Naughty or Nice?

Abby was just informed by Santa she is on the naughty list this year. Aidan made it on the nice list and is quite happy.

Tooth #11 & 12

Abby cut teeth #11 & 12 today. She's been fussy off and on the last few weeks with all FIVE of these teeth popping through! She just got her lower left molar and the final bottom left tooth next to the front ones. So she's got four front top, four front bottom, and four molars. And she's adorable! Thankfully she's not biting often anymore, but still gets Aidan once in a while.

15 Months

{15 month visit~took all three shots without a single whimper but wanted those bandaids off ASAP}

Abby is:

20lbs, 6oz. {14th %ile}
30in. {36th %ile}
18.3in. head circumference {68th %ile}

What a little peanut!!! She's so stinking adorable and smart and funny and so much more. She is willing to do and try anything to be just like her big brother, Aidan. She's got a little attitude and knows what she wants. She has Aidan beat on temper tantrums and I try my best not to laugh at her. I'm pretty sure she thinks she is much older than 1. Here's a little peek into her world:

• Wearing 12-18 month (pants), 18/18-24 month clothes
• Still in size 3 diapers
• Shoes are around a 5
• loves to snack, especially on goldfish and puffs
• eating mostly table foods, but still getting some veggie purees
• nursing 2-3 times a day (wake-up, after work, bed time)
• loves cuddling with Toby and giving him treats
• feeds her babies and rocks them
• will try climbing anything in her way
• enjoys cuddling with Daddy the most
• always on the go

We're very blessed to have two amazing kids that make us smile every day. Abby makes so many people smile besides just us too. And I can't even count the number of people who say how beautiful she is. But, we already know that. She's both beautiful and smart. And she's our little Abby girl. 

My thoughts on life right now:

I can't believe it's been 15 months that she's been out of my belly! 

Some days it feels like she's still an infant and others that she's turning into a little girl. 

buddies

It's so great to have little ones close in age. When Aidan was born he was the only child between all of our family and friends for quite a while. Then came our friends' daughter Madison, then Abby, then Aubrey (Madison's sister), and then Landon (A&A's cousin).  Landon is 7 months old, Aubrey is 9, and Abby 15. Landon wasn't so sure about sharing his bath time, but Aubrey and Abby loved it...and I don't have a pic, but at one point Aidan and Madison jumped in too! Now that's efficient bathing.

{Landon, Abby, & Aubrey}

{Buddies: Aidan & Madison}

Tooth #10

Tooth #10 is in for Abby. It's still not the fourth bottom one, but instead her bottom right molar. That leaves us one more molar that will probably follow this one shortly. She's had a terrible runny and congested nose and some nasty diapers that I'm hoping will stop once these molars are in.

Tooth #8 & 9

Well at least there's an explanation for Abby's moodiness the past few days....tooth #8 came in overnight. And it's not the fourth bottom tooth like I expected it would be. Instead it's her top left one year old molar! Those things are miserable! So now I wonder if shell get more or take a little while for another. It's so funny how Aidan had 12 teeth by this age or close to it and Abby is taking her good old time.

Top right came in a few hours later!

The little things

In the middle of nursing Abby after her nap I say "you're such a pretty girl". She nodded and I asked her if she just nodded yes and she stops to giggle. I love that she knows she is beautiful. I only hope she grows up knowing just how beautiful and smart she is.

My thoughts on life right now:
Still nursing, because that's what works for us and it is our choice.
Happy to have this as a place to keep track of the "little things" and only wish I could record every single one of them.
Trying to live in the moment.

Fall Cuties

Aidan & Abby are having a great Fall. Aidan is loving every single moment of Pre-K. We have heard nothing but good things from those who have seen him in school or parents of classmates. He's a great friend and helper as well as polite. We couldn't be more proud of him. Sean's quite proud that we heard he's probably the class heartthrob. He's also winning a lot of "crab races" in gym class. Abby is also doing a great job going to the library with mom-mom and hanging out with her buddies Josh and Camryn the rest of the week. We love the little crafts she brings home from the library and it reminds us of when Aidan went at that age. She's already a little mommy and loves to take care of her babies and also make sure to bring us things that we're missing...like shoes, remote, cell phones, and anything else we've put down. The two of them are growing up so fast.  

{Happy Halloween!!!}

{Pumpkin picking at his friend's birthday party}

{Walking to Aidan's soccer game on a chilly, Fall day}

Tooth #7

Tooth number 7 popped through this weekend for Abby. It's on the bottom right next to the middle ones. I can't imagine her with anything but those two bottom teeth and the four on top but her little smile will soon be changing.

