The Photoshoot

For my Birthday Lucas and Julia wore their matching "If you think I'm cute you should see my Auntie" T-Shirts. Of Course I saw this as the perfect photo op. . . little did I know that capturing a 7 month old and a 3 yr old in the same frame would be exceptionally difficult. After 49 shots the t-shirt can only be fully read in 1 photo. . . and to get them both looking at the camera at the same time without any tears seemed to be an almost impossible task . . . we did it though. And we managed to capture some silly 3yr old facial expressions and Lucas' adorable sumo wrestler legs, which I simply can't resist. :) Cute . . . just like Auntie :)

BYOB

So I told Julia that we will be having a sleep over on Christmas. I told her that it'll be soo much fun cause Auntie will be sharing her bed. She looked at me with a worried look on her face and said, "Oh . . . Ok . . . I'll sleep here and you'll sleep there . . ." She then looked at me very sternly and said "but Auntie you have to bring your own bear!" :)

My Nephew Lucas

The Little Diva is a Big Sister.

Auntie Diva is in love again.

Fajitas!!!

Yesterday morning, Achilles and Jen found out the sex of the baby they are expecting in August. So my sister puts Julia on the speaker phone to share the news with Me, Grandma and Bapa. Jen says, "Julia, tell Grandma, Bapa and Auntie what we're having!!" and Julia yells excitedly "Fajitas!!!" It took a few more minutes of careful prompting to get the real news out of Julia, but she finally shared. Looks like in August I'm going to be the proud Auntie of . . . Fajitas!! Yaaaay Fajitas!!

My Burd-day

My 30th Birthday was wonderful. I have to say that this phone msg left by my 2 year old niece was probably the bestest birthday greeting of the day hands down . . . ahhh have I ever mentioned how much I love being "Auntie"?? (The video isn't really exciting to watch, but the audio is definitely worth listening to:)

The Cake

Yesterday we celebrated the 30th anniversary of Achilles Mazda. I had the pleasure of experiencing the celebration from my 2 year old niece's perspective.

And let me tell you, for Julia it was all about the Biiiiiiiiiig Cake!! For an hour and a half all I heard about was the cake. Every conversation would somehow lead back to the cake. During all the meetings and greetings, and even during the speeches from the big wigs at Mazda Canada the only thing that was important was the big blue and white sugar loaded, chocolate imploded, creamy, melt in your mouth cake!!

Me: Julia, let's go see YiaYia and Papu. (a.k.a Julia's grandparent's)
Julia: No Auntie, Let's go see the cake!!

Me: Say "Hi" to Mrs. Blackie, Julia.
Julia: Whoa look at the cake. It's BIIIIIIIG!!!

Me: Julia, aren't the Balloon's pretty
Julia: Yes Auntie, but cake is my favourite!!!

Me: Let's eat some cheese, bread and carrots.
Julia: Nooooooooo Auntie I want the cake.

Me: Julia, are you done eating?
Julia: No, I still need cake.

When it was finally time to cut the cake the excitement was truly overwhelming!!!

(If you look closely you can see Julia in the mirror having a freak out over the cake)

And Boy oh Boy was that cake ever worth the wait!!

Ahhhhhhh, Cake!!!!

The lil' Diva is 2!

Yesterday the little Diva turned 2! I can't believe how fast the time has flown by and how much Julia has changed and grown.

Being an Auntie really is the greatest thing ever!

Le Tour d'Hydro

Today as we were driving by a hydro tower just outside of Acton, my 2 year old niece suddenly piped up in the back seat and yelled in an excited toddler scream, "Look Mommy, it's the Eiffel Tower!!!" . . . How cute is that? My sister tells me that Julia learned all about the Eiffel Tower in an episode of Little Einsteins, which happens to be her favourite show. I promised Julia today that when she's old enough I'll take her to see the real Eiffel tower in Paris, France. In the mean time, Julia is teaching me to appreciate the fine architecture of Le Tour d'Hydro:)

The Sound A Bunny Makes

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A Bunny doesn't make a sound silly,

he simply wiggles his nose.

