Monday, December 29, 2008

The last post of 2008

I figure before this year comes to an end I should take a minute to reflect on all that has happened this year. I could bore you with all the details but why?? If you really want to know it all check back in my posts.

Instead here is my 2008 year in review:
Happy New Year-2008!
One last class for Master's, class ends on due date- Oops, that could be a problem.
Bry turns 30 and my first time as a V.I.P. at a club is when I'm 8 months pregnant.
Maternity leave starts, Happy Easter.
I'm having a baby-it's not an April Fool's joke.
Welcome to the world Moira Ann!
Three weeks later, I haul ass to Rutgers for my last graduate class.
Graduation- 7 weeks post-partum May 21!
My push-present, tickets to Pearl Jam! Yes!!
Summer = BLUR.
September I turn 30 and Bry surprises me a dinner w/some of my favorite people.
Vacation- Mo's first swim and Mo decides to sleep through the night.
Halloween, our little butterfly learns to crawl
Thanksgiving
December brings two teeth, and a walker!

What a year, what a year!

Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Happy Holidays!

Our Mo-Mo, does her best "Ho,Ho,Ho!"



Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!



I figure this is the only time I can get away with posing her in only a diaper!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

A "Poo" Christmas

Disclaimer: The following post includes an incident w/one dirty diaper. Read at your own risk!
As Mo gets older, our pediatrician told us we could start her on more table food. Like any child trying something new and exciting, Mo has inhaled pretty much every morsel of people food we have put in front of her. This includes: macaroni & cheese, yogurt, pancakes, meatballs, & most recently stew. (All of these foods are mushed into teeny tiny pieces!) I make a mean stew, if I say so myself, and Mo really seems to enjoy it. I guess, like anyone who tries something new, sometimes it doesn't quite agree with your system. It may back you up, and it appears stew does this to Mo.
We learned it the hard way!
We made a trip down the shore to visit Bry's parents this weekend. The ride takes about an hour and 45 minutes. We planned it appropriately to leave right around her first nap of the day. We put her in the adorable outfit my mother-in-law purchased her from the tres' chic baby shop in Cape May. She did look like an adorable elf! Anyway, as we were packing up the following conversation occurred between Bry & I: (feel free to insert a certain expletive for poo)
Bry: Did Mo poo today?
me: Uh, not yet.
B: Crap, she's usually pooed by now.
me: Our luck she'll have a blow-out in the car seat.
B; We definitely should bring a change of clothes.
me: Got you beat! There's an extra outfit in the diaper bag and along w/her snowsuit on the hanger, I also put another outfit.
B: Nice!!
We both were so psyched that we thought ahead. Honestly, I think we may have even patted ourselves on our backs and high-fived. We had everything we thought we needed....or so we thought.
She slept most of the trip and the rest of the trip was a happy baby!
YES!
We pull into the parking lot and before we go into see Bry's dad, we decide to change Mo in the back of the car, as there's really no place to change her inside. (I should also set the stage that this is December in New Jersey, so it's a little chilly!) She seems fairly happy as I look into the window, but as soon as I open the door.
BAM! The smell of poo hits me!
The stew went through her and her diaper and her pants! Nothing on the car seat, THANK GOD! I attempt to change her but, crap (no pun intended) I can't take her pants off quick enough because today was the day we decided to try her in the new tie up WHITE shoes. Double crap, there's poo all over the onesie. Now I have to take off her coat AND sweater to get to the onesie! CRAP AGAIN, she's squirming and now there's poo all over her legs, and socks, and oops, the shoes..the white shoes! I don't even realize there's poo on my hand until Bry starts pointing at me as he hands me wipe after wipe. Our poor girl is crying, Bry is gagging (weakened by her stew poo) and I'm trying to clean up this mess!!!
Like I said before, Thank God we brought a change of clothes. After using all the wipes we had, she's finally dressed. We had extra of everything except socks and she looks darn cute.
We go in and hang out with Mo's grandpop and grandmom and she is AWESOME! She looks cute too!
We take an unexpected trip to Marshalls were we pick up some socks, a cute pair of boots for Mo, and some wrapping paper. We then hang out at Bry's mom's house for a little bit before bundling up and walking around Cape May.
All in all, we survived! Lesson learned: make sure to pack socks!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

A nickname is a nickname

It has recently come to my attention that my brother-in-law has told my mother-in-law that he won't call Moira, Mo. His reason- (paraphrased of course) is that when he thinks of Mo he does not think of her:

He instead thinks of him: This Moe Szyslak from the Simpsons. I think besides the obvious physical differences between my Mo and this Moe, they spell their names differently. Plus our Mo is real, while Moe is a cartoon!

It gets better, he also said he thinks of this Moe:

Again, physical similarities are huge. Moe is an actor, and his real name is Moses Horowitz. Doesn't sound like Moira, does it? Our gal is Mo not Moe.

