Our birthday bonanza continues, little Gracie is now 3! She had a pink pig party which was adorable and shows her individuality ... which makes me smile, because how cool is that!?!
Happy 3rd Birthday, Grace!!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Monday, February 23, 2009
Let it Ride
So I went to Foxwoods with my Mom and her best friend this weekend, it was so exciting. I am not typically a gambler, I like to get goods for the money I put out. But, ever so often I join in a game of poker and you know what, I usually do pretty good. So instead of playing at home with a glass of wine, us ladies headed out and grabbed dinner and a martini for me and a mojito for Mom. It was hysterical, neither of us drink the "hard stuff" very often so this beverage went right to our head! But it gave me just the courage I needed to sit down at the Let it Ride table with Marie. We started slow but then with the advice of the chimney smoking man next to me we put money on the 3 card bonus spot ... well that was the ticket because my $60 turned into $100 and then $240 and then $455!! YUP I was on a roll ... I walked away with $455 and called my hubby. I could hear in his voice that he was not convinced I would actually leave the casino with that money and you know what, he was right. I totally gave into the temptation of it all. Was it greed? Was it boredom? I am not sure but after a few rounds of watching Mom at the slots I got the itch to go back to the table and see what more I could do. Well let's just state, I did nothing more than lose the new found money ... booo hoooo. But I have learned somethings from my accountant husband, play it safe do not lose more than you came with. So I am happy that I left with $20 more than I came with but so bummed I gave into the casino and handed over my $300 earnings. I am dreaming of all of the ways I could have spent that money (strappy heels, massage, fun blouse, starbucks, spring coat) ... but for now I have $20 and that will most likely go to coffee and/or gas!
Birthday wishes
Happy Happy Birthday to Michelle!!! Hope you have a wonderful day and year ahead. All our love! xoxoxo
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Happy 3rd Birthday, Elijah!
So the birthday bonanza has begun and it's hard to believe that we have all made it 3 years! Elijah kicks off our Birthday bonanza with a dinosaur themed party filled with fun and crafts! Great job Dianna you are much braver than me. our girls had a great time and Elijah had a blast and even became very fond of Julia ... in his words "I really like her" and then leaned over and kissed her. So he is a romantic already!Here are a few snapshots of the fun party and birthday boy!
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Valentines ...
As you all know, I love ... well ... LOVE ;) And I feel so fortunate to have met a man who understands that and tries to find ways to nurture that romantic side of me, so today, in between assessments, meetings and groups, I was swept off my feet today by a delivery of gorgeous pink roses and daisies! It was such a great way to brighten a harried social worker's day and put a smile on my face.
Thank you Rob, you are so sweet and I love you so very much!
I am very much looking forward to our Valentine's date on Sunday. xoxoxoxo
Coming soon ... pictures of Emma making her very first valentines cards!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Toddler meltdowns ...
Ok, tonight was the first time I have been truly mortified by my child's behavior. On one hand I guess in nearly 3 years there could have been many more opportunities to be embarrassed, but still this phase of strong-willed independence is extremely frustrating.
Tonight, like almost all Monday nights for the past 2 years we had dinner with Sara's family. Now I feel so fortunate to have this reprieve and for the girls to have a place to go and socialize and have a yummy meal because most nights it is just me and the girls since Rob is in the thick of tax season, so it bothers me even more that we have been given this generous invitation and my child acted like a brat. YUP I typed it, my sweet little Emma was a big BRAT. I know it happens, but ughh, it felt terrible to see her being so fresh and defiant. Some might say, it's a good thing because she feels comfortable being herself in front of our closest friends, but strangely that is not comforting to me because this is a side of her I very rarely see and then it worries me ... is this side going to stay?????
I think the toddler meltdowns/tantrums are annoying in the moment but the true fear sets in for the parents when they realize "I do not have control over their behavior anymore" ... when they are babies they are so dependent on us, they need us to feed them, clothe them, play with them, cuddle them ... but as they grow they need less of that and they certainly let you know it by acting out! So tonight I left Monday night dinner with Emma kicking and screaming in my arms and Meme and Maddie carrying Julia to the car. I am sure it will not be the first time we leave in such a state but hopefully the discussion we had during the car ride home sank in a bit for our little fresh princess ... or at the least the consequence of no bubbles in the bath tonight will show her!
