Day 29: Death Grip {Series}

It's Leap Year!  How are you celebrating?

We Palmers are celebrating with our newfound strength.  Well, rather, the smallest Palmer is exhibiting her muscles and grasping.

Within the last two days she has:
1)  Pulled down the shower curtain before her bath (that could've been really bad if it hadn't gotten stuck and had crashed down on our heads...)
2)  Yanked off a plastic flower from her hanging stroller toy
3)  Put a sweet red mark on her daddy's arm from her powerful grip
4)  Pulled out tons and tons of her ma's hair

Girl has got it goin' ON.  She's our little mini Hulk ;)

You've gotta see...it's too funny!

And, of course, she just has to charm us with that precious smile while yanking out hair after hair!

Day 28: Restin' the Soles

At the end of a long, uber rainy day sometimes you just gotta throw up those soles and relax.

Little bit is in bed asleep and that means it's "Mommy/Daddy" time ;)

It's almost the end of my monthly photo challenge!  Where did the time go!?

Day 27: Chai Tea Latte...YES!

One of my favorite drinks EVER is chai tea latte.  I love it.  And I was somehow able to get Jas hooked on them during our first year of marriage.

Well, since moving to Slovakia, we had yet to find a place that has them. Until one day we heard that Shtoor, a local coffee shop, supposedly had them.

Since our friend Katja was dropping by Bratislava from Germany and wanted to meet up...it was a great time to hit up Shtoor.

Lo and behold, they had chai tea latte...and it was GREAT!

We were both very pleased...and I'm certain we will be returning! (I took the above photo for my photo-of-the-day, courtesy of my phone)

And Jas snapped this one of Katja and I :)

Success!  Got to see Katja and drink a rockin' chai tea latte :)

Day 26: Night Night

(should have used my tripod, but was too tired to bust it out...)

Good night, Bratislava!

Day 25: The Squeal!

Today we got to visit with our friend, Zuzka, and her family (thank you for having us!!).

It's also the day that Elise perfected her squeal.  I'm not sure if it was just a lot of new people, or she was tired, or maybe she's beginning to teeth, or what (she wasn't hungry and didn't yet need a new diaper), but homegirl let out some loud ones!

I guess it's safe to say she's finding her voice :)

Here's our little monkey with Zuzka's mom...

I also think it's perfectly safe to say I have SO much to learn about our child and about being a mom.  Thankful for God's grace!

Day 24: Five Months!

For real!?  Five months!

Here she is...

Weight:  At last appointment she was 15 pounds.  It's been two weeks, so I feel confident she's gained some since then (hehe).

Major Milestones:  She can roll over from back to front and front to back, but it's a fairly rare occasion as she much rather prefers doing "exercises"....the girl is all about raising her head and her legs and working on those abs!  Still no laugh, though she smiles a whole lot.  I'm thinking the laugh is coming any day now...we'll see!  And in the above picture she's doing one of her favorite new things (sucking her bottom lip).

Other:  Up until this past week she was a solid 8 hour per night sleeper.  Then all of a sudden this past week she's been waking up several times a night.  Typically she'll cry a minute, then she'll get her paci and go back to sleep.  However, by the third time of crying after waking she's ready to eat.

Speaking of, girl can put down some milk these days.  She's eating A LOT.  Good thing we're starting solids soon enough, huh?

On to naps...she's not into naps.  At all.  I lay her down between 9:30 and 10 am and she'll sleep for maybe 30 minutes, if we're lucky.  Then we'll try for a second nap between (generally) 1 and 2 pm...and she doesn't always go for that one either.  Ahhh, well...she's been a good night sleeper (ahem, until this past week ;)

And just because I had this fun ribbon lying around...

We love you, Elise Noelle...you big 5 month old!

Day 23: Self Portrait + Baby

No really good explanation for this one...just thought it'd be good to throw a self portrait into the mix.  But, of course, I wanted Elise to get in on the fun.  So I guess it's not really a self portrait?!

However, this is what we came up with...

Haha. I'm a dork.  And Elise hasn't yet learned to look at the camera, er mirror (think I confused her enough?!?).  Just seconds before she was looking, but then, click...nope...couldn't catch her fast enough!

Plus, it's way more interesting to play with the camera in mom's hands :)

Day 22: Uncle and Aunt To Be!

Exciting, exciting news was shared with the world today :)

We are going to be Uncle Jason and Aunt Charity come September!  We are stoked.  And Elise gets to be a cousin...yeah!

Yay for babies :)

Day 21: Make My Heart Smile

Ok, if we're being honest, this photo is technically from yesterday.

I DID take a photo today (a few actually), but I just couldn't bring myself to post any of them but this one today...

I look at that pic and I feel overwhelmingly blessed...and so thankful.  I don't deserve either of them.  Now don't get me wrong, they're both sinners just like yours truly...but I look at them and my heart melts.  Undeserving. Thankful.

(Sidenote:  they're also both stinkers...literally...I think she gets that from him anyway ;)

Day 20: Rollin' in Style

We have several people coming for dinner this week, plus Bible study, so I had lots to buy at the grocery store today!

