Happy 3rd Birthday, Isabella!

Since Isabella's party was on a day other than her birthday, we still gave her a very sweet private party with gifts this evening.

She is and forever will be our baby even though today she is 3 years old, and I am crying!

Like Sister, Like Sister

It wasn't until I was older did I ever think I look at all like my sister.

In all of my years there really hasn't been much that I thought we had in common at all features wise.

Me and Isabella 2006

Me and Gabriella, 2009


Which is why I sit in amazement, when I look at my two girls.

It's like they are twins, but not, but are, but aren't, but are and are born three years apart!

So basically, they're what I call

"My time-warped twins!"

They couldn't look more alike, at least I don't think so!

What say YOU?

Hello Kitty!

Yesterday, at Bella's party one of the cutest gifts she received was this sweet little Hello Kitty helmet that matches her new "big girl" Hello Kitty bike.

Well, since she's only 3, I'm comfortable letting her ride her tricycle from her birthday last year, which suits her well.

Next year this time, perhaps Bella will be ready for her "big girl" bike. Although, we may need to buy a bigger helmet then.

Too cute!

Bella's 3rd Annual Costume Ball

Welcome to Bella's 3rd Annual Costume ball.

She enjoyed having her little kiddie friends over along with their parents to celebrate with us.


What a great sport. She's super excited and looks forward to surprises!


Her favorite part aside from the cake and ice-cream is opening her gifts!


Our favorite part is dressing up along with her to make her birthday party extra special!


I thoroughly enjoy planning Bella's party every year, and each year is even more exciting than the last. (Hubs better start saving up for her Sweet 16)

Happy Anniversary to Us!

It's October 11, 2009 and we are celebrating six years of marriage. How exciting! We have had a great six years and we have gone through a lot. From getting more degrees, moving, new careers, to two daughters.

It has been fun!

To celebrate we have decided to visit Ashville, North Carolina. Partly to stay at Ridgecrest, but also to go to the Biltmore Estate that hubs has talked about for years.

We had a great time.

The leaves were changing and it was a very beautiful anniversary.

Stay tuned for Part II of the Biltmore Anniversary Road Trip.

That's Mommy's Maternity Pillow

"Honey, get Bella. She's in my maternity pillow again!"

That was a common request hubby heard around our house during my pregnancy.

My toddler loooooooved getting in my maternity pillow.

I can't blame her though. I learned my lesson during the first pregnancy that all the pillows in the world don't make you comfortable. I vowed to buy a maternity pillow for the next pregnancy.

Dealing with hyperemesis is really hard anyway, so you really end up trying any and everything to try to get comfortable. This time, I kept my promise to myself, and I bought one.

I looked at several choices, but I really wanted to not only get my money's worth, but I wanted to get something that I could use for years to come.

Out of all the options, I chose the LeachCo All Nighter Maternity Pillow

This pillow is awesome for many reasons:

• It conforms to the position you need it in.As your belly grows you can wrap the fit the long end under it for support
• It wraps around your whole body for maximum comfort.
• In addition to supporting your growing belly, it also provides leg support and relieves pressure on the lower back.

Obviously, I wasn't the only one who wanted to use it. My 2.5 year old was all in it too. As a matter of fact, every time I got up or shifted just a little, she made herself comfortable.

Eventually, when I could have her sleep in the bed with me we had a certain position we would sleep in to both use the pillow.

Convenient, comfortable, cozy...necessary!

Training Toothpaste for Toddlers

I love to shop! I just can't help it.

I really love to shop for my princess.

Anytime I see a product or a commercial for a product that I think she will enjoy, I'm all over it.

Well, during the time I spent on bed rest, it seemed as though Bella was enjoying more and more sweets. I can't complain, because I love sweets and so I expect her to love them too, but at the same time I wanted to make sure that she was brushing her teeth not only enough, but well and safely.

Since I get so ill when I use toothpaste (gastric issues) it always concerns me whether or not she is going to get ill too. I would truly hate that for her.

So, when I saw the cute little ad for the Orajel Training Toothpaste, I knew it was something that I wanted to try. Anything that says safe to swallow is great, because toddlers often spit or swallow the wrong things. In this case, I have no worries.

The Orajel Training Toothpaste is mild and safe for little ones learning to brush.

I couldn't wait to get the Little Bear toothpaste for Bella.

She loves it too!

The best part about this toothpaste for toddlers?

• It has a character they love imprinted on the tube.
• It comes in delicious flavors.
• It encourage kids to brush every day.

On the Orajel website they also have brushing resources, such as

• Brushing Basics and Tips
• Avoiding Fluorosis
• Weekly Brushing Chart

Click here to get a full Thomas & Friends Brushing Chart from Orajel