Simone's First Word...

On Tuesday, May 28th Simone Michelle Hart said Da-da!

Oh, and she LOVES standing up... scary!

Ekkkk!  I've heard her babble Mama & Dada so many times that I've come to expect hearing it.  She would never repeat it after I said it back to her, so I just figured she's experimenting with her voice.  I always call Todd "Daddy" to her, and when I say Daddy she looks right at him.  She got who he was, but didn't associate the babbling noise to his name.

Tuesday this little sweet monkey was going on and on in the morning.  Focusing solely on "Dada".  After a few minutes of this I said it back to her.  She looked at me and said it again... and again.  I waited a bit, and grabbed a picture of Todd, pointed to him, and she looked me square in the eyes and said it.

I was so excited!  All day long we worked at it and it kept getting clearer and clearer.  I used the picture to help her associate the sound with Todd.  

I didn't want to spoil the surprise for Todd, so I waited until he got home and let him know she had been talking about him all day.  When she said it for him, he lit up.  We practiced pointing at Todd and saying it over and over.  

We had to run to Sprouts for a few things, and ALL the way through Sprouts she said it to Todd.  Now, if she didn't already have him so tightly wrapped around her finger I might say that this sealed the deal.  She's a full blown Daddy's Girl.  

I'm so proud of this step in her development.  The past month her development has snowballed.  Every day there is literally something new she does, a new sound she makes, and she is getting quite strong.

You're growing up my sweet wheat, and we are so proud!!

Ever Try to Save a Few Seconds, and Make Things Crazier?

Apples for the first time

Well, I have.  Did it yesterday!  Simone has been a little fussy about me feeding her.  Don't get me wrong, this chick loves to eat!  She eats all of her food and takes a boobie for dessert after every meal.  But, apparently I'm way too slow at getting the spoon refilled and in her mouth.  I think if I worked a two spoon tactic it might go better.  She's very independent when it comes to certain things, and she grabs the spoon from me to try to feed herself.  Problem is, her coordination just isn't there yet, so food goes every where!

Peas.  See that grab?  That's what I'm on about...

So, what's a genius like me to do?  I've heard from Moms about these food pouches that kids love.  And, I'm such a Rhodes scholar I thought, PROBLEM SOLVED!  Let's give Simone the chance to feed herself!  Entering Target I sashayed towards the baby food section.  Just full of myself thinking look at me... promoting independence in my sweet girl, who's far superior to other seven moth old babes who need to be spoon fed.  Motherhood has a way of not only knocking you off of your high horse, but it kicks you several times after you've fallen into a pile of horse "S".

Oh, look at that sweet face.  So smart... so wonderfully behaved.  After showing her how to squeeze it a few times, and her doing it perfect (perfect = a few dribbles) I was completely full of myself.  More like full of something else.

She was telepathically telling me... "Mom, this is better."  We have this "connection" you know... 

Engage palm to face.  

I walk away to grab a bib, and suddenly hear a loud squeal followed by banging.  I look over and she's slamming the pouch on the table of her high chair.  Running towards her she's splashing me (and our walls, curtains, and dog) with apricots & sweet potatoes.  After I grabbed the pouch I had to snap this picture.  That little monkey was in hog heaven.  

 Ryder (our dog) was already running around taking care of the mess on the floor.  Kids love dogs, and dogs sure as shit love kids.  I had to post this picture on my Facebook & Instagram, because I had proudly posted her feeding herself moments earlier.  It was like Mommy karma.  Simone learned a bit about sarcasm, too.  As I told her "I really WANTED to wash the walls & curtains anyways", with an added Liz Lemon eye roll.  

And, you KNOW the cheap-o in me came out.  I scraped up every bit of food that landed on her or the high chair that I could and spoon fed her.  Don't worry, I went extra slow to try and teach her something.  Kidding of course.  

So, for the record, those pouches are pretty cool.  But I'm taping up plastic tarps next time... or doing what I should be doing, sitting there helping her keep it (somewhat) clean.

Hope you all got a kick out of it.  My best friend called me and could barley breathe when she saw the pics!

A`ole Pilikia Pineapple Chicken

A'ole pilikia means "no problem, you're welcome" in Hawaiian, so I named this dish after that phrase... because, it's no problem!

I was at a loss as to what to make for dinner the other night.  Another night, another chicken dinner.  We try to eat chicken or fish for 80-90% of our meals.  It's basically because that's what we prefer to eat, but also to try to stay healthy (ish).

I've been getting a little more swagger in the kitchen lately, and I saw the pineapples, potatoes, sweet peppers and thought, let's do Hawaiian.  Or, you know, the 'Merica version of Hawaiian.  I always like a little spicy with my sweetness (kind of like me in general), so here's what I did.

I used chicken tenders (originally imagined doing fajitas with these), but I'm sure you can use breasts, or whatever you have on hand.  I used most of the juice (save a little) from the sliced pineapple can instead of chicken broth. On top I sprinkled chili powder, garlic salt, and chili flakes to add some kick.  I put it in the oven at 375 for about 20 mins.

Once the chicken was cooked almost all the way through I added the pineapple slices to the top.  Cooked pineapple is underused in my book.  At this point I bumped up the temp to 400 so the pineapples would cook quick.  It was in maybe another 10 mins.

