Monday, March 14, 2011

Fun Outside and Remembering Papa

     We are finally getting some warmer weather here for multiple days in a row. It has been so nice to get out and enjoy the parks and the backyard.  You can tell that all the parents are tired of being cooped up too.  The parks have been crazy busy.  Avery's term for outside is "out-sun".  It makes sense. It's really funny seeing how a little one's mind works.  
     We decided it would be nice to have Avery potty trained before the new baby comes.  There is this E book that Aunt Gina got for us that tells you how to potty train in 3 days.  You're supposed to start around 22 months of age.  It has worked for a ton of people, so we thought we'd give it a try.  Let's just say that I smelled like pee for almost a week, but we started to make some progress. Then we got some sad news and ended up shelving the training for a little while.  Now we've got the girl in pull ups and she'll usually pee on the potty before her nap & bedtime.  Anyway, I may try again in a couple months, but I'm pretty over the underwear only technique for now. (2 cans of carpet cleaner later).
     Most of you know we said good bye to my grandfather a little over a week ago.  The service was beautiful and it was wonderful reminiscing about some of Papa's moments in life.  He lived to be 90 years old!  Papa was a brilliant man. He was one of New York Life's top agents (#8 out of 8000!) and really loved talking to Tim about all things business. He was also extremely funny.  More recently he would always announce what was in each Christmas package before we opened it. "Oh, that is definitely a sweater...pair of socks, that ones a blouse!"   It really made us laugh.  One other favorite story was  when he gave my Mema a corset as a gift.  She was so mad that she didn't see there was money underneath it!  The next year he played it safe and gave her a mink...smart man ;),  Papa was truly a giving, selfless person.  Anyone that needed help he was there. We will miss you Papa!
I'm still feeling good, now that I've gotten past the 20 weeks of nausea. My belly seems so much bigger this go around.  I feel like I have 3 shirts that really fit me.  I'm getting closer and closer to wearing sweatpants and T-shirts everyday, so fashionistas beware!
I hope everyone has a wonderful week and happy belated birthday to Dad and Rachel!
Fun Outside

Wearing Mommy's Shoes
Notice she has the left on the right and vice versa. Didn't seem to bother her shuffling.
25 Weeks preggers
My trusty sweatpants
Always my little princess
Potty Training attempt 1
How cute does she look in her big girl underwear though?!
Mmm...home made yogurt & mango popsicle
This was also her favorite place to pee. She would just kick her legs straight out and say" Pee Pee!"
Remembering Papa
Papa holding baby Cassie
Me in Papa's NY Life hat
Check out my fly hair do!

Papa's 90th birthday celebration

Avery 22 Months
"Helping" Mommy with the blocks
"I felt the 'M' needed to be moved.  Don't you think it gives it that certain... something?"
Tickling her neck
Little one struggling to climb in the chair by herself

Avery's First Vocal Lesson

Counting to 10
Avery was a little subdued when I got the video camera out this afternoon.  I tried to get her counting up to twenty, but she wasn't in the mood. Her twenty sounds exactly like her "computer".  It's hilarious! I'll see if I can get it next time.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Christmas in January, Aunt Genie's 60th, Shaunna's 29th(??), & Valentine's

     I am officially in nesting mode.  It's pretty overwhelming all the things that need to get done before the new baby comes.  I, of course, have a nice list and I'm slowly crossing off items.  That little line meaning something accomplished is so rewarding.  Sigh, I love lists.  Anyway, we've been busy but doing well.  Avery is really getting a nice vocabulary.  Her latest word is bicycle.  She has also started saying thank you instead of just signing it.  She always follows it up by welcome...as if it's one word. "Thank ooo, welcome!"  Pretty cute.
     Gabrielle, Ben, and Rachel came to visit last month for Christmas.  It was great to see them. I think they had a good time hanging out with their little niece.  Avery was practicing saying all of their names & she did pretty well. We can't wait to see you guys again soon! 
     We visited Papa and celebrated Aunt Genie's birthday the end of last month.  We had a wonderful time and found a new restaurant to enjoy when we visit.  Papa was doing alright.  He's had a lot of back pain recently, but was in good spirits when we saw him.  He also knew Avery's name when she walked in the door.  That made us feel really good. 
     This past weekend we celebrated Shaunna's birthday.  She looked amazing.  I felt like I hadn't seen her in forever! We went out to dinner and then met up for a quick shopping trip the next day.  Saturday night my parents babysat so that we could have a Valentine's Day dinner.  Tim and I along with Carlos and Amy went to the BEST italian restaurant at the beach.  It was to die for! Thanks for the wonderful visit Shaunna!

Christmas in January
Gabrielle, Rachel, & Ma
Avery & Boompa
Gabrielle, Ben, & Rachel
Cassie & Nancy
Rachel, Ma, & Hollie
Play date with Gus and Katie

Aunt Genie's 60th Birthday 
Uncle Jimmy, Aunt Genie, & Cassie
Dad, Mom, Carlos, & Amy
Embarrassing Aunt Genie with a surprise birthday cake & song
Avery with her Aunt Amy.  Amy can always get her to smile. 
Uncle Carlos with the ladies

Shaunna's Birthday
Dad and Mom with their other daughter (the evil one, but their favorite one)
Cassie & Shaunna
Feeling up the baby bump
Tim mackin'
Avery with Aunt Shaunna
Applauding Aunt Shaunna's taste in friends and goddaughters 
The family out at lunch


Sitti and Poppy giving Avery her valentine
Avery 21 Months





Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Little Gym Graduation & Baby News

   Avery graduated from the Birds class a The Little Gym. They do a special ceremony for the kids and it's really cute.  We've only been to one of the older classes so far, but it's incredible how much the 2 1/2 year olds can do! Avery is just a little shrimp compared to them. She is small but she's spunky :).
   I had my 20 week ultrasound on Monday and we found out that the little peanut is a boy! We're extremely excited and nervous.  Boys are so different. We also have a lot of redecorating to do-Avery's big girl room and now a baby boy nursery.  I'm a little overwhelmed, but it'll be a blast.
   Sorry this is so short.  I'm getting over a bad stomach bug. Ugh, do not want to ever go through that again. Anyway,  I hope everyone has a wonderful week (and stays healthy).
Little Gym Graduation-Birds
With Bella Grace
Champion!
The best we could do. It's impossible to get a good pic of this many little ones!
 Avery 20 Months
What?
I'm still touching them...
O.K. I'm not touching the blocks, but I'm not thrilled about it.
Bonjour mes amis!
 20 Weeks Pregnant
 20 Week Ultrasound 
Baby loves to be on his belly.  We never could get the normal profile pic.
I see you! He kept looking at us. 
Baby foot
Hello boy!