Wednesday, October 24, 2012

{Fall}ing into place...

My Dearest Abe,
You can not begin to imagine what you have done to me. 
You have provided every dream come true I have ever had.
You have my heart & soul to keep.
You provide for Bellin & I.
You are one of the most special people I have ever met in my entire life, and I hope you know how LUCKY I feel to call you mine.
You believe in me, even when there is a little doubt.
You stand behind me.
You listen to me.
You are my rock.
I know everyone who has the pleasure to meet you, knows how kind your soul is.
I have never met someone who means so well, with every bone in their body.
You support my crazy habit to paint every.single. piece of furniture we have in our house.
You let me be my crazy self.
I will try to never disappoint you.
I believe in our love.
I believe that we have something special.
You tell me my cooking is amazing, even when the potatoes are undercooked, and the pasta is too salty.
You are so kind.
You listen to me, even when you're walking away.
You trust me.
That is one thing when you proposed to me, that stood out so loud to me. 
You said, "I trust you, you are my family"
I was so touched.
Beyond anything, trust is number one.
I will always be loyal and faithful. 
Thank you for making my dreams come true. 
My Dearest Bellin,
Your dad and I decided to get married a few days after you turned ONE!
It was always in my plan to get married as soon as possible after you arrived. I want you to know that you were built & raised on a STRONG foundation.
We will continue daily to provide love, support, and acceptance, for whatever you may throw our way. 
You are brilliant, beautiful & kind.
Your soul shines through your smile.
Everyday you change more.
Everyday is something new.
You EXHAUST me, in all the right ways.
You TEACH me everyday, how to be a better mother, & more importantly, how to be a better person.
I think about you every second, of every day.
You have become me.
I will never let you down.
 I will forever live for you.

The real day Abe and I committed ourselves to each other was the day Bellin was born.
We were in it for the long haul that day.
We wanted to share with a select few of friends and family our commitment to each other for this life.
I hope everyone knows that was able to attend our wedding, that they all meant something to us. 
They are all someone who we hold high.
They are people who believe in our love.
They are people who support us, & us them.


We Love You.


Friday, June 15, 2012

Eight...a little late!

Eight months...
3 weeks late
Actually, I think it is quite fitting that I am sitting down about 2 weeks shy of your NINE month letter to write your EIGHT MONTH!!!
You are one busy bee.
You are sleeping right now. Currently 8:45 in the morning. THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
You are so much fun, you want to be by my side all the time, at my feet, in my arms, you are all about me, 
and I LOVE IT.
You put everything in your mouth; dog hair, electronics, rocks, strings, cat hair, leaves, basically anything you are not suposed it, but you are so close to the ground, & I can only vaccuum so many times a day!
You are healthy and strong.
You are talking more, it sounds like cat and dog you are trying to squeeze out of those rosie little lips.
You are bright eyed. So curious. 
YOU ARE ON A NEED TO KNOW BASIS.
You smile when I come home, & it melts my heart.
You reach for me, then back to grandma ( this was something she was really looking forward to) then back to me, and it appears we have a little game going here!
YOU ARE SMART.
I try not to get to involved in conversation with people about my true feelings about you, which are you seem to know far to much for only being here 8 months.
Truth is, you run the show.
You tell us when you're tired, hungry, dirty, happy, sad, need to cuddle and so on.
On a rare occasion your dad and I don't really know what is wrong. 
WE ARE THE LUCKY ONES.
You teach us and amaze us every day.
You make the silliest faces, and squirm every now and then like you got the chills, it's the best thing I've ever seen.
I think you are the most beautiful girl I have ever seen in my whole life.
YOU ARE MY BEST FRIEND
You dont like to let me have a break during the day when you and i are together. Grandma says you feed off of my energy. I am non stop.
You will know this someday.
When you are with your father, you nap. ALL DAY.
Seems fitting. He is MELLOW.
I am glad you have both sides in you.
You hair is getting longer, and i put it in a {PONE} which you will look back and giggle at all the pictures, but really, the alternative is grass like strands of hair on your forehead. :)
You crawl, so fast. You stand, and fall, but the falls are becoming less and less. You slowly let yourself down from the heights you have reached, and you are off! to your next destination.
You are minuets away from walking. I just know it.
You love food. Man N Cheese is your number one right now
{I don't blame you, it is the BOMB}
Today's Agenda;
Take you to Sharon's
Play with your friends
Eat
Be loved
Get picked up by mom
Be Loved some more
Eat
Night Night

What a LIFE!

