Of Late

My blogging has been extremely sporadic lately, not due to lack of inspiration, but simply out of pure exhaustion.  If I do get a minute to it down to write, my mind seems to go blank, or I realize that the pictures I want to upload are still on the camera, or a puppy throws up, or the laundry is done, or the baby starts fighting off the sleep into which he was so peacefully settling moments before.

Now that Gobbles is a crawling, eating, stair climbing, split-second standing, cruising machine, every minute he's awake there is something to do.  Whether it's explore the ball pit, throw the ball back and forth, push the dinosaur around the room, or just read a book, the little man always wants to be entertained.

I feel half guilty / half relieved that he has not noticed the giant television in the room yet.  Guilty because I know the reason he hasn't noticed it is that we haven't had children's programming on for more than a few minutes at a time.  Relieved because he has his whole life to watch tv, the longer we can put it off the better.

As far as food goes, he can be the pickiest eater one day, and just a piggy the next.  It comes and goes, but we all know that my son will eventually know that we live to eat, not the other way around.  Lately the Gobbles favorites are cheerios, mini pancakes, veggie puffs, sweet potato fries, and trusty rice cereal.  We're still working on cheese, pizza, apples, and pasta.  They're coming though, just a little slower than expected. 

There it goes again, I know I had a whole lot more to say, but hubs just distracted me by laughing at something on the tv and I'm completely hopeless - it's way past my bedtime.

Uploading pictures is much easier than trying to catch my train of thought.  So until next time...


I LOVE to make music with my macaroni rattle! My favorite toy is a free toy!

 

I also like to make music with my Daddy and his guitar....

 

And I like to sing and flash my rock star smile to the camera

But when the music stops, I like to settle in with a good book

I'd rather look through my bowl than eat my macaroni!

No bib is a match for the way I eat!



He seems to like that toy - let me see what it does!



well if we just work our way around here then we can push through this gate and get up the stairs!

What?  You've never tried to drink bath water?  Don't knock it til you've tried it!

I like to hang out in the yard with Mommy while Daddy grills and they both drink out of those brown bottles. 



Despite the dark background, it's not really that late - see - i'm not tired yet!  But I think mommy is!

Another Brother

I just gained my second brother-in-law in two weeks, and I couldn't be happier.  My big sister is now a married woman off on her honeymoon having a blast with her new husband.

The wedding itself will definitely be a memorable one to all who attended, and I hope now that the nerves have shaken off and we've had our fill of champagne, we can all look back and laugh... I know I'm already starting to crack a smile. 

Starting with the ceremony, which was performed by one of those priests who is the reason so many people have turned away from the Catholic church.  Besides yelling at the congregation to stand long before the bridal march, forgetting to pronounce them man and wife, and forgetting the kiss until the very end "Simon says kiss", this man actually threw a centipede at the bride.  No, it's not a new custom, it's a dirty old man who saw a bug crawling on his sleeve when he raised his arm to bless them, and shook it off so that it scampered underneath the bridal gown.  The bride held her composure beautifully, and a few moments later during the kiss of peace I grabbed the gown and shook it furiously to make sure only the groom would be touching that garter (which later ended up on my dad's head, but that's a different story altogether!).  My other sister soon pointed out that the bug was still up at the alter, and we were safe.

Next, on the ride to the reception site (thankfully the floodwaters from the previous day had receded), my own advice to only have champagne and light colored beer (Stella) in the limo paid off for, well, myself!  The driver took off rather quickly and I slid off the seat splashing champagne all over the gorgeous white clouds of bridal gown.  Somehow, everything turned out ok and it all wiped off, but boy I was nervous that I'd ruined something!

Cut to the reception, where the DJ had a slip of the tongue and actually said the wrong name for the bride.  This, coupled with a groomsman falling off the head table platform (and taking part of the table with him), was just the icing on the cake. - which was delicious, and I don't think anybody but us noticed when the flowers fell down the side causing those imperfections in the icing! 

Despite all of this, my sister had a beautiful day, an unforgettable reception - who else busts into 'My Sharona' during the middle of 'Daddy's little girl'?   Everyone ate fabulous food, danced until their feet hurt, and drank until they couldn't remember anything (or was that just me?).  And if they didn't get enough beer, they just grabbed enough at last call to hide in the bushes until later :)

And my apologies to anyone who attended at the length of my matron of honor speech, I hope I didn't cut into too much dancing time!

