Our West Coast Family

Oh, dear reader(s)...my heart might have exploded a bit yesterday.

I was fortunate enough to grow up in an area where my entire family (even the extended ones!) live 30 minutes away or less. I can still drive by the houses where my parents grew up. We can spend time visiting with OG's "Greats" (GGH and G3) whenever we want. We can even visit my mother's parents at their final resting place. It's something I, admittedly, have taken for granted over the years. My family is always here.

I have come to appreciate this geographical closeness more since meeting my husband. Half of his extended family lives across the country and the other half are still living in El Salvador. The only "local" family are his parents and brother (and sis-in-law!) - all whom we see on a regular basis. I was lucky enough to meet a small handful of his extended family at our wedding - three wonderful ladies who immediately made me feel like part of the family.  I was again blessed (and nervous!) to meet more of the extended family when we traveled to CA for his cousin's wedding. Like his aunt and cousins at our wedding, everyone  welcomed me with open arms. Even though we hadn't met before, we were family.

We keep in touch - we celebrate each other's happiness' and lend our ears/hearts when something isn't going well. It's strange to me that OG has yet to meet an entire piece of her family, but they will each have a place in her heart no matter how far away. Her dada and I will make sure! And we look forward to the day when they will finally meet.

So, short story long (sorry!)...OG received a special gift in the mail yesterday from her CA Family (thanks Aunt Patty, Uncle Ken, and Tia Paca)!  Since OG may not be able to remember these early life moments, I wanted to make sure we documented them for her...and to share with our familia en la costa oeste.

OG thought the box was her gift, so this was taken as I explained there were things inside the box.

We also captured the moment she opened her gift:

Showing Minnie to Grandma & Grandpa

Holding Minnie's hand.

I think it's safe to say she LOVES her new Minnie!  (And hair bows, but not as much as Minnie)

It makes me sad knowing that OG won't experience growing up near this big group of amazing people. However, just because we aren't within 30 minutes of each other doesn't mean we're not family.  Now I just need to meet all of the family in El Salvador!

Side note: I have constantly bugged my husband about taking me to El Salvador, and his response is always a quirky story about how his favorite hat was literally stolen from his head the last time he visited. I bug him about going to El Salvador almost as much as I bug him about teaching me Spanish...and I assure him I just won't wear a nice hat.  ;)
However, all kidding aside, things are increasingly getting worse with the gangs in San Salvador so please continue to send positive thoughts and good vibes to our family and the innocent citizens of El Salvador.

Dirt is...Weird.

Did you know that dirt...(lean in close, everyone)... is dirty?  It's a lesson we learned at Dedi's this past weekend.

All while being adorable, of course.

And wearing:
-Up Up and Away shirt seen in earlier posts (Kohl's clearance!)
-Grey capri pants
-New(ish) OP sandals (from Walmart)

What's this clumpy, messy stuff?

Hmm...it feels...

...kinda gross.  I am just going to wipe my hand on my sleeve and put this down.

Annnd....I'll go wash my hands, just in case!

OG also decided to stick her foot in a random hole - only to learn that it was filled with mud. She had the most disgusted look on her face - it was fairly hilarious!  One day she'll love to get messy, but we have yet to see it happen.

Adorable bonus pictures from that day, you ask?  Ok, ok! I can post those too. Twist my arm...

OG and her Dedi <3

Dada wanted to get into the "stump fun" as well. Weeee!!!

The 90s Have Returned

Hello and Happy Monday, dearest reader(s)! As a child of the 80s/90s it took me a while to realize that some of the fashions had their place, but most of it was totally tubular totally far out totally...seizure-inducing.

Yes. And I'm sorry. I have been the self-appointed cheerleader for all things 80's (and still am) but now that some of these fashions are coming back, my more mature (read:elderly) brain and eyes are having a hard time adjusting. In every way possible.

That being said, certain items are awesome.  You may have seen the 90's-style-a-la-SBTB pants Ms. OG wore a few weekends ago.  Fabulous.

Funky prints =  also awesome.

This outfit was gifted to OG by grandma, and it's adorable AND totally 90's. Even down to the cut of the shorts.


OG was wearing:
-Funky 90's star print tank top
-Funky 90's style printed balloon shorts

Everyone had a silly face in this picture!

