Museum

 With the weather so cold this winter, we are trying to find fun things to do inside while still getting out of the house.  We met up with our friends, the Swensons, at Union Terminal Museum to see the kids in the play area.  They have a huge center for kids of all ages including a massive ball pit area, a water area, music, building, etc.  Evelyn had a great time exploring with Ben.  We are excited to watch them play in all the areas as they grow!

 Kisses goodbye :)

Swim Lessons!

She is ecstatic waiting and watching others in the pool!

 

Now that I have been working at the HealthPlex for several months, we thought it was time to take advantage of some of the classes that they offer by signing Evelyn up for Infant swim lessons!  We have lessons on Sunday mornings from 11-11:30 in their Therapy Pool, which is 85 degrees!  From the moment we stepped into the pool area she was giggling and squealing with delight!  There's a class before ours, so she was watching the kids swim around and jump in the water.  

 We definitely can't wait for the pool this summer!

Another Decade Older!

Well, as of January 9th I officially ended my twenties and was welcomed into my thirties by my friends and my family.  Evelyn and I spent the day playing with some of her Christmas toys.  I also caught her on video shuffling across the fireplace mantel! 

Later that morning I got a huge surprise from my long-time friend, Jodi.  She has been one of my closest friends for as long as I can remember, and she surprised me with a dozen chocolate covered strawberries from Edible Arrangements!  Thank you so much, Jodi!  You made my day so special :)

When Chris got home from work we opened gifts and headed to Kenwood to walk around and pick up dinner to go.  We came home and watched a new movie that he bought me while we ate our carry out.  It was a relaxing day and so fun sharing it with Chris and Evelyn.

 The following day we headed over to my parents' house for dinner, cake, ice cream, and gifts.  My mom made lasagna, which was fantastic, and a lemon cake per my request :)  After dinner, Chris and I left Evelyn at my parents for her very first night away from us!!  It was necessarily what I wanted to do because I would miss her, but it seemed to work out considering we needed a babysitter that night.  While my parents watched her, Chris and I went to Latitudes for a small night out with a few work friends.  It was nice to have a small group where we could actually talk and catch up.  

Evelyn was watching my dad play songs on his guitar.  I think this was her first time hearing/seeing a guitar.

 It's crazy to think I'm 30 years old, but if I stop to see where I am in my life, I have to smile because I couldn't ask for anything better.  I have been blessed with a good job, wonderful neighbors and friends, a kind, compassionate husband, and the sweetest, most smiley, beautiful little girl.  

Our Little Gymnast!

Knowing that I was a gymnast for a long time, my sister's friend gave us several gymnastics mats from a local gym that was closing.  They are the perfect size for Evelyn, and she has been loving playing on these mats!  It amazes us how she crawls right over and doesn't seem to care if she does a face dive into the floor!  Maybe a toddler gymnastics class is in our near future!

 I think I can, I think I can....

 I'm on top of the world!

 Timber!!!

I'm ok; I'm a tough girl :)

 Love these little piggies!

Evelyn Hosts a Sleepover!

Prior to Evelyn, Chris and I always had Liliana spend the night, sometimes once a month!  It had been over 10 months, so we decided it would be fun for Liliana to come over and have a sleepover with Evelyn.  Evelyn's best friend is her cousin Liliana.  Although the girls are 6 years apart, Liliana is an absolute angel when she plays with Evelyn.  She is patient, kind, keeps Evelyn safe, and always enthusiastic when playing with Evelyn even though the toys are for babies.  Liliana came over during the afternoon, and she and I rested and watched The Secret Garden while Evelyn took her afternoon nap.

When Evelyn woke up the girls played with some of Evelyn new Christmas presents, including her Mickey Mouse Clubhouse ball pit.  Liliana thought it was hilarious when Evelyn's hair stood up from the static!  

 After dinner, Liliana helped give Evelyn a bath.  Evelyn loves putting her face in the bubbles, and Liliana thought that was hilarious!

 The sweetest moment of the sleepover came before the girls went to bed.  Liliana is learning to read, and she was so excited to read to Evelyn before bed.  It was amazing to listen to her and watch Evelyn listen to her and look at the pictures :)

 Of course you sleep in the same room at a sleepover!

 Playing and dancing in their tent singing the Hot Dog song from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse!

 We love you, Liliana!  Thank you for being a wonderful cousin and friend to Evelyn!!

Who Needs a Bottle These Days?

Each day Evelyn surprises us with something new.  She could be exploring the hallway or kitchen, trying to climb up on the couch, the possibilities are endless.  These days it's all about her cup.  She's figured out how to get water to come out, and she loves shaking it up and down.  The only problem is that she won't let us take it away once we are finished with a meal!