tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35778875039324194922012-02-18T01:07:14.020-06:00Tatjananoreply@blogger.comBlogger1871100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-39132521635085587142012-01-16T13:13:00.029-06:002012-01-16T15:21:23.393-06:00

We had a sunny day for your birthday party.Ready. Waiting.Where is everyone?Here they are! Let the party begin.Presents! new books!new glasses!your favorite swinging style Two is a big one. So many changes begin at two. You are already talking in full sentences adding new words every day. You are developing your independence and opinions quickly. You tell me what you want to wear in the morning,

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-62299816647986403792012-01-12T10:00:00.006-06:002012-01-12T10:10:57.570-06:00

It's a new year, but I still have a lot of pictures to share from 2011. Most months I take hundreds of pictures. It is very time consuming to select the ones I want to share here and then to actually upload them. I am finding that sharing the pictures via a slide show is a fast and easy way to get pictures from the files to the blog. One of my favorite activities to do with the kiddos is making

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-63526720810278468442012-01-12T08:08:00.003-06:002012-01-12T08:28:12.769-06:00

I have been wanting to add recipes to the blog for a long time now and this year I will finally do that. I have a long list of recipes to add, but today I will start with what I made last night for the first time - this super good BBQ sauce (found on epicurious.com). This will definitely become a staple, something to add to the routine. Both Miles and Melodie love it. I served it with steamed

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-35832590187517151062011-12-08T17:49:00.022-06:002011-12-27T22:09:54.785-06:00

This is a very belated post about your second birthday. The month of December will always be filled with celebrations beginning with your birthday. It seems impossible that you are TWO already. Two years of Melodie. And we are so thankful to have you in our lives. The morning of your birthday, you slept longer than the rest of us. Miles woke up before you and waited with us in our bed. Finally

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-88384394624016210202011-11-29T20:57:00.004-06:002011-11-29T21:30:25.729-06:00

love those shoes. Miles wore them first.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-49729302671357745582011-11-22T09:14:00.003-06:002011-11-22T09:29:08.847-06:00

I recently met with Miles' teacher Ms. Heather for our first parent-teacher meeting. She went over his Developmental form that covers Social/Emotional Development, Speech and Language Development, Critical Thinking and Motor Skills. He is doing great in everything. She kept telling me what a happy, happy boy he is and how she loves his laugh. Here is her written evaluation: "Miles is a friendly

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-55050406555871054252011-11-19T20:17:00.009-06:002011-11-19T20:50:07.820-06:00

I love taking very close-up pictures.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-70442686176495523022011-10-23T13:24:00.014-05:002011-10-23T14:15:35.936-05:00

happy, vivacious Melodie couldn't have asked for more

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-31334483721304386392011-09-06T16:34:00.009-05:002011-09-26T13:04:37.089-05:00

- you started your the new school a few weeks ago without problems and immediately engaged with the other kids and the teacher. You seem to really like it. - you'll randomly say 'I love you Mama' and 'I love you Papa.' This I know will not get old. - you like to snuggle - you like to play spider man and octopus man - you recently got really interested in drawing and painting - you proudly

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-801568309174782402011-09-06T10:27:00.009-05:002011-09-06T12:56:16.026-05:00

You don't know what you are going to get, but this guy seems happy with his. Some more pics from the celebration in the slideshow below (finally figured out how to do this). Unfortunately, not all party guests are captured.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-69606215934311496212011-08-09T20:15:00.003-05:002011-08-09T20:36:40.554-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-59566851113868408132011-07-18T20:45:00.003-05:002011-07-18T20:50:40.600-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-57183289880644109862011-07-18T20:23:00.005-05:002011-07-18T20:42:21.583-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-17554443769569691142011-06-14T17:12:00.001-05:002011-06-14T17:17:04.192-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-64694625460702383732011-05-31T15:08:00.002-05:002011-05-31T15:12:18.827-05:00

Happy and carefree.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-17327603834987607642011-05-31T14:58:00.004-05:002011-05-31T15:05:21.450-05:00

I was taking pictures of the kids at the beach yesterday evening when this guy offered to take our picture. Well yes, please do!

