Karras Family Adventures and Other Random Stuff

Giggles

2012-01-23T13:33:00.007-05:00

Dear Evi,

You are almost two (sniff) and every day you amaze me. You are learning new words faster then I can keep count. Your giggles make me smile from ear to ear. I wish that I could bottle them up to enjoy forever. You are so very silly and quite the trouble maker ; ) I love that instead of saying "yes" you always say "uh huh". Oh and you say, "uh huh" to everything! You still love, love, love your puppy ("pup pup") and carry him around most of the day and of course to bed each night. I love your cheeks. They are pudgy and smooth and squishy and I could kiss them all day long. I love you little Evi, more than you'll ever know.

Love,

Mama

Fun in the Winter Sun!

2012-01-11T19:57:00.004-05:00

It's been unseasonably warm lately and yes, because I've said that it stands to reason that the temperature will drop considerably as soon as I hit the "publish post" button : ) Though Sophia is anxious for snow and Evi adores "No" as she calls it, mommy can do without as long as possible. A few less weeks of ice/snow/slush/salt is alright with me! Along with the higher temps we've had an insane amount of sun for this time of year! And naturally, as sun is nature's spotlight, the girls feel the need to fill it...man do I love these silly nuggets!

Christmas in Ohio

2012-01-11T16:05:00.003-05:00

Over the Ohio border and through the corn fields to Grandmother's(s) house we go!!!

Christmas Eve at the Vinciguerra's

Christmas Morning

After Christmas fun with a hot dog roast and painting at GG & G's.

Christmas at Yia Yia's

The girls took a rest mid-way through gifts!

Playing with cousin Demi

New Year's!

Christmas at Home

2012-01-10T12:52:00.003-05:00

It's a good thing Santa knows that we travel out of town for Christmas and can stop by early to deliver presents to good little girls!

This year was a grand one! Santa brought the girls a kitchen of their very own so they can teach mommy to cook : )

More!!!

2012-01-04T21:16:00.008-05:00

Lots to post, little time, BIG importance. I must say, as anxious as the blog makes me since I can't seem to find the time I need to post regularly, it also excites me to think the girls will have a ball looking back and reading all of this and seeing what they were up to so many years ago!

So on with the show!

First up, Mommy turns 29! Again!A beautiful cake from daddy and the girls and a beautiful flower cake from the Kenny's! (oh and a shopping trip with Trish the day before! Wee!!!)

Christmas celebrations with the Donaldson/Desnoyer's!

Bubbles!!!

Mary, er, Sophia

2012-01-03T16:23:00.007-05:00

Sophia learned SO much about the Nativity and Jesus this year at school and Sunday school. The girls played endlessly with the Little People Nativity. In fact, Mary, Joseph and baby Jesus even rode the train around the Christmas tree this year. Her understanding of Jesus, God and Christmas has been pretty amazing and inspiring. Though she has found ways of using it on us to her advantage..." Daddy, you have to dance with me because Jesus says you have to do nice things for other people even if you don't want to" : ) And behold, Mary (Sophia) with baby Jesus (female doll) wrapped in a swaddling blanket (kitchen towel) above a manger (cake pan) filled with straw (shreaded paper) and quite a few wise men and animals (of the stuffed variety).

Ferndale Ice Festival!

2012-01-03T15:47:00.005-05:00

Friends, reindeer, Santa, trains, ice sculptures & hot chocolate o my!

Gold, Frankenstein & Myrrh

2011-12-08T21:14:00.007-05:00

Or at least that's what Sophia thinks : )

We've been soaking up the holidays lately. We have so much to be thankful for and are celebrating each and every second we can with our beautiful, happy girls.

Here are just a few photos from some of our recent events...

Thanksgiving: There should be a ton of pictures of GG & G celebrating with us but it appears they escaped all of the photos. Sneaky.

Holiday party with all of the Nounas & Nounos (Godparents) and Godchildren!

Playing with the train after decorating the Christmas tree (a big one this year!!!).

Gingerbread House making night:

Christmas concert at pre-school:

Visit to see Santa (clearly not a favorite for one of them ; ):

And to think we still have over two weeks of fun to be had!!! We are SO blessed!

Love & Loss

2011-11-18T10:16:00.006-05:00

Not in a million trillion years would I have anticipated sitting down to write these words. I'm still not completely sure why I'm doing it now. I suppose it just feels like something I need to do. For me, for anyone who may have already or who will in the future go through what we just have.

On Wednesday after finding out the devastating news I came home and quickly gathered up everything and anything that would remind me of the last 9 weeks and a life that was not to be. I couldn't bear to see any of it. Not then, not ever. Yet here I am writing down words that I plan to send out into a world where anyone can see. Words that my girls will surely read someday. Words that I cannot erase. I don't know why. Perhaps it's because when my mom came to town that night she asked me why everything had to be a secret. Not her nor I knew of many losses our own cousins/sisters/aunts had endured over the years. But why? Why did I not want anyone to know? Perhaps because it would make it real? But it is real. Perhaps because I would have to endure the pity in their eyes? But I feel pitiful and awful. Perhaps because if I saw them it would make me cry when they hugged me? But I'm already crying. Perhaps because it would be easier to pick up the pieces and move on if no one knew? Maybe. Maybe that's it. Just ignore it and it will go away, right?

I don't know the answers to any of this. I know that I'm more sad then I've ever been in my life. I know that my heart aches in a way I never knew possible. I know that I might cry every day for weeks or perhaps longer. But, I also know that I feel so incredibly grateful. When I went to bed last night after a long day at the hospital I prayed as I always do. I thanked God. I thanked Him for my children. I thanked Him for my amazing husband who got on the first plane home from California to be with us. I thanked Him for my parents for driving all day and night to get my mom to me as quickly as possibly. I thanked Him for the wonderful nurses and doctors that were so nice and caring. I thanked Him for my friends, with whom I can't imagine life without. The friends that have taken care of my children when I could not, the friends who left messages of love and support. The friends whose hugs were more healing then I ever thought possible. I thanked Him for the baby that though I was never to hold, would always live in my heart.