You dad and I strive everyday to make a wonderful, peaceful life for you. We are working really hard to create goals for ourselves, and as a family.
We have everything we need, and more.
We.Love.You.








Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Rookie Recipes

ROOKIE RECIPES.
Here are some recipes and Picture tutorials from me, the rookie!
(More to come tomorrow night)
I am learning to cook, more than just an OK meal in the kitchen, and I'm starting with the simple, yet powerful recipes!
Here to share!
 My new favorite way to cook chicken is in the crock pot.
(partly because we don't have a BBQ ;) )
 In the Crock pot:
 frozen @(6 Hours on Med), or fresh chicken breasts @(4 Hours on Low)
 Add some of your favorite BBQ sauce!
In our case, Rudys, from Texas.



Then Add one CAN OF ROOTBEER.
After the chicken is done, shred & serve over white rice. 
ITS AMAZING & Easy as pie!(Which is not easy!) lol

Enjoy!






Mothers Day Wrap Up

Well, My first Mothers Day!
Not gonna sugar coat it, or make it sound all twinkly, like I thought it would go, but my man never disappoints and it ended up being wonderful because of what truly matters. 
MY Family.
It started Saturday when I walked into the salon only to be greeted by a HUGE bouquet of incredible flowers sent to me on behalf of my daughter.( from Abe), and of course only from the best!, David & Jeff Flowers.

(whom just did a lovely write up of my spectacular baby shower, check it out: http://www.davidjeffreyflorist.com/portfolio-baby-showers/kylies-baby-shower) 


I read the card and burst into tears. It read: " I like the sound of your heartbeat from the outside too."
In reference to a sign I had made her that hangs proudly in her room that reads:
"No one will ever understand the love I have for you, after all you are the only one who knows what my heart sounds like from the inside."
And I mean every word of that.
Sunday morning I woke up to a big wet kiss from Abe, excitingly expressing the happiness of my first mothers day!
He went into the nursery and got Bellin, we relaxed in bed, getting prepared to go out to breakfast with Abe's mom and my mom.
None of which happened
I like to go to breakfast. This is my FIRST Mothers Day. I WANT TO GO TO BREAKFAST. I had visions of us sitting around the table and chatting about motherly things, (memories, silly stories, just chatter), but instead everyone else seemed to have their own agenda.
I felt a little let down.
So we walked down to my parents house, my dad cooked us breakfast, we hung for a while, 
and I came home to pout.
OK OK I know! What do I have to POUT ABOUT. Well, seriously, I thought, CRAZY ME, that this day was going to be filled with twinkles and fairy dust around me for my FIRST mothers day.
haha.
So after I relaxed, Abe and I did what really needed to be done. We put Bel down for a nap and we CLEANED OUR HOUSE!
Which I do get a sick pleasure out of.
After that, surprisingly Abe was up to go shopping!
So we hopped in the car and hit the outlets. 
It was fun, and he was a trooper. He didn't complain once, and he really let me do and go everywhere I wanted & we both got a few goodies.
We really enjoyed ourselves and came home to have dinner and lay down!
We have a Happy, healthy, baby that we just DOTE over, so what MORE could you really want/need?
NOTHING
He and Bellin are really my whole world. I love my family, but its different. I know they will always be there. I know Bellin will always be here. But I know most of all, that Abe wants to be here with me. He loves me. And I him. And that feeling, really is priceless.
I need to learn how to not expect much from anyone. But myself.
I set standards for other people too high.
I think they'll do what I WANT them to do.
But everyone only really cares about themselves.
Its partially a shame.
I used to go out of my way for presents, birthdays, special occasions, "just becauses", and much more. I used to make hand made cards, with special little notes inside, get a creative gift, send flowers, and definitely go above and BEYOND a text message. But the lack of FUCKS that are given by other people have really turned me off to doing all that i did for others.
My mom always tells me not to give to receive. Just give to give.
Maybe ill get better at this, but for now, you get what you give with me.
On a lighter note, this weekend I got a tattoo for Bel, Something I have wanted since she was born.
Simply because I love her.
Bellin Monet Carreno
mBc
Her monogram!
HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!


