Gotcha Day.....6 Month Aniversary

Six months ago a scared and frail infant was placed in Mark's arms at the JJ Sun Hotel in China. Even though the days can be a bit long (especially the final hour before the girls' bedtimes) time goes by so quickly. It is amazing how this little girl became my daughter in every sense of the word.

Ellie turns Seven Months old

On February 26, 2008 at 12:09 PM Ellie came into the world. While 15 days early, she was a healthy 7 lb 14 oz and 21 inches long, Maybe a bit skinny back then, but she has since made up for it. At her 6 month visit she weighed in at 19 lb 4 oz, and was 28 inches long. You've come a long way baby!!!

The Apple Orchard...Years Past

The Apple Orchard

Every year since Abbey was one, we take a September visit to the apple orchard near our house. It has become our little tradition each year to eat the Macintosh apples off the tree, and pick our pumpkins. Abbey was very excited to show her sisters how big girls pick apples. And again, after numerous tries, I gave up trying to get a "good" pic of all three of them together.

I'm A Big Kid. Look What I Can Do......

I started 4k and take the yellow bus to school. Abbey cried her first day of school while Daddy put her on the bus, and so did Mommy.

I'm A Big Kid. Look What I Can Do......

I can walk, feed myself, and I eat Ready Whip too. On September 15Th, at 5:54 P.M., Carina took her first steps unassisted. Mommy, Daddy, and Carina were very proud.

Beautiful Belle

While pregnant, Abbey always told me "Mommy has an Ellie in her belly." That is how the original nick name of Ellie Belly came into play for Eliana. In just a matter of a few months of life,Ellie grew a belly. She is such an easy going baby. Her smile is infectious. Mark has a love for the Italian language, and Bella or Belle means beautiful. I can not think of a more perfect name for her than Beautiful Belle......Now if only she would sleep through the night. Something tells me, by her size, that a 3am feeding isn't necessary.

September 11, 2001

I just want to take a moment to remember all those who lost their lives, or were affected by this tragedy.

It is a reminder to always tell your loved one's "I LOVE YOU" because you never know what tomorrow will bring.

Fashion Feux Pas

I do admit that I took great pride in dressing Abbey. Whether it be dressing her in Hanna Anderson, Gymboree, Baby Gap, or a surprise find, Flapdoodles brand, that I purchase at Macy's and TJ Maxx.

Now, with three kids, I am lucky if I can even keep them dressed. Abbey is going through a "nature girl" phase in her life (ok at 4, not ok in 10 yrs) and the babies are so messy with food that I have had them in diapers most of the time due to the warm weather.

The weather certainly doesn't stay warm here very long, and it has gone from the high 80's to the very low 60's. And even colder at night. The time has come to get out the winter clothes. I am in dire need of pajamas for Cari and Ellie because all the hand- me - downs are looking pretty tattered. It has been my goal these past few weeks to get shopping for warm pj's, but my good intentions were shot down.

So what does a mom do? While going through the girls' winter clothes, I stumbled on Some holiday pajamas I bought on clearance for the girls last January.... Before Ellie was born and before Carina's referral came. I normally don't feel it is fashionably appropriate to put kids in Christmas attire until after Thanksgiving. Then again, if some of the stores can put their Christmas stock out with Back to School supplies, then I can put my girls in Christmas Jammies in September.

PS.. I have just about given up trying to obtain a decent photo of all three girls together. Cari is saying "Cheese", Ellie is being her cute self, and Abbey has her eyes closed. What can I say? After taking 12 photos of them together with no success, I just took separate photos.