We did not tell the girls. I am thankful for that as I could not endure Sophia's loss as well as my own. However, the more I thought about it, the more I realized that someday I would like them to read this. To know that it's okay to talk about our sadness. It's okay to let others in and not keep secrets. I don't want them to be fearful of feeling. I can't imagine how else we would heal.

I honestly don't know how many people or if anyone reads this blog other then my parents. I don't care really. I'm doing this for my girls. For myself. For Taki. I know it will take time. That each day will bring it's own set of successes and challenges (don't they all!). But together we will become stronger. We will continue to celebrate our blessings rather than complain of our losses. We will cry so that we may see more clearly what is really important. We will look towards the windows that have been opened, not the door that has been closed.

We won't, however, ever forget you, our little baby. We will love you even if you are not here with us. Forever and ever.

Banter with Children

2011-11-05T11:26:00.002-04:00

Oh Sophia, I can't wait until you are old enough to giggle as much at our conversations as I do. Here are just a couple excerpts from only yesterday (keep in mind, she can only hear out of one ear right now and I've almost lost my voice (and subsequent patience) completely.

S-Mommy, can I take this cotton out of my ear?

M-Not yet. We need to make sure the medicine stays in longer.

S-But then I'm going to go to school and all the kids are going to say I look funny and really, Mommy, it's not that funny.

S-Mommy, I love you SOoooo much.

M-I love you too Soph. I would love it even more if you would eat your lunch so we're not late for school.

S-But mommy, I love you from my heart....JUST as you are.

M-You've been watching way too many princess movies.

S-I can't wait to put up ornaments on the Christmas tree.

M-Me too, but we have a few weeks to wait until it's time.

S- Huh?

M-repeat above

S-Huh?

M- (strained) I can't talk any louder! My voice is gone!

S-What about boys and dogs????

More Fall Fun!

2011-10-26T16:33:00.007-04:00

More cider mills! More apple pies! More trick-or-treating! More GG visits!

Yes please!!! (or as Evi would say, Uh Huh PEAS!!!)

Girl's Night Out!!! Woot!!!

2011-10-26T16:21:00.004-04:00

Bet you didn't guess it included dancing princesses & cotton candy. Oh, but it did. It did. And might I say, it was still quite fabulous.

Apples, Pumpkins & Cider Oh My!

2011-10-22T16:45:00.005-04:00

We've spent the last few weeks hitting all our our favorite fall haunts : ) Number one was a trip with the Fishers to the cider mill for apple and pumpkin picking. The following day the girls whipped together a couple of their world-famous tough-crusted apple pies : ) It was unseasonably warm and the first time we've ever worn shorts to the cider mill!

Nanny Jessi's Wedding!

2011-10-11T20:13:00.007-04:00

We had a wonderful time celebrating Jessi & Randy's wedding earlier this month. Jessi babysits the girls, several of their friends and is Luke & Wyatt's full time nanny. She's amazing and the kids LOVE her to pieces! Unfortunately I forgot my camera for the ceremony and don't have photos of Luke as the ringbearer but still managed to snag a few photos from the reception.

Our 18 Monther

2011-10-03T21:07:00.004-04:00

Dear Evi,

I'm sorry mommy is not keeping up as well as I did with your sister. Believe me, I feel guilty about it almost daily. Will that admission keep you from harassing me for it when you are a teenager? Probably not, but it was worth a try : ) Love you little bean!

Weight- 22lbs, 13oz

Height - 32 1/4"

So get this, she weighs less and is taller then Sophia at 18 months. How? I do not know because I could have sworn that Soph was still tiny at that age. I think my swiss cheese brain not only looses memories through the holes but it also alters them, skews them and then flips them

around. See, now this is why I have a blog. Not for anyone but my tired old self.

Evi's vocabulary is expanding by the day. It's still a little tough to understand but she has some favorites...like "CHEESE" when she is having her photo taken or taking one with the play camera. She's also a huge fan of "NO". Her yes is actually a "Uh, huh" and when she poops she comes to you and whispers gibberish while pulling at her pants. Darling. She also loves to mock me. I can't tell if it's love and admiration by way of copying, or just plain mean pre-teen like tendencies : ) Let's see, what else...she is still perfecting her scowl (see below) but has the cheesy grin down pat. She loves to dress up in Sophia's dress up clothes and do anything her big sis is doing. She is still quite determined and hard headed but also hysterical and silly too. I'm excited to see what's up next for our little bean.

Here We Go Again!

2011-09-21T20:31:00.005-04:00

Much to our surprise (after the fatefull, non dancing recital), Sophia decided she wanted to take ballet again this year. Thus far, she is WAY more into it this year and enjoying every second. We passed all of her old leotards on to Kelsey and she is sporting a whole new "line". Perhaps she's more excited about the dancewear then the actual dancing...hmmmm....

Preschool

2011-09-20T22:34:00.002-04:00

1st day of 4 year old preschool....sniff, sniff

Our 4 Year Old

2011-09-04T17:39:00.008-04:00

Well technically Sophia has been 4 for nearly 2 months and while I know I'm way behind, I'm actually happy that I'm doing this post late as we've had a couple months to soak it all in. I wouldn't believe it if I hadn't experienced it firsthand but our little big girl seems to have grown leaps and bounds overnight. A virtual switch went off on her birthday and let me say, thus far, age 4 might be my favorite! She truly is my mommy helper (most of the time!) and SUCH a great big sister. She is trying new things every day. She's still sweet as ever, but has lost a little of that 3 year old need to test us. She's so eager to learn new things and loves telling everyone about it. Yes, this includes the check-out person at each and every store we go to, random people in elevators, fellow patrons in public bathrooms...indeed it can be a bit awkward at times, but I just love her zest for life and have a tough time discouraging it. That said, we do need to keep on her about when it is and is not okay to speak to strangers (yikes). Gosh, there are no words to express my love for this little girl!

Stats:

Height- 40"

Weight- 351/2 lbs.