Dragon Run 2012

34:20 chip time

While I had hoped to run it a little quicker, I know I put my all into it. It was quite a tough course with hills, but it was a good time. Meagan and I ran this together, which I was glad about since we ran well together for the Wild Half 8k in August. She pushes me when I need it and reminds me to slow my breathing when I'm hurting (and breathing like a 90 year old woman with asthma). She rocks as my running partner! Now I'd like to get back into a habit of running twice a week and getting to the gym at least once. I've got at least five pounds I'd like to drop, but really I'd like to tone up what I've got hanging around. Hopefully I can find time to make it happen!

Oh, and Sean rocked this race! He was 24th out of almost 500 runners! That's awesome. 

My thoughts on life right now:

I need to get back into a running routine.

Maybe that would help relieve some stress and help me sleep better.

I'm proud of me for running, considering I was never a runner, ever.

'Twas the Night Before Pre-K...

...and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, well, at least not a mouse. The daddy was watching football with the guys, the mommy was trying to not let out any cries. The sister and brother asleep in their beds, with visions of Mickey Mouse in their sweet little heads.

Okay, enough avoiding the facts. Aidan is heading to Pre-K tomorrow. Yup, my sweet little guy is going to real school. This isn't his first experience in school as he did go to preschool as a two and three year old. So this will be his 3rd first day of school. Though you wouldn't know it by the way he was staying *thisclose* to Sean and I during orientation. I'm pretty sure that he's really excited and only a little nervous but only about riding the bus. Me, well, I've been keeping busy enough in my classroom prepping for my students that I haven't had the time to just sit and think about how my little guy is growing up so fast. But, I'm holding on to the fact that I still have three years before Abby goes to pre-k. :)

Tonight I tucked in my little guy for the last time as a preschooler. We enjoyed a great book, The Brave Little Bird. It's a great little book about a determined little bird who is afraid of heights. It comes time for him to leave the nest and find his own way. He crosses a big fence, wide river, and busy road. He proves to be braver than he thinks when he does all of those tasks and conquers his fear by climbing a tree and flying away, leading his sisters and brothers. As I finished the book, I hoped that Aidan would run, hop, swim, burrow, and climb his way through life leading the way as he goes. He is my brave little bird. I know he can do it and I know we'll be there for him when he needs the encouragement to be brave.

My thoughts on life right now:
I WILL see him off on the bus for Kindergarten.
I'm thankful Sean is home and can get him on and off the bus. 
I pray for guidance, strength, and safety. 
I am going to be exhausted tomorrow afternoon. 

Happy 1st Birthday Abigail Rose!

I truly can't believe my sweet baby girl is one today! One whole year old!

Abby girl, At 10:40am on August 25, 2011 you entered this great big world and have brought joy to everyone you have met since then. This past year has been the fastest year ever. It has also been one of the hardest, yet most rewarding as well. You might wear me out most days with your running around and getting into things, but you make me smile every day. You are one silly girl who knows when and what to do to make us laugh, especially at dinner time when it's fairly quiet. Somehow that's always when you decide to crack up laughing to get all the attention just because, and then we always join in because you are just too cute and funny not to laugh with. You make us all so incredibly happy.

{Love at first sight for Daddy}

{Mommy was happy you were finally here}

{Our last monthly picture}

Wow. The last monthly picture. Yup, at this point the screen is so blurry from my tears I'm not even sure I can write this post. Whew. Deep breaths. Seriously, one? How did this happen so fast? I'm pretty sure I still remember having you in my belly and feeling all those kicks, though it does seem so long ago we were dealing with every two hour feedings, newborn cries, and holding and changing you so delicately because we were afraid to hurt you. Now it's every three hour feedings with some sleeping through the night happening lately, toddler whines, and wrestling you to the floor to change you. You are so cute and so funny though it's hard to get frustrated with you. 

Here's a little peek into your great big toddler world:

• practically running around the house now
• can climb up steps, and even come down one or two
• keep trying new foods with you even though most of the time you try to hand them back after chewing a bit
• cheerios are a big hit
• enjoying your baby dolls
• love to pet Toby and always call for "woof"
• chatting up a storm and trying new words all the time
• love the bath and pool
• swinging and going for wagon rides are outside favorites
• Aidan is your best bud and you want to do everything he is doing
• you give lots of kisses and hugs now
• still nursing, though I'm trying to cut back to just wake-up and bedtime
• drink whole milk, though it usually has to be warmed
• wearing size 12 months clothes
• wearing size 3 diapers
• probably a size 4.5 shoe right now
• and I'll update your growth stats after the appointment

So baby girl, I'm not sure how the past year flew by so quickly, but I do know that it was one of the best years of my life. We were blessed with an amazing daughter who is the perfect sibling for Aidan. You make us laugh and smile and appreciate so many of the littler things in life. Love you SOOO much!

My thoughts on life right now:

I need more tissues.

Best year ever. 

So blessed. 

Chh chh chh changes...