A lesson FOR Auntie Diva

"It's so obvious Auntie, they're clearly the same song!"

The lil' Diva taught Auntie an unbelievable lesson yesterday. Did you know that the ABC song as in "Now I know my ABC's next time won't you sing with me" is set to the same tune as twinkle, twinkle little star? How is it that I majored in music and never figured that out?? My 17 month old neice is clearly a musical genius!!!

Julia's Tutu

tu·tu - (pronounced too, too)

a short, full skirt, usually made of several layers

of tarlatan or tulle, worn by ballerinas

(and little divas in training:)

Christmas Cutie

No doubt the entire McNeil family would agree that the best part of

Christmas 2006 was having the "Christmas Cutie" around.

(Oh and having Julia there was great too:)

Lessons from Auntie Diva

(Julia poses with one of her many subordinates:)

Diva Lesson #9

Dealing with our Subordinates

Being a diva often requires having to work with diva wannabes, who although they try, could never match our level of divaness. We must however learn the different techniques on how to deal with those who clearly lack the grace, wit, charm, and cuteness that we so naturally exude.

Tips on how to deal with our subordinates
1. A subordinate observes the way others fall at your feet (especially the boys), and she craves the same kind of attention, which can cause her to act in ways that can be very annoying. If a subordinate ever annoys you to the point where you think you may lose your cool, arrange with the director to have him/her assign "Little Miss. Subordinate" a ridiculous looking costume that makes her look even more subordinate. (see above photo)

2. You may occasionally catch the subordinate secretly trying on your tiara in the dressing room. Simply approach her, smile and politely say, "I'm terribly sorry, but the director asked me to remind you that subordinates generally don't have tiara privileges; however because I'm so nice and really do like you, I will allow you to admire me as I wear my tiara." Then simply snatch the tiara from her head put it on your own and allow the subordinate to ooo and aaaah at your beauty.

3. When being photographed the subordinate will usually be caught in the most unflattering of poses, usually with her mouth wide open struggling with all her might to attempt the same high F that just naturally flows from your voice with such ease and grace. Remember being photographed next to a subordinate, only makes you look all the cuter in comparison. (see above photo)

4. Never feel threatened while the subordinate tries to upstage you in any way she can. Just smile look pretty and work your diva charm. No matter how hard the subordinate may try, next to you she'll always appear second rate. (see above photo)

Having subordinates around us can really only enhance our divaness.
So I say, Bring on the subordinates diva sister!!

One Year Later

One year ago today I wrote this in my journal: "Well the time has come for Jen to have her baby. She's been induced and hopefully I will be an Aunt within the next 24 hours. What an absolute miracle!! We are all bursting with anticipation and excitement. What a blessing this little baby will be to our family. Thank you God for the way you have moved so far. I thank you for the new life that will be coming into this world within the next 24 hrs. You are a God who reigns over all. I ask for your hand of protection over both Jennifer and this little baby as they endure labour. Keep them both safe and give them the strength to endure. My beautiful sister is going to be a Mom. Wow! This is a moment we've been dreaming of since we were little girls. And now it's here, only this child will have a personality, a will and a soul that You have created. We could never have imagined this little person in our own minds because you Lord have created this child in Your image. I can not wait to meet Your new creation. I praise You and adore You for all that You are and for all that you are changing me to be. Amen." - October 20, 2005

Beautiful Julia (web album)

One year later and I know more of who God is because He has given our family Julia. She is such a joy. She's precious and beautiful. I look at her time and time again and marvel at His workmanship. I smile more. I enjoy the little things more, I laugh more. Thank you God for showing me how precious and how fragile life is as You have blessed me with the opportunity to experience life through Julia's eyes over the past year. This beautiful little girl has softened me, has inspired me and has reminded me of how special my family is. I have been able to grasp a greater comprehension of what your unconditional love for me is like too. I have always just loved Julia for who she is, because she is. Loving her before she was born and loving her today. Knowing Julia has changed me in more ways than I could ever have imagined a year ago. You have showered us with the greatest blessings. Thank you for her tiny high pitched voice that says "Auntie". For her contagious giggle. For her sociable nature as she says "hi" to every stranger she sees at the grocery store. Thank you for her kisses, and for the way she puts her head down on your lap and says "nap" when she's tired. Thank you God for all that you have created her to be and for all that you are changing her to be. I pray that she will always be a reflection of Your beautiful image. Amen