Current favorites:

Favorite Color- Blue ("because it's daddy's favorite")

Favorite Activities- anything crafty, swimming, dancing, swinging, reading books

Favorite Book- Mouse and the Motorcycle

Favorite Toy/thing- Fisher Price iXL, anything mermaid, barbies

Favorite Food-Cupcakes, Cake, Ice Cream, Pizza, Mac & Cheese...you know, good-for-you stuff

New try & likes- Chicken noodle soup, bacon, white fish, hamburger

Wacky Evi

2011-08-19T10:37:00.003-04:00

This girl is SO wacky. She makes us laugh every day with her bizarre acts and faces...

"O" on the ends and "HI" in the middle

2011-08-19T10:35:00.014-04:00

O HI O

Shortly after returning from our trip to Greece, we headed down to Dayton & Cincinnati for a couple weeks. Sadly, the first leg of our trip was to Dayton for our dear friends' father's funeral. Though bittersweet, it was wonderful to spend some time with friends we rarely see.

Cincinnati was full of fun and family as we picked veggies at uncle Tom & aunt Kathy's Harvest party...

Took a trip to Parky's farm complete with a pony ride...

And celebrated cousin Janna & Josh's wedding...

Best of all, we love spending time with family. It's such a treat and we are SO blessed to have not just one, but two places we can call home!

Oops! One more

2011-07-28T22:40:00.005-04:00

Forgot the "going home" post.

This is what happens when one runs out of clothes on a trip and fails to pack a back-up outfit for the million hour plane ride home...

Turns out a blanket works in a pinch as a sarong and you only get a few weird looks using the plane window to dry the dress you handwashed in that thing they refer to as the "sink" in the aircraft bathroom. Unfortunately we simply could not get daddy's pants to hang well enough in the window so he had to endure the additional 12 hours of travel time in a state of soil-ment. Someone get that man an award already!

Greece! - Athens

2011-07-28T21:22:00.011-04:00

Last leg of the trip! We enjoyed the last 4 days of vacation in Athens seeing all of the famous sites and spending some more time with cousin Blake. We drove to Sounio to see Poseidon's Temple, shopped at Manastiraki, spent a day in Vouliagmeni at the beach and explored the Acropolis. We also had some wonderful food, great laughs (was it a broach or a roach!? Feathers!?) and most importantly....tons of pagoto at the pereptero (I've no idea how to spell these in english and don't have a greek font!).

Greece! - Potamia

2011-07-27T08:37:00.008-04:00

While in Gythio we drove down to the village where Yia Yia grew up. We spent the day with thea Rena, theo Costa & theo Taki. We walked around while Yia Yia pointed out places and things from when she was a kid. Theo Taki lives in the house that Taki's Yia Yia once lived in (with a few recent changes to the 3 room/1bath home). Off to the side was where the home that Yia Yia lived in with the whole family before she came to America. The area she mapped out is tiny. Most of us have kitchens or even bathrooms the size of the home that she shared with her parents and 3 siblings. It was very eye-opening!

Just about every tree in Potamia is fruit/nut/olive bearing. It was incredible to just walk up to a tree, pull off a pear and take a bite! Pomegranates, oranges, peaches, pears...to name a few. It was amazing to see olive trees on their property that are 300 years old with their beautifully twisted trunks and silver leaves. Thank you Yia Yia for sharing all of your memories and home with us and thank you thea Rena for the lovely lunch, theo Costa for the beautiful singing and theo Taki for all of the wonderful fruits and vegetables!

Greece! - Gythio

2011-07-26T21:53:00.014-04:00

Gythio was the next stop on our journey and one that was familiar to all but the girls and I. It is a short distance from the village where Yia Yia grew up and one they have visited often. It was here that Sophia ate her first Octopus. For real. She did. I know! Oh and fish with the heads (& eyes) still on! Evi stuck to noodles but it was certainly a turning point for Soph.

We also swam at the beach and pool at the hotel as many hours as the day would allow. Gythio was also the site of Soph's first independent swim!!! She is now able to swim underwater without floaties for a good 4-5 feet unassisted. It was pretty exciting. We also celebrated her 4th birthday with an amazing dinner along with family and a cake topped with the biggest candle imaginable! I'm pretty sure it was actually a roman candle.

As you can see, Prince Eric came along for the trip and often accompanied us to the beach. No worries on his nudity...it's Europe and totally normal. I also had to include a picture of the wine. Yes, that is wine. Packaged in a water bottle. tee hee hee.

Greece! - Delphi & Arahova

2011-07-24T21:40:00.008-04:00

Sick of these yet??? : )

We left the next morning for Delphi & Arahova as we made our way south another 4-5 hrs. As you can see, Yia Yia doesn't concern herself with rules or signage and posed with Sophia atop an ancient stone in Delphi : )

We stayed nearby in Arahova which was one of my favorite stops. Arahova is a charming mountain town that is popular for it's skiiing in the winter. Our hotel was one of my favorites (and it had a shower curtain! yay!) so I wanted to share some of the photos of the inside as well as one from our balcony.

Greece! - Meteora

2011-07-24T20:21:00.005-04:00

After the wedding we traveled to Meteora and wow, just wow. The pictures don't do it justice, that's for sure. Meteora is made up of giant (400 meter tall) rock formations. Atop them stand 24 monasteries, 6 of which are still in operation. It is said that the first people to inhabit Meteora arrived in the 9th century. The views are breathtaking and the monasteries are unbelievable. Amazing....

Greece! - The Wedding (part 2)

2011-07-24T07:12:00.008-04:00

On Saturday we celebrated the wedding of the new Mr. & Mrs. Evan Bambakidis! Stacy walked from her home in the village to the church which is a tradition in Greece. We could here them coming from the music that was being played as she danced. It was a HOT, hot day but she still looked stunning. The church was nothing short of amazing. Sophia did a tremendous job as a flower girl and loved every minute! Afterwards we had dinner, dancing, dinner, more dancing and then some more dinner at the reception: )

Greece! - The Wedding (part 1)

2011-07-24T06:26:00.009-04:00

Thursday night Theo George and cousin Blake joined us and on Friday we said goodbye to Halkidiki and headed about 3 1/2 hours to Velventos for Evan and Stacy's wedding. That evening Sophia practiced her flower girl walk with Theodora and Anna at the rehersal (as you can see, Evi tried to crash the flower girl party) and we had amazing food at the dinner that followed.