Whew, the joys of parenthood. On another note, we had Julia's auditory screening today and great news she is hearing perfectly normal! The test was very neat, I held her facing out in the chair in a small room with 2 large speakers, Rob stood behind us. The audiologist reminded us to stay still and quiet through out the process and not to be alarmed if we hear things that she did not. So he left and appeared behind the window and performed a variety of sounds alternating between the two speakers. It was amazing to see how quickly Julia's head turned toward the sounds and that she was not alarmed at all, just curious. She sat still and was a great patient. They also performed a quick inner ear scope that somehow took a picture of how well her ear canals were performing. The results came back quickly and showed good performance so we were relieved. The doctor came back and shared he was not highly concerned but wanted to monitor her right ear due to some fluid and a portion of her eardrum being opaque instead of transparent. He said it will most likely develop into the typical eardrum but he wanted to be sure it was not a concern. So we will go back in 8 weeks for a re-check. So as of right now, Julia's ears are good and her babbling has picked up this month too. But tonight I am thinking ... Julia take your time, no need to start talking because I don't need another toddler talking back at me!
Tonight, like almost all Monday nights for the past 2 years we had dinner with Sara's family. Now I feel so fortunate to have this reprieve and for the girls to have a place to go and socialize and have a yummy meal because most nights it is just me and the girls since Rob is in the thick of tax season, so it bothers me even more that we have been given this generous invitation and my child acted like a brat. YUP I typed it, my sweet little Emma was a big BRAT. I know it happens, but ughh, it felt terrible to see her being so fresh and defiant. Some might say, it's a good thing because she feels comfortable being herself in front of our closest friends, but strangely that is not comforting to me because this is a side of her I very rarely see and then it worries me ... is this side going to stay?????
I think the toddler meltdowns/tantrums are annoying in the moment but the true fear sets in for the parents when they realize "I do not have control over their behavior anymore" ... when they are babies they are so dependent on us, they need us to feed them, clothe them, play with them, cuddle them ... but as they grow they need less of that and they certainly let you know it by acting out! So tonight I left Monday night dinner with Emma kicking and screaming in my arms and Meme and Maddie carrying Julia to the car. I am sure it will not be the first time we leave in such a state but hopefully the discussion we had during the car ride home sank in a bit for our little fresh princess ... or at the least the consequence of no bubbles in the bath tonight will show her!
Whew, the joys of parenthood. On another note, we had Julia's auditory screening today and great news she is hearing perfectly normal! The test was very neat, I held her facing out in the chair in a small room with 2 large speakers, Rob stood behind us. The audiologist reminded us to stay still and quiet through out the process and not to be alarmed if we hear things that she did not. So he left and appeared behind the window and performed a variety of sounds alternating between the two speakers. It was amazing to see how quickly Julia's head turned toward the sounds and that she was not alarmed at all, just curious. She sat still and was a great patient. They also performed a quick inner ear scope that somehow took a picture of how well her ear canals were performing. The results came back quickly and showed good performance so we were relieved. The doctor came back and shared he was not highly concerned but wanted to monitor her right ear due to some fluid and a portion of her eardrum being opaque instead of transparent. He said it will most likely develop into the typical eardrum but he wanted to be sure it was not a concern. So we will go back in 8 weeks for a re-check. So as of right now, Julia's ears are good and her babbling has picked up this month too. But tonight I am thinking ... Julia take your time, no need to start talking because I don't need another toddler talking back at me!
Sunday, February 8, 2009
New York, New York
Friday I packed up the mini-van full of princess dress up gear, DVDs, and sippy cups and we headed to the big City. It was my first trip with both girls and Rob's first duty-free weekend since Julia was born. I can safely say, we both fully enjoyed it!
