16 Months

Dear Gracie,

You make me so tired, but you are so stinkin' worth it. Let's see, you do so much now, that it's hard to remember what you were doing before and what you are doing now. First of all, you are talking, talking, talking. I love it. Mommy got a new schedule this month, and now gets to spend Wednesdays with you. This past Wednesday, we went to the pool at Aunt Bino's house. You didn't like it at all. You swim all the time at Heather's, but I suppose it's different because it is a kiddie pool. We'll try agina and see if you'll get used to it. There was a little girl there that was a few months older than you, and she was a little fish. She loved the water and jumped in...you, not so much.

So far, we have survived the plethora of summer activities. Your cousin Britiny graduated. We attended the English family reunion. You saw fireworkd (and loved them). You have been great throughout. Next week we head out for our family vacation. We are going to Pittsburgh to ensure the car ride is not too long for you to handle. In case you are wondering, it is difficult to find activities that suit you AND your 12 year old sister. However, I think Daddy and I did ok.

Some words you are saying....gramma, papa, apple juice, cookie, banana. There are many many more, but these are some good ones. One day, I bought a package of fruit snacks that were smiley faces. When I took one out of the package, I made it say hello to you. You now refer to the fruit snacks as hellos. It is seriously the cutest thing I have ever heard. You were standing in the kitchen one day pointing to the container saying "hello". Priceless.

Also, when anyone asks you, "who's mommy's (or gramma's or daddy's or anyone else's) baby, you point to yourself and say, "me". Also super cute.

The doc also said that we should be brushing your teeth. I looked at him like he was crazy when he said it, but surprisingly, you love it. You remind me about it most nights. Good job...you don't want to be the girl with dog breath.

You also like to kiss everyone and you love your cousin Abby. You said her name all the way (and I mean all the way) to Geneva-on-the-Lake Wednesday. You both really love each other as you can see by the pic.

You are offering a whole new set of challenges and developing your own personality every day. I usually can't believe your mine. I just can't imagine how I ever lived my life without having you be a part of it. There is nothing like coming home from work and seeing your face and have you yell, "mommy!!!!" and right to my arms. I love you.

Love,

Mommy

Already an Update

Dear Gracie,
I know I am early for a monthly letter, but your recent change in attitude has warranted a new post. I knew eventually our luck would run out with having an angelic kid. For the past 15 plus months, you have done nothing but smile, laugh, giggle, say funny things etc. Hardly ever did you protest to anything. Well, you have changed. Yesterday, and for probably a week now, you have developed an attitude and became stubborn. I know I have your dad to blame for it, but I was hoping you would remain as good natured as I am (at least as I am most of the time). I think we may be entering what some call "the terrible twos" and you have just decided to be ahead of the curve. I am just going to ask...Please stop screaming. I don't think I can handle it. Your are certainly making an argument for being an only child. That's for sure.

On a lighter note. We bought you a potty. You sit on it. No going yet, but you'll get there. Last night you sat on the potty, said "pee pee" and then peed on the floor. Thanks. I know that all it will take is for you to "accidentally" go in the potty, we will cheer, and you will want to continue to go so you can clap and say "yay" with us. Then, bye bye diapers. Then, we move to the bink. (insert doom music).

Well, those are the updates for now. I will write soon.

I love you,
Mommy

15 Months

Dear Gracie,

Today, your dad and I took you to the doctor for you 15 month check up. Well, you don't care much for him or his nurse. They are nothing but nice to and think you're cute, but I think you know their game. For some reason you do not like people to look in your eyes, ears, or mouth. He shined the light in your eyes, and you gave him a look like you would kill him if you had the chance. He reported that you are in the 25th percentile of height and weight (meaning 75% of the kids out there your age are bigger than you are). You hit the big 20 pound threshold weighing in at 20 lbs. 2 oz. Yeah, I don't think the WNBA is in your future, but a co-worker of mine said Spud Webb was only 5'6", so maybe there is hope. Although, if you saw your dad or me play sports, you would understand why the liklihood of you being a professional athlete of any kind is slim to none. Sorry. Hopefully, you are ok with being nerdy. Speaking of nerdy, the doctor also reports that you have achieved and mostly surpassed all the milestones for your age. Already an overachiever - nice job.