Greece! - Week 1

2011-07-23T21:19:00.007-04:00

For the first 5 days of our trip we stayed at a resort in Halkidiki called Anthemus Sea. It was beautiful and relaxing. The food was wonderful and the beach was glittery...no joke, the water actually looked like glitter was mixed into it. Apparently the area is very mineral rich and the stones along the beach all look as though they should be set in gold and hung around your neck!

Yassas!

2011-07-23T20:56:00.004-04:00

We have emerged from the depths of vacation fog and are finally (almost) unpacked and on our way (kinda) back to normal, whatever that is. I don't even know where to start with sharing our adventures in Greece so I'm going to do several posts and only pick some of the over 1,000(!!!) photos we took.

Overall, the trip was wonderful! I wouldn't recommend flying and driving as much as we did to anyone with small children, however, they really did well considering what we asked of them. In all we were on a plane/in an airport for a total of 36 hours, in a car for an additional 21 hours, and stayed in 6 hotels. Needless to say...we're all tired. VERY tired. But it was worth every bit of it!

The flight over was rough as our first flight was a bit late, our seats on our second flight were sold to someone else (I don't love Delta right now), we had to fight our way back on it but were given 4 separate seats, lost our luggage, had to prove Evi was our kid and that we didn't steal her between the Atlanta and Athens flight, found our luggage on a random carousel in the corner of the Thessaloniki airport.....etc. Despite the bumps along the way, we got there safe and sound with luggage and a touch of sanity intact.

15 Months

2011-06-28T14:42:00.009-04:00

Last week Evi turned 15 months! Time for an update!

Stats:

Length- 30 3/4"

Weight- 21 lbs, 2 ounces

Head- 17 3/8"

She's definitely slowing down, at least per the charts. By no means is she slowing down in everyday life : ) She gained less then a pound in the last three months but she's also entered into that picky eating stage coupled with teething. Otherwise, she's right on track for everything and doing great!

Current favorites:

-anything her sister is playing with, looking at, eating, etc.

-her pink and white puppy

-riding in the Boba on mommy's back

-anything her sister is playing with, looking at, eating, etc.

-giving kisses

-playing outside, especially sidewalk chalk and her swing

-did I mention anything her sister is playing with, looking at, eating, etc?

She has some hysterical facial expressions that I will have to try and catch on camera. She still laughs and smiles at the drop of a hat yet has quite the temper. She loves when daddy comes home from work and wants him to hold her right away. Otherwise, she's still pretty clingy with me...well, unless we're in a situation where she needs to be held and then she wants nothing to do with me.

She talks and babbles all the time, though much of it is gibberish. She definitely has a handful of words like, dada, dodo (dog), ah du (all done), mama (on the rare occasion), babble (waffle) hi and ba ba (by). She waves, blows kisses, points, walks, runs, climbs, you name it!

Ahhhhhhhhh......Summer

2011-06-27T07:51:00.003-04:00

Big Girl

2011-06-26T18:41:00.006-04:00

Evi had her ever famous locks trimmed at the salon for the first time. I say this very matter-of-fact, simply because I'm sad that she's growing up so fast so if I keep it short and sweet I'll be less emotional. At least that's what I'm telling myself : )

Playgroup 4th (GASP!) & 1st Birthday

2011-06-16T10:59:00.007-04:00

Since the "seconds" all turn 1 at different times of the year we decided to roll all of the kids birthdays into one party each year. We hosted this year since we will be out of town for Sophia's actual birthday and didn't want to deprive her of picking out decorations and the pinata she's been pining for. The unfortunate arrival of rain storms kept us indoors and unable to do many of the carnival activities that were planned but we still had a great time! It's amazing to see everyone grow and change. We love everyone and are so thankful for our wonderful playgroup!

The Fine Line Between Fun and Disaster

2011-06-16T08:06:00.005-04:00

The pictures make me smile and that's all that counts right? This was certainly one of those parenting lessons. You know, the kind you learn by way of stain stick, spray and wash and a touch of bleach. The kind that requires a mid-day shower....for all. I almost wish I would have taken one last photo of the moment before all had gone completely and unbelievably left of center. But alas,I was too busy gasping for air : )

Memorial Day Weekend

2011-06-03T08:46:00.007-04:00

In lieu of traveling out of town for the long weekend, daddy insisted we only had fun. No work, just play. And play we did!

Graduation!

2011-06-03T08:31:00.003-04:00

What a wonderful first year of school! Made better by our terrific teachers, Miss. Amy & Miss. Rachel!

Stuff-anigans

2011-05-31T19:28:00.004-04:00

We are FINALLY starting to enjoy the spring/summer, or as Sophia calls it "springer". It is currently 87 degrees in our house. Yep, last week we had the heat on, this week we're sweating buckets and wishing for air conditioning, or hell, a strong breeze.
Here are a few pictures of our start of the summer adventures. Lots of fun playing in the yard, picking/planting/smashing flowers, helping daddy with yardwork, collecting bugs and visits to the zoo.

Viola!

2011-05-17T10:34:00.004-04:00

If you can't spot her just look for the kid who spends the second half of the routine admiring the backdrop ; )

Little Dancer

2011-05-10T22:06:00.002-04:00

Our beautiful little girl had her very first dance recital! She got up on a huge stage in front of a HUGE audience and performed (well, kinda) her best : ) I'm pretty sure she was in it for the make-up wearing and the post performance ice cream, but I have to continue to remind myself that she's still 3 years old.

Today she informed me I could throw away her dance stuff because next year she wants to play soccer because it's "SOOOoooo fun". Mind you, she hasn't actually ever played soccer...or really even kicked a ball...oh and often doesn't like to walk much less run : ) We'll see how she feels in the fall but for now, we'll finish up the last couple swim classes and take a break from everything for some summer fun and no schedules!

Unfortunately I'm having trouble uploading the video of the performance. I'll continue to try because it's a must see video!

