No. 76

Before March comes let me get in a quickie with pics!

We have been so busy.  Jackson, Cupcake and I were in NYC last weekend for fun.  From seeing The Little Mermaid on Broadway to ice skating to our last stop at Amercian Girl Place we had a fun filled two days in the city.

The pictures are a bit scattered but I am still learning how to use my MAC.

Cupcake is having such a blast just living life.  She makes motherhood so easy!

The End of a great weekend

Cupcake busy on the iPHONE
Getting ready to Leave the Time Hotel-(great boutique hotel)

A big smile after Cupcake's first ferris wheel ride in Toys R Us Timesquare

Best Friends!
Jackson & Cupcake on the train to NYC
Elin's Stardust Diner was a great musical breakfast
Cupcake's boyfriend met her for lunch at Max Brenner's in NYC

Cupcake & Jackson waiting for the lights to go down for Cupcake's first Broadway show..."The Little Mermaid."

Don't get any ideas Cupcake!
Cupcake's new jammies for her and baby from American Girl Place.
Jackson & Cupcake on the ice at Rockefeller Plaza
Happy Valentine's Day from Daddy!  And Elmo sings!

We had a great weekend escape to the Split Rock Resort in the poconos.  Our friends thought they were getting the call to leave to get baby no.2 so Thursday Night the last weekend in January we decided we would meet in PA.

This place was cool.  It was like 4 star  indoor camping but the kids loved everything from the indoor pool to bowling, the arcade, and the indoor waterpark.  Both families cleaned out their kitchens,  brought all of the groceries and cooked for the weekend in our 2 bed 2 bath with living room and a full kitchen suite.

Other than the fire department coming when I made steak & eggs for breakfast on Sunday, it was a charming and perfect weekend!

No. 75

No. 74

Happy New Year's 2009!

What an amazing experience it was to see the skies in Southern Italy.  Never had I seen such a display of fireworks.  Describing it is impossible but the skies were bright for hours.  The sounds were like a war.  The first few minutes I flinched, almost dropped the camera, and felt uncertain about the safety of all of us.  Unlike home this is not an organized display with permits, lol.  We are in between the mountains and the water with views of both.  Every town, village and city lights up the skies at midnight for about an hour.  

Cupcake wanted more.  I was hesitant she would be scared (maybe because I was?)  The year started yesterday with this sudden burst "I'm Hungry," which we rarely ever hear since eating is her least favorite activity.  Five small yogarts, bread & cheese, an apple, an orange would usually be two days of food but this was a snack over two hours after she woke yesterday.   When nine o'clock came it was time to sit for dinner.  She left to watch a movie and returned two minutes later saying she was ready for dinner. So she sat and said no no no no and no.  First course was a calamari, scungilli, and other gems from the sea tossed in olive oil basil with lemon.  Second course was a pasta mixed with a similiar pesci (fish) combo.  Third course was a plate of swordfish, shrimp (with the eyeballs), and a whitefish of some sorts.  Next was egg type of pasta stuffed with a ricotta & funghi mixture (this was really tasty).  The side of grilled vegetables were great too.  We never made it to the next course which is the most traditional Italian meal on New Year's which is something with pig and lentils but I am sure Catia will stuff us with it today.  So after all of the "No's" Cupcake wanted her Panettone  (traditional cake like bread with or without raisins and other dried fruits.  After the midnight celebrations a bowl of corn flakes for a late night snack.

Cupcake's Italian leaves me speechless.   Simple things she can respond in Italian like good morning, good night, I want to eat, manners, and I need help.  As we venture out meeting more and more children I see she understands them a bit better and responds in English not realizing they do not understand her until I remind her.  She is aware Nono (grandfather) will tell Nona and Nona will only speak to her in Italian (no choice).  The other night we went out.  Since she wouldn't wake we left her with Nona.  When she woke she asked Nona for cookies and milk to dunk.  I can only imagine how many times she asked and desperately used her sign language but no luck.  Finally an exhausted cupcake says to Nona Just give me Latte & Panettone....the way the story was told to us when we returned had all of us laughing!

Today we are off to get into a little trouble!

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Buon Natale from Italy!

We left Baltimore to Philadelphia by car to catch a direct flight to Rome. Finally arrived 8:30am Christmas Eve. Cupcake woke up in Rome. As the plane hit the ground she asked, Are we in It a Lee. She was an amazing traveler!

