Saturday, January 21, 2012

Look who's turning Five!

"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them."
Author: Walt Disney

To my Dear Kira,

I still remember clearly, the day I first set eyes on you.  A crying tiny, babe, bundled up in yellow and blue.  Your cries were soft as you looked at me; frightened and confused just like any baby.

But you weren’t just any other baby, you were my daughter, the child I had dreamed about, longed every night for. 

I held you close to comfort you, but your sobs lingered a day or two.  I knew the love that was here awaiting you, but it would take time for you to trust and know me, just like I too.  We were a pair, the two of us, a mother and daughter who found one another at last. 

Words can’t explain just how much I adore and love you, I can only show you my heart is in my hand, always there to reach out to you.

Now four years later, my love for you is stronger and we understand each other as mother and daughter.  I love your hugs and kisses and combing your soft brown hair.  I love when you snuggle up and ask to be held so tightly, even if you do this every single nightly!

Oh dear Kira, you’ve become quite the young lady, so sweet, kind and gentle, your personality entertains me daily.

Now that you’re going to be five, I look back at the past few years and just sigh. 
They have gone so quickly while I was trying to discover this role of Motherhood; but it’s okay, I got it down now for there's now two in our brood!

My little yummy (aka for Kira),  I just want to say,  I wish you a very healthy and happy Birthday.

Love forever,
Your Mommy













The pursuit of truth and beauty is a sphere of activity in which we are permitted to remain children all our lives.
Albert Einstein

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Photo time with Mommy

I always loved photographing children, but now having my own daughters, a lifetime dream, seems to bring new meaning to my passion. In fact I have forced myself to not edit, but instead capture their innocent and pure beauty!

Of course Shelby seems to like the camera and has developed her own little poses for the camera.  There's the head tilt, the "i have no idea what you are saying look" and "i'll do what my sister is doing" pose!














And for those that know Kira, she's sooooooo dislikes having her pic taken, I have to plead with her, which doesn't help the situation any:)) Then she too has recently developed her own photographic style which is very unique to her personality.

Kira has perfected "the princess pout and pose", the "cheeky smile so Mommy will let me chew gum"pose and the "I'm actually having fun" candid pose.  The later is my personal favorite of course.  These days I'll take anything from the girls since they are growing like weeds and I want to capture every precious moment.








Everyday I look at these beautiful faces and say to myself "I can't believe they are my daughters"!  When I see the joy in their eyes, I feel the excitement and joy of being their Momma.  I am so happy and thrilled that they are slowly beginning to acknowledge one another as sisters.  Kira calls her "sweetie" when she hurts and has offered up her favorite dolls.  And Shelby just continues to look up to Kira and follow her moves, even Kira's spicy "foot stomping" lol.  It's all good and all fun to observe!

My daughters sure know how to raise parents!!!

You girls are so loved.

Friday, September 10, 2010

Fall is in the air, Finally!

EITHER IT WAS ONE HOT SUMMER OR I'VE BECOME VERY HEAT INTOLERANT! I'M JUST SO HAPPY TO FEEL THE COOL FALL BREEZE AND SLEEP WITH THE WINDOWS OPEN AGAIN.

THE LAST FEW DAYS WERE SO PRETTY AND WINDY, KIRA AND I MADE A FEEBLE ATTEMPT AT KITE FLYING YESTERDAY AND THEN WE BROUGHT OUT HER 12 INCH BICYCLE AND WENT FOR A LITTLE RIDE, OR I SHOULD SAY SHE WENT FOR THE RIDE. SHE'S SO LIGHT THAT THE WIND BLEW HER CLEAR DOWN THE BLOCK! GUESS I SHOULD HAVE MADE THE TOT RIDE INTO THE WIND!

WE ARE GEARING UP FOR A NEW PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM THREE DAYS A WEEK AND SOME MAJOR SHOPPING FOR CLOTHES, FOR KIRA OF COURSE. MY LIGHT WEIGHT HAS GROWN AND I THINK HER PUDGY BABY THIGHS ARE NOW OFFICIALLY TODDLER MUSCLES. SHE'S 37 INCHES TALL NOW WEIGHING IN AT A WHOPPING 28 POUNDS! BUT DON'T LET THAT FOOL YA, SHE CAN LEAD A 100 POUND DOG AROUND LIKE A COUPLE OF POODLES.

