Baby Shower Fun!

On September 18th, my friends, family and colleagues threw me an intimate yet FUN baby shower for my second child due to be born October 23rd.  I did not have a baby shower for my first born Amaya because we were in the military and away from home.  But I was lucky enough to celebrate the arrival of my second daughter, with my first born daughter and I was so surprised and thankful for how it turned out.  I felt so supported, and Amaya also felt special and it was an amazing time.
Even the invitees that could not make it, made it a point to get baby Morgan a gift.  And my host, Tara, and I had a fun yet stressful (at times) time planning the shower.  Amaya and I made it our mission to make Michaels Arts and Crafts our second home and even Eric got in on the fun.  I've learned things about myself, and was able to see how supported I am by those I surround myself with.

So without further ado, below are the pictures of all those who attended and some fun facts.

Dress and Tutu hand crocheted by Willis & Cro!  It was so comfortable and what is better than custom?!  Nothing.  And I got a free gift of a flower crown for Baby!

Myself, Janie, Janice and Amaya...two special ladies!

Amaya was such a big helper with Baby Huck, my colleagues (Tiffany's) newborn baby boy

Fatima, Myself, Tara and Amaya.  My host Tara and friend Fatima were nothing but helpful during the planning of the baby shower.  Fatima prepared and brought delicious food: salsa, chicken salad, jello salad (so sweet and delicous) and something else.  But it was all amazingly good.  She needs to be a chef already :)

Tiffany and I!

Krystle and I!

Tiffany and Geniel (owner of the home), both are my colleagues.  Tiffany was so sweet to get me the Kiinde, which I cannot wait to use, and to even attend after giving birth three weeks ago was shocking but so supportive!  Geniel bought baby and Amaya a gift, which was not necessary but so sweet to include Amaya and make her feel special.  

Tara (Host) and my colleague Krystle!

Me, Shaquitha and Aja (with the braces) lolol

Just me and my cousin!  Love her!

This was just a portion of the food.  The queso made by Tara was delish, Salsa made by Fatima, and shrimp and grits made by Geniel.  There was a bunch of other food and drinks for everyone and it was so good.  

Myself, Jan and Geniel

Me and my love getting ready!  Don't mind the floors, Geniel (owner of the home) was in the process of renovating the back part of her home.  The home was beautiful and so open and great lighting :)

Amaya and I after we had just arrived at Geniel's house.  We were so fortunate that Geniel opened up her home and helped put on a great party.  

Amaya and I with my dear friend and Baby Shower Host: Tara!  She was amazing, so positive and beyond helpful.  I couldn't have asked for a better host.  

This was the first photo of the shower.  Tara had such a great idea to have a photo booth!  It was used by everyone and such a hit!

More Decorations!

This was the open back frame I bought, painted, and used as the guestbook and "Well Wishes for the Baby".  It's going to look so good above the crib.  

The end result.  Love it!

Up above is the DIY tassel garland I made with twine and tissue paper for under $6.  It was so easy and so much fun.

First day of First Grade

Today marks Amaya's first day of first grade.  She is going to a new school, Ruby Duncan.  We have been prepping for a few weeks, in terms of getting back to school clothes, shoes and school supplies. We attended back to school night last Thursday and we were very impressed by her teachers organization skills.  Her first grade teacher is Mrs. Vallin and she is a "unicorn".  Unicorn means someone was born and raised and has resided in Las Vegas their entire lives. :).

So about Amaya's first day.  She was a little nervous but not much. She was more excited than nervous.  She wanted to be comfortable this year and she wore a mid length striped dress. She wore sneakers and wanted her hair done in pigtail buns.  (She's been into this hairstyle for a few weeks now).

She was eager to walk to her class on her own (parents could not go with the children anyhow), but she had no issues and didn't think twice.

After I got off work she reported to me her class worked on math and the letter L.  She also reported they got "yelled at", which I rephrase as the teacher raised her voice when some students were talking out of place.  She said they quickly learned that the students, specifically the other classmates she sits at an assigned (and colored) table with have to work together.  The table that accumulates 10 points in a day , for good behavior, gets to open the treasure chest on Friday afternoons!  So you know she's really excited about that.

Overall, she had a very good day.  She was eager for me to see her work she completed at school, ensure that I sign the library form before tomorrow, and that she had homework on the first day!

