A DAY IN THE LIFE...

How is life with two?

2010-11-16T13:06:00.003-05:00

I was asked on Sunday by my sister in law, "How is life with two kids?" My immediate reaction was typical of any new parent of two. I'm tired. I'm getting used to the differences of figuring out how best to shop with two, what order I should get them in and out of the car, how much longer it takes to get ready and so forth. Since then, I have been thinking about this question in any spare moment I have. Usually while laying in bed before closing my eyes after a long day. The more I think about it the more positive and beautiful my response becomes. Here is what I would say now if I were asked the same question again...

Wow! I love being a mom of two. It is the most amazing thing to see my four year old love someone else as much as she does. She is growing up just by having him around. She is learning that the world doesn't necessarily revolve around her. In that realization she is learning patience, understanding, empathy, joy, and love on a whole new level. I can't express in words how truly awesome it is to watch her interact with Joshua.
Joshua has taught me that it is possible to love two children at the same time. He made me realize that in loving him I am able to love my daughter not more or less, but definitely differently. He has brought the joy of little things back into the house and that is something that I had forgotten. His smiles consume me and I just can't squeeze him tight enough. He is allowing me to look into the future and see a brother who stands up for his sister and protects her with his everything, even though she is four years older than him. They are that close already and I know it will only grow. He has helped rekindle that spark between my husband and I that sometimes gets pushed to the background when you have kids running around. We just look at our children and remember what this is all about. Our love then grows stronger.
I can't go into every little detail that has occurred by growing our family from one to two, but I can tell you life is wonderful. Yes, there are times I am ready to fall apart. Yes, there are times I just need to close my eyes for a minute and replenish my energy. I wouldn't trade any thing in the world for my two amazing children. They are a precious gift from God and I am so ready to see what the future holds.

Thanks to Claudia for asking this question that allowed me to ponder this idea. I think we all should take time to think about it. I know I never had.

2010-11-16T13:01:00.004-05:00

I love this picture so much! We NEVER get this good of a shot. Everyone actually smiling and not in pj's yet! Hooray!

Family picture taken on the day of Leah's baptism. Sr. Bernanrd Mary and Sr. Clare were actually able to make it too. Very good day!

Halloween 2010

2010-11-01T09:00:00.003-04:00

Happy Halloween!

New pic of Mommy and Daddy

2010-10-29T11:49:00.002-04:00

It seems like it's been forever since Dom and I have had to get all dressed up. I insisted we take advantage of it and get a picture of us before the moment past or I got spit up on or juice spilled on me! We were going to a fundraiser dinner for Mena's Polish Dance school.

Rolling Machine

2010-10-29T11:44:00.002-04:00

Joshua is rolling front to back and back to front! He is "advanced" in my opinion. Just kidding! He turns four months old today. What a big boy. Here are a few recent pictures...he is so smiley.

Happy birthday to you Mena!

2010-10-29T11:34:00.005-04:00

My little baby girl is a big four years old now! I can't believe it. She has grown so much this year. I am seeing more and more of her personality shine through. She loves to sing and dance, she makes up the best stories and says the most hillarious things! She is great. Here are a few pictures from her birthday which we celebrated as a family. She was insisting on a Dora cake for the past year. I think our little family will be eating it until her next birthday! Way too much for 3 people to eat!

So sweet and innocent

2010-10-07T21:58:00.001-04:00

DSC_8239 - Copy
Originally uploaded by thejunebride

and another...

2010-10-07T21:56:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by thejunebride

another

2010-10-07T21:51:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by thejunebride

3 Months old

2010-10-07T21:46:00.001-04:00

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Originally uploaded by thejunebride

A friend of mine from Christ the King took pictures of the little ones while the older sibs were at Atrium this week. She needed models for her adorable hats she makes and we were more than happy to loan her our babies! Joshua was so smiley! I love this shot that she caught of him. I will post a few more too.

New found hobby...

2010-09-23T10:57:00.004-04:00

I think I've found a brand new love! Don't get me wrong, I still love my hubby more than anything in the world!!! But, I gotta tell ya, COUPONING IS AWESOME!!! I have saved so much money on things that I normally buy anyway. Plus, I have gotten lots of things for free that I have been wanting to try. CVS has even payed me to leave their store with products! So awesome! This week alone, I got 3 Revlon lipsticks completely free and am hoping to go back and get 3 more!
Here is another deal I found...Spent 23.41 total for all of these things and got $20 in Extra Care Bucks back to use next time!

And another...
Two boxes of Pampers diapers from Rite Aid for $12!!!! That's six dollars each for jumbo packs of diapers...normally around $19 each!

Before and After

2010-09-23T10:53:00.002-04:00

I think this is so cool! Joshua is making the same hand gesture out of the womb that he did in. Awesome! It is such a prolife proof! Love it!

The Little Guy!

2010-09-23T10:47:00.002-04:00

Look how much I've grown! (These are from a few weeks ago)

MIA

2010-08-06T16:30:00.003-04:00

Sorry I haven't posted to this blog in forever. We have been getting adjusted to beinga family of four. Little Joshua will be six weeks old on Tuesday. I can't believe how much we have done since his birth, including a week long trip to my home state of Iowa just a week after his birth. He is a super good baby. He sleeps really well and is a pretty good nurser. He loves being carried in my Sleepy Wrap. I am so happy that he likes it because it makes life a little easier for me. Philomena is, well, let's just say, still getting adjusted. Today I found her trying to climb in his bassinet with him. Ahhh! She loves him so much and it shows. She almost smooshes him daily! She is almost four years old and thinks she is his little mother. Any tips on how to deal with older siblings and a new baby, I would gladly take into consideration. Here are a few recent pictures...

Jumpstart: Get Moving: Family Fitness (Review and Giveaway)

2010-08-05T21:54:00.011-04:00

I was given the opportunity to review Jumpstart's newest game for the Wii, Get Moving: Family Fitness. We loved it! First of all, we had only played on a Wii once before so that was still a new experience for us. The game was very easy to navigate through and I think it is perfect for all ages of the family. I liked how each different sport used some different muscle in the body to work out, or at least a different movement was required. I actually felt sore after playing so you know that's a good sign!

My husband and daughter loved playing too. In this picture they are sitting down, but that definitely wasn't always the case. The game really does get you moving!

After each sport activity, the game gives you little tidbits about how to be and stay healthy. Perfect for kids who are playing along. My three year old liked the game but since she has never really played on a Wii system, found some of it a little difficult to understand. Still, I believe most children would do well with this game. As for you adults, my husband and I had a ball. You can play one or two player which can make for some friendly competition in the many skill challenges of the game. They also allow you to pick your skill level of easy, moderate, or hard. We started easy and found the challenges still engaging but not too hard.

