Your calls have been answered

Yes I have received your calls and emails for pictures of Alex's birthday. Good things always come to those who wait. Here you go!

We went with a Spiderman theme party, his love of Spiderman still grows from last Halloween

Of course we had to suit up in Alex Apparel

Transforming into character

His transformation is complete...dont scare the little ones! 

The girls went with a more gentle look 

others were just concerned with food 

Even the adults joined in on the fun!

Forgot to take a picture of the cake before...sorry guys! 

Official Spider man Certificate 

Alex was thrilled to received so many Spider man gifts. Thank you all for your blessings and well wishes on my birthday! 

Happy Holidays!

Holiday Mugs

I tried these holiday mugs from Pinterest last year and they were a major failure. The ink from the permanent sharpie markers wiped away after washing them. I finally found the right pen: The Sharpie Oil Based Paint Marker. Its a bit steep at 16.99, but you can get 50%  Michael's coupon (the cups are like .40 cents, so you still save big)

The marker dries pretty fast and writes great on smooth surfaces. I have found that the ink doesn't look as good, if you keep go over the surfaces more then once. It creates a big smudge effect.

Bake the mugs at 350 for 30 minutes, just like with the regular sharpies. 

And voila...Cute Dishwasher safe Gifts for co-workers and friends.  Wink Wink

A Walk Down Memory Lane

Scanning through my email I found this wonderful video of Alex last September hanging out with some friends in Annapolis. He may look like his dad, but he sure does have my spirit! Courtesy of Katie and Chris

I really miss this age! 

Refurbished Dental Cabinets

Before 

I found this old dental cabinet at work...that was on its way out the door. The cabinet was washed, sanded, and handles removed. All of the knobs were spray painted with silver metallic Rust-o-leum. I applied the yellow base paint and allowed the first coat to dry for one day. Elmers glue and water was applied to the base coat and allowed to dry until sticky to the touch. The last layer of blue paint was applied on top of the glue to create a cracking effect. Some areas got too much Elmers glue and had excessive cracking, but I still like the final effect.  Total cost $18

After  

Mary Jane`s Boyfriend

Isn't this the cutest Spider man you have ever seen? I decided not to over think the whole Halloween event in the neighborhood and just take it for good fun and networking with other kids on the street. Plus I needed some fall holiday inspiration from their houses. Is that bad? When else would their doors be open to the public. 

Alex had a blast! He loved the idea of getting free candy and toys from neighbors. Some of the houses went to the max with special effects and cued music on the street. Perhaps too frightening for a two year old! This silly goose actually thinks he will be eating this candy today.

I'm Twuuooo

Alex learned how to associate his numbers with his age about two months ago, and he has not stopped short of declaring to everyone that he is twuuooo with bubbles of spit in his mouth.  Now that he has actually turned two, he doesn't understand what all the excitement is about. So old news...lol

Here are some of the highlights from his Truck party...Beep Beep!

Here's the birthday boy showing off his smile

Alex seemed to really enjoy the program at My Gym, but an hour and a half is way too little time!Especially if guest think that it is a recommended time of arrival and not a real start time. Next 

year we are taking him straight to the park and calling it a day.

 

All of the truck themed stationary was designed by OrangeLady. She has a lot of cool graphics for kids parties and events on Etsy.

 

Alex rocking out to his Mother Goose Diggable tunes CD

Sneak Peek

 Sneak Peek at the preparations for Alex's 2nd Birthday! Its going to be a blast. Beep Beep!



Simple Invite

Jazzy Version

Invitations Designed by: Orange Lady Bird

A Natural Drummer

Way past his bed time and showing out at African dance class.

Buns comes to life

This week we stopped by our local Build A Bear to add a new addition before our store in Columbia relocated. Alex is in love with any stuffed fury animal. He is fully aware that we our the ones making the animals come to life, but he is still is delighted to see them jump up and down.

