Vegas, baby!

Vegas, Baby. That's where I was over a week ago. I so needed it. And I so enjoyed it. The last time I was in Vegas was three years ago with Derek when we were engaged - live'n it up! I went to clubs, wore heels, did the town! This time, my main focus was catching up on sleep. I had a room all to myself - where I enjoyed peace and quiet knowing I did not have to wake early for anybody else but ME. It was selfish, I know, but it was nice. The first time in a long time. (in case you're wondering, I slept til noon). I ate WAY too much. I shopped, but only bought things for our little person at home. And lastly, but MOST important - I got to see my brother, Doug, and his wife/my best friend, Crystal. Lovely.

My favorite hotel is Caesars Palace. Probably because of the Forum Shops.

I was bad. I ate cheesecake. An entire (large) piece. In my oversized King bed. That was after I took a piping hot shower for 30+ minutes. Afterwards I rented some new movies in my room from the overpriced TV offerings. It was awesome.

All while my momma was back in Atlanta, watching my baby.

And what a relief. How nice is it to go away and not have to worry? As a matter of fact, I think my daughter quite enjoyed time with "DeeDee." She is at the age where she soaks up everything she hears like a sponge. I came home to hear her saying things I had never heard her say before. Derek said my mom made her laugh harder than he'd ever seen. Now it is clear to me exactly why my niece, Sidney, calls her "Silly Grandma." She is silly, but the kids love it!

Dropping my mom off at the airport was tough. I feel like every time I drop off "the moms".... it gets harder and harder. Bianca is getting older, and it's time away from her grandparents. I wish we were minutes - or even just a few hours - away. We are not. A month or two (or three.... Susan - 11 weeks is WAY too long!) goes by before Bianca sees her Nana or Dee Dee.

But I am so grateful. Grateful we are not yet overseas and it is only months that go by before we see each other. Grateful our parents can financially and job-wise afford to take the trip here. Grateful they have the health to travel. Grateful they are all here on this worldly earth our God has made.

But yes, I've been slacking on my blog. I apologize for all you who have emailed me and asked to make sure I am alive cause you haven't read anything new.... and I will tell you - it feels pretty dang good to know you would call/email to check on me - thank you. It makes me feel like we're not forgotten!

So, I'm gonna do better. I've just been a little busy. I've been on a baking frenzy for some reason. I've been cooking and baking up a storm: peanut butter chocolate sandwiches, "human" chocolate puppy chow, monster cookies..... and that's not the dinners. I don't know what's gotten into me, but cooking seems to be at the top of my "to do" list - and my husband is happy about that!

I think it's cause I put off cleaning.....

Missing Dadda

We soooo miss Derek when he's gone. It is hard and we do miss him more than anything and wish he was here 24/7 (especially when somebody is being naughty).

Dadda, here's a little love from your "baby". She's really into giving kisses right now. Turn up the volume!

Mall Times

This weekend, I was laughing with a coworker about shopping at the mall with small children. I told her nowadays, if I HAVE to go to the mall, I strategically park by the area I have to shop at, speed my way through the store, and immediately check out and head back to the car. Hopefully, this doesn't involve eating lunch there .... and the worse.... falling asleep before making it home for nap time.

Today we did all the above. I didn't even take the stroller in. Bianca walked..... er... "strutted" her way through the mall. She owned it!

She looked quite cute - pigtails, green dress for St. Paddy's, and silver shoes. People laughed as she walked by, swinging her arms and saying "pretty" at all the jewelry that was at her eye view. It was hilarious.

Atlanta is graced with some of the best shopping in America. Honestly - many people have said - this city has FABULOUS shopping. While I used to enjoy Phipps Plaza or Lenox Square Mall (you can sit and watch the lamborghinis, maseratis, and Rolls Royces pull up and valet - it's awesome!), nowadays I enjoy family-friendly malls. I took Bianca to Northpoint Mall this morning, where you trade in the 500k car for the $5 train ride. I pulled our Ford Flex next to the rows of Honda Odysseys, and felt happier than I ever could. My life is surely blessed. Malls are no longer places to go for the day to shop - they are places to go for a change in atmosphere for 1-2 hours... MAX.

and i love it. life is good.

this mall has a "soft play area" for little ones. i'm sure my daughter is now a walking petri dish, full of germs. oh well. you gotta live a little.

and the biggest reason we went to this mall - the train.

oh NANA... do you see what's coming in the background..... VON MAUR! all the more reason to come and visit. and shop.

Aloha... Sam & Michelle Style

Aloha means "love" in Hawaiian.

My neighbors are in love. They have been for like 6 or 8 or 10 or some crazy # of years. This May, they will join lives and become husband and wife. How exciting! We HAD to celebrate. A shower was planned for those in the neighborhood who would be attending the Hilton Head wedding.