Hanging With the "G's"

2011-05-01T22:22:00.007-04:00

We just returned from a fantastic week with GG & G in Cincinnati where we did all kinds of fun stuff, like....

candlelight dinners

a visit to the butterfly exhibit

visiting with great friends

chuck e cheese!

snuggling on the porch, eating bananas and watching morning cartoons

and visiting with family!

Easter 2011

2011-05-01T21:41:00.010-04:00

A little rain, a lot of snot and a TON of fun! Christos Anesti!

Minnie Mouse In The House, er, Casa

2011-05-01T20:56:00.003-04:00

A few weeks ago we (along with the Kenny's)had the pleasure of meeting Minnie Mouse at a local mexican restaurant. That's right, the Min-sters it totally down with the tortilla chips.

This Is What You Do...

2011-04-19T11:19:00.006-04:00

This is what you do when you try on your beautiful flower girl dress and practice your dance moves...

This is what you do when you love your new baby doll...

This is what you do when you don't have any clothes for your Barbies...(Daddy even constructed a surfboard for Ken but it just couldn't hold up to his killer moves.)

Or this... eek!

And this is what one does when they wake up on April 18th and there is an inch of snow on the ground....

And THIS is what you do when you just can't seem to find Stawberry Shortcake's real torpedos..

Playgroup Lunch

2011-04-15T08:08:00.009-04:00

See how civil they are at mealtime? Some would call that excellent parenting. Others might attribute it to a quick flash.

Friends Take Two

2011-04-14T17:31:00.008-04:00

Sophia & Luke 2008 & Evangelia & Wyatt 2011

Two Little Fishies

2011-04-06T08:48:00.006-04:00

The girls started swim class last month! This is Sophia's 4th session and Evi's first. And get this, Soph is going it alone this time! She's in her first non-parent class and loving every second. I think she would pick swimming above any possible activity. In fact, she may give up basic human needs if it meant swimming : )

More From the Birthday Girl!

2011-03-27T21:03:00.018-04:00

*****side note-blogger stinks and i can't remove the crazy spacing******

Evi's Well-visit went, well, it went well : ) !!! All good with our little bean and here are her big girl 12 month stats:

Weight: 20 lbs 5 oz. - 40th percentile

Height: 30" - 80th percentile

Head: 18" - 12th percentile

Ability to stay on the examining table - FAIL (she was like a damn flying squirrel)

Ability to leave that fun crinkly examing table paper in tact -Epic FAIL (it was like America's FunniestVideos when someone wins the 10 grand and all the crap falls from the ceiling. Except this probably had stomach flu bacteria on it and we got a bill instead of a check)

Ability to charm the socks off the doc. - A+++

Oh, and did I mention-

Ability to walk - solid B! She started taking a few steps here and there the last few weeks but yesterday and today she's starting to walk between furniture or people without being provoked (read: tortured into practicing)!

Saturday we celebrated her 1st birthday with a small gathering and let her dive into her very first cake. It was all sorts of wonderful...especially being able to share it with a few close friends/family.

One! One! One! One!

2011-03-24T08:46:00.011-04:00

Little Miss Evi is one! My how time flies! And what an incredible, beautiful, sweet girl she is. Who would have thought given the rather rough beginning that she would be so healthy, happy and simply full of life. Man do we love this kiddo! She is a good dose of medicine each and every day with a smile that could win medals and a laugh that might trip up a mime. I could go on and on, but I'll spare you the gushing and share some photos of her big day! (stats later this week after her 12 month well-baby check).

Sadness

2011-03-12T19:57:00.009-05:00

Today was a very tough day for our family. With very heavy hearts we had to say goodbye to our beloved Gabe. Most of you know that we found out before Christmas that he had a large tumor growing next to his heart. In the past few days he stopped eating and appeared to be in much greater pain and was having a difficult time breathing. It was very difficult to see him struggle and we know he is happier now. Painfree and trotting (nah, probably swimming) in heaven.

I write all of this as tears stream down my face. I cannot tell you how sad we are. Gabe has been with us for so long that he is as much a part of us as we are of each other. Dumb college kids with no concept of resposibility, Taki and I visited the local shelter one afternoon and couldn't leave without him. He was a tiny 7 week old puppy, could you resist? : ) Here we are, almost 13 years later. Gabe has been through everything with us. Moves to 6 different homes, 3 different states, a cross-country trek, and most importantly, the birth of our children. He has been the kindest, sweetest, most loyal dog and we simply love him so much. Gabe, we will miss you more then I can express with words.

(sorry for the picture overload, count yourselves lucky I didn't dig out the old prints and start scanning away....)

11 months! sniff sniff

2011-02-24T08:20:00.008-05:00

How did this happen? How is our baby a mere one month shy of her first birthday???? I'm in shock!

Evi is doing so many things these days....trying to pull up on anything and everything , standing for 30 seconds or more by herself, walking with assistance, cruising, and probably more I'm not remembering at this hour!

She has perfected her temper by adding a scowl (see below) and making her hands into fists while shrieking and shaking. I need to get it on tape because it is so dramatic you can hardly help but laugh. This is her go-to response when she doesn't get her way...especially when her big sis is involved.

She wants to try any food she sees but has developed a dislike of anything fruit and could do without cheese of any kind : (

She got her 5th tooth this month and seems to be working on number 6, which puts her 5 teeth ahead of her sister at this age! Oh, and she likes to use them. Preferably on flesh of the mommy sort.

She can still charm the pants off anyone in public and usually elicits a "She's such a cute happy baby" comment more often then not. She's stares down men until they look at her so she can smile and act shy. If they don't look her way she gets a little huffy. I'm so NOT kidding either.

Here she is, in all her 11 month glory!!!

Valentine's Day Fun!

2011-02-19T12:56:00.008-05:00

We all had a lovely time celebrating Valentine's Day with our friends. Here are just a few of the pictures from the celebration!

