Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Proof
I just downloaded my photos to my computer and I came across this one of Gabby and Lila.
Do you know what this is proof of?
That my most wonderful friend, Courtney, came for a visit last week and we actually visited. We've been friends for around 8 years now and we've had a long distance relationship for 6 of those years. We talk on the phone way too much. We over share. We even have secret nicknames but we NEVER get to hang out. Most of the time she's in town, there is a conference or other engagement going on, so we get a brief hour or two. But not this visit!
This time Lila took a nap at my house (and so did Courtney). We ate lunch AND dinner, looked at photos. Heck, we even made it to the park with our kids. Levi became Samuel's best friend. I got to see several of Courtney's cute bright summer outfits. We talked, almost fought... we did the things girlfriends do and it was great.
Do you know what this is proof of?
That my most wonderful friend, Courtney, came for a visit last week and we actually visited. We've been friends for around 8 years now and we've had a long distance relationship for 6 of those years. We talk on the phone way too much. We over share. We even have secret nicknames but we NEVER get to hang out. Most of the time she's in town, there is a conference or other engagement going on, so we get a brief hour or two. But not this visit!
This time Lila took a nap at my house (and so did Courtney). We ate lunch AND dinner, looked at photos. Heck, we even made it to the park with our kids. Levi became Samuel's best friend. I got to see several of Courtney's cute bright summer outfits. We talked, almost fought... we did the things girlfriends do and it was great.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
One year older!
In my blogging absence, my sweet and spunky boy turned four years old! This monumental occasion occurred on June 21st and here I am posting a month later. Better late than never, right?
I think Samuel started the count down to his birthday on our fridge calendar sometime in April. So this was a BIG deal for the little guy. It rained all day but we made our own fun in the community center of our townhouse complex.
Curious George got decapitated.
The kiddos filled their goody bags.
We ate lots of chocolate cake.
Someone felt very special.
The greatest part of it all was that Samuel spoke more of who came to his party than what he got for gifts. That's one of the things I love about my boy - he really delights in his friends and family!
Our conversations before bed often go something like this... "I reeaally love my friend Juli. I will miss her so much when she moves but that's OK because we can take an airplane to see her in CANtucky." (He's totally sporting the western NY accent). or "I reeaally love my mimi, she's the best ever." I'm pretty sure each and ever family member has been "the best ever" at some point in time.
Four seems so BIG yet so small at the same time.
Samuel can be fiercely independent. God help me if I open or close the minivan slide door on my own. That's his job. After three swim lessons, Samuel told me he didn't need the instructor any more because he can swim all by himself now. Oh and by the way, Samuel told his instructor that he is superman and he's been sticking with the alter ego all through the lesson.
Even though he's "a big boy now", he still loves to snuggle with his mama in the morning, give me lots of kisses and asks to be held a few times each day. He really does love his mama. After all, he still thinks I know everything. Maybe someday I'll let him in on the truth.
Samuel is keenly observant. "Wow mom, that's a new shirt. It looks beautiful on you."
He's incredibly curious and inquisitive. In fact that's probably Samuel's hallmark. He must know how it works, why it does what it does, when it's going to happen, who's involved and what's next." I know it will serve him well in the future but it's hard work to keep my little guy from getting himself in trouble. No wonder his favorite storybook character is Curious George. As I'm typing this, he just asked me if butterflies have hearts?
Samuel gives out the love to his sister freely. He plays, teaches and even shares on occasion. When she's sad, he'll find a special stuffed animal for her and will make goofy faces to make her laugh. He always calls her an affectionate, Gabrielle Goo.
Right now, riding in the white car with dadio is the coolest. In fact doing anything with daddy is the coolest. I asked Samuel what he loves about his daddy for a poster we were making. He said, "I love that daddy does busy things with me in the basement." Samuel loves to tinker and take things apart and daddy has just the right amount of patience to do such tasks (ex: take apart the broken CD player to see how it works). Samuel no doubt has his daddy's brain. They are both insanely smart. Maybe I should start calling them my "geek squad." All in fun, my friends. All in fun!
Oh and did I mention that The Wiggles are all the rage right now. Samuel's favorite is Captain Feathersword. It really is a perfect fit.
Samuel, you are totally cute, completely sweet, a little bit quirky, full of energy, a lover of life, a good friend, sometimes stubborn, very bright and you are all mine. Oh how I love you my little/ big guy!
I think Samuel started the count down to his birthday on our fridge calendar sometime in April. So this was a BIG deal for the little guy. It rained all day but we made our own fun in the community center of our townhouse complex.