Too many to be quite honest! I don't do well with change, not at all. And the end of August is going to drive me straight down Stress Street. Maybe if I get it all out in the blog I'll be a little calmer about all the things to come. And maybe, just maybe, I'll realize that I'm not the one in control and it'll have to be okay. Because everything always works out, right?

• Abby turns one.
• started the transition to whole milk and trying to cut back on nursing her. never thought I'd make it more than a few weeks and now we're having a harder time weaning. what an emotional rollercoaster in more ways than one.
• blessed to have two healthy, amazing children. doubly blessed that we have a boy and a girl. wondering if this is it for us, or if there's more to come. if she is my last baby i want to soak up every second of the tiny tot stages.

• Aidan goes to preschool.
• he'll ride a bus. and i won't be driving. nor will i be buckling him in to be sure he's 100% safe and protected. i won't be there if anything happens or to make sure there's no bullies. because yes, even preschoolers can get bullied. 
• he'll be in the public school which is fabulous, but it's just one step closer to the big K and that is just crazy. he was just a tiny baby not so long ago. how can he be in real school already? 
• how will he deal with a new school? new teacher? new friends? will he be nervous? will he remember to use the bathroom?

• I'm teaching a new-to-me class.
• i haven't even thought about this kind of class since college.
• i don't know how i'll run the room.
• i hate transitioning into something new.
• i'll have two aides, which means micromanaging. and also means that they could potentially think it's okay to have a whole lot of social time and i hate confrontation.
• did i mention i've never done it before?
• i am my biggest critic, and while i know i can be a good teacher, i worry that my best isn't good enough sometimes.

• Abby is going to two places. 
• Kathy will be watching Abby twice a week and Jeneen three times a week. 
• family is a little more accepting of the rough days and difficult kids, just hoping a friend will be too (I know she will, I guess I'm just worried she'll tire of Abby quickly).
• will abby be okay with two different places? will she eat well? nap well? still get to go to story time at the library with mom-mom? 
• will i remember where i'm taking her on which day? will i get to work on time?

ugh. i think that's all for now. but i'm not promising i won't come back and add more. and i'll admit to deleting some others that typing them out made me realize how ridiculous it was to be worrying about it. 

My thoughts on life right now:

worrying has got to be a genetic trait. thanks mom. :p

am i the only one who likes needs to have so much control?

when will i be able to just loosen up?

Run, Staci, Run!!!

February 13, 2012 was the start of my new beginning. The one where I tried to make myself love running, and though I may not actually love the act of it, I love the feeling after completing a run and the results I'm seeing in the mirror. I started Couch to 5k that day and began a new outlook on running. At the end of April I ran my very first 5k (Phillies Charities 5k), then I ran two more in May. One for Juvenile Diabetes and one for my school's PTO. Friends started discussing running the Wild Half Marathon and the 8k on August 26th and all I was thinking was how Abby would turn one the day before. 

Fast forward to a run a couple of month ago where it hit me. The whole reason I started running was to feel better, not just for me, but for my kids. I was sluggish and tired all the time with little to no energy to play. I didn't want to be that mom. I wanted to have energy, be fun, and yeah...look pretty good while doing it. So that's when I convinced Sean to do the half marathon that he showed interest in and I'd sign up for the 8k. Once we got the logistics of staying somewhere and babysitters, I committed to running it. 

Today I laced up my shoes and tried completed the longest run I've ever done. 4 miles. 4 whole miles. Crazy! I've never run 4 miles in my life but today I did it. And when I felt so tired and sore that I just wanted to stop and walk home, I thought about my kids. About how I want to be around for a really long time for them. About how I want to have the energy and ability to play all day with them. And that's when I pushed myself that much harder to keep going, to finish that whole 4 miles. And when I was done? Well, I looked down at my MapMyRun app and was mad at myself for not going a little further so I could have "closed" the rectangle I drew on the map with the GPS tracking! ha! There's that self-guilt again. But then I stopped and thought "wow. I really just ran four miles. I did it. And to think it's only been six months of irregular running." I'm pretty proud of myself. 

{Avg. 11:55 min/mi...slow & steady}

My thoughts on life right now:

It may not have been the fastest I've ever run, but I ran.

My work clothes may actually fit me this year.

I need to keep up this healthy habit. 