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-83745473483466642522011-05-29T19:38:00.000-05:002011-05-29T19:39:47.870-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-46364545688824422332011-05-29T19:35:00.001-05:002011-05-29T19:36:58.001-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-28574820868945047232011-05-29T19:33:00.002-05:002011-05-29T19:38:18.337-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-33931525057885780632011-05-29T19:27:00.002-05:002011-05-29T19:32:55.345-05:00

A few weeks ago at the playground.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-15058526864910763942011-05-22T14:51:00.008-05:002011-05-22T15:08:14.086-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-28375968416297170682011-05-09T20:22:00.007-05:002011-05-09T20:37:19.918-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-55906730593565441732011-05-09T19:25:00.005-05:002011-05-09T19:39:27.936-05:00

Just figured out how to post larger images! Wished I would have known years ago....

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-91717384315806819062011-05-09T19:03:00.009-05:002011-05-09T19:23:21.042-05:00

"Hey Miles, look at me!""now smile""good one!"

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-7060306475639629722011-04-25T12:40:00.014-05:002011-04-26T09:41:05.075-05:00

A few days after his birthday, we had his party in our backyard. Three of his friends came over including Michael, Fin, and Eva. Other people in attendance were Natalia, our beloved babysitter who made a dinosaur (see above picture) out of paper-mache! His name is Charlie. Angie, John and Grandmama also came.A rare family photo....not easy with little ones that wiggle away after half a minute.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-63424706792779395372011-04-22T14:15:00.009-05:002011-04-25T12:40:02.952-05:00

His birthday started with the family celebration at breakfast (cake for breakfast, yes!). His presents included a life caterpillar farm which included 4 little catarpillars in a jar. We have been watching them grow this last week. Right now they are all in their cocoons waiting to become butterflies. Later we all went to a little zoo and in the evening grandpapa, deidei and Harriet came over

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-30875476585973201942011-03-25T12:55:00.008-05:002011-03-25T13:29:46.948-05:00

This girl knows what she wantsshe has attitudespunkpersonality with a capital Psays noall the timegives hugs that melt your heartshe is fastall the timelikes ice creamadores her brotherloves dogssays appleand has seven teeth

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-81505726972925967522011-03-06T20:21:00.001-06:002011-03-09T14:18:47.332-06:00

yummy cheeks....

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-78204655313053335802011-03-06T20:07:00.003-06:002011-03-09T14:20:44.197-06:00

this big boy:- recently learned how to dress himself.- always has a basket or bag of animals with him (usually a variety of stuffed animals, plastic, and wood).- is getting better at sharing with his sister- is almost four years old (really?)- loves to ride his bike to the park- likes to build forts

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-78011155773062080292011-03-02T14:21:00.003-06:002011-03-06T20:20:50.141-06:00

This little girl:- has new red shoes that make her (and me) smile- loves to read books, especially The Wheels on the Bus and anything with dogs- loves to walk anywhere- needs to do everything herself- can have high quality tantrums- loves to slide on the playground (the big ones too)- wants to do everything Miles does

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-26620367696121025242011-02-22T20:33:00.002-06:002011-02-22T20:42:58.923-06:00

This guy is doing much better. The worst is over and we are very happy about that. It's been nearly 2.5 weeks since his surgery. He walks more every day and is returning back to himself. He even went shopping for records already. Visiting Papa in bed is a favorite. Especially now that we have a magic bed that moves up and down.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-47684523104763828212011-02-22T20:02:00.006-06:002011-02-22T20:31:30.471-06:00

Thankfully the weather has been very spring like and we can go outside every day. Those days everyone is happiest. Since Max entered our lives, and since he is a hunting dog, Miles is into going hunting. With sticks in hand, Max at his side, off he goes into the woods. Hunting. Melodie is not far behind. Usually with a runny nose, a smile, and dirt all over face and hands, she keeps up with the

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-47947343611773595732011-02-04T09:29:00.004-06:002011-02-04T09:49:06.806-06:00

Waiting for Frank to get out of back surgery. This is hopefully the beginning of a life free of back pain for him. The road to recovery will be long and we are looking forward to the destination.We have been explaining to Miles what to expect when he comes home from the hospital and that he will need to rest in his bed a lot. Of course he has been asking why? about everything. He asked if Papa

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-22599834654160589072011-01-09T14:42:00.011-06:002011-01-09T15:10:03.691-06:00

It's hard to get back to blogging when you haven't done it in a while. Hopefully I will have more discipline in 2011! There is definitely plenty of life to capture. Having or making the time is the issue. Right now, I am supposed to be doing work while the kiddos nap. But earlier today I took some nice pictures of the kiddos which have inspired me to finally start posting again.Everyone had fun