That's what this blogging world is all about right? An online VENT pool. 

Tuesday, May 8, 2012

The Bellin Boutique!

Hi friends!
Please take a moment and check out some Handmade Necklaces I've made to generate some $$$ for our DISNEYLAND FUND!!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/TheBellinBoutique?ref=si_shop

Here is the shop! I hope you all enjoy
Remember!
Mothers Day is right around the corner. Initial necklaces are an awesome way to display the ones you love around your neck all the time!

Here are some goodies!




Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Currently.




Good Morning!






Reading: This is new for me, but I am reading a "The art of racing in the rain", its a tail (no pun intended) through the eyes and narration of a dog. It's really neat for far and easy reading. As much as i have been writing lately, I am not the biggest fan of reading. I originally went to buy 50 Shades of Grey (sold out), but i finally got to purchase it yesterday so maybe this will start a new trend of reading. The act of reading is hard. It means to sit and relax and zone into your story. I have so many things to do, but I have enjoyed sitting down and getting lost for 30 minuets at a time!

Watching: We are watching Disney Junior. Mickey Mouse Club House (Bellin's favorite, next to YO GABA GABA).


Thinking about: The rain. Thinking about how I need to go to costco and get some things and how hard it is to do things in the rain. But the upside of this is I love the fresh smell of rain. I think it does the body good. I'm thinking that Bellin feels everything that I do, and I am sure she loves the smell too. Its fresh and its good for you. Thinking, I am really liking this new blogging journey I am on. Thinking about that I am going to make for dinner because I will be home late tonight. Thinking about the dogs, how I have to be on PEE PEE alert all day in the rain. Thinking all these present things. I try to not think too much!
Loving: My Job. I love putting together a cute new outfit the days that I work, and I love the positive attention I receive from the WOMEN I work with. They are so supportive of me and my career and love me for me.I work in a wonderful LARGE salon in Thousand Oaks. I love being able to do what I love for a living, and most certainly love being a BOSS LADY, to myself of course!

Anticipating: Bellins first Birthday. Seems like I am crazy for planning it already, even though its mostly already planned. Invites. CHECK Band.CHECK Food.WORKING ON IT Family and friends. CHECK Desert. CHECK 

Listening to: Pandora every morning while I am getting ready. Current Station: Ella Fitzgerald & Louis Armstrong.

This is my favorite type of music. Easy, Romantic, Silly, and Wonderful. Next on the list is Sade, Adele, Billie Holiday, Bon Iver, & Dinah Washington.
Eating: Salad with every meal. I am loving lettuce right now. I slice a head of lettuce in to a few wedges, Sprinkle a little dressing on it, some cracked pepper, and a little parmesan cheese and its  a perfect wedge salad for a snack or to pair with dinner.

Feeling thankful for: Bellin. A healthy, beautiful, soulful 7 month old. She smiles when you make funny faces, she cries when she bumps her head, and sneezes when something tickles her nose, she adores our fur family, and she lights up when her dad walks into the room. I am thankful for all of these things, because she is healthy and smart and most certainly beautiful! 



Thanks for reading, would love to hear some feedback and would love to read your "Currently" post!