11 months

Seriously, where has the time gone? I've procrastinated big time on writing this post but you didn't know that since I backdated :). The fact that my little Abby girl turns one in a month makes me want to cry, but at the same time, it's so exciting. So here's a peek into Abby girl's world:

• walking! All over the place!
• can climb steps, and has learned how to come down the step from the kitchen to the family room
• gives her stuffed animals hugs, and Aidan & Mommy & Daddy too
• gives great big open mouth kisses and says "mmmmmah"
• blows kisses, but sort of pats her mouth and makes noise
• waves 
• loves "pattycake" and "itsy bitsy spider"
• loves sitting on laps and reading books and already wants to be the page turner
• pretends to talk on the phone remote or anything else that can be a phone and will put her hand to her ear when the phone rings
• points and yells at the pantry door when she wants something other than what's on her tray
• can scribble with a crayon or the travel magna doodle
• shakes her head no, and will sometimes say "mo"
• drinks from sippy cup and straw cup and wants any cup that isn't her's
• loves chicken nuggets
• will try any food from someone else's plate
• enjoys playing with the play kitchen
• wearing 12 months clothes, size 3 diapers
• still nursing, and since she brought me the boppy today I think weaning will be harder than expected...heck, I never thought I'd make it this far and for that to be my biggest problem is nothing!
• waking up at least once a night for some nursing and cuddle time with me
• doing anything she can to keep up with Aidan
• loves, loves, loves Toby...she pets him at any chance she can and he's been great with her
• Pretty chatty and can say: mom, da, pop-pop, puff, woof, ball, up
• Some words she attempts: bear & bird (bah), Aidan, Landon, dog (gog), boob yes, for real, hello

So, that's a peek into the world of Abby girl. And much too soon I'll be writing her 1st birthday post. And I should probably be working on her party stuff but part of me is in denial and sad and the other part is just plain exhausted. 

My thoughts on life right now:

We are so incredibly blessed with two amazing children. 

I can't believe that a year ago Abby was snuggled in my belly still. 

Tooth #6!

Tooth number six popped through yesterday. It's the left one next to the middle. Hopefully once this one is in all the way she will sleep a little better through the night for me since that's not happening!

Fun in the Sun

{NWW 7.2.12}

Abby loves the sand, but thankfully does not eat it, just little tastes here and there. She crawls all over in it and will even sit down by the water and play in that sand and the little waves. Aidan, of course, is still our sunglasses wearing beach bum. This is the first summer he didn't have a navy blue shark wide brimmed hat from Gymboree, so his hair is lightening up and showing a little auburn tint to it. He still loves his sunglasses though since the sun is "too bright". I'm so thankful we can vacation with our little ones and they can have a great time. And even more thankful that I have help when Sean is back home working.

My thoughts on life right now:

Life is good. 

One day I'll own a shore house, even if it is when I'm old enough to have grandchildren to make memories with. 

Tooth #5!

Well, #4 popped through around June 23rd and today I noticed #5. It's the one next to the top right. I wonder if the rest will pop through quickly now.

My thoughts on life right now:
My baby girl is growing up so fast!!! I can't believe it. 

10 months

Oh my goodness, I keep telling myself I'm not really sitting down to write this 10 month blog post. Maybe that's why I skipped the 9 month one. Maybe, just maybe, I'm in denial that my baby is so close to turning a year old. And that, folks, I'm a little sad about. I know with Aidan I was excited to get to all the milestones, partly because they were new, and partly because it was exciting and fun. With Abby though, it's only new to her, and knowing that she may be my last baby I want time to slow down to a crawl. I want those milestones to happen, but at a much slower pace. And guess what? They are happening sooner with her than with him. As much as I want her to be that wonderful smelling newborn, she is an amazing little almost toddler baby girl. So, enough of my sob story about how I'm not ready for her to grow up so fast and on to what this little cutie is up to lately:

• crawling super fast, especially when you chase her or tell her no
• can pull herself to standing, and sometimes lets go
• walks behind "Rocket" walking toy 
• can climb steps
• has 5 teeth (as of 7/3) middle bottom and top two and right top
• says mama, gaga (for dada and most things), gog (for dog), and makes a whole lot of other noise
• loves to squeal, especially if Aidan is playing around with her
• has the most adorable little giggle ever, seriously
• loves to go for walks in the wagon and stroller
• has had a few tastes of vanilla ice cream, and loves it!
• still wearing size 3 diapers
• wearing 12 months clothes
• still nursing (yay! and sooo much cheaper than formula)
• likes most baby foods, but isn't so happy with finger foods
• loves puffs, sometimes likes baby goldfish crackers, likes graham crackers   
• tries to blow kisses, but usually just pats her mouth and hums at the same time
• gives lots of open mouth slobbery kisses
• hugs, and will sometimes even pat you on the back if you pat her back first
• requires a baby gate system unlike Aidan so she doesn't get into everything, especially the tv

So, that's a little about our baby girl. Oh, one more thing, a few months ago I was so excited to be "pinning" all kinds of ideas and things to do/make/have for her birthday party. Now, nothing. I'm in complete denial that it's happening so soon. I have this dream party in my head that could have been accomplished if I started working on it before vacation, but I didn't, and I'm a little mad at myself but also sad that she'll be one so soon. Oh well, it'll be great and she'll be one and we'll continue to love and adore her as much and even more than we do now.

