Expressions from Naja

...stank face

...ham

...sleepy & contemplating

...wanting something

I took pictures for a friend of the family who had a rededication of their vows...so Naja got to wear a pretty dress. My child is truly expressive, and this is just the beginning folks! I hope you all have a great weekend!

On Naja: Dress - Baby Gap; Shoes - Baby Zara

Part 1: A Fresh Look - Repurposing a Dresser & Nightstand

In my last post I referenced doing some repurposing projects, and I've finally snapped some pictures and gotten around to posting them. FYI - taking pictures, and actually posting them to your blog are two totally, separate, and independent things.

I don't know how many of you remember this "Smile" post from last July, where I talked about getting new (to me) furniture that I planned to use for Naja's room. I got the furniture for free, and it was in spectacular shape, and it's probably as old as I am.

I loved the framework of the furniture, but I hated the color - this pale yellow is just so flat and blah. Originally, I planned on using the dresser in Naja's room. However, I soon changed my mind after I finished another repurposed dresser (to be posted in the near future) and I knew that should be saved for her room. Thus, I knew this furniture had a home in my room.

Here are some before pictures of the repurposed dresser/chest and night stand:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Wow - what a world of a difference a nice paint job makes! Thanks to some help from Libby, and my good friends at Home Depot, I did the lazy man's repurposing job with this project. Note: I had one day to do this job, by myself, so I was all about the short cuts, not my preference, but it's real life. I did not sand it, instead I applied a thick coat of primer (only one coat), and then applied the paint. I used a glossy black paint by Rust-Oleum, because they also manufacture paint in a spray can - and I used the same color to repurpose some chairs (also to be posted in the near future). I then used chrome spray paint on the hardware, and voila - a repurposed dresser!

There are some white parts that peak through around the drawers, and the paint has some texture to it, but I kind of like it. All in all, I am very satisfied with the finished project.

The cost of this project was:

Primer - $9.99

Paint - $9.99

Spray paint - $3.49 

Furniture - Free

Total - ~$25 (including taxes)

This post will be part 1 of 4 of the repurposing projects I embarked upon before my move. I've taken pictures of the other projects, so I will try to focus on posting them across the next few weeks. Peace.

August...

Painting that we did for some decorations for Naja's birthday party

 Naja winding down at a family picnic with her great-grandmother

Personal invitations for my cousin's bridal shower

Hanging in Philly with old friends - I'm such a ham :)

 Naja's new, favorite face - she does this any time I say " Say Cheese"

Is it just me, or did this summer fly by? I cannot believe it's late August. This summer was packed with a lot of action - most of which was not captured by the camera lense, but it was fun and eventful nonetheless. Some items from this summer include:

Visit to Philly to hang with my college friends
Moving out into our own space & repurposing half of the furniture in it
Naja's 1st birthday (and party)
My cousin got engaged, and I'm her MOH!
Weaning Naja - drinks up ;)
Locking my hair...and then not locking it (again)
Training for a marathon...

I met up with so many friends and family these past few months, it was a wonderful reminder of how blessed I am to have kind, caring, and loving people in my life. While I'm a bit saddened to say goodbye to summer, I am looking forward to things slowing down in the fall. I like the cool weather - the turning of leaves...and I can't wait to get Naja outside in the snow!!! I know, we have to get to fall before winter...

I hope to blog more in the coming weeks - I have some pictures from my trip to Philly that I'd like to share, and I want to share some of my furniture repurposing projects, so there's more to come!

To my readers - thanks for hanging in there with me. It really means a lot when I read comments even when my posting is sparse. This corner of the internet is really special to me, and I appreciate the support and encouraging words you provide.

Guess who's one...

Taking a dip in the pool on a hot summer day

Naja loves water...almost as much as food

On the run and saying "me, me, me" - this girl loves herself

A picture of the birthday girl on her actual birthday :)

Yes, my little bundle of joy Naja Simone is one year old today!!! I can't believe that one year ago today, on July 19, I called out of a morning conference call for work due to contractions which bred baby Naja a few hours later (yes - my labor was only a few hours - thank God!).

I hosted a party for her last weekend, but didn't take any pictures, however I did post a pic of Naja smashing her cupcake ;). I feel awful about not taking more pictures, but this is the kicker with taking pictures: it's really tough to experience the moment, when you're always snapping away. It's like I'm there, but I'm not "in it", I'm just observing. Since it's just Naja and me most of the time, I'd rather experience the moment than observe the moment.  Nonetheless, I do like to capture these moments to share with friends.

