Loads to do today and this weekend, as usual. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! Ciao.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Play date with Michelle & Leylynn
My girlfriend, Michelle, and her daughter, Leylynn, came over for dinner and a "play date" last night. Leylynn is one year and four days older then Alexa - Michelle and I have high hopes that they'll be the best of friends :-) As you can see from the pics, they are on their way. While we had the girls, our husbands were out having drinks at Winking Lizard. Don't worry... Michelle and I had our kid-free night two weeks ago with a wine tasting at Vino 100! We are planning on continuing this every-other-week get together for the Ritchey and Sip families!!!
Loads to do today and this weekend, as usual. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! Ciao.
Loads to do today and this weekend, as usual. Have a wonderful weekend everyone!! Ciao.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
A Happy Anny!
Yesterday was mine and Dan's 3rd Anniversary. The day started off fabulous because Alexa said, "Mama" calling out to me!!! I had to use the bathroom (sorry if that's TMI), so she had to wait to breastfeed. While Dan was sitting with her, she just kept looking at the bathroom door (so I'm told) saying, "Mama. Mama. Mama." This is not to be confused with the babbling talk she's been doing lately saying, "ma ma ma ma..." It seriously warmed my heart to finally hear my daughter call out for me :-) Because trust me, I heard her loud mouth, lol, through the door!
Here is Alexa on the phone with her Noni (who had called to wish us Happy Anniversary).
For lunch, Dan, Alexa, and I met up with Grandma Ritchey and Aunt Janet at Windchimes. We had a nice lunch, and after Dan returned to work and Grandma went onto her appointment, Aunt Janet and I talked for over an hour! It was really great to see both of them, and we look forward to more lunches or get-togethers with the two of them this summer!!!
Alexa got to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa while we went out to dinner. Here is Alexa and Grandpa making music! She really had her grandparents entertained with her whipping around in the exersaucer, feeding herself, and playing with her toys. I mean, with a face that beautiful, who wouldn't be entertained?!
Dan and I enjoyed a DELICIOUS dinner at Bonefish Grill! We had the mussels for an appetizer, Dan had Tuna Toyko Sashimi, and I had Wolf Fish Rockfeller - yummy!
We exchanged cards and gifts while at dinner. I got Dan an iPod touch and leather case. The 3rd anniversary is traditionally a leather gift because the material is durable, warm, strong, flexible, and has a sense of resilency to it - all qualities that a great marriage poses :-) Dan gave me a Movado watch (which ironically comes in a leather protective case). A modern 3rd anniversary gift is crystal because it dazzles you with its beauty and reflects light off of its surface - symbolizing how a couple in a great marriage can touch those around them. Below is Dan with his new iPod and my Movado watch (still in the box because Macy's is having a HUGE sale on their fine jewelry, and I may exchange it for a different Movado).
I'm so thankful, lucky, and blessed to have Dan as my husband. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us as we continue our life's journey together :-) Ciao.
Here is Alexa on the phone with her Noni (who had called to wish us Happy Anniversary).
For lunch, Dan, Alexa, and I met up with Grandma Ritchey and Aunt Janet at Windchimes. We had a nice lunch, and after Dan returned to work and Grandma went onto her appointment, Aunt Janet and I talked for over an hour! It was really great to see both of them, and we look forward to more lunches or get-togethers with the two of them this summer!!!
Alexa got to spend some time with Grandma and Grandpa while we went out to dinner. Here is Alexa and Grandpa making music! She really had her grandparents entertained with her whipping around in the exersaucer, feeding herself, and playing with her toys. I mean, with a face that beautiful, who wouldn't be entertained?!
Dan and I enjoyed a DELICIOUS dinner at Bonefish Grill! We had the mussels for an appetizer, Dan had Tuna Toyko Sashimi, and I had Wolf Fish Rockfeller - yummy!
We exchanged cards and gifts while at dinner. I got Dan an iPod touch and leather case. The 3rd anniversary is traditionally a leather gift because the material is durable, warm, strong, flexible, and has a sense of resilency to it - all qualities that a great marriage poses :-) Dan gave me a Movado watch (which ironically comes in a leather protective case). A modern 3rd anniversary gift is crystal because it dazzles you with its beauty and reflects light off of its surface - symbolizing how a couple in a great marriage can touch those around them. Below is Dan with his new iPod and my Movado watch (still in the box because Macy's is having a HUGE sale on their fine jewelry, and I may exchange it for a different Movado).
