Ready For Spring!

Two weeks ago today, we were in warm, sunny Naples, Florida for a mini-vacation. While it wasn't HOT, it was nice enough to wear short sleeves, eat lunch outside and even take a dip into the heated pool where we were staying. Our activities were all outdoors - the Naples Zoo, the Everglades Wonder Garden, the Children's Museum (indoors/outdoors), walks and golf (for Grammy and Daddy). And it was just enough of a taste of spring/summer that has all of us VERY anxious for the spring, despite returning to a snowstorm the next day.

Not spring like sneezing and eyes watering from allergies, but spring like flowers, leaves blooming on the trees, a certain little boy's 3rd birthday and the ability to go for a walk outside without freezing to death. Now that we've all "sprung forward" and it's staying light outside later, it's harder to convince the kids it REALLY is bedtime at 7:45 pm when it's still light out. Though, the time change was nice for a week or so when the kids were sleeping late!

Spring is also a time for change. With our house on the market now, there will hopefully be some good changes coming for us soon...

Birthday Girl!

On June 19, 2007 at 8:59 am, my beautiful first child was born, and it feels like it was just yesterday. How on earth did 5 whole years fly by and now I have a kindergarten-bound 5-year old?? The weeks and months must have sped up the last few years, because I don't remember a time when 5 years went by that quickly (maybe college?). Abby is 5 now, and we have so many fun things to look forward to in the next 1-1.5 years: losing her first tooth, learning how to read, perhaps removing training wheels from her bike, taking the school bus, eating lunch at school and so much more.

Abby has become a little girl in every sense of the phrase - she is independent and head-strong, yet still wants to ride in a stroller and get dressed herself. She is silly and funny and sensitive. She is creative, outgoing and smart. We often can't believe how our baby girl seems to be a teenager at times!

My wish for her is to let herself have a great summer and year in kindergarten. I want her to continue to be the carefree, happy child that she is, even when homework and bullying threaten to take away the innocence. I want Abby to be grateful and appreciative for everything she is able to do but at the same time, realize that she is a tiny person in a very big world, and to help make a difference wherever she can. I hope she treats others with respect and stands up for herself when necessary. Above all, I want Abby to remember that she's smart, beautiful and strong, no matter what comes her way.

Happy birthday, Abigail Jordan, we love you!!

May Days

I am not entirely sure how it came to be the middle of May when I swear it was just April! Regardless, the first half of this month has been hectic, with a trip to the Ardsley Firemans Carnival, a dual dentist appointment, Mother's Day and our typical errands (Stew's, Costco, Target, etc.).

Mother's Day weekend was a lot of fun, starting Friday night with dinner at PF Chang's and receiving my early Mother's Day gift - a spa day at Red Door! Yay! Saturday was a combination of errands and the carnival, followed by pizza out with friends. On Mother's Day, Zach did not want to leave my side, so he and I relaxed in bed while Abby and Jason whipped up some delicious pancakes, followed by a huge brunch at my ILs country club. After all of the eating out we did, we chose to stay in and BBQ on Sunday night, ending the weekend off nicely.

Abby and Zach's school is coming to an end soon - Abby graduates on June 4 and Zach's last day of the "Wondrous Ones" is next week already! I can't believe my babies are growing up so quickly. Over the next few weeks, we have a lot planned - including the end-of-the-year school BBQ, many May/June birthday parties, a trip to Hershey Park, graduation and of course, a month from now, Abby's birthday :). These May Days are flying right by, and before I know it, summer camp will be in full swing!

2 Years Old!

My little boy turned 2 yesterday and I can't believe how far he's come. In the last year, he learned to sit up, crawl, walk and talk in full sentences. He is funny, smart and adorable in every possible way. Does he throw food, pull hair, throw a tantrum and hit? Why, yes he does. But overall, our little guy is still just as sweet as he was when he was born.

