Birthday Planning

It's been a busy three weeks getting ready for Skyler's very FIRST Birthday party! How quickly time has flown. Our little Ladybug has captured the hearts of so many and has truly been the biggest blessing Tom & I could have ever prayed for.

Skyler definitely has a big day tomorrow! She'll be christened that morning at the very same chapel were we married in 2008. Then it's play time with all her family until her Ladybug themed party begins at 6PM. Be sure to check the blog early next week. I'm certain we'll have tons of pictures and fun stories to share. She will also be meeting her Cousin Matt for the very first time!

Love at First Sight!

Last night, Skyler and I drove to Tampa Airport and waited with Glammey & Papa for Auntie Nicola's flight to arrive from Idaho. Once her plane landed, Skyler and I watched from a distance, as Glammey & Papa greeted her with hugs and kisses. As soon as Auntie Nicola's back was turned, we snuck up on her and surprised her. When my sister heard me say, "Hello, Auntie Nicola" she turned around faster then a bolt of lightning and screamed with joy! It was finally official. Auntie Nicola held her niece for the very first time!

After a wonderful reunion, we all went to dinner at Applebees. I must mention that Skyler left the airport with a face full of lipstick!!!

Sharing the evening together was extremely special, but we certainly missed Uncle Bogie. Unfortunately, he had to stay behind and prepare for six upcoming art road shows that were presented to them at the last minute. Our emotions were so mixed.....sad for missing Uncle Bogie but overjoyed for the wonderful opportunity that their art company was given.

Skyler and Auntie Nicola played before, during and after dinner. You would have never known that this was their first encounter. They bonded instantly! Here are some more lovely pictures.

After dinner, we drove to Glammey & Papa's condo to engage in more laughter and more lovin'! We took a quick peek at Papa's new trike. This will be the only time we allow Skyler on a motorcycle...until she's at least 30! lol.....Ok Daddy, try not to panic. Take deep breaths.

After spending over 5 hours together, it was time to head back to Lakeland. It was such a special night to share my daughter with my sister. Another precious memory to hold in my heart! Isn't family grand.

Knock-Knock!

WHO'S THERE?

Skyler has added an extra touch while singing after waking up. We all know she enjoys carrying a tune, but lately she started knocking on the wall and throwing everything out of her crib. When Tom & I heard this banging for the first time, we quickly rushed to her room. She was caught in the act! Hitting the wall in a barren crib! Below is the evidence of her actions, empty crib included! lol..

Speaking of knocking...Mike, the Mailman, stopped by recently to deliver a big package for sweet Skyler from her Auntie Nicola and Uncle Bogie. Inside was a beautiful red dress with cherries and Ladybugs. Also included was the cutest Elk stuffed animal, definitely an Idaho friend! While displaying their work at a Phoenix, Arizona art show, they purchased a hand made, painted ceramic cow (jumping over the moon) from an artist also at the art festival. Talk about adorable! Skyler immediately wanted to play with it when she saw it. I had to distract her with the moose and then show her the remaining item in her parcel, a witty dog shirt. Thank you so much Auntie Nicola & Uncle Bogie!!! You sure know how to spoil your niece.

Tongue Expressions

We all know that Skyler enjoys sticking out her tongue and lately she has been exploring the many different ways how it wiggles side to side, up and down. Here's our cutie demonstrating some tongue movements. She had such a blast showing off for the camera!

Starting off with, "Out and slightly curled."

The "Rolling" position.

The "Sweeper".

The "Down Slope".

The "All Out Blah!"

and finally, The "Pleading" pose.

Bed Head!

We've all woken up, looked in the mirror and asked ourselves, "What the heck happened to my hair while I was sleeping?" Well, this is exactly what I said when Skyler woke up from her mid-morning nap.

I know she's way too young to be trying to look into the latest trend and achieve that rock chic hair look. She'll probably kill me, later in life, for posting these funny pictures, but I just couldn't resist. Now, I did redeem myself and snapped some photos after a comb traveled it's way through her pretty blond locks. Perhaps she's just trying to look hip & sassy. You be the judge! lol....

Before

After

Skyler's 6th tooth appeared last night. Never knew it until we were playing and she was trying to stand on her head! Her progress in the walking department is developing nicely. She's up to six steps now. I snapped this shot just before she started walking towards me.