Wishing everyone, especially my friends I forgot to call....Merry Christmas.

No. 73

Some exciting news, Finally got Cupcake's US Passport yesterday so we can share a big surprise this winter.  We are going to some really  cool places.  Details to follow.  I am figuring out how to use the new laptop so I can blog a little.

Happy 3rd Birthday Leif! I wanted to share some photos of us from the past year but I will add later. 

 

No. 72

Waking around 6 am leads me back to bloggerworld. Amongst a few emails, calls, and messages.

The past year I came to a crossroads with blogging. Sharing some of my daughter's life with the world seemed a bit strange.

Cupcake and I talk alot. A matter of fact she requests that we talk from the moment we snuggle in the morning to the second I switch out the lights.

Looking forward to reconnecting & meeting new bloggers.

Wishing you & your family a Happy Thanksgiving.

No. 71

Queen size changes have occurred! I can't believe PROJECT PINK is no more. I will confess to not missing bottles or diapers.The stackers & baby toys replaced dress-up chests & Legos. The toy chest has been replaced with an arts & crafts station. The popper, fisher price house & piano are gone too. Nothing made my eyes water like watching the crib being removed and the big girl bed being set up. WOW- I am not giving up the baby blanket yet!

No.70

On our way into NYC on Thursday. We got to hang out with Aunt Reesy who flew in from LA for work but found a weekend to go shopping with the girls. Accidentally we were the first in line at Macy's Herald Square when they were about to cut the ribbons for Macy's 150th Birthday. The first 150 people got $15 COUPONS so we got them but the balloon was the prize of the day for Cupcake. After our weekend we stopped by Cupcake's boyfriend's house for the night before catchiingour flight home. They had a blast. From bubble baths to rockin' music they laughed and played until they crashed. What a blast!

No. 69

Surprise, We are here with pics to share. Here is a little of Cupcake's 3rd birthday. Winter is coming quickly so I want to catch up a bit before Christmas. We are having a blast. Cupcake is doing well in school. I never could have imagined a year ago she would be where she is today. Food is always an issue for me not here. She is perfectly happy eating mac'n cheese or cereal 24/7 but I feel changes happening there too. Instead of making it a big deal I have given here enough mac n'cheese for the past 6 months to make me sick. Finally- She doesn't want it! What can I share...She is a healthy, well adjusted 3 yr old who greets everyone with hugs & smiles. Her speech, motor skills, and whatever else is at age level or above. She is loving and sweet all of the time. Gosh has she changed my world more than I could have imagined.

















BIG KISSES, Lauren & Cupcake

No.68

Where have we been? Clearly it has been to long to figure it out. I couldn't believe how long it has been since I have visited bloggerland. As i looked at everyone's blog I realized the babies we brough home don't look like babies anymore.

Cupcake is all grown up too. Everything is still ALL BY MYSELF. She is Miss Independent. She finished her first year at summer camp and has entered her second year of pre school university. They even have swim one time a week in the indoor pool which she loves. She was tested as the highest level so she will get one on one swim lessons. Swimming everyday really has helped her swim well. The kid likes to swim laps! It is quite cute to watch too.

She turned three in July. Watching her grow up, listening to her speak, and watching her interact with her friends is so incredible.

So I guess life is quiet. Tell you a few more things soon with pics.

No. 67

May 2008 UPDATE:

Now I know why my mother didn't buy me the clogs I just had to buy for Cupcake (pic coming soon). Everyday it is a battle as they are her favorite shoes. Mine too but the teacher is starting to think I am a moron for letting her wear them on gym days. If she checked her bag she would find the tennis shoes!

Cupcake is all grown-up before 3 years old. Our favorite phrase is "ALL BY MYSELF" and the opinions are bold, definite, and confident. Food, clothing, and activities are a bit different than a month ago! Smart, witty and HYSTERICAL is all I can tell you.

No. 66

It has been so long! Here is a Cupcake fix.
She is simply EQUISITE in every way! I love you Cupcake!
It is hard to explain but now she can walk, talk, and share an opinion. Our lives have meshed in such an incredible way! Watching her grow and learn is so special. In some ways it has become more private too. Blogging has been difficult with such a lack of time but I wanted to share a little more. Especially for anyone waiting...I promise FOR REAl you will forget the hardships of the waiting! Every paper chase, every 10+ hour flight, every check & charge will be FORGOTTEN!!!