Santa Baby

Santa got a visit from the sweetest three munchkins this past weekend. Of course, he asked what they wanted for Christmas and here is what they said... with a little help from me. ;)

Rylie (now 4 1/2 months) and Sofia (10 months) visited Santa for the first time. You can see that it was a normal visit.

Christmas Gifts and A Milestone

Christmas Gifts and A Milestone?
I was just too lazy to write two post, so I meshed both in one.

Let's talk about the Milestone first.

As of November 8th, I have been blogging for four-long-years. It seems so much longer, but that's it. Four years. I've pretty much lost all blog readers, I'm sure, but I've kept on because I like to look back and see what I've been up to, how I've matured, what I dealt with on that same day and who was important to me at that time.

Happy Birthday, Daily Bee.

Now onto the second topic - Christmas Gifts.

I've already purchased my first gift, for my nephew Cristian. I've been scouring stuff for everyone else, but I just keep coming up with stuff for Rylie Drew. Poor spoiled child.

Here is what I've listed so far and plan on purchasing for her...

 Rylie is 3 1/2 months old and she has more toys than I'm sure a normal 3 1/2 months old has. She is one smart kid and already obsessed with her toys. She loves music, movies and loves to watch cartoons on her Daddy's iPhone. She has little stuffed friends that have been named and she talks to them all.day.long. So, this little gadget is one thing that I will be getting for her.

 Handmade dolls on Etsy

Sources: Left / Right

 Handmade Tuxedo Dress (love)

Sources: Left / Right

Vintage Owls and Shabby Chic Pillow Covers

Sources: Left / Right

The last wasn't meant for Rylie, obviously. I can use my blog as a hint source too... so hint hint. ;)

Bath Time

Rylie Drew loves her bath time. This last bath I grabbed my camera and captured her sweet face for the blog world to see.

Happy 6 Weeks Old, Rylicious

She's taken over my phone, clogging it with cute button noses and little popbellies.

Her perfect ten toes and finger sucking.

She is my niece. We like to watch movies together, she mostly sleeps on my chest through them.

She likes it when I sing or pray while holding her.

She entices me to buy her clothes because she knows I can't say "no".

Here are some phone pictures of Rylie Drew

She is 6 weeks old today and growing way too fast.

Probably at 8lbs (or more) now and a little rolly polly.

She's been smiling since she was born. Unusual apparently. According to the "mommy newsletter" that my sis gets, she is supposed to start smiling at 6 weeks... today. But Rylie is one up on them there doctors and specialist.


She loves it when I kiss her feet and squirms around because it's ticklish.


She is my heart and I could not love her more.

I'd rather be with you Rylie, than anyone else.

Birth in Photos

I mentioned before that I was in the delivery room when my niece was born. I was able to capture it all with my camera.

Holding my brother's video camera in one hand and my camera in the other and calming my brother down was quite a feat. To say the least.

Some of these won't be posted on the website or on the facebook pages but I thought I'd post them here for those that have known me for a few bloggy years. A little peek... ;)

Shortly after my SIL was settled in her room, the room with a view. Oh what a view. Newport Beach, glorious and beautiful at dusk. Not only was it a spectacular view, the room overlooked the bay and yatch where my brother and SIL were married.

Below is a picture of the Grandma to be, known as Marmie (let's see if anyone can pick up where that's from), waiting for her first grandbaby to be born.

The Room with a View

Minutes after 'baby girl' was born... baby girl since she didn't have a name until three days later.

Her first bath


Cuddled with her mama... getting used to the sounds and smells.

I'm off to snuggle with this little 'baby girl', Rylie Drew.

Baby Stuff

You can't say I didn't warn you here.


Not only has she stolen my heart... my pocket book is emptying quick. ;)


Not being able to fit into newborn clothes just yet (she fits perfectly into preemie clothes except for her long arms), I've held off on buying these elaborate outfits. But I love them! They are all from La Bella Flora and I must win the lottery soon or else I just may being pushing a cart around... at least I'll have a beautifully dressed niece.




I have spent a lot of time on Etsy lately. I could browse through all the categories all. day. long. But what has me hooked is the baby category. Some things I can get but others, like the bottom right headband is way out of my budget, $55 for one. So I'll have to try to make my own version.

The wipey case was purchased this past week, it matches her bedding... how could I not get it?

(Etsy links: Snazzie Drawers (patterns), Fab Flower Headbands, Hearts Smile, Jenny Candy Designs )

I'm a sucker for elaborate headbands and will be making some tonight for Rylie's newborn session tomorrow. Sure to be long but I can't wait to photograph her sweet face and post some here.

All this going on and on you'd think I was the parent. Loving her is not hard to do... especially when I don't have to stay up all night. I'll leave that to her mommy. ;)

A Country Baby Shower

The Saturday before my niece was born, we gave my sister-in-law a baby shower at our home. My SIL's sister was in charge of the food, I was in charge of the decor.


I collected mason jars of all sizes before the party and by the time the day came I had a pool table cluttered with jars.

I had a vision in mind of a country, shabby chic party and I wanted pale shabby chic roses but couldn't find them. So I went with a country pale pink mix and loaded up the mason jars.

For the centerpieces, I grouped three different sized mason jars and filled them with flowers. I then took pictures from the maternity session I did for my sister-in-law through Bumble Photography and tied them with ribbon the largest jar.

I added a little country doily accent on the edge of each picture to give it that country look.

We didn't want the traditional cake or cupcakes so my mom baked up a storm with her delectable creations. We had cookies, spiced breads, apple cakes and an assortment of pies.

I made these little stick with the pictures at the last minute that morning. Used some vintage scrap book elements and glued them on scrap paper and them dirtied the edges with my vintage ink. Added it to a dowel and they were now an added decoration for the arrangements on the food tables.

I didn't get very many pictures of the food, but it was yummy:

• Sliders
• BBQ Pork Sliders
• baked beans (my grandmothers decades old recipe)
• Salad
• Potato Salad (my mom makes the absolute best!)
• Homemade Mac n' Cheese

For the guestbook, I purchased this childhood favorite of my brothers. Growing up this book was past to each of us and I believe to this day it's all our favorite childhood story.

Guest signed the front and back and someday when baby girl's mom and dad read her this book it will have more of a meaning.

Rylie Drew

Rylie Drew is here. On July 30th at 10:22AM, she came 3 1/2 weeks early and caught us all by surprise. :) We're not complainin' though.

She weighed 5lbs, 13oz - 19" long. She is absolutely beautiful and has a full head of dark brown hair with red and blonde highlights and blue eyes, but we'll see what those turn into.

I photographed the birth and a ton of photos after but I haven't even looked at my photos yet. Things have been a little busy.

Mom and baby are healthy and very happy. Dad is nervous but in love with his new girl. :)

Pictures to come very soon.