Soph-17 months and Evi- 10 months

2011-02-14T20:50:00.005-05:00

Double Lutz

2011-02-10T20:27:00.006-05:00

Though Frreeeezing, Sophia got to try her hand, er, foot at ice skating thanks to Ama Jan (Luke & Wyatt's Grandma). Despite a bit of frustration at not being able to glide like Dorothy Hamil, She (and we) had an awesome time. Well, except maybe Evi as she was freezing her kadoinkers off.

Ice Skating, Sledding, Hot Cocoa & Pizza all with amazing friends that often feel more like family. We are so very greatful!

Homebound!

2011-02-06T23:14:00.011-05:00

A few weeks ago the girls and I headed home to Cincinnati for a visit with, get this, no reason. Yup, you heard right...no weddings, babies being born, holiday, etc. Nothing...nada...it was wonderful!

Cincy welcomed us with a hefty snow storm but it didn't stop us from having tons of fun! We spent the day with cousins Lilly & Carolyn, visited the Krohn Conservatory with Dana, Pat & GG, watched football with aunt Marge, Joan and uncle Tom, did crafts, cooked, shopped, you name it!

Snow Days

2011-02-06T10:58:00.002-05:00

Things start to get a little wacky when you are stuck inside for long periods of time. For instance, you partake in ice cream for lunch (SHhhhhh!), hallway races, and well, let's just say I stumbled upon the beheaded polly pocket hammered into a peg bench.

My New Mantra

2011-01-28T08:23:00.002-05:00

Babies Don't Keep
by Hulburt Hamilton

Mother, oh Mother, come shake out your cloth,
Empty the dustpan, poison the moth,
Hang out the washing and butter the bread.
Sew on a button and make up a bed.
Where is the mother whose house is so shocking?
She's up in the nursery, blissfully rocking.

Oh, I've grown shiftless as Little Boy Blue
(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).
Dishes are waiting and bills are past due
(Pat-a-cake, darling, and peek, peekaboo)
The shopping's not done and there's nothing for stew
And out in the yard there's a hullabaloo
But I'm playing Kanga and this is my Roo.
Look! Aren't her eyes the most wonderful hue?
(Lullaby, rockaby, lullaby loo).

The cleaning and scrubbing will wait till tomorrow,
For children grow up, as I've learned to my sorrow.
So quiet down, cobwebs. Dust go to sleep.
I'm rocking my baby and babies don't keep.

Happy 10 Months Little Evangelia!

2011-01-23T21:01:00.003-05:00

Had to document that big ol' baby belly that we adore so much.

Best Friends

2011-01-17T21:59:00.003-05:00

Best friends share everything...

A seat with a view:

Marshmallows by the fire:

Hugs:

And shortly thereafter, THE STOMACH FLU.

woops : (

sorry Kenny family!!!!

Before You Know It

2011-01-06T20:41:00.006-05:00

Evi is growing so fast! Before you know it she'll be 10 months....wait, that's because she practically WILL be 10 months by the time her slacker mother gets her 9 month pictures/stats up!

Weight: 18lbs, 5oz. - just under 50th%
Height: 28 1/4" - above 75th %
Head: 16 1/2" - 10th %

Demeanor: Fiesty
Activity: Lots
Temperment: Sweet & Sour, heavy on the sweet
Overall rating: Amazing

Almost Done! Christmas #5

2011-01-04T20:44:00.012-05:00

Family! FUN! Family! FUN!!!! Oh and some presents, playdoh creatures, a visit to the history museum, Evi's first skyline, new adorable hats made by Trish, cookie making......Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Still Going Strong...Christmas #4

2011-01-04T16:38:00.010-05:00

Christmas morning (kinda) at our house...Santa came early since he knew we were traveling down to Ohio. Also some pictures taken by Mommy's new camera!!!

Annnnndddddd....Take 3

2011-01-04T13:34:00.005-05:00

Playgroup Christmas Party, Sending our Christmas list to Santa via North Pole Postal Service with Michael, Panayiota and Nouna Pella, and running into Jesse & Drew with Nouno Chris & Nouna Jessica at the mall...

Christmas take 2!

2011-01-03T21:27:00.003-05:00

Sophia's first school Christmas program! She was a showstopper as expected : )

Mas Christmas

2011-01-02T21:35:00.005-05:00

I've been waiting to do one post of all of our Christmas adventures this year. Eh, not so wise. TOO many photos & events. So...take one...1st visit with santa with Ailey & Olivia, Ferndale Ice Festival and lunch with Santa with Luke & Wyatt:

All I Want For Christmas...

2010-12-18T14:43:00.003-05:00

In an attempt to capture a picture of Evi's first two teeth we've also nabbed a stunning photo of an emerging booger. Only the finest photographer could achieve such excellence : )

A School Art Project That Rivals ALL Art Projects

2010-12-18T14:40:00.002-05:00

Yes, my friends, Woob dog has officially surpassed mom and dad in the importance category...

Bound to be a Sold Out Show

2010-12-07T21:49:00.002-05:00

Thursday night Sophia is making her vocal debut by way of the preschool Christmas program. Watch out Lady Gaga, Christina Aguilera and the likes....she's been practicing her little heart out.

Turkey Day 2010!

2010-12-04T13:30:00.007-05:00

THANK YOU! Thank you! Thanks! Thanksgiving!

Thank you for the wonderful food, Yia Yia!
Thank you Evi for loving turkey (yay! a meateater!).
Thank you for my forever silly Sophia.
Thank you for cousins galore from near and across the country.
Thank you GOD for Amoxicillan and an abundance of tissues ; )

Random Silliness

2010-12-02T21:16:00.002-05:00

Happy 8 Months Beaners!

2010-11-23T15:42:00.004-05:00

Oh boy is she going to hate us some day for that nickname.

Evi is starting to move around more...via backwards pushing method. She seems to get frustrated that she isn't going forward but hasn't figured out how to do so just yet.

And here is how pictures turn out with an 8 month old and a hat : )

Evi's Baptism

2010-11-09T08:45:00.005-05:00

This past weekend was a very special one for us. We celebrated the baptism of our little Evangelia with lots of friends and family. We are so very blessed to have Evi in our life and with her baptism, more members of family to love and grow with! Evi already adores her Godparents and new Godbrothers (BOYS!!!). Here are a few pictures from her special day!