KIRA'S WORLD:

THIS CHILD CONTINUES TO AMUSE AND AMAZE ME AS I AM PRIVILEGED ENOUGH TO WITNESS HER DAILY ANTICS. SHE HAS BECOME QUITE PROFICIENT AT STORY TELLING AND WILL BEGIN A SENTENCE WITH "REMEMBER THE OTHER DAY WHEN..."
I JUST LOVE IT AND HAVE NO IDEA WHERE SHE GOT THAT FROM. SHE UNDERSTANDS THAT I HAVE NO CLUE HOW TO GET SOMEWHERE WITHOUT A GPS, WHICH IS QUITE EMBARRASSING (ESPECIALLY WHEN SHE HAS TO TELL ME TO TURN AROUND). SHE KNOWS HER ADDRESS AND CAN WRITE HER NAME WHICH IMPRESSES ME BECAUSE ON ANY GIVEN DAY I CAN'T REMEMBER MY OWN PHONE NUMBER!
HER LOVE AND GENEROSITY CONTINUES TO BLOSSOM AND SHE UNDERSTANDS THAT "SHARING MAKES US HAPPY" on most days!

FAVORITE TOYS:
MY iMAC
THE PRINCESSES DOLLS
DINOSAURS
BINOCULARS
PAINTING AND COLORING (ALL OVER THE WALLS, CARPET, HERSELF)
JUMPING ON THE "PRAMPOLINE" AS SHE CALLS IT (I THINK TODDLER LANGUAGE IS SO CUTE).

FAVORITE TV SHOWS:
DORA AND DIEGO
OSWALD AND WEENIE
BACKYARDIGANS
ELMO

FAVORITE MOVIES:
SHREK
SHREK
SHREK
AND SHREK 2
ARIEL
NEMO
AVATAR

FAVORITE BOOKS:
ANYTHING PRINCESS OR MERMAID RELATED
BARON AND FLUFFY
DO LIKE A DUCK DOES
THE POUT POUT FISH
GOODNIGHT MOON (MY ALL TIME FAVORITE)


FAVORITE FOODS:
MAC AND CHEESE!
PIZZA
CHICKEN FINGERS

YES IT WAS A SWEET SUMMER FOR SO MANY REASONS. I AM HAPPY THAT AUTUMN IS IN THE AIR AND BOTH KIRA AND I ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO NEW ADVENTURES.

I LOVE YOU SWEET, PRECIOUS KIRA!



Sunday, August 1, 2010

Pre-School to Princeton

SHE MELTS MY HEART!
RECENTLY, BOTH KIRA AND I SEEM TO ENJOY EXPLORING NEW PLACES (or perhaps she just gets a kick out of the fact that I get lost with my GPS). LAST WEEK WE VISITED A NEW PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM AND IT JUST SO HAPPENED THAT THE FOLLOWING DAY WE TOOK AN EXCURSION TO PRINCETON UNIVERSITY. I'VE NEVER BEEN THERE BUT AS SOON AS I GAZED AT THE OLD HOMES ALONG THE ROAD LEADING TO THE UNIVERSITY I FELL IN LOVE WITH THIS TOWN. QUAINTLY HISTORIC, I WONDERED HOW MANY GENIUSES WALKED THE EXACT SAME PATHS WE WERE STROLLING ALONG. I LOOKED AROUND AT ALL THE POTENTIAL STUDENTS TAKING SUMMER TOURS AND YIKES THEY ALL LOOKED SO YOUNG! IT MADE ME WANT TO GO BACK TO COLLEGE; THE YEARS OF WONDERMENT, ADVENTURE AND, YES THE ACQUISITION OF KNOWLEDGE (IF YOU COULD STAY AWAKE DURING CLASS)!

