Prince Alex and Princess Isabella's Momma

Welcome to our Family, Zachary

2012-01-19T18:27:00.005-05:00

Zachary Michael was born at 7:30 pm on January 13, 2012. 3 weeks and one day early. My water broke at 5:00 pm and I was sent to the hospital. Two and a half hours later our baby was here. The first few hours were a little scary. Zachary had to be taken to the NICU because he was having a little trouble breathing. He was given oxygen for about 20 minutes and then was monitored for several hours. All of our family was there, and they got to visit him in the NICU. I was the last to see him because I was in recovery literally sick with worry and they couldn’t regulate my blood pressure. But finally at 10 pm, they took me to see him for just a minute, but that is all it took. My heart fell so deeply in love with that one touch of his silky hair and I knew I would never be the same again. And after the longest six hours of my life, at 4 o’clock in the morning on January 14th, I held my baby for the first time.

Alex and Isabella came to the hospital to meet their Baby Zachary a few hours later. They are so excited to have him here. Alex cried when he saw him. Isabella said, “We have been waiting years for him to get here.” It was the sweetest thing I have ever witnessed in my life. My three children – my heart – all together for the first time will be a memory that will never fade.

Zachary and I spent the next few days in the hospital where “my little preemie” continued to amaze and charm every nurse he met! Babies born early are supposed to have trouble nursing. Zachary nurses around the clock. At birth he weighed 7 pounds 0.8 ounces. When we left the hospital, he had only lost a few ounces and weighed 6 pounds 11 ounces. He passed the car seat test. He had lots of poopy diapers. Every time a nurse would come into the room or bring him back from the nursery, he got a glowing report. I wrote a few things down – I couldn’t help myself. I spent so much time worrying about him while I was on bed rest and in those first few hours that I was so relieved and happy that he was doing so well. Here are some of the things the nurses said about him.

“He is so sweet and quiet.”
“The 36 weeker who sure doesn’t act like it.”
“The baby who does everything right.”

Sure, maybe the nurses say wonderful things about all the babies in their care, but if you ask me they were smitten over my little boy! How can you not be…he has the most adorable nose, kissable cheeks, prefect lips (just like his daddy). He is the cuddliest baby in the world. I never want to put him down. On his forehead, he has a little birthmark. Dr. V said it is called an angel’s kiss. I guess my grandmas couldn’t resist kissing him either!

Now we are home and life is crazy. But the best possible crazy. Isabella is right by our side all day. I take care of Zachary and she takes care of “her children.” Alex couldn’t be a prouder big brother. He was so excited to wear his BIG BROTHER shirt to school. He told his teacher, “Read my shirt.” He read to Zachary at bedtime the first night home and there was nothing better than seeing my two boys snuggle.

I truly can’t put into words how I am feeling. Zachary is the absolute perfect baby. He is my youngest and will always be my baby. Every time I look at him I can’t even wrap my head or my heart around how blessed we are and how complete we are as a family of five.

Holidays 2011

2012-01-09T10:17:00.002-05:00

We had such a nice holiday season this year. We went and cut down our own Christmas tree. Alex helped Jay cut it down. We had so much fun decorating it. We made hot chocolate and the kids loved going theough the ornament boxes and picking out their favorites. We decorated gingerbread houses, had breakfast with Santa, and mommy and daddy went to the HCC Gala.

On Christmas Eve we went to Nana and Pop Pop's for brunch. Then we went to church. The kids loved lighting the candles and singing Silent Night. We headed to Uncle Andy's for dinner, where we spent a bittersweet evening missing Grandma Mela but happy to be together.
We got home and sprinkled reindeer food, put out cookies and carrots, and hung our stockings. We snuggled in Izzy's bed and read The Christmas Story.

Santa came to our house!! Christmas morning was the best! The kids were so excited to open their gifts. Alex got his iPod touch and Izzy got her Lalaloopsy dolls. They also were so happy to give each other their special gifts. Alex gave Izzy a pink pig stuffed animal and Shrinky Dinks. Izzy gave him a Slip and Slide and a Power Ranger. We spent the afternoon at Drew and Laura's and the evening at Aunt Kathy and Uncle Steve's house surrounded by our families. It was a wonderful and relaxing day!

Only a few weeks to go...

2012-01-09T09:46:00.003-05:00

Well I am 36 weeks and 2 days. It has been a crazy few weeks. On December 27, I was put on bed rest. 14 days later, I am still here. Bed rest sounds good in theory but not so much fun in reality. Although I am probably doing more than I should, I spend most of my day on the sofa watching tv, playing checkers with Alex, or playing princesses with Isabella. Poor daddy has to do all the shopping, cooking and housework.

Oh and I can't forget the kick counts. At least twice a day, I count your movements. You need to move 10 times in 2 hours. You usually move 10 times in about 30 minutes. You have passed your tests at the doctor's too. I am very worried about you, but you are a good boy always reassuring me with a kick or two!

Alex and Isabella are so excited to meet you. Isabella can't wait to take care of you. Alex loves talking to my belly and feeling you move. Yesterday he started to cry when he felt you move...tears of joy he said. He is going to teach you karate and how to dribble a basketball.

You are 'scheduled' to arrive in three weeks at 39 weeks and 4 days. (we will see....Alex was born at 37 weeks and 4 days and Izzy at 38 weeks and 6 days). Last night I packed our hospital bags. I wrapped your presents to give to Alex and Izzy. Tomorrow we head back to the doctor where I know you will do what you need to do to show you are happy and healthy in there.

Your family can't wait to meet you, sweet baby. You just moved in my belly. I think you are excited to meet us too. I can promise you there will never be a baby as loved as you!

25 Rules for Mothers and Sons

2012-01-05T09:00:00.003-05:00

25 Rules for Mothers of Sons
Inspired by a Pin I've recently seen about "rules for dads with daughters," I went searching for a similar list for moms with sons. This search was mostly fruitless, so I was inspired to write my own Rules for Moms with Sons. Granted, my list will not be conclusive and may not be entirely uncontroversial. So agree, or disagree, or take with a grain of salt - but I hope to inspire other moms who are loving, and struggling, and tired, and proud, and eager to support the boys in their lives. You are the most important woman in his life, his first teacher, and the one he will look to for permission for the rest of his life. From "Can I go play with them?" to "Should I ask her to marry me?" Its a big job, but as the mumma, we're up for it.

25 Rules for Moms with Sons

1. Teach him the words for how he feels.
Your son will scream out of frustration and hide out of embarrassment. He'll cry from fear and bite out of excitement. Let his body move by the emotion, but also explain to him what the emotion is and the appropriate response to that emotion for future reference. Point out other people who are feeling the same thing and compare how they are showing that emotion. Talk him through your emotions so that someday when he is grown, he will know the difference between angry and embarrassed; between disappointment and grief.

2. Be a cheerleader for his life
There is no doubt that you are the loudest person in the stands at his t-ball games. There is no doubt that he will tell you to "stop, mom" when you sing along to his garage band's lyrics. There is no doubt that he will get red-faced when you show his prom date his pictures from boy scouts. There is no doubt that he is not telling his prom date about your blog where you've been bragging about his life from his first time on the potty to the citizenship award he won in ninth grade. He will tell you to stop. He will say he's embarrassed. But he will know that there is at least one person that is always rooting for him.

3. Teach him how to do laundry
..and load the dishwasher, and iron a shirt. He may not always choose to do it. He may not ever have to do it. But someday his wife will thank you.

4. Read to him and read with him.
Emilie Buchwald said, "Children become readers on the laps of their parents." Offer your son the opportunity to learn new things, believe in pretend places, and imagine bigger possibilities through books. Let him see you reading...reading the paper, reading novels, reading magazine articles. Help him understand that writing words down is a way to be present forever. Writers are the transcribers of history and memories. They keep a record of how we lived at that time; what we thought was interesting; how we spoke to each other; what was important. And Readers help preserve and pass along those memories.

5. Encourage him to dance.
Dance, rhythm, and music are cultural universals. No matter where you go, no matter who you meet - they have some form of the three. It doesn't have to be good. Just encourage your son that when he feels it, it's perfectly fine to go ahead and bust a move.

6. Make sure he has examples of good men who are powerful because of their brains, their determination, and their integrity.
The examples of men with big muscles and a uniform (like Batman and LaMarr Woodley) will surround your son from birth. But make sure he also knows about men who kick a$s because of their brains (Albert Einstein), and their pen (Mark Twain), and their words (Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.), and their determination (Team Hoyt), and their ideas (The Wright Brothers), and their integrity (Officer Frank Shankwitz), and fearlessness (Neil Armstrong), and their ability to keep their mouths closed when everyone else is screaming (Jackie Robinson).

7. Make sure he has examples of women who are beautiful because of their brains, their determination, and their integrity
The examples of traditionally beautiful women (like Daphne Blake, Princess Jasmine, and Britney Spears) will surround your son from birth. But make sure he knows about women who are beautiful from the inside out because of their brains (Madame Marie Curie), and their pen (Harper Lee), and their words (Eleanor Roosevelt), and their determination (Anne Sullivan), and their ideas (Oprah Winfrey), and their integrity (Miep Gies), and fearlessness (Ameila Earhart), and their ability to open their mouths and take a stand when everyone else is silent (Aung San Suu Kyi).

8. Be an example of a beautiful woman with brains, determination, and integrity.
You already are all of those things. If you ever fear that you are somehow incapable of doing anything - remember this: If you have done any of the following: a) grew life b) impossibly and inconceivably got it out of your body c) taken care of a newborn d) made a pain go away with a kiss e) taught someone to read f) taught a toddler to eat with a utensil g) cleaned up diarrhea without gagging h) loved a child enough to be willing to give your life for them (regardless if they are your own) or i) found a way to be strong when that child is suffering...you are a superhero. do not doubt yourself for one second. Seriously.

9. Teach him to have manners
because its nice. and it will make the world a little better of a place.

10. Give him something to believe in
Because someday he will be afraid, or nervous, or heartbroken, or lost, or just need you, and you won't be able to be there. Give him something to turn to when it feels like he is alone, so that he knows that he will never be alone; never, never, never.

11. Teach him that there are times when you need to be gentle
like with babies, and flowers, and animals, and other people's feelings.

12. Let him ruin his clothes
Resolve to be cool about dirty and ruined clothes. You'll be fighting a losing battle if you get upset every time he ruins another piece of clothing. Don't waste your energy being angry about something inevitable. Boys tend to learn by destroying, jumping, spilling, falling, and making impossible messes. Dirty, ruined clothes are just par for the course.

13. Learn how to throw a football
or how to use a hockey stick, or read music, or draw panda bears (or in my case alpacas), or the names of different train engines, or learn to speak Elvish, or recognize the difference between Gryffindor and Slytherin, or the lyrics to his favorite song. Be in his life, not as an observer but as an active participant.

14. Go outside with him
turn off the television, unplug the video games, put your cellphone on the charger, even put your camera away. Just go outside and follow him around. Watch his face, explore his world, and let him ask questions. It's like magic.

15. Let him lose
Losing sucks. Everybody isn't always a winner. Even if you want to say, "You're a winner because you tried," don't. He doesn't feel like a winner, he feels sad and crappy and disappointed. And that's a good thing, because sometimes life also sucks, no matter how hard (as moms) we try to make it not suck for our kids. This practice will do him good later when he loses again (and again, and again, and again, and again.....) Instead make sure he understands that - sometimes you win - sometimes you lose. But that doesn't mean you ever give up.

16. Give him opportunities to help others
There is a big difference in giving someone the opportunity to help and forcing someone to help. Giving the opportunity lights a flame in the heart and once the help is done the flame shines brighter and asks for more opportunities. Be an example of helping others in your own actions and the way your family helps each other and helps others together.

17. Remind him that practice makes perfect.
This doesn't just apply to performance-based activities (like sports and music) but also applies to everything in life. You become a better writer by writing. You become a better listener by listening. You become better speaker by speaking. Show your son this when he is just young enough to understand (that means from birth, folks - they are making sense of the world as soon as they arrive), practice trick-or-treating at your own front door before the real thing. Practice how you will walk through airport security before a trip. Practice how you order your own food from the fast food cashier. Practice, practice, practice.

18. Answer him when he asks, "Why?"
Answer him, or search for the answer together. Show him the places to look for the answers (like his dad, or grandparents, or his aunts/uncles, or his books, or valid internet searches). Pose the question to him so he can begin thinking about answers himself. Someday, when he needs to ask questions he's too embarrassed to ask you - he'll know where to go to find the right answers.

19. Always carry band-aids and wipes on you.
especially the wipes.

20. Let his dad teach him how to do things
...without interrupting about how to do it the 'right way.' If you let his dad show and teach and discover with your son while he is growing up, some day down the road (after a short period of your son believing his dad knows nothing), he will come to the realization that his dad knows everything. You will always be his mother, but in his grown-up man heart and mind, his dad will know the answers. And this will be how, when your son is too busy with life to call and chat with his mom, you will stay connected to what is happening in his life. Because he will call his dad for answers, and his dad will secretly come and ask you.

21. Give him something to release his energy
drums, a pen, a punching bag, wide open space, water, a dog. Give him something to go crazy with - or he will use your stuff. and then you'll sorry.

22. Build him forts
Forts have the ability to make everyday normal stuff into magic. Throw the couch cushions, a couple blankets, and some clothespins and you can transform your living room into the cave of wonders. For the rest of his life, he'll be grateful to know that everyday normal stuff has the potential to be magical.

23. Take him to new places
Because it will make his brain and his heart open up wider, and the ideas and questions and memories will rush in.

24. Kiss him
Any mother of sons will tell you that little boys are so loving and sweet. They can be harsh and wild and destructive during most of the day. But there are these moments when they are so kind and sensitive and tender. So much so that it can cause you to look around at the inward, reserved grown men in your life and think, 'what happens in between that made you lose that?' Let's try to stop the cycle by kissing them when they're loving and kissing them even more when they're wild. Kissing them when they're 2 months and kissing them when they're 16 years old. You're the mom - you can go ahead and kiss him no matter how big he gets - and make sure he knows it. p.s. (this one is just as important for dad's too).

25. Be home base
You are home to him. When he learns to walk, he will wobble a few feet away from you and then come back, then wobble away a little farther and then come back. When he tries something new, he will look for your proud smile. When he learns to read, he will repeat the same book to you twenty times in a row, because you're the only one who will listen that many times. When he plays his sport, he will search for your face in the stands. When he is sick, he will call you. When he really messes up, he will call you. When he is grown and strong and tough and big and he feels like crying, he will come to you; because a man can cry in front of his mother without feeling self-conscious. Even when he grows up and has a new woman in his life and gets a new home, you are still his mother; home base, the ever constant, like the sun. Know that in your heart and everything else will fall into place.

http://studerteam.blogspot.com/2011/11/25-rules-for-mothers-of-sons.html?_ft_qid=5693992309559830135&_ft_mf_story_key=10150450636590229&_ft_filter=live&_ft_substories=3&_ft_fbid=300494449987867%2C298979043472312%2C164517383653512&_ft_c=m&m=1

Happy Birthday Alexander

2011-12-10T15:38:00.003-05:00

Dear Alex,

You are six years old today! No longer are you my chubby little baby. No longer are you my ornery little toddler. You are now my tall, thin, kind-hearted, sometimes short-tempered big boy.

You are in Kindergarten. You absolutely love school. You are learning to read. You can add and subtract. You go to karate where you demonstrate amazing focus and self-discipline. You are very loyal to your family. You are so excited to meet your baby brother in just a few weeks. You torment your sister as only a big brother can. You protect your sister as only a big brother can. You struggle with who is boss around here. (NEWS FLASH- I AM). You are too smart for your own good. You are sensitive and thoughtful and frustrating! You are independent. You dress yourself, take showers on your own, and like your privacy. But when no one is looking you still love to be sweet to your mom! A few weeks ago, you gave me the best compliment ever. You told me you thought that I did everything perfectly as a mom! It was the best thing anyone has ever said to me. Thank you!

