Cheeeeeese!

Ariyana's personality is a little shining light these days. We are still working on a good routine for her, but she seems happy so I guess that's all that matters! I must share a picture though!

Play-dates

Ariyana's best days are when she gets outta the house. Mine too, actually. Keeping busy makes the day go by much nicer, with less fussing and whining. Not that Ariyana is a whiney child, but, yeah - she can be quite whiney if she wants to be. I would be too if I was bored. 

So I take Ariyana to play dates when I can. Today I took her to play at McDonalds. There was a number of rugrats who were too little to actually play on the structure, so blankets got spread out and the babies enjoyed being around each other. And I enjoyed my coffee and a chance to get out of the house! 

One of Ariyana's play-date friends, ended up wearing the same onesie. Completely unplanned of course, but it was quite cute. 

Congrats to my favorite man!

Today we celebrate another accomplishment! Arfan graduated with his Bachelors degree in nursing from Daemen College today. I'm so thrilled and I look to follow in his footsteps. I hope to always have his determination and drive to be better. He brings out the best in me, and I hope that I do the same for him.

Ariyana wants that degree!

Daddy Love

Since Daddy got home, Ariyana has been so much happier. She sure missed her Daddy and so did I. Life is getting back to normal. I missed having my partner next to me. I sure can't wait to marry him!
So much planning left to do though! 

The Bunny Outfit

My mother - Ariyana's grandmother had sent her a cute little bunny custume, several months back. It didn't close to fit her, but now she's just now fitting into it. So of course, I had to get a picture. I couldn't help but think of Ralphie on A Christmas Story. HAHA

Daddy's Home

It was such a long month being away from my hubby-to-be and Ariyana's daddy. He had to do what he had to do in Texas, his month for Officer Basic School.  I know that eventually, we may face the horrible thought of deployments, much longer than a month, but this month was more difficult than I care to remember. But thank God it's over. Ariyana has her daddy back, and I'm off for a good cuddle!

My daddy is home!!

Daddy brought me home this onesie!!

Family Time!

I sure do cherish this time with my family here in California. As much as I miss Arfan, I am making the most of seeing my family here. I feel like I've missed out on so much time with them over the years. For a number of reasons, which ultimately are not important now, but I'm trying to make up for lost time for sure.
It's such a blessing and is heart warming to see my daughter around my family!

Out doing a little wine tasting!

Ariyana and Pam

Early evening walk

Road Trip

Now, it's completely normal for Ariyana to absolutely hate the car seat with a passion. So going on even the shortest of road trips ends up being quite the battle. But today, there must have been stars that aligned or something. Ariyana enjoyed our short 45 minute road trip to a winery with Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jack.
I even snapped this picture!

Happy birthday, Aunt Nancy!

What a lovely day with family. Today we celebrated my Great-Aunt's 'fill-in-the-blank' birthday. It was wonderful to see her happy and smiling surrounded by friends and family. 

Birthday Brunch!

So, I know it's not actually her birthday until tomorrow, but we just had to take Aunt Nancy out for an early birthday celebration. At least before several more people get into town and it's a bit more quiet. So Aunt Nancy, Uncle Jack and Pam, Ariyana and I, took her out to one of her favorite places for brunch. It's called Fresh, and just down the street from Aunt Nancy's home. The food was delish, and it was wonderful to celebrate such a wonderful woman and her birthday.

Morning cuddles

Yeah, I know this is not the most flattering of pictures. But I will always cherish this one. One of my favorite things to do with Aunt Nancy is to have morning cuddles and read the paper. And here, I get to watch her cuddle up with my daughter. What a fantastic morning. I wish Arfan could be here!

Impossible to stay inside!

Ahhh, it's so good to be here. Really. The weather is gorgeous here in Marin County, California. This afternoon, we took a long walk. It was Pam, cousin Jack and Ariyana and I. We walked up by the dam and  back down. It was a nice walk and it was so good to enjoy the fresh air and conversation. I feel like all the stresses of life just melted away. Jack was soooo good too, he insisted in pushing his cousin in her stroller the whole way!

Ariyana enjoying the view

Pam, Jack and Ariyana