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-16937209645514007982010-11-06T07:27:00.008-05:002010-11-06T08:02:49.879-05:00

A last-minute costume change from an elephant to a member of the local SWAT team, Miles had the whole neighborhood on guard. He was delighted to be a police man to fight the "bad guys." He also has been having (too much) fun putting us all in jail - over and over again. Melodie was not into the costume idea but still enjoyed tagging along for trick-or-treating. The team included a witch, cat, and

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-59582566775145353592010-09-26T20:08:00.000-05:002010-09-26T20:10:44.977-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-78142568129107899052010-09-20T14:04:00.007-05:002010-09-20T14:41:26.835-05:00

Hanging out at the Waterfront Park is a favorite. There is the park, the fountain, the dock, swings, the view, and another fountain....I know we will spend a lot of time here. Especially now that the weather is getting more user-friendly.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-74163218839281078292010-09-10T19:32:00.002-05:002010-09-10T19:40:47.072-05:00

- 9 months old- owner of one tooth! and more about to come- living in Charleston -seeing my mama all day every day-seeing my brother all day every day -seeing my grant parents all the time - hanging out on the beach all the time -being happy all the time

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-72969460001452099912010-07-08T11:20:00.002-05:002010-07-08T11:22:44.264-05:00

Just found out we got the house! Hi House! I like you.Isn't it cool that it is blue!

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-80029875511997281272010-07-08T06:58:00.010-05:002010-07-08T11:07:04.615-05:00

Feeling so overwhelmed with everything that I have to do. Haven't been getting enough sleep which doesn't help. So let's add pictures to the blog! yes, anything but actually doing what I should be doing right now. Our days are crazed. Working, packing, painting, little sleep, trip to the ER, sick children, dying grandma, home in Charleston not confirmed, packing, working, more packing, 105

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-85664014180185132612010-06-30T11:30:00.003-05:002010-06-30T11:39:50.401-05:00

And listening to Melody Gardod.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-8796887055202189852010-06-21T10:34:00.002-05:002010-06-21T11:10:16.244-05:00

Spending my birthday with Melodie. Enjoying a quiet house and contemplating our soon to be new life in Charleston. Still having a hard time believing that we are actually doing this. We (mostly Frank) are preparing our home for the new residents that will soon live here: painting rooms we were hoping to get to months ago, covering the yard with new mulch, and tending to things that need fixing.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-8264079683710918742010-06-09T20:45:00.007-05:002010-06-09T21:30:54.111-05:00

We have been out and about on the weekends enjoying the nice weather, visiting friends, and consciously living the last 40 some days in Richmond.Miles got new sunglasses and decided that the red bag would work well with the red glasses. Melodie smiles all day and is approaching 6.5 months of age. How did that happen?Life as we have know it for the last 5 or really 10 years is coming to an end.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-19051765430496710962010-05-23T19:58:00.003-05:002010-05-23T20:16:52.299-05:00

Today was a day that I wasn't proud of my parenting style. Not enough patience and too much "no!". I was on my own for the day and Miles was being bad for the first half of the day. Didn't listen to anything, and being just plain annoying. Part of the problem was me too. I didn't have any patience for his behavior and now regret some of my responses. Thankfully after his nap he was a complete

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-7395023135016410122010-05-15T20:16:00.003-05:002010-05-15T20:30:20.319-05:00

I could take pictures of the two of them all day long. I just can't get enough. The three of us just spent 30 minutes giggling in bed together before bed time. We all kept each other laughing. It was just great. Life is good these days. Melodie has been sleeping through the night for a few weeks now which has changed everything. I am glad those sleepless nights are over, at least for the most

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-55733410010619047042010-05-15T15:00:00.005-05:002010-05-15T20:14:04.618-05:00

A few weeks ago we had a little party for Miles' third birthday. Life was nuts around that time - work was intense, Melodie wasn't sleeping, I wasn't sleeping, and it broke my heart that I didn't have much energy to devote to his birthday. But the party was fun anyways and Miles was as happy as he could be. And that is all that really matters. His friends Evie and Kendall helped him with his

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-42687202767941622292010-05-09T20:33:00.004-05:002010-05-09T21:00:32.286-05:00