Here are a few screenshots of the game...

I enjoyed playing a lot of the games but my favorite had to be football. I don't know if it's because of the fact that I LOVE football or if I just loved the workout of this game. What I can tell you is that it's really fun. I say get out and try it...Get moving!

A few details:
The game hit stores on June 15, 2010
It's being sold for $29.99
It's rated E for Everyone with Comic Mischief by the ESRB

Jumpstart is generously giving away one copy of Jumpstart Get Moving: Family Fitness for the Wii game system to one of my readers!
To enter simply reply in the comment section about who you would like to win this game for... yourself, your kids, friends, whoever! This will be the mandatory entry. You may then get an extra entry for tweeting about this contest and linking back to this post, blogging about it while including a link to this post, and posting on Facebook with a link. The cntest will end on August 13th. Thanks and good luck.

Disclaimer: I was provided with a copy of Jumpstart Get Moving: Family Fitness at no cost by Knowledge Adventure in order to test the products' abilities and give my own personal opinions on it. The opinions I have given are my own and may differ from others but were not influenced by the company or the free product provided.

He's here!

2010-07-01T14:09:00.003-04:00

I have been without Internet at home for two weeks. I wanted to get a post written about the labor and delivery of little Joshua David while I was here in the hospital but that just didn't seem to pan out. We are being discharged in a few minutes so I only have time to post a few details and pictures. I will be writing a much more detailed report soon. Just know we are all doing well and are looking forward to getting back home today.

Joshua David

7pounds 9ounces

20 inches long

Natural Delivery (not on purpose, but sooooo worth it!)

Joshua is nursing great and he is a super sleeper (so far!)

Fathers Day

2010-06-28T15:43:00.003-04:00

Here are a few pictures of Mena and Daddy on Fathers Day. They have been best pals this summer!

39 weeks!

2010-06-28T15:41:00.002-04:00

INDUCTION

2010-06-28T15:36:00.003-04:00

The date is set!!!! They are going to induce me on Wednesday at 6pm with a prosteglandin gel or pill. I should have baby Joshua in my arms by Thursday late afternoon! Hooray! We are so excited! Please pray for a safe delivery and a healthy baby. I would have updated earlier and more frequently but my internet is down. I am at the library writing this and will bring my laptop to the hospital.
YEAH!!!!!!!!!!

Daddy/Daughter time

2010-06-14T13:49:00.002-04:00

Now that my husband has been out of school for the past few weeks, Mena and him have been best pals. They spend lots of time outside together and mornings are their bonding time while I sleep in. I love these recent shots of Mena and her Daddy and wanted to share them with you.

Philomena Ballerina

2010-06-14T13:46:00.002-04:00

PHILOMENA BALLERINA!

38 Weeks

2010-06-14T13:36:00.003-04:00

I am now 38 weeks pregnant. My hospital bag is packed...car seat will be installed today...room is ready...clothes washed. I feel good. I am now ready for this baby to come out. I am not sleeping well at night anymore and am so excited to meet the little tike who constantly moves around and wakes me up! I have been having some braxtin Hicks contractions and the other night I think I felt a few of the real thing. They weren't long enough or consistent enough for me to go in to the hospital but at least something may be happening. At my appointment on Friday I was still only dilated to one and have no effacement. Hopefully by my next appointment on Monday I will be showing some more signs of readiness. Of course, I wouldn't complain if Josh decides to come before that appointment either!

37 weeks

2010-06-08T19:51:00.002-04:00

Well, I am 37 and a half weeks along in this pregnancy! I am so ready to have this baby. I have been feeling a lot of Braxtin Hicks and a few regular contractions lately and had some other signs that delivery is eminent! I hope Joshua chooses to come sooner than later though as I am not comfortable sleeping and leaving the house is just not on my list of favorite things to do anymore. I am so excited to meet the little fella! Mena is ecstatic about having a new sibling and can't stop talking about him. I hope all goes well with the two of them after he comes out.
I am dialated to one cm. I have my next OB-GYN appointment on Friday and am looking forward to seeing how much progress has been made. Hopefully some!

Open Gym

2010-05-25T11:39:00.004-04:00

Open Gym at Splitz Gymnastics in Canton! So much fun and so worth $5! Now I just have to figure out some sort of activity to get her enrolled in for the Fall. Will it be Polish dance? Will it be swimming, dance, gymnastics, art, some sport???? All great ideas and she would love them. The question is...CAN WE AFFORD IT? Isn't that always the question!

Birthday alert!

2010-05-25T11:32:00.002-04:00

Happy Birthday to my AWESOME twin sisters!

Love you so much you beautiful women of God you!!!!

Drama Queen

2010-05-25T11:18:00.004-04:00

I am inspired to write this post based on a Facebook status I saw today from a friend.
Don't let the picture on the top of my blog fool you, my three and a half year old is a drama queen and so disobedient. I have just about had it! I thought I was all alone until I read her status about how three and a half year olds are her least favorite age because they are full of drama and so disrespectful. I thought to myself, "What! Someone else feels this way too." Just this morning I asked Mena to move over while folding laundry on my bed just a inch or so. This shocked her that I would even think of having her move. She proceeded to try and bargain with me and I warned her more than once that there will be consequences to her actions. She proceeded to throw laundry off the bed and have a mild dramatic tantrum, so I spanked her (not hard at all). She ran off yelling, "How could you do this to me!" and I even heard some "Don't you love me anymore?" I mean, where in the world do children learn this stuff.
The disrespect that comes out of her mouth is driving me up a wall. I told her there are going to be some changes around here...we'll see if she cooperates!!! I doubt it will be very easy.
Do any of my readers feel the same way? Am I alone in this?

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-05-05T00:18:00.001-04:00

Pooped out!

Playing Pregnant

2010-05-05T00:10:00.003-04:00

Lately, Mena has been pretending to be pregnant just like Mommy. She named her baby "sis" and she is due in June, the same time as her real baby brother. She has such an imagination and is extremely empathetic. Quite a combination on a little 3 and a half year old. We are all looking forward to when little baby Josh arrives. We'll just see if "sis" arrives around that time as well.

New Van!