Us girls headed to see Michelle and spend some long overdue quality girl time. The afternoon started with a playdate with Marley, who is so well behaved and very articulate for almost 3! He was polite and kind, especially when he explained to Emma that he did not want to play princess dress up or dolls, but he did offer up his froggy backpack full of toddler fun things! I think his Daddy would be proud -- he was polite, yet firm as to where he stood on the frilly things. :)
Michelle made a yummy dinner for the babes while us adults caught up and contemplated, "is life with 2 children much different from life with just 1?" Well, it all depends on how you look at it. But I think the short answer is, yes ... but in a good way.
Later that night, with the girls attempting to fall asleep in the city, Michelle made a delicious meal of Maple Glazed Pork, roasted root vegetables, and sauteed swiss chard ... it was a perfect cold weather meal and I am definitely planning to cook that one for Rob soon. We enjoyed a nice glace of Pinot Noir ... started to have some girl talk then BAM, the girls would not sleep!!! So yes ... there you go, life with 2 is different. So far we can not have them share a room because if one stirs then the other stirs. So I had to give Emma a talking to, rock Julia to sleep and cross my fingers that they would some how fall asleep. They did, but it took until 12:30 and then they stirred every few hours until 6 a.m. Then it was up and at'em for the day.
Saturday we headed to a really neat cafe/playspace in Brooklyn -- Mamalu (http://www.mamalunyc.com/). It was fantastic, organic healthy eats for us and the kids, espresso for Mommy and an open play zone for the kids. Emma was a bit hesitant at first because there were all these kids freely roaming this big room with an enormous chalk board wall and she kept looking at me as to be asking "is this ok Mommy, do I really get to let go of your hand and just run and play with these things". Initially neither of us really knew what to do with the abstract toys ... there were cushions shaped liked flowers and aliens and half-moons, some small, some large. But I am happy to report, it only took one minute for Emma's toddler mind to kick into imagination gear and she was off -- to the "pyramids" {Unfortunatley it took me a bit longer, probably 10 minutes to warm up to what this new space was all about}. She got to play in a new way, one that allowed her to pretend freely. It got me thinking, are the toys we buy limiting her imagination? I mean Fischer Price and Playskool have all the bells and whistles but do they take the fantasy out of the equation simply because their products are designed to explicitly entertain children? Hmmm, I want to think about that one more. It was a great place, I want one in the country!!
Later that day the girls got to napping ... in separate quarters this time, which proved to be the winning ticket. Julia really needs peace and quiet and a dark space to sleep, especially since her big sister likes to sing herself silly before her head hits the pillow. So with the new arrangements the girls crashed for 2.5 hours! YAY!! This gave Michelle and I time to gab and for me to finish my coffee. It was such a nice reprieve and a great way to unwind. Michelle also got to focus on her Italian studies ... I am so impressed, she's really fluent now and understands much of the written language too! How amazing. And ... she's quite the Italian pasta affecionado now too, she made a fantastic spaghetti amatriciana (tomato and pancetta), one word ... PERFETTO!
Later that day we took a great walk to the piers (Amanda offered up Marley's car ... Emma rode in style down the city streets and Julia was bundled in the stroller and smiling the whole time). We got to take some great pictures and show the girls the NYC skyline, it was so nice because the girls seemed very comfortable with the city around them, which makes me smile. Michelle showed us some of their favorite local hot spots, like their pizza place and she popped by to say hello to the owner/chef Gianna who was Italian and as sweet as could be. Hopefully on our next visit we'll be popping in there for some good eats.
We got back and gave the girls some dinner -- Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes for Emma -- thanks Auntie Shelley! And steamed veggies and pasta for Julia. Then it was bed time and this time, in separate rooms, they slept peacefully from 7:30 to 7 a.m. AHHH, just what we needed.
