Happy Birthday

to my dad!! He turns 51. And Belle also turns 15 months today!

Last year, when my dad turned 50, he threw himself a big party at our small house & invited all his friends. Which means...Our house was packed! Cause you know, everyone who knows my dad knows he has tons of friends. It was fun. But this year, it will be just us this time!

Actually, he's spending most of the day at my sister's tennis tournament. Hopefully she wins, cause that will totally complete his birthday. Happy Birthday DAD!

Lately, I've been playing a balancing act between Belle & sewing. It's crazy. I'm thankful for the help I get...my brother holding her while she naps, my sister keeping her out of trouble, & Binh for cleaning up after her. I just realized Belle has 3 babysitters. haha!

And finally, here are the remaining pictures from when we were still in NJ last week!

Aris wanted to treat Belle to a kids indoor playground place called,Kidz Village.

Belle had a blast!! She was busy busy busy...

This "slide" was her favorite.

They had a pretend ballet studio. She just stared at herself in the mirror...

& then turned off the ballet video. Oops!

Stop sign?? Is she trying to tell me something?!

& we end the day with the slide!

Seriously a great place to bring kids to wear them out. She had fun! We must go back.

Next day, we hung out at Mike & Lenee's with great company.

Nikolai was there too. He loves wrestling with Aris...

These 2 are always on the move. Just getting them to sit took a lot of effort.
Aris' mom with her babies!
LEILA BEAR! She sleeps a lot.
We look like their sisters. Not their moms. HE HE HE!

THANK YOU!

...for your sweet responses from the previous post.

Thanks for ALL the fun ideas, & words of encouragement.

I feel more motivated & excited!

And nervous too. Knowing I'm making something that someone will pay for?!! aaahhh!

My first project is for Nicole :) I'll get started soon. Whoo hooo!

I'm currently in NJ right now. Catching up with family in this new year.

AND...Belle & I finally met LEILA!

She's soo cute. Sooo tiny. When I see her wear Belle's newborn clothes, I get shocked.

WHAT?! Belle was that tiny!? Crazy!!

Like all newborns, she just sleeps the majority of the day. I have to get a picture of her awake soon!!

She's one big eater. And rarely cries. When she does cry, it doesn't even sound like it.

When Belle was watching her in her crib, Belle put her feet up & almost climbed in. Scarryyy!

I also love when Belle smiles at her & pokes her face. They'll be partner in crimes one day. UH OH.

Late in the afternoon, both Belle & Leila took a long nap.
Nap time is break time for Lenee & I!...which we spent our time watching soap operas.

So who needs those kiddish couches when you have this....

a BATHTUB! to relax, kick back, & watch TV.

After we gave her a bath, Aris brought the tub in the room to put away. But Belle climbed in, and stayed there to watch Baby Einstein.

Put her leg up..cause she's a diva.

She was in there for awhile. I enjoyed watching her in there. Hehehe

After Baby Einstein, the 2 had a tickling fest on the bed.

Tickle spot: Her neck.

We'll probably be here until the end of the week...having some Leila time.

PS: Thanks again my Kariselle-ers! You guys are the BEST.

Thanksgiving & NJ

We spent almost all of last week in NJ. We celebrated Thanksgiving & did tons of stuff. Here are the pictures. There's a lot!

That's Nicholi. Aris' cousin's son. He's a math genius. He's in kindergarten & is already multiplying! That's what happens when you have both your parents as accountants.

Love Lenee's big belly in that polka dot dress!

Playing with the tunnel.
Aris inside: "Hey hurry up!! Belle's trying to go down! Get this tunnel off. She's so heavy! I can't hold her!"

How cute is this ear cover?? It looks like a hat but it's an ear cover. Got it at a craft fair.

It's actually mine. But it looks better on Belle. Fine. We can share!

We went to Ikea just to eat. Aris loves their food. Last time we went there to eat, I was still pregnant. So imagine how excited he was to go there.

The we roamed around...
Belle got attached to this bed. It's really cute!She cried when I carried her off. Next time Belle! In a few years...

We walked out to the sunset. Pretty!

After Ikea these two were engrossed in Baby Einstein.

Lenee bought Belle books. She actually sits & listen. I couldn't believe it!"Hey! Stop distracting!"

Bath time was funny...
Her hair keeps growing so we're having more fun!

Our last night there so Mike was hugging Belle bye. She looked at the camera & made this face. haha.

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And is it really December already?? Cause I'm excited for Christmas! Family & friends are flying in, lots of food, christmas decor, presents, & Belle will be celebrating along. Last year, she was only 2 months old...slept through everything in her Santa suit. But this year, she can open presents, eat everything, and pull the decorations off the tree...Uh oh.

Presents...Trying to go different this year with the presents. I'm attempting to make everyone's present or add something personal that I know they'll (hopefully) like! It's a fun challenge.