Brianna has a remarkable way of making her big sister crack up. I took a series of these shots and couldn’t get Gabriella to smile. It took one little sister’s tongue to do the trick!
Monday, December 12, 2011
Friday, September 16, 2011
Hershey Park
July 2011
Hershey Park began with a tour of the pseudo chocolate factory. Gabriella was completely enthralled. Why? I can tell you it had nothing to do with learning about the chocolate making process... it was because she learned that one of the pretend cows was named "Gabriella."
She requested having her face painted all day! It's a VERY serious process.
Like a great big sister she even let Brianna join her on some rides --I love the pure joy in this shot!
And, of course, her favorite ride of all time with Daddy. She's been talking about the rocket ships since we left Hershey Park two years ago!
She even learned to like chocolate during this trip. (Much to my disappointment as I may not get free reign over her Halloween candy this year.)
And, a few too many pieces of chocolate and many hours later... the ride back to the hotel....
 |
| The cow on the left shared a name with Gabriella. |
She requested having her face painted all day! It's a VERY serious process.
Like a great big sister she even let Brianna join her on some rides --I love the pure joy in this shot!
She even learned to like chocolate during this trip. (Much to my disappointment as I may not get free reign over her Halloween candy this year.)
And, a few too many pieces of chocolate and many hours later... the ride back to the hotel....
Sunday, July 10, 2011
July 9, 2011
Age 4 years, 4.5 months
We were at a friends house having dinner in the backyard. Gabriella announced, "I have to go poop!" Without even thinking I responded, "Okay let's go inside and you can go #2."
Gabriella: "Number 2 means poop, right?"
Me: "Yes, that's right. Sometimes people say 'number 1' to mean going pee.
Gabriella: "Ohhh..." "What does number 7 mean?"
Age 4 years, 4.5 months
We were at a friends house having dinner in the backyard. Gabriella announced, "I have to go poop!" Without even thinking I responded, "Okay let's go inside and you can go #2."
Gabriella: "Number 2 means poop, right?"
Me: "Yes, that's right. Sometimes people say 'number 1' to mean going pee.
Gabriella: "Ohhh..."
Saturday, July 9, 2011
Spray Park
June 2011
We visited a local Spray Park with our friend Vincent. The kids had a ball! We had lunches and they even had crafts for the kids too! Gotta love public parks.
We visited a local Spray Park with our friend Vincent. The kids had a ball! We had lunches and they even had crafts for the kids too! Gotta love public parks.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Father’s Day 2011
This year for Father’s Day, Stew decided that he wanted us all to go to Fantasy Island, a smaller amusement park local to the Buffalo area. I questioned his decision to do this because I knew it was going hot and busy and, probably not that much fun for a Dad. His response reminded me about why I love him. “It won’t be that much fun for me, but seeing the girls happy makes me feel good. That will be a good Father’s Day.”
And so it was.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Scavenger Hunt
June 2011
I am trying to help Gabriella master her lower case letter recognition. She absolutely loves playing anything 'pretend' and she especially loves it if it involves her animal figurines. I developed a 'letter scavenger hunt' for her today and she absolutely loved it. We pretended one of the animals was missing and the little pieces of paper would lead her to the animal. The paper read something like "Go to B" in uppercase, then she would have to find the matching lowercase card. Under that card would either be another note, etc.
After about 72 times of playing this game (or however many times we could squeeze in during Brianna's nap,) Gabriella decided that she wanted to create a scavenger hunt for me. "Really?" "Do you need help?" "Can I help you?" Nope, she wanted me to face the other way (like she did) so that I couldn't see where the animal was hiding.
Signed,
Proud Mommy
I am trying to help Gabriella master her lower case letter recognition. She absolutely loves playing anything 'pretend' and she especially loves it if it involves her animal figurines. I developed a 'letter scavenger hunt' for her today and she absolutely loved it. We pretended one of the animals was missing and the little pieces of paper would lead her to the animal. The paper read something like "Go to B" in uppercase, then she would have to find the matching lowercase card. Under that card would either be another note, etc.
After about 72 times of playing this game (or however many times we could squeeze in during Brianna's nap,) Gabriella decided that she wanted to create a scavenger hunt for me. "Really?" "Do you need help?" "Can I help you?" Nope, she wanted me to face the other way (like she did) so that I couldn't see where the animal was hiding.
 |
| Concentrating. "Go J" |
 |
| Gabriella writes "Go I" (as in "Go to I") |
She let me escape to go and get my camera. I was able to take a few pictures before being scolded and told to look the other way. I was aMAZED at what I saw. She not only understood the complicated nature of organizing a treasure hunt, but she also was writing her letters quite well and recognizing 'Go' as a sight word.
