Open House

No, not for our house, but for Lexie’s classroom. Like a proud mama, I was so excited for this day; because I really wanted to see everything Lexie’s been doing and learning while we're at work. I’m such a nut for all the little arts & crafts that they send home with her every month.

Here’s a sampling of Lexie hard at her tasks.

Her likes

True to form, Lexie loves the outdoors

Look at that level of concentration

Future Van Gogh?

Rehearsing with her "band." Future Gwen Stefani?

Getting her beauty rest after all that hard work (aaaah, to be a child again)

Celebrating at The Happiest Place on Earth

Steve's birthday fell on a Saturday this year; so we thought it would be fun for the three of us to go Disneyland again- especially since Lexie is able to appreciate it so much more now.

Look... Lexie's channeling Grumpy Dwarf

What a difference eight months make. Look here and then below

And then look here and below

ToonTown... easily the most popular "land" in D-Land.

See what I mean...

Goofy... intimidating?! naaaah

We caught Mickey filming "Steamboat Willie."

Loving Goofy's piano. Could it be that Lexie actually has a penchant for musical instruments?

One thing's for sure... she has a penchant for water

Meeting Gepetto and Pluto right before the Celebration parade

We saw this same parade last time, but we were alot closer this time around

Unfortunately, we couldn't avail ourselves of Disney's previous promo, which ended on December 31, 2009; but I was able to score a discount at work on 2fer tickets. Since neither Steve nor I had ever been to California Adventure before, we thought it might be kind of fun to check it out.

First time for everything... California Adventure!

Pixar Parade

Dinner at the Jazz Kitchen in Downtown Disney. (We had had the audacity to try the Blue Bayou earlier in the day, but they weren't taking walk-ins)

Clearly, a little Someone was enjoying the Jazz ensemble

She was so exhausted at this point, but fought to stay awake because she didn't want to miss a thing

This is what she waited up to see

Leaving the park in great spirits

Deserted now

I think I can speak for Steve when I say we had a fun birthday celebration for him.

I am So Fortunate

that, amongst a number of blessings in my life, I have a job that allows me to work from home on occasion.

I typically still bring Lexie into DayCare when I'm working remotely; because (a) I don't want to confuse her routine, (b) I need to concentrate on my work, and (c) she needs the social interaction and stimulation that she gets from her teachers and classmates.

However, on those days that she's not up to going to school (e.g. if she's teething or has a cold) or I have a light workday, I get to spend some quality time with my baby- even if it's just watching her watch Sesame Street or taking a quick trip to Target during lunch. Like I said, I am so fortunate and grateful.

Don't even try to distract her as she watches Elmo & Co.


Quick run to Target during lunch - probably to buy diapers or wipes


I turned around from my desk and saw her slumped over in her couch. So freaking cute. I love simple moments like this.


Another favorite lunch time or after-hours activity. She loves strolling the neighborhood.


Watching her being her usual playful self

A Birthday and a First

January 20th is Mom's birthday. But since it landed on a Wednesday, Mom thought it best to have her celebratory dinner the following Sunday.



As always, the kids provided the entertainment





as well as some assistance opening presents



As for the "first" in the blog title, it's this.... (drum roll, please)

Lexie's first HAIRCUT



No, it wasn't planned, but yes, I am pleased with the results

Here's how it went down:
While I was at Church, Lexie's Daddy got scissor happy and decided to trim her bangs with these.

And here's his handiwork.



The longer I gazed at my newly shorn baby, the more I laughed in horror because this is what I was picturing. Yes, a mullet.

Anyway, upon seeing her, I issued an SOS to Cindi to rectify - Please! - this situation. Stat.

Whereupon this took place:



Lexie sat long enough - with enough distractions- for Cindi to work her magic



Despite her initial protestations, once her Auntie Cindi was done, Lexie was back to doing what she does best... making a mess playing.



and more playing much to every one's delight



Happy birthday, Mom! May you have many more happy & healthy ones to come. Love you.