My thoughts on life right now:

Really? 10 months already?

She makes me SO happy.

Seeing her and Aidan together is the best ever.

{enjoying vacation in NWW}

PS- If someone can help me make it so behind the words is not white that would be great. It's ultra-annoying to me but I have no idea how to fix it. One of these days I'm going to take a class on how to make my blog better. Maybe right after I take the class to learn how to use my DSLR on something besides auto. ;)

Tooth #3

Abby's top right tooth made its breakthrough today! Hopefully this means she'll be sleeping and eating a little better. Of course it also means she can bite with some force now...not so fun for me.

Quite exciting for sure. There's so much that she's been doing lately. I'll have a big list in her ten month blog post, which will also be the nine month one since somehow the month went way faster than expected...or I'll just backdate ;)

Father's Day gift-pinned

Well, it might be a day late, but I successfully completed a Pinterest project for Sean. He has a bazillion tickets that he'll have to go through and maybe just put the important ones in here. He's been saving them since we started hanging out, I kid you not.

This was so simple that I want to do one each for Abby and Aidan for their hospital newborn stuff...hat, bracelet, etc.

I got a shadowbox frame, sheet of scrapbook paper, and I had the sticky letters. I cut the paper to the sizes I wanted and then used spray adhesive to stick it all on the back inside of the frame. The one piece of paper that doesn't have the sheen to it is just the reverse of the shiny paper. So simple.

{ticket shadowbox}

My thoughts on life right now:

One pinterest project down, a hundred to go! :)

the gift of life

Generally when I blog about the gift of life I'm talking about a new baby, however this time it's completely different. Today my mom is having a kidney transplant, and her living donor is her husband and my stepdad, Mike. They are at UPenn doing the transplant and then recovery for a few days.
My mom found out she had only one and a half kidneys when she had kidney stones around the time of my sister's birth. She has Focal Segmental Glomeruloscerosis. She had always been monitored and then just recently, after battling breast cancer with chemo and radiation treatments and winning {5 years cancer free this summer!}, her kidney function decreased to 11% total. Last fall it was decided she would have a transplant and by a miracle Mike was a match. My mom's a fighter and I know she'll be just fine.

{my mom and Mike at Christmas}

5 more...

Ugh, 5 more stinking pounds or at least that's what I think it is since I'm avoiding the scale is how much I need to lose to get to my ideal weight. You know, the weight that I should have hit on April 26th when I turned the big 3-0? I think part of the reason I'm having a hard time losing it is because I didn't reach that goal I set so I just let myself go. I stopped running, stopped going to the gym, stopped counting calories. Wow. What can I expect when I let myself down? I'd like to blame it on lack of sleep and trust me-it's been lacking, being really busy (I have), but there's at least 20 minutes in my day where I'm sitting on my bum doing nothing and I could take that time to get moving.

So, it's time to get back on the weight loss wagon. I'm tired of feeling bad about myself, hiding from mirrors, not fitting into clothes. I want to feel pretty, confident, and fit into my own clothes and maybe a few new ones too. I need to get off my bum and get moving. If only there was a magic mirror to erase the extra weight in those few places I hate to see it at.

My thoughts on life right now:
What a crappy post. Sorry. 
Had to get this out in hopes of motivating myself. 

30 Before 30

1. Saw Niagara Falls.

2. Flew on a plane.

3. Went to a Broadway show.

4. Won $10,000 from iwon.com. {boy I wish I had that now}

5. Rode in the Intercollegiate Horse Show Association Nationals.

6. Graduated from college with a master's degree.

7. Snorkeled off the shores of Punta Cana.

8. Went to Europe.

9. Went on the London Eye and walked around the city.

10. Went to the top of the Eiffel Tower and visited both Paris and the French Countryside. 

11. Leased my own horse, Warrior, for a few years.

{Warrior-retired sulky racing standardbred}

12. Got engaged in a fairytale-like way.

13. Bought a house.

14. Got married.

15. Jumped off a cliff at Xel Ha in Riviera Maya, Mexico. 

16. Began a career of teaching special education.

17. Saw Letterman live in NYC.

18. Had a baby boy.

19. Established a family tradition of a North Wildwood summer vacation.

20. Taught 1st-4th graders in some combination/point in my career.

21. Started this blog.

22. Reliving the magic of Santa and childhood through my children's eyes.

23. Got a fancy DSLR camera with hopes of one day learning all its features.

24. Became a member of the Philadelphia Zoo.

25. Had a miscarriage and learned so much from it.

26. Had a baby girl.

27. Went through RCIA and finally became a confirmed Catholic.

28. Became an aunt.

29. Ran my first 5k, and then a couple more.

{Phillies Charities 5k 4.28.12}

30. Fell in love with my husband, over and over again.   

Well, my first 30 years were pretty amazing, and I know that my next 30 will be just as spectacular with my family by my side. 