Signed,
Proud Mommy
Monday, May 30, 2011
Mother's Day 2011
May 2011, Age 4 years, 3 months
We visited Grandma Lola on the Friday of Mother's Day weekend this year. It was great to see her, as it had been a while. Gabriella was thrilled to play with new toys and loves being able to interact with family. She often recites to me all of her relatives, which is pretty darn cute.
On the way home from the visit, Gabriella started talking about Simba from Lion King. ".....Simba really wanted to be just like his Daddy when he growed up, huh?"
Me: "Yes, he sure did........ do you want to be like your Mommy when you grow up?"
Gabriella: Long pause.... "I'm still deciding."
Happy Mother's Day!
 |
| Grandma Lola and Gabriella |
On the way home from the visit, Gabriella started talking about Simba from Lion King. ".....Simba really wanted to be just like his Daddy when he growed up, huh?"
Me: "Yes, he sure did.....
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Gabriella has had an eventful spring already. I'm going to try and catch up, here is the first in a series (hopefully) of posts!
Gabriella has fallen in love with Playmobil. She also loves pbskids.org. Here she is combining her two loves in one. Please note how neatly she arranges all of her animals. She is very careful to avoid knocking them down with using the touchpad.
Here she is with her best buddy from preschool (his last day is in a couple of weeks, so we are all heart broken!)
Paying close attention to something on the television. She was PROBABLY watching either: Lion King, Dinosaur Train, or Ice Age, as these three get a LOT of play time in this house. We're in the process of a bang transformation. At the salon she stated that she wanted to grow them out. We'll see how long I can last with this - it literally PAINS me to see her with hair falling in her eyes.
An early spring shot at a local fountain that we enjoy walking to. I just like this picture - no real story!
Gabriella has fallen in love with Playmobil. She also loves pbskids.org. Here she is combining her two loves in one. Please note how neatly she arranges all of her animals. She is very careful to avoid knocking them down with using the touchpad.
Here she is with her best buddy from preschool (his last day is in a couple of weeks, so we are all heart broken!)
Paying close attention to something on the television. She was PROBABLY watching either: Lion King, Dinosaur Train, or Ice Age, as these three get a LOT of play time in this house. We're in the process of a bang transformation. At the salon she stated that she wanted to grow them out. We'll see how long I can last with this - it literally PAINS me to see her with hair falling in her eyes.
An early spring shot at a local fountain that we enjoy walking to. I just like this picture - no real story!
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Surgery
April 22, 2011
Gabriella had surgery for a double hernia. They weren't causing her any discomfort, but since they don't heal on their own, we had to have them repaired. We prepped her for the hospital journey with a preadmission hospital tour (which really helped) and lots of books related to hospital visits. She was pretty relaxed on the day of surgery (unlike Mom and Dad!)
1. Waiting Room. Her favorite part of surgery was playing in the waiting room. It was super early in the morning so we were the first people there. She had ALL the toy animals to herself. She was in heaven and was incredibly disappointed to leave the waiting room.
Gabriella had surgery for a double hernia. They weren't causing her any discomfort, but since they don't heal on their own, we had to have them repaired. We prepped her for the hospital journey with a preadmission hospital tour (which really helped) and lots of books related to hospital visits. She was pretty relaxed on the day of surgery (unlike Mom and Dad!)
1. Waiting Room. Her favorite part of surgery was playing in the waiting room. It was super early in the morning so we were the first people there. She had ALL the toy animals to herself. She was in heaven and was incredibly disappointed to leave the waiting room.
2. Vitals. Gabriella remained relaxed throughout the preadmission medical screening (albeit a little disappointed to leave all of the waiting room toys.) In this picture she is holding her bunny that Grandma gave her that morning. Omama told her that the bunny would take care of her and Gabriella took that to heart. The bunny stayed with her throughout the day.
3.Walk down to Surgery floor. Gabriella was satisfied with the cuteness of her hospital pajamas. She was also excited to try out the super special, top secret, for-surgical-patients-only elevator. On the hospital tour she was told that Nemo was hiding on the wall (the elevator had an underwater mural on the walls/ceiling) and she felt compelled to find him.