Falloween

2010-11-01T21:30:00.009-04:00

Little bit o' fall, little bit o' Halloween...and a whole lot of candy!

Our family of pumpkins

School Trick or Treat and party

Keeping warm while the rest of those yayhoo's run around for candy

Our herd of giraffes

Family picture at the Kenny's annual party and pumpkin bowling downtown Royal Oak

Yet another of Evi's costumes

Pumpkin Patch

Kisses and playing in the leaves

Pictures! Pictures! Pictures!

2010-10-24T21:00:00.011-04:00

Here are just a few of the many photos from our 3 year/ 6 month photo shoot with the girls. Enjoy!

Friends!

2010-10-19T10:29:00.004-04:00

Evi loves her friends...and to swing! We're trying to soak up these last nice days while we can : )

Swoon

2010-10-15T08:52:00.002-04:00

So Big!

2010-10-11T11:03:00.003-04:00

Stats are in!

6 months:

Weight: 15lbs 13oz - 50th-75th%

Height: 26 1/4" - 75th - 90th%

Head: 16" - solid 10th%

Peanut headed children UNITE!

Apple Doesn't Fall Far...

2010-09-27T16:08:00.004-04:00

6 Months!

2010-09-24T10:58:00.002-04:00

Happy 6 months Evi!

Stats to come after the pediatrician appt. next week...

September = Lot's of Firsts!

2010-09-15T11:18:00.007-04:00

First apple picking trip of the year!

First Peach Festival!

First time sitting!

First Day of Preschool!

First Pigtails!

First Ballet class!

A Totally Average Day

2010-09-07T18:15:00.005-04:00

Whirlwind- AKA Worlds Longest Post

2010-08-30T15:53:00.014-04:00

I swear these days end before they begin. I cannot even begin to understand how my Grandmother raised 11 children. The laundry alone would send me to an early grave. She was an amazing woman. I only wish I could tell her in person. Might also explain why she often had a look of frustration on her face...but always followed by a big smile.

Anyhow...I say all of this because I feel in a way I am failing to keep up with the level of documentation on Evi that I did for Sophia and I just don't want to forget anything. My brain, after all, is swiss cheese. Between email, baby books, scrapbooks, photo albums, facebook, the blog...I just can't keep it all straight or updated. As much as I would like to do away with a few of the above avenues I just can't at this point. Now if there is a 3rd baby, I might have to reconsider, but for now, just bear with me.

Recent Sophia updates:

-I'm starting preschool in two weeks!!!! I will be in Miss. Amy's class at St. Mary's on Tuesdays & Thursday afternoons for a few hours.

-I'm starting dance class too!!!

-I'm POTTY TRAINED!!! WOOHOO!!!

-I live to embarrass my mom and dad in public...loudly. For example:

"Daddy, why is that big lady getting out of the pool." (regarding an overweight woman)

"What's that doctor's name" (a woman with a very ill fitting white suit coat had walked by)

"Who's that lady, sexy lady" (singing loudly at Meijer)

"Mommy why's that lady's hair that color" (a woman with a REALLY bad red dye job)

I'll leave out the ones that occur in public bathrooms because I'm even too embarrassed to type them.

-I look SO grown up : (

- I now call polka dots, polka bots. Can't seem to remember the right words.

-I still LOVE my woob dog and treat him as my best friend. Mommy and Daddy have finally realized he is indeed an animate object. They're a little slow at times.

-I enjoy "Chinese chicken nuggets" (General Tso's) and "Mexican pizza" (quesadillas) but my favorite foods remain to be yogurt and cream of wheat.

-I can finally reach the pedals on my tricycle and love to ride!

-I seriously use the words seriously and like, like way too much for my age.

-I like to make friends. In fact, if you are a living, breathing being I will consider you a friend and likely ask you to come play (sorry lady at Target). Wait...I'm also friends with a blanket so I guess the whole living/breathing thing is optional.

-Gosh so, SO much more but site above: mom's swiss cheese brain - and that's all we can come up with right now.

Recent Evi updates:

-I wake up with the biggest smile on my face every day and after every single nap!

-My smiles and laughs are so huge and wonderful that they are contagious.

-I am LOVING food. Especially the green kind.

-My hair is looking less George Castanza and more Don Draper.

-My left foot is my favorite form of entertainment. (sounds like a title for a future movie, eh?)

-I am a spitting image of my daddy and yia yia but my personality is definitely more mommy.

-I just learned how to blow raspberries!

-I think my sister and doggy are the funniest things EVER.

Happy 5 Months Evi Bean!

2010-08-23T21:59:00.002-04:00

Fun With the Tarachas & Kenny Family!

2010-08-16T12:19:00.005-04:00

We had a wonderful week up in Traverse City staying at Yia Yia & Papou Tarachas' (Ailey & Kristiana's grandparents) cottage on the lake. We are so grateful to have such amazing people in our lives. I feel like we are family rather then friends...well technically I guess we are since Ailey is our God Daughter. And while I'm on the subject, we are so lucky to have such a beautiful, funny and insanely intelligent God Daughter. We love you SO much Ailey!

Yia Yia Tina and her incredible hospitality!

The beach

Pizza outing after the children's museum

Zzzzzzzz

Sisters

Girl Talk

The lovely Ailey

Morning play

Cereal, Sweet Potatoes & Tubs Oh My

2010-08-07T22:55:00.006-04:00

First Cereal: FAIL (and second,third,fourth....apparently she's not a carb girl)

First Sweet Potatoes: SCORE!

Bath with my big sis: AWESOME...right up until she pours water over my head

4 Months

2010-08-07T22:46:00.002-04:00

3 & 4 Stats + Video Cuteness

2010-08-04T08:14:00.004-04:00

On Monday the girls went to the doctor for their well visits...3 year & 4 month. Both did great even though they had to get some yucky shots : ( Drum roll please....

Sophia- 3 yrs old
30 lbs-50th %
38"-50-75th %

Evangelia
13 lbs, 14oz. - 50-75th %
25.5" - 90th %!!!!