8 months

What a busy month for you little girl! You celebrated your first Easter, and shortly after got your first tooth. It is the lower left. Within a week the lower right was in also. Here's a little more that you've been up to:

• sleep is not your #1 priority, whether it be a nap or night time...mommy hopes this changes soon
• two teeth, and maybe more to arrive soon
• your bond with Aidan grows stronger every day
• you say "mama" and it melts my heart
• I think "gaga" is daddy, but he isn't so sure
• Aidan thinks you may have said his name a few times too, maybe not, but you sure try
• love to babble
• you hide your face in my chest or arm when you get shy
• roll all over the place
• trying so hard to crawl
• get on hands and feet with hiney in the air, but not really rocking on hands and knees
• can push yourself backwards when laying on your belly
• sit completely unsupported
• went to your first Phillies game
• wearing 9 months clothes, but will soon be in 12
• still in size 3 diaper (and 4 is a long way away, I hope)
• taking 1-2 bottles a day at while mommy is at work, and still nursing
• eating stage 2 foods, with a few stage 3's starting
• hate puffs still, but will gnaw on the biter biscuits
• no longer swaddled, sleep on your side at times, and rarely roll to sleep on your belly
• love to play with toys
• sometimes hold a phone or something to your ear which looks like you're talking on it
• love to be held
• enjoy being read to
• love taking walks and being an observer like Aidan

{1st tooth ~ 4.9.12}

{your new cousin Landon Cole}

{you share an amazing bond}

{1st Phillies game}

Oh Abby girl, we love you so so much. You have brought a love and light into our worlds that can not even be put into words. You give us such a full and complete feeling. That doesn't mean mommy has decided she's done having babies, that's God's choice and mommy doesn't quite feel done yet either. You continue to amaze us every day, bringing joy with every little smile and coo. Thank you for being you even when you don't sleep and being such a wonderful little girl. 

My thoughts on life right now:

8 months? Seriously? 

Where did the time go?

I've already starting thinking about her 1st birthday party.

Packing her too-small clothes away made me sad.

I'm excited for the memories to be made. 

Happy Easter!

{Happy Easter}

This is a very special Easter. Not only is it Abby's first, and our first as a family of four, but it's also the first Easter that I'll be a confirmed Catholic. I went through CCD as a child until we moved the summer after fifth grade. I never completed it and not until I got older did I feel like a part of my religious life was missing. Now that I have children and know how important it is, I went through the RCIA program to be confirmed. It will happen tonight at the Easter Vigil service. I'm nervous and excited, but finally feel a sense of completion. It took a whole lot of time, but the commitment was worth it. And it's happening on Sean's birthday too.

PS-how cute are those two with the bunny? 

My thoughts on life right now:

I'm so glad I went through this process.

My kids are so stinkin' cute.

Happy Birthday Sean!!! Love you!

10 on Tuesday

1. How do you feel about April Fool’s Day?
I think April Fool’s jokes are usually mean.

2. Do you like birds?
Not really. Maybe if all they did was tweet and not poop.

3. How often do you wear your hair in a ponytail?
I would say at least 6/7 days.

4. Do you believe in love at first sight?
Of course, isn't that what Sean and I had? Just kidding. I believe in like at first sight. I believe that sometimes that turns into love. 

5. What is your favorite appetizer?
Nachos or chips and salsa probably.

6. What is your favorite brand of heels?
Heels? I couldn't even tell you a brand of heels I own since I rarely wear them. One day I'd like to own a few cute pairs though, as long as they're comfy! 

7. Are you a picky eater?
Not terribly, but a little bit.

8. Is there a tv show you like that nobody ever talks about?
Just about anything on HGTV...

9. Do you prefer hot tea or cold tea?
Cold. I do like a cup of hot every once in a while though.

10. Gayle or Peeta? (If you don’t know how to answer, read The Hunger Games.)
I guess I need to read The Hunger Games so I know.

I did it!

Yay! I did it! I finished my first 5k ever! And before I turned 30 in 26 days. It was the Phillies Charities 5k. I was nervous and excited, and not so happy that it was going to be a chilly 47 degrees with a 60% chance of rain. Thankfully though once the race started and a mile in I was at a comfortable temperature and pace. I even shed the gloves that Sean so graciously let me borrow since I forgot mine. At about mile 2 I realized I was feeling pretty darn good and was not going to have a problem finishing, and could probably pick up the pace. So by 2.5 I really picked it up and finished at about 36 minutes.

Unfortunately, my tag did not register so I didn't know exactly what my time was. I would have loved to have seen the printout though that told me where I was ranked in my age group...probably toward the bottom since I was at the old end, and exactly what my time was. My results were posted later online...I ran it in 36:06. Not bad. Certainly would have liked to have been a little faster, but at least I know I can try for a better time.