I'm so thankful, lucky, and blessed to have Dan as my husband. I cannot wait to see what God has in store for us as we continue our life's journey together :-) Ciao.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
So far this week...
On Monday, Alexa loved looking at the "pretty baby" in the mirror at Kohl's. After going to Kohl's, we went grocery shopping. I got her a ton of new snacks, including Cheerios, Gerber Yogurt Melts & Wagon Wheels, and Mum-Mum Rice Rusks (pictured below).
This movie clip is of Alexa eating the Rice Rusk... she thought she was so cool :-)
She then moved on to her Gerber Puffs. Alexa is an old-pro at eating them! I love this one for two reasons: she says "mama..." and she gives her heart-stopping smile.
She's obviously Dan's child with all the weird noises she makes :)~
One of the great finds at a garage sale last weekend was this Leap Frog Learning Drum. This was too much fun to leave at Noni & Papa's house :-)
Here is a video of Alexa and Daddy banging on the drum.
Babytime resumed at the library this week. All three of the librarians (and some of the other mom's) were amazed at how big Alexa has gotten in just six weeks! It was so great to return to the library, I hadn't realized how much I'd missed it!!!
After storytime, Alexa and I went to lunch with one of my college roommates, Jaime Battaglia, who now lives in Atlanta. We went back to the start of it all... Applebees U-city (down near campus)! It was wonderful catching up with Jaime, and she adored Alexa. She kept telling me, "Nikki, she's perfect!" :-)
Obviously, the week has already been busy, and it's only Wednesday! Today we are going to lunch with Grandma Ritchey & Aunt Janet. Tonight Dan's parents are coming over to babysit so we can celebrate our 3rd Anniversary! Hope everyone's having as great of a week as we are!!! Ciao.
This movie clip is of Alexa eating the Rice Rusk... she thought she was so cool :-)
She then moved on to her Gerber Puffs. Alexa is an old-pro at eating them! I love this one for two reasons: she says "mama..." and she gives her heart-stopping smile.
She's obviously Dan's child with all the weird noises she makes :)~
One of the great finds at a garage sale last weekend was this Leap Frog Learning Drum. This was too much fun to leave at Noni & Papa's house :-)
Here is a video of Alexa and Daddy banging on the drum.
Babytime resumed at the library this week. All three of the librarians (and some of the other mom's) were amazed at how big Alexa has gotten in just six weeks! It was so great to return to the library, I hadn't realized how much I'd missed it!!!
After storytime, Alexa and I went to lunch with one of my college roommates, Jaime Battaglia, who now lives in Atlanta. We went back to the start of it all... Applebees U-city (down near campus)! It was wonderful catching up with Jaime, and she adored Alexa. She kept telling me, "Nikki, she's perfect!" :-)
Obviously, the week has already been busy, and it's only Wednesday! Today we are going to lunch with Grandma Ritchey & Aunt Janet. Tonight Dan's parents are coming over to babysit so we can celebrate our 3rd Anniversary! Hope everyone's having as great of a week as we are!!! Ciao.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
A Beautiful Weekend in Perry
Paul jet skiing. For Alexa's first time at Lake Erie, Dan and I took her on a walk up the beach - Daddy told Alexa she's too small to ride the jet ski yet.
Paul & Dan jet skiing -- apparently Paul wanted Dan to create a wake for him to do tricks in.
Alexa did some tummy time and enjoyed watching the boys jet ski with Papa.
Paul & his friend, Friel, passing the skiis along to me & Dan.
Noni and Alexa on the playground.
It was a wee bit chilly, but Noni kept Alexa warm and giggly! I have a similar pic of the two of us on our first time down on Lake Erie last year, so I wanted to duplicate it this year :-)
Playing with JaJa on Saturday morning - she loves Paul, I mean she watches him (like a hawk) as he is doing stuff and she smiles/laughs at him constantly! Gram came over to feed Alexa breakfast - this high chair was the one Grandma & Papa bought when they had Aunt Kathy!
Alexa trying to figure out her new toy (Dan and I got Alexa some toys to keep at Noni & Papa's house)! After playing for awhile, Noni thought Alexa might enjoy an orange popsicle.