And still as little. He weighed in at a not-so-impressive 22 lbs, 10 ozs (0%) and is 32" (4%) at his 2-year checkup. He is smaller than his "big" sister, who has always been little but weighed more at his age. Our doctor would like for him to see an endocrinologist in a few months to hopefully rule out any issues like a growth horomone deficiency or pituitary gland. In the meantime, we are supposed to keep him on whole milk and a diet high in good fat.

Zach's birthday party was a blast! We bought (yes, bought) a huge bounce house which the kids LOVED. Also had finger painting and picture frame making, both of which were a big hit along with the Papa John's pizza and monkey face cupcakes. Zach had a great time and napped for 3 hours afterward while we cleaned up. Overall, it was a success and I am just glad it's over!

Coming up in the next few weeks, we have birthday parties galore and will be getting ready to watch Miss Abby graduate from preschool! We also need to decide where to send Abby for kindergarten as the debate between private and public school continues.... Stay tuned for more in May!

Dr. Mom

Unfortunately, sickness hit our house (again!) last week, as the little man was down and out with a very high fever. And of course, that same little man not only refused to take any medicine, but he proceeded to throw it up (twice) and spit it out (numerous times). We had to resort to a suppository to bring his 104 fever down. After a visit to the pediatrician to rule out an ear infection or strep (Zach pointed to his throat and said "hurts"), we figured we would just have to wait it out.

When we thought we were in the clear on day 3 and after he had been fever-free for 24hours, we ventured out for a much-needed haircut. That afternoon, I noticed he had a little rash forming behind his ears, which I thought was related to the products used at his haircut. Well, the next day, I saw a lovely red, bumpy rash all over his back and had an "ah-ha!" mommy moment - it must have been Roseola!! I had heard about this tricky little virus from various people it had affected and knew that the rash meant he was not contagious anymore. Luckily the rash didn't bother him and seems to be better today. Poor little guy!

This weekend, we also celebrated Jason's birthday. Saturday night was a yummy dinner at a new restaurant in Ridge Hill and a movie. On Sunday, we ventured out to the Bronx Zoo. It was a beautiful spring day and while not all the exhibits were open, there was enough to see for the two hours we were there, and kept the kids busy and they passed out on the way home. The birthday celebration culminated at our favorite hibachi steakhouse, Noda, with Jason's parents.

Needless to say, it was a hectic weekend and one that I am happy is over!

Happy Birthday to ME!

Yes, today I turned 35. Yes, I left the prized 18-34 demographic. Yes, I feel older and probably have another wrinkle or two today. But those milestones are nothing compared to the one that happened at my house today - my little pumpkin Zach started walking today!!!

Jason took the kids to my office for a birthday pizza lunch and came back to my office so I could show them off after lunch. Zach was crawling around as usual, and decided he didn't even want to stand up or hold my hand and walk, which was fine. But a mere two hours after they got home, our nanny Cora texted me and said "Zach is walking." I quickly called her - thinking she meant he was taking 2-3 steps like he had done a few times in his PT sessions - and she said "he's walking all over the place!" I could not believe my ears and she sent me a photo of him doing it.

I am sure I'll be chasing after him as he runs away from me in no time, but I've been anxiously awaiting this milestone for a while and he gave it to me as a wonderful birthday gift! The ice cream cake and other presents are of course appreciated but not nearly as special :).

The Great Mommy Getaway

It had been in the works for just over 2 months but it felt like forever to finally arrive: The Great Mommy Getaway, to celebrate our 35th birthdays this year, with 2 of the best college girlfriends a girl could ask for. This past weekend, Ali, Liz and I left the dads, kids and dogs at home and escaped to Atlantic City for two nights.

Saturday morning, I prepped both kids, fed them breakfast, gave Dad a few instructions, packed myself up and kissed all goodbye. I headed towards Newark Airport to pick up Liz, who flew in from Chicago for this weekend of fun. We then drove (in slightly ridiculous traffic) to meet Ali in AC and begin our girls getaway beach weekend.