This is what happens when you ask OG to "say cheese" but she loses interest mid-way through.

Also, I don't know if any of you with children (fur or human) have noticed, but something is going on with the alignment of the planets and it's making all the kiddos go crazy (staying up late, acting like they are possessed, etc.). Mars is the closest it has been in 10 years and we're coming off a full moon, so it might just be the combo. Either way, OG has (thankfully) only displayed mild symptoms of the planetary craziness: won't eat for a day, then will eat the world, then won't go to bed for hours after we put her in her crib, then will be mad when you wake her up after 12+ hours of sleep. Anyhoo, she was also extra...emotional...in the car last week. Lots of tears. Even playing "Three Little Birds" didn't help. I know she will cry about random stuff at times, and there will be nothing I can do to console her, but it still breaks my heart.  Luckily, I found the one thing that calms her down - and also proves to be a great upper-body workout!

She likes me!  She really likes me!

Yep, hand holding.  So simple (well, unless you are almost fully reclined from the front seat and angling your body like a gymnast so your little snugglemonkey can actually reach your hand from her car seat). She would cry when I let go, and my hand/arm/shoulder HATED me for a while afterward, but that's ok. Planetary craziness or not, I really hope there never comes a day when she won't want to hold my hand. I'm just glad it brings her comfort. <3

Yes, yes, I know...the day will come...but let's hope it's a short-lived phase, ok?

YAY for Astronomy! (Almost a week later...)

Did you know that this past Saturday was National Astronomy Day?

No? Or yes, but only because FB told you so?  (coughcoughthanksfacebook)

Also, just in case:
Astrology = I'm a Pisces!
Astronomy = I see Uranus! (hehe)

This day was to celebrate the latter.  And because OG had the love of astronomy foisted upon her by her parents love's all things space-related, we celebrated with some of the photo filters provided by FB!

Even Hobbs was invited to this party!  SPACE!!!!

Deep in...thought?

Happy Astronomy Day from the (tired-eyed) ladies!

Also, did I say "foisted"? I meant: "we literally place her in a crib every night that overlooks the Solar System because outer space is THE COOLEST!"

Also also, I just realized the only picture I have of her room is from after we finished the above-referenced Solar System wall. While I was still pregnant. There wasn't even a Sun yet! Or curtains...

Maybe I should document the finished room at some point...

I'll add that to my to-do list ;)

A long time ago in a Bedroom Galaxy far, far away...

Throwback Thursday #10 - The Great Hair Affair

Hello and happy Friday Thursday (go with it), dear reader(s)!  I came across a funny picture from last summer and decided I would dedicate this "Throwback Thursday (on a Friday)" to OG's ever-evolving HAIR!

Girl is going to have some cool haircuts in her future too, if I may say so. :)

Let me start this off by saying that OG is 99% her dada's genetics and maaaayyybbbeee > 1% my genetics. So imagine my my glee when part of that >1% included a bald head/thin hair...

Sarcasm.

Me at 1-2(ish) vs. dada at only 1 year old:

Baldy McBalderton (aka: momma)

Luxurious McLockserstone (aka: dada)

Yep, my little angelfish decided to take after her momma and was a baldy. Actually, worse...she had the "Red Forman".  Anyone a fan of That 70's Show?  If not, here is reference material:

Compare, if you will:

OG with her receding hairline - call her Benjamina Button

The best part: she may have not had hair on her head, but she sure had it on her ears!

Really. She was such a fuzzy little ladybaby!

Luckily, as you can now tell (and unlike momma), her hair DID GROW! Once again, dada's genetics win over her momma's recessive genes.

As for the picture that started this whole conversation? Glad you asked! Last summer, while playing at the Hobbs' house, OG found/wore her first weave...momma was so proud!

One day we will be coloring our hair funky colors TOGETHER! Until then...

What a stylish lady.

Look at those legs!  EEEE!!!! DON'T YOU JUST WANT TO EAT. HER. FACE.  ?!?!?!?!!

Insert Catchy Title re: Weekend Here

My brain is tired, dearest reader(s). Would it be OK if I just posted adorable pictures and didn't bother too much with the writing part?

Yes? Ok.