Needless to say our stroller was LOADED down.

This, my friends, is how you roll in style ;)

Multi-tasking at its finest (sleeping child, grocery run, exercise in walking to the store, etc.).

Time to cook!

Day 19: Cirque de Soleil

Jas and I first heard about Cirque de Soleil's Saltimbanco coming to Bratislava from our friend Simon.  I had seen them perform another show once before and knew they were great, so Jas and I jumped on the opportunity.

Needless to say, we didn't leave disappointed.

(this is intermission...couldn't take pics during the show, of course)

It was pretty awesome, to say the least.  I think I said "WOW" probably twenty times.  To say there are some very talented people out there (and in this show!) is an understatement.

I think I need to go run about 20 miles now...because I feel sufficiently under-muscled and weak ;)

Day 18: Stylin'

Shine On...

I posted this photo below earlier today as the photo-of-the-day...

Those are my favorite, worn out TOMS.  I adore(d) them.  They definitely got their money's worth of wear.  And needless to say, they were due in for an upgrade...I just couldn't bear the thought of parting with them.

So I set to work.  First, I stitched up the holes in the toes.  Then it was time for a good bath and scrub (hand-washed in soap and warm water...the more natural the better...but I used what I had on hand). Then they were set out to dry completely.  I taped off the soles with gift-wrapping tape.  Ideally you should use painter's tape, or something that peels off easily, but again, I used what I had on hand.

Then I decided on glitter.  I had seen several tutorials around the webs at large for glitter shoes...this one being the best.  (Martha Stewart also has a good tutorial).

I mixed my glitter with my mod podge and set to work.  It took about 4 good coats for me to be satisfied with the coverage.  I let the shoes dry about 20 minutes in between coats.  Once they were dry, I put a final coat of indoor/outdoor varnish on them to create a seal of sorts.

I'm quite pleased with how they turned out!

And now it's time for warmer weather so I can put these "new" shoes to use (this snow just isn't TOMS-wearing weather, ya know?!)

I didn't find any links out there for other glitter TOMS renovations (probably because they actually sale a pair of glitters ones already), but here is a little round-up of some other TOMS renovations I found were well-done...

Flower Fabric TOMS
A store with custom designs
I think these are very creative
And if you're going for the really worn look...these will do

Ah, fun stuff...maybe now I need to make a matching pair for Elise :)

Day 17: Sneak Peek

My all time favorite shoes.  Plum worn out.  They underwent a renovation after this...

Now they're back in service and ready to get lots more wear! "After" photos to come soon...

Day 16: Sick in a Blizzard

Blizzard.  That's what we North Carolinians call this.  TONS of snow.  Ok, it may not really be a blizzard...but it seriously is about the third or fourth time it has poured down snow today alone.  It's intense, I tell ya.

And speaking of weather, we're all feeling a bit under the weather today (some kind of small virus...at least we think that's what it may be...has found its way into our home).  There's a pot of chicken noodle soup for dinner cooking on the stove and currently the other 2/3 of my family is napping and I plan to join them.

...ah, now to relax on that sunny, warm beach in my dreams :)

Day 15: Zuzka Time!

We got to hang out with this lovely lady at Mamaland today.  It was big fun and Elise loves her some Zuzka :)

Happy Wednesday!

Day 14: Sweet Treat(s)

What Valentine's Day is complete without a sweet treat (or treatS) to eat?

I made this strawberry fudge (I promise they're pink...it's just bad lighting from our kitchen)

And I also made these mini cinnamon rolls this morning...

Both were yum delish!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Day 13: Do the Polka!

E and I have a few places we're going today and so I decided she should be donned in polka dots...

Overkill? Nahhhh...no such thing ;)

Day 12: The Gift of Technology

Everyday we are thankful for the wonder of technology, but particularly on Sunday's when we get to skype our families...

We love them (and miss them too!)!

Day 11: Get In My Belly

One thing Jas and I love is....Mexican food.

We do, we really do.  And we've missed it here in Slovakia.  You see, there just aren't any bona fide Mexican/Hispanic/Spanish restaurants to speak of here in Bratislava (at least that we're aware of to date...)

However, there is one place called Taco Rey that sales one meannnn burrito.

So that just meant that while we were at one of the local malls with our friends P & K we snagged one (each! we're not sharing that amazingness!) to bring home.

And because we just don't get good Hispanic cuisine around these parts, it needed to be documented.

So here ya go...an up close shot of amazing yumminess...

Now would someone PLEASE go to Las Palmas (or any other good Mexican restaurant) and eat something delicious for us!?!?!

Elise Overload + a video

Just a few fun photos lately of us with the little one...

But before you look at the photos, you should watch this video.  If you know my husband at all, you will know that this is just him in a nutshell... (quick note: if nothing else, at least skip to 0:36 and watch Jason's face)

It's also why he shouldn't sing anywhere but the shower ;)



Was that worth your minute?  Sorry for the shaking...they make me laugh!

