Project Life: Week 7

Week 7 was, in retrospect, a week of food and scenery. There are worse things to celebrate :)

Saturday, February 12th


This morning I decided to make us all a treat, so we had pancakes with fresh blueberries for breakfast. Elaina definitely enjoyed this break from her usual bowl of cereal! Later, Josh and I went out for a date to Sushigawa (delicious!) and capped off our Japanese-themed date by watching Rashomon.


Sunday, February 13th

Elaina fell asleep on the way home from church today, and, in the hopes of having the nap last substantially long enough for her to not be a bear the rest of the entire day, I held her on my lap. This worked well until the sound of my lunch munching woke her up. She was quite interested in sharing my Doritos, evidenced by the orange powder on the corners of her mouth.

Unfortunately, her curiosity in the culinary arts also extended to the kitty litter box when Josh and I weren't looking. A call to Poison Control and lots of mouth-rinsing later, she was fine; the scene is so captured in my mind, it needn't be captured on film as well.

Monday, February 14th

Nothing says "romantic Valentine's dinner" like leftover goulash. :) (Admit it, you're writhing with jealousy...). I think by today Elaina had had it with Mommy constantly taking a picture while she ate. I admit, I was searching for a subject. But she's such a cute subject, even with this "Why must you have the camera in my face while I am trying to eat, again" expression.


Tuesday, February 15th

This beautiful sunrise greeted me on my way to work. "The heavens declare the glory of God," indeed.


Wednesday, February 16th

And this beautiful scene greeted me today. Okay, so it looks pretty ugly, but it does indicate one important thing: above-freezing temperatures. It's so hard to believe our blizzard was only two short weeks ago; I was sure Elaina would be entering junior high before the snow was all gone!


Thursday, February 17th

Lately I've really been feeling down about all the desk time I have at work. I sit, come home, play with Elaina, and sit. It's too cold to go for a walk, so I improvised with my Wii fit balance board. After stepping on it for about a half hour, Elaina decided she wanted to give it a try!


Friday, February 18th



When Josh and I initially painted our house, it was a whirlwind 4-day activity, before floors or cabinets or anything of the like were installed. So it took until we had moved in for me to realize that I hated the color of our bathroom. It seriously made me feel like I was showering in room the color of baby poo. After much debate, we decided to paint three of the four walls and leave the brown as an accent. Josh got a sample of a decided-upon color, and he called me into the bathroom to see what I thought. I was greeted with this mural of love :)

Project Life: Week 6

Inspired by Jessica Turner's (The Mom Creative) blog, I've challenged myself to take a picture each day this year. So far, so good! Here is a recap of last week:



Project Life: Week 6

Saturday, February 5th



Following the blizzard, we had arctic temperatures that kept us huddled inside. Today it was finally warm enough (ha!) to take Elaina out to explore snow for the first time. She was very interested and handled it like a champ. I am so excited for next winter, when we'll go out and actually play!


Sunday, February 6

This picture pretty much sums up our interest in this year's Superbowl--half-interest :). (Was happy to see the Packers win...division rivals or no, it was a good game!) We did go to Josh's folks for the first 2 1/2 quarters, which was a lot of fun, and then came home to put Elaina to bed. Josh enjoyed the rest of the game while playing a video game.


Monday, February 7th
This face sums up Little Missy's evening: cranky. She was so inconsolable that we put her to bed early, and it seemed to have done the trick. She woke up the next morning the happy, smiling baby I know and love!

Tuesday, February 8th

Until she was 10 1/2 months old, Elaina was not a good sleeper. We tried this Fisher Price soothing sounds machine, but it only served to fuel her sleep-fighting rage, so eventually it went the way of the Swaddle-Me and the Seahorse (life drastically improved once she rediscovered the Paci!). She discovered her soothing sound machine tonight and enjoyed listening to it--this time, without tears.

Today I also had a dr appointment, and we got to hear Peanut's heartbeat again (145!). I was only a little disappointed that we have to wait so long for the next sono. I can't wait to see this little creature who has been kicking me!

Wednesday, February 9th

As a wedding gift, I am making a wedding album for Rachel and Lips. It's my first time using Picaboo, and I've been very impressed. For inspiration, I pulled out our wedding album. It was wonderful to reminisce about that special day 4 1/2 years ago!

Thursday, February 10th

Tonight Elaina decided to play in the pots. She didn't quite realize she's quite a bit bigger than her selected seat!

Friday, February 1th
When I came in from work today, Elaina in tow, I saw these beautiful flowers on the island. Josh had them sitting next to a heart of chocolates. I realize this may be cliche for some people, but it was quite unexpected, and it made me feel so special.

Project Life: Week 5

Project Life: Week Five




This was a busy, family-time filled week. Some days it can be tough to think of what picture to take (our days seem so monotonous!) but I'm always thankful I have. With that said...

Saturday, January 29th

Although we moved in July, we are just now getting around to some of the real finishing touches of our home. Today, Josh put up curtain rods in our bedroom. Elaina was happy to "help"!


Sunday, January 30th

Today I wanted to take a picture of a very special family event: my sister-in-law, Nikki, was baptized. However, a nasty headcold had other ideas. I felt so horrible that Josh went grocery shopping by himself (this is usually a family affair). In addition to the groceries, he came home with a get-well package consisting of 3-ply kleenex, peanut M&Ms, and a valentine bear that says "I love you." So sweet!