T, the last thing you said to me 5 years ago when you stood in this spot and I yours was “I hope someday I’ll find someone who can make me as happy as M makes you”. Well, little did we know that he was sitting a few feet away and that your "someday" would come immediately.


I didn’t pay much attention that night to T and J hanging out that night, but a couple days later, as my cell phone picked up reception while the cruise ship was rolling into port in St Thomas, it starting beeping like crazy with a text message. Oh - did I mention it was the crack of dawn on my Honeymoon??? So - you may want to put your phone on silent next week ;)

T’s text was something to the effect of – “I know I had it but I lost it – what was jeremy’s phone number again?” Excited and elated that she wanted to see him, I rushed to find a computer and email her. When I logged in, I found an email “nevermind that text I sent you last night, HE called ME. We went out for happy hour, which turned into 6 happy hours.”

After hearing that, I spent much of the remainder of the week fantasizing about giving this very speech. So after 5 years of wishing and hoping, here we are!

When I first met Jeremy, he was an 18 year old kid wearing a big black hoodie, fresh and stinky from a Phish concert and visiting M at school. Louis, as his friends cal him, soon became a staple of my hazleton visits. He'd have the crowd at Hoops in hysterics over his latest Chappelle impression. When the late would become early morning, J's sweet and caring side woud take over as he would invite us back to his parents house so he could cook up some 3am grilled cheese sandwiches.

It was these nights I knew J would make someone very happy someday.

T was always more than just a sister to me. Growing up, I hero-worshipped her, trying to imitate everything she did without her seeing me, because man did it piss her off! Eventually I found myself but a little part of me looking up to her always remained. When we became closer, and she started hanging out with my friends, they would be like "omg, we get to hang out with T N! she is SO cool". I felt proud and even a bit smug, thinking "yes, that's MY sister".

I knew it would take someone very special to deserve you.

When fate stepped in five years ago and brought you two together, the change I saw in each of you was unmistakeable. J - besides the fun-loving sweetie that I've always known, you now seemed complete, confident, and utterly happy. T - besides the successful, independent trendsetter I adore, you have become fulfilled, softer, and more romantic. When you talk about J, it's written all over your face and is even evident in your voice that you are completely in love.


They always say that a girl should marry someone just like her father. Beside my dad, J is the only man I know who can be as meticulous about his car one second and slide across the dance floor on his knees the next. J, you have always been like a brother to me, now I am happy it's been made official.

I wish you two all the love and happiness in the world, I love you guys.

The Littlest Groomsman

Last weekend, Gobbles experienced a few firsts. His first stay at a bed & breakfast. His first piece of spaghetti - which, along with all of his french fries, ended up on the floor of the rehearsal dinner restaurant. (don't worry, I cleaned them all up so the poor waitstaff wouldn't have to). And finally, his first duties as a member of a wedding party. Including first tuxedo with first teeny tiny clip on tie.

I was in my first wedding at the age of 25, the blushing bride. My little man was in his first wedding at 9 months, officially named in the program as an Honorary Usher. We are packing this boy so full of life experiences that he's going to be out of firsts by the time he can actually retain a memory. Seriously - I don't think I've mentioned this one before- first kiss? Check. Unfortunately we'll never know who it was with since it happened at daycare, the kiss turned into a bite, and we had to sign an incident report over this whole thing. I just wanted to know my son's first kiss (and if it was with a boy or a girl??), but the daycare keeps the biter anonymous for fear of retribution. They're infants for chrissake! Of course they're going to bite, who cares? What is wrong with people that things have come to this?

Ok, BIG tangent. Sorry.  Sleep has not been prevalent this week.

Back to the wedding. My Sister-in-Law, godmother of Gobbles, had envisioned a wedding in the backyard of a cozy mansion long before she met her husband. It was amazing to see her vision come to life on such a picture perfect day. Everything was beautiful, the weather, the location, all the personal touches, and of course the bride herself. Sure, the groom looked good too, but I'm sure no one took notice of his cuticles even though he'd had a bride-directed mani! (love you lady :). Everything had come together so well that my paranoia of it being ruined by a screaming baby was at an all time high.

