Beast mode (for Brewer's fans), "So Big", Yo Whatz Up?, etc... :) Hehe.
Happy Weekend
I hope everyone has a great Memorial Day weekend. I thought I'd share photos of Nina to brighten the day ... anyone able to come up with funny captions?
Beast mode (for Brewer's fans), "So Big", Yo Whatz Up?, etc... :) Hehe.
Beast mode (for Brewer's fans), "So Big", Yo Whatz Up?, etc... :) Hehe.
Lately
This past weekend, we had fun with family!
On Friday, I hosted family and out-of-town guests from Brazil and North Carolina for drinks and dessert.
I made Ina Garten's Espresso Martinis and Todd English's homemade recipe for Peanut Butter Hot Fudge from his cookbook. If you want the recipe, email me!
On Saturday, we had my cousin Dana's wedding. It was a beautiful warm day for an outdoor wedding! Sorry for the poor quality photo.
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On Sunday, we went to a Timber Rattler's game for our godson Ethan's birthday.
p.s. Did you notice I rearranged my blog reads (at right)? Do you read any good blogs that I should be reading? :) Please share!
On Friday, I hosted family and out-of-town guests from Brazil and North Carolina for drinks and dessert.
I made Ina Garten's Espresso Martinis and Todd English's homemade recipe for Peanut Butter Hot Fudge from his cookbook. If you want the recipe, email me!
On Saturday, we had my cousin Dana's wedding. It was a beautiful warm day for an outdoor wedding! Sorry for the poor quality photo.
.JPG)
On Sunday, we went to a Timber Rattler's game for our godson Ethan's birthday.
p.s. Did you notice I rearranged my blog reads (at right)? Do you read any good blogs that I should be reading? :) Please share!
Evan's Baptism
This past weekend, Mr. Evans and I had the honor of becoming godparents to Evan Brian Leonzal. It was a beautiful little ceremony followed by a delicious lunch with family.
Don't you just love the name Evan Brian? It's a little tribute to my SIL's maiden name (Evans) and my BIL's late father (Brian). How special. :)
Don't you just love the name Evan Brian? It's a little tribute to my SIL's maiden name (Evans) and my BIL's late father (Brian). How special. :)
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| Katie, Adam, Evan, Mr. Evans and I |
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| Cousin Gabe teaching Nina to crawl. They'll love these butt shots when they're older! |
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| The Evans family - minus Nick and Beth (who are currently honeymooning). P.S. Nick and Beth started a blog you can follow here. |
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Swinging Swinging
It's finally warm, which means it's swinging season. Yipee! Nina LOVES her tree swing.
Happy beginning of summer!
Happy beginning of summer!
The Kentucky Derby
Mr. Evans recently went to The Kentucky Derby. From what I know (or wanted to know), he had a fantastic time, drank lots of mint juleps, and partook in many traditional festivities. As promised, here are a few photos he took on his iPhone.
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| Top Row - Pewter Mint Julep cups for me, a horsie onesie for Nina. Bottom Row - Churchill Downs scenes. :) |
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| Mr. Evans and Bob (the best man in our wedding). |
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| Mr. Evans ran into Gail Simmons from Top Chef! |
Random Photo Dump
Just because I liked these random photos, I thought I'd post them... why not? :) I was going through my camera/iPhone and came across these goodies.
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| The Evans girls getting ready for Beth's wedding at the salon. :) I love this photo. |
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| Mr. Evans and Evan matched. Hehe. |
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| I love my husband! |
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| Nina spending time at Grandma's house (only a Grandma would let a baby lick the banana bread batters)! |
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| She'll be 16 before I know it - yikes! |
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| Shopping for a birthday present for a very special 5-year old's big day. She looks so interested by the trucks and bulldozers - don't you think? :) |
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| Snuggling up before nap time. Nina likes to send photos to daddy at work! |
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| We took this yesterday on my first Mother's Day. I was utterly spoiled - roses, pearls and homemade dinner. The trifecta as Mr. Evans called it. Haha. It was a very special day, in many ways. And, we capped it off with an outdoor picnic in the warm sun. :) What could be better? |
Mother's Day
Mother - the person who gives us life and loves us from the moment we're born. Mothers who love us even before we're even born. Mothers who cry with us, laugh with us or at us, who are patient, who are understanding and kind. Mothers who are there for us when we become mothers. Mothers who protect, celebrate, support. Mothers who show us how to put on make-up, who pull our teeth, who know the right food to serve when we're sad or sick, who is there when you're lonely, who knows just what to say when you need advice. Mothers who love - unconditionally. Mothers who are role models. Grandmothers who are there in spirit. Friends, aunts, cousins... all mothers.