You are such a boy! You love anything electronic, especially my iPhone. You still love to say bathroom words. (I am still waiting for you to outgrow that one). You love to push your limits. You love to be goofy and make people laugh. You love to dance. One of your signature moves is smacking your own behind while you are dancing. YOU think this is hysterical. Sometimes we butt heads because I am not into your “boy humor,” but don’t worry Isabella thinks you are hilarious!!

I hope you have had a very Happy Birthday my sweet boy. Starting a week ago with your Mad Science Party and then this morning your family party, A Pirates of the Caribbean brunch. I love that you are my son and know how to rock a theme – you are wearing your Pirates of the Caribbean shirt and even have on pirate underwear! Six years ago everyone camped out in the waiting room of the hospital for hours and hours and hours waiting for you to come into this world. Today your family joined to celebrate the amazing kid you are today!

I have a picture of you hanging in the sunroom from our trip to Disney this year. You are laughing out loud. It is the perfect picture of you. On the frame is written, “You Make Me Proud Everyday!”

And you do! I am so proud to be your Momma. I love you will all my heart. I hope God blesses you everyday of your life, because the day you were born He blessed me in in the most amazing way...I will spend the rest of my life thanking Him for the gift of you…my first born.

Love, Momma

Alex's Science Birthday Party

2011-12-07T19:27:00.002-05:00

Last Saturday, Alex's birthday celebration started with a boom! We had a bunch of his buddies over for a MAD SCIENCE party. The boys were entertained (and educated) with science experiments. They changed a liquid to a gas, "tasted" homemade soda, and washed their hands with bubbles. For the grand finale, the boys helped launch a rocket. Then they all had a great time running around the yard, singing Happy Birthday, and eating fun "science" food.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-23T23:24:00.007-05:00

The past few weeks since my grandmother died have been so hard on me. This is usually my favorite time of year. But this year, I have a heavy heart. I miss her so very much. I have a picture of her and I on my desk. I look at our smiling faces and her hand on my face, and I know I need to be brave. It is what she would want.

And although she is no longer on this earth, she is in my heart because as my cousin Richard said so beautifully, I was her heart. She was so proud of me and the family I have built. So I will be strong for her. I will not let her down. I will not focus on what I have lost, but rather the values of love and family she instilled in me and all of her family. And I know I have so many things to be thankful for this year.

I am thankful for my friends. They have been a tremendous support during this difficult time in my life. I am thankful for my family. We are blessed to have one another, and we have been there for one another in a way I know would make Grandma Mela proud.

I am thankful for my beautiful children. I am thankful for Alex and how smart and diligent he is in school and karate. And I am thankful that he is such a sensitive soul - he is wearing Grandma Mela's cross around his neck and says he likes that it is by his heart so he can always remember her and show her respect. I am thankful for Isabella who is the happiest, most imaginative little girl. I love that she gets so excited when we spend the day together. She always says, Girls' Day! I am thankful for how they both are so excited for their new baby brother to get here. My belly gets countless hugs and kisses everyday. I am thankful I have only 10 weeks of this pregnancy left!! I can't wait to meet my new little baby boy. I am thankful for my husband who carried up many many bins of Christmas decorations and baby clothes from the basement tonight without complaint. I am nesting in a big way lately, and he loves me enough to humor me.

Tonight we all cuddled in Isabella's bed and read our Thanksgiving books. Alex said he is thankful for everything he has. Isabella said she is thankful for her fam-a-wee (family) and Snow White. I am thankful for how much they love one another, their mommy and daddy, their cousins, their grandparents and their aunts and uncles. I am so thankful and proud that I am the Mommy of two kids with such strong family loyalty even at their young ages...

And I owe it all to the example set by our big, crazy, amazing family. Because... "Other things may change us, but we start and end with family." -Anthony Brandt

Dear Grandma Mela,

2011-11-11T10:43:00.004-05:00

You called us your “kiddies.” We called you “Mam-ma, Grandma, Grandma Mela." You made the sign of the cross on our foreheads and said “May God Bless You.” And now every night I do the same for my kids and they say it to each other. You never tattled on us when you babysat even when we were rotten. I looked forward to sleepovers on Plumbrook Court. And Sunday dinners at your house. And Christmas Eve. You always made Christmas so special. We were the luckiest grandkids – we even got Christmas Eve gifts! And the best cookies in the world. They were always unveiled after our wonderful dinner of sausage and peppers and lasagna. You were at every birthday dinner. You always had to see us on our actual birthdays! I will never forget our trips to Nutley or our beach vacations in New Jersey and Ocean City. You used to love to sit on the porch at night and listen to the ocean. (And I remember when Alex was a baby, he sat on your lap on the beach and you fed him a peach!! A random thought I know, but one I will never forget).

And we grew up. And you were still there calling us your kiddies. You celebrated our graduations and danced at our weddings. And held our babies. I still remember coming home when Nicki was in labor with Sophie and you were sitting at the kitchen table timing her contractions. In every picture I have of you in recent years, you have a great grandbaby in your arms. They brought you so much joy. As you always said, “I just such a kick out of them!” And they loved their Grandma Mela. Alex is already calling you his angel and is praying to you! He learned in church that you can pray any time of the day, so he said that he knows anytime he wants to talk to you he can…not just at bedtime. He is wondering if you are getting free ice cream in heaven. And he told me he will never forget you. He wants to put a picture of you in his room so he can always see you.

When I told Isabella you were in heaven, she said, “Grandma is in heaven with Jesus. I wish we could take an airplane to see her.” Me too, sweet girl. Me too.

And don’t worry about Poppy. We will do our best to take good care of him. Alex told me the other night that he had a good idea. He said, “We can go visit Poppy every couple of days. Remember Mom, when we would always go to their house?” Yes. I remember. Eating pizza, drinking wine and Anisette, trying to drink coffee (you always made it so strong), and then eating candy…reeses and green leaves. You loved having us there. You would always clean the floors so the babies wouldn’t get germs when they were crawling around. Sitting around your kitchen table chatting will always be one of my fondest memories.

I know without a doubt you are in heaven with your mom and dad and your sisters and brothers. I am sure you are playing poker. Hopefully you are having better luck then you always did in Atlantic City. I know you will always be looking down on all of us. But I want you here. I am really not sure how I am going to live without you in my life. I miss you so much already. I want you to hold my new baby in February and bless his forehead. I promise to tell him all about you, and I will tell him about all the times you made the sign of the cross on my belly and said, “May God bless you.” And I will tell him how the last time I saw you, you put your hand on my belly and said, “I love that belly.” You loved him before you even knew him, and I will make sure he knows it. And one more promise – I will always hold you in my heart and never forget how much you loved me – I am so blessed to be your oldest grandchild and to have had you here with me for 34 years. I love you Grandma Mela. May God Bless You!!

3rd Trimester

2011-11-07T20:42:00.003-05:00

Wow! 27 weeks down. 12 to go! Yikes. 12 weeks sounds like a long time. I can't believe I have to be pregnant for almost 3 more months. I know it will go by quickly with the holidays coming up...Thanksgiving, Alex's birthday (yes, he thinks it is a national holiday), Christmas.

Been going to the doctor once a week. Measuring right on. Heartbeat nice and strong. He is a mover. He seems to be doing somersaults in there. He gets the hiccups all the time - no joke. Several times a day. Excited for next week. I have another sonogram. Can't wait to see him again.

My c-section is scheduled for February 1st. I am praying for no snow this winter!

Alex and Isabella are beside themselves with excitement. They have both felt him move. They kiss my belly. Alex hugs me and thinks it is funny that his arms do not reach around me. ha ha. Real funny! Isabella went with me to the doctor and heard his heartbeat. Each of my pregnancies has been so special, but I think this one is most special because I get to experience it with them.

I can't wait to meet my little man. But as uncomfortable as I am, I am cherishing this time. This will probably be my last baby. I sit every night and just enjoy feeling him move. And even though I am over most things about being pregnant, that is the one thing that never gets old.

First Lost Tooth

2011-10-27T11:39:00.003-04:00

No, it wasn't Alex who lost a tooth today. It was Isabella. About a year and a half ago, she fell and chipped her two front teeth. We have been to the dentist 4 times, had it x-rayed and everything looked fine. Last week I noticed she had a blister on her gum and took her back to the dentist. They x-rayed it again and gave me the news that her front tooth would have to come out. I held it together until we got outside and then lost it. Isabella said, "Mommy. Stop crying over my tooth." I just couldn't help it - my poor baby girl.

All week long we have been talking about being brave at the dentist (more for me than her) and how the tooth fairy is going to come to our house and leave her money just like on Yo Gabba Gabba. Alex offered to let her use his special lost tooth pillow (that was daddy's when he was little). He also offered to go back to preschool and be in her class just in case anyone made fun of her.

This morning, we headed to the dentist. She climbed in the car, breathed the silly gas and held perfectly still. She was the model patient. Daddy and I were nervous wrecks.

An hour later we were home watching movies. Pop came to visit. Nana is on her way. She got some Lalaloopsy dolls for being so brave. Her best friend Kaitlyn surprised her with balloons, a card and some ice cream - just what Dr. Kohn ordered. (Thank you, Ms. Sarah).

A little while ago, she came into the kitchen. "Momma, I looked in the mirror."

"What did you see?" I asked.

"A princess."

Here she is, my beautiful, confident, happy princess with her new smile.

It's a Boy

2011-09-14T22:01:00.004-04:00

Baby Boy,
Since the moment I found out I was carrying you, I wondered day and night if you were a boy or a girl. Well today at the ultrasound you were more than happy to show us that you are all boy!!! You are so cute…you were all curled up and comfy in my belly. I hope that means you are going to be a cuddle bug. We called all your grandparents and aunts and uncles to tell them that we were having a baby boy.

Then off to the store I went. I bought blue balloons, a blue stuffed monkey, and a little brother onesie. I picked up Isabella from school and told her the news. And then when Alex got off the bus we put the onesie on the bear and the look on his face when he realized he was having a brother was priceless!! He is going to be such a good big brother to you. He has already promised to teach you math when you turn 4. And he also said that he wants to go look through all his books and give you some and he will read them to you when he learns to read. And Isabella is going to be like another little mother to you. She tells me that she will hold you and rock you.

I can’t believe we still have a little over 4 months until we meet you. But when it is cold outside it will warm in our home because baby boy you will be here – and our family will be complete.

Big Day for My Big Girl

2011-09-12T21:09:00.004-04:00

Today Isabella started 3 Year Old preschool. When we got to school she smiled as we snapped pictures of her by the “Chestnut Grove Tree.” Then it was time to go to her classroom. She put her tiny hand in mine and looked up at me. “Momma, you are going to stay with me?” I held back the tears and told her that no I wouldn’t be staying but she is a big girl and will be fine (but would I?) She wouldn’t let go of my hand. She might as well have been squeezing my heart. I kissed her and said a quick goodbye knowing she was in good hands. I held back my tears until I got into my car. I cannot believe she is already in preschool. As I have said so many times before, the years are going by so so quickly. I want her to stay my baby girl. I kept busy this morning and looked forward to seeing my girl at 12:30. When I picked her up she was sitting in her cubby with a huge smile on her face. She had a great morning.

We went home, had a snack, changed clothes and then we were off to her first ballet class. She was too cute in her pink tights, ballet shoes and tutu. When we picked up Alex from the bus stop she showed him all her new moves!

What a day!

Alex's First Day of School 2011

2011-09-01T23:14:00.003-04:00

For almost six years, Alex has been mine. For all his days, I have been his caregiver, his teacher, his playmate. Yes, he went to My Gym, and to camps and to preschool. But the majority of his day was spent at home with me. Today that all changed. Today was a day that we have been talking about all summer. Today was the day that Alex got on the bus and smiled and waved as his daddy and I cried behind our sunglasses. Today was Alex’s first day of Kindergarten.

I can’t believe that he is old enough to go to school all day every day. I am one big conflict of emotions right now. I am so excited as he starts this new chapter in his life. He is going to learn so much at school. But I am so sad that he is no longer going to spend his afternoons with Isabella and me or be able to sleep in like a teenager. This morning she told him, “I am really going to miss you Ally.” And my heart literally broke. I still see him as my baby and I can’t believe he is no longer my baby, or a toddler, or even a preschooler. He is a school-aged kid. I want to rewind time. I want those years back when he was mine… all mine.

Today when I picked him up (did I mention he was only gone half day today? I might really fall apart tomorrow when he goes all day) he was so happy. He had such a “great day” (Mrs. Bensen’s words). I asked him how the bus ride was and he said, “I started to cry, but I was able to hold my tears back. And then I realized they were just tears of joy.” Then I asked, “Did you say, ‘I miss my Momma?’” He said, “No. But I was thinking it in my head.”

Well , I spent my whole morning thinking “in my head” how much I missed you. You may be a big kid now but as far as I am concerned you will always be my smiling, silly baby boy (even if you only allow me to say it when we are by ourselves). And even though I have to share you with teachers and friends in my heart you will always be mine all mine.

Happy 3rd Birthday, Isabella

2011-08-31T21:53:00.009-04:00

Dear Isabella,

I think I am in denial. I can't believe that tomorrow you will be three years old. As I rocked you tonight you barely fit in my lap. It seems like only moments ago, you were an infant in my arms.

In the past six months you have really changed from my baby girl to my big girl. Six months ago when I asked if you wanted me to have another baby you would say, “Momma , you don’t need another baby. You have me. I’m your baby.” Now you call yourself a "big girl" and you are so excited to be a big sister in a few months. You tell me that you love the baby in my belly and you are so cute taking care of your baby dolls. I know you are going to be a great help when the baby comes.

Six months ago you wouldn't even consider using the potty or giving up your "nippy." Now you are potty trained and haven't asked for your pacifier in months.

Some things haven't changed though. You still think Alex hung the moon. You talk from morning til night. You are still in love with Gigi. You only want your daddy when you are hurt. You are as stubborn as can be and will not take no for an answer. You need to have your toenails painted...always! You love to cuddle. You always say, "Momma, will you cuddle with me?" And often times I walk into the playroom to find you and Alex cuddled on the sofa watching a movie. And although you two love to torment each other, your bond is and always has been undeniable. You are as much his protector now as he is yours.

One day when you look back and read this letter, there are some things I want you to know about yourself as you were turning three. You know your whole name - Isabella Grace Beynon and say your nickname is Izzy Grace. You sleep with about 20 stuffed animals and call them your "cuddly things." Your favorite movies are Snow White and Beauty and the Beast. Your favorite color is pink and you love books, especially Pinkalicious. You have a best friend named Kaitlyn. Your cousins vie for your attention and the older neighborhood kids think you are a local celebrity. I call Sophie and you "American Girl Doll and Bitty Baby." You love to help daddy in the yard. You went to ballet camp this summer with Mason and Preslee. You love to dress up and pick out your own outfits. You sit at your banity (vanity) and put on jewelry and brush your hair. You are a girlie girl. But you are also tough. You don't take any stuff from anyone and tell it like it is. And if you are in a mood watch out! You are quite the tattletale. Poor Alex can't get away with anything these days. You are learning the art of shopping. We go to the mall and our first stop is Starbucks (a chocolate milk for you and a coffee for me). And I know I am in trouble when you pick something out and say, "But Momma. I need this." (But usually I agree).

I am a little sad and a lot nostalgic tonight as I write this letter to you. You are growing up way too fast. But I am also excited to see what this year will bring. You are getting ready to start preschool and in a few months you will be a big sister. Big changes are coming your way my sweet, sweet girl, but one thing will always remain constant - you are and always will be the light of our lives. I have always said that you have a light in you that brightens the world around you. Your spunky personality and beauty both inside and out make my world a wonderful, funny, beautiful place. I love you with all of my heart.

Momma

Isabella's Strawberry Shortcake Party

2011-08-28T13:53:00.008-04:00

When I asked Isabella a few months ago what kind of party she wanted for her birthday, she said, "A Strawberry Shortcake party." And you know how I can run with a theme. With last year's beautiful day in mind, I started planning and buying. I bought everything strawberry I could find...candy, cookies, clothing, decorations, even hand soap!! I started searching for strawberry dessert recipes. I hired a DJ and a Balloon Artist.