2010-05-05T00:03:00.002-04:00

We are finally getting our van tomorrow. We found the one we wanted about a month ago. It is a 2006 Dodge Grand Caravan with 45,000 miles on it. We found an AMAZING deal on this van because it had a salvage title. There is no way we could have afforded it otherwise. It is all fixed up and we had it inspected by our mechanic so we are hopeful there will be no problems! Anyway to make a long story short, we had to wait forever for the rebuilt title to come back from the SOS. It took two weeks the first time. Then they sent us a regular title so we had to send it back and get the rebuilt title like we had originally wanted. This is there way of checking up on dealerships to make sure they are doing everything legally. If they were to keep the clean title, SOS would come and black list them! So, we had to wait 2 more weeks for the real title to come back. It is finally here and we are getting our van tomorrow. Hooray!!!

31 weeks

2010-04-24T14:36:00.000-04:00

I am 31 weeks along in my pregnancy today. Wow, time sure flies when you have a preschooler to chase after and a homebased business to run. I am so excited to meet baby Joshua! I am hoping the Dr. will induce me a little bit early as he is still big. I am now measuring three weeks ahead rather than four but that still can mean he is bigger. The dr. will be doing an ultrasound in a month so we shall get a better idea then. In the mean time, I am hanging in there. I have a new diet since being diagnosed with gestational diabetes and I have been doing really good with it, surprisingly. I actually lost three pounds in a week and they want me to eat even more. This must be a great diet if you are really trying to loose weight normally, not while your pregnant. Joshua is super active and I love feeling him move like crazy! Mena is getting more and more possesive of him and I hope she will let Daddy help when he is born because she won't let him touch my belly at all right now. Well, that's just a quick update. Hope all is well with you guys!

My daughter and I

2010-04-18T15:23:00.000-04:00

We're best pals...need I say more?!

These are my people...

2010-04-18T15:18:00.000-04:00

Dom, Mena, and I went to Plymouth, Michigan on tax day to join our fellow Americans in a Tea Party Rally. The speakers were wonderful! There had to be around 500 people or so there. Here are a few pictures. I have a beautiful video to post but am not sure how to add it. Any suggestions???

Easter 2010

2010-04-10T18:52:00.001-04:00

Here are some shots from this Easter. We had our own private Easter egg hunt in our backyard, decorated eggs at the in-laws house, discovered the Easter Basket on Easter morn, and celebrated Christ's Ressurection at an extended family members home. Wonderful time had by all!

Little Glich

2010-04-10T18:29:00.000-04:00

Well, I have been trying really hard this pregnancy to keep my blood sugar in line so I wouldn't be gestationally diabetic. I failed that mission. I am now 29 weeks pregnant and have gestational diabetes. I am really sad that I couldn't do it on my own. I now need to see a diatician and will hopefully learn some much needed info so I can keep on track. I am excited to eat healthier as a family and hopefully this will be just the kick in the pants I need. I really don't want to have to pass this on to baby Joshua and cause him anguish over his blood sugar later on in life.
Like I said, I am 29 weeks along today. I am measuring quite a bit bigger than that though. I am measuring 33 weeks, 4 weeks ahead. I am hoping to slow this down a bit with the new diet. My OB-GYN says he may induce me a couple weeks early if neccesary. He doesn't want Joshua getting over 8 and a half pounds. I am great with an early delivery! I just want this baby healthy. Please pray that I can get control of this sugar stuff and really eat healthy, not only for me, but for him.

Quick trip!

2010-03-29T20:57:00.000-04:00

Well we just got back from a super quick trip to Iowa. I am telling you it was quick because we arrived at 9pm on Friday night and left at noon on Sunday. Over 16 hours in the car for that little visit! It was so good to see everyone though. Dom and I worked a Catholic Men's conference all day on Saturday as venders with our Lighthouse Catholic Media table. We really enjoyed being there. Dominic really liked the keynote speaker and so did my dad. It was wonderful having my dad there at the conference so he could see us in action at our table. Some of my friends from years ago were there so I was able to catch up with them too! Then on Saturday night, we spent some time with my sister Ann and her family. Everyone looked great! The kids had so much fun together. Mena can't stop talking about her cousins and has been making them pictures for the last hour! Anyway, I got to see my little Godchild Egan. He is such a smilely little fellow. Oren, Alice, and Mena had a ball downstairs with Grandma and Grandpa while Ann and I caught up on chit chat. Dom and Aaron were in the other room chatting away too! Ann and I are both pregnant now so we got a little pic together withour bellies. She is around 10 weeks and I am 27 weeks. Fun times! Then we left for home in the morning. and got back to our humble abode around 10pm. That made for one LONG weekend!

2010-03-15T12:28:00.000-04:00

There are so many reasons I am against this healthcare bill, this being one of them. The main one being the issue of abortion coverage. They are now saying that it is better for us if they do cover abortions as it will save us tons of money. How horrible is that...they are putting a pricetag on human life...and admitting that if they don't include abortion coverage more babies will be born and cost them more. How sad!

Please pray that this bill does not pass in it's current form.

Ten things that make me happy...

2010-03-15T12:21:00.000-04:00

Ten things that make me happy today...
1. Dom has a three day work week!
2. Mena is old enough to help me clean, and actually does a pretty good job. Our bean jar we use for Lenten sacrifices really helps for motivation purposes!
3. Our kickoff for Lighthouse this past weekend was successful and we have a lot of other promising leads.
4. My sister is pregnant with baby number four!!!!!! How exciting! My parents are going to have 8 grandkids 4 and under in October.
5. We get to visit my family in two weeks. I can't wait!
6. Mena gets to attend a free class with her play group at a gym this Friday.
7. Dom gets to help me in the nursery for Atrium this Thursday. Fun times!
8. I bought a new nursing bra and it should come in the mail this week. This makes me very excited!
9. I won a prize on a blog and that should arrive soon too!
10. I finally got a good night sleep last night!!!!!!!!!!!

Peek a boo!

2010-03-09T16:38:00.000-05:00

Dom and I took Mena to the park on Sunday. It was definitly muddy but so worth the little mud to enjoy the sunshine and get out as a family! We are looking forward to this summer when our little Joshua will join us on these little family outings!

My little dollbaby!

2010-03-09T16:36:00.000-05:00

I just love this shot of Mena!

Pregnancy 24 weeks

2010-03-09T16:34:00.000-05:00

Well, I am now 24 weeks along in this pregnancy. I still can't believe how fast the time is flying by! It's great! I was having really bad Sciatica for a couple of months but it is now getting a whole lot better. We are naming our little guy Joshua David. He is so active in the womb and I can't wait to see how he will be out! Here are a few prego pics of me...

Wordless Wednesday!

2010-03-03T15:00:00.000-05:00

Newest Cousin Olivia Rose

2010-02-12T19:34:00.000-05:00

COUSINS!!!!!!

