Our Family

Fascination

2006-10-07T14:31:00.000-04:00

Why as adults do we lose our fascination with things that are truly fascinating? I'm reminded of this as I watch my kids explore their world. Today at one of our favorite parks, Gabriel found a "wooly" caterpillar. You know, the black & brown ones that show up once it starts to get cold outside. He loved it. He held it in his hand and touched it, asked questions about it, and just was fascinated by it. Gianna was fascinated, too, but didn't want to touch it. She just wanted to observe from afar.
What is so great about a caterpillar?, you may ask. What isn't so great about it, my kids would answer....

Rite of Passage

2006-08-31T16:55:00.000-04:00

It is officially Fall. I know that it is still August 31, but my good friend and co-foodie, Emily just alerted me that Starbucks now has my beloved Pumpkin Spice Latte on the board again. And... my Steelers are kicking off the NFL season opener next week!! What could be better?
Maybe I'm a little overboard since I have been experiencing a wicked coffee aversion and I can go back to Starbucks for a PSL with no problems!
Anyway- go enjoy all things Pumpkin, get out your Terrible Towels, and pull out your cords 'cause FALL IS HERE!!!

Three's a Charm

2006-08-18T17:35:00.000-04:00

Haven't blogged in a while, otherwise I would have leaked our family news! David & I were blessed to see our new peanut's heartbeat today on an early ultrasound. That's right, we are pleasantly expecting the third addition to our family. Baby #3 is due April 2, 2007. We are so thrilled and excited, praising God every day for this. As you know of our loss on February 22 of this year, this has been something we patiently waited for. God has provided the perfect timing for us and we couldn't be happier. Gabriel and Gianna were also excited to see a picture of the "new baby" but couldn't understand where exactley the baby was that it got its picture taken!
However, both children are looking forward to their new brother or sister.
For those of you wondering.... we're kinda on the fence as far as finding out the sex. Since this is our last, a suprise would be nice but I would also love to know so I can sort through Gabriel & Gianna's clothes!!

Thanks for sharing in our news!

A better perspective

2006-07-17T08:18:00.000-04:00

I can definately be a big baby on most occasions.. (does being the 4th, last, and only girl child have anything to do with it???). But I can always be brought back down to reality when I hear of disparaging events in other peoples lives. Like I said in the "Tugging on your Heart" post, I came in touch with my emotions so much more when I had kids...heck, even before kids when I had my first pet!
In the past few weeks, I've been following the story of our friends 15 week early son, Austin James. I posted a picture of our Gabriel when he was born, only 5 weeks early. Every morning, I log into their family blog and check on his status. I am so encouraged by this daily blog and it really helps put my own day into perspective. Yeah, Gabriel & Gianna may be trashing the house and I may have a few loads of laundry to do while logging into my work email to keep on top of projects... BIG DEAL! Get over it, there are other things going on, things that require my attention & fevent prayer! After I read about Austin, I decide to throw in the towel, I chase my kids through the house until we all fall down on the floor, laughing 'till it hurts! Life is more fun when you don't focus on the mundane daily events, but when you put your life into perspective & become truly thankful for all God has given you...

"These things I have spoken to you, that My joy shall remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you..." John 15:11-12

An Ode to Hobbes

2006-07-10T14:12:00.000-04:00

I said that I would do it, so I'm doing it. I am posting a blog about my brother & sis-in-law's cat, Hobbes. Why? He so deserves it! He is, by far, the best cat on earth! While living with Shawn & Lauren for 7 months, we all grew to love Hobbes (gotta give a shout out to Azriel, cause she rocks too!). Hobbes is unique, quite a character...as you know he is deaf. Which makes him very tolerant of my mostly loud 2 & 3 year olds. Not only does he tolerate them, but he PLAYS with them... the way a dog would.
We would often find Hobbes spooning Gianna, in her crib, with both of them snoring blissfully. He also really enjoyed hiding with them in a big "house" that Aunt Lauren made for them (out of a big box that the patio set came in!). Some other activities includes: grooming Gabriel (see above photo), jumping from the floor onto Lauren's shoulders, attacking the running vacuum cleaner, and watching DVD's with the kids. I'm still loving the fact that he ventures through the rafters in the basement late at night, when we would watch TV down there. One of the best events was when the kids found some of Daddy's Abilify highlighters and colored Hobbes. He was a nice shade of flourescent pink & green, but he didn't mind so much. In fact, I think he secretly loved it.
All I can say is that Hobbes and Azriel are the best. I would have stolen Hobbes when we moved out if I could, but didn't want to break Shawn's heart.

The "Real-Deal" Milestones

2006-07-07T09:26:00.000-04:00

You know there are developmental milestones published by the AAP, such as rolling over, walking, etc. Well, I think Mama's everywhere should have their own set of such milestones...a few that come to mind:

Baby being able to self re-bink in the car, as opposed to the Mama (while driving, mind you) contorting herself to search for the binky & then attempt to plug the screaming baby.
One I've just experiened....being able to ask the toddler to "Please get Mama some toilet paper...". The picture says it all, you've been there, don't deny it! You're trying to have a few minutes in peace, taking care of business, hoping the 2 toddlers don't destroy anything...you are done & ooops... At that given moment, you suddenly find yourself wondering... will my 3 year old hook me up? Will they know or remember where Mama keeps the TP???? Doesn't hurt to ask, does it?? Lo & behold, my loving 3 year old son saves the day! His first successful attempt at coming to the aid of his beloved Mama...HE IS SUCH A GENIUS!

Tugging on your heart

2006-07-06T09:13:00.000-04:00

I truly think that as one becomes a parent, their heart becomes "real". Real in the same fashion the Velveteen Rabbit became real. You feel things 110% more and you can't ignore your emotions! Daily events suddenly are so much more important and meaningful.
As we have settled into our new home, David & I had experienced a moment as I described above. We had Gabriel & Gianna out in the field in the back of our house at dusk. As they chased each other in the tall grass, night fell and the sky was lit up by fireflies. It was the first time they acknowledged the fireflies and became amazed by them. I had the priveledge of teaching them to catch them, gently, so you could open your hand and watch them. It brought back excitement in me, the same excitement I had running on our farm at night catching fireflies with my brothers. David and I just gave each other a look with huge grins on our faces... knowing this was the start our lives in the country.