Curious George got decapitated.
The kiddos filled their goody bags.
We ate lots of chocolate cake.
Someone felt very special.The greatest part of it all was that Samuel spoke more of who came to his party than what he got for gifts. That's one of the things I love about my boy - he really delights in his friends and family!
Our conversations before bed often go something like this... "I reeaally love my friend Juli. I will miss her so much when she moves but that's OK because we can take an airplane to see her in CANtucky." (He's totally sporting the western NY accent). or "I reeaally love my mimi, she's the best ever." I'm pretty sure each and ever family member has been "the best ever" at some point in time.
Four seems so BIG yet so small at the same time.
Samuel can be fiercely independent. God help me if I open or close the minivan slide door on my own. That's his job. After three swim lessons, Samuel told me he didn't need the instructor any more because he can swim all by himself now. Oh and by the way, Samuel told his instructor that he is superman and he's been sticking with the alter ego all through the lesson.
Even though he's "a big boy now", he still loves to snuggle with his mama in the morning, give me lots of kisses and asks to be held a few times each day. He really does love his mama. After all, he still thinks I know everything. Maybe someday I'll let him in on the truth.
Samuel is keenly observant. "Wow mom, that's a new shirt. It looks beautiful on you."
He's incredibly curious and inquisitive. In fact that's probably Samuel's hallmark. He must know how it works, why it does what it does, when it's going to happen, who's involved and what's next." I know it will serve him well in the future but it's hard work to keep my little guy from getting himself in trouble. No wonder his favorite storybook character is Curious George. As I'm typing this, he just asked me if butterflies have hearts?
Samuel gives out the love to his sister freely. He plays, teaches and even shares on occasion. When she's sad, he'll find a special stuffed animal for her and will make goofy faces to make her laugh. He always calls her an affectionate, Gabrielle Goo.
Right now, riding in the white car with dadio is the coolest. In fact doing anything with daddy is the coolest. I asked Samuel what he loves about his daddy for a poster we were making. He said, "I love that daddy does busy things with me in the basement." Samuel loves to tinker and take things apart and daddy has just the right amount of patience to do such tasks (ex: take apart the broken CD player to see how it works). Samuel no doubt has his daddy's brain. They are both insanely smart. Maybe I should start calling them my "geek squad." All in fun, my friends. All in fun!
Oh and did I mention that The Wiggles are all the rage right now. Samuel's favorite is Captain Feathersword. It really is a perfect fit.
Samuel, you are totally cute, completely sweet, a little bit quirky, full of energy, a lover of life, a good friend, sometimes stubborn, very bright and you are all mine. Oh how I love you my little/ big guy!
Friday, June 19, 2009
Samuel's prayer
If only oral hygiene were this easy...
"Dear God,
Thank you for Gabrielle, she is so sweet and please forgive her so she doesn't get any cavities.
Amen."
"Dear God,
Thank you for Gabrielle, she is so sweet and please forgive her so she doesn't get any cavities.
Amen."
Monday, June 15, 2009
You just might think differently of me after reading this post
Warning: This is a real life postI might be back. Maybe, or maybe not. It will eventually happen when time and sanity permit. I'll just keep you all in suspense.
Because I know you have all been waiting on the edge of your seat for my next post. Ha!
Well I thought I'd make my grand re-entrance with a real Life post for you all.
If you've been reading my posts about my sweet and sassy Gabby girl. You know she's a feisty one with a bit of a temper. I think the Long Island attitude might be genetic. Remember this? Yes, well that was rather MILD compared to the full blown, back arching temper tantrums she now throws.
Amanda and I went to Target the other day where Gabrielle promptly threw about a half-dozen tantrums just so I would put her down so she could walk. (Sorry sista, walking through the store at your pace could take about a lifetime) As I was carrying my flailing, scene making daughter to the check out, she found something in my cart that made everything all better...
the tears stopped,
the pleasant baby babble began,
shaking it became a fun game,
everyone around us thought she was so cute,
everyone around us knew my secret
and now you do too.(Thanks to Amanda.)
Saturday, May 23, 2009
One Year Old!
I interrupt this blogging break to make a very special announcement...
Gabrielle Grace turned one year old today!
I can hardly believe it. Where has the time gone???
Gabrielle Grace turned one year old today!
I can hardly believe it. Where has the time gone???
Dear Gabby Girl,
You are the sweetest ever. You are full of kisses ALL the time. When you plant one, you give a big "mmmm...smooch" sound. It's your favorite thing to do when I come in to get you from a nap. We take turns kissing your purple hippo and your little lamby. You are most definitely my kissing girl (you must take after Daddy).