The party had a loose theme of "ombre everything" based on this picture. I prepared the food and kept the menu simple: sliders: buffalo chicken, ginger turkey burger, beef burger & eggplant, pasta salad, chips, corn and watermelon. Thanks to Libby, I offered my guests flavored water as a beverage. I ordered four dozen cupcakes from Sprinkles, and I gave everyone colored assorted candies in the ombre white-to-red theme as a gift.

Naja was surrounded by lots of friends and family at the party. There were no kids at the party -- I have yet to vibe with any parents with kids around Naja's age. Still there were a handful of my friends - Naja's "aunts" and "uncles" - who came out to support her. Naja's family was also there to celebrate. I seriously am so blessed to have the family and friends I have - they're awesome.  It was a good time!!!

As for other life updates...
We finished my sorority chartering, now we're back to our regular scheduled programs
I'm still training for the marathon, my furthest distance thus far has been 10 miles straight. I need to kick up my training, which requires a good amount of time, but I'm not quite sure how I'll balance it just yet...
Naja and I are moving out and getting our own space in a few weeks (we've been living with my parents since she was born), I'm mostly packed and ready for the move
I'll be wearing this little number as the MOH in my cousin's wedding in September, and will be planning the bridal shower soon
I may be locking my hair now - I installed a set of finger coils 2 weeks ago, I don't love it, but few people love these beginning stages of locking
I'll be 26 in 15 days and I have no plans for my birthday right now, but I'm kind of ok with that (if you wonder why -- see above)

Brief Update 6.24.12 (and prior)

Ok folks, in my last update, I mentioned that this summer was busy, and it has not slowed down one bit! I had my first "grown folks" weekend since being a mom. I got a chance to hang out with my girls in NYC without Naja - she stayed home with Sonny & Mimi. I had a blast! There was lots of singing, eating, laughing and girl talk. I'm so grateful for my friends!!!

I have not taken any recent pictures of Naja with my dSLR. However, I always post a TON of pics on instagram. (Like this one of Naja representing my alma mater) Little miss thing is full on walking now, and sometimes she tries to run. In fact, she was in a triple threat (basketball) position recently during one of our outside play times.

To add to everything else from the summer, my cousin was recently engaged, and I'm the maid of honor! I'm absolutely delighted. However, if you notice sporadic posts - it's due to all of the exciting events that are happening this summer. I miss updating the blog more frequently, taking more pictures, and trying new recipes, but alas, I can't do everything. I hope you all are well, and enjoying your summer!!!

Paisley Prints

one, three & four: dress - gift; shoes - zara; sunglasses - anthro; earrings - anthro | two & five: dress - gift; shoes - nordstrom; earrings - anthro; sunglasses - anthro

Weekly Update 6.3.12

Playing outside in my favorite new dress (of hers) from Target

Sometimes she poses for the camera - I love it!!! 

Always with something in her mouth

It's been a LONG TIME! Over the past 30 days, I've had two traveling trips for work, which has placed blogging on the low end of the totum pole. I haven't taken any pics either - eek! Here's what's new...

Naja has a full head of curly hair. I've decided to 'tame' her fro and moved to pigtails for ease of detangling, and to minimize knots. I miss her fro, though she did rock a braid out this weekend.

I firmly believe that Naja could walk...if she wanted to. In fact, I've seen her take a handful of steps on her own when "no one is watching." If you applaud her for her steps - she screams in angst. She prefers to walk while holding someone's hand, and she throws a tantrum if you let go. I think this is my first lesson in learning that your child does things on his/her own schedule. As a parent - I'm letting go of already over-extending wanting my child to walk "early." It's no longer a priority - she will walk (consistently) when she wants to. *Kanye shrug*

Naja is sleeping through the night *Does Dougie*!!! She sleeps from 7:30/8 pm until 6:30/7 am, and takes one or two naps during the day - it's awesome! In other news - she is still teething, I've lost count of the number of teeth she has coming in, I think it's at least another four.

Finally, I am in the midst of planning Naja's 1st birthday party.  Right now, I'm thinking of having a dance party theme where we have a DJ nice iPod playlist, food, and dancing. I know she's only 1, but I don't know of any babies coming, and Naja loves dancing so much - I'm pretty sure she'd love it. She can wobble better than anyone I know.

In other news
...My mom and I are chartering a graduate chapter for our sorority in the county of VA where we live.
...One of my best soror friends recently relocated to the area, and works at the same company as me, and thankfully, she's encouraging me to get out more.
...I have my first baby free non-work related night free trip in a few weeks and I'm slated to see a handful of good friends who I haven't seen in years - I can't wait!
...I'm also scrambling planning to do something for my birthday, which is 15 days after Naja's. Erykah Badu, Common & Estelle will be in town, I'm aiming for something easy and low key.

Is it just me - or are the summer months an extremely busy/crazy time?