Her hair has a life of it's ownBringing out the soft washed-1000-times osh-kosh overalls is always a joyous occasionThe joy and happiness this girl radiates is intoxicating.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-12097434300475460782010-04-19T15:06:00.003-05:002010-04-19T15:28:52.836-05:00

Finally, time to breath again. Time to grab the camera and capture a beautiful moment.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-30310487078721614222010-03-21T15:37:00.015-05:002010-03-22T14:49:47.377-05:00

We have had two great weekends. Last week, we traveled 6 hours south to visit family and friends. The first long trip with two kids went pretty well.Some met Melodie for the first time! Here with cousin Louise, who will soon be a big sister again! She got some good practice changing diapers which will come in handy very soon.Spring arrived this weekend back in Richmond. The buds on our fruit

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-82513201691562094632010-03-03T15:03:00.002-06:002010-03-03T15:11:06.522-06:00

Experiencing Miles and Melodie interact is a feeling impossible to have known and worth any challenge entailed in having two kids.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-82628932120620412282010-03-03T14:55:00.003-06:002010-03-03T15:01:52.420-06:00

This is what baking with two kids looks like! Melodie loves the kitchen - actually they both do. Miles' new favorite place to sit is on the kitchen counter. Some may consider this risky parenting, but the other option is no dinner.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-13085912366928860682010-02-24T12:59:00.005-06:002010-03-03T14:52:33.989-06:00

Two weeks ago we went to visit friends in DC including baby Mina. Arms full of babys - Mina, Melodie & Miles. That's a lot of m's! It was also the first road trip and over night stay with Melodie. All went well!Miles holding Melodie's hand as always. I am starting to see more of a resembles between the two...

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-2524288179046255112010-02-07T15:23:00.008-06:002010-02-10T09:33:57.178-06:00

We have had a ton of snow this winter. Schools were closed all of last week except for one day and today is closed again. That means Miles' preschool is closed and I am working from home (as much as possible with two little ones at home). We have had many days of staying at home all day long with short visits outside in the snow. Miles absolutely loves the snow and is as happy as he could be.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-70519333256645128932010-01-30T10:00:00.001-06:002010-01-30T10:01:40.263-06:00

Melodie 8.5 weeks from Tatjana Beylotte on Vimeo.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-88594074997710225232010-01-29T12:18:00.007-06:002010-01-29T15:16:56.436-06:00

Dressed up in "real clothes" for the first time now that they finally fit. Ready for tomorrow's impending snow.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-86100435047929518682010-01-17T14:40:00.003-06:002010-01-17T14:50:54.056-06:00

On most days, Melodie has a natural mohawk hair style. She was born with that perfect messy bed head look ...today is particularly impressive.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-72017379349716158162010-01-17T12:43:00.014-06:002010-01-17T13:19:10.712-06:00

What to do when husband takes son on an outing for three hours on Sunday morning (pool, errands, etc)?1. feed Melodie2. play with Melodie3. take many, many photos of Melodie4. vaccum (she likes the sound of it!)5. mop the kitchen floor6. fold laundry7. blog8. make lunch9. hopefully fit in a napSo far I have gotten to number 7 (Melodie is sleeping in the swing right now). Not bad for a couple of

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-36864120752593549352010-01-07T12:01:00.007-06:002010-01-13T15:56:26.188-06:00

A few days oldTime has just flown by. It's already been 6 weeks that Melodie was born. And I am back at work.....Melodie is in good hands though being cared for by her papa for the next 5 weeks. Now we just need her to get used to the bottle, which she

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-14711578401179395012009-12-17T12:01:00.011-06:002009-12-21T19:22:14.289-06:00

Melodie Margaret was born on December 1, 2009 at 10:48 am (two minutes later than her brother). A big girl at 8 pounds 8 ounces and 20.5 inches long and lots of dark hair. My attempt at a VBAC was successful which I am very happy about. Miles was excited to meet his sister. "Baby came out!" he repeated for the first few days.Most of the time he is very sweet with her and seems to like having her

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-49964548140419836492009-11-30T15:43:00.005-06:002009-11-30T16:25:13.068-06:00

The first bike ride. Frank got this bike over a year ago at a yard sale. I remember thinking how huge it looked, and now Miles is already taking his first try. He is going to be cruisin' through the hood before long.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-46282579431912808862009-11-30T07:59:00.007-06:002009-11-30T15:43:21.693-06:00

