Thursday, August 27, 2009
I'm just so happy I could poop!!
Look at all my toys!Well as stated below, this past Friday was Brooke's 1/2 birthday...she turned a riping 6 months! And it was almost as though she knew it because she was just in the best of spirits the whole weekend. She just smiled and played, smiled and played. Ok, so there was a few little spats when she didn't get her bottle fast enough, but overall, she was an angel. Here are a few pics to back me up:
Look at me standing!! (against the couch that is)
Brooke's Play land
Best Buds
Careful Mom....
....I warned you! (that's a bite, not a kiss)
Yep, you're going to get bit too Daddy!
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Camping, Golfing and Gambling
Yep, that's a Mohawk...and a sweet looking one at that!
Look, I can finally grab my toes!July 30th marked the start to another beautiful and exciting trip to Chenango State Park for the annual Golf Tournament. And this year, with not being pregnant, I was able to loosen up a bit. Especially since my mom had Brooke and Dooley while we were gone which allowed me to be worry-free. Greg and I left after work on Thursday and arrived around 8:45. My dad had already arrived there in the morning so our tent was up and ready to go. So we just unloaded the truck, made the bed and then sat around the fire watching and welcoming as other the campers/golfers arrived.
Friday morning we had some miserable weather so the scheduled tee off time, 9:00 a.m., was pushed to 1:00 p.m. By 1 we still had a bit of wet weather, but nothing that we couldn't play through. So the first round of the tournament began. Now I will briefly explain to you how this works as you golfers out there will appreciate the organization of it all. There are roughly 7 foursomes that play the actual tournament. Each foursome is picked randomly and each team has an A, B, C & D player...based on skill level. On Friday's round, each member of the foursome keeps their own score and then at the end of the round they all add up their scores. The team with the best score overall, starts off Saturday's round at an advantage (ex: 4 under). Then Saturday's round is a scramble. So far the last 2 years that we have attended have been nail biters at the 18th hole. This year there actually had to be a playoff as 2 teams tied. Both Friday and Saturday night everyone (approx 40 or so people) just hangs around the fire and plays games. It's a great weekend getaway and will be something that Greg and I continue to make a tradition. And kudos to Greg for some of his amazing drives during Saturday's round. His team didn't win, but they all had a blast.
I actually decided to play with 3 other ladies on Friday just for fun and I'm glad I did because I can without a doubt tell you that golf IS NOT my sport. Not only do I hit terrible shots, but it is by far the slowest moving game out there!!! I guess you have to really love the sport to play, and baby, their was no love between me and those greens. I am glad that I gave it a shot though.
Last weekend, Greg and I went up to my grandparent's cabin in Canadensis, PA for the weekend. We headed there on Friday after work. Upon arrival, we unpacked and then Greg headed up the fields to try calling in some coyotes. He called in a fox and believes a coyote came in behind him, but by the time he turned around all he saw was a flash. While Greg was playing with the wildlife, Dooley and I went for a walk around the pond and did some exploring. All we found was a dead bird...nice huh?
Saturday we went out to breakfast at Spanky's and drove around town for a little. Then we headed back to the cabin, changed and took the 4-wheeler and Jeep up to the field to hang Greg's tree stand. We were successful; however, Dooley was exhausted so we came back and hung at the cabin for a while. Then Greg and I head back up to the hill to shoot his rifle. We brought some targets along to see how good of a shot we were. Greg did great as usual and I did surprisingly very well at 150 yds...but once we moved back to about 250 yds...I was all over the place. Greg remained on target. Surprise Surprise ;)
After getting showers, we headed out to dinner and then onto Mt Airy Casino and Resort. This was both our first time there so we were pretty excited. We played a few different slot machines and then Greg moved on to the Black Jack table where he won $200! Finally I was pooped so we headed back to the cabin where we ended the night with a movie. All in all, a very nice weekend, but by Sunday we both couldn't wait to get back home to Brooke and Dooley.
My cousin Jen, her husband Ryan and their baby girl Madelyn were in town so my parent's, Brooke and I headed to my Aunt Lorraine's on Sunday so that the 2 little cousins could meet. Maddie is 6 weeks younger than Brooke, but boy does she trump her in size. Looks like Brooke is going to have to work on her speed as she gets older!!
Last weekend, Greg and I went up to my grandparent's cabin in Canadensis, PA for the weekend. We headed there on Friday after work. Upon arrival, we unpacked and then Greg headed up the fields to try calling in some coyotes. He called in a fox and believes a coyote came in behind him, but by the time he turned around all he saw was a flash. While Greg was playing with the wildlife, Dooley and I went for a walk around the pond and did some exploring. All we found was a dead bird...nice huh?