I am lucky. You are probably very lucky, too. Isn't your mom the best? Mine is. She's all that I've mentioned... and more.
This year, as a mother myself, I only hope to follow in the footsteps of those currently mothering and those that came before me. It's important to remember the honor of mothers today. I know I feel blessed.
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| My maternal grandmother, Lorraine Anna (Nina's middle name inspiration). |
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| My mom and I... right around Nina's age. :) |
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| My mom as a little girl. She lost her biological mom around this time to breast cancer, but gained a mom who mothered her for years and years. :) |
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| I dug through a few photos, but I have tons full of memories I'd share. |
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| My paternal grandmother, Marlene. |
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| My biological maternal grandmother, Rose (where I get my middle name). |
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| My husband and my funny and gracious mother-in-law. |
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| I had to add this one of my Grandma Lorraine and Grandpa. I think it's a classic. :) |
Two things...
I have two new-ish favorite things. I thought I'd share.
1. Nuwati Herbals Healer Tea is the best. I've been meaning to share it for a while, but am now remembering. :) You can buy it here. I think it's a miracle. And although the two step process sounds a bit crazy, it works (first you sniff and then you drink... read up on the website). Thanks to my mother-in-law for passing it along!
2. The second thing is Stephanie Nielson's book Heaven is Here. I've been reading her blog, NieNie Dialogues, for years ... since before her accident. I couldn’t put down her book – I recommend it wholeheartedly. It is heart wrenching and beautiful, and full of hope, promise and glimpses of the beauty of being a wife, mother and daughter. The triumph over her condition, perspective on life and attitude to go forward are such strong reminders. I know you’ll take something away from this story. For me, it was about healing. I encourage you to buy it.
P.S. I know I haven't posted much about cooking or good recipes lately, but I promise I've been in the kitchen. We had a cookout (I made my grandma's famous baked beans and new recipe for Smore Bars). I've made my cousin Missy's delicious Black Bean Avocado Soup and my SIL Katie's go-to recipe for Baked Manicotti. And, we've had Pioneer Woman's Mushroom and Whiskey Pasta and Steak Salad with Chipotle Dressing... amongst other things. I'll get back on it soon. Anything you're craving?!
1. Nuwati Herbals Healer Tea is the best. I've been meaning to share it for a while, but am now remembering. :) You can buy it here. I think it's a miracle. And although the two step process sounds a bit crazy, it works (first you sniff and then you drink... read up on the website). Thanks to my mother-in-law for passing it along!
2. The second thing is Stephanie Nielson's book Heaven is Here. I've been reading her blog, NieNie Dialogues, for years ... since before her accident. I couldn’t put down her book – I recommend it wholeheartedly. It is heart wrenching and beautiful, and full of hope, promise and glimpses of the beauty of being a wife, mother and daughter. The triumph over her condition, perspective on life and attitude to go forward are such strong reminders. I know you’ll take something away from this story. For me, it was about healing. I encourage you to buy it.
P.S. I know I haven't posted much about cooking or good recipes lately, but I promise I've been in the kitchen. We had a cookout (I made my grandma's famous baked beans and new recipe for Smore Bars). I've made my cousin Missy's delicious Black Bean Avocado Soup and my SIL Katie's go-to recipe for Baked Manicotti. And, we've had Pioneer Woman's Mushroom and Whiskey Pasta and Steak Salad with Chipotle Dressing... amongst other things. I'll get back on it soon. Anything you're craving?!
Just because...
Sometimes we all need a little reminder that it's ok to struggle with bits of guilt, loss, worry, unworthiness, or the past. We all have a story. We are not infallible. And, at the end of the day we are strong beings full of courage, we are dreamers, we are survivors. A little faith and a good attitude gets us through the days. I have been inspired lately (lately is a relative term, I am always inspired by others) by a few friends and family members who embody these traits. And just because they were in my heart today, I thought I'd share my thoughts.
Source: all photos were found on Pinterest.
