Zoo Day

Warmer weather found us making our first trip to the zoo this year. Sophia loved playing tour guide and showing Emma all of her favorite creatures, although Emma was sleeping and bundled up the whole time. The train and carousel were closed for repairs and upgrades which was a little disappointing. I can't wait until the weather stays warm so that we can see all of the new babies - especially the lion cubs and painted dog pups.

create.

We made our first trip to the Cincinnati Art Museum to explore their new art education space. I had not yet taken Sophia to an art museum since she loves to touch everything. The best thing about the Rosenthal Education Center is that was designed to be interactive - perfect for my hands on little lady.

Sometimes you have to sit on the table to be creative.

Weaving ribbons - her way.

The highlight of the trip was the light box. 

Sophia spent the majority of her time "making robots" which looked like tall towers of shapes.

 Before we left the space, Sophia made a sun catcher.
I loved watching her concentration while she was cutting and arranging the shapes.

We had the best tour guides while we walked through the museum,
which was a little tricky with a toddler who loves to touch everything.

12/52

Warmer weather found us at one of our favorite outdoor spaces (along with the rest of the city). Sophia stopped to sit and take in all of the activity that was happening around her. I'm not sure what she was pondering, but she went into her 'thinking mode' for a few minutes.

"A portrait of my little loves, once a week, every week, in 2015."

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

Follow along on instagram @jenhimmel

Snow Daze

Now that spring is officially here and we have had warmer weather, it is the perfect time to post some snow pictures.

Winter last year was brutal for us. After eight years in the south we were welcomed back into winter with frigid temperatures, lots of snow, and a broken thermostat which left us without heat for several days.

Thankfully this winter was pretty mild. Temperatures were bitter cold and we got snow several times, but most of the storms left little accumulation. Sophia had been begging to make a snowman, but there was barely been enough snow to make a snowball.

Towards the middle of February we got a few storms that gave us enough snow to play in. Sophia was thrilled to sled, slide, shovel, and play in the snow. I was thrilled that Daddy was home to shovel.

I am not the biggest fan of winter weather, but I love watching how excited Sophia would get when fresh snow was falling. Next year Emma will get to experience the magic of snow too.

the 52 projects: weeks 9-11

I knew I would fall behind on this project, but thankfully I am still taking pictures. I am just not making time to sit at the computer. Having a little one that loves to be held and a toddler who is always on the move means I cherish the moments to myself, but I wouldn't change a thing. {Except sleep, I could definitely use more sleep.}

This picture sums up most of days since Emma has joined us. Hair that needs to be brushed and pajamas all day. Now that the weather is starting to get warmer we are getting out more, thank goodness.

week 9

Getting ready to shovel the snow and build a snowman with Daddy while Mommy took a quick nap (another day where pajamas were the outfit of the day).

week 10

We made our first trip to the art museum and the educational space they have. Sophia sat on top of the table and worked on a color spinner. She got the skirt in the mail as we were about to leave the house and wanted to wear it with her outfit.

week 11

"A portrait of my little loves, once a week, every week, in 2015."

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

A three year old interview

Sophia turned three on February 28th. I wanted to film her interview, but ended up asking the questions on a car ride. I tried to do a video, but Sophia decided to act camera shy and then silly. I hope to still capture her answers on film, but anticipate that her answers will be different.

What is your name? "My name is Sophia."

How old are you? "Three!"

Where do you live? "In this house."

What color do you like the best? "Yellow."

What is your favorite animal? "Hippopotamus. I like that they swim in water."

What song do you like to sing? "Twinkle."

What is your favorite book? "The one with the train." Thomas? "Yes."

What television show do you like to watch? "Einsteins. And football with Daddy."

What is your favorite movie? "Frozen."

What is your favorite thing to eat? "Blackberries."

Do you have a favorite treat? "Cha cha." (chocolate)

What is your favorite thing to drink? "Orange juice."

What is your favorite restaurant? "Chick-a-lay."

Where is your favorite thing to do outside? "Playground."

Who is your best friend? "Ean."

Where is your favorite place to visit? "Ean and Aya's house."

What is your favorite thing to do with Daddy? "Play outside."

What is your favorite thing to do with Mommy? "Play teamwork."

What is your favorite thing to do with Emma? "Race when she gets bigger."

What do you want to be when you grow up? "I already growed up."

Emma Layne {one month}

Emma Layne,

Today you are one month old! (March 6, 2015)

Here are your stats:

Weight: 9lbs 7oz (69 %)

Length: 21 inches (81 %)
Head Circumference: Forgot to write down...oops!

You are wearing newborn diapers but you won't be in them much longer.

You have outgrown most of your newborn clothes, but a few items still fit. Most of your current wardrobe is 0-3 months.

You are eating every three hours during the day (except when you had your growth spurt you ate hourly). Night time feedings vary. You have gone as long as seven hours before needing to eat. Most nighttime feedings are every three hours.

We don't have a schedule yet, unless you count eating every three hours as a schedule. Evenings have been rough. You want to eat constantly starting around 7 until you go to sleep. That interferes with getting big sister ready for bed. We've all had some tears at night when Daddy is at work.

You tolerate tummy time and can move your head from side to side. You have accidentally rolled over twice while being frustrated with tummy time. You love to lay on our chests and I love watching you do baby push ups while you are there.

You have had a few smiles while you are awake but you smile and laugh all the time when you are falling asleep or sleeping.

You just started cooing to talk to us but you make the best noises. Sophia likes to name the animals you sound like. Most often you are doing impressions of horses or elephants.

You get fussy when you are hungry, tired, or need your diaper changed. Cuddles or a pacifier usually calm you down when it is not a time to eat.

You are rooming with us and sleeping in your pack and play. You sleep swaddled at night. I stopped setting an alarm to wake you to eat (mainly because I was sleeping through it anyway) around two weeks. Most nights you fall back to sleep easily after eating, but then there are the other nights when you just want to cuddle and chat.

You are the perfect addition to our family. Big Sister is so in love with you (most of the time). We love you Baby Sunshine! You have brought so much light to our lives already!

Read about Sophia's first month here.