She LOVED the popsicle, but could only hold it for a few seconds herself because it was so cold. She also really like this piano thing we found - I thought it was great, until we got it home, put batteries in it, and discovered it doesn't work. Ugh, guess that's what you get for $3.00! She didn't mind just banging on it though :-)
At the St. Gabriel's Festival.
KISSES!!! Mommy & Noni both love Alexa Rose soooooooo much!!!
Papa & Noni with Alexa. Gram babysat Alexa for a few hours so we could enjoy the band, Festivus, at the festival on Saturday night.
Alexa only got to spend a little time with Auntie :-( because she was busy working all weekend. Hopefully, she'll come down for a few days this summer to hangout with us!
I totally stalked Noni and Alexa on their walk around the neighborhood :)~
Alexa happy on her walk... and then she passed out!
My dad and Dan went and got Alexa a pool like ours (minus the slide) to keep in Perry.
Alexa really liked when Noni set her on her legs and bounced up and down making waves in the pool.
See the closed eyes and open mouth (on the left)??? That's the face Alexa makes EVERY TIME she sees Chloe or Dixie approaching.
JaJa and Alexa hanging out on the patio on Sunday afternoon. Alexa laughs whenever Papa puffs his cheeks out!
We had another really great, and very busy, weekend in Perry. Dan had taken Friday off of work so that he could take a midterm in the morning. We ended up getting on the road just after noon. We headed directly up to the school so that Noni could show Alexa off to all of her co-workers. Everyone thought she was just beautiful! After everyone was home from work, we packed up and headed to the lake for the first jet skiing session this season :-) We got some Convenient fried chicken and potato wedges to picnic while we took turns riding. The water was FREEZING!!! Only Paul, Friel, Danielle, Dan, and I had the courage to brave it. On Saturday, Alexa napped and spent some QT with Noni while Dan and I enjoyed a morning of garage sale-ing and other shopping (at Kohl's and Target) kid-free. We went to the St. Gabriel's Church Festival for dinner, and then Alexa went to Gram's house for a few hours. It was nice to be able to watch the band, whose lead singer my parents went to school with, just the adults. On Sunday, we went to church and out to breakfast. Noni took Alexa on a walk around the neighborhood, and she also took her swimming! It was nice to enjoy the beautiful weather all weekend. Can't wait to get back up in July and hopefully ride the jet skiis every single day!!!
Alexa continues to grow and thrive. Just yesterday she fed herself an entire bottle! She's eating two solids a day, and I am testing the waters with thickers purees (ones that have a grain in them but still stage 2). Alexa LOVES to feed herself, and has mastered Gerber puffs, yogurt melts, and wagon wheels. At the grocery store yesterday, I bought her some Cheerios and these bread/wafer things. She does such a great job and is so proud that she can feed herself. She giggles and babbles constantly while sitting at the table! Speaking of babbling... she is getting some pseudo-words! Her first was "mama," and it has quickly been followed by "dada" and "baba." She kind of says "hi" and "okay" too. Alexa has learned how to High Five and to grab someone's fingers to pull herself up to stand. Now, we're just encouraging her with tummy time so that she'll start moving. She's really close! Sometimes I just sit back and think, "My goodness, look at her. She's a little person!" I am constantly in awe of the things she does!!!
Well, I'll have some more photos and movies to post later (from her eating and playing yesterday). Babytime resumes finally, after a 6-week break, today! After we go to the library, we are meeting one of my college roommates, Jaime, for lunch at Applebees. As usual, Alexa and I are super busy!!! We have other lunch dates this week, as well as a "play date" with Michelle and Leylynn on Thursday night (the guys are going out). Tomorrow is mine and Dan's 3rd Anniversary - 3 freaking years! It is crazy! Then, of course this weekend is Dan's 1st Father's Day :-) I'll fill you in on all his great gifts after he opens 'em! Next week, my mom is coming down for a few days, yay!!! Like I said, a lot is going on in this Ritchey household. Will post again when I have another spare moment. Ciao.
Paul & Dan jet skiing -- apparently Paul wanted Dan to create a wake for him to do tricks in.
Alexa did some tummy time and enjoyed watching the boys jet ski with Papa.
Paul & his friend, Friel, passing the skiis along to me & Dan.
Noni and Alexa on the playground.
It was a wee bit chilly, but Noni kept Alexa warm and giggly! I have a similar pic of the two of us on our first time down on Lake Erie last year, so I wanted to duplicate it this year :-)
Playing with JaJa on Saturday morning - she loves Paul, I mean she watches him (like a hawk) as he is doing stuff and she smiles/laughs at him constantly! Gram came over to feed Alexa breakfast - this high chair was the one Grandma & Papa bought when they had Aunt Kathy!
