Insta-matic March

Here are some of my favorite Instagram pictures from March.

As always, obsessed with my little lady.

Three cake pops are better than one.

At the doctor for her two year checkup with some crazy bedhead.

Toast with the pup.

Super Sophia made an appearance in Pennsylvania.

My little movie star.

Test driving the trike.

Chocolate milk makes rough days better.

Afternoon drive.

More fun to run than get your picture taken.

Also important to keep your hair out of your eyes while you run.
If only she would wear bows.

Sharing her sunnies with the tortoise.

Found Spring at the zoo!

Wishing her friends were home to play with.

Meeting her new best mascot friend - The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

My favorite picture. Sophia with daffodils.

Hanging with the gorillas.

That smile kills me, especially after a long day.

No more pictures!

Soaking up some spring at the playground.

Making friends with the bunnies.

I have started the #100happydays challenge. I'm on day 5 - find me on instagram @jenhimmel

13/52

I was debating between a few pictures to share, but this one sums up our week the best. 

"A portrait of my little lady, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Thrilled to be linking up with Jodi for The 52 Project.

Five on Friday

Happy Friday! I am linking up with April and the Ladies for another Five on Friday.
Cheers to the weekend!

One

I signed Sophia up for her first dance class - Jitterbugs. It is held at a community center and only had a few other children in the class so it is perfect for her. She was very slow to warm up, but she did well with trying out the poses and steps. We will be practicing at home this week and I can't wait to see how she does next week. 

Two

Sophia has been climbing on her crib recently. I have walked in and found her trying to get her legs up on the sides or straddling one of the rails. We almost converted her crib to a toddler bed and then realized there wasn't a bed rail as part of the conversion. The bed rail that matches the crib is ridiculously priced and shorter than I would like. We ordered a mesh rail and will be switching her to her big girl bed next week. I am terrified!

Three

via

We had a family movie night and watched Frozen. Sophia and I enjoyed it. I loved watching her trying to make snow with her hands like Elsa. Dave enjoyed the parts he saw, but slept through the middle of the movie.

Four

I am anxiously awaiting my new camera lens. It should arrive today and I can't wait to test it out!

via

Five

This is by far my favorite meal ever. Pork Carnitas over Cilantro Lime Rice topped with lots of yummy goodness. So good and even better the next day. The Chef was quite complimentary on the flavor.

The Very Hungry Caterpillar

This was a great weekend - mostly nice weather, trips to the zoo, playground, Trader Joes, and family time. My favorite part of the weekend was when Sophia proved her mascot/character obsession is still thriving.
 

Saturday we visited a local bookstore - blue manatee - and Sophia listened to The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

via

I can't believe the caterpillar is celebrating 45 years!

After the story, the caterpillar came out to meet the children and pose for a few pictures.

Sophia colored a picture and then decided to become best friends with the caterpillar. Any time no children were near the caterpillar, Sophia was right there.

After all of the children had a turn, the caterpillar took a walk down the street. Sophia was a great escort and had a major meltdown when we had to leave.

Here are a few other pictures from our weekend.

 

12/52

Warmer weather found us briefly. I am ready to stop hibernating and enjoy the outdoors again.

We made two visits to the zoo this week. Sophia is interested in the animals, even though she only observes them for a short period of time. Her favorite part of the zoo is riding the train. She can't wait to be big enough to ride by herself.

"A portrait of my little lady, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Thrilled to be linking up with Jodi for The 52 Project.

brave

The spring-like temperatures over the weekend made for perfect park weather. 

Unfortunately the playground we visited was not toddler friendly, but Sophia surprised me.

Aside from running in the grass the only area that Sophia was able to use was the rock wall that led to a slide.

I showed her how to climb the rock wall once and she conquered it. I stood by her side in case she lost her balance, but she kept looking at me saying "No, Mama". She climbed that wall over a dozen times.

I have a fear of heights and always get nervous if there is a chance that Sophia could fall.

She has no fear. {but she does request her light on at bedtime}

I love how Sophia tackles new tasks and adventures.

I hope she is always brave.

Thrilled to link up with Ashley and Jess today.