Months ago, when Gobbles was asked to be a part of the wedding party alongside his parents, I was enthused, but also confused. a BABY in a wedding? THAT's ridiculous. my mom's voice echoed in my head. See, our big fat Italian family does things a little differently. The family is to big to include everyone in a wedding, so there has always been a cutoff age - no cousins under x are invited. A lot of people make the cutoff as 21. I pushed and pushed for my wedding and got a cutoff of 11? And looking at budgets for children's menus, etc, I really think this cutoff is because people just would rather get wasted and dance then have to worry about their children.

Anyway, I was excited to have Gobbles included, especially because sister in law was so happy to "be able to throw him up and down just like her dad threw her as a child at her uncle's wedding". Haha, so cute! As we got closer to the wedding date, and Gobbles clinginess increased, I began to get worried again. How is he going to act when he escorts mother-in-law up the aisle? Will he scream and try to find me? Will he poop himself? What about during the reception - will he fuss the whole time? Try to crawl away?
Somehow, the stars were aligned, and to go with the picture perfect day, I had a model citizen of a son.

Ok, maybe not a model citizen - the jacket for the tux never made it on because the fight he put up just wasn't worth the polished look. It's ok, the relaxed "hey ladies!" look suited him much better. And the wedding itself? We were ready to play pass the baby during the short ceremony, just in case, but instead he slept. The whole time. Up the aisle, down the aisle, and through most of the family pictures. He woke up in time for the party to start with a smile on his face.

He made it through dinner without incident, thanks to my mother who played grabby grandma and took him away while the head table ate. Well babies at weddings are ridiculous. I stand by my word. don't be asking ME for help with him there. Tell her if she changes her mind I'll just skip the wedding and stay home with him. Boy does my mother change her tune when she realizes things are not the end of the world!

Anyway, since the tent was outside and our room inside the bed & breakfast was just a few flights of stairs away, diaper changing, taking a walk around the grounds in the stroller, etc were easy to do when it seemed like Gobbles was getting uneasy.  Half of the guests spent time outside on the many patios, so we mingled inside and out, keeping the scene new and different so the little man wouldn't get antsy.  We weren't able to pass him around like a hot potato like we originally thought since he was super clingy, but he still got his time with both his grandmothers as well as a few minutes with hubs' aunts, cousins and grandma before straining to jump back into my arms.

Somehow, the little guy was still awake and raring to go around 9 or so.  We were chilling outside the tent when we heard one of Gobbles' favorite songs, I Like It by Enrique Iglesias.  I scooped him up and we ran out to the dance floor.  As I swung him around a smile spread across his face and a small crowd circled around us.  With every "Baby I LIKE it", I heaved him high above my head and giggles exploded out of his little mouth.  Overstimulation?  Maybe.  But it provided for a priceless memory of my little man and I, which I can't help but smile about every time I replay it in my head.

The rest of the wedding was a blast, husband retired Gobbles quietly to the back patio away from the music while I tore up the dance floor.  This was probably hubs' favorite wedding ever because he actually had an excuse to not be out there dancing, which is about as fun for him as a root canal.  (and I married this man knowing this!)

Things will calm down for Gobbles for the next few months, but before long, another big first for him will be upon us - his first plane ride (mine was at age 18, his will be at 11 months, 25 days), his first birthday, and his first of many trips to see the big mouse.  Until then, he will just be a kid for awhile :)

Well Hell-OOO ladies!

 

C'mon, where's-a my pastaaa?

I'm Hungry - Let's go EAT!

Shout aloud screaming loud - Let me hear you go - Baby I LIKE IT!



Don't Stop Baby Don't Stop Baby!  Just keep on Shakin Along!

Mommy - UP again.  'Cause we're never getting OLD!

HEEEEYYYYYY!  Where'sa everyone-A goin??

OK - too many pictures - Let's go!

is it everything you hoped that it would be?

this week had started off great with gobbles' seperation anxiety going down a notch with an easy daycare drop-off on monday morning.  today, my own anxiety is now at an all-time high.

we entered the infant room and i placed gobbles on the floor to play with his friends while i unloaded the bottles, filled out the daily form, etc.  he was happy and interactive for the moment.  then the door opened, and he got that hysterical look on his face and started crying.  normally when this happens, he starts hauling ass towards me at remarkable speed.  today, as i looked up from my writing, i saw my child take off in a crawl towards his favorite teacher, ms. z.  she scooped him up and gave him a hug, and he stopped crying.

and my heart broke. 