Weekend = fun.

On Saturday, OG was playing around our messy disastrous well lived-in home while wearing:
-Pink lace detailed tee (another pre-worn selection of Ms. Charlie's!)
-Gray leggins with multi-colored triangles (they give me a Saved By The Bell vibe and I love them! - also from Charlie)

This is an acceptable hat. And look at all of our laundry! Weee!

Lace Sleeves!

On Sunday we went to breakfast (since dada was sad he missed out on our lady day breakfast).  OG was having a blast and I took a series of shots to prove it!

The progressive reaction of a Toddler at Breakfast

And later that day we went to Dedi's to play! Same outfit, different hair accessory (those bangs have a mind of their own!) Dedi couldn't stop talking about how cute OG's outfit was - not that she's biased or anything...

Sometimes she's just too cool, but doesn't even know it.

Riding her scooter around town living room!

Dada apparently got the same picture from a different angle! :)

LOVE HER.

The Dynamic Duo - Meet Will & Campbell!

OG has some exciting news to announce:

Welcome to the world, Dynamic Duo! 2 new cousins in 2 days! How crazy...

William Douglas was born 5/4/16 to my cousin David and his lovely wife, Jennifer. Unfortunately we don't get to see them much since they live out-of-state, but OG can't wait to meet Mr. Will at the next family get-together! I'm sure your sister's are excited to have a little brother!

Also, on 5/6/15 my cousin Tara gave birth to her own feisty little warrior woman, Campbell Elizabeth! She was 6 weeks early but didn't want to wait any longer...because, who has the time, really? ;)  She showed up exactly when she felt like it, just in time for Mother's Day, so this little lady already knows how to make a grand entrance. And, knowing how stylish her mother is, I know we have a new guest blogger in our midst!

Below, the gorgeous new momma, Tara, and her fashionably early daughter are wearing: their post-birth hospital best!

Just look at those smiles...

There's absolutely nothing more awesome than seeing 2 strong and beautiful ladies bring 2 new lives into this world.  Congratulations! We love you guys!  xoxox

The Quintessential Ladies' Day

Hello and a happy Monday to you, dedicated reader(s)! If you are a parent, you may know the wonderful "oh crap!" feeling you get when your babysitter says: "Oh, by the way, I am unable to babysit on Thursday..."
It's the instant activation code for my brain Rolodex. Who can we call? Who is the back-up to our back-up's back-up?

Well, sometimes it works out and someone else is available to babysit...and sometimes it ends in a best-3-out-of-5 match of roshambo with your spouse. Or maybe just a simple game of "How many vacation days do you have left?" This happened to us on Thursday last week, but no rock-paper-scissors was required.  I wanted a lady day with my little snuggle nugget.

Side-note for my lovely OG: For the record (if when you read this silly blog in the future) - dada and I were "fighting" over who got to stay home and play with you, not over who had to use a vacation day. There's a big difference. <3

So, on Thursday, OG and momma had a day about town!

Like any lady with a day off, OG and I "slept in" until 7:45, then decided to relax and ease into our day with some Mickey Mouse Clubhouse before getting ready and heading out for breakfast.  We had a big day ahead of us and the weather was perfect, so Ms. OG decided to wear:

-Her new "Up Up and Away" embroidered shirt with balloon applique (Kohl's - on sale!)
-Dark-wash jeggins
-Pink polka-dot MaryJanes with bows

Blurry, but you get the idea. :)
Also, cameo appearances made by: Lucy's Butt (as always), Creeper Franklin, Rocking Pony and OG's Little Keyboard! 

OG deep in thought: Is this a band for momma's hair or my bracelet?

Then, off to breakfast to meet Ms. J!  We met at our favorite local breakfast joint, but before Ms. J arrived, a pack of elderly gentlemen (80's-90's, if I had to guess) decided to flirt with Ms. OG and I...in a very gentlemanly way, of course. We were the only other people in the restaurant at the time, but we'll still take it as a compliment!

OG doodling while our gentleman suitors sit in the booth behind her.

Finally, Ms. J arrived! She tried to eat Ms. OG, per usual, but I was able to talk her into getting breakfast instead.