P.S. I also thought I'd share a little link love. These sites have my favorite freebies... just check them out and you'll know what I mean. I have major envy for a colored printer! :)
Design Finch
I Heart Organizing
Tip Junkie
Sprik Space
Couldn't resist this one... :)
Source: all photos were found on Pinterest.
P.S. I also thought I'd share a little link love. These sites have my favorite freebies... just check them out and you'll know what I mean. I have major envy for a colored printer! :)
Design Finch
I Heart Organizing
Tip Junkie
Sprik Space
Quick trip to Dallas
Last week, I went to Dallas for a quick work trip. Outside of the conference center walls, I managed to snap a few photos at a social event at a local ranch.
P.S. While I was in Dallas, Mr. Evans was at the Kentucky Derby. Stay tuned for photos! :)
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| Borrowed cowboy boots. :) |
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| Me with an armadillo. Yikes! |
Baby Swim Lessons
Nina started weekly swimming lessons with Mr. Evans - just in time for summer! She loves the water, just like her momma and daddy. :)
Happy Friday!
Happy Friday!
Baby Items
I shared my pregnancy must-have's here. Now, since I am getting lots of questions about my baby must-haves I thought I'd post. While everyone does things differently (breastfeed/formula feed, cloth/regular diapers, etc), there are a few things that have made my life a bit easier as a new mom. :)
- Since I bottle feed, this Beaba Expresso Water Warmer is such a time saver. We use Dr. Brown's bottles. We only have four at home, which is plenty.
- Buy a white noise machine and a cool-mist humidifier (less bacteria production than a warm one). We run the humidifier every night and use the white noise machine on vacations. Per Dr. Karp and the Happiest Baby on the Block philosophy, they'll sleep like a dream.
- Summer SwaddleMe - Used for sleeping, the Velcro is a must for Houdini babies like Nina. Also, goes with the Happiest Baby on the Block philosophy. While I had bought the Aden & Anais blankets to swaddle, I found Nina squirmed out too easily. She used these until about 3 months.
- Storksak - Couldn't live without this diaper bag. I think all mom's should splurge on this - it needs to be functional and fashionable. Hey, you carry it around ALL the time, you should love it.
- We use Soothie pacifiers. They gave us one at the hospital, and ever since I have one with me at all times.
- Find a sling that works for you. It keeps your hands free during those first few months. We have a Moby and a Bjorn. I tried a ring sling, but didn't love it. Also, I have heard great things about the Ergo baby carriers.
- Buy a swing you love. We keep ours near the kitchen for moments when I need a free set of hands. We didn't let Nina sleep in hers, just used it for small spurts of time (dinner prep, morning breakfast, bottle prep, etc).
- Gripe water and gas drops. Walgreens or Target has them. We used gripe water for Nina's reflux initially (prior to her prescription), but use it now for teething or the occasional gassy moments. Also, gas drops are a life saver. Read up on their benefits. :)
- Saline drops for their little nose are great too. Since babies don't sniffle or blow their noses, this helps those boogers along.
- I've really enjoyed making Nina's baby food. Maybe you are interested... see my posts' here and here.
- Find a good diaper cream or butt paste you like. We use A&D Ointment every night and use Cornstarch Johnson & Johnson powder after most diaper changes. Nina's never had a diaper rash.
- We love our BOB Revolution stroller - great for walk/runs, very smooth ride. We also have a Chicco Capri stroller - light, easy to collapse, great for for errands, plane trips, etc.
- As for good reads, my favorite's are The Happiest Baby on the Block, the Baby Whisperer, Baby 411, and Your Baby's First Year. Pre-baby, I read What to Expect and Mr. Evans read Dad's Pregnant Too. I recommend reading these pre-baby, when you have more time and mental capacity then those first few weeks. We decided on the EASY plan (from the Baby Whisperer book) prior to Nina's arrival. It made those first months so much easier, took some of the guessing away and made me (a planner and organizer) a bit more settled that we were parenting more intentionally.
- We also use lots of burp rags and bibs. Bows for a girl are a must! Wine for a mommy is a must. :)
- Most of all, this is the most important thing.... stuff is just stuff. Seventy-five years ago, most of this stuff didn't exist - babies were just fine, mom and dad's were just fine. These are just my list of modern day luxuries. All that a baby really needs is love, a crib, diapers ... the basics. Do what works for you - and own it. Everyone parents differently, but ought to be proud of their decisions. You love your children - that's what matters. You are a parent and raising a beautiful new member of your family. Babies are members of a family, not the center. Go on a date with your husband, relax, laugh. A new baby is the absolute best gift. Savor every moment, every smell, every smile.