Saturday we went out to breakfast at Spanky's and drove around town for a little. Then we headed back to the cabin, changed and took the 4-wheeler and Jeep up to the field to hang Greg's tree stand. We were successful; however, Dooley was exhausted so we came back and hung at the cabin for a while. Then Greg and I head back up to the hill to shoot his rifle. We brought some targets along to see how good of a shot we were. Greg did great as usual and I did surprisingly very well at 150 yds...but once we moved back to about 250 yds...I was all over the place. Greg remained on target. Surprise Surprise ;)
After getting showers, we headed out to dinner and then onto Mt Airy Casino and Resort. This was both our first time there so we were pretty excited. We played a few different slot machines and then Greg moved on to the Black Jack table where he won $200! Finally I was pooped so we headed back to the cabin where we ended the night with a movie. All in all, a very nice weekend, but by Sunday we both couldn't wait to get back home to Brooke and Dooley.
My cousin Jen, her husband Ryan and their baby girl Madelyn were in town so my parent's, Brooke and I headed to my Aunt Lorraine's on Sunday so that the 2 little cousins could meet. Maddie is 6 weeks younger than Brooke, but boy does she trump her in size. Looks like Brooke is going to have to work on her speed as she gets older!!
Maddie & Brooke with Great Great Grandmom! Back to the grind...
That's right, I officially started back to work full time on 7/3. Which meant Brooke would be starting up daycare on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Luckily the daycare center I chose, Creative Kids Club, is located in the same industrial park that I work. So she is only 2 minutes from me if any issue was to arise. So far both myself being back at work and Brooke's time at daycare have been great. She seems to be taking well to all the ladies at the center and I can tell that just by being around other little ones, she's picking up on different things. I must say though, that I love when I walk in there to pick her up and she looks at me with those big blue eyes and flashes the cutest, most heartwarming smile my way. It has brought tears to my eyes almost every time. I love that little girl!!!! Hopefully, she'll continue to do well and eventually make some good friends as she gets older.
As I have mentioned a little while ago, Greg started up Streamline Masonry again. And he landed a nice big job with my mom's boss installing a new staircase, repairing an old staircase and installing a flagstone patio. I will post some pics once the job is complete. Brooke and I are very proud of him and we're pulling for more jobs to line up. Way to go Greg/Daddy!!!
On the 25th, my family got together for another Game Night! This time it was held at Brandon and Adelina's apartment. The food was plentiful (thanks A), the drinks were flowing and the games were heated. I will have to give it up to my bro who ended the night with 100% success. He was on the winning team for each and every game. Nice job B, but don't let your head swell too much....Oct. 3rd will be here before you know it and Greg and I are coming at you hard! ;)
Umm...yeah, I'm not too sure about this.
**Brooke Update**
Brooke had her 5 month appt on 7/16. She weighed in at 16 lbs, 10 oz. and 24 1/2" long. A gain of 4 lbs, 13 oz. and growth of 1"! Now granted that was in a matter of 2 months since she didn't have a 4 month appt, but still, quite a growth spurt huh? She got 2 shots and I know it sounds like I'm always repeating myself, but I tell you, she feels no pain!!! Or maybe it's the excess flub that surrounds her thighs. Either way, I'm so proud of her. Her next appt is 9/15. For the past couple months she has been eating like a big girl. We have introduced her to all types of fruits, all types of veggies and a few varieties of cereal. She has yet to refuse any of them; however, Sweet Potatoes seem to upset her belly so we have strayed from them. She also is in the midst of sitting up on her own. She still needs the boppy pillow as support, but I don't foresee that to be around in the near future!
Two weddings and a plane trip!
The month of June came, and the month of June went. This was quite a busy month for us. The first two weekends were occupied with weddings. The first was the daughter of my mom's best friend and the second was my cousin's. Both were extremely beautiful and entertaining. We wish Calli & Chris and Doug & Katie all the happiness in the world! Thanks for letting be a part of your special day.
On June 19th, Greg and I had our first of hopefully many bonfires. We had a pretty good turnout, a beautiful day and quite a struggle to get that darn thing lit! Finally after dumping gallons of gasoline, quarts of oil and tossing an empty gas can, the pile fired up! We're looking to have one every couple months, and at the rate we're building up the 2nd one, that shouldn't be a problem! I'll take a "before", "during" and "after" picture for this next one.
Father's Day was nice. We headed over to my parents for a little cookout along with my brother and his girlfriend. It was a nice and relaxing evening...just what my dad deserved. :)
On June 27th Brooke had her first plane ride!! Every 2 or 3 years, Greg's family takes a 2 week vacation to the beautiful state of Montana where they rent a big house and everyone from both coasts flies in. We were out there from the 27th to July 1st. Brooke did great with the flights....she slept thru almost all of them. On the trip home she had a little problem with her ears popping, but overall she was an amazing little traveler!