March for Life

2010-02-12T19:30:00.000-05:00

My husband ran into my brother at the March for Life this year. Here's the shot for my mom!

Valentines Day Party

2010-02-12T19:28:00.000-05:00

Here are some pictures of our area playgroups Valentines Day party today. Mena had a ball. She was able to decorate her own bag to hold her valentines and then she made a spider hat (the theme was Love Bugs)! Lots of good food and dancing went along with the craft making. Fun was definitly had by this happy little girl!

Joshua David

2010-02-12T19:18:00.000-05:00

Here is our little GUY! Joshua David is scheduled to arrive on June 26. We are so looking forward to his arrival. Isn't he handsome! I love the second picture where his little thumb and finger are in that position. He is so much fun already!

Saint Philomena

2010-02-12T19:13:00.000-05:00

A good friend of ours embroidered this sweatsuit for Philomena. The top is of Saint Philomena and on the pant leg is an anchor and an arrow. We just LOVE this outfit. It is a little big so she will be able to wear it for a long time. Hooray!

Montessori activities 3

2010-02-12T19:09:00.001-05:00

Here are some of the Montessori activities we have been doing this week. We took a break for a couple of months and now Mena is much more excited about school. She even asks me to do work with her now. The first activity is of a mini calender I found at Micheals a while back. I have Mena match the small picture with the big picture using a magnifying glass. The next picture is color matching using the color samples for Home Depot. The third pictures is of counting beads and numbers. We have just started practicing numbers and she does not yet know each number or the order. She likes doing this activity with my help. The last picture is of animal families and I have her match the families together.

Atrium: Parables

2010-02-12T19:00:00.000-05:00

Mena has been learning about the Parables at Catechesis of the Good Shepard this month. She first learned about the Parable of the Mustard Seed, then the parable of Unleavened Bread, lastly the Parable of the Good Shepard. She has loved making all the prjects associated with each parable. Here are a few pictures...

Mena loves school and is excited about it all week. The past three weeks she has had some separation anxiety. It has really been draining on me. The teachers and mommy helpers do a great job of helping her get calm every week but I wish she would go in as excited as she comes out!!!

Mena-isms galore!

2010-02-06T16:57:00.001-05:00

So lately Mena has been cracking me up. The things that come out of her mouth are so funny and I just wish I could capture everything on tape. Never happens though! Here are a few things she has said lately...

1. We were doing our intentions before the rosary the other day and I prayed for Mena to be holy and a Saint. She turned to her daddy and said, "Mom's always wanting me to do that!"

2. We were driving on the interstate and Mena was asking me some questions about the sun. After I gave her a few answers she said, "Mom, you know everything!"

3. I know I have more...just have to remember them...will post more later.

Ten things that make me happy...

2010-01-19T11:11:00.000-05:00

I saw this on a friends blog today and thought I would follow in her footsteps. Sometimes we all need to reflect on our lives and see all the good things that the Lord has given us.

Ten things that make me happy right now...

1. Not having anywhere to go or anything to do today!
2. I am thrilled that I found out why I have been getting my horrible headaches. I just felt one coming on and was able to prevent it. Hooray!
3. I am so ecstatic that there is a little baby bouncing around in my belly. God is so good!
4. I just found out that Dom and I don't have to do something for work next weekend and are now able to go away for a little babymoon! I can't wait.
5. I am hopeful but still praying intensely for the Senete race in MA right now. If Brown can pull this off I would be so happy. No words could express how happy.
6. I am excited to make Chili tonight for dinner. I love Chili lately.
7. I am looking forward to spending my giftcard to Target to buy Maternity Clothes, see number one as to why I'm not there right now.
8. I am happy to get rid of some of my stuff to Purple Heart. I hope some people can use and old Bridesmaid dress, a scale, and a silverware sorter!
9. I am happy, (deep down I am), that Dom is able to go to the March For Life with 30 of his students. I will miss him for 4 whole days ad nights but boy do I know how important this March is.
10. I am happy to be able to go home in March for business but mostly to see my awesome family. I miss them tons!

New Snack Drawer

2010-01-19T09:47:00.000-05:00

I have been loosing my mind geting up every five minutes to get Mena something that she wants from the kitchen. I finally decided to make something that I had had in mind for ages, Mena's very own snack drawer. We don't have a huge kitchen, so this was the best I could think of at the moment. Mena loves it. Since we are doing Montessori in the home this fits right in. Mena now gets her own snacks when she needs them and so far has done very well with it. I knew she would. She loves the independance and is so good about coming to show me what she gets every time or when she just wants me to open something. Either way, I have not had to worry about her sneaking snacks all day long. Hooray for independance!!!!!!!

Drawings

2010-01-19T09:39:00.000-05:00

Lately Mena's drawing has really improved. I am now able to make out waht she is drawing and she has a story for every picture she draws. I love this time so much. I love all things artsy and maybe, just maybe, I helped foster this love of art in her!

This picture she drew for me last Monday. It is of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph in the stable. This was the first time she drew mouths on people and notice that she drew the m shape because that is how she see's the top lip! Too cute.

This she drew on Thursday at Atrium. She colored the temple and drew the Presentation. Wow! Look at the way she drew the people, I am so impressed! The faces have improved from Monday even.

Great job Mena! I m so excited to see what else you have inside you!

Pretend play: Going to Church

2010-01-08T14:45:00.001-05:00

I was relaxing while Mena was playing. I could hear her saying, "I'm getting ready for Church...I'm gonna be so pretty." She was carrying around her dress so I naturally thought she was changing into it. Little did I know that that would come a little later.
Next thing I know, she comes out with my lipstick all over her lips. I guess she associates makeup with getting ready for Church. Am I to assume she thinks I only wear makeup on Sunday? So funny! Here are some pictures...

What a Year!

2009-12-31T13:34:00.001-05:00

What a year this has been. I am finally pregnant again after over two years of trying. I couldn't be happier! We are having a boy and that will definitly change the dynamic of our family in this next year...can't wait to see how it changes! My husband still has a job and I am still able to stay home full time with Philomena. What a huge blessing that is. I'm not saying it's easy...we definitly make sacrifices, but it's so worth it. Our extended family has grown this year with the birth of my nephew and Godchild Egan and my niece Olivia. We also grew by adding Nick to Dom's side of the family. He is a wonderful brother in law and a fantastic uncle! My sister in law Maria joined the convent in Alma, Michigan this year, which has been a huge change for everyone. We are so excited for her in whatever God calls her to be during this time of discernment. We are borrowing her car while she is gone this year and that has been so wonderful. This allowed us to sell our van, but continue to have two cars so I am not stuck at home all day. Hooray! Dom joined WW and has been working hard at altering his diet. He has aslo altered his schedule so he can excercise more frequently. I am so proud of him. Mena turned three this year and is acting much more grown up. She is so joyful and can often be seen singing around the house as she caters to all her little dolls. So maternal! She can't wait until her new brother arrives and she hugs and kisses my belly daily. So cute. I started homeschooling her using the Montessori method this year. This is new for all of us. We are taking everything slowly and it is very enjoyable at this pace. Afterall, childhood should be fun! That seems to be all the big stuff of this year. We are looking forward to 2010 and all the joys and struggles (more to offer up!) it will bring!