A GOOD SUGAR FIX WILL HELP DURING LONG CLASSES!

I LOOKED DOWN AT KIRA AND REALIZED SHE TOO IS STARING SOMEWHAT INQUISITIVELY TOWARDS THE BEAUTIFUL STONE AND GRANITE BUILDINGS. EXCITINGLY SHE YELLS OUT, "MOMMA LOOK AT ALL THE PRINCESS CASTLES!"

SOME OF THESE ARE ACTUALLY DORMS.


SURE ENOUGH THESE MAGNIFICENT STONE STRUCTURES DID RESEMBLE CASTLES. IN FACT, PRINCETON IS THE FOURTH OLDEST COLLEGE AND ONE OF THE MOST BEAUTIFUL UNIVERSITIES IN THE UNITED STATES. THE GOTHIC VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURE TAKES YOU BACK IN TIME, WAY BACK TO THE 12TH CENTURY, WITH SPIRES REACHING SKYWARD AND BEAUTIFULLY DETAILED ARCHES THAT BECKON YOU THROUGH PASSAGES LEADING TO EVEN MORE SPECTACULAR ARCHITECTURE.







NASSAU HALL (1756)

ONE OF MY FAVORITE MOVIES "A BEAUTIFUL MIND" WAS FILMED HERE, STARRING RUSSELL CROWE. IN FACT THE PROFESSOR HE PORTRAYED, JOHN NASH IS STILL ON FACULTY HERE.




I CAN ONLY SAY THAT I FELT SO INSPIRED AS I WALKED BY THE HUNDREDS OF CLASSROOMS. WHILE THERE MAY NOT HAVE BEEN "PRINCESSES" HOUSED IN THE CASTLE LIKE BUILDINGS, THE FUTURE OF MODERN TECHNOLOGY, SCIENCE, GOVERNMENT AND BUSINESS WILL LIKELY TAKE PLACE BY ALL THE BEAUTIFUL MINDS THAT ATTEND STUDYING TO MAKE THEIR MARK IN THIS WORLD!


Sunday, July 11, 2010

Toddler Logic

A FEW WEEKS AGO, I PACKED THE CAR AND HEADED OFF TO THE GARDENS. OH YES, 5 CUTE OUTFITS A FEW BALLOONS, LOT'S OF BOWS AND RIBBONS AND CANDY FOR BRIBE TACTICS. THAT'S JUST A BIT OF WHAT I HAVE TO DO TO GET SOME FUN PHOTOS OF HER. I FIGURED BY NOT TAKING PHOTOS OF HER EVERY DAY SHE WILL EVENTUALLY LET ME TAKE JUST A FEW. WHAT WAS I THINKING?

WE CHASED SOME BUTTERFLIES AND I WATCHED KIRA PLAY, ROMPING AS USUAL AND EVEN STOPPING TO MAKE FRIENDS WITH ANOTHER LITTLE GIRL. NOW I MANAGED TO GET JUST A FEW PHOTOS BEFORE WE HEADED BACK HOME.
NOW THESE ROCKS LOOK FUN TO WALK ON!

MAKING SURE MOMMA IS NOT FAR BEHIND.

THERE WERE SO MANY PRETTY FLOWERS AND AWESOME INTERESTING PROPS FOR ME TO USE, SUCH AS THIS BEAUTIFUL BRIDGE.


I FIGURE THAT I'LL GET THE TOT ON THE BRIDGE, RUN AHEAD AND SNAP THE PIC.


ONLY I FORGET HOW FAST THIS CHILD RUNS AND RUNS AND RUNS!



WHAT I DIDN'T REALIZE WAS JUST AS I RAN AHEAD OF HER TO COMPOSE THIS PHOTO, SHE TOOK HER SKIRT OFF AND THREW IT, PRACTICALLY OVER THE BRIDGE...AND AS I TRIED TO STEADY THE CAMERA WHILE I WAS LAUGHING, I HEARD HER SAY "NO MORE PICTURES MOMMY"!