While out there, Greg did a little fishing, we visited Yellowstone National Park and we ventured out for a little hike...where we proceeded to get caught in a hail storm. That was interesting to say the least. But mostly, we just relaxed and enjoyed time with the family. We had a photographer come in to take family shots of all of us....which included, ten adults, one 4 yr old, one 2 yr old, one 1 yr old, and 2 infants....hahaha! Believe it or not, they turned out great!
Overall, June was filled with family and friends...good month.
Where oh where does the time go?!
I originally planned on posting one very LARGE blog to update everyone on the last 3 months, but decided I would do 4...1 for the rest of May, 1 for June, 1 for July and 1 for August. This way it won't run together so much...and I'll feel like I did a lot more with having 4 new blogs instead of just 1. :)
Ok, so the second half of May was probably the most exciting as we headed back down to sunny South Carolina to visit old friends! We left on Saturday 5/16 and returned on Sunday 5/24. Eight wonderful days of catching up along with 7 days of straight rain. That's right, the rain began on Sunday and did not let up once until of course the day we left. I mean, what are the chances?!?!?! But luckily, good company and lots of drinks is all you need brighten those gray skies! My parents, Patti and Dave, joined us for the trip as designated babysitters. :) This allowed Greg and I to be a bit more flexible with getting around to see everyone. This is not to say that we don't love spending time with our baby girl, but hey come on, don't tell me you wouldn't love to have a built in babysitter when you go on vacations. ;) It was wonderful of them to do that for us and we are very thankful to the two of them. Thanks mom and dad!!!!
Our dear friends, The Hughes Family, had a wonderful "Welcome Back BBQ" for our arrival on Saturday. It was so nice to have everyone all together again. You never realize how much people mean to you until you don't have them on your porch everyday. But Joanne and I did get to catch up on our porch sitting while I was down there, and it was just as nice as it's always been.
Carey and I had a blast watching Bailey and Brooke roll around and investigate one another. It's a shame that these little two precious girls won't be growing up in the same town, or state for that matter. But I have no doubts that Carey and I will do whatever it takes to keep in touch and make sure that neither one of us misses out on the other one's bundle of joy!
Included in the festivities was a "Boys Night Out", "Girls Night Out", golfing, fishing and shopping. So despite the rain, despite the lack of beach laying, this trip was unforgettable. We loved seeing each and everyone of our friends, neighbors and co-workers that we had to say good bye to a year earlier. We love you all and miss you everyday!
Ok, so the second half of May was probably the most exciting as we headed back down to sunny South Carolina to visit old friends! We left on Saturday 5/16 and returned on Sunday 5/24. Eight wonderful days of catching up along with 7 days of straight rain. That's right, the rain began on Sunday and did not let up once until of course the day we left. I mean, what are the chances?!?!?! But luckily, good company and lots of drinks is all you need brighten those gray skies! My parents, Patti and Dave, joined us for the trip as designated babysitters. :) This allowed Greg and I to be a bit more flexible with getting around to see everyone. This is not to say that we don't love spending time with our baby girl, but hey come on, don't tell me you wouldn't love to have a built in babysitter when you go on vacations. ;) It was wonderful of them to do that for us and we are very thankful to the two of them. Thanks mom and dad!!!!
Our dear friends, The Hughes Family, had a wonderful "Welcome Back BBQ" for our arrival on Saturday. It was so nice to have everyone all together again. You never realize how much people mean to you until you don't have them on your porch everyday. But Joanne and I did get to catch up on our porch sitting while I was down there, and it was just as nice as it's always been.
Carey and I had a blast watching Bailey and Brooke roll around and investigate one another. It's a shame that these little two precious girls won't be growing up in the same town, or state for that matter. But I have no doubts that Carey and I will do whatever it takes to keep in touch and make sure that neither one of us misses out on the other one's bundle of joy!
Included in the festivities was a "Boys Night Out", "Girls Night Out", golfing, fishing and shopping. So despite the rain, despite the lack of beach laying, this trip was unforgettable. We loved seeing each and everyone of our friends, neighbors and co-workers that we had to say good bye to a year earlier. We love you all and miss you everyday!
**Brooke Update**
Brooke had her 3 month appointment on 5/14 and the stats are as follows: 11 lbs, 13 oz. and 23 1/2" long. A gain of 1 lb, 13 oz. and a growth of 1/2". She received only 1 shot and my goodness is my little girl tough....they just don't phase her!! She will skip her 4 month appt so her next visit to the doc will be on 7/16 for her 5 month checkup.
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