Camping in December

2009-12-29T22:44:00.000-05:00

Dom took Mena camping in Ortonville, Michigan the other day. They had a ball! Mena went sledding for the first time and absolutly loved it, as you can see from the pictures here. She spent some time with her CiaCia's (Dom's sisters) up on the top bunk, and had lots and lots of goodies.
I had a wonderful time on my nice warm couch at home as this was all taking place. I watched a chick flick and took a super long, much needed nap! Fun times were had by all. I am just so thankful for these adorable pictures so I don't have to totally feel like I missed out.

Christmas 2009

2009-12-29T22:02:00.000-05:00

Been Awhile...

2009-12-29T21:58:00.000-05:00

Lots has happened since I last blogged. Sorry for not keeping you all in the loop. Lets see, the biggest news is that our doctor is 75% sure that we are having a baby BOY!!! We are so excited! We are still tossing names around but it won't be a secret when we finally decide on one. Please pray for me as I may be gestationally diabetic this pregnancy and my diet has been hard to change. I am 14 weeks and 3 days as of today. Wow how time is flying so far!

My parents were supposed to come in for a nice wek long visit but that didn't pan out in the end. I was so bummed. I am so close to my family and I love, love, love when they come to my neck of the woods to visit. They have rescheduled the trip and hope to come in late Febuary. I am really looking forward to that.

Dom has been home for a little over a week now and Mena and I are thoroughly enjoying having him home. We have not done too much other than relax and do the normal Christmas celebrating because Dom and Mena have been sick. Both with the stomach flu and a cold - cough at one time or another. They seem to be at the tail end of it so we should be able to enjoy the rest of Dom's break.

Christmas was very nice and I will post pictures in another post.

Dom took Mena camping for a day with his family and they had a wonderful time. It was the first time Mena wen't sledding. Pictures to come.

That just about catches you up on life in my household. I will try to post again soon.

Mena-ism: brother or sister???

2009-12-17T14:26:00.000-05:00

Dom asked Mena if she wanted a baby brother or sister.
Mena: I want a brother.
Dad: Oh, someone to play cars and trucks, planes, and trains with.
Mena: I want a sister!
Too funny! She usually answers sister whenever we ask her. I have my 12 week ultrasound (although I am 13 weeks on Saturday) scheduled for tomorrow morning and can't wait for Mena to be able to see the little one moving around on the screen. We get to bring in a video to record the ultrasound and I would like to record with my camera Mena's reaction! Very fun! Still too early to know the gender, I can't wait for that day!!!

Non-professional Photo shoot

2009-12-14T21:58:00.003-05:00

Here are some pictures that I took of Philomena at the CC Christmas dinner tonight. I love taking her Christmas pictures here because there tree's are always so nicely decorated and it is just a beautiful backdrop. Enjoy!

Pregnancy: 12 weeks

2009-12-14T10:10:00.000-05:00

Here I am at 12 weeks along in this pregnancy. I am starting to fell a little better. A lot less headaches which is definitly a good thing. I was getting really frustrated getting these horrible headaches everyday and couldn't imagine them ever stopping. Hooray, they are finally getting better! I don't feel really pregnant yet, just really fat. Such a fun time. I still fit in most of my pre-pregnancy clothes, ecspecially with the help of my bella-band! I do wear some maternity and they fell so comfy! Anyway, that's the latest!

Trimming the tree

2009-12-14T10:01:00.000-05:00

Bathtime fun

2009-12-10T18:30:00.000-05:00

St. Nicholas Day

2009-12-10T18:28:00.000-05:00

Before...

After!

Don't play with your food!!!

2009-11-29T20:20:00.000-05:00

I told Mena to eat her food and I left the room for a minute. I came back to this. Hillarious. She pulled her sandwich apart, lined up her pears behind it, and put one kernal of corn in front. My little Picasso!

Moments like these...

2009-11-29T20:17:00.000-05:00

What a precious moment. This is Dominic with his Busia, showing her an ultrasound picture of our unborn baby! So beautiful.

State Champs!!!!!

2009-11-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

We went to Detroit yesterday for the Michigaan high school state championship football game. It was played at Ford Field where the Lions play and Catholic Central won! We had so much fun eating out before hand at Cheli's Chili and then walking through downtown to the stadium. It was such a fun date! The game was awesome. CC was undefeated all season and so was there opponant, Sterling Heights Stevenson. Here are some pictures...

Happy Thanksgiving!

2009-11-26T11:55:00.001-05:00

I am thankful for so much today...a wonderful husband, a darling daughter, a bouncing babe on the way, a fantastic family and family of in-laws, but most of all, I am thankful for my faith. What an amazing blessing it is to be able to worship my Lord and go to Church everyday if I so choose! Thanks God for this awesome gift. There is so much else I have to be thankful for but I can't write it all now. I am in the middle of cooking the little smokies and corn for the family get together. It should be wonderful to see everyone and the talent show tonight will definitly be a highlight.
I wish you and yours a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy your fam, food, football, and fun!

Playdate

2009-11-18T23:13:00.000-05:00

Friends Philomena and Brennan watching tv together. It was an exhausting playdate for these two. Just kidding...they were up dancing and busting a move in no time!!!

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-11-18T23:10:00.000-05:00

ALL DRESSED TO IMPRESS!!!!!!!

Our Backyard Campfire

2009-11-18T23:07:00.000-05:00

Here are a few pictures of our little family having a campfire in our own backyard.

Trick or Treating at Dzia Dzia's house

2009-11-06T11:50:00.000-05:00

TRICK OR TREAT DZIA DZIA!

Montessori Mena

2009-11-06T11:45:00.000-05:00

Here are a few of the activities I did with Mena today. We have gotten away from our everyday schooling in the basement but I am trying to get back into it. We have been extremely busy lately and I have let that be an excuse to not teach. I am now realizing this and hope to remedy it! She loved these new activities because she is so interested in her letters right now.