"Happy Feet" is your favorite game. All it consists of is me singing happy feet over and over and you moving your feet as fast as possible. You have also learned to march and jump. One day a few weeks ago, you woke up from a nap and decided that you were going to talk. You started saying "Alli" which actually sounds like "Addi". Good enough. When you learn a new word...you repeat it and repeat it and repeat it. Like...Hi, Mommy, Daddy, Addi. You will repeat these words until I almost can't take it anymore. Also, this past month, you have decided that it is no longer necessary to give people open mouth kisses. Good choice.
Grandma Rose retired, and you were wonderfully behaved at both her parties. Thanks for that. You always seem to manage to make your dad and I look like we know what we're doing. We appreciate it. Now, you and Grandma can spend oodles of time together. She's a softie, so no worries.

Well, I'm sure there will be more to write about, but these are the biggies. I am about to go home from work and see your smiling, beautiful face. You have changed my life Marigrace, and you are truly a special kid. I love you.

Love,

Mommy

I have been inspired...

So, I have been reading Heather Armstrong's blog (www.dooce.com), and I am inspired to do a similar thing. No, not to make money, sell ads, or anything like that. It is to document the life of my daughter. So, many times I wish I took the time to write down things she did because they are wonderful stories to tell later on. Time goes so fast that sometimes I forget what she used to be like - even though she is only 15 months old! So, I am going to blog again. Next Up....MG at 15 months.

Ho Hum

Knowing that not very many people read this anymore, I feel a little better about what I'm about to write. Sometimes I look at everyone else's blogs and wish their life was mine. Everyone is out together, having fun, taking pictures, being social, having friends. I have none of it. I live in a world of housework, baby diapers, and work. I get out with Tom. I had a great weekend, but sometimes I just find myself being sad. I brush it off as the weather. I say to myself, "it will be different in the summer. You're just suffering from the normal winter blues." Maybe that is true. But deep down I think it is something more. I feel like I live in the movie Groundhog Day. I wake up and do everything over and over and over and over again. I don't know the answer. Maybe it is just life. This is just what happens. Still, I look at other blogs and wish I was there. I wish I could magically jump into the computer and be somewhere, share an inside joke, laugh. I don't know the answer. I don't have a solution. I don't know that there are any. Grrr.

Stuff

First, Go ABC with your new line up this fall. I love Dirty Sexy Money, Big SHots, and Pushing Daisies. Of course I am also a fan of the old stand-by - The Bachelor. Don't judge me. I think almost all the shows we are watching this fall are on ABC. Our luck, though, they will be cancelled. All the shows we loved last season are gone. Maybe that says something about our taste.

At the new job. Loving it. They got me rolling on work on the first day, so I have kept busy. I have a ton of training and what not coming up. It will be great!

That's all for now.

New Beginnings

Ah, I sit at my desk on my second to last day of work at a company I have been with for six years. I am filled with emotions of excitement, nervousness, anticipation, and a whole host of others. I recently accepted a position as CWRU in their Corporate Relations Department. Inevitably, when you start a new job, you begin to wonder if you can live up to the BS that you laid out in an interview. People have expectations of what you will be like. It always works out, and you always "get it" and do well. But there is always that first worry of failure. That you can't possilby live up to what they think you are. Then, six months from now, you laugh at the idea that you would have failed.

I'm so excited to start my new adventure. I have never worked outside the corporate world, and I look forward to the change. I don't know what to expect, and I'm trying not to set any expectations. All I know is this is the best move I have made in my working life so far. This could be a job where I really feel like I make a difference in the world, and it may be more than just about profits and shareholders. I'm ready for my new beginning.

Wow...has it really been this long

I know, I know. I haven't posted in forever. No one probably even looks at this anymore. I will try to do a better job of keeping up. This summer has been so busy. Taryn got here 4th of July weekend - it has been a whirlwind since. She goes home on Saturday, and I start school next Saturday. I don't think things will be slowing down any time soon. The baby is wonderful, and so is being a mom. I couldn't have imagined how wonderful it would be! We also have a new house that we moved into in June. It is so nice to have so much more space and a yard. It is a lot of work, though. That's pretty much how we have spent our summer. I am posting pictures of Marigrace below. These are the most recent pics I have. We went to the zoo a couple of weeks ago, and that's where these are from. Although, by the pics you can't tell we were at the zoo, because she is in her stroller.

Finally Have the Time to Post

Well, she's here. It was certainly worth the wait. So far, motherhood is everything I hoped it would be. I love her to bits...