While sparing you the details so as not to make you jealous, we had lunch on the boardwalk, took many walks along the boardwalk, ate a few too many ice creams, dined in amazing, non-kid-friendly restaurants, sat by the pool (and read!) and shopped. A girl's dream come true! We slept until 9 on Sunday, which felt like a world of difference from our typical 6-or-7 am wake-ups. We actually TALKED, like real adults, and enjoyed each other's company without interruption. There was very little drinking and no gambling that occured and I have to say, it was much-needed and very appreciated break from being mommies.

Kudos goes out to the three husbands, 5 kids and 2 dogs that missed our presence this weekend, but it was a quick, easy way to feel refreshed from mommy duties and remember what it was like to have girlfriends again. Yes, I missed everyone at home, but sometimes a little break is all that is needed to rejuvenate and feel missed.

Let the planning begin for our 40th birthdays!

2 Weeks Til 4 Years

Hard to believe that nearly 4 years ago, I only had a puppy, husband and myself to worry and think about. As Abby's 4th birthday approaches, I realize that in the last 4 years, my life has migrated from relatively calm, somewhat boring and highly organized to slightly chaotic, always-on-the-go and highly disorganized - some might simply call it "Parenthood."

Abby's graduation and last day of her 2nd year of preschool was this week, signaling the official start of summer and that her birthday is right around the corner. As I was talking with her head teacher at the Moving Up Day reception, she said that she usually notices a few kids each year whose tremendous growth is noticeable from the beginning to the end of the year, and this year she wanted me to know it's Abby who she saw amazing growth from. She said she started out the school year one way and ended it mature and glowing - I liken it a little to how my life has changed in the last 4 years. She said it's been such a pleasure having Abby in her class and watching her grow up from an un-potty-trained toddler who didn't know the meaning of sharing to a fully-potty-trained, sharing and caring little girl. I had a very proud parenting moment and tried to take it all in. While I have my struggles with her at home, it's reassuring and so nice to hear that she is doing so well in school.

Abby still has mini-camp and regular camp (and don't forget about post-camp!) until she embarks on her last year of preschool, but I am anxious to see what this coming year brings for her and us. On the top of my list would be pre-reading and less whining...only time will tell if that will happen! In the meantime, we are taking her for a special end-of-the-year trip to Hershey Park tomorrow with our Maryland friends to celebrate her accomplishments this year and let her know how proud we are of her. I can't wait to see what her 4th year brings!

Little Man

With the hoopla of the first birthday come and gone, it has been fun looking back on what I was doing this time, last year (just had his bris, was about to miss out on Mother's Day due to a horrid allergic reaction to my c-section strips...) and being very relieved that I'm on to new and different things this year.

Zach's first birthday was a lot of fun - he had a great time listening to the music (he was very intently watching) and had the most fun shoving an entire piece of cake in his mouth for the first time. Probably the highlight of his whole year! Abby loved watching him, too, and I just sat back and took pictures while marveling at my baby boy turning into a big boy. Oh, and not to worry, he is still "little" in some ways - he measured in the 3rd percentile for height and 6th for weight at his 1-year check-up!

Of course, I have some sadness at the fact that he is no longer a baby as he is most likely my last child (I say that with a 1% chance of changing my mind, never say never!). I know that in no time, I'll be chasing him around the park, telling him to stop bugging his sister and complaining about the "terrible twos" (or threes, in Abby's case). But in the the meantime, I am just so happy to have my little boy, who delights in the littlest things (balloons! paper towel rolls! Sadie's kisses! his sister's tickles!) and makes my world that much better.

I am so lucky to be Abby and Zach's mommy and there isn't a day that goes by that I don't feel blessed to have these two little people in my life, who make my life complete.

Happy Mother's Day to all the great mommies out there!