Everything was going according to plan. And then came Irene the hurricane. All week long I watched the weather and Irene get closer scheduled to make landfall in Maryland Saturday night. And that meant rain all day on Saturday! At first I was worried...my baby deserved a beautiful summer day just like last year. But that was not in the cards. When I told Isabella that it was going to rain on her party day, she said, "It's okay Mommy. It won't rain inside." So we cleaned out the garage and set up tables and decorated the inside of the house. We put the DJ in the mudroom - not ideal but it worked. We thought maybe people wouldn't come because of the weather - we should have known better - people filled and I mean filled our house. We ate and danced and Isabella had so much fun. She played with her friends and opened a ton of gifts and smiled when everyone crowded in the dining room to sing happy birthday to the sweetest girl in all the world.

Last night when I was putting her to bed, I asked if she had fun at her party. She said, "I loved my Strawberry Shortcake Party. Thank you for my party, Mommy."

You are welcome, Isabella. Anything for you.

Baby #3

2011-07-19T19:24:00.007-04:00

Dear Baby,

Here you are at about 12 weeks. You are about 2.5 inches and completely perfect. I saw your little arms, your legs, your heart beating (165 bpm). You had the hiccups. You looked like you were doing karate in there which Alex thinks is so cool. And when I showed Isabella your picture she said, "That baby is sooo cute." And speaking of your sister, you look just like her. But that doesn't mean I think you are a girl. I have no idea. I knew for sure with Alex and Isabella, but little one, you have me stumped...I have had boy and girl dreams (including one where I was wearing a shirt that said, "It's a girl." And another where you were born and the doctor said, "It's a boy!")...Alex says brother...Isabella says sister. Well, I guess we will just have to wait 6 more weeks to find out.

One thing is for sure, no matter boy or girl, I am madly and totally in love with you.

Love,

Mommy

In Her Words...

2011-05-11T21:08:00.000-04:00

Alex was dancing around naked after his bath. Isabella said, "Stop that, Alex. You are freaking me out."

Isabella was playing today. She picked up her bag and said, "Bye. Mommy. I am off to Target." Then she noticed the capital I that is stitched on the bag. She said, "I'm not 1. I am 2." I explained that it was a letter I. She said, "I'm not I. I am 2."

Alex was bothering her as only a brother can, so she said, "Go to your room. You are being a bad boy."

After asking Alex and Isabella to behave about 10 times, I raised my voice and told them it was time for bed. As we were walking up the stairs Isabella said to me, "You know, you don't have to be such a mean wady (lady)."

Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-07T19:28:00.007-04:00

As is the mother, so is her daughter.

-Ezekiel 16:44

I can only hope this quote is true. I try everyday to be like my mom. She is my role model. I believe she was put on this earth to serve others and to lead by example. She has amazing faith. She believes the best of others. She is a selfless mom and grandmother.

I try to emulate her in every way so that maybe one day Isabella will in turn want to emulate me.

I really enjoy Mother's Day now that I am both a daughter and a Mother. I love that mothers have a day to be pampered and spoiled. Because let's be real...it doesn't happen often. Everyday I DO for my kids. I LIVE for my kids. I believe that is how it should be. If I am doing my job right, then my success in life will be reflected in how my children live their lives. I try to live my life in a way that will make my mom proud and to show the world what a great role model she is in my life.

I feel so blessed to have been honored this week by my children. Isabella and I made pizza in school which we shared at snack time. Then she presented me with her hand print in gold... her little hand that fits so perfectly in mine. The hand that touches my face when she says, "I love you, Mommy."

And yesterday Alex and I went on a date to the Mother's Day Luncheon at his school. He sat front and center on the stage and sang his heart out. He was chosen to hold up the sign "You" when the children sang our song, "You Are My Sunshine." He made me a plate where he drew us as a big sun and a little sun , because he always "wants me to remember our special bedtime song." Like I ever could forget. I can't describe the joy I felt when I realized that not only is he the light of my life, but I am his...

Some days are tough, some times I get frustrated, being a mom is not always easy...but it is SO worth it. As the Chinese writer, Lin Yutang, said, "Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother." I believe this with all my heart. Like my mother, I was born to be a mother and my children are most amazing gifts that I can give the world.

Happy Mother's Day!

Disney World

2011-05-03T23:07:00.002-04:00

I can't believe we have been back from Disney World for a month and I am just now writing about it. It has just been in the past week or so that I have recovered. Disney is not a vacation - it is a trip. We didn't do much relaxing, but we had an amazing time. We didn't miss a thing! The seven days were spent dining with the princesses and Mickey and friends, riding rides, watching shows and parades, and walking and walking and walking. The kids were such troopers - getting up early and staying up late! Alex's favorite things in Disney were the Indiana Jones Stunt Show, being transformed into a pirate, and The Great Movie Ride. Isabella's favorites were the princesses and the fireworks. My favorite part was seeing the magic and wonder of Disney through their eyes. They loved every minute and marveled in everything they saw! They have already been asking to go back!

Here is a link to our photo book.
http://share.shutterfly.com/share/received/welcome.sfly?fid=a8b9a7e548040d716cdd16a80fdf8c46&sid=8KbM2Lhq2f--

Alex's Love List

2011-04-12T19:21:00.002-04:00

Today Alex told his teacher, Mrs. Shipley, he wanted to write a list - a LOVE LIST! I love my sweet, sweet boy.

Marriage

2011-03-02T11:10:00.002-05:00

Alex: Mom, how does this whole marriage thing work?

Me: What do you mean?

Alex: Who picks who? Does the girl pick the boy or the boy pick the girl?

Me: It works best when they pick each other?

Alex: What if I pick a girl and she doesn't pick me back.

Me: Well...

Alex: Never mind, I am just going to let the girl pick me - it will just be easier that way.

Smart, smart boy!

Happy 80th Birthday, Grandma John

2011-03-02T10:17:00.003-05:00

Dear Grandma.

Can it really be 5 years ago that we celebrated your 75th birthday? Your kids took you to Charlestown - remember my dad won all that money? And a bunch of your grandkids and three great-grandkids went to the mall and got a portrait taken for you. We could barely stop laughing long enough to get the perfect shot.

I miss you so much. You may be out of sight, but never out of mind. Actually, you are not out of sight either. I keep a picture of you on the visor of my car. I talk to the kids about you all the time. I tell them stories of how I used to have sleepovers with you and how one of my favorite places of all times was your house on Deer Park Road. I remember your kitchen most of all - I used to love washing dishes with you. (I still have the phone number memorized - 922-9118). I tell Alex how when Pop and his brothers were bad you were known to pull an ear or two to get them to behave...he thinks that is hysterical. I tell them that I wish you were here to come to all of our parties because you loved to be around people. And I know you would get so into helping me plan. Remember the little cheesecakes that looked like black-eyed Susans we made for Nicki's wedding shower? And then there was my wedding. You helped me make the details so perfect - the ribbons on the favor boxes, the chocolate truffles, my bouquet. There are so many times I say, "I wish grandma was here to help." (You would be so proud of your daughters - you should see the capes they made for Alex and his friends for his 4th birthday). I tell Alex that you were the one who bought his baby book and found the undershirts with the snaps for him to wear until his belly button healed. I remember the night before I had him, I was talking to you the phone and I was complaining about being so big and pregnant, and you said to me, "Love. Babies come when they come." And I tell him that you called him Prince Alexander and that you named Luke (Cool Hand Luke). I wonder everyday what your nickname for Isabella would be? I can only imagine what you would think of my little wild woman...

I tell them that you are our angel and that you can see us from heaven. This morning we were talking about how today is your birthday and Alex said, "I am glad you have that picture of Grandma John because when I get to heaven I will know what she looks like. I am going to heaven when I get old and wear glasses, because old people wear glasses. Except for Gabrielle, she wears glasses but she is a teenager." And last night when we were saying our prayers he said his usual prayer and then at the end he added, "Hey, Grandma John. Mom loves you and she talks about you A LOT." Then he said, "Are you sure she can hear me?"

Yes. I. Am. Sure.

Happy Birthday!

I love you,
Jamie

When I get where I'm going
on the far side of the sky.
The first thing that I'm gonna do
Is spread my wings and fly.

I'm gonna walk with my grandma,
and she'll match me step for step,
and I'll tell her how I missed her,
every minute since she left.
Then I'll hug her neck.

Yeah when I get where I'm going,
there'll be only happy tears.
I will shed the sins and struggles,
I have carried all these years.
And I'll leave my heart wide open,
I will love and have no fear.
Yeah when I get where I'm going,
Don't cry for me down here.

-Brad Paisley

Two and a Half...

2011-03-01T15:38:00.005-05:00

Dear Isabella -

Today is March 1st. You are two and a half. I can't believe it - where did the last 6 months go? I feel like I say that a lot, but it is so true. Time is going by too quickly.

You talk from morning to night. Each morning, your voice is the first thing I hear. You call your daddy or me to come and get you out of your crib. The first thing you say is, "I go downstairs." And you talk, sing, laugh and boss us around all day long. At night, I put you in your crib and cover you up with four blankets because your feet are "told" (cold), turn on your music, and fill up your water cup. Then I say, "May God bless you." And you say, "Goodnight Mommy. Turn off the light."

You and Alex play together so well. Your love to build forts and play Power Rangers. You are always the Pink Ranger. You always want to be where ever he is...

You love to dress up and you walk around with your crown and wand saying, "I am a fairy princess." You are learning all about the Disney Princesses too - just in time to go to Disney World in a few weeks. Your favorite movies are "Beauty and the Beast"and "Toy Story."

You are getting so tall. But I still can't call you a big girl. And whenever we talk about potty training or giving up your nippy, you say, "I am not a big girl yet. I am your baby." Of course, it is another story when you want a piece of gum or are resisting nap time. Then all of a sudden you a big girl...at least until I give into you.

You call yourself a baby, but you seriously could run the world (or at the very least your preschool). You are always on a mission. You are the most stubborn child I have ever seen. You know what you want and you never give up. You don't back down...ever. And you don't listen worth a darn. If it is possible for a two (and a half) year old to possess self confidence, you do...in fact I think you have enough for the whole state. I am so excited (and a little nervous) to see what you do with that strong personality of yours as you get older!

You have started calling yourself Izzy. You are learning to spell your name (Isabella). You love to jump on the trampoline at My Gym. You call Alex "Brother Ally." You want to paint all the time. You drink at least three yogurt drinks a day. You have tons of friends already. You still love Gigi most of all. You don't like Daddy's whiskers, and you tell him to take them off. You can pout like a teenager. You think splashing in puddles is so much fun. You went for your first pedicure with your big cousin Sophie. You are like a celebrity with the big girls in the neighborhood. You have the gift to make people smile everywhere you go....People stop me all the time and ask, "Don't you just crack up at her all day long?" I usually respond, "Uh, no." But I am joking, because you bring me so much joy and laughter everyday. I would be lost without you.

Love you (with all my heart),
Mommy

Prequel to Disney World

2011-02-11T16:24:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that we will be in Disney World in a little over a month. Isabella is so excited about Disney World. It is all she talks about. Anytime I tell her we are going somewhere, she says, "I don't want to go to Wegmans, Target, the gym...I want to go to Disney World." Today we had a little prequel of Disney. Isabella and I went to Disney on Ice - Princess Wishes - with Sarah, Kaitlyn and Kaitlyn's Grammy. Or I guess I should say we took Snow White and Cinderella to the show.

The girls were as good as gold. They were riveted as they sat in their seats with their snow cones and popcorn. It was a dream come true - real live princesses right there in front of them!

When we got home Isabella said, "Mommy, I know how to ice skate like a princess. You just put on your skates and go 'round and 'round!"

My Little Valentine

2011-02-11T16:14:00.002-05:00

Alex learned a new way to say I LOVE YOU 2! What a sweet, sweet boy.

All in the Family

2011-02-09T21:39:00.005-05:00

This picture just makes my heart smile. And although I am only the mom of two of these kids, all five belong to me. And each one belongs to the each member of my family. Anyone who knows me knows that I am the oldest of five kids. And we were raised by the most amazing and selfless parents in the world. My youngest brother, David, always jokes that he had three mothers and two fathers growing up. And although he says it in jest, it is absolutely true. In my family, we take care of each other. We tease in a way that can only mean we are absolutely confident in our love for one another.We love fiercely and with a loyalty that doesn't exist in every family. Sure we fought growing up...phones were taken away (literally), little sisters were left out, brothers teased and were punished by having to sit on the side of the pool (now it would be called a "time out"). Oh and dinner time. As any parent can tell you, that is the witching hour. We argued over who sat where, who got to use the red cup and who was looking at who...we couldn't eat our dinner fast enough and get away from that table. As adults, we look back on those memories with affinity and humor. They are part and parcel of our history, and along with the good memories,we have grown into the cohesive unit that we are today. And now on any given night when we are all together, dinner will long we over...plates will be empty, wine glasses or coffee cups will be full...and there we are sitting at that table talking and laughing until we cry.

Growing up in a big family is hard to explain. Although each of us experienced the same things, we often times experienced them differently based on where we were in the line-up. We all have our roles to fill, but they are not as clear cut as one might think. Yes, I have very fondly been called the bossy oldest sister, but my other siblings also take on some of the typical attributes of the oldest child. They are strong-willed, they are protective, they are leaders. It is uncanny how well we know each other's needs at every given moment and are able to step in and fill the role of listener, advocate, defender, and above all best friend. My brothers, sisters and my parents make up my past, love my new family and are my best friends in my present, and will be by my side and in my heart and we continue on this journey called life.

This brings me back to the picture. I see history repeating itself in these five children (and I am sure it will be more as the rest of us find our true loves and start families). The bond of these five is already a force to be reckoned with...they love being together - can't you tell by the smiles on their beautiful faces? And I sleep well at night knowing that no matter what they will always have all of us to love them and take care of them. And even better...they will always have one another. And I know that one day they will be the ones who never want to get up from the kitchen table.

I Couldn't Make This Stuff Up....

2011-02-09T21:30:00.006-05:00

Isabella: I don't want candy hearts. They are just not tasty.

Me: Alex, do you love me enough to give me a kiss?"

Alex: Mom, I love you so much that you can have a kiss AND one of my skittles.

Alex: Mom when I grow up and become a dad, I am really going to miss you.

Isabella: My nose turned to jelly (she had a bloody nose).

Smart...Smart...Boy

2011-01-12T10:11:00.002-05:00

This morning Alex picked out a movie to watch. Isabella said she didn't want to watch it. I told her that it was too bad, Alex already asked to watch it. And after he watched his movie, she could pick out something to watch next.

Alex said, "It is okay, Mommy. She can watch her movie first."

I said,"Alex. That is so very nice of you. I am really proud of you."

He responded, "Mommy, I just want Isabella to be happy."

So not only is he a sweet boy, but a smart one. He has learned at an early age to keep the women in his life happy!

Joy and Giving

2010-12-30T21:49:00.008-05:00

Alex and Isabella,

Tomorrow is New Year's Eve. I can't believe Christmas has come and gone. But boy, did we celebrate this year! We spent Thanksgiving weekend in Ocean City watching Christmas movies and going to see the Christmas lights and Santa at Northside Park. We decorated gingerbread houses with our neighbors. We made cookies with our cousins. We celebrated at school with pageants and parties. We had breakfast with Santa, and you were both so good that he gave you each an early present. On Christmas Eve, we spent the day at Nana and Pop Pop's and then we went to church where we lit candles and sang Christmas songs. I admit, I teared up a little when I saw your little faces lit up by candlelight and heard your little voices singing Silent Night. After church we spent the evening at Aunt Mela's, where Isabella, you entertained us with your renditions of Jingle Bells and We Wish You a Merry Christmas (complete with hand motions and hip wiggling). When we got home, Daddy helped you hang your stockings and we all piled on Alex's bed and read Twas the Night Before Christmas.

