My sweet friend Kenya took some beautiful pictures of miss Z yesterday. Here are a few of my favorites.

Andrew Bird is my new obsession. My husband and I saw him perform in Richmond last week and he was definitely babysitter worthy. I am in awe of musical talent, but this took it way up a notch.

The Shower That Wasn't.....

We're coming up on the anniversary of Karey's shower that never happened. Here are some pictures of what it would have been like had she not gotten sick.

How cute is our new first family?

Zara is getting girlier by the day. This morning she asked if she could paint her toenails. I am very concerned with of all of the harsh chemicals in nail polish, so you can imagine my excitement when I found some non-toxic polish online, called piggy paint. Can't wait to have a girls day with manis & pedis....

Regardless of your political affiliation, this is pretty darn cool. Check it out at obamiconme.com

I'm sure we've all come across an idea and thought "hey, why didn't I think of that?". That is exactly what came to mind when I came across my latest etsy obsession--DIY toddler dress kits from little fish in a big pond. I got the peasant dress and within 2 hours had an adorable dress for my 3 year old. Did I mention that this is only the second thing I have ever sewn in my entire life? It was that easy.

Who knew blogging could be so cathartic? Anyway, after 4 long years, we are finally getting a new oven. It arrives next week and to pay homage to my former life as a pastry chef, I will be making these. Tres Jolie!

I am always trying to find unique, sassy dresses for Z and recently came across a website called Shabby Apple. It fit the bill perfectly. I purchased the Canary Dress for her because it is made with this Amy Butler fabric that I am currently coveting. I had actually just finished making my first skirt, via sewing 101 in this fabric and am thrilled to have a mini-me outfit for Z. Of course, I would never wear my skirt at the same time.....Right? Anyway, Shabby Apple is currently holding a contest for the perfect princess and I thought I'd send in some pics of Z, as well as a little blurb as to why I think she'd be a perfect princess.

When one first thinks of a Princess, you tend to think of a perfectly coiffed, elegantly dressed and stunningly beautiful figure who is waiting to be swept off her feet by a handsome prince. Once in a while, an unconventional princess comes along like Mulan or Pocahontas (Ok, I am watching way too much Disney!). Sure they are beautiful, but it is their quest for adventure and independent streak that sets them apart from the other pack of beauties. Zara loves to dress up and put on the royal jewels, however she is always on her way to a Pirate Ship or some other crazy location to save the Prince or fight the "mean guy". I find it endearing to see that at age 3, she already gets it-- that it is the smart, independent women that live happily ever after in the end.

It was literally just yesterday that I told my husband that I wanted to cut down shopping a big box stores and spend most of our dough at the mom and pop shop, then low and behold, I see this upcoming orla kelly line at, yup, you guessed it--target. Dying! I will have to offset my carbon footprint somewhere else the week of Feb. 1st.

So it's been a while since I last posted. Actually the last time I posted was eerily close to the date I found out I was pg with #2. Coincidence? I think not. Here a new pic of our little buddy, Townes.

We visited Disney last September and I never thought I'd say this, but I actually loved it and can't wait to go back. Here are a few pictures.

8 months old

I can't believe z is 8 months old (as of the 10th that is-i am a little late in blogging). She is full on crawling now, albiet on her belly and is pulling herself up to a stand. I think she will be attempting her first steps soon, as she is very excited when she is standing up.

She also had her first cold, which was a bit scary. Even though she had a mild fever, it still freaked me out. She is so much better now.

We are planning a trip to Florida, so we'll see how that goes.