Alexa trying to figure out her new toy (Dan and I got Alexa some toys to keep at Noni & Papa's house)! After playing for awhile, Noni thought Alexa might enjoy an orange popsicle.
She LOVED the popsicle, but could only hold it for a few seconds herself because it was so cold. She also really like this piano thing we found - I thought it was great, until we got it home, put batteries in it, and discovered it doesn't work. Ugh, guess that's what you get for $3.00! She didn't mind just banging on it though :-)
At the St. Gabriel's Festival.
KISSES!!! Mommy & Noni both love Alexa Rose soooooooo much!!!
Papa & Noni with Alexa. Gram babysat Alexa for a few hours so we could enjoy the band, Festivus, at the festival on Saturday night.
Alexa only got to spend a little time with Auntie :-( because she was busy working all weekend. Hopefully, she'll come down for a few days this summer to hangout with us!
I totally stalked Noni and Alexa on their walk around the neighborhood :)~
Alexa happy on her walk... and then she passed out!
My dad and Dan went and got Alexa a pool like ours (minus the slide) to keep in Perry.
Alexa really liked when Noni set her on her legs and bounced up and down making waves in the pool.
See the closed eyes and open mouth (on the left)??? That's the face Alexa makes EVERY TIME she sees Chloe or Dixie approaching.
JaJa and Alexa hanging out on the patio on Sunday afternoon. Alexa laughs whenever Papa puffs his cheeks out!
We had another really great, and very busy, weekend in Perry. Dan had taken Friday off of work so that he could take a midterm in the morning. We ended up getting on the road just after noon. We headed directly up to the school so that Noni could show Alexa off to all of her co-workers. Everyone thought she was just beautiful! After everyone was home from work, we packed up and headed to the lake for the first jet skiing session this season :-) We got some Convenient fried chicken and potato wedges to picnic while we took turns riding. The water was FREEZING!!! Only Paul, Friel, Danielle, Dan, and I had the courage to brave it. On Saturday, Alexa napped and spent some QT with Noni while Dan and I enjoyed a morning of garage sale-ing and other shopping (at Kohl's and Target) kid-free. We went to the St. Gabriel's Church Festival for dinner, and then Alexa went to Gram's house for a few hours. It was nice to be able to watch the band, whose lead singer my parents went to school with, just the adults. On Sunday, we went to church and out to breakfast. Noni took Alexa on a walk around the neighborhood, and she also took her swimming! It was nice to enjoy the beautiful weather all weekend. Can't wait to get back up in July and hopefully ride the jet skiis every single day!!!
Alexa continues to grow and thrive. Just yesterday she fed herself an entire bottle! She's eating two solids a day, and I am testing the waters with thickers purees (ones that have a grain in them but still stage 2). Alexa LOVES to feed herself, and has mastered Gerber puffs, yogurt melts, and wagon wheels. At the grocery store yesterday, I bought her some Cheerios and these bread/wafer things. She does such a great job and is so proud that she can feed herself. She giggles and babbles constantly while sitting at the table! Speaking of babbling... she is getting some pseudo-words! Her first was "mama," and it has quickly been followed by "dada" and "baba." She kind of says "hi" and "okay" too. Alexa has learned how to High Five and to grab someone's fingers to pull herself up to stand. Now, we're just encouraging her with tummy time so that she'll start moving. She's really close! Sometimes I just sit back and think, "My goodness, look at her. She's a little person!" I am constantly in awe of the things she does!!!
Well, I'll have some more photos and movies to post later (from her eating and playing yesterday). Babytime resumes finally, after a 6-week break, today! After we go to the library, we are meeting one of my college roommates, Jaime, for lunch at Applebees. As usual, Alexa and I are super busy!!! We have other lunch dates this week, as well as a "play date" with Michelle and Leylynn on Thursday night (the guys are going out). Tomorrow is mine and Dan's 3rd Anniversary - 3 freaking years! It is crazy! Then, of course this weekend is Dan's 1st Father's Day :-) I'll fill you in on all his great gifts after he opens 'em! Next week, my mom is coming down for a few days, yay!!! Like I said, a lot is going on in this Ritchey household. Will post again when I have another spare moment. Ciao.
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