No baby Melodie yet. Today is her due date! Before Miles has to share this space with his little sister (and everything else) I'll take this time to write some more just about him.'Miles' transition into his new school has been surprisingly smooth. He seems to love everything about it and always has a big smile on his face when it's time to go and when we pick him up. It truly couldn't be going

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-66899378724541647332009-11-25T11:35:00.004-06:002009-11-25T11:40:20.154-06:00

39 weeks and 3 days.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-21215522702346695542009-11-15T07:41:00.005-06:002009-11-15T08:35:22.712-06:00

I am 38 weeks pregnant.Getting over a cold. Miles woke up with a fever and is resting on the sofa next to meIt's finally sunny again after a week of constant rain. More baby clothes are waiting to be folded and put in their place.1.5 weeks of work before Thanksgiving and Melodie's arrival.Hoping that everyone get's healthy by then.Enjoying the urge to nest.Sitting in a freshly cleaned rocking

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-73770800268437485452009-11-01T16:13:00.007-06:002009-11-02T10:30:05.451-06:00

He knew exactly what he needed to do...."Trick or Treat!" All of a sudden he started to actually walk like an elephant...The rest of his crew.All in all it was a perfect Halloween.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-31520547693839267322009-10-18T21:14:00.005-05:002009-10-18T21:27:48.741-05:00

This weekend was cold and rainy the whole time - a good weekend to relax, organize, cook and stay at home. It was cold enough to make the first fire of the season. Half way through October already which also means that I am 34 weeks pregnant.....it's getting closer!And congrats to Ginny who is expecting her first baby in May!

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-29388207079557966932009-10-18T20:26:00.010-05:002009-10-18T21:12:50.380-05:00

Marie was here last weekend and carved this nice pumpkin for us. Miles seemed a bit confused at first when she started cutting it up thinking she was messing up his pumpkin. But now he really likes it. We spent many hours at the Richmond Folk Festival both Saturday and Sunday hearing music from all over the world - Korean drumming, Indian slide guitar, peruvian sounds, blues, etc.....It was a

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-58763251592800336872009-10-07T07:55:00.004-05:002009-10-07T07:58:15.245-05:00

Miles started his new "school" this week. He has adjusted well so far. He is most excited about his lunch bag that he gets to take every day. Supposedly he wouldn't let go of it the first day and insisted to taking it into bed during nap time.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-37950917771677341782009-09-19T20:09:00.015-05:002009-10-07T07:53:54.249-05:00

Drove down to Charleston, SC, to visit family back in August - the last time before baby Melodie arrives. It was the first time all the little cousins on my side of the family were together: Alicia, Antonia, Louise, Violette, and Miles. It's a special occasion since half of them live in Germany.Miles closely observed what the big girls were up to. Miles met some big fish and other sea creatures

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-58784774475219364152009-09-16T15:07:00.004-05:002009-09-16T15:23:17.592-05:00

I realize that stress impacts sleep and that being nearly 30 weeks pregnant doesn't help. The frustrating part is that I wouldn't be as stressed if I could just get a full night's sleep. I wake up consistently every night and can't go back to sleep for several hours - last night 3. During those dreaded hours I stress out about that I am not asleep and how tired I will be the next morning. My mind

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-43781199511865530542009-08-20T06:42:00.011-05:002009-08-21T20:49:52.564-05:00

Earlier this summer, gramana, came to visit. We went to visit Thomas Jefferson and his mansion together. Amazing place. He was quiet the gardner.Taking notes for our future vegetable garden.Admiring the vineyard. Exerting all that toddler energy after studying the Declaration of Independence and the house tour. The rooms in the mansion are very small (maneuvering through the rooms with a stroller

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-70669080658496448502009-08-10T06:08:00.003-05:002009-08-21T20:52:42.889-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-35901109031033571342009-08-04T06:38:00.001-05:002009-08-04T06:43:30.838-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-33842231967401942662009-08-02T20:38:00.000-05:002009-08-02T20:40:13.484-05:00

Just before he got a hair cut.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-58065293873848651562009-08-02T20:01:00.009-05:002009-08-02T20:32:43.031-05:00

Just made my third batch of jam this summer - this time peach. Miles and I can finish a jar in a week! It's pretty much impossible to ever buy jam again now. Fresh fruit from the farmers market homemade jam is hard to beat.Miles truly enjoys being around Bella and dogs in general. He mimics her behavior, like a sibling, maybe a little too much. Several times a day we have to remind him "Miles you