Next time I know I can push myself a little harder from the beginning, but I'm so glad I finished feeling good today. I had a great time and I am so glad I did it with my sister, and Chrissy too. I already signed up for The Comet Run on April 28th at my school. Should be fun!   

{Before the race}

{I did it!}

{finished my 1st 5k}

My thoughts on life right now:

I'm proud of myself. 

I should believe in myself more.

I have the best supporters ever. Love you Sean, Aidan, & Abby. 

7 months old

Yikes! This means you are officially closer to being a whopping 1 year old! Abby girl, slow down. Mommy loves that you are still a baby and I'm not quite ready to have a mobile, crawling, into everything little girl. You continue to amaze us every day and charm everyone with your beautiful smile. 

Here's a peek into your world right now:

• best, biggest smile
• still no teeth, even though a few weeks ago the doc assured us they would be in within a week
• babbling
• shrieking, especially at Aidan
• laughs, oh you have the best laugh, especially when we kiss your belly
• you sit without support, but love to throw yourself backwards so we still put the boppy or pillow behind you
• you have been moving onto your belly more from a sitting position, trying to get anything in sight
• you can straighten your arms now when on your belly...you'll be crawling before we're ready
• still nursing (who knew we'd make it this long?)
• eating stage 2 foods, and hate Gerber puffs, you gag every time
• waking once a night, sometimes twice, to eat and go right back to sleep
• taking at least two naps a day, sometimes a little cat nap around dinner time too
• love the pacifier especially to sleep and when in the car seat
• love the bath, and now that you have a bath seat you want to play with toys, but you also love to lay back when we hold you and kick, kick, kick---you'll be tons of fun in the pool this summer
• wearing size 3 diapers
• wearing 9 months clothes
• beginning to play with your left ear and hair more often
• constantly trying to get the dog
• everything goes in your mouth-toys, bib, fingers, and even toes
• love to be held
• always curious about what's going on around you
• Aidan is your best friend

{Love her smile}

My thoughts on life right now:

Hard to believe that 7 months ago you were born.

Even harder to imagine life without you.

You make us all so happy. 

10 on Tuesday

1. What is the most exciting thing to see on a baseball field?
Sean's answer to this would definitely be a no-hitter, which we've seen only once by Kevin Millwood in 2003. I have to admit that was pretty cool too, but so is seeing a walk-off homerun to win the game. We also saw the Phillies clinch the NLDS for the first time in 2007 in many, many years. In 2008 we were at an extra inning World Series game that they won, and in 2009 we were at the game they won to advance to the World Series. 

2. What snacks do you usually get at a game?
I don't usually get much at a game, thanks to having Aidan occupying my lap 99% of the time, even when half my lap was taken by my big pregnant with Abby belly. There aren't many healthy things and I've been trying to make better choices. But, on the occasion I do get something there and we don't bring in our own sandwiches I usually go with nachos or a helmet sundae. And yup, now I'd love to have some nachos. Oh, and of course I get a hot dog on Dollar Dog Nights! 

3. Do you yell at the umps? Other players?
I usually just leave the yelling to the other fans. I just cheer.

4. If you could be commissioner for a day, what would you change about MLB?
I would make the stadiums more family friendly. Having just a couple of family restrooms in a huge stadium is just plain stupid. And there would be more family friendly meals and food choices too. Oh, and maybe booster seats to put on the seats so my little guy could see around the big guy in the front row. 

5. Which of the following have you seen in person at a baseball game:
a. a rainout? Yes, I've been to a few games where there have been crazy thunderstorms actually.
b. a no-hitter? Yes. Kevin Millwood in 2003. And I can't believe it was that long ago.
c. a grand slam? Yes. Pretty cool.
d. your face on the JumboTron? I think only once, but I have seen us on tv a few times since we're in the 2nd row of left field where homeruns are often hit.
e. a squeeze play? I'm sure I have.
f. a fight? I believe so, and even a clearing of benches...or maybe that was just on tv...we watch too many games.

6. What do you say to people who claim that baseball is boring?
I say No way! It's fun and relaxing, which I think is why I like it. Although sometimes it causes a little anxiety or can be boring, but most of the time relaxing and a good time.

7. What do you think of the recent trend of singing “God Bless America” during the 7th inning stretch?
I really couldn’t care less what they sing during the 7th inning stretch as long as they still sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game. 

8. Old school “knickers” or full length pants?
Old school looks pretty darn funny now that just about everyone wears the full length pants.

9. What do you do about the obnoxious drunk guys/girls sitting around you?
I do not like them. Generally I'm mumbling not so nice things and giving dirty looks. And of course hoping that security will escort them out. Thankfully we sit in a pretty good section, and we're in row 2 so that means less seats around us. 

