Camilla Turns One!

The BIG ONE!

Can't believe that my baby girl is one today.  Where did the year go?  What happened? I can honestly say that time has zoomed by and I only wish that things would slow down, but I know that they will only continue to speed up. 

It has been such a blessing to have a baby in my life again.  I cherished having given birth to Henry 6 years ago, and now with Camilla, I get to experience the evolution once again. The whole experience having a baby girl has been somewhat surreal because in many ways my two children are very much alike.  Of course they are two individuals, there own little brains, body and souls, but I do feel these two are connected souls.  Both are very headstrong and smart with social skills to charm even the most uninterested bystander. I get that I am completely boasting here, but it is at these moments and milestones where I can really take time and reflect on their growth and changes and completely revel in it. I love my KIDS! 

Today is officially Mila's birthdate, but we celebrated with family last night.  Despite cutting two more teeth this weekend, runny nose, sleepiness and all, Camilly was a super star (what birthday doesn't have some stress).

Camilla enjoyed her pressies so much!  We gave her a 'baby' and she hugged and kissed her baby.  She is such a huggy love!  Henry was a good helpful big brother.  All he wanted to do was assist in blowing out the candles, unwrapping presents and help play with her toys.  What a loving big bro (she's one lucky gal)!

Dearest Camilla Georgina Kruuse, today is your very first birthday.  What a lucky mama I am to have you in my life and to celebrate you, my girl! It is hard to believe that a year has passed.  You have changed so quickly from a wee infant to the early stages of toddlerdom.  We're in for a whirlwind with you.  You're a feisty gal, who knows what you want!  You can keep up with your older brother who at times doesn't realize that you are about less than half his size and all he wants to do is love all over you (some of those big hugs can be a bit too overbearing, but you've learned to let him know). You love to carry around the odd sock and use it to chew on or help dust or wipe things up.  Greeting neighbors, friends and family has come easy for you.  You blow kisses and your wave, which is by far one of the most darling things you do, is so animated where all your fingers open and close like a flower. You have been calling out to your brother Henry for months now.  Most mornings when you awake we can hear you calling his name (I must admit I'm slightly jealous to the fact that you use his name a wee bit more than mine). Most animals, go 'woof, woof' even a gato (cat). When you see most animals you give a nice high pitched squeal and then you woof like a dog.  We're still working on the meow like a cat.  And when you see your auntie's cats, you still 'woof' at them and point! You love food and have an array of favorites: apples, blueberries, raisin toast, avocados, quesadillas, clementines, lemons and freeze dried fruits. There's more but the list would continue down the page! You are still loving chi chi (nursing), and we've started to try out both goats and cows milk, but they haven't won you over yet.  Hoping to get you to enjoy a bit more each day. Some of your daily routines which you love is going to take Henry to the bus stop in the mornings.  I think you like seeing your brother and all the kids take off in the big yellow bus and wishing you could join them, but I also know you enjoy greeting our friends who meet us at the stop.  You get to smile, coo and be passed from mom to mom.   There are so many moments with you Camilla that I wish I could freeze into my brain and etch them in there for life.  Grasping to hold on to these moments and to not let you go so quickly, I'm trying to keep you a baby just a little bit longer.  I love you my daughter.

Love and kisses from your Mama!

This coming Saturday we are hosting another birthday with a few of our little friends.  It is a bunny themed (she was born on Easter) birthday and am super excited! Will post more pics later!

According to my IPhone

It's been a busy month so far! Yesterday marked Camilla's 11th month (cant believe it) and Henry came home with the Peace Prize from his teacher (which he's been so eager to receive). Yay, Henry!! So proud if you! Looking forward to the spring which seems to finally be approaching here in DC!!

Henry Turns SIX!

My Big boy is SIX!

Whoa, where does the time go?  

We planned for some great birthday events to celebrate the 6th year of my son.For his official birth date, the 14th of January (which also happens to be my Dad's), we took Hen to Clyde's, a family friendly restaurant with old classic cars and a small toy train that runs along the ceiling of the restaurant (which Hen giggles with glee every time it travels by our table).

You can see the train bridge above Henry's head!

His second celebration was an art party.  As per his request, Henry wanted to have his birthday at the Children's Art Studio, here in DC.  It is a great place art studio for kids, where the owner, organizes after school art programs as well as  workshops and art camps. Henry has been going to Nicole's studio for 3 years.  We love her so much.  

I opted to be an adventuresome baker and make a cake from scratch.. I love baked goods from scratch.

 My recipe came from a friend of mine who is the ultimate baker and Southern hostess (she would be the one to go to for these kinds of things). She gave me a Southern Living birthday cake recipe.  Mmm Mmm, so very good (even when I opted to switch out the crisco for real butter, thank you very much). The actual cake part was spot on and delish, but honestly my icing skills could improve. See Below:

We took some candid photos of the event.  All the kids had a wonderful time. We opted to invite ALL 20 kids in Henrys class, as well as some of our outta school besties. It was a large number of us, but Nicole did her thing and had control over all our 5 and 6 year olds. I'm so amazed by her and her assistant who also happens to be her daughter. 

Besties!!

Henry hoodle, I'm amazed at how quickly you are growing and changing.  My little guy!  This year has been one with a lot of transition!  Coming from Preschool at Communikids (which was all in Spanish) to attending Kindergarten at our neighborhood elementary school.  Six is a big number as you are only four years to being ten! Your energy level still amazes me as there aren't too many little people I know who want to ride their bike or scooter in the middle of bitter cold winter.  You don't mind being pinched by the cold wind or even pelted by the wet (cold) rain -or even SNOW.  I've learned these past 6 years that EVERYDAY is an OUTSIDE DAY and that more specifically that these past four and a half years, I must be prepared to bundle up and have a good supply of winter coats, hats, gloves, boots to be able to hang with the best of you (Henry's first year and half of life we lived in mild San Diego)!

Your intensity on living life shines through everything you do.  It shines through the games that you play, the love you give your sister, the concern you have for your friends when they are hurt, the times you feel left out from some of the neighborhood activity with friends on our street, when you miss your Daddy and Henry time, as well as when you want your mommy and me time.  You all show all your love and your vulnerability.  

Lego's are still some of your most favorite toys, you love your bike (as well as your special trail rides with your Daddy to Georgetown and back), you love playing tennis and soccer. 

I constantly am in awe of you and how you keep me on my toes, aiming to be the best mommy I possibly can be.  You continue to teach me so very much! Love love love U!



More pics from the art party!

My Dad and Camilla Georgina celebrating the festivities!

Silly time with Grandpop

Nicole has these kids working hard!

Henry's boat creation!