as soon as he looked over and realized i was still in the room he lurched towards me and i got my own hugs.  but still, witnissing a virtual stranger giving my son the hugs and kisses he needs is not exactly comforting like i once imagined it to be.  instead, it's like a punch in the gut.  i understand that placing my baby in the care of somebody else for 40 hours a week will cause him to latch on to them, but for some reason i felt that the level of emotion and neediness that constituted crying was reserved just for me (or daddy).

ignorance was bliss.

and now that i know, i'm questioning everything.  with hubs having been given an expiration date on his paycheck and me having signed a 1 year commitment to this job, i'm stuck where i am for at least another 9 months, more if he has trouble finding something else.  but it's days like these where the mommy guilt is heavy, and i feel downright selfish for choosing to continue my career while my baby is growing up without me. 

today's countown begins very early:  7 hours and 33 minutes until i leave to see my little boy again. i miss him a lot this morning.

9 Months!

Dear Mr. Gobbles,

Here we are again young man. Celebrating another quarter year of life, time for more shots, and time for Mommy to get sappy.  I am amazed that you have now been out and about just as long as you were in my belly - save for the extra two weeks you took to cook of course. 

You have been the happiest little boy lately with Mommy and Daddy, playing and shrieking with delight at just about everything.  You've also been the saddest little guy when we leave your side, especially at daycare.  You crawl up to me so fast and grab on my leg, clinging to it almost comically as I try to walk away.  Gobbles, you don't even know how much it breaks my heart every morning when I have to unwrap you from my leg, scoop you up for one last hug, and rush out of the room before you notice again.  Please know how much Mommy and Daddy love you and that we will always come back to you, no matter what.

Each afternoon when we arrive to pick you up, you reinforce to us that it's ok, deep down you are content, probably even happy with your friends at school.  You're so enthralled in your babbling conversation with the other kids, that it usually takes you a minute or two to notice I'm there. But when you hear my voice, your head whips around so quickly you'd think an exorcism was taking place.  Within seconds you are by my side and standing at my leg with the widest smile a mom could ask for.  I love these moments, they are what gets me through the workday.

At night the old routine of television and computers has long gone out the window as we spend the hours that you are awake exploring every toy in the living room.  We'll crisscross the room on our hands and knees and chase the puppies.  I'll lay down and lift you high above my head, do a few chest presses then throw you on my knees for crunches for good measure.  You laugh so hard that you drool all over me!

You are proving to be a bit of a picky eater like your Daddy.  No jarred veggies for you.  You take your cereal, oatmeal, or fruit pretty well, but dinnertime you'd much rather have the real stuff.  Somehow you absolutely love the barbecue sauce your Daddy makes.  Against his warnings, "it's too hot", I'll let you lick a little off of my finger, and you open your mouth so wide looking for a second bite.  While we take turns eating dinner and entertaining you, you'll climb up to the tv tray where the food is and try to have some big people food. 

Some Ribs, Please!

Last night, you were climbing all over Daddy on the couch, and I again talked about how adorable you are, loving hanging on your Daddy because it's like looking in a futuristic mirror.  He replied Gobbles is a fun-sized me. I can't get the image out of my head, and he's absolutely right. Now if I could just find a way for your Daddy to dress as a 6 foot candy bar for halloween, we may have found your costume.

Gobbles, you have three months left until I can no longer even call you an "infant".  22 lbs and 25 in tall, you shift and squirm so much I can barely hold you still to change your diaper.  You have a handful of teeth and are finally getting a little more hair.  You crawl like a champ, stand up on everything, and walk with your dinosaur guy.  You've learned how to clap and do it all the time when Enrique Iglesias, Katy Perry, or Lady Gaga are on the radio.  If you're not in your carseat when music comes on you immediately begin to bebop to the beat.  You've got much more rhythm than your Mommy, probably getting that from your Grandpop and your Aunt T.  I have heard a Momma here and there, but your prime word is still Dada.  

I'm going to take full advantage of your recent clinginess and make sure I get in all the hugs and kisses I can get.  I apologize if it makes your seperation anxiety stick a little longer, but when you're in middle school not wanting to hang out with Mommy and Daddy at all I know I'll look back and think it didn't last long enough.  I love you so much Gobbles.

Love,
Momma

I'm so happy to be 9 months old! Yay for mommy taking pictures....

No pictures, please.  I'm workin hard over here!

Um, technically I'm 9 months and 1 day.  So why are you waking me up to take pictures??!

 i get it!  you want to see my tooofers!!!