I tried to upload photos, but it's not working.

Here are the specifics, though:

Marigrace Elizabeth St. Angelo
Born: March 2, 2007 @ 9:59 PM
Weight: 7 lbs. 14oz.
Length: 20-3/4" long

I will try to get some pics up here, or enlist Kristen's help next time she is here.

Well, The Due Date Has Passed

It is now Monday - still no baby. The doctor said on Friday "On a scale of 1-10 of being ready, you are at about a 3." Yeah, I was only 1-2 cm dialated. She basically is not coming out. So, we are going on Thursday night to get induced. I will start medication on Thursday night that thins the cervix and start petocin on Friday morning. With any luck, she will be born on Friday. I'm hoping it doesn't last into Saturday. I am maintaining a good attitude, and am actually a bit relieved that it is playing out this way. I am a planner. I like to know when things are happening, and now I can prepare and plan for this too. We are going to spend this week cleaning and doing laundry - generally just getting ready. Then, I may even go for a pedicure and give myself a manicure. I think I may prefer it this way. So, unless by some miracle she decides to come earlier....Thursday/Friday is the time.

On another note, I watched the Oscars and they were pretty good. I only stayed awake until 10:30, which means I missed the best parts. I was so happy Allen Arkin won for best supporting actor because Little Miss Sunshine was my favorite movie this year. Although, it was the only movie I saw that was up for any awards. I guess my opinion doesn't count for much. I had also grown tired of the "green" message, so I was happy to crawl into bed and miss the end. I got to find out who won on the news this morning. Don't get me wrong...I like the earth, I just don't agree with Hollywood always having to promote their "messages". Entertain me. I could write an entire post that would probably real fire people up, but I'm not in the mood for an argument. I just don't think Hollywood people's opinion should be thrown in my face while I'm trying to be entertained. I'm not saying that to make anyone mad. Just how I feel. :)

Have a lovely Monday!

Week 39

Well, week 39 has arrived. Tom and I have now figured that I will go past my due date and have to be induced or something. I am looking at the bright side - this means I can make an "appointment" to have the baby and be totally prepared. I can take a shower, do my nails, and put on some makeup. I will have the best "new mom" pictures on the block rather than the "I rolled out of bed at 3:30 AM when my water broke" pictures. See, there is a bright side to everything.

Sorry if I have been out of touch with everyone lately. The anticipation of having a baby is crazy. I go to work and come home and wait. I'm usually asleep before 9:00. I'm trying to save up my sleep. Not sure if that will work, but I'm takin' the Z's while I can get them.

Tom and I really want to see the new movie Music & Lyrics, but I just can't bring my watermelon ass to sit in a movie theater for 2 hours. Maybe when MG is born, we can get a quick night out and go see it. That's what grandmas are for. :)

Don't have much else to talk about. Happy Friday! I'll try to keep everyone posted.

Yep, Still Here

Well, 38 weeks tomorrow. Two more to go until my due date. I have been hearing for weeks how "ready" I look. "Oh, she'll be here anytime." "You'll be lucky to make it through the week." That was 3 weeks ago. Still here. I have decided that I am going to stop listening to what everyone says, and my new mantra is, "she'll come when she's ready." Hey, if I was in a nice warm place and got fed all the time, I wouldn't come out either. It's damn cold out here. Everything is ready to go. The bags are packed. She'll come when she's ready.

In other news...Tom's grandma passed away on Sunday. She has been sick for so long, that it is almost a blessing. The funeral is tomorrow, and Tom and I are doing the readings at the church. I was touched that they thought of me to do it. Once all this is taken care of, I will be totally ready to have this baby. We just need to get through all this first.

I have been saying that the baby will come on Saturday because that is Taryn's birthday. Then both girls will have the same birthday. I would feel really bad if Taryn had to share her birthday, but what can I do? I suppose I could try to cross my legs all day Saturday, but something tells me it wouldn't make a difference. Oh, well. If it happens, it happens.

We ordered 10 boxes of Girl Scout Cookies from Taryn. I can't wait until she gets here on the 16th so I can have some. Ah, sitting at home with my new baby, eating Girl Scout Cookies - that sounds like the life for me. Yes please.

Why can't I concentrate on anything. I feel like my mind is wandering aimlessly everywhere than where it is supposed to be. Too much in there.