And now for the previously mentioned photos...

Hilarious Elise face.

"Why does your face feel like sandpaper, dad?!"

Another hilarious Elise face.

Ahhh, there's a smile :)

Love that little girl.

Photo o' the day to come later on today!

Day 10: Craft Time with the Babe

I love to craft/produce art. I've always loved it and I usually have at least one project of some kind going on.

Since having a baby I still have usually some kind of project I'm working on, but it looks a little different these days...

It's just a lot s-l-o-w-e-r...

(And I only have one baby too!)

Take this friendship bracelet (remember those?! I used to love them!) I started working on last Friday when two fun Slovaks came over to hang out:

Finished?  Nope. Still a ways to go before it's finished.  But ya know, I wouldn't have it any other way.  Plus, what's not to like about those cute little feet kicking you while you're trying to tie knots? ;)

Day 9: Language Tutoring Aftermath

I feel like this picture very accurately describes all that goes on during our language tutoring with Terezia...

(if only I could put an audio up of us laughing, making mistakes, attempting to talk, and listening to Terezia...then you all would feel like you're right there with us!):

And clearly there's a lot of food and beverage consumption :)

Day 8: Skupinka

Wednesdays are busy days, but we really really do like ending our Wednesdays with skupinka, or small group...

That's only one side of the room...there were two on the couch that aren't pictured here, but they should be!

Now if only we can get Slovak down so we can be better participants!

Day 7: Sweet Pea

Now that's one sweet smile :)

Day 6: Midnight Munchies

What does it mean when the biggest football game of the year is played at 6:30 pm in America?

That's right...it means that we + Holloways + Tibor hunkered down at midnight:30 here to watch it take place.

And what Superbowl party is complete without tons of (less than healthy) food? None that I can think of!  Here's our spread...

And I may or may not have only made it to the end of the 3rd quarter.  I mean, I did know I'd have to get up two hours later with Elise, not to mention I was already whooped.  Maybe, just maybe, I'm not the best Superbowl watcher ;)

Day 5: Holding His Hand

The only hand I hope she holds for a long, long time...

And I guess that pinky fingernail is due for a trim :)

Day 4: Date Day

Jas and I don't have as much time to go on dates as we used to (for one main, obvious, very cute little girl of a reason) so when we do it's the perfect opportunity to capture pics of the two of us.

And yes, I know it's a picture-a-day thing, but I'm seriously having issues with choosing just one most days...oh well.

Don't ask me why we always make that open-mouthed face...haha.  Whatdya say we just call it our trademark? ;)

Love him.

Day 3: Frozen! {Series}

I couldn't choose just one...so here ya go, a series for today.

That's right!  That's the lake there I'm standing on.  Crazy, huh?  Can you tell I got a little scared to go out too far? (gotta learn how to work these frozen lakes!)

Ice skating and hockey.

These guys still have their little niche among the frozen-ness.

And that guy is king of the lake!

It was a really neat experience, this whole frozen lake thing, but let me tell you....IT. WAS. COLD.

Even my warmest gloves didn't ward off the cold (but I am a pansy in the cold...I'm just a little jealous of my friends living in warm Hawaii ;)

Day 2: Newest Obsession

Cinnamon Apple water?  Hello! Yes, and PLEASE!
Seriously obsessed with this new-to-me water I found in our potraviny (grocery store) the other day.  It's like all my favorite fall flavors in one bottle of yummy goodness...so excited to have found it!

Thirty Day Challenge

So my hubby was telling me something about a 30 day challenge (he found this link and was intrigued).  And naturally, that got me thinking too.

You see, I've tried certain challenges before.  For instance, I attempted the yearlong photo-a-day challenge about a year or two ago.  And, well, let's just say I made it approximately three weeks before I started slipping...oops.  So the whole idea behind a 30 day challenge is that you're more likely to succeed in accomplishing a goal or challenge if it's something realistic, like 30 days.  It's also the supposed amount of time it takes to get into a habit (or so the research says).

So I decided to give my whole photo-a-day thing a go again, only this time for 30 days as opposed to a year.  That means that from February 1st until March 1st I plan to take (at least) one photo a day and share it on this here blog.

Now, that said, I am keeping my expectations realistic in realizing that it may be hard to remember to take one every day AND post it.  I'm used to taking a photo or two, usually, every day, but life does happen and I may miss a day or two here and there.  BUT, the challenge is to take one a day and post it...so that's what I'm going for.

I also think it'll be a good glimpse into the every day that's taking place the month of February.

Here goes with DAY 1 :)  Feel free to join me in your own 30 day challenge (for example, some of the challenges from the link above: riding a bike to work every day, writing a book in 30 days, etc.)!

Meet Olivette...her new favorite Owl toy.  I just love that little smiling face in the background (and no, not every photo will be of Elise, but it's probably safe to say she'll make it into quite a few shots ;)
---------------------------------------------------------------
And an add-on:  apparently I'm not the only one doing this (duh Charity!), I just went to this blog and she's posted her daily pics from January...cool!