Sunday, April 29, 2012

Seven Months


It felt like yesterday that I sat down and wrote your 6 month letter. 
So much has changed since then. Right now you are sleeping on the sofa, as i rocked you to sleep on my chest, and laid you there so i can get some things done around the house. 
Today we have our first invitational party to attend together.
We are going to a FIRST birthday party. 
We are going to both get dressed up all cute like, and have some fun in the sun!!!
 I remember the other day I was holding you in the kitchen, thinking....
"I will try so hard to never forget the smell of your hair, the softness of your skin, and the sweet sound of your voice at this age."
You dad and I lowered your  crib last night, because as we were trying to enjoy our favorite (take out chinese) you decided to pull yourself up on the ottoman to a full stance!
We couldn't believe it. 
I am so thankful we got to enjoy that as a couple. A FIRST of yours together.
Earlier this month you started zipping around the house on your knees. First scooting everywhere (mostly to expensive electronics) now to a full blown crawl and standing! 
Every night I am in the kitchen making dinner and here you come! Around the corner! Right to my feet.
I love it so much.
Every morning we wake up and walk around the house, we say hello to all the animals, and we let our eyes adjust to the sun coming into the house. We turn on our toons. Mostly YO GABA GABA is on. You just LOVE YO GABA GABA.
I have also seen a HUGE interest in Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Good thing because your mom and dad LOVE DISNEYLAND!
You are drooling like you wouldn't believe. 
We visited the doctor the other day in fear you had an ear infection, but he advised me you have a slight cold and you have TWO teeth coming in! (Hence the drool)
While lowering your crib, you sat in my lap and your dad looked at you and said "Bel, can you say PAPA?".
You repeated "PAPA" right back.
We looked at each other with big wide eyes. 
We know it was an accident, or you were mimicking, but we think you are BRILLIANT!
It seems with the seventh month that the high of having a baby is over, and you resume to real life. Working, coming home to clean and make dinner, do bedtime, and up back to work the next day.
I am the only one in my immediate friends to have a baby first. While my friends are going to concerts, and out to grab a casual cocktail on a wednesday night, or just to catch up on the phone seems impossible.
Seems as though I can just leave you with your dad for a few hours, but its not that easy. One day they will too understand that it's not that I can't leave you with your dad, but more that I don't want to.
I get enough time to myself working everyday to make a good life for you..
Earlier this month your dad and I both celebrated our birthdays, which don't seem so important anymore now that you are here. 
I am already planning your first birthday. I can't believe it. Its going to be so spectacular. Just like you.
We also celebrated Easter. First down the street with a beautiful brunch made by my mom, your beautiful grandma. Then we headed out to LA with your dad to see his side of the family and celebrate the rest of the afternoon. We sat around and all stared at you and laughed at every move you made. We just think you are the world!
You are eating some meat integrated into your diet. We have giving you chicken and apples, and turkey & sweet potatoes.
You LOVE sweet potatoes.
You are eating more often, and moving all around. You are full of expressions and personality. 
You SHINE.
You make everyone smile, and you truly are the center of attention.
I have this feeling you've been here before. Maybe in another form, or spirit, but you definitely touch me in a special way. You seem to know far to much for your first time here.
I feel something special with you, and one day we will be able to talk about this, and you will know exactly what I am talking about.
I love you so much 
Mom 




Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Dear Bellin,

Dear Bellin,
Today marks your 6th month here with us. You bring to much joy into our lives.
 How did I get so lucky?
As you sit on top of my bed in your Bumbo (little chair) & as I write this, I am listening to your little voice pronounce the A E I O U sounds, with a few DeDas in there. We all know your going to say Dada first, and I've come to terms with this.
 You amaze me everyday. Everything you do, I think is brilliant. Everyday I am sure you can't bring me any more happiness, but then you do it again!
I now have a pretty good grasp on how to rock you to sleep, what cry means what, what mood you are in (always the happiest baby) & when to just let you gaze at me like I am the greatest thing in the world. The peace I see in your eyes is impossible to convey through a letter. 
One day when you are old enough to understand, and you look in the mirror, you'll see it too. 
You have one of the most kind souls I have ever felt around me. You remind me so much of your father. So loving & here to make everyones life better. 
Yesterday your Dad and I put you on the floor on your tummy and placed our cell phones(your favorite toy) 5 feet away from you, & you promptly started scooting towards them as if it were GOLD!
YOU CRAWLED!!!
 I can't believe it!
You have tried some nanners (bananas) and some apple sauce, which you GAG every time i give you.
And also Avocados, which you were unsure about. The bananas seem to be the big hit so far. You love to feed yourself. You want to hold the spoon, must be the control freak of your mother in you!
You also LOVE water! Can't get enough of it. One day you'll understand how important this is.
Your hair is growing longer.
Your sentences are becoming so passionate.
You curiosity is booming.
Your giggles are so heart warming.
Your love is absolutely astounding. 
Everyone I talk to who meets you, or has had a child says, "Enjoy it, because it goes by so fast".
 I have found that your dad & I enjoy it everyday. We soak up every thing you do. 
Everyday is a milestone to us. You are our world.