After breakfast, OG and I went to the park to play.  We kept going down a lot of steps so we could see the pond and duckies, and we ran around and jumped and giggled. I left my phone in the car, so unfortunately there are no photos.  Just memories!

All the running wore my little OG down, so it was home for napnap.  However, once she woke up we decided to go visit dada at work!  More running, squealing and giggles were had. As soon as OG saw her dada, she yelled "DADA!" and ran to him.  It was adorable.

By the time we got home, OG's outfit was covered in the evidence of her fun day: food, grass, dirt, milk, etc., so we put on her other new Kohl's sale find! Oh yes...

It was a perfect day with my little lady. xoxox

Kitty Hat: Memories of Better Times

Hello again, reader(s)! I just realized I never posted OG's outfit pictures from last Tuesday!

The outfit was that of #outfitenvy goals, but the lighting wasn't all that great.  Not that I'm supplying top-notch quality photography on this blog, but with all the natural wood in our house (reflecting warm tones), if the lighting isn't right, the whole outfit looks blah. Such was the case with Tuesday's outfit.  However, I will now post them since it was (unbeknownst to us) Kitty Hat's final appearance.

Oh that Kitty Hat...

A week ago, OG wore:
-Mint "rainbow" tee (Target)
-Black leggins
-New Chucks! (Converse Outlet)
-Kitty Hat

Look at Lucy...eyeing Kitty Hat and planning it's destruction. :(

Back of the "Rainbow Tee"

I will try to get a better picture of OG's shirt the next time she wears it!

Wonder(ful) Women Weekend

Ok, I don't know who is in charge of planning, but Free Comic Book Day and Mother's Day in the same weekend?!?! YES PLEASE!

On Saturday, Dada was busy working on his scooter, so OG and I met up with Team Allen and celebrated Free Comic Book Day by hitting up our local comic store. They had a cosplay Iron Man outside, waving at all the passers-by, and stacks of free comics up for grabs!  OG picked out her very first comic book as well - although it wasn't free. We splurged for her first book - My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Stunt Pony.  Once OG saw the cover, it was over.  She made her "pony noise" and wouldn't let go!

Comic Nerd OG wore:
-Metallic purple print Batman/Batgirl tee
-Pink cardigan
-Teal shorts
-Converse kicks

With all the Star Wars to choose from, OG picks the ONLY Pony book. Mickey enjoyed her selection too!

Yep...ain't no shame in my nerd game! Now I'm rethinking the whole "rolled out of bed and threw my hair up" look...
you never know when a photo-op might strike!

Later that day, post-napnap, OG swapped out Team Allen for a Dada and went to a new (and HUGE) comic book store about 20 minutes away.  Tony Moore was there signing stuff and selling his art, and while Dada forgot to bring his copy of Fear Agent, we still had a blast!  OG even made a friend and got a really cool book out of the trip!

OG's First Book of GIRL POWER! Side note: has anyone heard of "Mary, the regular girl who sometimes has powers"? I hadn't until reading this book. Always learning!

OG testing out her super kicking powers

On Sunday (Mother's Day), I woke up late(r than usual by about 30 minutes), we had a nice family breakfast, then I dressed Ms. OG in her best "I'm promoting my love for my momma" outfit.

Technically we had 3 outfits in mind, and the plan was to switch them out based on who were were going to see, but...you know...motherhood, toddlers and whatnot...so OG ended up wearing the same thing all day. Chalk it up to a Mother's Day Fail. Sorry, dedicated reader(s)!

OG loved her momma while wearing:
-"Cute & Smart Like Mom" shirt...totally unbiased, btw... (Target)
-Striped leggins
-Navy cardigan
-Flip Flops (Children's Place Outlet)
-Slightly unruly bed head, left unchecked, to give her that edgy toddler look
-Mickey...because...he might as well be glued to her hand

Fact: I ate OG's face 100,000,000,000,000,000 times that day.

After napnap we had lunch with Grandma (Grandpa, Uncle W, & Aunt T too!).  Someone may have overslept a bit, so we were running late. However, at least no one seems to mind as long as you bring a cute nugget with you!

No photos were taken.  Mother's Day Fail #2.