One Year Later

Well, friends, it seems that being a working mommy of 2 with a new job has proven to be busier than before, as my last post is from early February!!!

Since then, I have become fully immersed in my new job. In April, I traveled to Houston for the NCAA Final Four (which was a huge blast and a lot of work) for 6 nights. It was a long time to be away from the family, but Jason held down the fort with some help from our nanny and his parents. My boss is currently on maternity leave, so I've had some good opportunities to interact with senior management on several projects and get visibility to things I normally wouldn't have. I still have a lot to learn, but I'm coming along nicely, or so I think I am!

In March, Jason and I took Abby skiing for the first time with friends of ours (and hers). She definitely didn't love it at first, but she got adjusted and seemd to enjoy it. She requested a ride on the chair lift, which we promised her on our next ski trip (next winter). Abby's also been going through a major "dress" phase - she wants to wear a dress EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. and cries if she doesn't! Every morning, the first words out of her mouth are: "Mommy, can I wear a dress today?" My almost 4-yr-old little girl is growing up fast, because she also requests a necklace and "party shoes" to go with it!

My little pumpkin Zach turns one tomorrow. I have NO idea where the past year went - it seemed to just fly by! The one thing that hasn't changed is he is still the happiest baby I have ever seen. The kid doesn't cry (unless you take something away from him that he wants, like the remote or a brush)! He is a good eater for things that he likes but he refuses any/all meats (i.e. chicken, turkey, steak, fish) as well as beans. He does LOVE cheese, cottage cheese, veggies, pasta, sweet potatoes, yogurt, fruit and bread, so pizza and grilled cheese are generally his favorite foods. At his 1-yr appointment on Monday, I plan to ask our doctor what I can do to get him to eat our "staple" foods (i.e. chicken and turkey) more so that he doesn't live on cheese and pasta!

Developmentally, he is doing ok. His fine motor skills (talking, pincer grasp, waving, clapping, etc.) are good but he is still delayed in his gross motor skills. We had him re-evaluated for Early Intervention this week and the reco will be to give him PT services, with a focus on sensory PT - he doesn't understand the space around his body, so when he leans forward or to the side, he doesn't yet put his hands out in front of him, which makes learning to walk or crawl quite difficult. He is not crawling or walking yet, so we still have a long way to go, but he is quite squirmy and rolls around everywhere so I know we'll have our hands full soon enough.

I just can't believe that a year ago today, Abby was still an only child and Zach hadn't come into our lives yet. He is such a joy and I can't wait to see what this next year brings for him (and us) - I know it will be so much fun to see him walk for the first time, start talking (though he does say "hi daddy" as clear as day) and of course, become more independent. In the meantime, we'll celebrate with pizza (his fave) and he'll have his first taste of cake tomorrow.

Happy first Birthday, little Zachary Jacob!!! Mommy, Daddy, Abby and Sadie love you!

The Mid-Month Review

Alas, my favorite month of the year (and not only because it's my birth month) is already more than half over! Which means that we are quickly approaching Zach's 6-month mark and the start of the oh-so-fun holiday season.

What have we been up to this month, you ask? Well, like every other family in the Northeast, we went pumpkin picking last weekend at Outhouse Orchards. Between the pony rides, hayride, swingset, fresh food, ice cream truck, band and pumpkin patch, there was more than enough for everyone to do. Unfortunately, Jason got a little ambitious when pushing Abby on the "big girl" swing and she fell off it - thankfully with just a scare for us all, nothing more.

We are also working on cleaning out our loft/office area to make a real room for poor Zach, who routinely alternates his sleeping arrangements between a pack and play in our closet and a crib (with Abby's pink sheets) in the loft. We are hoping to get a wall built ASAP so we all can go back to having our own spaces, and the kid can have some blue or green crib sheets of his own!

I celebrated my birthday night at Abby's school at storytime, where the parents took turns reading to the group and the kids enjoyed cookies and milk. Afterwards, we came home and enjoyed cake and other delicious treats.