4.Waiting for Surgery. Nothing feels better when you’re a little cold and tired than your Daddy’s lap. Here Gabriella is relaxing in Daddy’s lap along with her coveted green blanket and new safe keeper, the pink bunny.
5.Surgery and “Wake Up Room”. (No photos.) When it was time for Gabriella to head back to surgery I was pleased at how well the transition went. They no longer wheel the kids back on a bed, instead, the surgeon walks the child back, hand in hand, into the surgery area. Gabriella was able to wave goodbye and had a big smile on her face. The surgeon later told us that she was quite chatty all the way up until she fell asleep!
When she woke up in the Recovery Room the nurse came out and one of us was then allowed to visit her. (Sorry Stew – I totally elbowed him out of the way!) This was probably the worst part of the whole day – she was really scared and shivering. She started crying and was able to express that she was really hurting. We got her a heated blanket and they gave her some morphine. She was able to fall back to sleep and things improved drastically after that point. (A little morphine always helps the day, right?)
6. Post Recovery Room. Once she felt better, we were able to wheel her back upstairs to the ambulatory day surgery area to rest some more. Stew was able to join at this point and Gabriella was happy to have both of us there. Right when we entered the room, Stew took out his laptop and began setting it up. I couldn’t believe he was going to start doing work at this time. Are you kidding me?? Then I saw it.
The Lion King DVD.
Daddy, the Hero.
I couldn’t believe he thought of bringing the laptop and one of her DVDs. It was PERFECT. I could see her immediately relax with this comfortable and familiar distraction.
When she woke up in the Recovery Room the nurse came out and one of us was then allowed to visit her. (Sorry Stew – I totally elbowed him out of the way!) This was probably the worst part of the whole day – she was really scared and shivering. She started crying and was able to express that she was really hurting. We got her a heated blanket and they gave her some morphine. She was able to fall back to sleep and things improved drastically after that point. (A little morphine always helps the day, right?)
6. Post Recovery Room. Once she felt better, we were able to wheel her back upstairs to the ambulatory day surgery area to rest some more. Stew was able to join at this point and Gabriella was happy to have both of us there. Right when we entered the room, Stew took out his laptop and began setting it up. I couldn’t believe he was going to start doing work at this time. Are you kidding me?? Then I saw it.
The Lion King DVD.
Daddy, the Hero.
I couldn’t believe he thought of bringing the laptop and one of her DVDs. It was PERFECT. I could see her immediately relax with this comfortable and familiar distraction.
7.Easter Bunny Visit. Before we left for the day, the Easter Bunny visited all the kids in the hospital. Gabriella, of course, was thrilled. She received a stuffed bunny, a homemade quilt, and some other swag. You can see her change in affect in this picture. We left shortly after the Easter Bunny visit and she was feeling much better.
Gabriella really handled her surgery quite well! She took Tylenol a couple of times that day and once the next day and that was it for medicine. Maybe there was something to that pink bunny protector? Whatever the case, we are relieved to have this behind us!
Easter 2011
Easter came at a great time for Gabriella - two days after her surgery. It was nice to do something so fun without needing to go anywhere or exert a lot of energy (on her part-)
Here is this year's bunny photo. I tried tried TRIED to get one with Brianna in it. The photographer was even prepared and warned that Bri would probably cry- but - no luck- So, here is this year's photo with Gabriella as a single child. You can tell she's a bit "over" the Easter Bunny shot. Tired of her sister crying and all.
Easter morning - she followed the bunny tracks and found the baskets! (You can see residual bunny tracks on the little table.) Here she is shrieking with delight!
Even though it was a little cold - she insisted on wearing this adorable dress for our little Easter Egg Hunt.
Here is this year's bunny photo. I tried tried TRIED to get one with Brianna in it. The photographer was even prepared and warned that Bri would probably cry- but - no luck- So, here is this year's photo with Gabriella as a single child. You can tell she's a bit "over" the Easter Bunny shot. Tired of her sister crying and all.
Easter morning - she followed the bunny tracks and found the baskets! (You can see residual bunny tracks on the little table.) Here she is shrieking with delight!
Even though it was a little cold - she insisted on wearing this adorable dress for our little Easter Egg Hunt.
Sunday, March 6, 2011
More Gabbyisms
Gabriella: When I was at Wegmans (our local grocery store) playroom there was a bigger boy who wasn't very nice.
Me: Why what happened?
Gabriella: He took my dinosaur and roared really loud.
