Where did my baby go?

I took this picture because I thought...how cute is it that my little baby wants to wear her rolling carry-on bag as a backpack? But little did I know that the moment I took that picture, Kiera went from my little baby to my little girl. Where did the time go? Where did the little bundle I rolled out of the hospital with, go? Her little chubby cheeks are long gone and the toddler face has taken its place. Her dependence on me is history and independence now waves its flag. *sigh* I knew it was going to happen sooner or later, but honestly, I was hoping for later. Somehow I feel like 16 is right around the corner.

**WARNING** Not for the faint of heart

This was one rough day. Kiera spent her entire "nap time", either crying for me to come back and get her out of the prison that I had put her in.....trust me, that is what she would say if she could speak full sentences....or playing in her crib. After about 2 hours of listening to her cry and play she finally got quiet. Whew! Finally.....or so I thought, 10 minutes later she was back to her coo'ing and playing. I figured, oh well, I will just go and get her and we will just play together. So, I roll into the room and see on the floor all of her clothes....okay, she has been trying to do master taking off clothes and put them on, no biggie. Then I saw the diaper. Okay, no biggie again....When I was a wee little one, I was known to take of my diaper from time to time. I like to think that I was a free spirit.....hee hee. Then - I saw it. **Insert Psycho shower scene music here** POOP all over her and her bed! After I took a moment to gather myself, take a deep breath, mini-vomit into my mouth, I stepped over to her crib. There was a large chunk of poop and then all the rest of the poop smears were her PLAYING with her poop like it was finger paint. *gag* Needless to say, that girl was instantly in bath city! I don't think that I have ever scrubbed her more than I had scrubbed her that day. And as for the sheet, yeah, it is now in a dump somewhere fading into the circle of life.

Enjoy the "finger paintings" Kiera did for us!

Easter

It was an absolutely gorgeous day on Easter. We spent it over a delicious brunch, time with the beautiful cherry trees and finished up with a walk around the Shirlington area. Here are just a few pictures of our day and a video of Kiera...doing what? Well, nothing other than just being her cute self!

Enjoy!

Rock on Kiera!

Photoshop Fun

I've been having fun with my photos and trying to learn photoshop. Although, I have been posting most of my photos on Facebook, I have also been uploading them to deviantART.com. For those of you who do not have facebook, I thought that I would share my fun little adventure....right along with my new recipe fun...which, sadly, has taken a back seat to work since Clinique is currrently in bonus mode. *whew* 40 hours a week with late nights and no weekends is wearing a girl out!
Anyway, here is the link to my profile if you would like to check it out. Enjoy! :D

http://ripsiara.deviantart.com/

Favorite Sunglasses

So, Kiera has officially made these her favorite sunglasses. She loves to walk around with these on her little face and if she is not wearing them, and sees them lying on the ground......straight onto her face. Is she ready for Disneyland or what?

Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

2 1/2 pounds of boneless, skinless, chicken thighs

1/2 chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup BBQ sauce

1/2 cup ketchup

1 Tbsp cider vinegar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce

1/2 tsp hot pepper flakes

1 1/2 Tbsp brown sugar

Put everything in a crock pot, cover, and cook on low for about 7-8 hours. Ours was finished in 7 hours. It will seem soupy, but don't worry-take out the chicken and shred with two forks, then add juices and mix until it seems well coated and moistened. I had some sauce left over which was fine.

Serve with toasted buns to pile the meat into at the table.

Serves 4-6.