Then, off to Dedi's! It was getting a bit chilly at this point in the afternoon, so luckily Dedi hoards old hats.  I probably would have made this MDFail #3 (and not taken photos here either), but the hat I found hiding in the "old hat drawer" was ADORABLE.

OG, Mother's Day Fashionista was wearing:
-The same exact outfit
-BUT! We added a stolen cute hat from Dedi's Hoarded Hat Drawer!

OG and her EG running in the front yard.  Well, OG is running...EG is...?

I call this one: Cute Hat, Murky Pool, Weapon of Accidental Injury

We all crashed very early that night. It was the perfect weekend. <3

Throwback "Thursday" #9 - Happy Mother's Day!

Yes, yes, it's Friday.. let's just all play along and pretend for the sake of this post that it's Thursday. And don't worry, tomorrow will still be Saturday. No Flux Capacitor's were involved in the making of this blog post.

Mother's day is almost upon on us again, so I was looking at pictures from Mother's Day last year and kept thinking "this was only a year ago?!"

Kids are tricky like that...you feel like they are growing up so quickly, but yet like they have been a part of your life forever.  I have to keep reminding myself that OG has been in our lives for less than 2 years so no, she wasn't around "that one time when ___".  It just seems so odd!

So that I don't keep confusing myself based on the feeling that OG has been around for years, my Mother's Day timeline is:
- My "First" Mother's Day: I was pregnant and didn't think it counted yet, but everyone else assured me that it did.  My loving husband scored a free fudge cake from Bob Evans based on the fact that I was indeed a Mother, so I'll count it as well. :)  And that fudge cake hit. the. spot. Mmmm, pregnancy splurges.
-My Second Mother's Day/First MD w/ OG: We had a low-key dinner at Dedi's where OG tried her first "real food" (non-milk/formula) - baby oatmeal!  She was confused at first but then wanted to feed herself moments later.  She's always been an overachiever. <3
-My Third Mother's Day: will be this Sunday. Plans thus far include another low-key dinner at Dedi's and most likely hanging with Grandma & Grandpa sometime that afternoon.  All I need is time with my sweet OG and I'll be a happy camper.

For her First Mother's Day not hanging out in my uterus (aka: last year), OG wore:
-Mother's Day bib that was just for decoration
-Heavy-duty "because there will most likely be a mess" food catching bib
-An outfit. It never mattered with all the bibs she was wearing!

This is a fine example of truth in advertising. <3

"Where have you guys been hiding this stuff this whole time?"

GIMME ALL THE FOOOOD

Wishing all of the mommas out there a very Happy Mother's Day!

Well, That Was Short Lived (AKA: Adios, Kitty Hat)

Hello and happy(ish) Friday, dedicated reader(s)!

Obviously some of us are probably having a better week than others, but I know for a fact that one of my pals is having a crap week...

Lucy the Poochie.

I hate to say it, but I think our old lady dog is feeling a bit blue. You might recall a recent post wherein Lucy the Poochie decided to eat Peck the Woodpecker's leg, which then needed to be amputated.  Well, there have been several casualties since. Tupperware, crayons, paper towels, she nipped up Deadpool's butt (so fitting, if you've seen the movie), trash, her dog bed...and yesterday...Kitty Hat.  Yes, new-and-absolutely-adorable-5-days-since-purchase Kitty Hat. Lucy decided (while we were out earning money to buy her food and shelter) that Kitty Hat's ear looked scrumptious. Sad. Face. #RIPKittyHat

Lucy grew up on the streets, so she has always been a fan of unsecured trash or leftovers. She even ate a ceramic plate once - just to make sure she got ALL THE CRUMBS. Iron stomach, that one! However, normally she just lounges around and hangs with her brother Franklin and nothing gets harmed.  So...this is a bummer of a development.

Anyhow, short story long (heh), I will try and mend Kitty Hat this weekend, but I'm not so sure it will work.

Let us look fondly upon our time together, no matter how short...

And, because this is supposed to be a blog about OG and her daily life fashions, I guess I should post this picture of my adorable nugget brushing her teeth/getting snugly before bedtime.

OG is getting her "nite-nite" on while wearing:
-Dinosaur print thermal PJs
-Snugly "wolf blanket" at Auntie C's house

With her adoring stalker friend, Mickey (as always).

XOXOXOX