10. For a game you’re watching in person, what’s your limit on extra innings? How many before you just bail?
Again. It depends. Does the game mean anything? Who is playing? What time is it? Do I have to go to work tomorrow? Is it cold outside? Is it raining? Am I hungry? Who am I with? The longest game I've been at was 16 innings on July 2nd and 3rd, 2004. It just so happened to be a fireworks game too. So believe it or not, when the game ended after midnight...5 hours later...they had the fireworks. And they were worth it. 

My thoughts on life right now:

Only 21 days until Opening Day! I can't wait! I love baseball season. Think Aidan can pass for three again this year? He can sit on my lap again. Two kids, two laps, too uncomfortable! 

So big!

{Time to put away the swing, Our little Abby girl isn't so little any more!}

10 on Tuesday

1. What did you do this weekend?

We did a lot! Friday night I went over Lauren's house to visit and meet brand new baby Aubrey who was born on February 19. It was nice to hang out with the girls, munch on some food, and just relax (and of course enjoy some Abby time while there too!). Sean and Aidan went to Mr. Kingsway where Cait was escorting Mr. December. Saturday we did some straightening up, I ran to Deptford for a few returns/errands, and then that night we went to see Jason play at Auburn Road Winery. It was great to finally be able to see him, between being pregnant and having a newborn we haven't seen him much, and there was no excuse since he was playing early and less than 20 minutes away. There was a great turn out and he was great as usual. Oh, and the wine wasn't so bad either. Sunday morning was church, then in the afternoon was the Rite of Election. Since I'm going through the RCIA program to get confirmed, all candidates and catechumens went to the Rite and heard beautiful music that reminded me of a Mexican vacation at times and met the Bishop. That was the really cool part. After that, we went back to Steph and Brian's for dinner. Whew! This could have been a longer post in itself! 

2. Do you prefer short fingernails or long fingernails?
I prefer short.

3. What is your favorite use for Pinterest?
Dreaming? Wasting time? Too bad I don’t have endless time, space, money, and sweet DIY skills.

4. Do you sleep with your mouth open?
Pretty sure the only time I do is when I'm sick.

5. Where did you have the best pizza you’ve ever eaten?
I'm a huge fan of Mack & Manco's down in Ocean City.

6. What do you eat for breakfast on weekdays?
Usually oatmeal, but Sean has been kindly making me a yummy and quick coffee cup scramble (2 eggs, scrambled, made in the microwave.).

7. Do you watch awards shows? Why or why not?
Eh, sometimes, but I don't make it a point to put them on.

8. Can you whistle? Snap? Curl your tongue? Bend down and touch your palms to the ground?
Whistle: yes, not very loud
Snap: yes
Curl my tongue: yes
Bend down and touch my palms to the ground: on a good day

9. What email service do you use?
My real and important mail goes to Gmail, but junk goes to Yahoo. And then there's Outlook for work. Sheesh. 

10. What is your favorite outdoor activity?
Sitting in a beach chair. A close second is taking the kids for a walk preferably on the boardwalk.

{Aubrey Grace born 2.19.12}

{My favorites: Kind Of Blue & Blessington}

My thoughts on life right now:

Okay, so now that I've done this great post. Great because it has photos. I need to go back and add photos into all the posts that I haven't added them to {Christmas, Abby's milestones-4,5,6, and anything else}. Oh, and I also really want to get back into blogging at least once or twice a week. I have been away from the computer for a while, which while a nice break, I miss writing all this non-sense down. It can be kind of therapeutic sometimes, and we all need that. 

6 months old

Wow! Time flies! I can't believe that Abby is 6 months old. In just 6 short months we'll be celebrating her first birthday. That kind of makes me sad. I wish I could hit a pause button and enjoy every little smile, giggle, cuddle, and moment with her even the 3am feeding. I've already started brainstorming ideas for her 1st birthday.

At her check up, she was:
16 pounds {50th percentile}
25.75 inches {50th percentile}
42cm head (I think) {58th percentile}
She checked out as healthy as can be again and we feel very blessed about that.

Here's what she's been up to in the past month:

• ticklish~especially on her belly and neck
• sits supported, usually falls to right side
• yells, laughs, babbles
• eats cereal
• first veggies were peas and sweet potatoes, she prefers cereal
• tries to grab Toby at all opportunities
• gives us great big open mouth kisses
• holds out her arms to reach for us
• still nursing, and weaning might be harder than continuing at this point
• getting up around 3am to nurse, but then goes right back to sleep
• loves the Jumperoo
• tries to grab everything nearby
• always smiling

My thoughts on life right now:

I seriously can't believe she's 6 months old. Wow.

I really, really need to take some time and get pictures uploading. I've got loads of blogs to fill with pictures!