Monday, January 31st

Still exhausted from being sick, Elaina and I relaxed after I got home from work. She's getting so big, but I never tire of rocking her to sleep!

Tuesday, February 1st

Snowmaggedon. Snowpacalypse. Blizzaster. Whatever you want to call it, it started today around 11:00. It was so nasty they let us out of work early. I picked up Elaina and waited for Josh to get home safely. Elaina was fascinated by the weather!


Wednesday, February 2nd

15 inches of snow later, this is the view to our patio. Had a wonderful family day at home. Not that I want a blizzard every week, but a "Saturday" in the middle of the week was pretty nice.


Thursday, February 3rd

Elias isn't the only one who likes to "model" Mommy's underwear on laundry day. Elaina had a ball playing peekaboo until she discovered she could create a fashionable cotton necklace out of it as well.


Friday, February 4th


Today Elaina had her 15 month check-up. Other than being on the teeny side (18.2 lbs--and she eats like a horse!), she is completely developmentally on track and healthy. I am so, so thankful for that...and for her smile!

Project Life: Week 4

Week 4:


Saturday, January 22


Tonight Josh made supper: ribeye steak and roasted potatoes. He did a great job!


Sunday, January 23rd
The Serrano household was eerily quiet during the Bears/Packers game, and the mood didn't improve with its outcome. After the game, I threw my sweatshirt on the top of the laundry, to be washed and put away for another season. Sigh...


Monday, January 24th
Elaina came down with the flu, so after an afternoon and evening of caring for her needs, a hot cup of tea was in order after she went to bed.

Tuesday, January 25th

Recently, nothing makes Little Miss happier than pulling her books out of the basket, plopping herself in the empty space, and pulling the aforementioned books over herself to read. Tonight she occupied herself for quite some time doing this!


Wednesday, January 26th

Josh is an incredibly talented self-taught guitar player, and today he was putting some finishing touches on his most recent song, which he wrote for me. Have I mentioned how incredibly blessed I am?

Thursday, January 27th

E has been sick all week, so we've missed seeing this precious smile. Thankfully, she seems to have turned the corner and enjoyed playing with her kitchenette tonight!


Friday, January 28th

Did I mention how much we love this smile?

Project Life: Week 3

Week 3

Saturday, January 15th

Tonight we went had dinner with Josh's family. Every one was there, which was really nice--it was the first time we'd all gotten together since Christmas. Elaina and Arcadia had a lot of fun together!

Sunday, January 16th

Josh and I were going to try a new church this morning, but when Elaina went down for a nap at 9:30, it didn't happen. While she slept, Josh looked out the window and saw a coyote wandering through our backyard! We often hear them at night, but this was the first time we saw one. Unfortunately, the nap didn't help Little Miss--another nap, a nagging fever, and a trip to Prompt Care later, she was diagnosed with yet another ear infection. I am so thankful for antibiotics!

Monday, January 17th

The office was closed today, so I was able to stay home and snuggle with Elaina. We met Josh for lunch, and after an afternoon nap (for both of us!) I was able to make Roasted Chile Stew with Cilantro Corn Dumplings for dinner--not a common occurrence on a week night!

Tuesday, January 18th
One of Elaina's favorite activities of late is "rearranging" the lazy susan (if you understand "rearranging" to consist of taking all objects currently residing in the cabinet out, and exploring the contents as they sit at your feet). She is particularly enamored with Bacon Bits. I take full responsibility for this (even if she's never tasted one...).

Wednesday, January 19th

In addition to rearranging the lazy susan, E loves "help" with laundry. Makes it a challenge to get things folded, but it makes her happy :)

Thursday, January 20th

Today was the first day I had to use my new Beband because I couldn't button my pants. Hello, second trimester!!

And I'm including this picture, too...just because I love it.

Friday, January 21st

I believe it was -4 when I got up this morning...this has been one of my favorite views this winter!

Project Life: Week 2

Week Two:

Saturday, January 8th


After the chaotic celebration of Rachel's wedding, we went out this morning for Gramma Beck's birthday. I got the pleasure of sitting across the table from them at Cracker Barrel. Love them so much!

Sunday, January 9th


Today we recouperated as a family (I think we were in our jammies all day!) During dinner, Elaina decided she wanted to use the spoon herself. She was pretty successful!

Monday, January 10th



Josh and I went in on a cow with Jeremy, and today Josh picked up our quarter. 220lbs later, our deep freeze is stocked for the year! Josh is already fantasizing about grilling. And the best part: we got all of this less per pound than what you pay at Kroger!

Tuesday, January 11th

Today I told my boss the news that Josh and I are expecting baby #2! Here is a belly shot from last week (please ignore the stretch marks...courtesy of Lil Miss). I am 14 weeks now...it's going so fast!

Wednesday, January 12th.
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Elaina loves to be read to. She'll often bring a book to me, place it in my hands, and the look at me expectantly until I make room on my lap.

Thursday, January 13th


Mom had a doctor appointment in Peoria today, so we got to meet them for supper. It was great to see them. What I love about this picture is that it's hard to tell who's happiest! :)

Friday, January 14th



Our little lady was feeling under the weather today, but being pushed on her scooter brightened her right up.