We woke up in the morning to find more presents than I have ever seen before. We spent the morning opening gifts and playing with all of your new toys. Alex, you took your time and played with each toy. Isabella, you tore the paper off each gift exclaiming, "Just what I always wanted! Thank you Santa." And then you wanted another to open. In true party animal fashion, Alex, you asked if we would have a Christmas party for Jesus' birthday, and of course we said yes. Our family came over and we celebrated with lots of food and laughter.

Daddy and I have always loved Christmas. But this Christmas was the best one ever. Alex, our little Christmas baby, you learned the true meaning of Christmas this year. You bought gifts for others and were so excited to give. And I am most proud of the way you day in and
day out gave your sister the gift of love. Isabella, this Christmas you brought us so much joy. You were so excited to see the Christmas lights, to sing Christmas songs, and you just loved everything Christmas. There is nothing like experiencing Christmas through the eyes and wonderment of a child. Isabella your joy was contagious.

Thank you for making this Christmas so very special. I love you both with all my heart.
Momma

PS - They say a picture is worth 1000 words....

Better Late Than Never...

2010-12-22T16:57:00.010-05:00

Here are some pictures of our VERY kid-friendly (my son wouldn't allow anything scary) Halloween Bash 2010! We served "healthy eats" to our family and neighbors before heading out into our amazingly fun neighborhood for tricks and treats....

The food...

The craft table...

Outside patio...

Mommy Treats - Monster Mango Martinis

Just a few treats for the kids (monster eyes, rice creepy treats, and s'mores pops)...

Some decorations...

And they are off...

Here are some more pictures of the party - there are some great costumes - take a look...

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=94602&id=1405999744&saved

Our party was featured in Kate Landers Events LLC, Children's Party and Dessert Tables of 2010: Part II.

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com/2010/12/childrens-parties-dessert-tables-of.html

How cool is this???

2010-12-22T14:43:00.003-05:00

Isabella's Garden Party and Alex's Rock Star Party were featured in

Kate Landers Events Children's Parties of 2010!!!!

She also included Alex's Super Hero Party too!!!

http://katelandersevents.blogspot.com/2010/12/childrens-parties-of-2010-part-i.html

What an honor!

(My niece Finley's party is also featured - Sweet Shoppe V)

Alex's Rock Star Party Details

2010-12-21T23:08:00.008-05:00

Alex is our little Rock Star - we celebrated his 5th birthday ROCKER Style! Alex greeted his guests as they walked the red carpet. The red carpet was covered with stars with all of the celebrities (aka guests) names written on them.

As Lisa and Mikel of Milkshake, http://www.milkshakemusic.com/ , set up in the basement we passed out concert merchandise - sunglasses, inflatable guitars and microphones, mardi gras beads, and glow sticks. Once the show was ready to start we allowed the kids VIP access. We hung a banner and a backdrop behind the stage where the band performed.

We set up a concession stand in our kitchen and served food just like you would get at a real concert. The pizza, nacho bar and hot pretzel machine were a hit. We served rootbeer is these cool cups (from the celebration shoppe) because that is Alex's favorite drink.

And no birthday party is complete without cake and cookies- shaped like guitars and stars, of course - and a CANDY BAR! And of course the CANDY BAR had a Rock Star theme! The kids loved taking home goodie bags filled with rock candy, pop rocks, ring pops, and star lollipops. (Thank you Laura of Cupcakes and Lemonades for the awesome candy jar labels.)

Happy 5th Birthday, Alex

2010-12-09T17:37:00.003-05:00

Dear Alex,

I am laying next to you in your bed writing this letter. Because you CAN'T sleep. You are my little night owl. You want me to lay with you. Your hand is resting on my arm. I secretly love that you are still a Momma's Boy - sometimes anyway.

You are so excited because tomorrow is your REAL birthday. The day you turn five. I remember having a hard time when you turned two. You were no longer a baby. And I am having a very hard time with you turning 5....You are growing up too quickly my beautiful boy. One day you aren't going to like that I call you that. But I don't care. You are beautiful inside and out. Your outer beauty lies in your eyes...those big brown eyes. They are looking at me now, when they should be closed and fast asleep. You inner beauty lies within that old soul of yours - how you love and protect your sister, how you always think about others, how you are so smart, sometimes too smart, for your own good and for mine.

You have changed so much in the past year. You have learned what it means to be a friend. You have learned the art of sharing. You have demonstrated time and time again what it means to be a good big brother. You are quick to anger at times, but even quicker to say you are sorry - an important thing for a man to know how to do (wink. wink.). You are ornery and you love to say "bathroom words" and wrestle as most little boys do. You are silly and you love making funny faces and doing crazy dances to make other people laugh.

I am so excited to celebrate the day you were born. Actually, I guess I should say continue the celebration. Five years ago this week, I had a sonogram - the doctors wanted to make sure you were happy in my belly. The doctor said, "This baby is rocking and a rolling in there." How cool that five years later to the day we had a Rock Star birthday for you on your fake birthday (as you call it). We had a candy bar with Rock Candy, Star Lollipops, Ring Pops, and Pop Rocks. We had real live rock stars - Lisa and Mikel of Milkshake ( http://milkshakemusic.com/) perform a concert for you and your friends and family. You all rocked out with blow up guitars and microphones. We served pizza, nachos and hot pretzels just like you would eat at a concert. You had a cake shaped like a guitar and cookies shaped like guitars and stars. It was a wonderful celebration of YOU!

Tonight, I was making chocolate chip cookies for your birthday, because you say I make them the best. I was teasing you and said, "Don't you ever forget it. One day when you are married and your wife makes you chocolate chips you tell her that they are good, but that your mom makes them best." You respsonded, "I have an idea. Every year on my birthday, you can make the chocolate chips, because I am always going to invite you to my parties!" I wouldn't miss your birthday for the world. Your birthday is the most important day of my life, my first born. On your birthday, God's purpose for my life became clear. I thank Him everyday for you.

Happy Birthday Alexander.
Love you,
Momma

PS. You are fast asleep...with Charlie at your feet and holding your blanket (the same one I brought you home in from the hospital). You are still my baby.

Brotherly (and Sisterly) Love

2010-12-02T15:09:00.006-05:00

I know this post is a week late and it isn't because I am any less thankful this year. In fact, I have even more to be thankful for this year. I am so blessed. As I went back and read my Thanksgiving posts from the past three years, even I am amazed that this is my life. How is it even possible that each year my life gets better and better?

If you are an avid princealexsmomma reader, I don't want to sound repetitive by going on and on about all of my blessings, so I am going to tell you what I am most thankful for this year.

I am most thankful for Alex and Isabella's relationship. I know it may not always be as it is today, but today they love eachother most of all. From the moment Isabella was born (and maybe even before), Alex has loved his baby sister. And Isabella smiled her first smile at her big brother. Their relationship has grown. People stop me wherever I go and comment on the sweet interactions they witness between them. He is her protector. If she is hurt, she wants Alex to hug her and make it better. Alex always watches out for his baby sister. He says to me, "Don't worry Mom, I will take care of her." She is his biggest fan. She misses him every morning when he is in school. She says, "I need my Al-ee." They play together and cuddle and watch movies together. They get into trouble together.

When Alex's teacher asked him what he was most thankful for, he said his sister. When I ask Isabella who she loves best, she says her brother. And I wouldn't want it any other way.

Oh Alex, Where Did You Come From?

2010-10-18T20:17:00.002-04:00

I swear the things that come out of this boy's mouth....

Scenario #1
Alex has been begging me to teach him to read for several weeks. I told him that Grandma was getting some books together to help us, since she used to teach Kindergarten. A few days before we got the books, he asked me to read something to him. I did. He responded, It isn't fair that you can read and I can't. I told him that we could start working on learning to read. He said, Nah. Let's just wait for Grandma's books. She knows how to teach. I proceeded to tell him that before I became his servant, I mean Mother, I was a teacher and that I DO have my Master's Degree in Reading. He said he would still wait.

Well, we got Grandma's books and have been working on our sounds and sight words. I get giddy when he reads words and even some sentences to me. I am so proud. So, yesterday we took some of his reading "work" to show Grandma. He was naming things that start with a "c" sound. I said, Mommy's favorite drink starts with C. He said, A, a, alcohol. Alcohol doesn't start with c. No, Alex, I was talking about coffee.

Scenario #2
Alex and Isabella inevitably become needy little creatures everyday just as I am starting dinner. They want me to fix them snacks, refill drinks, come see yet another advertisement on television of something they need!!! After dinner tonight, I was cleaning up the kitchen. Alex and Isabella were in the playroom with Jay. After a few minutes, Alex came in and said, Mom, did you notice? We are giving you a few minutes to yourself. Thanks, buddy!

Scenario #3
Today, Alex and I were talking about how he was a Christmas Baby. And I told him that he is the best Christmas gift ever. He said, Mom. I am not a gift. I said that he was...he was my special gift. He thought about it for a minute and said, Yea, I guess you are right. I was a gift from God.

You are right, my dear boy. You are a crazy, goofy, intelligent little gift from God. I guess I got my answer to the title of this post.

Happy 2nd Birthday Home Sweet Home

2010-09-26T20:30:00.009-04:00

Dear House,

Happy 2nd Birthday. Two years ago tonight, you became our home sweet home. The movers had just left. We were surrounded by boxes and filled with giddy excitement. You were perfect. During the past two years, inside your walls, so much has happened. You became even more perfect with the addition of a patio where footballs games are watched, fish are fed, marshmallows are roasted and bikes are ridden. And your basement is a child's dream complete with a playhouse, a play kitchen, crafts galore, a dressing room and a stage. And there is even a big screen, a workout room, and a bar for the adults too! (Pop outdid himself again).

We designed you to be welcoming and open, because we want you to always be filled with our family and friends. You have hosted the most amazing parties, the first when you were only six weeks old. Isabella was baptized and we had our first of many parties. Everyone oohed and aahed over you and the baby too! There have been cozy Christmas parties, a Superhero bash complete with Spiderman and kids in capes, a neighborhood block party ("sure we are the new people, we would love to host"), two baby showers, a lot of happy hours, bookclubs, dinners and playdates, and most recently a Garden Party that was the talk of the town. I have a sign in your kitchen that says "Sit Long - Talk Much." Your openness allows for just that.

I noticed just the other day that whenever I tell anyone my favorite part of you it is always a different spot. Sometimes it is the front porch where I like to sit and drink my coffee on summer mornings. Sometimes it is the family room where we have family movie nights and fires in the fireplace almost every night in the winter. Sometimes it is Alex or Isabella's room because I spend some of my most precious moments in those rooms reading and singing to my babies. Sometimes it is my kitchen because in my family, as in many families, it is the heart of our house. It is where we congregate and eat and drink and sit and talk.

In the past two years you have had some bumps and bruises. Your floors have some scratches and have been victim of many spills. Your walls have been dinged and even written on a time or two. (No worries though, Isabella now repeats the mantra..."I write only on the paper"). But to me, these imperfections do not make you imperfect. In many ways they make you even more of a home. You are lived in, loved in, fought in, played in, slept in, danced in....inside you we are making memories and living a life that most can only dream of living. Thank you for the memories we have made and for being the place we will call Home Sweet Home for many, many years to come.

Jamie

Isabella's First Day of School

2010-09-15T15:05:00.006-04:00

Two years ago on this day, Isabella was a week old. Alex was starting Two and You preschool and Isabella went with him on his first day. She slept the whole time in her infant carrier. You never even knew she was there.

FAST forward, I do mean FAST, today Isabella started preschool. She was so excited - she has been waiting for this day for a year and especially the past couple days when we dropped Alex off each morning...she said, "I go school now." This morning she woke up and it was finally her day to start school. She peed on the potty (a fluke I am sure, but exciting nonetheless). We got dressed and ate breakfast, snapped lots of pictures, and then we were off.

She walked into that school as if she owned the place. And on her first day of preschool, Isabella was impossible to ignore. She went to her classroom and played with the dolls, the play-doh, and the kitchen. She colored, although she was a little upset that Miss Sally didn't have a pink crayon. She sat front and center during story time. She ran from activity to activity on the playground. She ate her snack and drank several cups of water saying, "more, please." And my favorite part of the day was Music Time. She danced and sang her little heart out. Miss Sally will never have to sing alone as long as Isabella is in the class.

I was a little nervous signing Isabella up for school. She just turned two. I was worried she would be too young. But she loved every second of it. She was in her element. Over the course of the morning, I saw her show traits of independence, confidence and friendliness. I am so proud of my baby, I mean my big, girl!

Ravens Fans!

2010-09-15T14:27:00.004-04:00

Every year since Alex was born, we have taken a picture of Jay and him on the day of the first Raven's game of the season. Here are my Raven's fans!

2010

2009
2008

2007

2006

End of Summer...

2010-09-11T20:15:00.004-04:00

I can't believe that summer is over. It went by in a blink of an eye. As I sit here and type at 8pm, it is already dark outside. Gone are the long days, the splashing in the pool and the toes in the sand. Hello to school days, Soccer Saturdays, and Ravens football. Tomorrow is officially the last day of summer for our family. On Monday, our lives are going to be forever changed. Alex will be in school five mornings a week. And even though he will be home in the afternoons (except Friday when he has chosen to stay at school all day to learn math and science), this is the first time in his life he will be away from me at least some of every week day. This is the first time in his life when he is going to have to get up early everyday. I call him my little teenager, because he loves to sleep in, so this is going to be quite an adjustment. But he is ready....me? not so much.

Today we welcomed fall with soccer and sunflowers. Alex had his first day of soccer. He is on Team New York, and he really hustled out there. Then we met Mason, Preslee and Finley at this farm that had the most stunning field of sunflowers. We tried to get some pictures, but the kids were more interested in playing hide-and-seek among the tall stalks. And then just because we wanted to hold onto summer a little longer, we took all the kids for homemade ice cream at a little farm stand. It was a perfectly beautiful ending to another amazing summer.

Quotes of the Day

2010-09-11T20:11:00.002-04:00

Isabella: Mommy. Look. I running too BIG. (I think she meant fast).

Alex and I were talking about body parts...

Me: The lungs help you breathe. And the liver...
Alex: helps you live.
Me: The heart pumps blood through the body.
Alex: My heart makes me love people.

Isabella is 2!

2010-09-01T22:52:00.002-04:00

Today Isabella told me, "I be 2 in September." Yes, baby girl you are right. Today is September 1st and you are 2!

Happy 2nd Birthday to My Baby Girl

2010-08-31T22:25:00.011-04:00

Dear Isabella,

I don't know where to begin. I have been thinking about what to write in this birthday letter for some time now. I am overwhelmed, I have too much to say. I can't seem to find the right words. I think that is because there aren't words to describe the absolute adoration I feel for you. But I am going to try to tell you how I am feeling on the eve of your second birthday...even though I don't think I will never do my heart justice.

You are my baby. Maybe not forever, but for right now. And I love that you want to be my baby - when I call you a big girl, you always say, "No, Momma. I your baby." And I love it. I love when you wake up in the middle of the night calling for us. And even though all the experts say not to, daddy and I bring you into our bed in those early morning hours to cuddle, because we know these moments are fleeting. I can't tell you how many times daddy is late for work because you are sound asleep next to him and he doesn't want to leave you. Sometimes we watch you sleep marveling at those long legs of yours. When did you get so big?

If I had to think of three words to describe you, I would say happy, sassy and intelligent.

You are happy most of the time. You love to laugh and play, especially with your brother and your cousins. Your personality is magnetic. People are drawn to you in a way that cannot be described. Those who know you love you, and they can't get enough of you, especially Jake, Luke and Alex. I think you are going to have some bodyguards as you get older. I have said it so many times, but I have to say it again - your light shines so bright, you make the world a more joyful place.

You are a sassy little thing. Small but mighty. You want what you want and you aren't afraid to go after it. You have a fearlessness that I hope stays with you throughout your whole life. Even though you are only two, I can already see your determination and confidence building. You have an indendpent streak - "I do it." Yet if you need help with something you want me - "Mommy do it" (I love that). You "dance as if no one is watching, " yet you know they are and you like it.