Nose & Toes

It's hard to believe Skyler is developing into a person in her own, with an amazing personality all her own! Her journey into personhood is just beginning....She has taken 5 steps, makes baby-talk sentences, imitates actions, understands many sentences, knows cause & effect with toys and follows instructions.

Lately, we've been asking her, "Where are your toes?" No matter what she's doing, she stops, quickly looks down and grabs them. She also does this when asked to find her nose. It's just so cute to watch, but awful hard to capture on a digital camera, cause she's pretty darn quick. Skyler truly brings us boundless joy. Here are two action pictures below......

Toes!

Our 1st Mother's Day!

"A Mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and cousels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts." ~Washington Irving

My first Mother's Day is a day I will never forget! My darling husband took the initiative to make my day extra special. I was pampered with a lovely breakfast in bed, along with fresh red roses, beautiful cards, tons of kisses from Skyler and a full day of rest! Tom arranged for Glammey & Papa to meet us for dinner at The Red Rose in Plant City. I was presented a dozen of yellow roses from my Mum & Dad. Everything was just perfect and I will forever hold this day close to my heart!

Happy Mother's Day to all my amazing friends. I do hope you enjoyed your Sunday as much as I did! Now I understand why this is my Mum's favorite holiday.........

Sleeping Beauty

This Thursday, the 6th, Skyler got her 5th tooth. We are fortunate to have a baby that doesn't get any of those common symptoms when a pearly white appears.....runny nose, grumpiness, or get negatively vocal. All it does is make her sleepy, adding extra minutes to her long naps. I took the time to relish in the beauty of her innocence.

Mother Teresa once said, "I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Well, blogging about our precious daughter has become my love letter to my family and friends. I get so excited to share her developments, stories and pictures with you all! Thank you for loving our baby Skyler and for engaging in her Blog! It means so much to us.

OPA!

Last Saturday night, we meet Auntie Kevie, Uncle Larry and Skyler's cousins, Nikki, Jodi & Jared, in Pointe Orlando. We all took up residence at Taverna Opa for an evening of authentic Greek Food. Yes, Skyler's taste buds does not reject any type of cuisine! After our little Princess relished in all the welcome kisses and hugs, we quickly found our way to our reserved table.

Skyler enjoyed all the variety of delicious food from every one's plates. Her favorite was the hummus and the beef tenderloin that was marinated with Greek herbs!

After we finished eating, we all got caught up in the frenzied scene, especially Skyler! It started with a flutter of napkins raining down on the entire restaurant, including our table. (see pics below) This really energized our Sweet Pea. The food took a back seat to the atmosphere as the DJ started spinning music.

A belly dancer-n-residence appeared and sashayed, swished & swirled around Skyler at regular intervals. Our sweetie was fascinated and even danced on the table during the show. A party of 16 was sitting next to us and said they had more fun watching Skyler than the in house entertainment. Their cameras were flashing and I was given a business card so I could make contact for pictures and a video that was shot of her. That's my girl......always drawing a crowd!

While some patrons were dancing on the tables, we partook in the dancing Zorba, a traditional line dance, were we wrapped arms around each other, circling the restaurant in a Greek Conga kick line. It was a blast weaving in and out of the dining rooms!

You can probably surmise that we all got caught up in the exuberance of the moment and left with huge smiles! We decided to walk around the shoppes and doing so, we stumbled on a water fountain....Skyler's favorite! She just adores water and there was no way of walking pass it without a visit. Daddy thinks she'll be a swimmer because of her long legs, long arms and a zest for the wet stuff!

More water fun was just around the corner.......Cousin Jared took Skyler into the shooting water fountain. Jared was such a good sport & walked away the "very wet" hero! Even Uncle Larry jumped in the action. We truly could have stayed there all night. Her giggles were contagious as she drew a crowd from the many shoppers.

A little girl had walked by with a balloon so we wrapped things up, including a drenched Skyler, and strolled on over to the Life Is Good store and got Skyler her very own balloon.

After playing in the grass, we all drove over to Downtown Disney for dessert. By 10PM, Skyler was starting to fade and it was time to head home. It was an unforgettable experience and we hope to jump back in the Zorba, dance alongside the belly dancer while confetti of napkins surround us! There will be a Part II of OPA! lol......