Our baby girl is not so little anymore and she won't the baby for much longer :).  She is very excited and her sister instincts and coming through more and more each day.  She rubs my belly, she talks to baby sister, and most of all she thinks of all types of ways for baby sister to be apart of our family.  She's so excited about what we are all going to be for Halloween.  We're currently thinking of themes and we haven't made up our minds.

Amaya is also into All thing Michael Jackson, and it just so happens to be his birthday today.  She loves watching his 7-10 minute videos and she just loves all his incredible dancing and songs.

It's A........

As some of you know we are adding to our little family, and on May 25 at 1515 we found out whether we are having a boy or girl!  Well.......

We are so blessed and so excited to be adding to our family..for the last time by the way.  :).  The ultrasound was absolutely amazing.  Our little bundle of joy is definitely a mover and a shaker, and she was moving all around and upside down.  She was showing out!!  

Our due date is October 23, but the ultrasound tech says based on the baby's size she could come October 13, or she's already a big baby lol.  

Amaya really wanted a brother, if she had a choice, but she is definitely coming around to the idea of having a little sister.  I think once she meets her, nothing else will matter. 

Unfortunately I have to mention that Eric just flat out knew that it was going to be a girl, lol jk. He never wavered, and would always say he knew he was destined to have all girls. 

 Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I couldn't be more excited to meet the little princess.  Now on to the fun of picking a name...

First tooth nightmare

So what started out as a normal night turned into Amaya's tooth nightmare.  So she's had a loose tooth for a couple of weeks now and we knew it was a matter of time before it would fall out and we knew she'd be so excited!

So tonight we started watching Cinderella, and after Amaya and I found out Eric ate all but one donut hole we immediately jumped up and grabbed the last donut hole.  Amaya was such a sweetie she split it exactly in half with me.  Before I go on I want it to be noted that I had literally just examined Amaya's mouth not even 15 minutes before this and looked at her loose tooth.  I said, "yep, it'll be out soon."  Fast foward to Amaya and I enjoying our half donut hole.  We continued to watch Cinderella for another two minutes or so before I look at her again and notice her loose tooth is no longer in her mouth!!!   I immediately tell Amaya don't move and call Eric to come in, because I can tell Amaya has no idea her tooth was even gone.

So after searching for her first missing tooth for twenty minutes, we gave up the search.  Needless to say Amaya is very very sad, as am I, but I'm not trying to show it.  But we tried to reassure Amaya the tooth fairy will still come but that we have to trick the tooth fairy by drawing a picture of a tooth and putting it under her pillow and hoping that works.  She agreed and began to be the little artist that she is and drew a tooth.  I think it's a bit big lol, but hey we'll see what happens tomorrow morning.

But Eric and I can't figure out what the heck happened to her first tooth?  Did she eat it or is it somewhere in our bed/carpet?  What do you guys think?

Check out the pictures! Have fun!

Mimi's 5th Birthday Party

So today we celebrated my daughter's 5th Birthday at Color Me Mine in Las Vegas, NV.  The theme was "Art Party" as my daughter loves to be artistic.  We invited only a small number of kids from her school Seton Academy.  We made chocolate mud pies, marshmallow paint chips, and had popcorn for snacks.  My cousin Devonna flew in to celebrate Amaya's Birthday and my Birthday, as our birthdays are 3 days apart.  I will update the post to show what the artistic creations looked like after they have been fired and glazed.  All the kids had a blast, and had lots of personality.  Check out the pictures.

TO DIE FOR!

Check out the back of this beautiful piece made by Gameday Crochet Owner and Entrepreneur Devonna Willis

Amaya and Leah working hard on their paintings; Amaya was the first one done, I guess she was just too excited!  

Amaya and my co-worker and Friend (Natalee)

The girls eating their Marshamallow Paint Chips; and the rest of the party people

Amaya doing the duck lips while painting..sigh lol

All of the main guests signed her birthday plate

Food Table; the Centerpiece Art table, Marshmallow paint chips, and the party favors.  The kids also had pizza, juice, and applesauce, and Chocolate Mud Pies which were Bomb diggity, made by Devonna

The dads and their daughters; it was all Fathers in the house today

Group hug

Natalee and I

The girls eating

My second Favorite!

Me and the Princess

From left to right:  Alivia, Vida, Amaya, and Leah

Amaya loved loved loved the Firefighter dress up set Cousin Devonna got her!

Theee Party Favors!

Devonna painting her lil heart out

Amaya giving her guests the party favors, which included custom palette sugar cookies, paint, and a paint brush

Amaya having lots of fun with Leah (pink) and Vida

Cake Time!

The Creations before they're fired and glazed!