Tilden Park is awesome.

The day after Olivia's first birthday, I rounded up the family that was still in town (my sisters and mom, Jeremy's mom) and we all headed to Tilden Park in Berkeley. My friend Nicole has been telling me to check out the Little Farm for a couple years now. I must say that this place is so AWESOME!! I'm kinda pissed at myself for not going to this gem sooner! 

They have goats and cows and sheep and rams and chickens and geese and two of the largest pigs i've ever seen! Its such a cool place to take kids, I can't wait to go back. And you know what the best part is, its FREE!!

After we got our fill of the farm animals and washed the smell of celery of our hands, we headed over to the steam train. Again this was awesome and again I am mad for not riding this sooner. Olivia loved the train and probably would have ridden it 5 more times if we had let her. I think she was a little freaked out when we went through the tunnel (see wide eyed picture below), but otherwise it is the perfect thing to do with a little one. 

It was the perfect end to a perfect little girls perfect first birthday. 

xoxo!

P.S. This is the amazing view of San Francisco from the Berkeley hills! 

DIY inspiration

These woven plant hangers. 

This honey mustard cabbage.

This super special book from a momma to her baby girl.

These yummy looking summer time meals.

This bunting quilt.

Baby girl turns 1...

I can't believe I am saying this already, but my baby girl turned 1 year old!! Her birthday landed on a saturday and we threw the most perfect birthday party for her. Being the crazy mom that I am, I wanted to make all her party decorations, including the invites. Even though it was a little stressful, I am so glad that I took the time to do it all, I was very happy with the outcome. 

We had the party at my parents house. The weather was perfect and we were able to enjoy their big yard. I made several bunting strands with fabrics in a peachy, teal, pink theme. My plan is to turn the flags into a quilt for her that she will hopefully have forever. :)

Here is the birthday princess swinging away in her gift from my Mom and Dad.

For Olivia's first cake I used a chocolate cake recipe from my good ol' Betty Crocker cookbook. 

For the cake toppers I picked out a bunch of animal figurines from Michael's and made little party hats for them. Her cake had the kitty. My "party animals" were the talk of the party. :)

It took a little bit of coaxing, but Olivia figured out that cake is really good.

I am so happy that my sisters were able to come up from LA for Olivia's party. I don't think they know how much it meant to me for them to have been here.

Then it was present time! I can't wait to do this all over again with her for christmas! She received so many amazing gifts, including the vintage sweater vest shown below. I have already looked up patterns for something similar. Basically, come Fall, she will have one in every color. 

Just when everyone thought all the fun was coming to an end, My cousin surprised us and brought over her mini horses for the kids to ride. By this time Olivia was spent and didn't want anything to do with them. So while the other kiddo's enjoyed them…..

….Olivia enjoyed herself a nap. 

The happiest of first birthdays my baby girl. It was the funnest day and I am so looking forward to many more birthdays to come. The fact that you are so loved was very clear this day. 

XOXO, mom.

Every thing is totally the same,

Yet every thing is totally different. 

06/27/2014

06/27/2013

These two pictures were taken exactly one year apart; same time, same location, same outfit. 

The picture on the left was taken the night before I went into labor.

The picture on the right was taken the night before Olivia's first birthday.

And Oh what a year it has been.

This first year as a mother has tested my patience, made me laugh and cry (sometimes at the same time), showed me what it really means to be proud of someone, strengthened my multitasking skills, let me know that yes I can sing "itsy bitsy spider" 20 times in a row, and most importantly that I was made to be a mom. Being a parent has come naturally and I can't wait to see where else this journey takes our small family. 

Happy 4th!!!!

11 months...

Olivia Ann turned 11 months old yesterday. The fact that she will be one year old in a month has me floored! We celebrated 11 months with a bowl of mango/banana/yogurt puree that ended in one big mess! It was worth the clean up though for these priceless pictures.

Ollie, you are the happiest, most beautiful little girl and you fill your father and I's life with joy every single day. We love you more than anything in this world. 

xoxo!