I missed Idol last night. Fell asleep at 8:30. That's not unusual. Hope I can stay awake tonight - at least until 9:30 when 30 Rock comes one. I hate that show.

If you didn't watch Idol last night, these will make no sense...

"My name is Darwin, but people call me Mischa."

"Apparently Mischa has never heard of a bra."

"Or lip liner."

" I thought she was sunburned at first."

"Go ahead and make fun of me, but I have a little crush on Blake."

"Um, who doesn't? And his dad a little."

"Zitsman."

"Holy shit, Tam's right, that does look like my brother."

"Christie, is the baby ok? Alli, maybe she shouldn't be watching this in her condition."

"This commercial kills me, who the fuck spends 9 grand on a ring?"

"Two words....horse teeth."

"Ladies, I hope you paid attention. Your dog will leave you and raise a flag if you don't lay off the grass." (This one is my personal favorite).

"Was that not good enough? I hit the HIGH PARTS LIKE THIIIIS and the low parts like THIIIIIIS."

"You know what I say? Keep with it dude, it works."

"He totally has Darren's Dance Grooves."

"Twista train...woo woo!"

"I want to have big reds baby!"

"Don't sing it, just bring it!"

The Dust Has Settled

Ah, another year has passed.

Updates:
The visit with Taryn was good, and we found out that she is moving back to Ohio. Yay! Our family will now be complete, and she will be able to spend as much time with her new baby sister as she wants. Tom is so excited. It's like someone made his biggest wish come true.

6 Weeks left until my due date. I'm hoping she'll come in 4. Start the wagers now.

I finally took my Christmas decorations down. I'm usually the girl who has it all done and put away on January 2nd. Not this year. It's done, though.

Holidays in general were really nice. Quiet and relaxing, and I can't say that too often, so it was a very nice year.

I got into a minor car accident the Friday before New Years. Some guy backed into me in the parking lot at work when I was leaving. No worries - baby and I are fine. Car is not fine. I have to take it Thursday to get fixed, and it could take a couple of weeks. I guess this is a good excuse to clean the car.

Otherwise, just working and preparing for baby. I'm ready to meet her, wear normal clothes, not waddle, and just generally feel "normal" again. Soon enough.

Ode To My Older Friend

I want to wish Kristen a...

Happy Birthday!

Saturday was great! It was so nice to get out of the house and feel normal. It was a lovely evening. Even though we don't see each other as frequently as we used to, I still appreciate your friendship very much. It seems hard to believe we have known each other as long as we have. We have been through a lot, and we have managed to always pick up where we left off. You are truly an amazing person. You teach me to be a stronger person and be confident in who I am. I know you don't think that you are as strong as you are, but I appreciate the kind of person you are and look forward to many more years of friendship. Happy Birthday, Bloeser!

Catch-Up

Well, still pregnant. I have 12 weeks left. I am starting to get bored with the whole thing. I know that sounds terrible, but it's true. You have these rushes of excitement, and then nothing. I am getting tired of wearing the same 10 shirts and 2 pairs of pants. I'm tired of strangers touching me. I'm tired of people saying...."Oh, you must be almost ready to go." or "You are so big, are you sure you're not having twins?" I'm also tired of going to the bathroom 47 times a day. Anyway, enough complaining.....

Good things:

• I'm looking forward to Kristen's birthday on Saturday!
• Tom and I are going to Pittsburgh tomorrow for a quick getaway and shopping at Ikea.
• By birthday is in 23 days.
• I'm going to be getting a baby shower in a couple of weeks thrown by my two best friends
• My family is coming to my house for Christmas, and that actually makes me very excited
• I have some of my Christmas shopping done which is better than I have done in the past couple of years where I have waited until the week before.
• The weather is amazing even though it will only last a little while longer.
• Even though I'm tired of it, I'm excited to be having a baby. I can't wait to meet her.

So, that's my update. I need to keep up with this blog better. I think it is good therapy for me.

Good Thing I Like Pink

We had our ultrasound today, and our baby is a GIRL! She is totally healthy, and I saw 10 fingers and 10 toes. We were very excited. Doctor said everything looks good and due date is on track for February 23rd, 2007.

