Rewind...

The kids and I made the trek out to Nanny and Poppy's on Saturday (poor Daddy was taking a course). Olivia had a blast and Blake enjoyed the sites of nature and the farm. I loved the company of course and was able to have someone else answer ALL of Olivia's questions!

I also think I have lost a bit of parental control when it comes to my own parents. (even though my mom says I never had it) I was inside with Blake and decided to see what everyone was up to, when to my surprise I came out to see Olivia about to get on Sassy, my mother's horse! What no asking of the mother, no permisson slip? What is going on? Anyway Olivia had a so much fun with all the animals, even Bailey:)



Nanny, Olivia and the nanny goats

Ridiing Sassy

Blake enjoying the sights
So much love for Bailey
Guess who bought this sweater? This is the one and only time and place he will wear it!
Playing school...little house on the prairie style!

Blake update and other great news!

Blake weighed in at the doctor this morning for his sixth month check up at 17 lbs. 10 oz. and 26 3/4 inches long. (Olivia was only 19 lbs. at her one year!) He is growing well and eating like a champ. Even though I lied to the doctor (I hope she doesn't read this) and said we just started solids (he's been chomping since around 4 months) His favorites are mango, bananas, avocado and carrots, not so crazy about green beans, and despises prunes. Olivia is having a great time helping me make his food, she is in charge of the blender button and scooping into the ice cube trays.

We have great news to report that the Digdos down in Tampa are not only pregnant (well Andrea is) but adding a little sister for Luke! The Venezia's added a little brother, Joey, to their family and we are waiting on the Kelly's this summer to see who will be joining Abby.

Happy 6 Months to Blake

Blake has hit the half year mark and Olivia hit the 3 1/2 year mark...She kept asking me who I invited to her party, wow was she disappointed to find out a party was not occuring. So we had some chocolate chip cookies and called it a day. We also went to the park with Auntie Jo Jo and Shaye... Happy Birthday Sweetsie!
Olivia and her Dora goodies
Auntie Jo Jo
Shaye Shaye

Cooking for the Cooks

We had the Cook clan over for some good eats and even better company. Olivia and Riley played so nicely together with only one injury (Riley nailed his head on the dining room table) which is a record in our family. Eating some Tostitoes or the cats who ate the canaries?
Hey Boy, where'd your pants go?
While we were sitting at the table, this is what the two quiet ones were up to!
Then Olivia got a hold of the camera to snap these closeups of Riley.

Mr. Toothy Face

Blake cut his first tooth over the weekend and was quite the little trooper. The Motrin he was doped up on also helped. We have been taking every opportunity to get outside even if only to draw on the driveway with sidewalk chalk or to play with neighbor boys who have taught Olivia a few more wrestling moves. We have six boys on our block, two older, two her age and two younger, plus her brother and one more on the way from our neighbor Gabrielle. So I don't think she will be short of prom date! Anyway here are some pics from Blake's first swing ride (thanks Auntie for having a camera) and some other fun happenings. Super Fun!
Big Sister gives a push.
Hi Sweet Boy!

Olivia likes to read to Blake when he is in his exersaucer. She says it's because he listens to her I think it because this way he can't grab the book!
Newest favorite past time...hanging in Blake's pack n play!

This is what naps look like for Olivia now. She goes and goes until she finally passes out on the couch. That is her blessed Monkey, "D" draped across her. She just finished telling me she was "NOT TIRED" when I snapped this beauty.

A heart trying week

So this week has been a little trying on my heart. Earlier in the week Olivia, Blake and I went to the library. Olivia was busy doing a puzzle so Blake and I decided to look for books to take home, when he totally face planted. Now my boy NEVER cries and he let out quite a wail and would not stop. I think all the dogs in the neigborhood stood up and took notice. So after he calmed down and so did I, (Olivia ignored the entire situation) I looked down at his beautiful face and out of his little nose came a dribble of blood. I tried not to freak but we all know how easy it is to wipe a baby's nose and even more disturbing when it is blood. We both recovered quickly and left the library as soon as I could tear Olivia away from that dang puzzle.

Next on my heart trying journey and the worst thus far for me...We were happily playing in the park and Blake was his usual jovial self, laughing and smiling at all the kids. When this little girl peers into his stroller and in the biggest speech impediment, Staten Island accent says "his ears are weird!" (it actually sounded like this..his ewers aaare weeerrrd) I have never felt so protective in my life. Like a mother lioness about to pounce, I wanted to rip into this five year old like there was no tomorrow. I knew I would at some point have to defend my little man's ears but I didn't dream it would be when he is five months old! So as a tearily type this, pray for me that I find the strength and wisdom to make my precious boy comfortable and proud of his Poppy's ears that he has definitely inherited!

Tutu Girl

Ah so this weekend marks a turning point in our lives..our first dance recital. Now when I was a kid we had to stay for the whole show (four hours) in a back room so that we could be in the finale to bow and it was torture! Well my how things have changed. We came for Olivia's number, watched her flit around like a fairy and then we were off to eat at The Office with Daddy, Blake, Nanny, Poppy and Grandma. She was a little apprehensive for the show but once we got there and she saw her friends, she was very excited! Her costume was so incredibly large on her that when she stood sideways you could see her entire bum through the hanging leg openings. She danced to Edelveiss from The Sound of Music. It was quite the performance.
I thought my life would be that of a soccer mom maybe even baseball but dance? It is completley throwing me for a loop. But Olivia loves it and that is all that matters! waiting to perform with Megan
so excited
Look at that form!
So cute! They all look connected with those massive tutus!