- October 20, 2006

HAPPY 1st BIRTHDAY JULIA!!!

kissy kissy

It's a well known fact in my family that I am not a touchy feely kind of diva. Growing up, I never minded hugs so much, but kisses used to completely gross me out. I've gotten better over the years, but I have to admit I am a little obsessive compulsive when it comes to germs, especially when they are germs that belong to someone else. I used to always wonder who came up with the idea of deliberately exchanging germs in order to show affection. My family used to laugh at me when I was a kid and thought that my outright resistance to kisses was hilarious. They would often chase me around trying to give me kisses. When they got a hold of me, they'd purposely give me slobbery nasty wet kisses on my cheek, which was absolute torture. (and they wonder now, how I came to be such a looney tune:) I would usually make a big deal, wipe my cheek and run to the washroom to scrub the slobber off with soap and water. That being said, birthday's and Christmases were a germ nightmare for me.

As I've become an adult my family has learned to respect me and my personal germ space bubble and don't really kiss me at all. My grandpa, who although he never said it, was the same way when it came to kisses. He respected my dislike so much that he got to the point where he would affectionately shake my hand on the special occasions that called for a kiss. It sounds strange but really it’s all good. I really don’t need kisses to know that my family loves me. My Dad still teases me though and tells me that he can’t wait for my wedding day when the pastor will say to my new husband, “You may now shake the bride’s hand.” (I’ve never really explained to my Dad that boy kisses don’t fall into the “ewwww nasty kiss” category . . . meh, I say that what Daddy doesn’t know won’t kill him :)

This past year I have noticed that my feelings on wet slobbery kisses have drastically changed. It’s quite clear that being Auntie Diva has changed me in many ways, but never did I imagine that I would be asking for slobbery wet kisses from someone. If a stranger were to see me with Julia they would have a hard time believing that I have germ issues. Julia’s kisses are to me the best kisses in the world, and believe me they are the slobberiest, wettest kisses known to mankind. For a while she was like a little puppy and would lick my cheek when I asked for a kiss. Now she just lays it on, drool and all (the above photo shows Julia preparing to give Auntie a kiss:) She makes the cutest little “mmmmwa” noise when she gives a kiss too. It’s so sweet and extremely irresistible. Today, Jen laughed when I kept asking Julia for kisses. My sister can’t believe that I, the germaphobe freakazoid who once jumped in a lake fully clothed to avoid a kiss, was now begging for slobbery wet Julia kisses. Oh, Auntiehood, how it can change even the most un-touchy, un-feely germ freak of a Diva. :)

Lessons from Auntie Diva

(Julia decides that the king orangutan at the zoo is nice, but not the man for her:)

Diva Lesson #7
How to Choose the Right Man for You

No denying that a diva has many choices when it comes to love (after all we constantly have men falling at our feet begging for our affection:) however, we must learn to choose wisely, as he will very much reflect the kind of diva that we are ( when it comes down to it, it's really all about maintaining our perfect reputation.)

Tips on how to determine if he's the right man.
**Remember: It is always important to look your cutest so that even if he's a "no" you leave him pining away and longing for your love and affection (see above photo). ***

1. Observe from afar. Does he a) have an interest in life? Does he read, play, work, laugh, and think? Or does he b) sit around all day, scratch his head, and pick bugs off his friend's back and then eat them?

2. Get a little closer. Try to strike up a conversation. Does he a) respond to your questions with actual sentences; follow up by inquiring about you; make a few jokes, all the while looking you in the eyes and smiling while he's talking? Or does he b) sit there scratching his head, making the occasional high pitched "ooo eee ahh" noise, and continue to pick the bugs off his friend's back and eat them?