Goes to show that even little runts like me can produce average to tall children : ) And behold just one of my favorite video's from vacation. This was taken when Sophia decided to be a one man show for a singer outside a restaurant. I'll post another soon.

Vacay!!!

2010-07-31T12:51:00.009-04:00

We've just returned from an AMAZING vacation in Hilton Head. This was Sophia's 3rd trip to the island and each year has been just as great as the year before. Minus the fact that the island seems to cause Sophia to cut teeth (2 yr molars this time around) fun was had by all. I'll apologize now for my inability to edit...but it's impossible to pick through so many photos! Special thanks to Thea Eleni and Theo Kyle for inviting us to stay in their home once again.

This is how Evi spent the majority of vacation : )

First dip in the ocean.

First dip in the pool (don't tell the pediatrician : )

This pic would have been a framer had ketchup not interfered

Shelter Cove.

Yia Yia's birthday dinner

Cousin Dorian

Counsin Demi

Our giant sand octopus!

Date Night!

Beach bum

Three!

2010-07-16T10:59:00.008-04:00

Mama and daddy are having a tough time with this birthday. It's really fun that Sophia is at an age where she really appreciates what a birthday is, but that also comes with a side of grown-up-ness that we aren't ready for. She really isn't a baby anymore, nor a toddler. She's a full-fledged pre-schooler with reasoning skills, an iron-clad memory and all the charm in the world. We're so sad the time has gone by so very fast. Of course there are years of fun and memories ahead of us...dance recitals, first days of school, first tattoo (DON'T EVEN THINK ABOUT IT KID)... : ) but she'll never need us like she's needed us thus far. When you have a second child you think that you'll be able to relive all of that, but the truth is, every child is so very different. We'll never relive Sophia's baby years because there is only one Sophia. *Sigh* And I'm sure we will feel the exact same way when Evi turns three. Just a reminder to enjoy every second because they are fleeting!

Sophia, we love you SO much and you'll always be our baby girl....

We've had quite the celebrations this year. First, the playgroup birthday which I posted about already. Then we had a small gathering this past weekend with Sophia's nouno and nouna (godparents), the Donaldson/Desnoyers and the Fishers. Sophia chose Strawberry Shortcake as her theme and we made her a cupcake cake. All in all, it was a fabulous time. Yesterday for her actual birthday we went to visit Nicole, Luci and Emme for a playdate and they surprised her with cupcakes and a fun craft...such wonderful friends we have!

Happy 4th!

2010-07-09T17:46:00.003-04:00

Drive-in, waterpark, fireworks, parade....it's going to be tough to beat this 4th of July weekend!

*note to parents: drive-in = GENIUS! why o why did we not think of this when we had just one little one? they sleep, you watch. they cry, no dirty looks from other movie-goers. genius i tell you.

Summer Days

2010-07-09T17:03:00.004-04:00

We were recently invited to Luke's Grandma's house for some fun in the sun. Below is a picture of Ama Jan or as Sophia calls her "Ama Jamma" taking the kids on a boat ride and Evi basking in the shade. Thanks Ama Jamma for a fantastic visit!

Happy 3 Months Evi!

2010-07-01T22:39:00.002-04:00

A little late but wanted to wait for the official photo : )

Conversations With Infants...

2010-06-28T17:12:00.002-04:00

Almost Tree!

2010-06-27T18:39:00.009-04:00

Sophia is going to be three (or as she says, tree) in just a few short weeks! We celebrated the girls in play group birthday already since Tallulah is moving to Oregon at the end of the week (BOOOOO!!!) They had so much fun playing with squirt guns, opening presents and eating princess cupcakes.

In birth order: Tallulah, Ailey, Sophia, Addi, Luci and Lilliana

And some of our newest members...in birth order: Kristiana (Ailey's sister), Emme (Luci's sister), Matilda (Tallulah's sister), Evi (duh) and Annalise (Lilliana's sister)- unfortunately Connor was napping when I took these so I don't have a photo of him but he would fall between Matilda and Evi. The lone man of the group : )

Bad Outfit Day

2010-06-21T09:11:00.002-04:00

enough said...well, technically I should clarify that this was compliments of mommy attending a baby shower and daddy being in charge of dressing the kids:

Bad Hair Day

2010-06-21T09:04:00.001-04:00

enough said....

Our Little Dare Devil

2010-06-21T08:38:00.003-04:00

Anyone who has spent any significant time with Sophia knows she is quite timid...or so we thought. She's always been the one to shy away from anything adventurous and carefully warn other kids that what they are doing might be dangerous. So imagine our surprise when we went to a local carnival and she wanted to ride EVERY ride! We attended the very same carnival last year and she was even leary about the merry go round. This year she rode the merry go round, swings, huge slide, rollercoaster, ferris wheel and train. Who knew? We might just have a litle dare devil after all.

Behind

2010-06-11T15:47:00.011-04:00

Just a tad bit behind on the posts... : ( We recently ventured south for some family time and to introduce little Evangelia to our extended family. It was a fantastic, yet way too short, trip. I wish we could have stayed for another week or two! Here are some photos documenting our adventures:

Updates

2010-06-07T17:36:00.003-04:00

I realized I haven't updated everyone on Evi and her stomach/formula/reflux issues that I wrote about a few weeks after she was born. Let's just say this kiddo might just earn a reserved parking spot at the pediatrician sometime soon : ( That being said, she's doing SO much better. Up until a couple of weeks ago we were at the peds. at least once a week if not more with one thing or another (blood in the stool, reflux, blocked tear duct, thrush-which was SO not fun, and most recently Laryngomalasia) . Despite all of this, Evi is such a happy little girl! She's such a trooper and I love her more then I can express. She coos and smiles like nobody's business. She's even shared her first laugh with us and recently found her hands which both amuse and frustrate her. She is such a joy and we are very blessed to call her our daughter!

2 month stats:

Weight: 10lbs 13oz

Height: 22 1/2"

Head: 14 3/4"

L.O.V.E.

2010-05-27T16:04:00.002-04:00

If I could bottle this girl and give it to sad people the world would be a better place...