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.

Matthew's 16 Month Birthday!

Wow, another month old.  Matthew is growing and developing so nicely.  His new thing is to shake his head yes and say "ya" to answer questions.  Matthew, do you want milk to drink? "Ya with the head shake.  So cute.  He is into everything and is now climbing on the furniture.  He can climb into his rocking chair, but he needs help getting out.  On Tuesdays he goes to story time at the Shaler Library and has a blast.  I love to see the excitment on his face when Miss Joy brings out the bubble machine. Some favorite toys are the vaccum cleaner and blocks.  He likes to take his shoes and throw them into the washer when mom is not looking.  Matthew loves summer time foods such as watermelon and strawberries.  He is doing well with this signs.  So far he has more and finished down which are incredibly helpful.  Still working on others, but they will come.  We started going to a pool and he loves to play in the water.  Soon enough he will be with his big brother and sister in the deep end. Do I dare say that he continues to be a great sleeper.  That makes everything so much easier.

I am with Matthew all the time, but I feel the days and months go so much faster with him.  Is he really 16 months old?  Next year at this time, he will be getting ready to go to preschool in the fall.  Unbelievable! 

Love you Matthew.  You smile and laugh bring me so much joy everyday!  So glad you are with me.

Matthew is 15 months

Can't believe Matthew is 15  months.  He is very active and learning so much all the time.  He tried watermellon for the first time at dinner and loved it!  His favorite skill to practice right now is walking backwards.  It is so funny to watch him.  He waves bye, bye, and says da da when he sees Robert.  Matthew is very social at story time and Kindermusik as he walks to each person and says hi.  Lately, he has become a screamer.  And wow, can he be loud!  It is only a phase.  He is extremely independent and doesn't like to be told "no."  His favorite activity is running the romba who we call Bruce.  That is the first thing he does in the morning--goes and sees Bruce. 


Update on the other two.  Annalese's new bed came yesterday and daddy set it up.  She was quite excited to be sleeping in her own bed once again.  She only has two weeks of Kindergarten left!  I can't believe I will have a first grader.  She really is a big kid.  My little girl is no longer a baby!

Robert had a flag football game today and did well.  He had a 50 yard run and almost scored a touchdown!  Needless to say he was quite excited when he arrived home.  Yesterday, Robert had a tball game and did so well!  His hitting is improving.  I think going out and practicing the day before helped quite a bit.  He is a great little athlete and will do well in sports as he gets older.

Annalese, Robert, and Matthew.  What great little kids with such great personalities.  I love seeing them grow and prosper.   This will be another incredible summer with the opportunity for each to again try new things.  Belonging to a pool is perfect for our family at this time.  I think I am going to have three fish on my hands!  Happy Summer!

Happy Mother's Day!

Not too bad of a day.  Dad made breakfast this morning.  I received great gifts-strainer with smiley faces, a pig skillet, a little egg skillet, and a cook book.  We will be doing lots of cooking this summer!  Dad also gave me a Polo top.  Annalese made a book with her hand print and a book at school, and Robert baked some muffins that came with the cutest poem about moms, titled "If you give a Mom a Muffin." 

Mom and Dad, Kathy and Fred came up to see Robert's flag football game.  Because Matthew was sleeping, I stayed home, but took advantage of the time and walked for an hour on the treadmill.  I want to lose some weight so now is as a good a time as any to start!

When grandma and pap pap were leaving, Matthew waved and said "Bye Bye!"  Way to go Matthew.  Seeing my child grow and learn is one of the best Mother's Day gifts.

Thanks everyone for a great day!

Love,

Mom