In full disclosure I had  every intention of picking the cutest stuffed animal in the line that matched his safari themed room. Preferably a lion, monkey, etc. I mean he's only one year old, you would think all of the animals would be the same.

 No. Alex grabs the ugliest bunny imaginable and proceeds to slob all over it. Clearly this beasty rabbit had to be a mistake. I tried to have him repick by presenting other viable and more presentable options and even hiding the bunny, but he still reached out for the rabbit. The rabbit moved from hand to hand and was chosen again every other contender. The decision was made there was nothing left to do but stuff him and name him Buns.

I was really amazed that he has such a strong personality  already. Maybe that mom wasnt lying when she told me her son picked out  those tie dyed blue shorts?  He's only one but I feel like he's suddently a full individual already. Weird.

Trini Christmas

Hope you guys had a good holiday! Alex celebrated his first active Christmas this year. He was super excited to open his gifts and eat official trinidadian Christmas food. He was all about his pastelles, sorrel and Beef Ham. Yes that is correct ham made out of beef...who knew such as thing existed?

All week Alex has been pulling down the ornaments on the tree (and other people's trees) and passing the boxes around wondering what was inside. Finally he was able to tear open the paper.

Sometimes I forget that he is just 15 months, he is transitioning so well into being a big boy.

 

 

Have a good New Year!

 

Snip Snip

It became apparent that Alex's hair was growing too long when the majority of my morning routine became picking lint out of his hair. No matter how much time I spent taking out little strands of lint here and there, new pieces always appeared. The hair was also a point of contention when Alex decided he wanted to throw a temper tantrum. After banging his hands on the ground to no avail, his next move was always self deprication. A small tuff at the front of his hair usually received a good tugging.

So my plan was put into place...Snackanimals please? Check. Entice the boy with his favorite oatmeal cookies. I have no shame in using sweets to get results. Final results: A perfect boy

I must say that it makes his face look much older. I'm feeling 10% of regret.
What age did you cut your childs hair?

For my top blog reader

Here are some of the pictures from Alex's Birthday party as promised. Are you happy now Sheikha?

A little baby turns a boy

Alex is 1! I'm so excited for my little baby boy. I can't believe that a year has passed so quickly. He can not walk, run, climb, and do just about everything else that mischievous little boys learn how to do.  Months ago I was super amped planning for his party, then I realized that he probably wont even remember this day. I looked like a crazy person saving pictures of invitations to make, and threatening family members who said they may not attend.

I took a step back and realized that it would be best to conserve my birthday aspirations for future years, and decided to have a small party at the apartment. To my surprise a lot of ppl showed up (those family members that I threatened took me seriously and even sent offspring). We had fun playing games and reconnecting with old friends. Alex may not be able to remember the day in the long term future, but I am certain that he had a great time this weekend. Everyone did such a nice job helping out the day of the party and your efforts were moooorrreeeee than appreciated.

Let's all wish Alex Pie-Pie a Happy Birthday!

Pictures coming soon of the party

Black & White

There is something about Black and white pictures that I love. Yes I'm that cheesy person at the Kodak picture Kiosk placing special effects on each picture. I  just got back some of Alex's baby pictures. Its  so  great to hold an actual picture in your hands. Although the photos are clear on screen, I noticed so many new details once they were actually in my hands. Im always afraid that my memories can be deleted in a matter of seconds with digital pictures.

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Caught In A Lie

One bad thing about writing everything down is that there is always accountability for your actions. One of my friends came over last month and totally caught me in a lie. So we fell off the Ferber sleeping bandwagon around month six and I began rocking Alex to asleep. Well...it wasn't really a lie since we were using the method for a while, just not currently being enforced. It some how was thrown under the couch with the start of teething and Alex getting sick. No matter how many times we placed him in the crib, he would just stand up and scream until we came for him. I felt so bad for him not being able to breathe with his cold...so I picked him up.

