My Pseudo French Escape

One of my favorite places to eat was the La Madeline...a french cafe chain that featured classical music and brick fireplaces with authentic french cuisine that one could take to go or dine in. It was the perfect place for my love of food, music, and the quaint.

(side story)Andrew and I would frequent the one we lived across from in Houston. I tried to take Nicholas there when he was but 4 days old...a very naive first time mother - he screamed - we left - I got a breast infection...very low moment.

Anyways...The saying "necessity is the mother of invention" rang true here...since I'm sans restaurants and bakeries or a grocery store that carries french bread, I was forced to make my own ;)

I'm often found wanting a loaf of french bread around to add to dinner or for a more exciting lunch. Thanks to pinterest, found this easy recipe and made it. Wasn't sure how it would turn out or taste compared to regular bread, but the vinegar in the recipe gives it a little zing. It came out rather large...maybe because the heat made it rise faster?

So this morning, found the classical symphonic station on Pandora, and I had my french bread with homemade apricot jam and coffee and for a few brief moments, in between diaper changes and little people needs, La Madeline came to me ;)

Such a food lover...what most people would probably find mundane or try to avoid...cooking is usually therapeutic for me. I'm always thinking about meals and food and new recipes.

                          Lunch makeover with french bread.

Last of Many

Last night was Nicholas' last t-ball game. When asked how he felt that t-ball was over he said matter o factly, "Oh it's not over because I will play again next summer."

He proceeded to ask, "What did people in the crowd say when they saw my big hit?"   The "crowd"?!

After making it to first base, he yelled on base,  "Hey mom, tell Pud I hit a home run!"

Needless to say, we don't suffer from lack of confidence in the least...he purely and thouroughly loves the game.

 So here's to the last of many more!!!

Officially one of the Pack

I guess Avila thinks that since she turned 1 all of 5 days ago that she is officially part of the pack.

She entered the line up for the slide like she knew exactly what was going on...learned how to climb up and slide down in about an hour. Now, she's a pro. 

She even felt she could get in line and start pushing people around.

 Gloating over her new accomplishment. Omg and I see so much Andrew in this face!!

 After climbing up, she usually sits on top of her perch for awhile before sliding down, love love watching her.

My "Somebody"

I first saw it coming about 3 months ago...the anticipation of your 1st birthday. It is always sureal, the fact the year could pass by so fast, and blink you are 1.

How can something seem so long ago and then like yesterday at the same time? Time is fascinating and mind boggeling. This picture seems like two years ago. We were at a friend's 30th birthday party and my contractions were getting really strong so we had to leave early. Parting shot...

Exciting to get my epidural early....if only it hadn't worked only on one side! That was fun.

I never posted pictures of Avila's birth because they were "lost" until a few months ago. Thank you Anna for taking them!

Pure Joy...life passes so fast. My little Somebody...

I remember I couldn't believe you were a girl because I was convinced for 9 months you were a boy - we even called you "Little Will".  But of course, we were instantly in awe of you.

You were born on Father's Day so I let Dad pick out your name. Of course, He went with my favorite, Avila Maria.

You knew what you were doing and ate right away...haven't changed much in that regard ;)

And now look at you! At 1 year, you still don't have any teeth and took four steps on your birthday. You blow when I say "hot" and you can sign for "please" and wave "hi"...I love watching you do this!!

You learn things quickly...you know how to scale up and down the step after I howed you how just once. You love to dance and rock when someone sings.

And you are the ultimate scavenger...you found gold fish in the pool bag and helped yourself to them. The other day I found you in a bag of fresh picked apricots.

I found this pink tutu at a garage sale and added some ribbon to it and then found matching slippers for a $1. It made for a fun 1st Birthday outfit ;)

We had a pretty free week this past week so on Monday I decided it would be fun to have a party on Wednesday. Typical impromtu fashion...it was fun to have an excuse for a creative outlet.

We decided to go with a pool party and bbq.

We made party gift bags with an aqua theme: whale goldfish, aqua pals fruit snacks, and sweedish fish were some of the goodies.

Ice Cream Cone cupcakes (my favorite birthday treat I once brought my class in 4th grade- I thought you would thoroughly appreciate them ;)

          Some of your party guests....13 kids (6 were under 1) Made for a loud and crazy party :)

 We look forward to watching you grow! Happy 1st Birthday to my Avila.

Andrew...

 In these feet you will find traces of both you and I, 

 Footprints of eternal souls given to us in time.

With every step you guide them and watch them as they grow,

You are their father, their protector, and their hero.

       

They will dance on top of your shoes and follow your lead

a path of selfless sacrifice is one they will see.

Eventually they will walk miles out on their own

But for now, they run to you when you come home.

As the days go by and work begins to slowly pile

Just remember these little feet make it all worthwhile.

Happy Father's Day!