You are so very intelligent. You speak in sentences. You know the words to songs and love to sing them. You know your colors and everyone's names. You can count to 3. You have a sense of humor. Your favorite thing to do is "argue" with Pop over Gigi. He tries to take Gigi from you and you tell him, "No, Pop. My Gigi." You use inflection when you speak - "Allie - you gonna be in trouble." "Mommy, I be right back." "Snack....now...please." "Mommy, I scared (said with a shiver)." You always say that you are sorry and give a hug to go with it.

Days go by so quickly and things change, so I wanted to jot down some of your favorite things at 2... Alex, Gigi, Yo Gabba Gabba, coloring "only on paper," having your toenails painted, playing outside on the "pay-ground," reading books, chocolate milk, you say you are going to marry Pop Pop, you love to run to the door saying "I'm coming" and hug whoever is there especially if it is Nana, Band-ma or Finney.

I have been writing this letter now for a while. I keep going back and rereading and rewording. And I must say, I was right at the beginning of this letter. While everything I have written is true, my heart wants to say so much more. But I know that this is just one letter, and my heart shows you everyday what it wants to say to you. The good old adage "Actions speak louder than words" holds true for us. And as your Mommy, I promise to always show you what my heart is feeling, each and everyday. And I must say, you are one lucky little girl, because there isn't a Mommy in this world who loves their sweet baby girl more than I love you.

Happy Birthday, Bella Boo.
Mommy

It is All in the Details....

2010-08-30T21:51:00.000-04:00

It is All in the Details....

2010-08-30T21:49:00.000-04:00

It is All in the Details....

2010-08-30T21:47:00.001-04:00

It is All in the Details....

2010-08-30T21:43:00.002-04:00

Isabella's Garden Party

2010-08-30T21:12:00.008-04:00

At the end of my wedding reception, I cried. I couldn't believe all my hard work and planning was over. You can hear me on the video saying, "I will never be a bride again." I remember thinking that I wish I could have a wedding every year. You know... one day a year to celebrate with family and friends in a BIG way with flowers and music and way too much food. Well, as I was putting the flowers in vases, finishing the decorations and preparing (and ordering) all of the food for Isabella's Garden Party, I thought to myself, "I guess throwing Isabella a huge party is just as good as having a wedding once a year." Actually it is better, because we are celebrating the birth of my little girl. (And actually I get to have two huge celebrations a year, because Alex needs one too!)

Some people would say having a dj and 12 flower arrangements and 90 people for a 2nd birthday party is over the top. And maybe so, but I don't care. My little girl is a social butterfly and she loves music and everyone loves her. So as the sun rose on a beautiful 84 degree Saturday (yes, I saw it because I was up cutting pb&j sandwiches into the shape of flowers), I could not wait for the party to start.

The party was so much fun. Butterflies, bees, ladybugs, and our family and friends filled our home and our yard. We ate, drank and danced. Isabella twirled around in the middle of it all, surrounded by people who came to celebrate the day the world became a brighter and better place...the day our Izzy B was born.

Gigi

2010-08-24T09:19:00.010-04:00

If anyone knows Isabella, then they know Gigi - her beloved giraffe. Isabella is never without Gigi. Well Gigi needed a bath in the worst way. So this morning, I pried it out of Isabella's hands and put it in the washer (on the shortest setting). Isabella immediately started screaming. She stood by the washer crying and everytime there was a lull in the cycle she would say, "Gigi done!" Alex and I tried to distract her with other toys, but she wasn't having it. Out of desperation, I took out the "extra Gigi," the one I have been saving just in case Gigi gets lost. I handed it to Isabella, she hugged it and said, "Gigi" as though she had found a long lost friend. About two seconds later she said, "Not Gigi" and threw it on the floor. She returned to her post in front of the washer and threw the biggest tantrum I have ever seen. When I went down the stairs she stood at the top and threw her pacifier at me. She jumped up and down and stomped her feet all the while screaming "GIGI DONE!" over and over and over. When I tell you that this tantrum went on for the entire 37 minutes of the wash cycle, I am not exaggerating. The child was out of control!

When the washer finally beeped signaling Gigi was in fact done, I took the sopping wet giraffe out and handed it to Isabella. She hugged it and then screamed in agony as I took it away to put it in the dryer. She immediately started screaming again...I tell you what, Isabella is one persistent kid. Finally, I was able to bribe her with her second favorite thing in the world, Yo Gabba Gabba. I let her watch an episode as Gigi dried. Luckily, after those 23 minutes, Gigi came out dry (or barely damp, anyway).

The two were happily reunited...

Alex's Hair Through the Years

2010-07-21T21:44:00.003-04:00

Alex at 1 - Bald Baby

Alex at 2 1/2 after his first haircut

Alex at 3 -The Wave

Alex at 3 1/2 - Surfer Dude

Alex at 4 - The Flop

Alex at 4 1/2 - my big boy

He's Going to Be a Soccer Player...He is....

2010-07-21T21:35:00.003-04:00

Last week Alex had his first experience playing sports. He participated in a week-long soccer camp put on by UK Elite. He was a little leary about playing in the weeks leading up to it, but let me tell you...he loved it! He went right out there and kicked and ran and kicked and ran some more. And boy did he sweat! It was so hot, but he didn't complain. He listened to his coach and played some really fun games, all while learning some important soccer skills.

We are so proud of our little man. He was such a great team player. He learned how to dribble, stop the ball, and even how to steal the ball. I think his favorite part was when Momma was the goalie and he got to kick the soccer ball AT me!

One day after practice, he told me (in true Alex form) that he liked soccer, but he doesn't like to "sweat or run." Ha! We signed him up for rec soccer in the fall - hopefully it will be cooler so he won't sweat so much, but not sure what we are going to do about the running part. Maybe we have a goalie on our hands?!

Halfway to 5!

2010-06-09T19:53:00.005-04:00

Alex,

Tomorrow you will be FOUR AND A HALF YEARS OLD. You are growing and changing into a true little boy right before my eyes. When you sit in my lap, I realize that gone is that chubby little baby and here to stay is a lanky boy with long legs that seem never to end. But you still love to cuddle (when you are in the mood) and I don't care how big you are, you will always fit on my lap.

You are a challenge - your wit and your stubbornness get you in lots of trouble. You like to push your limits and some days not much I do is right. We butt heads as I know we will do for years to come. You mimic me, you tease your sister, you back talk your daddy. But at the end of the day, I know you know how much I love you. And I know even though you get frustrated at me for my rules and expectations, one day you will thank me...(I wonder how many times that phrase will come out of my mouth in your lifetime?)

You continue to learn everyday. You can write many letters, you love to do addition problems, you are swimming like a fish, you are a natural in the ocean, you are learning to fish and play "the cross" (Lacrosse), you love to do science experiments and art projects, you are making friends, you fight bedtime every night, you are a wheeler and a dealer - always trying to argue your case, you have an imagination that exceeds most, you love to dance - the robot is your signature move, you want to be "cool," you are interested in books - in fact we just finished reading your first chapter book (I read, you listened. I worried that the format of a chapter book might be over your head, but when the teacher in me couldn't resist asking you comprehension questions, you could answer them even though the book is on at least a third grade level).

You love. Deeply. Especially your sister. She is your biggest fan and your bestest friend (besides Daddy). You are fiercely loyal. You say you are sorry when you hurt someones feelings. You want to be a friend to other kids, and are learning the ins and outs of getting along with others.

You are my baby boy - from the minute I conceived you to this very minute as I listen to you singing in your bed (you are supposed to be asleep) and for the rest of your life...you will always be my first-born, my counterpart, my son.

I love you,

Momma

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T21:11:00.003-04:00

Alex gave me the best gift in the world today...he sat all cuddled up next to me in church for the whole mass. (Isabella lasted about 30 minutes, but that is okay too.) On the other side of me was my mother, and next to her, my grandmother. Behind me was my sister. I felt so blessed. It was the best gift I could ever ask for on Mother's Day.

Mother's Day is an amazing day. I love being both a mother and a daughter (and a sister and a granddaughter) on this day. I have had such beautiful role models in my life, and I hope and pray that one day my children say the same thing about me. I remember being a young child and growing up with my mother being patient and kind and loving. I always knew (and still know) that she loved her children more than anything...and the feelings I have for my own children cannot be put into words. They are beautiful and ornery and loving and frustrating. They are the reasons my heart beats. And as I sat in church today, I prayed for them that they always know no matter what they do or where they are, their momma loves them.

20 Months Old

2010-05-02T00:19:00.004-04:00

Isabella - You are 20 months old! I cannot even tell you where the last few months have gone. Two is right around the corner. You have become such a chatterbox. All of a sudden you have so many words. You repeat everything. And that little voice of yours is just too cute to describe although I have to write down some of the things you say. Time as you will see goes too quickly and I don't want to forget....

I call you Little Miss Manners because whenever you ask for something you say "pease" (please) and you always say "thanks mom."

You always want your snacks in a "bowl."

You can recognize your name when it is written and you call yourself, "Belba." You call Gabrielle "Babe" and Nicki "Nee Nee."

When you are hurt you only want "Al-ee" to make it all better, except of course if he is the one who hurts you. Then you love to tell on him - he usually denies everything! Ahhh siblings!

When I ask you where Alex is, you say "cool" (school). And you tell me that Daddy's at "work."

Your favorite books are any with animals and flaps. And you love Napping House.

You love having your toenails painted and "pee-pops" (lollipops/Popsicles).

And I love you. Goodnight Sweet Girl!
Momma

PS - Here are some other words/phrases you can say:
Help Me
Ook (Luke)
Jake
So-pee (Sophie)
Fin-me (Finley)
Mae-Mae (Mason)
Pray (Preslee)
Spider-Man
Drew
WaWa (Laura)
Dave
Mike
Nana
Poppy
Pop Pop
Grandma
bike
Gabba (Yo Gabba Gabba - your favorite show)
Most animal sounds
Char-Char
Radley
GiGi
Nae-Nae (Nathan)
Bagel
Spoon
fork
plate
milk
wa-wa (water)
ou-side (outside)
pool
bath
pink/purple (everything is the color pink or purple even if it isn't)

Happy Birthday Mommy and Daddy!

2010-03-24T14:09:00.000-04:00

Turks and Caicos February 2010

2010-03-21T21:00:00.001-04:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Happy Spring

2010-03-21T20:52:00.003-04:00

It has been so long...too long since I have posted. We are finally out of winter - and what a winter it was - 3 blizzards worth of winter. I am so done with snow - I think the kids were even getting sick of it. We were able to go on the most amazing trip at the end of February to my most favorite place - Turks and Caicos. We had a great time with all of the other Beynons. (see post above for a slideshow of our trip).

This week we welcomed Spring - it was beautiful all week and it was so funny because Isabella would get upset when I didn't put her coat on before we went outside. She is so used to being bundled. And today I told Alex to put on his hat before he went out - I meant a baseball hat, but there he was running around in a winter hat on a 70 degree day!

And today we had our first cookout of the season - to celebrate Jay and my birthdays! 33! I can't believe it. We have been together for 8 years and married for 5. It was so fun to have the families here and to watch the kids playing out in the yard. I think my favorite part of the day was sharing a bottle of champagne with my grandfather. Oh and I would be remiss if I didn't mention how amazing it felt to hear my kids singing "Happy Birthday" to mommy and daddy.

If I Have Said It Once...

2010-01-26T22:16:00.003-05:00

I have said it a million times. There is nothing in the world as wonderful and miraculous as becoming a mother. I was reading a book last night, Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos, and there was a passage describing the birth of a baby that rang out so true...

"My girl and I got it backward, backward and right. She did the claiming.

I was delivered, unto her.

'You are mine,' she cried, her hands reaching for my face,

and nothing was ever more true."

We say we deliver our babies and they belong to us, but in reality when I became a mother, I was born, delivered to my children. They claimed my heart and from that moment on, I belonged to them.

Q & A with Isabella

2010-01-21T20:40:00.002-05:00

Isabella is talking more and more each day. Today I asked her several questions and she answered them clearly and correctly. I couldn't believe it. She is so smart - she must get it from her brother.

This morning when I got Isabella out of her crib, I noticed her diaper didn't do its job.
Mommy: Isabella, what happened to your pj's?
Isabella: wet

My dad (Pop) was downstairs working.
Mommy: Where is Pop?
Isabella: Pop bae-ment (basement)

Charlie got back from getting groomed.
Mommy: What happened to Charlie?
Isabella: Char-Char haircut.

The next one isn't a question, but it is the best thing I have heard in a long time. There is nothing like the first time you hear your child say these words.
Mommy: I love you.
Isabella: Love ewe.

Happy 2010

2010-01-01T20:22:00.002-05:00

10 years ago....the millennium...I can't believe 10 years have gone by...and I must say they have been the 10 best years. I love my kids, my husband, my life. Thank you God for all of your blessings.

We had a great 2009. Jay rocked at work...went out on his own and is doing wonderfully. We have settled into our house, had an amazing patio built and are currently having the basement turned into a playroom for the kids. Our kids are thriving. Alex has turned into a real big kid, almost overnight. He is still strong-willed to the point of pig-headed, but he has such a big heart especially when it comes to his baby sister. And Isabella still is a joy every minute. And now she truly is a Busy Bee. She doesn't stop for a second. She is on the move from morning until night, always wanting to be with her Al-ee or her Daddy. I am enjoying being a mommy more than anything. Had a great time with all of our families over the holidays, and am now going to enjoy the quietness of the winter.

So here is to 2010! Cheers!

Happy 4th Birthday, Alex

2009-12-10T22:30:00.004-05:00

Dear Alex,

You are 4 years old today. I am not sure where to even begin. I guess I can start at 5:30 this morning when you called to me. You couldn't find your blue bear, and then you wanted me to lay with you. And as you were falling back to sleep, I told you that 4 years ago at 5:30 in the morning, the nurses brought you back to me after your first bath. Daddy had gone home to sleep and shower, and it was just me and you for a few hours on that early morning. I will never forget just laying in that bed holding you, staring at you and kissing you. I had been up for almost 48 hours, but I wasn't tired. My heart was racing and I was so excited to finally have my little boy in my arms.

Happy Birthday Al. We had a great day. We met Daddy and Gabrielle for lunch and then did a little shopping. We saw Santa and he somehow knew it was your birthday. Then we had dinner with Grandma, Pop, Nana, Pop Pop, Grandma Mela, and Poppy. I started this tradition of dinner with the grandparents when you were two and it is my favorite part of your birthday. It is so nice just to have a quiet night all about you! We all sat around and ate cake, and you opened your gifts. I think your favorites were a pez dispenser, your card that sings the Spiderman theme song, and your "BIG BOY BIKE."

Speaking of being a big boy. Last night as I was getting you ready for bed, I was telling you the story of the night you were born and you said to me, "Mom. I don't want to get bigger. I'm scared to be big. I want to stay little." And I answered, "Me too, my sweet boy." Time is going by too quickly. And I need it to slow down. Just yesterday you were that tiny little baby and now you are riding a two-wheeler. I want you to stay little forever, but you have already changed your mind about growing up. Today you said, "Momma, it is okay if I get bigger, because I will always be your baby." Yes, you will. Forever.

I love you with my whole heart,

Momma

Alex's 4th Birthday Party

2009-12-07T10:29:00.003-05:00

Saturday was Alex's Superhero Birthday Party. We woke up to huge snowflakes falling from the skies. That couldn't deter our Superheroes. They came ready and willing to decorate their capes and fill up on some nutritious breakfast food (and some cupcakes too). They then donned their capes and had some Spiderman Training from Spiderman himself! Well - not all of the kids were too thrilled about Spidey, especially Alex, who hid behind the couch and spied on him with grandma! But all in all, the party was a lot of fun!

Things I Know for Sure...

2009-11-25T19:39:00.008-05:00

1. There is no greater love than a mother's love. My children have blessed me with the title(s) of Momma (Alex) and Mom-meee (Isabella). But no matter what they call me, the love I feel for them is like nothing else in this world. My love for my children is instinctual, unwavering, and will last forever. I may have given them life, but they are the reason I live.