Here is a shot of Mena doing her sandpaper letters. I first ask her to find the "m" out of the four letters at the top, I do this with each of these letters. She traces each letter with her finger and says the letter sound and then uses her sand tray to draw the letters. I then introduced the letter tray which at the oment has all objects of colors that start with that sound. I found a couple, then we walked around the room and found some together. These activities are now on the shelf for her to choose from. I plan to add obects for each of the letters but she was done with school for the day!

Here are two shots of Mena playing in her sensory bucket. I noticed she wanted to play in the sand when she traced her letters so I immediatly created this sensory bucket for her to play in. She loved it. I filled it with beans, rice, and mini marshmallows. I added some measuring cups and such for her to scoop and pour. It worked out well.

Trick or Treat?

2009-10-31T15:36:00.002-04:00

Mena and I went to her playgroups Halloween party yeterday and had a ball. There were close to 50 people there but was very well organized and not the least bit out of control. I loved it! They had games and crafts for the children and even a small dance floor. Perfect for those times when they needed to let off some energy. We had two special visitors, Elmo and Mickey Mouse. Most of the kids loved them but my Mena was a tad scared. She loved them from a distance. Although here a few days later she is still telling me that she didn't like the big Elmo, she only likes little Elmos! We had a costume parade and got candy along the way. There was great food and drink. Each child got to leave with a pumpkin of there choice which Mena was excited about.

Lighthouse Catholic Media

2009-10-31T15:22:00.000-04:00

Our business is going really well. We went to our work conferance two weekends ago and got rejuvenated and excited again about our mission of evangelization in the Catholic church. This past weekend we had our first parish kick off and it was very successful. We were at the parish for four masses and a pancake breakfast promoting the cd's and the CD of the Month Club. Then on Monday night, Steve Ray came to speak at that same parish. We were there again to promote Lighthouse. He promoted the program during his talk which helped too.
Our goal for this year is to get 500 new cd of the month club subscriptions! I know we can do it. Think of how many lives can be touched from them and it only cost $5 a month. Do you have someone with a birthday coming up or how about a unique gift of faith this Christmas? Check out http://www.lighthousecatholicmedia.org/ and use promo code 1740 if interested! You can also click on my sidebar button. Yes I know, this is a shameless plug! But seriously this cd club can bring you so much deeper in your faith and help you grow closer to Christ. Isn't that what we all want?

I've been so busy lately...or was it slacking???

2009-10-31T15:12:00.001-04:00

I have had so many blogging moments in the past week or so but have not found time to get to the computer to actually blog about them. Sorry if you have been a faithful follower and I have not kept up my end of the bargain!
To start things off...I had my ultrasound on Tuesday and everything looks great. The baby is growing in my uterus where he/she is supposed to be and I have a new due date of June 26, 2010. Very exciting! I have not started showing as of yet. I am 6 weeks today. I think I am actually loosing some weight first rather than gaining which is exactly what happened with my pregnancy with Mena. The baby likes using my excess fat and I know I have plenty of that! I have another Ultrasound on this Tuesday just to make sure they can hear the heartbeat and that everything still looks okay. So far we only see one little tyke in there! We are so excited here at our house.

Nursing Rhyme

2009-10-28T16:06:00.001-04:00

Well, I am finally pregnant again! Hooray!!! I have been thinking a lot about nursing lately. I loved nursing Mena. She actually nursed for 25 months and it was wonderful. I found this poem/rhyme set to Dr. Seuss Green eggs and Ham and wanted to share it with you...

Would you nurse her in the park?
Would you nurse him in the dark?
Would you nurse him with a Boppy?
And when your boobs are feeling floppy?
I would nurse her in the park,
I would nurse him in the dark.
I'd nurse with or without a Boppy.
Floppy boobs will never stop me.
Can you nurse with your seat belt on?
Can you nurse from dusk till dawn?
Though she may pinch me, bite me, pull,
I will nurse her `till she's full!
Can you nurse and make some soup?
Can you nurse and feed the group?
It makes her healthy strong and smart,
Mommy's milk is the best start!
Would you nurse him at the game?
Would you nurse her in the rain?
In front of those who dare complain?
I would nurse him at the game. I would nurse her in the rain.
As for those who protest lactation, I have the perfect explanation.
Mommy's milk is tailor made It's the perfect food, you need no aid.
Some may scoff and some may wriggle, Avert their eyes or even giggle.
To those who can be cruel and rude, Remind them breast's the perfect food!
I would never scoff or giggle, Roll my eyes or even wiggle!
I would not be so crass or crude, I KNOW that this milk's the perfect food!
We make the amount we need
The perfect temp for every feed.
There's no compare to milk from breast- The perfect food, above the rest.
Those nursing smiles are oh so sweet,
Mommy's milk is such a treat.
Human milk just can't be beat.
I will nurse, in any case,
On the street or in your face.
I will not let my baby cry,
I'll meet her needs, I'll always try.
It's not about what's good for you,
It's best for babies, through and through.
I will nurse her in my home,
I will nurse her when I roam.
Leave me be lads and ma'am.
I will nurse her, Mom I am.

What has she been up to?

2009-10-22T21:42:00.002-04:00

Here are some shots of what Mena has been doing lately. The drawing is the first time I have ever seen her draw a pattern. It was so cool!

I'm pregnant!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-10-17T22:39:00.000-04:00

Well, it's official... the stork is coming to my house on June 20th, or there abouts! It still feels very surreal to me. We have been trying for so long and now that I'm pregnant, I am shocked that I really am. I guess that's what happens when you have been waiting so long for something.
I have my first ultrasound next Wednesday. I can't wait!
Dom and I found out we were pregnant yesterday on our roadtrip to Illinois for a Lighthouse Conference. The phone rang, Dom answered, and begged her to tell him the results of my blood test first. She made him give me the phone, of course. I said, "please have good news for me." She said, "Congratulations Amanda, your pregnant!" I can't tell you the intense joy and excitement that I felt. It was ust the best feeling! We proceeded to call everyone we could. Most were not home, but we were able to get in touch with all of them sooner or later. Dom's family was thrilled and when I told my mom, she screamed with excitement. It is so wonderful to have such a wonderful response from everyone.
We then got to our conference. I told people here and there and all were happy to hear the news. At the social that evening Dom and I were talking to some people and I told them we were expecting. The women got the whole rooms attention and announced that we are expecting our second child and just found out. Everyone clapped and I got a lot of congrats. That was so much fun for me. I do like the spotlight sometimes and so I absolutly loved that attention! I mean, I felt like shouting my news from the rooftops, so it was nice to have a stranger do it for me! I have been feeling sick to my stomach off and on and I am soooooooo tired. All good signs! Mena is thrilled that there is a baby in my belly. I am sure she will talk more about it every day.