We got to make a light and healthy dinner -- which we both agreed we needed since we were indulging all day (juevos rancheros, cupcakes, lattes, pasta, cherry pie and tea, chips and salsa -- you name it we had a piece of it that day!). But this healthy dinner was quick and delicous -- seared scallops and steamed kale and of course more Pinot Noir! But most importantly we got to sit and talk ... and talk ... and just gab like we've always done. That is the thing, we are and will always be contemplators. Michelle and I can talk about anything at extreme length and then circle back around again and still talk about it some more. We touch upon how life is going and how it feels and what should we do about it. It is who we are as people and as friends. It is a beautiful thing. Our hubbies may not agree sometimes but for the most part they accept it and probably say thank you, since they are given a pass on some of those hot topics! he he he.
It was a wonderful weekend ... especially since life can feel so busy, and even with being in a big city being there with my best friend made it feel super small and wonderful. Thanks, Mich ... can't wait to hang out again soon.
On our way back home we made an impromptu visit to another dear friend and her family. We popped in to see Kerri, Steve, and little miss Caroline. Oh my gosh, she's the cutest. She's just turned 2 and already into the princess phase ... all I can say is watch out Steve, she's a knock out! The girls played together so well, how could they not when they have the princess sisterhood in common (pics to follow soon)? Julia climbed all over the perfectly childproofed play room ... and we got to catch up quickly over scrumptious paninis and mixed green salad. Thank you so much Kerri and Steve ... when I left I couldn't help but think ... remember the nights of 24 and appletinis! Ah, those were fun times. We look forward to getting together again soon.
All in all, it was a great weekend ... I got to spend time sharing stories with friends and Rob got to be a bachelor (well you know, he got to wake up with out having to change any diapers or get breakfast ready) ... he did however go to Foxwoods and play Let it Ride for hours and walk away with some money in his pocket. He is good ... he makes a plan and stick to it! I would not be so disciplined.
And ... I was informed that there are some new readers to the blog ... welcome, hope you enjoy and feel free to leave comments :)
Us girls headed to see Michelle and spend some long overdue quality girl time. The afternoon started with a playdate with Marley, who is so well behaved and very articulate for almost 3! He was polite and kind, especially when he explained to Emma that he did not want to play princess dress up or dolls, but he did offer up his froggy backpack full of toddler fun things! I think his Daddy would be proud -- he was polite, yet firm as to where he stood on the frilly things. :)
Michelle made a yummy dinner for the babes while us adults caught up and contemplated, "is life with 2 children much different from life with just 1?" Well, it all depends on how you look at it. But I think the short answer is, yes ... but in a good way.
Later that night, with the girls attempting to fall asleep in the city, Michelle made a delicious meal of Maple Glazed Pork, roasted root vegetables, and sauteed swiss chard ... it was a perfect cold weather meal and I am definitely planning to cook that one for Rob soon. We enjoyed a nice glace of Pinot Noir ... started to have some girl talk then BAM, the girls would not sleep!!! So yes ... there you go, life with 2 is different. So far we can not have them share a room because if one stirs then the other stirs. So I had to give Emma a talking to, rock Julia to sleep and cross my fingers that they would some how fall asleep. They did, but it took until 12:30 and then they stirred every few hours until 6 a.m. Then it was up and at'em for the day.
Saturday we headed to a really neat cafe/playspace in Brooklyn -- Mamalu (http://www.mamalunyc.com/). It was fantastic, organic healthy eats for us and the kids, espresso for Mommy and an open play zone for the kids. Emma was a bit hesitant at first because there were all these kids freely roaming this big room with an enormous chalk board wall and she kept looking at me as to be asking "is this ok Mommy, do I really get to let go of your hand and just run and play with these things". Initially neither of us really knew what to do with the abstract toys ... there were cushions shaped liked flowers and aliens and half-moons, some small, some large. But I am happy to report, it only took one minute for Emma's toddler mind to kick into imagination gear and she was off -- to the "pyramids" {Unfortunatley it took me a bit longer, probably 10 minutes to warm up to what this new space was all about}. She got to play in a new way, one that allowed her to pretend freely. It got me thinking, are the toys we buy limiting her imagination? I mean Fischer Price and Playskool have all the bells and whistles but do they take the fantasy out of the equation simply because their products are designed to explicitly entertain children? Hmmm, I want to think about that one more. It was a great place, I want one in the country!!