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-41965227536709391112009-07-23T19:41:00.003-05:002009-07-23T19:50:28.871-05:00

This is the first official belly shot at 21 weeks with our little baby girl. I started feeling her kicking and moving around in there this last week. Recently when I mentioned to Miles that there is a baby in my belly he said "baby?" and laid his head on my stomach. Of course it doesn' t register with him what that really means, but it was a sweet little moment.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-6302171380409227782009-07-23T19:38:00.002-05:002009-07-23T19:51:35.149-05:00

Happy bath time.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-32208715122692829902009-07-15T18:23:00.002-05:002009-07-15T18:28:15.806-05:00

Turns out Miles will have a little sister! To celebrate, he peed in the potty for the first time yesterday!

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-90409798703172737512009-07-15T18:08:00.001-05:002009-07-15T18:23:20.007-05:00

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-32181064428469589962009-07-05T07:43:00.005-05:002009-07-05T07:49:48.166-05:00

Patriotism 101 - wear Obama T-shirt Not sure what to do.....

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-88372021547091477252009-06-30T20:33:00.003-05:002009-07-01T09:25:26.467-05:00

Miles must be in the middle. Always. Especially when in the kitchen. He pulls a chair or stool, gets up and is ready to help. His little fingers are everywhere at once. I spend all my time making sure he doesn't grab a knife, glass, plate, the hot stove, etc. Cooking takes double the time. But his curiosity is sweet, even though it takes PATIENCE (which lately I don't have too much of). I try to

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-12249880444373411972009-06-14T12:34:00.007-05:002009-06-16T05:58:43.275-05:00

This past weekend was filled with some of our favorite summer activities. Friday we got home to a box waiting on our porch filled with fresh vegetables from area farms. We pay $35 a month and get a huge box of seasonal produce every other Friday delivered to our house. This week's box included beets, lettuce, carrots, swiss chard, collard greens, garlic, mushrooms, asparagus and potatoes.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-4137608850011918992009-06-10T06:18:00.002-05:002009-06-10T06:33:39.596-05:00

This little person will enter the world at the end of November. It's astonishing how everything is already in place - this image was at approximatly 12 weeks (3 weeks ago). It's as small as a bean, yet every detail is visible. How small must the brain be if the whole body is only the size of a bean. The more I think about it the more incredible it is. Looking at it makes it easier to respect how

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-75858266290042886862009-06-08T11:50:00.012-05:002009-06-08T13:38:18.605-05:00

Having a new camera (early birthday gift!) to play with has brought back my interest in taking a ton of pictures. Having such a delightful subject helps too!We had an excellent weekend starting off with early morning lego constructions. Blueberry smoothies and several ice cream treats.Reading all about animals. Going to new heights!Finding a small guitar (ukulele) at a yard sale during a nice

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-61999932479771234802009-06-01T06:00:00.002-05:002009-06-01T06:15:30.481-05:00

It's 7:02am and I am the only one up. That never happens. I probably have like 5 more minutes before that will change. So I better write fast. The picture above is one of three pictures we took of Miles since his birthday. That must be a record of the least amount of pictures taken since his birth. And that is no indication that he is not worthy of the camera any longer. He continues to be one

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-53491873666209417352009-04-26T17:34:00.020-05:002009-05-04T08:33:02.493-05:00

Finally, a little report about Miles' second birthday. The pictures are from his actual birthday and his little party a couple of days later. We invited a couple of friends from his day care and Faaris, who came all the way from DC. The weather the day of his party was gorgeous and perfect for a backyard celebration. Swinging with Evie - they later fell down together but didn't seem to care.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-88625025174534228762009-03-20T18:15:00.005-05:002009-03-20T18:23:58.077-05:00

His frogies, they go eveywhere with him. 

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-12582004258616856572009-03-10T19:43:00.010-05:002009-03-10T20:19:01.157-05:00

Miles right now:wears shoes that seem too big for the rest of his body bangs recently cut by me :)ferocious eaterlikes to help me wash dishes standing on his new kitchen stoolfavorite foods include applesauce and yogurt answers most of our questions with either "ok" or "ja"

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-52132867281234398082009-03-05T08:55:00.002-06:002009-03-05T08:57:57.561-06:00

Here is another one by the same duo. I just love it. We were listening to both of them all morning while getting ready for the day. Miles liked looking at all the kids. He kept saying "little boy," "little girl," "baby."