Swine Flu Vaccine Video

2009-10-15T15:44:00.001-04:00

Here is a very important video about the Swine Flu vaccine. Please be educated before deciding what is best for your family. This video is by Mary and Dr. Renee Tocco. video: Swine Flu Vaccine and here is the
Swine Flu Fact Sheet.

Is it Friday Yet?

2009-10-13T07:53:00.000-04:00

I am so anxious for Friday. This Friday I get to find out if all the tests and such from this month have been fruitful. That's right, I will find out if I am pregnant in just a few short days from now. I really hope I am. I don't really feel any different which makes it so hard. I was hoping for a few more signs so I could convince myself either way. The waiting period is so difficult for me. I always seem to get my hopes up and then get let down. This month could be different though. This month we had it down to a science! Oh, I pray that this is the month that God will bless us with a baby, maybe two!

Also on Friday, hubby and I are going to Illinois for a Lighthouse Catholic Media conference. JUST THE TWO OF US! I am really looking forward to this mini vacation. The car ride alone is so much fun for Dom and I (5 and a half hour trip). I am really looking forward to a phone call during the drive from my Drs. office, regarding my pregnancy blood test results that I will do before we leave. The conference should be great. Mena will have so much fun with her Cia Cia. The one who is getting married next Friday! Did I mention I love Fridays!!!!!!! Please hurry up and get here.

Autumn "stained glass windows"

2009-10-13T07:40:00.001-04:00

I whipped together a craft for Mena the other day. I cut fall colored tissue paper into squares, taped sticky side out a piece of contact paper on the window in our kitchen, and let Mena have at it! She made some beautiful Autumn leaves on our doorwall! I love having a door wall for crafts like this as Mena can reach things so much easier!

Sleepy Wrap

2009-10-09T19:41:00.001-04:00

I totally want this so badly! A fellow blogger was recently raving about these and I just found a giveaway tonight for one. The giveaway is at Just For Me...and You. It is for a Sleepy Wrap. I would love to add it to my wrap collection.
UPDATE: I WON!!!!!!!!!!!! I AM SO EXCITED!!!!

Amon Maternity

2009-10-09T19:30:00.000-04:00

There is a great contest over at Just For Me...and You! Although I am not pregnant yet, as far as I know, I find out Friday...I would love to win this $50 gift certificate to Amon Maternity. Awesome!

Jumpstart Pet Rescue for Wii (Review)

2009-10-09T13:25:00.000-04:00

I was so excited to try out the new Jumpstart Pet Rescue for the Wii. Although I don't actually own a Wii, I have always wanted to play one. What better way to convince my husband that we need one, than to show him how much our daughter could learn! Just kidding! I am thrilled that Jumpstart created this game for young children, ages three to six, because there is such a lack of educational games out there for this age group.

On with the review...
We went to a friends house to try out Jumpstart Pet Rescue. My daughter who is almost three, wasn't very interested in actually holding the controls. The first thing that caught her attention was when the pets popped up on the screen. They show up when scenes are loading and Mena got a kick out of seeing the various animal friends. There are many similarities between this game and the online Jumpstart games. She was able to pick her charactor by changing clothes and features. She absolutly loves doing this on the online game and was thrilled to be able to do it again. Same thing with decorating her own house. She went right up to the tv screen and pointed out what she wanted. Then we ventured around a little. I noticed it was hard to keep her focused on the game since we were at a new friends house but the thing that got both the kids excited was the Movie House! They have many different music videos and you should have seen the kids busting moves to Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes! This could have captivated them for a long time but I decided to keep looking around. There is so much to do and see. We went to the school house and played some learning games. There were alphabet games and counting games in this particular house. Perfect for what I am working on with Mena right now.

We had explored all there was in this area of the game and thought we were done. I was a little bummed. Then I saw the map on the bottom left hand corner. I clicked on it and so many more options of where to go opened up for us. We explored these worlds too. I can't believe all of things for the kids to do in this game. I am so happy to have a learning game for Mena that is fun too. That is always what we look for as parents of young children. The music was great! The activities were great! I would recommend this game to anyone with young children. I did find that Mena (almost three) was a little young for this. You have to take into consideration that she has never played a video game before though!

Here is a picture of her dancing to one of the music videos on the game. She really loved that part! My daughter is a DANCING QUEEN! I think any preschooler would love the music in this game.

See what Jumpstart has to say about this great game for preschoolers! The ESRB has rated Jumpstart Pet Rescue "Early Childhood." Be sure to check it out in a store near you. For a list of carriers, go to the above website.

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-10-07T14:31:00.000-04:00

My new do! (Don't mind the messy house. My mommy got a little behind, but has definitly cleaned since then!)

Cousins!

2009-10-07T14:27:00.000-04:00

Cousins!

Apple Painting

2009-10-07T14:24:00.000-04:00

Here is Mena painting with an apple. We first read a book about apples and talked all about how they grow. I then cut an apple in half and we talked about the variouos parts. Mena ate one half of the apple for a snack and then we painted with the other half. At first she tried holiding it with her hands but we found it to be rather difficult. I decided to put a corn on the Cob holder in the apple and that solved the problem. She painted red first and then we let that dry. She then painted Yellow on top of it. I wanted her to do more colors but we both got a little bored after two times! It was lots of fun. Try it!

Mena-ism: Burp

2009-10-05T23:09:00.001-04:00

Mena just burped. I said, "Are you okay, Mena?" She replies, "Yeah, it's just a beep!"

Things I'm looking forward to this October...

2009-10-05T21:33:00.000-04:00

Grace's wedding and all the events that go along with it!
Going to Illinois with my hubby overnight...the conference for Lighthouse that we are attending will be fun too! Did I mention, no Mena!
Visiting a Cider Mill, apple orchard.
Watching Mena learn and grow as I teach her everyday.
Catholic Central football games. They are undefeated and are soooo fun to watch.
Halloween...I can't wait to see Mena all dressed up and show her off.

I'm sure I will be adding to this list all the time! There's always something to look forward too.

Play Planet Park

2009-10-05T21:26:00.000-04:00

We went to this park for the first time today. It was awesome!!!!!!!! So HUGE and so many fun things for Mena (and Momma and Daddy) to play on. It is called Play Planet and it is well worth our 20 minute drive! Mena has been asking to go back since we pulled away.

