Modeling is Probably Not in Her Future...

This past weekend, I had two goals.  The first was to finish Stella's book of her first year (I can't believe it has already been a year).  My second goal was to get a good picture of Stella to use for this year's Christmas card.  Let's just say only one of the two were accomplished.

About two weeks ago I was in Buy Buy Baby looking for a humidifier for Stella's room.  While there I noticed adorable Christmas bloomers... white with red ruffles on the butt.  I bought them instantly because I knew they would make for an adorable Christmas card.  So Saturday morning created my background by using a large black piece of fabric.  I wrapped a large box in red paper and attached a big bow... the backdrop was set.  Next I put Stella in her Bloomers and grabbed the camera.

My plan was to have Stella stand, facing the box (obviously holding onto it for support.)  She was then going to look back at me over her right shoulder while wearing a Santa hat.  I had envisioned it beautifully as I laid in bed Friday night.  She put the hat on, stood at the box, turned around with the most perfect smile...

Then I woke up from that dream and this is what we got instead.

You want me to wear a hat?

You want me to stand still?

Oh, I'm supposed to look at you now?

I will look at you, only because you are feeding me?

Daddy please save me...

Really... was I asking that much?  Needless to say, we didn't get the perfect Christmas Card picture.  But I did finish the book of her first year, so at least I finished half of what I set out to do.

Mirrors, Mirrors Everywhere

Last weekend we went to LA to meet Brian's brother, Brent, to go to the USC vs. Notre Dame football game.  We arrived on Friday morning and went straight to Anaheim.  We were going to go to Disney Land, however once we arrived there we discovered everyone else had the same idea so we went to Disney Downtown instead.  This is basically a mall outside of Disney.  It was pretty uneventful except we did get a couple good pictures of Stella.

After our detour to Disney and a wonderful lunch at Portillos, we headed to the hotel.  Brian had booked a room at The SLS in Beverly Hills.  We made the decision to go to LA late so our options for hotel using points was limited.  This hotel was awesome.  One of those places where really important people stay,  way beautiful and let's be honest a little too swanky for us.  I doubt they have a lot of people who stay at the hotel with an eleven month old.

This room had mirrors everywhere.  The television was even set within a mirror.  I don't know about you, but I have no desire to see a 360 degree view of this post-baby body!!  Stella enjoyed the room a lot.  Everything was at the perfect height for a baby learning to walk. 

We went to dinner at Mastro's on Friday evening and Stella did great.  On Saturday, after Stella's nap we headed to the Colosseum to tailgate and go to the game.  I was concerned with how Stella was going to do at the game because sitting for long periods of time is really not her thing... she loves to be on the move.  However, she did great.  She feel asleep right before half time.  That was a good thing because mid-way into the 3rd quarter it began to rain, okay I mean pour.  She didn't even realize it because she was sound asleep under the blanket.  We sat in the rain for a while until the boys decided it was time to go... thank goodness!

Overall we had a great weekend.  It was nice to get out of town and of course it is always nice to see Uncle Brent.