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-61431826562169924122009-03-04T20:04:00.005-06:002009-03-04T20:11:37.353-06:00

This is the sweetest little song and video. I just found it on some other site. I love it and can't wait to show it to Miles tomorrow.  I think I will get him the CD  for his upcoming birthday. It keeps getting better the more I listen to it. 

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-83676526159317616282009-03-03T18:37:00.005-06:002009-03-03T19:26:01.183-06:00

We got a ton of snow Sunday night which brought us a much needed snow day on Monday. Of course I had a deadline to meet worked for half the day, but it was nevertheless a relaxing day. Something about snow makes everything feel quiet and calm. Nice. Miles enjoyed the snow for a short time until his hands become very cold. We just don't have the right snow clothes. We haven't seen this much snow

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-81197716051593456482009-02-22T10:32:00.003-06:002009-02-22T10:57:16.549-06:00

It has been crazy busy here. The last few weeks have included work on most weekends, a radio interview, TV interviews, walls being painted at home, evening meetings, sick Miles, and tax returns. It's all so much. It's the quiet times in between (like now) that I remind myself that all is good, even though I feel like I am running on empty most of the time and have no time to recharge. It's hard

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-48342911343818855802009-02-01T20:13:00.003-06:002009-02-01T20:22:57.683-06:00

Saturday was pretty cold but we went out to the playground anyway. Miles had fun, but his eyes were watering from the cold. Today it was 63 degrees, more than 20 degrees warmer than Saturday! Crazy. It felt awesome being outside. Can't wait for spring to be here. We went swimming this morning at the Y. Miles is getting good at kicking his legs and holding on to our back when we swim. 

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-67999675961594948462009-02-01T20:03:00.005-06:002009-02-01T20:12:58.778-06:00

Miles enjoyed eating his own yogurt. He is all about doing it himself. Though he wasn't too happy when it was all gone. 

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-75519816945657227042009-01-26T09:39:00.002-06:002009-01-26T10:40:04.567-06:00

Just came across this picture. It was taken back in September 2008 by a press photographer. Miles is famous for visiting the downtown Galleries on a regular basis.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-62277223559419001922009-01-21T19:35:00.005-06:002009-01-21T20:09:47.882-06:00

I wanted to make an art piece of Barack Obama because I thought an iconic portrait of him could symbolize and amplify the importance of his mission. I believe Obama will guide this country to a future where everyone can thrive and I should support him vigorously for the sake of my two young daughters…I love the new VOTE image because I think that Barack Obama is the rare candidate who is

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-1209832755853910922009-01-07T20:27:00.003-06:002009-01-07T20:34:51.567-06:00

Miles insists on eating everything by himself, with his own spoon. It makes for a messy floor, but he is getting pretty good. It's great to see him working so hard on it. He is also really into drinking out of his own cup, not a sippy cup, but a real grown up cup. Earlier today, he was drinking milk out of his cup and accidentally spilt it while walking around. He immediately went to the kitchen

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-81519210060892212802009-01-07T20:00:00.004-06:002009-01-07T20:26:15.585-06:00

I don't know a better way to celebrate New Year's Eve than with family and friends at home. We mad lots of food, had plenty of wine, and creme brule for desert.Little Faaris even dressed up for the occasion!Here they are hanging out EARLY on New Year's Day.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-64549695463560350312009-01-07T19:26:00.002-06:002009-01-07T19:59:52.979-06:00

I already miss being on vacation, I guess no surprise there. It was so nice not to do anything. We were lucky to have our families visit us, so we could stay put. It was very relaxing. I felt recharged when it was time to go back to reality on Monday.

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-88292405291804202422008-12-31T10:58:00.004-06:002008-12-31T11:08:48.447-06:00

A present from his cousins Louise and Violette. Awesome. He squeals when he goes into it. An absolute blast!

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3577887503932419492.post-41844756143310734522008-12-31T10:13:00.009-06:002008-12-31T10:58:05.251-06:00

Miles likes drinking"cokie" i.e. coffe. He has his own little cup that he carries around. One of his favorite words is "hot" which comes from us telling him to stay away from our hot coffee cups in the morning.   Enjoying some "hot cokie" with dei-dei. 

Tatjananoreply@blogger.com0