Later that day the girls got to napping ... in separate quarters this time, which proved to be the winning ticket. Julia really needs peace and quiet and a dark space to sleep, especially since her big sister likes to sing herself silly before her head hits the pillow. So with the new arrangements the girls crashed for 2.5 hours! YAY!! This gave Michelle and I time to gab and for me to finish my coffee. It was such a nice reprieve and a great way to unwind. Michelle also got to focus on her Italian studies ... I am so impressed, she's really fluent now and understands much of the written language too! How amazing. And ... she's quite the Italian pasta affecionado now too, she made a fantastic spaghetti amatriciana (tomato and pancetta), one word ... PERFETTO!
Later that day we took a great walk to the piers (Amanda offered up Marley's car ... Emma rode in style down the city streets and Julia was bundled in the stroller and smiling the whole time). We got to take some great pictures and show the girls the NYC skyline, it was so nice because the girls seemed very comfortable with the city around them, which makes me smile. Michelle showed us some of their favorite local hot spots, like their pizza place and she popped by to say hello to the owner/chef Gianna who was Italian and as sweet as could be. Hopefully on our next visit we'll be popping in there for some good eats.
We got back and gave the girls some dinner -- Sugar Sweet Sunshine cupcakes for Emma -- thanks Auntie Shelley! And steamed veggies and pasta for Julia. Then it was bed time and this time, in separate rooms, they slept peacefully from 7:30 to 7 a.m. AHHH, just what we needed.
We got to make a light and healthy dinner -- which we both agreed we needed since we were indulging all day (juevos rancheros, cupcakes, lattes, pasta, cherry pie and tea, chips and salsa -- you name it we had a piece of it that day!). But this healthy dinner was quick and delicous -- seared scallops and steamed kale and of course more Pinot Noir! But most importantly we got to sit and talk ... and talk ... and just gab like we've always done. That is the thing, we are and will always be contemplators. Michelle and I can talk about anything at extreme length and then circle back around again and still talk about it some more. We touch upon how life is going and how it feels and what should we do about it. It is who we are as people and as friends. It is a beautiful thing. Our hubbies may not agree sometimes but for the most part they accept it and probably say thank you, since they are given a pass on some of those hot topics! he he he.
It was a wonderful weekend ... especially since life can feel so busy, and even with being in a big city being there with my best friend made it feel super small and wonderful. Thanks, Mich ... can't wait to hang out again soon.
On our way back home we made an impromptu visit to another dear friend and her family. We popped in to see Kerri, Steve, and little miss Caroline. Oh my gosh, she's the cutest. She's just turned 2 and already into the princess phase ... all I can say is watch out Steve, she's a knock out! The girls played together so well, how could they not when they have the princess sisterhood in common (pics to follow soon)? Julia climbed all over the perfectly childproofed play room ... and we got to catch up quickly over scrumptious paninis and mixed green salad. Thank you so much Kerri and Steve ... when I left I couldn't help but think ... remember the nights of 24 and appletinis! Ah, those were fun times. We look forward to getting together again soon.
All in all, it was a great weekend ... I got to spend time sharing stories with friends and Rob got to be a bachelor (well you know, he got to wake up with out having to change any diapers or get breakfast ready) ... he did however go to Foxwoods and play Let it Ride for hours and walk away with some money in his pocket. He is good ... he makes a plan and stick to it! I would not be so disciplined.
And ... I was informed that there are some new readers to the blog ... welcome, hope you enjoy and feel free to leave comments :)
Thursday, February 5, 2009
With sadness
It is with utter sadness that I share that my dearest friend and her husband lost their sweet dog Foster suddenly last night.
Foster was, and will always be remembered as a sweet, loving, fun and easy going Labradoodle. He was beautiful and brought so much joy to Danielle, Erol and everyone who had the opportunity to play with him. He will be missed terribly.
Danielle, Erol and Foster we send you our deepest love.
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