INDEED SHE WAS DETERMINED TO NOT HAVE HER PICTURE TAKEN AND FIGURED IF SHE LOOSES THE SKIRT, THE CAMERA WILL ALSO GET LOST! HOW I LOVE TODDLER LOGIC. SO WE BOTH GOT WHAT WE WANTED AND I'M GOING TO SAVE THIS PHOTO TO SHOW HER WHEN SHE'S UH HMMM, 20 SOMETHING!

Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Summer is Here!



YES, summer has arrived and so have the heat waves! The 90 degree humid weather is certainly a challenge when my little tot wants to run outdoors and prefers to water the plants rather than play in her pool. However, we manage to find weeds to pick, butterflies to chase and a few cloudy days where we take advantage of some cute photos in the woods.




Yes I know you love to get your Mommy soaked! Actually this is Kira's way of getting the camera out of her face!



Recently I found a really fun place to chase bunnies and take some photos. I grab the camera and try to get Kira to "work it" for me as I bribe her with a lollipop or cookie. She's so funny after a bit of suger and will put her hands on her hip and say "work it, work it" as I snap away. Here's some of the cutest photos I've seen:))

HOW I LOVE THIS FACE AND THOSE DIMPLES!




I sort of wonder how a child instinctively knows that a rain puddle was made so that he/she can jump in it. I still can't figure this out because I haven't seen it on Dora or Kai Lan, but then again I did the same thing and there were no TV shows to mimic, well a few perhaps. So what does a Momma do when her tot comes upon a puddle of water? I SAY JUMP AND HAVE SOME FUN!!! The smallest puddle allows for some great big smiles and adventures.





Before puddle
jumping


AND after, ah how good this feels!



Yes this does bring back some fond memories as I will admit I did this too! The cool puddles felt so good on my feet as I would splash and entertain myself so effortlessly. So watching this child of mine have so much fun this day made me glad I brought my camera to capture her childish enthusiasm for simple and real fun.



Monday, June 7, 2010

June Ramblings



Yes I know, blogging has taken a back seat these days, mostly because I don't have the time, but so want to keep archiving because I love writing, it's so soothing to me and very important that I continue to journal this special child that I absolutely adore!

Of course the reason for my posts are hopefully filled with the musing of childhood as I continue to watch my baby girl do and say the silliest things. While it's been a most difficult and emotional year for me personally, I remain focused on my family and child, the passions of my life.

So here's a bit of Kira's personality at the sweet age of three.

Kira remains an incredibly sweet and affectionate child. She loves giving and receiving hugs and kisses. Most recently she is fascinated by newborns and adores peeking in a stroller and asking me to look at the baby with her. At her pre-school she adores the younger children and will even share Elmo with them. That's a huge step considering in the fall, she wanted to bite anyone that came between her and the little guy. Thank goodness she grew out of that!

She's very much a sweet and pleasant little girl who interacts with adults as much as her peers.
She has become very vocal and is quite able to make her issues known. Yes there are those "meltdown" moments, which now I know are related to hunger or exhaustion (now that I think about it, I have them too) or just wanting my attention

Her most recent interests are dressing up in her various princess outfits and playing with her little people toy house. No she hasn't forgotten about her buddy Elmo, she usually puts him to bed early, neatly tucking him under some blanket that I find behind the couch or under a table. We tried to get a cute baby carriage for her to wheel her little buddy around in, however the cat proceeded to pee in it and hence it ended in the trash. In fact the cat and the dog have been just a tad jealous, but I do try and spread my affections:))

I did catch Kira yelling at the cat (as if that cat really cared) a few weeks back. These were her words "Cat, no more peeing on my toys! You're going to go to time out, you hear me?" So on went the conversation as she shook her finger at cat. Then I couldn't help but scratch my head and say to myself "is that how I really sound"? I think so which is very funny because it doesn't take a child behavior specialist to tell me that making ideal threats of going to time out is just that!

Kira loves her new big girl bed, but I don't! Yep, I'm very co-dependent on her. On nights that I can't sleep I gently scoop her up and bring her into my bed with me. Although lately, the kick boxing to my head are getting more severe when she wants to wake me. The evenings are precious as she loves me to read to her. So I must grab at least 10 long books and we proceed to read and read and read...."momma, you're snoring" and then I awaken and read some more, till the tot drifts off into dreamland.