2. Having a place to call home means everything. As I sit in my kitchen, I look at the wooden sign hanging above our mantle - This is the house that love built. Never was there a truer statement. This house is our home because of all of the love that fills its walls. I am safe here. Isabella is sleeping soundly in her room. Alex is playing with his Spiderman toys and building with blocks. Jay is walking through the door with dinner! This is where we live, argue, laugh, and play. There is no place I would rather be.

3. I would be nothing without my family. Family is forever. They are my cheerleaders, my friends, my gossip buddies, my past, my present and my future.

4. I am the luckiest girl in the world. See #1-3.

5. Coffee and wine can cure most of my ailments. Well, I can't be serious all of the time. I literally need that first sip of coffee to wake me up. Coffee cures my tiredness (aka grouchiness) in the morning and makes me a happier Momma. Jay calls it my Princess Juice. Wine is just what the "doctor" ordered after a long day of poop, attitude, whining and fussiness. It helps me unwind and calm my nerves. Take tonight for instance...without that glass of wine I don't know what I would have done as I watched Alex eat his Miso Soup with chopsticks, spill it everywhere and then shoot edamame across the living room....

Happy Thanksgiving 2009.

(And yes, I borrowed this idea from O Magazine)

14 Months

2009-11-01T10:03:00.002-05:00

Isabella,

You are 14 months old today. You are walking all over the place. I can't seem to keep up with you. I knew this day would come. You are really trying to say lots of new words. Some of your most recent are - book, bapple (apple), bottle,
ba-nana, and boo! I guess B is your favorite letter.

Love

You love for me to read you books, especially animal books. You kiss the pictures.

You love your brother - you follow him all around and call his name. When daddy comes in at the end of the day, you call out Dad-eeeee and walk right to him with your little arms held high! You definitely are turning into a daddy's girl. But you love everyone. You continue to be the happiest baby with the cutest little crooked smile. You can light up the darkest rainiest day!

You love meatballs, noodles, and candy - you had your first m and m's last night on Halloween and Pop gave you a lollipop too! You went Trick or Treating for the first time!

You love your Gigi the giraffe. You pick up other toys along the way, Alex's stuffed puppy, dolls, your pink bunny, but Gigi is still your favorite - and has been since you were 2 months old.

I could go on and on about the things you love....

One thing is for sure - I love you with all of my heart. You and Alex are my heart!
Momma

Halloween 2009

2009-11-01T09:59:00.002-05:00

HappY haLLoweeN!

2009-10-31T23:35:00.011-04:00

Halloween is over. We had a great time at the party. We had some funny costumes and lots of superheroes came to the party. Spiderman, Batman, Batgirl, Wolverine, and Superman all celebrated Halloween with us this year. And there was the cutest, happiest bumblebee buzzing around!

As I was cleaning up tonight, I couldn't help but think how lucky I am to have such an amazing family. Between Jay's side and mine there are 8 kids. But 30+ adults came to the party. Great-grandparents, grandparents, great aunts and uncles, cousins, aunts and uncles all came to celebrate with us. We ate and drank, went trick or treating and played games.

Our family is child-centered and has always been that way. In my opinion that is how it should be - kids bring such a joy to all of the holidays. As we are heading towards Thanksgiving and then Christmas, I know that these little children will continue to feel as loved and as special as they did tonight! And as the adults who love them we will be blessed with the wonderment of experiencing the holidays through their eyes! In my opinion, there is nothing like it!

Thanks you to all of our family - for loving my kids so much!

Funny Guy

2009-10-17T13:33:00.002-04:00

There are many times in a day Alex thinks he is being funny when in reality he is not. Quite a few of these instances involve the words poop and pee. He always asks, "Mom is that funny?" And I always reply dryly and with a straight face, "Yes, it is hysterical." Today after this exchange, he said to me, "Mom. You know when something is funny and/or hysterical you are supposed to laugh..."

This time I did!

Alexisms 7

2009-10-16T20:36:00.002-04:00

Depending on the hour, no make that the minute, Alex thinks I am either the best mom in the world or the worst.

Here are a few recent quotes to illustrate my point.

1. Me: Alex you are too smart.
Alex: Mom, I am so smart because I got all of my smarts from you.

2. Alex: Mom, you always talk bad to me.
Me: When do I ever talk bad to you?
Alex: When you say I need a second to myself.

3. Me: You are such a smart aleck.
Alex: No I am not. I am a smart ALEX!

You Go Girl!

2009-09-27T20:55:00.004-04:00

Up until yesterday, Isabella would only walk if you were holding her hands. But last night and this morning she took a few steps to me. And then this afternoon she walked across the room with a roomful of witnesses. Her attempts usually end in her falling on her bottom, but she doesn't seem to mind. In fact, I think she is so proud of herself. She claps her hands and has the biggest smile on that cute face! I know that in no time she will be off and running.

Thank you Uncle Mark for taking this picture of our big girl.

Alex's First Day of School

2009-09-14T21:19:00.003-04:00

Today Alex started preschool. He was so happy this morning. He came down the stairs with a huge smile on his face (which doesn't happen often because like his dad, he is so NOT a morning person). I made him a special breakfast of oven pancake and then the whole family set off in the minivan for this special day. When we got to school, I quickly snapped a picture, and then we went inside. Daddy and I got a hug and Isabella got a kiss and then he walked into his classroom like such a big boy. No tears! (Well, maybe a few from Jay). When I picked him up, his teacher said he had a great day! We are so proud of him!

Are You Ready for Some Football?

2009-09-14T10:21:00.004-04:00

The boys showing that the Ravens are #1!

Cutest cheerleader ever! Here she is practicing her moves.
Go Team!

The Many Faces of Alex

2009-09-11T21:06:00.006-04:00

Mad Face
(a.k.a. snake eyes)

Popeye Face
(a.k.a. the“John” face)

Happy Face
(a.k.a. SMILE)

Sad Face
(a.k.a. Sorry Momma)

Surprised Face
(a.k.a. Really Surprised)

Innocent Face
(a.k.a. Yea right!)

Happy Birthday Isabella Grace

2009-09-01T09:08:00.007-04:00

Dear Isabella,

Today is your first birthday, a milestone that marks the end of infancy and the beginning of too many things to list. I am so happy to be your Momma and to be on this wonderful journey called life with you. One year ago at this very minute, I was laying on the operating table, holding Daddy's hand while Grandma sat next to me. The rest of the family was in the waiting room. We were all anxiously awaiting the arrival of our sweet precious girl. The other night I was giving you a bath and as you played with your "duck duck," I stared at your profile. It is the same little face I fell in love with all of those months ago on the ultrasound screen. And that love grew into complete adoration the second I saw your beautiful face in living color at 9:48 am, September 1, 2008. For the past 365 days, my love has grown every single day. And just when I think I could never love you anymore it grows some more. I often wonder how my heart never bursts but somehow manages to hold more love than one could ever think possible.

I marvel at you as you learn and grow everyday. You are crawling and pulling yourself up and walking with a little help. You grasp onto my hands and put one little foot in front of the other, so determined to get where you want to go. I can't believe that those little hands and feet are the same ones I kissed when you were just hours old. I know that in a short time you are going to let go of my hands and you will be off and running.

This year went by so fast. I am in shock. This is one time in my life that I feel as if words cannot do justice to what it feels like to be your Momma. The absolute joy I feel every time you smile at me and kiss me and hug me. The absolute pride I feel when say all of your new words, "hot-ball-balloon-swim-book-baba-bye pop" (your first sentence). The absolute serenity I feel as I rock you to sleep each night. I feel absolutely blessed by God to be your Momma.

If I have said it once, I have said it a thousand times, there is a light within you that is so bright that everyone who crosses your path falls under your spell. And what a spell it is - you are the sweetest, happiest baby in all of the world. Everyone who meets you wants to bask in that light. There is a song that I always think of when I look at you-

In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal

Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace

This miracle God gave to me
gives me strength when I am weak

I find reason to believe

In my daughter's eyes

There is no doubt in my mind that the world is a better and brighter place because you are in it. You embody innocence and goodness, and as you continue to grow I hope that you hold onto these things and live a life full of all the wonderful things you deserve.

Happy 1st Birthday Baby Girl!

I love you with all of my heart Isabella Grace,

Momma

“A baby is God's opinion that life should go on.”
-Carl Sandburg

Isabella's 1st Birthday Party

2009-08-30T20:09:00.011-04:00

Every article you read in parenting magazines and on the web tell you to keep your baby's first birthday party small and simple. Well, I decided not to listen to the experts and throw a bash second only to my wedding. I have been planning for months. I searched the web high and low for the perfect theme, decorations and favors. I chose the theme "1 Upon a Time" as was only fitting for my princess. I filled my house with pink and green banners, pom poms, flowers and balloons. As for the favors for the big kids and the adults, I created a candy buffet which I am sure all the parents loved (ha ha). For the babies, I had snack containers personalized since they could not partake of the plethora of candy.

And all the articles say that the party isn't for the baby but for the mom...blah. blah. They don't know my girl! She was in her element. She looked like an absolute doll in her party dress and her diamond necklace that her daddy bought for her. This picture says it all - It looks as if she is saying, "Let's party!!!!"

She loved being surrounded by all of the people who love her- there were about 80 people here. The only part of the party she didn't like was the cake. She loved the singing and with the help of Alex blew out her candle. Then she started flinging cake - she didn't like the way it tasted. She wouldn't eat any of it. So glad I took the time to make two milk-free smash cakes for her (the first being a trial run).
I know I could have thrown a small little get together to mark the completion of Isabella's first year, but that would not do. There is something larger than life about her. Something that I cannot explain. She is the epitome of joy and happiness. Her eyes and her smile light up the world. And if you know her, you know what I am talking about. It is a testament to how truly special she is that all of those people came to celebrate this milestone in her life.

And even though Isabella won't remember this party, I will, and I can't wait to tell her all about it and show her all of the pictures. I am her Momma and I know if she could have told me what she would have wanted, it would of been the exact party I planned. She is a social butterfly and was as happy as could be the whole day! I can't believe that in two days I will be writing her birthday letter. I just hope I will be able to put into words how much I love her...

PS. Note to all the moms making candy buffets - don't put Nerds out. I am going to be picking those things up off of the floor for months - they are worse than pine needles at Christmas!

What Have You Done With My Children?

2009-08-21T10:33:00.002-04:00

Tick.Tock. 3:54 pm. Tick. Tock. 3:55pm.

I look over at my two children. Alex is having a conversation with his Spider-Man toy. Isabella is chewing on a block. Both perfectly content. Then why am I sweating as I watch the minutes tick by on my watch? Because I know that in T-minus five minutes these two sweet, cheerful children are going to morph into aliens disguised in Gymboree clothing. I know that as soon as the clock strikes the Hour of Oprah, the whining, the crying, and the screaming are going to start and continue for several hours.

My children cannot tell time, so how do they know to fall apart at 4:00 on the dot? Apparently my children are not the only ones. It seems to be a universal pact among children to drive their already exhausted mothers’ mad from the hours of 4:00 -7:00 pm each day. I have had countless conversations about this phenomenon with my sister, women in my book club, ladies in my BUNCO group, and random frazzled mothers in the grocery store. We stand around scratching our heads asking each other:

“Why is it that as soon as I get ready to make dinner, my children melt into puddles of tears at my feet?”
“Why is it that the hours of 4-7 seem to last forever, while nap time goes by in a matter of milliseconds?”
“What possessed me to take my three-year-old and my infant out in public at 4:00 in the afternoon?”

Tick. Tock 3:59 pm. Tick. Tock. 4:00 pm.

Hold on to your patience Momma, here we go! Isabella starts to cry. I pick her up and nurse her. She quiets for a few seconds, before deciding it would be fun to poke and pull at my nipple. No way, sister. I sit her up and start to sing to her. She reaches past me to grab the remote control. She puts it in her mouth. I take it away. She screams. I give her a Batman toy that I find stuck in between the couch cushions. Alex comes running from the other room. “That is mine. She is slobbering all over it.” He takes it away. She screams.

I sit her on the floor with some toys. All is quiet for a few minutes. Alex comes hopping in holding himself, “I gotta pee. I gotta pee. I gotta pee.” He says he needs my help, so off we go. Isabella cannot see me anymore. She screams. The phone rings. It is my husband. “Hey hon, I am going to hit the gym on my way home from work, okay?” Without waiting for a response, one he knows he does not want to hear, he continues, “Jeez, I can hear her crying. I will let you go take care of her. See you in a few hours.” Click.

Tick Tock. 4:59 pm. Tick Tock. 5:00 pm.

Time to start dinner. I put Isabella in her highchair. She starts to fuss. I throw a few Cheerios on her tray as I get the rest of her dinner ready. Alex comes over. “Momma, I am really hungry.” I ask him what he would like to eat. His response, “You know.” Great! Guessing games with a three-year-old, my least favorite game. I start my list of healthy options: cheese, yogurt, cereal, apple. He shakes his head no and wanders off. I go back to cutting up blueberries for Isabella who has by this point eaten or dropped all of her Cheerios and is fussing for more. Alex is back with a popsicle in hand. “Momma, I climbed up on the cooler and opened the freezer door to get my popsicle. I am getting bigger.” I tell him that he can’t have a popsicle before dinner. He whines, he cries, he pouts and says, “I am mad because of you.” Isabella fusses because I have stopped shoveling the strained meat into her mouth. Alex continues to whine, cry, and pout. I crack under the pressure. I tell him he can have it if he promises to eat his dinner, knowing full well, he will no longer be hungry when dinner is served. Dinner! I have to start dinner.
I cut up the vegetables in between feeding Isabella. I have rhythm down, spoonful in mouth, cut up some cucumber, and so it goes for a blissful moment or two. Alex hops down from his chair leaving sticky fingerprints everywhere. “Momma, I gotta poop! NOW!” Off we go. Isabella can’t see me. She fusses. The phone rings. It is my husband. “Just leaving the gym. Going to stop by Home Depot and I will be right home. What’s for dinner?” Click.

Tick Tock. 5:59 pm. Tick Tock. 6:00 pm.

Dinner is underway. By now Isabella has eaten her weight in blueberries and Cheerios in an effort to buy myself a few extra minutes. Alex is begging me to let him eat leftover Easter candy. And even though I am exhausted and would love to collapse in a heap on the sofa, I do the only thing I know will keep them entertained, I turn on the music. We have a dance party! Five songs later, the timer is buzzing and I could swear I heard the garage door open two songs ago. But my husband has not come in the house. I look outside, he is watering the flowers! Doing my best not to lose my temper, I yell out to him to hold the baby while I get dinner on the table.

Dinner is served, and the boys sit down. I stand, balancing Isabella on my hip as I try to cut my chicken one-handed. Alex gets up five minutes later. He is not hungry. Surprise. Surprise. After dinner, we head upstairs to get Isabella ready for bed. Alex is playing with a wooden paddle toy, the kind with the elastic string and the rubber ball. As I am putting pajamas on a squirming Isabella, he is wrapping the elastic string around the doorknob. I ask him several times to stop. He ignores me and the ball breaks off. Then he proceeds to wrap the elastic string around his neck. My husband takes it away and throws it is the trash. Alex collapses into my arms. He sobs as if the dog just died, and I rock him in attempt to comfort and calm him. Isabella begins to screech, “Momma. Momma. Momma.” My husband tries to soothe her. “Momma. Momma. Momma.” Alex continues to weep. My husband looks on in complete dismay. I am ready to run screaming down the street.

Tick. Tock. 6:59 pm. Tick Tock. 7:00 pm

Alex settles after a promise to visit the dollar aisle of Target for a new paddle ball toy. We put Isabella in her crib and cover her up with her blanket. She smiles up at us as her eyes flutter closed and she drifts off to dreamland. My husband offers to give Alex his bath and get him ready for bed. I head downstairs to clean the kitchen and straighten the playroom, but first I make a necessary stop at the wine cooler. I pour myself a big glass of Chardonnay, and toast myself on surviving another evening with my little aliens, I mean children.