Me: Oh, that's not very nice. What happened next?
Gabriella: The teacher told the boy "No way!" and made him give me back the dinosaur and to be nice.
Me: Oh, that was good.
Gabriella: Daddy was supposed to be there! When boys are mean to me he's supposed to give pain (hitting one bicept) and agony (hitting the other bicept).
Me: (Look of utter shock.)
________________________________
Gabriella: When I grow up I want to get married and have a wedding. I want to have chicken pot pies and tacos with real meat for dinner (not the fake soy meat stuff that we usually use at home.) I want soy beans too. I want a bowl of lollipops and a big white cake for dessert.
--later the next day
Gabriella: Mommy I also want peas at my wedding.
Me: Okay, sounds delicious.
Gabriella: We have to tell Daddy that. He told me I could have anything I want at my wedding and he'll get it for me.
Me: Oh he did, did he?
Gabriella: Yes, he said he'd give me money or something.
Gabriella at the Wegman's Playroom-March 2011
Me: Why what happened?
Gabriella: He took my dinosaur and roared really loud.
Me: Oh, that's not very nice. What happened next?
Gabriella: The teacher told the boy "No way!" and made him give me back the dinosaur and to be nice.
Me: Oh, that was good.
Gabriella: Daddy was supposed to be there! When boys are mean to me he's supposed to give pain (hitting one bicept) and agony (hitting the other bicept).
Me: (Look of utter shock.)
________________________________
Gabriella: When I grow up I want to get married and have a wedding. I want to have chicken pot pies and tacos with real meat for dinner (not the fake soy meat stuff that we usually use at home.) I want soy beans too. I want a bowl of lollipops and a big white cake for dessert.
--later the next day
Gabriella: Mommy I also want peas at my wedding.
Me: Okay, sounds delicious.
Gabriella: We have to tell Daddy that. He told me I could have anything I want at my wedding and he'll get it for me.
Me: Oh he did, did he?
Gabriella: Yes, he said he'd give me money or something.
Gabriella at the Wegman's Playroom-March 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Gabriella Turns 4
February 2011
Gabriella is now 4 years old! She was able to select her breakfast and dinner that day, so it began with breakfast oatmeal ("Maple and Brown Sugar please") decorated with four lit candles and two parents singing "Happy Birthday" song. She requested to open her presents right after the oatmeal (shocking, I know) and was thrilled to receive more Playmobil toys and dinosaurs.
We brought cupcakes to preschool (she, of course, wore her Princess Gown and pin that read "I'm four") and Mommy joined her at snack time to share in the sugarfest. We left preschool early and, again, per Gabby's request began preparing her favorite dinner - tacos.... and more cake... and one more present that Daddy got last minute (a princess snuggie blanket - every girl needs one in the winter!)
A few days later we had her 'friend' birthday at, of course, THE BOUNCE HOUSE! This year she wanted a few more kids to join and her cousin Katelyn was even able to brave the cold and drive out for it! Here are some pics:
The cake - 9 hours across two days and...
There was homemade raspberry filling in the middle too... as the kid loves raspberries.
The birthday girl herself -- delighted for the bouncing to begin!
Everyone (even Brianna) enjoyed the bouncing. I actually couldn't believe that the chaos of the kids and the large bounce houses didn't even phase Brianna.
Gabriella and her best friend (since 4.5 months) Vincent.
Cousin Katelyn and Aunt Beth
Blowing out of the candles.
The day concluded with some overtired tears, a few whines, and naps on the drive home (and that was just the parents.) We opened presents at home and, I must say, that was the BEST decision ever. Gave the kids more time to bounce and Gabriella was able to open her gifts in a relaxed atmosphere. I had thought it strange when I saw this at other parties but now I can DEFINITELY see the benefit!
Gabriella is now 4 years old! She was able to select her breakfast and dinner that day, so it began with breakfast oatmeal ("Maple and Brown Sugar please") decorated with four lit candles and two parents singing "Happy Birthday" song. She requested to open her presents right after the oatmeal (shocking, I know) and was thrilled to receive more Playmobil toys and dinosaurs.
We brought cupcakes to preschool (she, of course, wore her Princess Gown and pin that read "I'm four") and Mommy joined her at snack time to share in the sugarfest. We left preschool early and, again, per Gabby's request began preparing her favorite dinner - tacos.... and more cake... and one more present that Daddy got last minute (a princess snuggie blanket - every girl needs one in the winter!)