Moms out there - what are your favorites? As Nina's grows up, any advice/products/books for her next stage? :)
- Since I bottle feed, this Beaba Expresso Water Warmer is such a time saver. We use Dr. Brown's bottles. We only have four at home, which is plenty.
- Buy a white noise machine and a cool-mist humidifier (less bacteria production than a warm one). We run the humidifier every night and use the white noise machine on vacations. Per Dr. Karp and the Happiest Baby on the Block philosophy, they'll sleep like a dream.
- Summer SwaddleMe - Used for sleeping, the Velcro is a must for Houdini babies like Nina. Also, goes with the Happiest Baby on the Block philosophy. While I had bought the Aden & Anais blankets to swaddle, I found Nina squirmed out too easily. She used these until about 3 months.
- Storksak - Couldn't live without this diaper bag. I think all mom's should splurge on this - it needs to be functional and fashionable. Hey, you carry it around ALL the time, you should love it.
- We use Soothie pacifiers. They gave us one at the hospital, and ever since I have one with me at all times.
- Find a sling that works for you. It keeps your hands free during those first few months. We have a Moby and a Bjorn. I tried a ring sling, but didn't love it. Also, I have heard great things about the Ergo baby carriers.
- Buy a swing you love. We keep ours near the kitchen for moments when I need a free set of hands. We didn't let Nina sleep in hers, just used it for small spurts of time (dinner prep, morning breakfast, bottle prep, etc).
- Gripe water and gas drops. Walgreens or Target has them. We used gripe water for Nina's reflux initially (prior to her prescription), but use it now for teething or the occasional gassy moments. Also, gas drops are a life saver. Read up on their benefits. :)
- Saline drops for their little nose are great too. Since babies don't sniffle or blow their noses, this helps those boogers along.
- I've really enjoyed making Nina's baby food. Maybe you are interested... see my posts' here and here.
- Find a good diaper cream or butt paste you like. We use A&D Ointment every night and use Cornstarch Johnson & Johnson powder after most diaper changes. Nina's never had a diaper rash.
- We love our BOB Revolution stroller - great for walk/runs, very smooth ride. We also have a Chicco Capri stroller - light, easy to collapse, great for for errands, plane trips, etc.
- As for good reads, my favorite's are The Happiest Baby on the Block, the Baby Whisperer, Baby 411, and Your Baby's First Year. Pre-baby, I read What to Expect and Mr. Evans read Dad's Pregnant Too. I recommend reading these pre-baby, when you have more time and mental capacity then those first few weeks. We decided on the EASY plan (from the Baby Whisperer book) prior to Nina's arrival. It made those first months so much easier, took some of the guessing away and made me (a planner and organizer) a bit more settled that we were parenting more intentionally.
- We also use lots of burp rags and bibs. Bows for a girl are a must! Wine for a mommy is a must. :)
- Most of all, this is the most important thing.... stuff is just stuff. Seventy-five years ago, most of this stuff didn't exist - babies were just fine, mom and dad's were just fine. These are just my list of modern day luxuries. All that a baby really needs is love, a crib, diapers ... the basics. Do what works for you - and own it. Everyone parents differently, but ought to be proud of their decisions. You love your children - that's what matters. You are a parent and raising a beautiful new member of your family. Babies are members of a family, not the center. Go on a date with your husband, relax, laugh. A new baby is the absolute best gift. Savor every moment, every smell, every smile.
Moms out there - what are your favorites? As Nina's grows up, any advice/products/books for her next stage? :)
Beth's Wedding Sneak Peak
My sister-in-law got married over the weekend in Winona, MN. Here are a few sneak peak photos from my mom's iPhone (thank you Mom and Dad, we couldn't have done the wedding without you). I barely took any photos, so we'll have to wait for the professionals. A picture of the bride, you ask... it will come with the professional shots. :)
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| My brother-in-law Adam, my godson Evan, and Nina and I. Don't you love the seersucker outfits? |
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| Peacock headbands :) |
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| Our family in church. |