So, thus began my theme. It had to be beachy, beings the wedding was to be on the coast. What really set it off was when Michelle (soon-to-be-bride) called me one day, so excited, that Sam (soon-to-be-groom) had booked their honeymoon.

ahhhhhh...... Hawaii

How awesome is that? I was so excited for her. Excited for 2 main reasons:

#1. Hawaii, dah. Who doesn't get excited?!

#2. I didn't know where I was going on my honeymoon until AFTER the wedding.

It's true. Derek kept the location of our honeymoon top secret. Well, maybe. It started out cute for the first few weeks but by the time people at the wedding were coming up to me, saying, "OH.... I know where you are going!"..... it got annoying.

(it was Saint Lucia for those of you who DIDN'T KNOW!)

Anyways, Hawaiian was the theme. My neighbor, Loren, and her hubby, Matt hosted. And those of you following the blog, this is the SAME Loren who is 37 weeks pregnant. Yes, she hosted a Luau that pregnant. Amazing, too.... not a single complaint outta her. Thanks again, Loren, for hosting.

So, here it is..... the details.

Now, mind you, I like to have an "entrance" something-er-other at the door. This time, I had tiki torches that were lit. Lit and then in flames - literally - on the doorstep of Lo's house. Yes, I practically burnt the place down with my theme inspired look. How terrible??? Lo looked out before the guests came and said, "Um, the torches are on the ground!!! Our house is on fire!" I ran out (Lord knows, she couldn't waddle out there!), put them out, and ran them down to the water drain. Terrible, Liz. Not a good start. Crap! (i still feel bad, guys)

But, onward the festivities went.

Let's start with the food:

sushi

coconut shrimp with mango sauce

schmorgusboard

pineapple-chicken grilled kabobs

mango salsa you can't see (but doesn't my husband look hot?!)

The drinks:

matt found the perfect beers

matt, your drinks were de-lish. and now derek wants one of these. thanks...

i love this pic. look at the belly.

elaine making a toast to the happy couple

The sweets (my favorite part):

don't make fun. i went a bit "overboard" when I made these cupcakes.

they were just sooo much fun. before you ask: paula deen's old-fashioned cupcake, cream cheese frosting. dye some of the frosting blue and pipe it onto cupcake to look like waves. piece of gum for beach chair, peppermint for beach ball, graham cracker crumbs for sand.

no, I didn't make the cake. the same bakery that made bianca's bee cake did this.....

she loved it, and that was what counted...

wow.... looks like he loved it, too.

A little decor:

loren, you did an EXCELLENT job setting it all out perfectly.

and this was amazing. her ring, yes, amazing. also - i blurred out the lei. the lei loren had ordered and overnighted from Hawaii. It was fresh orchids. over-the-top..... of course! if you're going to do it, do it right!

bianca's book came in handy.

the "thank you for coming" party favor. you MUST do party favors!

the gifts:

now, normally, i would never post people opening gifts. nobody likes to do this in front of people. it's awkward and uncomfortable. but no, not for Michelle and Sam. they are the FUNNIEST people to open gifts. it was comical. nobody wanted it to stop.

they acted "shocked" that somebody would just "know" they were in need of a 5-piece anolon bakeware set. amazing! it's like they signed up for it or something.......

Fun times by all:

yes, they are sisters. no, they are not twins. i remember when I first met them 4 years ago and i couldn't tell them apart for like 2 or 3 book clubs (oh wait, maybe that was cause of the wine....)

the love of my life

my friends. what shall we call our party business???.... LML Party Co???

new love

and soon-to-be-married love. congrats you two!

It really was a wonderful night. Aloha to all you out there reading this.

Michelle and Sam - Derek, Bianca, and I can't wait to make the trip to Hilton Head. Yeah!

Ladies Night

I've been told by many I never put pictures of "me" on my blog.

Yeah, I know.

Done purposefully, I admit. Can't stand pictures of myself. I can hear my mother's voice, "But I miss my baby. What about some pictures of you?"

Fine.

A little while back, I had a night out with my friend from work. Besides my book club, I have not had a night out by myself and friends since before pregnancy. And actually.... I don't think book club should count - I feel like "walking" to your destination is not really a night out. This was a fantab dinner at Seasons 52 in the Perimeter area of Atlanta.

So, Mommy went out. Which entailed these beauties I have not worn in a long time....

(insert painful sigh here.... Ralph, I love ya, but your shoes are killer on my nurse feet!)

the following are comical because I decided to take them myself. I knew that asking my husband would initiate "Why?", so I took manners into my own hands.....

insert confusion, frustrations, and complexity

this is harder than it looks

ok, here's me, breaking down, asking derek to take my picture. and yes, he said, "this is weird, why do you want your picture taken?"

I don't!

And don't worry, i won't be asking you to take it again for a very long time. I'm writing this post and we'll see if I actually publish it.

Stay tuned..... Aloha Party coming up!

The Angels are Crying

This blog post is most difficult.