Being a new mom is hard work, & I am so lucky I get to spend the amount of time I do with you.
I can't wait to see your curiosity grow. I can't wait to make you laugh (more). 
I can't wait for you to understand the love I feel for you.
I love you so much my little girl.
Happy 6 months.
March 27, 2012




Wednesday, February 29, 2012

30 Day $elf Challenge

Today marks the first day of the next 30, in which I am challenging myself to spend NO MONEY(with the exception of course for fresh produce needed for dinners, birthday/baby shower gift(s), & gas). Other than that no money will be spent. I have found myself ever since the baby was born going shopping almost on the daily. Finding excuses to spend money. I am not making excuses, but I think with all the pre-baby talk about how you lose yourself, and its NOT ALL ABOUT YOU anymore, has made me want to spend more. I wasn't about to let that happen!!! I wanted to stay hip & current. Even though I am only 25!!!!!!!!!!!!!! A lot of women I talked to (mostly clients) made the idea of having a baby so bittersweet. It really had my mind all twisted. 
LET ME MAKE THIS CLEAR:
IT IS THE SWEETEST DAMN THING YOU WILL EVER DO
Maybe they've lost themselves along the way, but I sure as hell did not. 
The fact is, I will always be who I was before, but now add mom to that. 
I go out (rarely) with my girlfriends, and I feel like my "old" self. I feel like Kylie...With a baby. Which is exactly who I am. So I don't exactly want to think about it as my "old" self, but rather the "new/updated" self.
I wouldn't change this life for anything. My little Bellin is just perfect. She brings so much joy to so many people. And to be a better person, and mother, I am getting this problem under control....or at least trying ;)

$oooooooo....Here i$ to the next 30 day$!!


Saturday, January 21, 2012

Mommy-Must-Haves 0-3 Months!

Hello Mommies & Mommies-To-Be!
I am happy to bring you my edition of "Mommy-Must-Haves" for 0-3 mo.
Please keep in mind this is what worked for Abe & I and this does not work for everyone, or every babies needs. Welcome to this guide of what works for us!
^ Formula storage containers
These (2) Plastic containers simulating formula storage, are wonderful and small. You pour as many scoops as needed per bottle. ALWAYS carry a fresh bottle of water with you! You never know when you will need to make a bottle in an INSTANT!

Bassinet!! 
We have this bassinet at the foot of our bed. She gets snuggled in and we still have a sense of comfort because she is so close! 
MUST HAVE!!

"Goodie Basket"
Baskets are wonderful! I keep a basket of "Goodies" in my living room on the coffee table loaded with: Fresh diapers, box of wipes, pacifier, Purell hand sanitizer, and a burp rag. These are most essentials you will need throughout the day and when you keep them in a basket, it keeps you organized and you will always know where to go to. Also, for your husband! There is no confusion of who left what where last! :) 
GO TO BASKET!!

The BOPPY!
This "U" shaped pillow is so wonderful for relieving your shoulders and the weight of the baby when you are trying to learn how to breast/ or bottle feed. It creates a cozy place for you to snuggle your little one up to and relax while you feed.

Diaper Bag!
Whatever bag you may choose, I want you to choose something that makes you feel good about carrying around poopie diapers! It is important that you express yourself & recreate your style as a MOM! <3

Bottle Drying Rack
We have this exact one. It is wonderful. It keeps all the bottles & pieces together. You never misplace the pieces. Simply keep right next to your sink. The bottles will never get mixed up with other dishes!


Extra Pacifiers!!
The SOOTHIE from the hospital Bel LOVES. We only had the one for a few weeks. On my first trip to Target I noticed they had the exact ones from the hospital. So I purchased 10 more!!! You always seem to misplace them when you need it the most! Pacifiers are not for everyone, but they work for us, and a back stock is not a bad idea!

The SWING!
Having a swing is wonderful. It gives you a break when you need it. You can put the babes down and the rocking motion lets them relax so Mommy can sit a relax too! We use this A LOT!!

A GLASS OF WINE
Remember you mommies out there to take time for yourself and rejuvenate to be a better mommy for your little one. A refreshing glass of wine, or movie out on the town with your man is highly recommended!!