WHY Momma, WHY? The question that starts every sentence these days! Inquisitive child, then again I ask the same questions too when I want answers! In fact I believe that children ask why because they want more than just a simple explanation. Perhaps adults believe tots are limited in comprehension skills therefore we keep answers "short" and "simple", but the persistent "why" leaves me to believe they're fully capable of longer and simple answers. So the persistent "why is Ariel in the ocean" question was met with several different answers that kept her entertained and fascinated. I am confident that's how a good child's story gets written.

Now to my amazement Kira can manuever the computer mousepad, pick and choose her own games, trouble shoot and probably re-boot it if necessary! No longer can I hide the fact that I'm editing on the computer, she'll yell "no more puter Mommy", I just love it. After all she is right.

So that's a quick summary of my little Spicy Girl for now. It's difficult getting her on camera these days, but some of her photos are just precious.

I so adore you baby girl, you make my heart sing!

Sunday, February 14, 2010

Happy Valentine's Day



MAY YOUR HEART BE FILLED WITH THE GREAT LOVE THAT WARMS MINE EVERY SINGLE DAY!


Friday, January 29, 2010

Talking!

ANOTHER SLEEPLESS NIGHT, NOT SURE IF IT'S MY HEAD COLD OR TOO MUCH CAFFEINE, BUT THOUGHT IT WOULD BE A GOOD TIME TO CATCH UP ON MY POSTS.

YES, IT'S BEEN WAY TOO LONG AND I'VE MISSED DOCUMENTING MILESTONES AND SHARING STORIES. GUESS FACEBOOK HAS MONOPOLIZED THE LITTLE BIT OF SPARE TIME I DO HAVE. YEP, I'LL ADMIT I'M A PROUD FARMER IN FARMVILLE NOW, RAISING COWS AND CHICKENS AND HARVESTING MY CROPS. MINDLESS, YES, THERAPEUTIC...MAYBE!

OKAY SO WHAT IS MY TINY TOT UP TO THESE DAYS, HMMM. SHE CAN FINALLY OUT TALK ME! Now for those that know me it's quite an accomplishment to do that:)) she talks up a storm and it's very entertaining to hear my daughter try to talk just like me!

JUST A FEW OF MY FAVORITE SAYINGS:

-MOMMY, I CAN'T LIKE THAT (rather than I don't) LOL
-STOP A TALKIN TO ME!
-I'M SO TIRED (gee where did she learn that)?
-Calls her Zhu Zhu "little Buddy".
-LOVES THE MOVIES MONSTER'S INC. AND BOLT! She thinks the green one eyed monster is an M&M and engages me in convo regarding the fact that he only has one eye and no nose!
- ENJOYS DRESSING UP, TAKING CLOTHES OFF IN THE FRIGID WEATHER AND PUTTING HER "SNOW WIPE" DRESS ON. YES SHE IS SNOW WIPE, WIPING EVERYTHING OFF THE FLOOR WITH THAT COSTUME THAT IS TOO BIG FOR HER, BUT OH HOW CUTE!
-ADORES TALKING ON THE PHONE AND YES SHE KNOWS WHO SHE IS TALKING TO.

I OFTEN FIND MYSELF BREAKING OUT IN SONG TO THE WONDER PETS THEME OR THE BACKYARDIGANS AND KIRA SAYS EMPHATICALLY, "MOMMY, STOP MAKING NOISE" or recently "STOP SINGIN". WELL I HAVE TO AGREE WITH HER ON THIS, I HAVE NO TONAL VOICE RANGE.

-MY DAUGHTER IS DEFINITELY A MOMMA'S GIRL AND A LITTLE SNUGGLE BUG. OH HOW I LOVE HER AFFECTION. EVERY NIGHT, AFTER SHE FALLS ASLEEP, I PLACE A GENTLE KISS ON HER HEAD AND JUST STARE DOWN AT THIS CHILD, STILL AMAZED THAT SHE'S MY DAUGHTER. SUCH A BEAUTIFUL BOND AND LOVE THAT I'M SO GRATEFUL FOR AND ONE THAT I ABSOLUTELY CHERISH.

