Daddy's Glasses

"Mommy, look at Aiyana. She looks so, so, so, SO cute. Cuter than an aardvark eating a nut."

Mommy says I got it exactly right.

Love and adorable little sisters,

Zadia Love

4 Years, 20 Questions

Interview time! Click here to see how my answers have changed (or haven't changed) since last year.

Love and all things zebra,

Zadia Love

On The Day You Were Born

Dearest Zadia,

Tonight is the eve of your 4th birthday. You asked me and Daddy to read you a book about birthdays. You said no to the Olivia book about a birthday because that book is about a pig. You didn't want Froggy Bakes a Cake, because that's about a family of frogs. So I asked you if you wanted to hear the story of the day you were born, and your face lit up with excitement and anticipation. It's that face that I love the most. The one where your BIG eyes get even bigger.

You have the same reaction when I tell you we're having mac-n-cheese for lunch, or that it's show-n-share day at school, or that I bought you and Aiyana matching dresses. Your excitement for life is contagious-it's what makes me look forward to tomorrow and the day after tomorrow. Because I know every day with you is an adventure just waiting to happen.

Sometimes I wonder what you'll be like when you grow up. But then I realize I already know. You're the girl that brings presents to her friends when it's not their birthdays, brings Aiyana her favorite stuffed animal when she's sad, but wants to be completely alone when she's frustrated. You're the girl who wants to run the fastest and jump the highest, but gets frustrated when she's not first for everything. You're the girl that writes new recipes, gives people nicknames, and invents elaborate games, but gets upset when nobody wants to play them. You're the girl that wants to explore places you've never been, but wants to live at home with Mommy forever. 

When you grow up you'll be an even more thoughtful, more sensitive, more competitive, more creative, and more beautiful version of who you are now. I don't want you to grow up any faster than you already are, but I also can't wait to go on your life's little adventures with you. 

Happy 4th Birthday, Zadia Love.

Love,

Mommy

The ART in PARTY

I had a terrible cold last week and missed two days of school. On Saturday my eyes still looked a little glassy and my nose was running, but I was too excited to care.

I'm pretty sure I just had the best party ever. Okay, so I've only had four parties so far. But my 4th birthday party was definitely my favorite.

My name was everywhere.

The snacks and decorations were colorful and artful.

All my best friends were there, and they loved getting messy and creative as much as I did.

The sweets were pretty, and even more delicious.

 And despite feeling a little under the weather, I was all smiles.

Love and perfect parties for a 4-year-old princess,

Zadia Love

Party Preparations

Only four more days until my REAL birthday, yay! We like to spread out the celebrations, so I already had my big party for my friends this past Saturday (pictures to follow soon.) It was an art party (naturally), and what's an art party without art? 

Not only did we do an art project at my art-themed party, but Mommy and I also spent the whole week before collaborating on art and decorations for the party. 

Grandma Marcia and Nana came to visit and I put them to work on my decorations too.

I was so excited making these decorations for my party. I told Mommy this was the best day EVER. 

Check back soon to see how these colorful decorations brightened up my party!

Love and colorful party prep,

Zadia Love

I Can't Guess

Perhaps my favorite answer to any question (even when I know the answer) is, "I can't guess." It's probably the most adorable things that comes out of my mouth ever.

Mommy: "Aiyana, did you write on Mommy's bedroom door with crayon?" (Note: it was a very well-drawn parallelogram.)

Aiyana: (proudly) "Yeah, I did!"

Mommy: "Where do we write with crayons?"

Aiyana: "I can't guess!"

Mommy: "Well, where do we put stickers?"

Aiyana: "I don't know. I can't guess!!!" 

Mommy: "On paper, Aiyana. ONLY on paper. So...what do you say to Mommy for writing on her door."

Aiyana: "Ummm...I can't guess!" (This is a fun game for me.)

Aiyana: "YOU'RE WELCOME???"

Mommy: (Laughing) "No, you say I'm sorry."

And then Mommy hands me a stool and a magic eraser and I start scrubbing.

Love and adorable words out of my mouff,

Aiyana Eden

Speechless

Aiyana says some pretty funny things. But she doesn't really have to say anything to make people smile. Just look at that face (and some of those outfits) and you'll understand why.

Zoning out to toddler music.

Pouting in mismatched clothes.

Floppy hat + phone + tattoo + baby = ready for anything.

NO PHOTOS!!!

Floating head.

This gives new meaning to the word port-a-potty.

Oh Aiyana baby. You're just so silly. And so darn lovable.

Love and silly sister moments,

Zadia Love

Created by Aiyana

It took ten weeks of music class for me to detach myself from Mommy. But in art class it only took ten minutes. 

Here's my first (yet-to-be-fired) masterpiece. It's a self portrait. Can't you tell by the wavy, yellow hair?

Love and messy Mommy-and-me art classes,

Aiyana Eden

Friday Routine

Monday is adventure day. Tuesday is back-to-school day. Wednesday is music class/art class day. Thursday is coffee-shop-with-Mommy's-friends day. And Friday? 

Trader Joe's day.

We make the mile walk to Trader Joe's every Friday after we drop Zadia off at school. Mommy gets her free sample and miniature coffee, and I leave with a bar and stickers. We always use the potty. Twice. We stuff the double stroller with enough groceries to feed a family of four for a week and we have a leisurely walk home. I stop to smell the flowers, balance on every curb, and chase squirrels. I help Mommy unpack the groceries, and then we rush back out to pick Zadia up from school. 

It's a routine both Mommy and I love.

Banana yogurt - my favorite!

"Mommy, I got it."

Where's my bars?

My bars in one box, Daddy's in the other.

Grocery shopping can be dangerous.

Love and morning routines with Mommy,

Aiyana Eden