2009-08-17T22:33:00.001-04:00

11 Months Old

2009-07-30T20:13:00.004-04:00

Dear Isabella,

I am writing this a day early, because tomorrow we are heading to the beach again for 2 weeks. You still don't like the sand, but you love to sit on the blanket and play with your toys and read your books. You are a girl after my own heart. Once upon a time, I used to spend many a day on the beach reading for hours and hours. Now I am too busy taking care of you and Alex, but I wouldn't have it any other way. We had a fun July 4th, but you were scared of the fireworks. I was holding you tight. You didn't cry, but you buried your head under your blanket and went to sleep.

You are scooting all over the place. You sit on your bottom and bounce to get where you want to go. Sometimes you even bounce and make a complete circle. It is so cute to watch. You are pulling yourself up from a sitting to standing position too! I took you to the doctor this month and you weigh 17 pounds...such a little peanut!

You love when I sing to you. You are starting to learn the hand motions for "If You Are Happy and You Know It," "Itsy Bitsy Spider," and "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes." You are really trying to talk too! You can say "Nana" and today I think you said "Dave."

I am busy planning your 1st Birthday Party! You aren't going to remember but one day I will show you the pictures and you will see how many people loved you and wanted to celebrate your big day. I am in shock that you are turning 1 in a month (and a day). This time last year, I was getting ready for you. I was trying to pack and finish picking out everything for our new house. All I could do was think about you. I thought you were going to come 3 weeks early like your brother, but you didn't. You were content as could be inside me, and as anxious as I was for you to get here, and as hot and big as I was, that last month of my pregnancy was such a special time. I already knew you and loved you so, now all I had to do was see you and hold you in my arms and I knew my life would be complete.

I can't believe that the next letter I write will be your birthday letter. I can't think about it or I will cry. Time is moving too quickly.

I love you so much Angel Pie,

Momma

Alex-isms 6

2009-07-28T21:40:00.003-04:00

Just a few of the funny things that have come out of Alex's mouth lately -

1. I asked Alex where he would go if he go if he didn't stop acting up. His response?
"Jail."
(I was thinking his bedroom, but hey even better).

2. I asked Alex to pick up his game. His response?
"No, Momma it is your responsibility. My responsibility is to take it out and then watch you pick it up."

3. Alex's Nana told him that the color blue is pronounced bl-ue not b-00. His response?
"You say bl and I say boo."

4. I explained to Alex that he needed to have patience and wait for a drink because I was feeding Isabella. His response?
"I know Mom, you are only one person."

My Future is Behind Me

2009-07-15T23:27:00.001-04:00

As I look behind me, I can see what lies ahead. When I gaze into my rear view mirror, I see my future. I see a little man, who at the age of three, loves to sing along to his favorite songs and have the sunroof opened wide because he likes the feeling of the wind in his hair. And with the help of a little mirror that is fastened to the back of her seat, I see a baby girl, who is twirling her little feet and happily chewing on her pacifier. I remember who they were as infants, and I see who they are now in their reflections. But more importantly, I can envision who they will become.

It is so ironic that so much of my past is made up of looking at myself in the mirror. When I was a little girl, I would examine my features to determine whether I looked more like my mom or my dad. In middle school, I spent hours trying to make sense of my suddenly curly hair. In high school, college and beyond, I stood in front of the mirror before countless dances, dates and interviews. Now I am a mother, and when I look into the mirror, I look past my own reflection to watch my children. They are the best reflection of who I am. They are an extension of me. They are my present and my future. I am their Momma, and they are so much a part of me that when I look at them, I see myself more clearly than ever before.

Alex has the biggest brown eyes. And to this day when I look in my rear view mirror, I can see that tiny baby I brought home from the hospital on that cold December day. He wore a knit hat on his head and his bright eyes took in his surroundings as we drove home from the hospital. From that moment I knew he was never going to miss a thing. Now three and a half years later, he is a boy, no longer a baby, but those eyes are the same. They are the windows to his emotions. When he is content, the joy can be seen in his eyes first before a smile even reaches his lips, and when he is angry, his eyebrows tell the story of his woe. In his eyes, I glimpse the baby he was and the man he will become. Alex is strong-willed and intelligent. He has to have things his way. As I spend my days trying to instill in him the importance of sharing, flexibility, and tolerance, I know what tries my patience is part and parcel of him being a little boy. But as I watch him in the rear view mirror and listen to his constant chatter, I can see that his independence, his determination and his stubbornness will always be a part of him. I envision him in elementary school working on a science project and getting frustrated when the outcome does not work out as he was sure it would. Then he is in high school unwavering in his efforts to get into the best college. Once he is there, he is in class arguing an issue and refusing to back down because he believes to be right, because after all, Alex is always right. I also witness the loyal, loving and empathetic Alex. He sings to his sister and makes her laugh as only he can. When she cries, he tells her, “It is okay, I am right here.” He will always be her protector, I know that. He will grow up taking care of his sister, as he will one day take care of his own wife and children. My heart wrenches as I see us dancing on his wedding day. Then he is there as a husband and a father, full patience and devotion and the drive to give them the best life has to offer.

Isabella’s eyes are the brightest blue. People constantly stop me everywhere I go to comment on her striking eyes. “Look at those eyes.” I do. Every chance I get. I am still trying to learn about her, and her eyes teach me something new everyday. I look at her reflection, and her eyes show me she is smiling even though she has the pacifier in her mouth. The day we brought her home from the hospital was as sizzling as Alex’s homecoming was frigid. I looked in the mirror and saw her tiny face and could not believe I had been blessed with another healthy, beautiful child. Images flash. I picture her chasing after her big brother. He is going to teach her all he knows: the good and the bad. Isabella is a Momma’s Girl from the minute she wakes up until I kiss her goodnight. If she is fussy in the car, all I have to do is start talking to her. My voice settles her; her eyes smile. As she grows, I know I will be the one who makes everything better. I am her Momma. I see drama and mischief in those eyes. She is going to give me a bit of trouble here and there. She is going to put her hands on her hips and tell me no. Isabella is very social, and I have a feeling she will have a lot of friends. She is sensitive. Her eyes can go from smiling to tear-filled in a matter of seconds. I can see some tears in her future, but I will be right there to dry them, and Alex will be right there to defend her. My breath catches as I see her walk down the aisle in a gown of white. Her husband and children will know exactly how much she loves them by looking into her eyes. Those blue eyes I see smiling at me everyday in the mirror will light up each and every time she looks at them. She will look at them with the adoration and devotion that only a mother can have.

I know that as I continue down the road with my children, there will be changes. Alex will graduate from a car seat to a booster to the back row of the minivan where he will sit with his buddies. Isabella will twirl her feet on the way to soccer practice and ballet recitals. But I know for sure that there will be a constant in our lives. When I look into that rearview mirror, I will be looking into their eyes. A boy with eyes of brown and a girl with eyes of blue, both miracles, manifestations of the person who loves them most, their Momma.

3 Step Program

2009-07-15T07:58:00.006-04:00

Isabella and I have reached a turning point in our relationship. Although she continues to be a Momma's Girl, she no longer sees me as a food source. I am not sure how to feel about this. I am a little sad. I don't think I was ready for her to give up nursing. It all happened so suddenly.

For almost 10 months, Isabella only wanted to breastfeed. I thought for sure I would be able to nurse her until her first birthday. But I was wrong. A few weeks ago, she started drinking soy formula and with that has now completed a 3 step program to wean herself off of breastfeeding.

Step 1: Decide after several months of spitting the formula out all over clothes that you indeed like it.

Step 2: Bite Momma every time she tries to feed you. Throw in a couple times where you refuse to let go just for effect!

Step 3: Turn your head and refuse to nurse and cry until Momma makes a bottle.

I have to try to look on the bright side of things. Even though my baby is growing up too quickly, here are 3 positive things about no more nursing.

1. This morning at 6 am, she woke up and I tried one more time to nurse her. She looked up and me and started to cry, so for the first time in my life as a mother, I made a bottle at 6 am. She cuddled in my arms drank it as if it was the best tasting thing she had ever ingested. Then she went back to sleep until 8:30! I worked out, took a shower and drank a cup of coffee!

2. Tonight I ate seared tuna.

3. Tomorrow I am calling for my LASIK consultation!

10 Months Old

2009-07-01T22:02:00.004-04:00

Dear Isabella,

Happy 10 month birthday. This month you have learned so many new things. You can blow kisses, you can find your toes, you love to show people your tongue, you can say Alex, but it comes out "Al-ll", and you can sign "more" and "all done." You love to share your food. And today, I swear you said, "hello." You are still not crawling, but you are thinking about it. And I know one day you are going to be off and moving, but right now you are still content to have me carry you around. You are like a little koala bear. Oh and you started drinking soy formula from a bottle. I am still nursing you though, neither of us are ready to give that up. When I think about it, I get all choked up!

You love the baby pool and being outside. You are not too thrilled with the beach. You will not put your toes in the sand. We are heading to the beach for 9 days tomorrow (I should be packing), so hopefully you will change your mind. We will celebrate the 4th of July there. That was the first holiday Daddy and I spent together, so we especially love it! You also are not a big fan of shopping. What is the matter with you? I am sure that will change once you realize that I buy you lots of great clothes. As of now, I end up piling all the bags in the stroller and carrying you around!

You continue to light up every room with your beauty and your adorable personality. It is as if you know you are cute and you know others think so too!

I love you Bella Boo,

Momma

9 Months Old

2009-06-01T10:18:00.009-04:00

Isabella,

Happy 9 Month Birthday. You are such a little social butterfly. You love to smile at people and show them all your tricks! You are a great hand clapper, you show up how big you are, and you hug and kiss complete with pats on the back and kissing sounds. You also love to "beep" noses. You also learned how to say "Pop." Your grandfathers are so happy!We got a new playground this month. You love the baby swing. You are so tiny that if you move your legs you can swing yourself. I had the best Mother's Day because I have the most wonderful kids in the whole world. We went to the beach and the pool this month too. You do not like the cold water. Me neither. You like to sit in the shade just like me! And you look so adorable in your big floppy sun hats. You are eating all kinds of yummy foods. You love blueberries and bagels the best. You still refuse to drink the soy formula, so we will just keep nursing! You still have no interest in crawling or standing, but you love to take rides in the wagon.

You absolutely love your big brother. You grab his face and give him the biggest kisses. You really notice other little kids and always reach out to them. You especially love laughing at all your cousins.

I still can't believe that you are big enough to sit up, eat blueberries, and give kisses. Time is going too fast. And now it is the start of summer, and everyone knows summer goes by the fastest of all the seasons. Soon I am going to have to start planning the big birthday party!

I love you Izzy Bear,
Momma

It's a Bird...It's a Plane...It's

2009-05-01T22:48:00.005-04:00

A Robe and Goggle Wearing, Chopstick Swinging, Super Hero!

8 Months Old

2009-05-01T22:13:00.012-04:00

Dear Isabella,

Here I sit again. You are 8 months old today. I love that you were born on the first of the month. As each month begins, I feel as if a new stage is beginning in your life. You continue to be a Momma's Girl. And you continue to learn new things each day. This month you learned to wave hi and bye and you are working on clapping your hands. You have the idea, but just can't quite make contact. You are officially sitting up - you like to sit on the floor and play with your toys (as long as I am sitting right there with you). You don't have any interest in crawling or rolling, which makes my life a little easier. I know the time is coming when I am going to be chasing you around....
You love having dance parties with Alex and me. Sometimes I hold you and dance around the room. Sometimes I stand you up, and you bounce and bounce. You have gotten 5 teeth in three weeks! The first couple were pretty tough - you were fussy for a few days, but now you are handling it much better. You love Cheerios. You eat them all day. You think you are so cool picking up each Cheerio and putting it in your mouth and chewing it like it is a piece of steak. You do a good job, although sometimes I look over and you have Cheerios stuck to your face! You love apple juice in a bottle, but will still not drink soy formula or water. (I won't tell you that I water down that apple juice so much that it is water with a shot of juice in it!) You love taking baths in the kitchen sink. Last week it was so warm, I opened the kitchen window and you sat in the sink and splashed and splashed.

We have welcomed Spring this month. You love being outside, which means we should buy some stock in sunscreen! You are the fairest one of all.... We have been playing on the deck and taking walks in the stroller and in the wagon. We rock on our front porch rocking chairs. Last week we sat on the front porch and watched a thunderstorm roll in!

You celebrated your first Easter this month. We went to the beach for the weekend with the John side of the family and then came home and had Easter dinner at Nana and Pop Pop's house.
You and I also had our first girl's road trip. We drove to New Jersey to visit "the cousins" and say goodbye to Steph - she went to live in Australia for two years. You also met three of Grandma Mela's sisters. It was so wonderful to see you with them. They fell in love at first sight. It made me feel so good to realize how deep family love goes, and that it only takes a minute for someone to fall in love with you...but then again I already knew that.

I love you Moo Moo,

Momma

Her face is a map of the world

Is a map of the world

You can see she's a beautiful girl

She's a beautiful girl

And everything around her is a silver pool of light
The people who surround her feel the benefit of it

It makes you calm

She holds you captivated in her palm

-KT Tunstall

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T09:18:00.004-04:00

We had a great Easter. This weekend we went to the beach with my family. We played at the playground, went on the boardwalk and ate junk food, we swam in the (indoor) pool, had an (indoor) Easter egg hunt, a big family dinner, and dyed eggs. And that was all BEFORE Easter. On Easter, we woke up and realized the Easter Bunny had hidden the baskets. Alex found them! Then we went to church. After church we drove to Nana and Pop Pop's house. There we had another Easter egg hunt, found the baskets the bunny hid for us there, and had another big dinner. We are so blessed to such wonderful families.

Our 4th Anniversary

2009-04-02T10:37:00.005-04:00

Another year has gone by. We are in our dream home and have a beautiful baby girl. I just watched my wedding video with Alex. Things are so different then they were that day only 4 short years ago. As we were watching, I was noticing how skinny I was, how young Jay looked (you look better now, honey), how some who were there are no longer with us, how some are now married, and how some who were pregnant now have sons that are my son's friends.

Four years ago, Jay danced with me. Today, as we watched, Alex danced with me. I told him, half jokingly, that this was the last day of my life that was "all about me." In just a few weeks we would find out about him. And he said, "Yea, Mom. It is all about me, now!"

I am not going to lie - my life does revolve around my kids. But my husband is my life. He is strong and good and hardworking. He isn't afraid to say he is sorry. He loves his children with an unending patience. On this day, I think back to our wedding day and before. I remember the first day I met him at a party in Canton when I "had him from hello," our first date in Federal Hill when he kissed me, and all the ballgames, dinners and drinks, beach trips, and hurricanes and blizzards we shared in those few first years. Yes, things are so different now. But in the best way. We now have not only each other but our babies, and we have so many "little moments" that make up each and every day and each and every memory.

I love you, Jay. Happy Anniversary.

7 Months Old

2009-04-01T22:16:00.015-04:00

Dear Isabella,

Another month has passed. It seems as if each month goes by faster than the last. You have grown and changed so much during this past month. There is so much to say, but I have decided to narrow my thoughts into my top ten most favorite things about you.

10. You love to eat. You will devour any baby food - peas, prunes, turkey that smells like dog food.... This wasn't always the case. Last month, I could barely get you to eat your baby food. You say "baba" when you want to eat and even make little chewing motions with your mouth. And although you still won't take a bottle, you love to nurse. And that is my most favorite time. It is so adorable how you can smile up at me and nurse at the same time.

9. You have lots of little tricks. You can make the "AHHHH" sound with your hand and your mouth. You like to stick out your tongue. You love to play "peek-a-boo." You can "beep" my nose. You give the best kisses too! And you have found your feet. You love to hold onto both of them at the same time.

8. Speaking of your feet. I love how they are constantly in motion. You are always twirling your ankles and moving your toes. I can imagine you someday as a ballerina or maybe as a soccer player.