3. Get a little bit more intimate. Ask him out for dinner (or manipulate him to ask you). Does he a) have excellent table manners? Does he say please, thank you etc. Is he kind to your server? Or does he b) sit there scratching his head, slobbering as he eats, dropping food everywhere, and for dessert decide to pick the bugs off his friend's back and eat them?

By this point you should have a pretty good idea as to whether or not he is worthy of being your man. If you answer b) to any of the above and continue to pursue and throw yourself at him - Girl, you've got problems and aren't worthy to carry the "Diva" name :)

Mrs. Potato head

Tay-toe

The girl definitely loves her Tay-toes.

Noh and Toh

Noh & Toe

Only 10 months old and Julia knows Nose and Toes.
She likes the "oh" vowel a lot lately. She's so smart, just like
Auntie Diva :) I know where my "Noh" is too. Yaaaay !!!

Cutie Pie

Julia can now wave "hi" and "bye bye".

To her it's "aaaaa"and "ba ba"

It's sooo adorable.

Those 2 little bottom teeth are way too cute.

Julia loves being photographed. She has somehow learned how to pose for the camera and honestly Auntie Diva had nothing to do with it. Must be a natural Diva reflex :).

This is my one of my favorite Julia photos.

Her teeny feet are so sweet and the baby chub on her arms and legs is just irresistible.

I never could have imagined how much I would enjoy being Auntie Diva. I just love Julia to pieces and so does our entire family. She's so much fun!! Her life is really quite simple yet we find so much joy in sharing in the little things . I'm honestly finding my parents to be just as amusing as Julia. They just can't get enough of their granddaughter and it's really cute. The other day my Mom and I were in the kitchen chatting away and out of nowhere and completely off topic she just blurted out excitedly "Isn't Julia so cute!!". And Daddy, well he's just so funny. Anytime he comes home from a visit with Julia he gives me the entire play by play of the action for the evening: " and then she sat. and then she clapped. and then she played. and then she walked. and then she ate peas. and then she yawned. and then she pooped. and then she said "Hi grandpa my name is Julia Andrea Pelitis and I am an extremely brilliant child who speaks in full sentences at the very young age of nine months." (Grandpa has a tendency to exaggerate a bit :)

Whenever I'm having a blah day, all it takes is a visit to see my petite protégé to put a smile on my face. I wish I could see her everyday. Julia is such a beautiful blessing.

a croc of ugliness

As Diva, I feel that it is my responsibility to make an official statement about the latest shoe trend that seems to be catching on like wild fire - Crocs. All I really have to say is ick!!!!

Jen is trying to convince me that they are the most comfortable shoes on the planet. Now that would seem to be an ok excuse coming from a nurse who knows what it's like to be on her feet for 3 consecutive 12hr shifts, but she's not wearing them as a nurse - she's still on mat leave and has been seen wearing them on the street . . . like in public!!!! Can we say Nasty!!! And to make the nightmare even more terrifying she's on a mission to find a baby sized pair for the Little Diva!!!!!

Now that is where I have to put my foot down (my dainty pretty foot that is only worthy of sparkle, satin and fine leather shoes, of course :) It's ok if the rest of my family wants to gallivant around town in their rubber clogs looking ridiculously horrible, but the crocs stop there - It's unacceptable for my petite protégé to have to be subjected to this hideous fashion trend, even if she does just wear them "around the house".

I'm sorry but it is a diva's duty to say "no" to the hideous trendy trends that will make us look back and wonder what on earth we were thinking!!!!. Those shoes just scream "fashion faux pas" with all the holes , clunk, and horrible plastic rainbow colours sans glitter or anything sprakley .

Don't worry Julia, Auntie Diva will save you from those horrible predators to the fashion world- if it's the last thing I do!!! I'll track em down, wrangle them up and throw them into a deep pit never to be seen again. Just call me the Croc Hunter - CRIKEY!!!!!