While that finished cooking I sliced up two russet potatoes, dropped them into some boiling water, and let them cook until they were almost soft.  While those were cooking I cut up some sweet peppers.  Once the potatoes are soft enough to poke through with a fork drain the water, add a pat of butter, some of the pineapple juice, the sweet peppers, and a little chili powder.  Simmer that all together for a few mins.

While that simmered I checked the chicken, and it was almost done.  I threw together a quick and easy salad (just spring mix with cucumbers and salad toppings because it's what we had), and tossed that on a plate.

I cooked the potatoes until all of the pineapple juice was gone and they came out perfect.  Sorry my "plating" isn't pretty.  I was hungry and bedtime was fast approaching for Simone.  I threw each thing on the plate and snapped a quick pic before scarfing it down.

It was quick and easy, and Todd asked, "how the heck did you do this?!"  Which is always a great sign for me.  Sorry the directions aren't exact.  Need to start writing things down as I go, but this kind of came together out of "what do I have in the house".

Enjoy!  Aloha! 

The Day I Became Mrs. Hart

In honor of our upcoming two year anniversary I decided I would dedicate a post to our wedding day.  Which, was beautiful, perfect, and amazing for us.  I'll never forget it, and until Simone was born it was the best moment(s) I've ever had with Todd.

Wedding Invitations by PeacockInvitations on Etsy.com

Literally I could write a book on all of the hard work, blood, sweat, and tears that went into planning this wedding.  All I will say on that is... planning a wedding isn't easy.  If you've planned one you know.  No matter how excited you are, or how much you swear you won't be like "other people" who let it get all over them, it does.  Truly, all that matters on your wedding day is that you marry your best friend.  I sure hope you do that when you get married.

A photo of the Reach Beach & Pier.  Photo is not mine...credit to The Reach website.

Todd & I were married in Key West, FL.  If you've never been to Key West... it's a bit quirky to say the least.  But, it's one of the most beautiful places (in my humble opinion) to be married.  Prior to our wedding my Mom & I flew to Key West to scout out the perfect location.  We ended up finding The Reach Resort, a beautiful Waldorf Astoria resort located on the Atlantic.  Check out their Earth Cam to see right where we were married.

We printed our own programs - Card stock from Michael's

   My hair and makeup were done by my Sister in law (Parke Avenue Salon) using MAC makeup and J Beverly Hills hair supplies.  I wore a birdcage veil & head piece by David's Bridal.  My dress was also from David's Bridal from the Galina Signature collection.  Our flowers were done by Mama Flowers, dinner and our cake were provided by the Strip House. 

Getting Ready

  The photography was done by the incomparable Rob O'Neal, a Key West local & legendary photographer!  He was AMAZING.  He captured moments I didn't even realize were happening, and the overall feel of our wedding.  When I look at our photos I truly relive that day.  I can't say enough good things about Rob... Todd & I talk about getting back to Key West to grab a beer with him and get our pictures taken because he was beyond cool!

Since his photos were so wonderful... I'll let them tell the story of our wedding...

Everyone Getting Seated

Alexander, my brother in law played the wedding march

Ring Security 

Todd's Mom & Dad

My Mom & Todd's Dad

Grandpa Eccles

Flower Duty our sweet Zoe

Walking down the pier with my Dad

Right Before the Hand-Off

During our ceremony Todd & I decided to forego any sand ceremony (I mean, we were already at the beach!) and instead asked our Mothers to give us some advice on marriage.  It was very touching & sweet, oh and windy!  Both Moms also were gifted handkerchiefs with special messages from Etsy.com.

We also decided to write our own vows.  Here I am trying my best to get through them without weeping!

After we exchanged rings....

It was official, we're married!

Our First Kiss as Husband & Wife

Truly a happy moment!  Finally, after a year & a half of work we could relax and enjoy our reception!

We enjoyed hugs, kisses, and congratulations from our family & friends at the end of the pier.

Peacock Hair Piece & Peacock Boutineers from Etsy.com

Handmade jewelry by Corliss Ventura-Ditton 

 

Peacock Hair Piece & Peacock Boutineers from Etsy.com

Before the reception in the ballroom we enjoyed cocktails and appetizers on the beach.

Peacock Shoe Clip from Etsy.com

After we hung on the beach we headed to the ballroom for dinner, drinks, & dancing!  

Cheers!

Best Man Speech from Todd's Brother, Ryan

Hilarious moments!

My Dad toasting us

Todd's Dad

Todd's Best Friend, Jeremy 

Our First Dance

Father Daughter Dance

Mother & Son Dance

Yep.  I'm "that" bride...

Our Wedding Favors (Mini Key Lime Pie Pops)
Tags & Pies from Etsy.com 

 Flowers by Mama Flowers

Peacock Menus & Name Cards from Etsy.com

My Parents

Cones from Etsy.com

Little touches...

As the night wore on...there were many photos like this... I'll spare us all by not posting them.

The last photo of the night is a winner... 

I always look back on our wedding with such wonderful memories.  Everything that we worked hard on came together perfectly.  We had so many wonderful and loving people there with us that day, and we could just feel the support.  Even now, almost two years later we STILL talk about how amazing that day was for us.  We still appreciate everyone flying all the way to Key West to join us on our special day.  We love you guys.

Todd & Amy Hart - May 25th, 2011

Want to feel like you were there?  My talented brother in law, Alex, made this video for us.  Thank you, Alex!