Mother/Daughter and Father/Son Day 2012

Annalese and I spent the entire day together.  We started our day at the Museum of Art where Annalese showed me some of the sculptures and art work that she saw last week at her art camp.  Then we met dad and B-Boy at the Vintage Grand Prix for lunch.  Afterwards, we headed to the Carnegie Science Center to view "Born to be Wild" about orphaned elephants in Kenya and orphaned oragatans in Boreno.  This was Annalese's first IMAX film and she loved it!   Then off to dinner at the Bagel Factory.  Then we headed to Color Me Mine and painted mugs for Grandma and Pap Pap.  We were very tired and ready for bed when we got home!  Thanks for a great day Pumpkin Pie.

Dad and B-Boy worked at little in the morning and then headed to the Grand Prix to meet us for lunch.  They checked out the cars, but then went home.  Robert wanted to go to the bike track where he rode for 10 miles!  He was out when he got home.

And we did not forget about Matthew. He stayed with Grandma and Pap Pap and was well cared for.  We all had a great day!

Happy 17 Month Birthday, Matthew!

Little Matthew Man is 17 months today.  And he is as cute as ever.  Since we have been going to the pool pretty regularly, he is starting to like the water and wants to swim.  He even goes off the diving board with mom's help.  He walks up the steps, climbs onto the diving board which is a real challenge, walks to the middle of the diving board, does his jumps, then goes to the end of the rail where I grab him and pick him up so he can "jump" into the water.  He is adorable doing this, and he is so proud of himself.  He still likes to read and "Moo, Baa. La La La" is still the favorite.  A new activity he found is riding his bike.  Ok, pushing his bike.  But next year I know he will be ready for the bike track. 

I love watching him grow and change. Getting kisses is a great perk of this age, too.  Can't believe he is 17 months.  So glad you are here, Matthew Peter!

Mom

9 year Wedding Anniversary

Today, Robert and I celebrated our nine year anniversary.  Nine years, a dog, five cars, one renovation, one addition, three kids, and a country club later, life is pretty good.  So lucky to have a kind, hard working husband, three terrific kids, and our dog, Ralph.  This is how I thought my life would be.  Barto, thanks for a great nine years!

5 Year Anniversary

First the happy reminder.  Five years ago, Robert was baptised.  It was a very bright, happy day for a very bright happy occasion.

But that bright day turned very dark for us by days end.  This is the five year anniversary of when Annalese ended up in the ICU at Children's Hospital.  I still remember that awful feeling of walking into the house without her and walking past her room wondering if I would ever put to her sleep into her crib.  The next two weeks were so hectic and full of angst.  I was so happy when I brought her home on July 19th.  But the next two months were pretty tough too since we had to detox her from the medicines in the ICU.  Poor little girl. 

But today, the sunny skies has returned.  Annalese if a vibrant six-year-old on her way to first grade.  I love her giggles and laughs and can't help every now and then to think that I almost lost those.  I cherish every moment with her. 

Even with the boys, I am so glad that I have each day with them.  They are such wonderful special people.  I can't image my life now without any of the.

Annalese--so glad that you are here today with us!  We love you.