You've expanded your vocabulary quite a bit... mama, dada, more, all done, hi, bye bye, nurses, button, zipper, nose, mouth, no, night night, good girl, uh-oh, bless you. You are so expressive - always conversing with your toys and expressing your delight as you explore new things. I love when you point your finger and say "oh" with your lips all puckered up. It's a classic Gabrielle look.
You are also quite sassy and expressive in your frustration. You must take after mommy with that one. I hope we survive your teenage years. You have no qualms about throwing a full-on, back-arching, screaming temper tantrum when you don't get your way. Thanks for the public display at Verizon the other day. It was NOT awesome. I am praying that God will help me to guide that strong will toward His purposes.
You LOVE the men in your life. Daddy is the bomb! You cry when he leaves for work and you love to play airplane with him. Samuel is your buddy and you certainly hold your own with him. Heck, you wrestle him to the ground and you love it!
Aunt Linda said you were the happiest baby she's ever seen. You really are chipper when nothing's ailing you. Smiling all the time!
Some of your favorite things... singing the itsy bitsy spider or pat-a-cake, fake sneezing or yawning, critiquing Samuel's paintings on the easle, tearing paper, reading Good Night Gorilla, the ball-bopper, cruising around with your walker, singing in the microphone and banging just about everything.
I'm sure all parents say this about their kids, but you are quite bright...really! You pick things up really quickly. You love to mimick talking on the phone, putting on lotion, taking your temperature, feeding adults, making car sounds while playing matchbox cars with your brother and brushing your hair.
Gabrielle, you have a big personality and with it you bring big joy to our family. You make me smile and laugh more than I could have imagined. Everyday I think to myself, "I'm so happy we get to keep her!" What a precious gift you are. I love you, my big baby girl!
-Mama-
You are the sweetest ever. You are full of kisses ALL the time. When you plant one, you give a big "mmmm...smooch" sound. It's your favorite thing to do when I come in to get you from a nap. We take turns kissing your purple hippo and your little lamby. You are most definitely my kissing girl (you must take after Daddy).
You've expanded your vocabulary quite a bit... mama, dada, more, all done, hi, bye bye, nurses, button, zipper, nose, mouth, no, night night, good girl, uh-oh, bless you. You are so expressive - always conversing with your toys and expressing your delight as you explore new things. I love when you point your finger and say "oh" with your lips all puckered up. It's a classic Gabrielle look.
You are also quite sassy and expressive in your frustration. You must take after mommy with that one. I hope we survive your teenage years. You have no qualms about throwing a full-on, back-arching, screaming temper tantrum when you don't get your way. Thanks for the public display at Verizon the other day. It was NOT awesome. I am praying that God will help me to guide that strong will toward His purposes.
You LOVE the men in your life. Daddy is the bomb! You cry when he leaves for work and you love to play airplane with him. Samuel is your buddy and you certainly hold your own with him. Heck, you wrestle him to the ground and you love it!
Aunt Linda said you were the happiest baby she's ever seen. You really are chipper when nothing's ailing you. Smiling all the time!
Some of your favorite things... singing the itsy bitsy spider or pat-a-cake, fake sneezing or yawning, critiquing Samuel's paintings on the easle, tearing paper, reading Good Night Gorilla, the ball-bopper, cruising around with your walker, singing in the microphone and banging just about everything.
I'm sure all parents say this about their kids, but you are quite bright...really! You pick things up really quickly. You love to mimick talking on the phone, putting on lotion, taking your temperature, feeding adults, making car sounds while playing matchbox cars with your brother and brushing your hair.
Gabrielle, you have a big personality and with it you bring big joy to our family. You make me smile and laugh more than I could have imagined. Everyday I think to myself, "I'm so happy we get to keep her!" What a precious gift you are. I love you, my big baby girl!
-Mama-
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Just a few things
Just a few things that have been consuming my time.... traveling husband, stomach flu, a visit to the ER (see past tweets), a three year old with an attitude, a baby who's starting to walk, paperwork, still unpacking, etc.
I'll be back sometime. I promise.
Oh and please leave a brief comment so I can link back to your blog. My blog list vanished during the blog make over and I've got to recreate it from scratch. Thanks!!!
I'll be back sometime. I promise.
Oh and please leave a brief comment so I can link back to your blog. My blog list vanished during the blog make over and I've got to recreate it from scratch. Thanks!!!
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