After he got better there was no turning back, he had won the battle back into our arms. When she came over she saw a sad showing of a baby clearly sleepy, but refusing to go to bed.  That's when I got the speech; "I see parents with children much older unable to put their child to sleep. They end up spending a lot of money paying for sleep therapist to get the child into a routine." In the end I was guilt tripped into following through with my word.

Alex was sent back to his own bed :( It has been a difficult month, but he seems happier with a full night of sleep from 8:30-6:00.  The only one who seems to be missing his sleepy dance is me. 

Junk Pile

I'm in love with Historic Ellicott City. The town used to be synonymous with Dental Board studying, since I spent a month hanging out at the local Barnes and Nobles. My only other trip to was during graduation weekend with my mom. It reminded me of when I was younger and would beg to go into the store in hopes that I would see something cool and casually place it into her cart. I was usually no match for her marathon shopping excursions. My plan backfired after an hour of following her around the store and I would retreat to the car.  Main street is my mothers dream row, a street lined with antique stores, vintage clothing and cafes. 

Venturing with my family and friends I stumbled into a lot of great shops this past weekend. I love being a tourist it my own area! Where else can you find a Subway Cafe?  Yes... Ellicott City is too posh to have just a regular Subway, their Subway serves Tazo chai latte with a full pastry menu.

Even Alex had fun hanging out in the antique stores. Can we say baby wooden chairs?

Here's Mr. Patrick and one of our friends at one of the local stores. 

I found the coolest cast iron hooks at A journey from Junk.  There was no need to spray paint them, since they were already lime green. I already made a spot for them on my wall

The Destroyer

At nine months, Alex has now been given the nickname of "the destroyer." He is moving so fast I can hardly catch him before he gets into something.  He has no interest in playing with his own toys; only destroying whatever is in your hands. Hopefully he will learn to build and not destroy soon.

You want to watch TV? Nope. I stole your remote

No... Its not a mistake that his hand is pushing my face out of the way. I was in his picture, so he tried to move me.

Sofa Table

I found a cool sofa table at the Main Street Festival in May. I loved the style, but it had a certain Grandma flare with the outdated flowers and forest green color.

I sanded the table to get it ready for the spray paint (I have been a little spray paint happy lately... I may have my priveledges revoked soon). Will post the other spray painted items soon.

I used the hammered Rust-oleum rosemary spray paint to give the table a goldish green look. Still green, but no more granny flowers.

$10 stroller?

If someone had told me last year that you needed more than one stroller I would have laughed and called them fancy folks. Walking, umbrella, pram, terrain, jogging, all too many names for one purpose... carrying a baby. Right now my Graco stroller is doing great, the only downside is the size. The stroller sometimes occupies more then half the trunk. This can really be a deal breaker.

I was in Marshalls the other day and I happened to peruse through the baby aisle and caught wind of a 19.99 Cosco umbrella stroller marked at half price to $9.99. Very small and compact and could easily fit under your seat. The deal sounded too good to be true, so I quickly searched to see if there were any recalls on this model. I didnt want Alex to be put in harms way with my cheapness. Nothing was found and I couldn't resist. I decided to give it a try; even if the stroller breaks in a month its money well spent.

 We decided to hangout in Alexandria and I felt it was a good time to breakout my new stroller to cut down on car space. Walking through old towne I got the strangest looks from people. I didn't notice at first until Mr. Patrick pointed it out. " Everyones looking at me because of our stroller. They don't realize that your the cheap one that bought it."

 Now the stroller did leave a little to be desired in the plush department, but it was definitely functional. I never thought about it before but I guess a stroller could be compared to a car... and we were in the hoopty. On a hot summer day, it didn't have nice shade like the midsize strollers, but was definitely functional.

To make up for our lack of overhead shade, I decided to get alex a beach hat. He was too cute for VA. Alex totally pimped out the stroller, with one leg up in the air.

Its not about the ride, but the dude that's inside. Right Alex? Despite the looks, I think this Cosco stroller is here to stay. Has anybody heard anything bad about this model?