7. I was able to put a bow in your hair for the first time this month. Need I say more?

6. You are sleeping about 12 hours a night. Every night, I put you in your pajamas, nurse you, rock you, sing to you and read to you. And then I lay you in your crib and you hold your giraffe and your doll. I cover you up, and say, "May God bless you." And then you go right to sleep.

5. Your belly laughs. I love making you laugh. But no one can make you laugh like Alex. You are his biggest fan.

4. The way you look at your daddy...like he hung the moon (which he did). You say "Dada." It was your first word.

3. The way you act shy when someone talks to you. You give them a shy little smile and then you put your head on my shoulder and look up at them with those big blue eyes. You sure know how to melt a heart.

2. When you cuddle. You are still a Momma's Girl. You want me to hold you all of the time. You love to sit on my lap and cuddle. You touch my face and even hold onto my hair. I cannot even leave your sight for a minute. And that leads us to my #1 favorite thing....

1. When you say "Momma." There is nothing as sweet as the sound of you saying my name.

Happy 7th Month!
I love you my little Kissaroo,
Momma

Lullabies

2009-03-27T22:01:00.002-04:00

Alex and I were putting Isabella to bed tonight. We were singing songs and saying our prayers. When he was a baby, I made up a silly song that I always sing to him. He wanted to sing it to her tonight.

Do you know how much I love you?

Do you know how much I care?

You're my pumpkin.

You're my pie.

You're the apple of my eye.

Do you know how much I love you?

Do you know how much I care?

You're my pride.

You're my joy.

You're my little baby boy...

When we got to the last line he laughed and said to Isabella, "No, you're my little baby girl. You are my sweetheart!"

As if that weren't enough to bring me to tears, then he told me he wanted to sing her another lullaby. And here are the words he sang as he held his baby sister's hand...

Go to sleep.

Go to sleep little baby.

Close your eyes.

Snuggle down.

And rest your little head.

Shut your eyes and go to sleep.

I will give you a kiss goodnight.

When you wake up and see the sun,

you will have my wish.

I asked him where he learned it, and he said from Max and Ruby. I have spent the past hour trying to find it online so I can see the real words, but I cannot find it. I guess the real words don't really matter anyway. What matters is how much my little boy loves my little girl. There is nothing else in this world that matters as much as this.

Alex-isms 5

2009-03-27T21:20:00.005-04:00

Sometimes I think Alex doesn't listen to a word I say. But I could not be more wrong. He quotes me on a daily basis, and in the correct contexts too!

I have been known to say to Jay at the end of a long day, "I am so done!" He was mad at Jay and told him, "I am so done with you, Daddy."
His friend Brody was upset the other night and Alex told him, "You just need to calm down."
Alex has been saying a bad word or two lately. I have threatened to wash his mouth out with soap, and actually followed through with it once. Tonight Jay said "stupid," and Alex didn't miss a beat..."Momma, get the soap and wash out Daddy's mouth. Daddy, your mouth will burn!"
I HATE whining! Alex gets NO WHERE with me when he whines. Tonight at dinner, Jay kept telling him to eat. Alex looked at him and said, "I will...if you stop whining."

Alex-isms 4

2009-03-27T20:47:00.004-04:00

It has been awhile since I have written an entry - life can really get away from you sometimes. But thankfully, I have been keeping notes on some of the funny things Alex has been saying lately.

Alex is Mr. Literal. He loves to correct other people every chance he gets. For instance, "I didn't hurt my finger Mom, I hurt my thumb." "It is not a diaper Mom, it is a pull-up."
Alex has a way with words. Sometimes that boy can melt my heart. The other day he said, "You are the best Mommy I ever had in my whole life." And he can break my heart too. I always tell him that even when I am mad at him, I still love him everyday. Today he was mad at me and said, "Mommy, I don't like you on any days." (He later changed his mind-Thank GOD).
Alex is up-to-date on current events. Whenever Barack Obama comes on television, he says, "That's A-Rock Obama. He is our President."
Alex is interested in learning about God. Last week after we said our prayers I was telling him how God watches out for us. He asked me, "Where is God? I can't see Him." We went to church on Sunday. It had been awhile since I have taken him with me. We were a few minutes late. We were standing in the back. He said, "Come on Mom. Let's go in. We are missing all the fun." Then he pointed to the priest and asked, "Is that God?" Once we were seated in the pew, he was sitting quietly. The little girl behind him kept talking to him. He turned around and said, "Shh! You have to be quiet in here!"
Alex is very detail oriented. When he tells a story he gives you all the details. For instance here is his rendition of what happened the other night when the smoke detectors went off, which he tells anyone and everyone who will listen. "You know those round things (smoke detectors)? Well, Daddy was cooking on the grill. And he opened the door and smoke came in. And the round things started making a lot of noise. And they were saying FIRE! FIRE! And daddy was trying to hush them. I was crying. Momma had to drive Izzy Bizzy and me around the neighborhood. We were looking for deer. Then the fire truck came and the men - one was wearing a green shirt - came inside to check out the problem. Then they said everything was okay and there was no fire. So then it was okay for us to come back inside. Daddy let me stay up late and watch Clone Wars and Scooby Do. I fell asleep on the couch. The next day I got a fire truck toy!" Not only is his story detailed - it is accurate too!

6 Months Old

2009-03-01T19:44:00.014-05:00

Dear Isabella,
Happy 6th Month Birthday. Six months ago tonight visiting hours were over, and Daddy and I were alone with you for the first time. Our sweet tiny baby girl. We touched your little face, hands, and feet. How things have changed. Now it is you who reach out and touch our faces and our hands. And you love to hold onto your own little feet.

This month you went on your first family vacation. We went to South Seas Plantation on Captiva Island in Florida. We had a great time, and you loved putting your feet in the sand. You weren't too happy about the pool though! We also celebrated your first Valentine's Day, "Our Little Love."
You have become such a little Momma's Girl. If you are awake, you want me to hold you. You have been crying at nap time and bedtime until I pick you up. You still smile at everyone, but if I am there you want me! I absolutely love it, but I get nothing done. I have been putting you in the sling. You are as happy as can be, all cuddled up next to me holding your Giraffe. I am cherishing how much you need me and want me all the time. I can't imagine a time when it will be different.

The past 6 months have been the best of my life. I can't believe that in six more months we will be celebrating your first birthday. I hope the time goes slowly, but if the past six months are any indication, I know it won't. I promise to savor every moment.

Love you Busy Bee,
Momma

It's My Potty...

2009-02-28T09:06:00.005-05:00

Exciting news in the Beynon house! After months, and I mean months, of ZERO interest in potty training, Alex has now decided to "get the hang of it." (His words not mine!) Tuesday he came home from school and put on his Spider-man undies and that was that! In just a few short days, he has gone from needing me in there reading to him to needing "privacy." And his "wee-wee" is now a "wiener." We have had a few minor setbacks: "Momma, my legs are all wet." "Momma, it just came out!" But other than that he is officially a BIG BOY!

5 Months Old

2009-02-01T20:29:00.005-05:00

Dear Isabella,

It was 5 months ago today that you came into this world. And I know I say this every month, but where has the time gone? I feel like every time I go to get you out of your crib, you are bigger and your smile is brighter.

That smile of yours is the most beautiful thing in the world. Your eyes, which are still as blue as can be, smile right along with that cute little bow of a mouth. The phrase "Happy Baby" is used to describe you all the time!

Everyone always comments on your blue eyes and fair skin. Your Nana and your Pop both have blue eyes, so that is where you get yours. I wonder if they will stay blue? I am guessing the fair skin must have come from your Grandma John and your "Great-Aunt" Kathy. It certainly didn't come from Momma. Your skin is so sensitive too. You get rashes and eczema all the time and even had hives this month. When I give you a bath, I put baby oil on you and you are so slippery to hold, but it seems to help!

This month you tried rice cereal for the first time. You like to take the spoon away from me and put it in your own mouth. You also tried formula - but that is when you broke out in hives. We hope you are not allergic. We have to wait a few weeks to try it again.

We have been working on napping and sleeping in your crib. You were sleeping through the night, but then you started waking up every few hours. I think that had to do with having a cold and a cough. You seem to be feeling better, so hopefully you will start sleeping longer at night again.

We get such a kick out of watching you reach for things now. You love to reach your little hands out to your toys, to our faces, and especially to Alex's hair. Sometimes you grab onto it, but he doesn't even mind. You can do no wrong in his eyes...yet (ha ha).

You are our little doll. I say "our" because if I ever call you "mine," Alex always corrects me. He says you are "Our Baby." And he is right. You not only fill my heart with the joy of being able to watch you learn and grow, but you are the most important thing in the world to your daddy and brother too!

Love You Sweet Cheeks - Momma

Alex-isms 3

2009-01-18T11:55:00.006-05:00

Today my Alex-isms are in categories.

Bathroom Business (or Not)

Alex refuses to go to the bathroom on the potty. I accidently on purpose ran out of diapers. We tried going right to underwear, but he peed right through them and his pants, socks, shirt, and onto his chair. So, he is wearing pull-ups, which he claims hold a little bit of pee and poop. He says he will go on the potty when he is a big boy. He says that right now he is a small boy. And every time I say he is a big boy, he responds, "No, I am'nt. I am just a small boy." When I ask him when he will be a big boy he says, "In a couple of days..." He has been saying that for weeks.
The other day I took him to the doctor because he had a rash on his face. When we told him that he couldn't kiss Isabella he said, "But it is just so hard not to kiss her." Doctor V. said he could kiss her when the rash on his face went away. He said, "I only get rashes on my butt when I poop in my diaper and it is in there the whole day!" He sure has a knack for turning my words around - What I say to him when he doesn't want his diaper changed is, "If you sit in your poop all day, you will get a rash." He also told Dr. V. that I fell down the steps holding Isabella. I quickly added that it was only the last few steps and I didn't drop her! Hopefully there won't be a knock at my door from Social Services.
When I told Alex that if he went on the potty, I would be so proud, he said, "Yea. That's the spirit!"

Meany!

When Alex says something mean, I always pretend I didn't hear him. I say, "I didn't hear you. I hope you didn't say something mean." His response? "I was just talking."
Or sometimes instead of saying the mean word (usually stinky or stupid), he will say, "You are a uhh. uhh."
But my favorite was the other day. I was bouncing him on my lap. He said to me, "Stop doing that. It makes me want to say a mean word." Well excuse me!

How Old Are You?

(Or as my sister says, "Not a Normal Three-Year Old")

We were heading home last Friday after being out all morning. I told him that my friend was coming over with her baby. Alex didn't seem too thrilled. I told him that Bryson was Isabella's friend so he could play in his playroom while they were over. He said, "Good. I really need some alone time."
When the wind blows he says, "The wind in my ears makes me crazy."

Happy Birthday, Finley Clark

2009-01-14T17:17:00.004-05:00

Today, my niece Finley was born. She is adorable and has the chubbiest little cheeks. She is the 4th little girl to be born into the family in 2 years. Alex is the only boy surrounded by all girls. Poor guy. Jay thinks Alex is so lucky, because he will get to date all of his sister's and cousins' friends someday. When I met Jay, the boys outnumbered the girls, but not anymore....Within 7 years, two daughter-in-laws and 4 granddaughters have joined the family.

So, in the words of the Pink Ladies in Grease 2, "The Pink Lady pledge is to act cool,to look cool and to be cool, till death do us part. Think Pink!!" I think it should be the new family motto. Don't you?

Alex-isms 2

2009-01-03T00:04:00.003-05:00

Here is another installment of the funny things Alex says!

Alex put on his sunglasses the other day and said, "Lookin' goooood."
I asked Alex who made him so cute. He replied, "I did it myself." Later, I asked him again and he said, "Daddy." Then I asked him who made him so weird. He replied, "You."
Alex had his first bout of the stomach flu. After he threw up for the 3rd time he said, "I am broken." And after the 7th, he said, "I am messed up!" After the 10th, he didn't have anything to say!
Today we went to the Baltimore Aquarium. (Note: NO STROLLERS allowed - wish we would have known this little fact ahead of time). He said wistfully, "I wish I was a shark, so I could live in the Aquarium." Excuse us!
Afterwards we were walking around the harbor. Alex was eating an Italian ice even though it was 40 degrees out. I asked for some, and he said, "Momma, you just drink your water. You can get a snack when we get home." He did give me a kiss which he dubbed the "Strawberry Italian Ice Kiss."

Daddy's Girl

2009-01-02T23:43:00.002-05:00

Not only does Isabella look just like Jay, especially when she yawns (weird, but true); but she is tall like him too! Today at her four month check-up, she measured 26 inches long. She is in the 95th percentile for her height. Lord knows she doesn't get it from me! She is 13 pounds 4 ounces (50th percentile). Alex was 17 pounds 4 ounces at four months. No wonder why we called him "Meatball." Dr. V. said she is doing well. He said I could start feeding her cereal! What!?? I feel like she is still a newborn. Tonight is the first night that she is sleeping in her crib....the first night in four months that she isn't cuddled in between us. She is not taking it so well. It took an hour of crying before she fell asleep only to wake up screaming an hour and a half later. But she is back asleep now. If she only knew that this is harder on me then it is on her. Time is moving too fast...I don't think I am ready for her to be big enough to sleep in her own room. So, I am thinking that if she cries in the middle of the night, I will go and get her. I mean if she makes it half the night in her own room, that is a good start, right?

4 Months Old

2009-01-01T11:06:00.004-05:00

Dear Isabella,

Happy New Year, Baby. You are also 4 months old today. You had a big 2008! The first four months of your life were filled with excitment. Last week, we celebrated your first Christmas. You looked on in wide-eyed wonderment...just taking it all in. Next Christmas will be a different story, I am sure! You also mastered rolling over from your belly to your back this week. Every time you do it, you look so surprised.

This month, you went from being the best sleeper in the world to a not-so-great one. You usually fall asleep for an hour around 8 or 9 and then wake up. You don't go back to sleep until 11 or 12. Your evenings tend to be your "fussy-time." But I just hold you, walk around with you, or pat your bottom until you settle down. Last night, I rang in the new year with you fast asleep on my chest. I couldn't think of a better way to start 2009.

I talk to you in sing-song voice when you are crying. It is the same thing I used to do when your brother was a baby, and for some reason it works. The words are simple but true. "It's okay, your momma's right here and it's okay. " As I was saying these words to you over and over last night, I began thinking about what 2009 holds for you. It is going to be a year of firsts for you. It is going to be the year you taste your first foods, the year you first start to crawl, the year you get your first tooth, the year you take your first step...and my resolution as your momma is to be right here for every milestone. There is no place I would rather be!

I love you,
Momma

1st Christmas

2008-12-27T11:05:00.001-05:00

Christmas 2005

Christmas 2008

One Year Ago...

2008-12-27T09:51:00.002-05:00

It was one year ago today that I found out I was pregnant. I took a pregnancy test as I was about to get in the shower, even though I felt for sure it was going to be negative AGAIN this month. When I got out of the shower, I held the test in my shaking hand and sure enough there was the faintest of faint lines. I was pregnant. I ran downstairs to the basement calling to Jay in a slightly hysterical tone...I showed him the test, and of course he wasn't convinced. So off to Walmart we went to buy some more. Again the lines were so faint, we almost couldn't see them. I went to the lab and had blood work done, only to be told not to go on my vacation (as I was on the plane) because they thought it was a good possibility I would miscarry. Well, I went on that vacation with my husband, my beautiful son, and our family. I had a good time, and I prayed a lot. And when I got back home, I was still pregnant. And a year later, my perfect little girl is sleeping soundly next to her daddy...and my life is complete.

Alex-isms

2008-12-21T15:05:00.002-05:00

I am thinking I better write some of the funny things Alex says down so I don't forget them.

Jay put salmon cream cheese on Alex's bagel. Alex took a bite and said, "Yum. I like sushi-bagels."
When Alex is doing wants to do something he says, "Yes, I am." When he doesn't want to do something he says, "No, I am'nt."
Today after brushing his teeth he said, "Look Momma, my teeth are sparkly-clean. Now they are ready to crunch."