Birthday – Snapshots & My Thoughts by Ailee Petrovic

Personal June 4, 2019

Happy Fifth Birthday, Isla Milijana!

Five years ago today, our sweet Isla was born. Time has truly flown by. It feels like yesterday, I was holding her for the first time at the hospital. And just then, I blinked and she was one. Soon after, she turned two, then it was three, and last year, she became our big four year old.

Sasha and I always talk about how proud we are of this not-so-little girl of ours. She constantly worries about others’ feelings and their happiness. Yesterday, she asked if she could have a piece of gum (her favorite special treat!), and asked if I wanted a piece too. I said “Yes,” but when she went to the pantry, there was only one piece left. I told her she could have it to herself, but she refused and bit it into two pieces. It’s a silly anecdote, but it’s a very real representation of how she is always thinking of others.

Personal February 18, 2015

Twenty-Seven

Today, I am turning 27. I honestly feel like my 21st birthday was just two or three years ago, not six! Every year on my birthday, I reflect on my favorite moments from the previous year and make goals for the next. With the birth of Isla last year, I must say that it’s been my favorite yet (and that was by far the best moment). I definitely feel much older, but that is probably to be expected when you become a mother. I am cursing myself for ever entering a tanning bed, and am now venturing into the world of anti-wrinkle creams and heavy duty sunscreens. All fountain-of-youth suggestions welcome!

Apart from newly formed eye wrinkles (let’s call them smile lines for the sake of my birthday), I have had so many amazing moments during my 27th year, some of which include:

Celebrating my birthday party last year at Canopy with a number of our closest friends and family

Going on a mother-daughter trip to Washington, DC to learn calligraphy from our wedding calligrapher and getting to explore the city together (posts here and here)

Taking a girls trip to San Francisco (post here)

Baby August 26, 2014

Isla Loves: BabyLit (40% Off Promo Code & Giveaway)

I first came across the BabyLit series while shopping at a little boutique in San Francisco. I took a picture of the cover, knowing I would add them to our Amazon Baby Registry when I got back to Houston. I added twelve of my favorite books and got them all from one of my mom’s good friends. I love them so much. It is so enjoyable to read my favorite classics to Isla. There are Counting Primers, Color Primers, Animal Primers, Opposites Primers, Anatomy Primers, and more. These books break down the classics into easily digestible terms and help children develop, as you can see from the photos below. I only brought three books with us to Durango, and I wish we had them all. I highly recommend you buy these for your little one, and if you don’t have any kids, then for friends who are expecting or having toddlers.

I’m excited to be teaming up with BabyLit to offer you 40% off all books until this Sunday, August 31 at midnight with the promo code ISLA. Click here to buy them now! In addition to this discount, BabyLit is giving away two books of your choice to one lucky individual. In order to enter the giveaway, you must do the following:

Reply to this post, including your name and which two BabyLit books you’d like to win – see the full collection here (you can change your selection upon winning)
You will get an extra entry by being or becoming a follower of Snapshots and My Thoughts (see ‘Follow’ button at the bottom righthand corner on desktop version of the blog)
You will get an extra entry by posting this giveaway’s URL to your Twitter or Facebook account (please tag @ailee_petrovic on Twitter or mention Snapshots & My Thoughts and BabyLit on Facebook)

One winner will be drawn at random. The more entries you have, the higher the chance you’ll win! The giveaway ends at midnight on Friday, August 29. I will announce the winner by Monday. I look forward to reading your responses. Good luck!

Follow BabyLit on Facebook

Baby August 8, 2014

Pink Lemonade Party Inspiration

I have long loved bright pink and yellow paired together – à la pink lemonade. When I saw this tank and these shorts on sale at Carters, buying them was a no-brainer. Isla’s outfit reminded me of the cutest Pink Lemonade Soiree I saw ages ago on Hostess with the Mostess. I love the idea of a pink lemonade themed party! I’m getting ahead of myself, but I already let my mind wander to Isla’s first birthday party. These celebrations end up being huge events! See some pictures below for inspiration. Most are from the Pink Lemonade Soiree, others from Kara’s Party Ideas, and others from Pinterest.

What are other cute toddler party themes you’ve seen?

Also, one last reminder that the MAM pacifier giveaway ends tonight at midnight!

Baby February 24, 2014

Miss Ellery Grey

I was in Washington, DC this weekend with my Mum for a calligraphy workshop (post to come this week – see sample at the bottom of this post!), and as soon as I touched down in Houston, Sasha and I made plans to meet one of our best friend’s little baby girl, Ellery Grey. She was born on February 19 – the day after my birthday! Ellery is so cute, and I cannot wait for her and Isla to be best friends. Yesterday was my 100-days-left marker, so I’m in the double digits now. I hope the next 99 days fly by.

Isn’t Ellery adorable? I plan on taking a million pictures of her, just like I have with little Pierson.

I love this one – sleeping peacefully in her daddy’s arms!

This is what Matt and Sasha’s future looks like – and also a glimpse at their gorgeously decorated Restoration Hardware house

I landed from the airport and went straight to meet Ellery – stopping briefly to practice my new calligraphy skills for her gift label! We got her the monogrammed stroller blanket from Baby and Child – it’s so soft!

I need to practice more calligraphy, but loving it so far.