Ah, the Sweet Smell of Tuesday

Not much to report, but I figured I should say something. I'm feeling ok. I made it through the first trimester with flying colors, but this second is not so good. I'm super tired, having terrible sinus issues, and I feel a little queezy at times. Ah, well, I knew it couldn't last. We go for an ultrasound on th 20th, so hopefully we will know the sex of the baby after that visit. I'm pretty excited about it. I haven't seen the baby since my first visit, and it just looked like a snowman. So, this should be exciting. I will post after the appointment for sure. I know everyone is dying to know.

This weekend was nice. Had dinner with Andy on Friday, school on Saturday (yawn), and a visit from Alli (now, that makes any weekend fabulous). Otherwise, uneventful.

Yesterday, I was a bit under the weather (see above sinus issue), and I slept most of the day away. Well, about 4:00, I needed a ginger ale, so I headed to the gas station on the corner. While on my way, there were about 5-6 helicopters hovering over my neighborhood. Because I lead a relatively boring existence, the excitement of something happening in my neighborhood was intriguing. So, I got on the highway thinking I would run into a car crash or something. When I got to Edgewater park, and didn't see anything, I decided to take a ride through the park and head home. Little did I know that the excitement was at the park! There were news crews everywhere, along with fire trucks and police. I got out of the car to check it out. Good thing it wasn't a crazy guy shooting up the beach, because I walked right into it. I decide to make friends with the most normal looking guy who fills me in about the boys that decided to take a swim with 8 foot waves. Brilliant. They had already pulled one of them out and he was rushed to the hospital. They were still searching for the other. I was right in the midddle of the action and some of the news cameras were right on me. "Great," I think to myself,"I don't go to work today, and the five minutes I spend outside will now be on the evening news." I watched the divers and Coast Guard boat for about a half hour and decided I would rather not see the other body dragged out of the lake and headed home to watch the drama on the news. I actually saw all the kids they interviewed on the news and it was very sad. However, come on, why are you swimming in the lake with 8 foot waves? Anyway, I wasn't on the news, so no autographs for you! For more info.....read here

That was my exciting sick day. I look out the window today, and it sure is a nice day to spend in bed. Too bad I did that yesterday.

Thursday Bores

I have a case of the Thursday bores. By this time in the week, I have no desire to do anything. I end up reading news on the internet, commenting on blogs, and actually posting on my own. I have been in such a foul mood the last couple of days. I have actually been proud of myself for opening my mouth and telling people how I feel when I feel it. Maybe all of my assertive friends are rubbing off on me.

Looking forward to Audient's birthday bash. I wish I didn't have so much homework to do on Sunday so I could hang out with Alli and Kristen, although Kristen may want Alli all to herself. Perhaps I will get up early on Sunday and try to get much of the work done, and then go out and play. Let's just hope I'm as disciplined as I appear to be here.

I find that when I become addicted to a show that when the week's episode is done, I'm always a bit depressed that I can't watch the new one right away. It seems like a whole week is just too long to wait.

Well, I guess that's all for now.

Instead of Trying to Lose Weight, I Will Now Be Super Fat

Well, I feel like I can now announce to everyone....

I'm pregnant! Tom and I found out just after Father's Day, and I couldn't keep the secret from most people. Now that I am 12 weeks today, I feel like I can shout it to the world. I am due February 23, and it can't come soon enough. It is a lot to take in and prepare for, but I don't have much patience for such things. I get too excited. I got my first ultrasound in July just to make sure everything was ok, and it looks like we are having a snowman. :) Alli has been lovingly referring to the baby as Taco, as "the baby" is just worn out. I had my second doctor's appointment on August 3rd and all is well. Doc told me to keep up the good work. Taco's heart rate was 150 and they tell me that's normal. Everything else was good. Only 8 more weeks and we can find out what we're having!

In other news, we are moving. We found a brand new apartment that is still a 2 bedroom, but it is much bigger and offers more ammenities in the suite. We will have a washer and dryer in the unit and a dishwasher. Two necessities with a new baby. The best part about moving this time, is that I can't move a thing. I suppose I could lift a few light boxes, but you can't be too safe.....right? We actually decided to get movers because we're just sick and tired of moving! After I found out I was pregnant, I freaked out and wanted to move back to Ashtabula. Luckily, Tom and I were able to compromise on half-way. We will be on the Mentor/Painesville line. We are really excited to be in a brand new place (our building won't be finished until the week before we move in).

So, that's my news....I know, it's a lot to take in. I will try to keep up with this blog and how we are doing.

With Love,
Mom of Taco