-SHE'S CERTAINLY A TODDLER BECAUSE EVERYTHING IS HERS!
I MUST LAUGH BECAUSE THIS IS A UNIVERSAL CONCEPT IN TODDLERHOOD, NOW TRYING TO INTRODUCE THE CONCEPT OF SHARING.

-OUT OF THE BITING PHASE AND OH SO POLITE STAGE! So cute to hear her say please and thank you and it was so easy to teach, go figure. Maybe potty training will be this easy:))

-I WUV YOU MOMMY! PURE MUSIC TO MY EARS.

I WUV YOU TOO BABY GIRL!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Happy 3rd Birthday!

STUDYING HER TINKER BELL TOY
OH SHE'S MY DAUGHTER ALRIGHT, STARTING OUT THE DAY WITH A LARGE CUP OF JAVA!


NOW WIDE EYED AND AWAKE FROM THE CAFFEINE JOLT (CHECK OUT THOSE EYES) WE WENT TO TAKE SOME PHOTOS! KIRA LOVES FOR ME TO TAKE PHOTOS OF HER, BUT ONLY WHEN SHE WANTS THEM DONE!

CAN'T DECIDE WHICH ONE IS MY FAVORITE! SHE HAS THE BEST EXPRESSIONS, BUT THIS IS DELIGHTFUL, LOVE THAT DIMPLE THERE BABY!
TRYING TO GET OUT OF POSING BUT AFTER A FEW BRIBES SHE CONTINUED ON.

NOW IT WAS MY TURN TO BE ENTERTAINED. YEP, SHE WAS WORKING ME ALRIGHT, BUT LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT.

ON JANUARY 20TH WE CELEBRATED KIRA'S THIRD BIRTHDAY! I HAVE BEEN DELAYING WRITING THIS OR I SHOULD SAY DIDN'T QUITE KNOW WHAT OR HOW TO WRITE ABOUT IT UNTIL NOW. KIRA SHARES THE SAME BIRTHDAY AS MY MOTHER, SO I WAS SO SAD WHEN I WENT TO BUY KIRA A CARD AND SAW ALL THE MOTHER'S BIRTHDAY CARDS THERE TOO. IT JUST HIT ME THERE IN THAT HALLMARK STORE THAT I'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO SEND MY MOM ANOTHER CARD OR EVEN GET ONE OF HER SPECIAL CARDS WITH HER HAND WRITTEN SENTIMENTS IN IT. I DROPPED TO MY KNEES AND CRIED, RIGHT THERE IN THE STORE. I PRETENDED LIKE I WAS LOOKING AT SOMETHING ON THE VERY BOTTOM THERE, SO NO ONE WOULD CALL OUT THE LOONY TRUCK, BUT I SOBBED ALL THE WAY HOME.

HOW FAST SHE HAS GROWN, SEEMS LIKE JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO WHEN WE WERE STILL CONCERNED ABOUT HER ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE CLEARLY, YET NOW SHE'S SPEAKING LIKE EVERY OTHER 3 YR OLD. IN FACT KIRA WAS RECENTLY EVALUATED FOR THE 3RD TIME BY A PRIVATE SPEECH THERAPY CLINICIAN WHO WAS AMAZED AT HER COGNITIVE, RECEPTIVE AND VERBAL SKILLS. WE'RE THRILLED SHE DOESNT' NEED SPEECH THERAPY AT THIS TIME.



NOW I LOOK AT THIS BEAUTIFUL CHILD AND THINK HOW FAR SHE HAS COME, HOW MUCH LOVE AND JOY AND MOTIVATION SHE BRINGS ME EVERY DAY.

A VERY HAPPY BIRTHDAY DEAR KIRA, OUR DAUGHTER, MY INSPIRATION!
 
© Hunan Spice
CoffeeShop Designs