Disney on Ice

2009-10-05T21:16:00.000-04:00

Many thanks to my dear friend Sharon who won free tickets to Disney on Ice that she couldn't use. We were more than happy to help her with her predicament! Dom, Myself, Mena, and her Cia Cia Clare got to go see the show in Auburn Hills. It was wonderful! We had so much fun! Here are a few pictures...

Mena wouldn't sit in my lap except for that one picture. I was a little sad, had to remind myself that this is typical preschooler behavior. She wants nothing to do with me when other options are available. Especially someone as cool as her Godmother!

The show was fantastic and had skating skits from many different Disney movies. My favorite were the toy soldiers from Toy Story and the whole It's a Small World skate. Very well done and I would defintily take her again someday. Thanks so much Sharon!

Necklace making

2009-09-29T20:33:00.000-04:00

Mena made a necklace out of noodles and cut up straws. I did put some masking tape on the end of her ribbon to make it easier to string. YOu could string so many other things but this is what I through together in 2 minutes for her to do! It did manage to hold her attention for a few minutes and she couldn't wait to show her daddy.

We love Dramatic Play

2009-09-29T20:27:00.000-04:00

How do you keep a preschooler entertained when you are drained and your hubby got invited to the Tigers game last minute? You build a fort!!!

Playing in our "Fort" and feeding all our animals their meals. Wouldn't you just love a carb filled meal consisting of a bagel sandwich! That's what our dino loved to eat!

Apple paper plate craft

2009-09-29T20:03:00.000-04:00

Here is an apple craft that Mena made. I cut red paper into strips and let her tear them into pieces. She can't use scissors yet so this allowed her to do every step of the craft. She applied glue and then stuck the pieces on a paper plate. She was so happy with her paper plate apple. We hung it on the wall in her art area in our classroom!

Prayers needed...

2009-09-26T15:12:00.000-04:00

I am asking for prayers for my little cousin David. He has a confirmed case of the Swine Flu. He has asthma and the swine flu can make this worse and so he needs to be watched very carefully.
He and his mom and siblings just moved to Florida in August. His father, my uncle Kevin, died a year and a half ago. Please pray that he recovers soon and that the rest of the family stays healthy. Thanks.

Random thoughts...

2009-09-25T08:45:00.000-04:00

Dom is home on a sick day today. Poor thing. He has a chest cold. I am hoping he can get some much needed rest and good meals and then we can have a great weekend. Maybe even start having fun this afternoon. Mena has been sick with a cold for a week now. Hopefully she is at the tail end of it. She rarely gets sick but starting Atrium and being around other children more means more germs to ward off. I geuss we didn't do a good job this time around!

I really want to check out the YMCA and the closest one to us is about 15-20 minutes away. Not too bad. I heard they give lots of financial assistance for yearly memborship and the classes are free or resonably priced. I would absolutly love to get Mena is swimming lessons and they offer those and so much more. I might even like to take some art classes there as well. I am hoping to check it out today or next week.

Mena has been off her nap schedule lately. No naps for three days in a row. I am loving her night time schedule though. She is out by 7-7:30pm and is waking up at around 7am! Awesome. It almost makes the no nap worth it. We'll see how this progresses.

Well, I am on day four of Femara today. Femara is a hormone to help with fertility. I have been feeling very sore and extremely tired. I have not been to moody which is great! I have been exeriencing a few hot flashes but nothing I can't handle. We have been trying for 27 months. We are very hopeful that this new Dr. we are seeing has a plan which will hopefully result in a little baby Michalik in 9 months. There are lots of tests and pills in the next few weeks. I have a Sonohysteogram on Thursday which is an internal ultrasound where they put in a catheder and infuse saline into my uterine cavity. They are looking to see if there are any abnormalities and if my fallopian tube is blocked or not. This should give us some answers right away. Then I have another ultrasound on Saturday to check for ovulation. I may need another a few days later. I have many blood draws coming up. Hopefully all this poking and probing will result in a beautiful baby. According to Philomena, a boy and a girl! She is so ready to be a big sister!

Hope you all in enjoy your weekend! I am hoping for a little relaxation.

Spell Check??????

2009-09-23T15:40:00.004-04:00

Is there spell check anywhere on this new blog post thing? Just curious! Let me know in the comments if you find it somewhere. Thanks a ton!

Fall is here!

2009-09-23T15:40:00.001-04:00

Can you believe Fall is here? I love Fall. I am looking forward to fires in the backyard, sleeping in our tent, sweatshirts, leaf piles, homemade applesauce, cider mill day trips, and of course birthdays! All three of us have Fall birthdays. Mena kicks it off Oct. 26, mine is Nov. 7, and Dom's is Nov. 20! Super fun times! Also included in this great season is Mena's Cia Cia Grace's wedding in which she will be the flower girl. We are all so excited for Grace and we absolutly love her fiance.
We have such a busy October. I know it will fly by this year. For one thing we are going to be super busy with my fertility tests these next couple of weeks. Other than that, we are going to have a kickoff for Lighthouse Catholic Media in a nearby parish one weekend, we are going to Illinois for a conference, we have the wedding, and then Mena's birthday and Halloween! No time to breath but it should be great!
Next week we are going to see Disney on Ice at the Palace! I am so excited! (Thanks so much Sharon!!!!!!!) We have four tickets so we are bringing Mena's Godmother with us. She is thrilled! I can't wait to take lots of pictures and see the expressions on my Mena's face. I'm sure she will light up!
What do you love about Fall? Do you have any exciting plans?

New Montessori Works

2009-09-23T15:30:00.000-04:00

Here are some new Montessori activities we have out right now. Mena is starting to like picking things out to do but still want's me around her. I try to step back to observe and I am sure the day will come when she will be comfortable with that.

I found these leaves at Micheals for less than a dollar. I made number cards and had Mena line them up accordingy. We are starting with 1-5 and will add more later. We used the three part lesson to learn the numbers. She can not yet identify them so we are going to practice this even more.

Here is a silly picture of Mena practicing her nuts and bolts set from Melissa and Doug toys. She was really enjoying turning it and seeing that if you turn it one way it goes on and the other way makes it come off!

These are the Montessori Red Rods. I am so excited about my purchase as I got them used and at a resonable price. I tried showing Mena how to use them but she was only interested in building with them. I kindly directed her toward her building blocks and again stated that that is not what these are for. I decided today to take away half of the rods as this may have been a little to difficult to introduce all of them at once. My thinking is that they may have overwhelmed her. We will see how it goes with half and then I will add more later. You can also do the same thing with the pink tower.

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-09-23T14:53:00.000-04:00

Here are some shots of Mena using our new camera. I still have a ton to figure out but I do love it!