I have tons of things to write about. Cheery things. I have a great luau party to show, Bianca's day at the aquarium, happy times. But I have not been able to post for a few days because I've had Cade Schaub on my mind.

Working in the Emergency Room has led me to some sad stories. Just when I think I have seen the saddest story or situation, another presents itself. I have seen many parents lose their babies. It just really hits home when it happens in your own family.

I believe losing a child is the most difficult thing in the entire world. We will all lose our parents. We will all lose our spouses. We all lose our beloved pets. We can expect this to happen. When in the unfortunate event occurs that a parent must see their child - or baby - leave this human world, it is a time nobody wants to expect.

I cannot type his name without tears. I cannot fathom the grief or loss of Tim and Jaimee. Just please know that so many people out there are praying for you both and Baby Cade. This is not our life, but the life that God gives us. I thank God for giving us even a short time to have Cade in our lives.

Today, it has been raining nonstop in Atlanta. It is a continual downpour. Today the angels in heaven are crying tears of happiness because Cade is with them.

You can read his obituary HERE and continue to pray for Cade and his family during this difficult time.

The hardest part about living so far away from family is not being able to be present during this times. I am thinking of you constantly and you may be far from site - but you are so near in prayers and thoughts and love.

Pretty Day

There are some days in our lives when we just don't want to do anything with ourselves. It's a bad habit to get into. I'll be the first to admit - I'm guilty of wearing the sweatpants/loungewear waaaaay too much. As a matter of fact, I'm very guilty of hearing the garage door opening at 5:30pm and telling Bianca, "Oh, that's Daddy..... Momma's gotta get dressed!" I frantically grab Bianca, run upstairs, and throw on some makeup and jeans. Of course, I have actually showered, brushed teeth/hair, and dressed already.... but I'm not "dressed" according to Derek. A ponytail, 10-year-old t-shirt and Victoria's Secret Pink Lounge Sweats are not his idea of "dressed."

I realized I had probably been doing too much of this when he actually said,

"You know, I'd kinda like to see you dressed up more."

Oh. Oops. It's just hard for me sometimes, especially when I'm coming off of working 3 straight night shifts at the hospital. It's sometimes challenging enough just to be standing upright, let alone upright and primped. But I am going to try to do a bit more with myself. Ahm. Starting today.

So, me and my girly-girl had a "Pretty Day". A day where I actually wore a dress. For Bianca, that's no big thing. You see, I put her in dresses all the time! Yes, even though her mother may look like she's been up for 24 hours straight...(oh wait.... half the time that is TRUE and I have been up for 24 hours straight!)... my daughter always looks fashionable. As a matter of fact, I sometimes think people in the grocery store wonder if she's really my child - she'll have matching bows, outfit, and shoes while I'm in mis-match velour.

Today she looked even more fashionable when I allowed her to wear "pretties." Bianca is obsessed with my drawers. All of them. My socks, underwear, under the bathroom sink, and even t-shirt drawer. She doesn't bother any of Derek's drawers. Nope, just mine.

Her favorite drawer is the one in which my jewelry, or my "pretties" are kept. She knows she can open any of my drawers, EXCEPT the pretty drawer. She will stand there with her hand on the handle and say "PEEEZ PRETTIES" (translated "please pretties").

Like this.....

Most of the time I will open it and choose 1-2 beaded necklaces for her.

Today, I let her play in the drawer. The entire drawer. It was, of course, Pretty Day at the Cisel household.

Her expression and "OOOOHHHHH" when I let her get in it was priceless.

sometimes you just gotta let it go.

bianca, sometimes i try to make necklaces into bracelets. but darling, you cannot use bracelets as necklaces.

And this mamma rocked some funky tights with her dress today. Although, when it hit 65 they were gone.

We ventured out for something else today. Bianca's first haircut. Derek has been asking me to do this for about 6 months. I couldn't. Lately, I had to admit - her hair was looking a bit frazzled. Her bangs and the hair on her crown was actually longer than the hair at the bottom of her head. It was time to get it all evened-out.

Today was the day for Bianca's first spa experience. It was, after all, Pretty Day.

the name alone sells the place

then you get inside and realize there's more than just haircuts going on. it's a party. with a train. i didn't know if we'd ever get out.

did she cry???

at the spa??? of course not. girls don't cry at the hair salon!

they get pampered. she freaking loved it!!!

'excuse me.... you missed a spot. thank you, miss andrea!'

and when it was all done, you got to pick a toy from the treasure chest.

can you guess what she picked? this green "pretty"... to match her outfit, of course. yes, i'm serious.

then we got home and she was little miss sporty with her basketball she refuses to put down.

and i, of course, had to tone down the outfit a bit and get more comfortable. everything in moderation, please.

i'm so glad i have my little girl. she's pretty and sweet and tomboy all rolled into one.

So, Darling, when you come home today.... the house may not be clean. The laundry may not be done. Dinner may not be to your liking.

But I can promise you this - I will be PRETTY.

Love you. xxx 000