A few days later we had her 'friend' birthday at, of course, THE BOUNCE HOUSE! This year she wanted a few more kids to join and her cousin Katelyn was even able to brave the cold and drive out for it! Here are some pics:
The cake - 9 hours across two days and...
There was homemade raspberry filling in the middle too... as the kid loves raspberries.
The birthday girl herself -- delighted for the bouncing to begin!
Everyone (even Brianna) enjoyed the bouncing. I actually couldn't believe that the chaos of the kids and the large bounce houses didn't even phase Brianna.
Gabriella and her best friend (since 4.5 months) Vincent.
Cousin Katelyn and Aunt Beth
Blowing out of the candles.
The day concluded with some overtired tears, a few whines, and naps on the drive home (and that was just the parents.) We opened presents at home and, I must say, that was the BEST decision ever. Gave the kids more time to bounce and Gabriella was able to open her gifts in a relaxed atmosphere. I had thought it strange when I saw this at other parties but now I can DEFINITELY see the benefit!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Friday, January 28, 2011
Almost 4
Gabriella continues to mature. Stew dropped her off at daycare on Wednesday. He was helping her take off her coat while the other kids were having 'circle time.' He looked at Gabby and asked, "Are you ready to parrrtaaaay?" (Referencing a little inside joke between the two of them.) She responded with, "Daaaddyy, be quiet. I don't want the other kids to hear you!"
Huh? Our little pumpkin is now embarrassed of us??
She continues to be a loving big sister. They were giving away free samples of blueberries at Wegmans yesterday. I gave Gabriella the little sample cup and asked her to share them with her sister. I couldn't see the girls and had to trust that she would share (they were seated together in the front of the race car shopping cart.) A few minutes later a woman walked up to me and remarked how sweet my two girls were. Apparently Gabriella was diligently rotating one blueberry for herself, one blueberry for Brianna, and so forth. :)
Gabriella continues to mature. Stew dropped her off at daycare on Wednesday. He was helping her take off her coat while the other kids were having 'circle time.' He looked at Gabby and asked, "Are you ready to parrrtaaaay?" (Referencing a little inside joke between the two of them.) She responded with, "Daaaddyy, be quiet. I don't want the other kids to hear you!"
Huh? Our little pumpkin is now embarrassed of us??
She continues to be a loving big sister. They were giving away free samples of blueberries at Wegmans yesterday. I gave Gabriella the little sample cup and asked her to share them with her sister. I couldn't see the girls and had to trust that she would share (they were seated together in the front of the race car shopping cart.) A few minutes later a woman walked up to me and remarked how sweet my two girls were. Apparently Gabriella was diligently rotating one blueberry for herself, one blueberry for Brianna, and so forth. :)
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Sledding
January 9, 2010
Gabriella went sledding for the first time today...and LOVED it. She was able to go down the hill by herself on the third try -- So funny to watch such a shortie going down the hill alone! Wish I had pics!!
Gabriella went sledding for the first time today...and LOVED it. She was able to go down the hill by herself on the third try -- So funny to watch such a shortie going down the hill alone! Wish I had pics!!
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Not living up to the standard
Today Gabriella surpassed a record of calling for me.
MOOOMMMYY
MOOMMMMY
MOOMMMY!
Whether it's wanting a different toy, asking for a drink of water, or telling me that she doesn't want to take a nap, she certainly exercised her lungs with the yelling. Often times I was right next to her, but she still prefers to call me in that particular tone (you know, the one that has just a twinge of whine to it.)
Today I said, "Gabriella, you're really calling for Mommy a lot today! I can't come every single moment. Next, time, please come to me to tell me what you need."
She paused for a few moments and then she said, "When I'm a Mommy I won't mind if my kids call for me. They can call for me all day long and I won't mind."
Guilt.
I hope she's right!
MOOOMMMYY
MOOMMMMY
MOOMMMY!
Whether it's wanting a different toy, asking for a drink of water, or telling me that she doesn't want to take a nap, she certainly exercised her lungs with the yelling. Often times I was right next to her, but she still prefers to call me in that particular tone (you know, the one that has just a twinge of whine to it.)
Today I said, "Gabriella, you're really calling for Mommy a lot today! I can't come every single moment. Next, time, please come to me to tell me what you need."
She paused for a few moments and then she said, "When I'm a Mommy I won't mind if my kids call for me. They can call for me all day long and I won't mind."
Guilt.
I hope she's right!
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