And last, but definitely not least, last night Abby FINALLY decided to SIT on the potty again, which she hasn't done in a very long time. Nothing happened, but we are back to celebrating the baby steps in this horrific process known as potty training. And should the day ever come when she is out of diapers, we will no doubt celebrate in a very big way!

Happy Birthday to ME!

I am so not one to tout my own birthday - after all, who really wants to announce that they are a year older?? But today is my birthday and it's been quite a lovely day so far. It started with a box of Munchkins from my neighbors on the train ride to work, then I received a cake, a necklace, flowers, a gift card and a bracelet from work people, and numerous calls/emails from friends. Tonight Jason has arranged for a mint chip ice cream cake to be shared at our house, so I'm looking forward to that - mostly to seeing what Abby thinks of mint chip ice cream, which I'm sure she'll love as much as her parents do!

On the nanny front (aka "saga"), we didn't have to worry about firing our temporary nanny who we increasingly hate each day because she did it herself! She told us she was going back to school 2 days/week and could work for us 3 days/week. Sorry but it's a full-time job! And unfortunately things didn't work out financially with Rebecca (the nanny from last week who I was excited about), so we placed another ad on Craigslist.

We (ok, I) interviewed 4 more people in person and spoke to countless others. We made an offer to one woman on Saturday and she is going to do a trial day with us this week and pending all goes well, she'll start with us next week. Please cross your fingers for us that she is great! I know that's one thing I'll be wishing for over my ice cream cake tonight!

My one-year-old

Well, Abby is officially ONE! We had a great weekend celebration, including a trip to the Bronx Zoo, the first taste of milk & birthday cake, the one-year check-up, a pet parade in our town, a pool birthday party, a Crumbs cupcake and visits from friends and family! Oh - and we're officially done with bottles - hooray!

Bronx Zoo - Abby loved it! She particularly liked the elephants, rhinos and buffalos. Who doesn't?!? She had so much fun at the zoo with mom and dad, who were inspired to become members of the zoo. Hopefully we'll go again in the next year to make it worth our while!

Birthday cake - She was a little confused at first (what is this, and why is everyone staring at me?) but after a taste of frosting, she was sold. It was so cute watching her dig into her cake and make a big ol' mess.

Milk - Loved it! We went cold turkey on the milk and she did great!

One-year Check-up - The day after her birthday, Abby weighed in at 19 lbs, 14 ozs (25%) and was 28 1/4 inches (25%). While mommy was a bit sad with her low percentages, it came as no surprise given her parents' height (or lack thereof). She is doing great and is healthy and on track for her age. The dr thinks she'll be walking soon - which we know from seeing her cruise all over the house holding on to toys, people, furniture, etc.

Birthday Party - With close friends & family around us, we celebrate Abby's first birthday at our pool. Of course it was not without some turbulence before, which included a board member being annoyed at our balloons/banners at the pool, a call from the property manager, the balloon store not finding our balloon order right away and Jason not being happy with the sandwich selection at the caterer. Of course, Abby did not know any of this as she swam, ate and played with her guests. Luckily the weather was a perfect 85 degrees and sunny for her day! Next year we'll be letting someone else handle the food & decor!

Bottles - Abby drank from her last bottle the night of her birthday...we're officially done now! She is doing great with the sippy cup and I'm relieved to free up some of my counter space.

Gifts - Abby is one lucky girl! From adorable summer clothes to interactive toys and good, old-fashioned cash, Abby cleaned up on her first! Now mommy better get crackin' on writing the thank-you notes!!

All in all, it was a great weekend. Abby's Grandma Sheryl came in from Chicago to celebrate her birthday as well, Abby's "Aunt" LT, "Uncle" DT and "cousins" Sammi & Jordan stayed with us and mommy even took a few days off work to plan, execute and recover from the weekend.

I can't believe my little girl is ONE!!