I guess this little comment got to me for some reason. I love Moira's name, even though a lot of people have trouble pronoucing it correctly. (Not Maura, Not Mara, Not More-A, MOIRA, Like TOY.) Bry and I also found "Mo" as nickname to be adorable. We went to college with a Maureen who played soccer and went by Mo. We loved how easy it was to shout "GO MO!" when she was playing and thought that it would neat when Mo plays soccer or swims to shout out "GO MO!" to our own dear daughter.
Now Uncle Casey had to say this comment so I had to search. Are these the only Mo's he could think?

Mo Rocca- A comedian, usually you see him on VH1
Mo Gaffney- Another comedian
Mo Collins- Yet another comedian, she was (is) on Mad TV
Mo Cheeks- Former 76ers Head Coach
Mo Evans- A basketball player
Mo Peterson- Yet another basketball player
Mo Vaughan- Baseball Player and Seton Hall Alumni
Mo Williams- ANOTHER basketball player
So overall, I guess with a nickname like Mo, she is destined to either a career in comedy or basketball. Not too bad!


I must admit, I also searched the name: Moira besides finding Moira Kelly- Think either One Tree Hill or The Cutting Edge. I also found Moira Shearer a ballerina/actress who starred in the Red Shoes. I should tell you the day before Mo was born, this movie was on t.v. as was The Cutting Edge. I guess that was my "sign" that I was going to have a girl. I also found Moira Brown . She's actually a whale researcher. Not too shabby!
But I digress.
Back to the Mo debate- Moira is and will be Mo forever, or until she tells us otherwise, so Casey get used to it!

Friday, December 12, 2008

The Pitter Patter of Little Feet

December is not even halfway throughand it already has been a HUGE month for our dear Mo! Not only did her first tooth finally cut through... (I know the pic is a little crappy. It's the best I can do!) but Mo, our ever fearless daredevil has taken her first steps.

No, this is not a typo!

MO CAN WALK!

I have an 8 1/2 month old who has taken steps unassisted on numerous ocassions. I won't lie, at first I just attributed it to momentum or gravity. I just chalked it up to her cruising from point A to point B quickly, there's no way she can walk already. Seriously, how many babies do you know that walk this early? I bet there are a bunch of you reading this who are thinking "That Jackie is full of crap! There's no way an 8 1/2 month old walks!". I write this, because if someone told me their 8 1/2 month old was walking I'd think they were full of it but then she did this and I was able to get it on tape:




We are royally screwed!

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

8 Months!

Mo is 8 months old and cruising all over the place! Everyone seems to think she'll be walking soon, GULP! Here's her 8 month shot:!


She let me know when the photo shoot was over!



I then let her play a bit in our bedroom. Lucky for me I had the camera and this is what ensued...



Mo & her daddy surprised me with flowers yesterday for no reason other than a smile

Friday, November 28, 2008

Happy Thanksgiving!

We have so much to be thankful for this year, most obviously is our beautiful Mo! She enjoyed every moment of her first Thanksgiving from the asparagus, to the turkey,
, and even Grandpop's beer!


We had a fabulous day with Bryan manning the cooking, Jeanna adding a few desserts, and me, as usual, the best dishwasher on the East coast! Mo enjoyed the turkey, mashed potatoes, and carrots, but really did not enjoy the corn bread stuffing. I'm thinking the added bacon was a little too strong for her tiny taste buds. No doubt, by next Thanksgiving she'll enjoy it as much as her Gram.

Saturday, November 22, 2008

Bah Humbug!

I am confused.
When did the Christmas season begin, and why wasn't I notified?
Besides the fact that the holiday radio station started playing Christmas music right around Halloween, I have been bombarded by Season's Greetings banners and holiday catalogues since the beginning of the month. What really got me, though, is the number of photos I've already seen of children sitting on Santa's lap!!! I thought Santa was suppose to come on Thanksgiving?
Think back, for a minute, to Thanksgivings in the '80's way back when I was a kid. We would watch the Thanksgiving day parade in the morning and the last float would always be Santa Claus. Right? When did it all change?
I still refuse to acknowledge Christmas time until Black Friday, at the earliest. I won't decorate my house until December 1 at the earliest, and Mo will not sit on the big guy's lap for at least another week!
If that makes me a Christmas scrooge, then BAH! HUMBUG!

Thursday, November 20, 2008

A Fitting Tribute

Today I drove to my mom's house to see her and my grandmother as they prepared for my Uncle Frank's memorial service. As I mentioned before, he was a HUGE Phillies fan his entire life. My mom and her siblings were attempting to think of some way to honor him in conjunction with his love of the Phillies. I believe it was my Uncle Tom who brought up Jaime Moyer's foundation. In case you aren't a fan, Jaime Moyer is one of the pitchers for the Phillies. His foundation funds various events and non-profit groups throughout the U.S. It is through the Jaime Moyer Foundation, that Camp Erin is funded.


Camp Erin is a bereavement camp designed for children ages 6-17 who have experienced the death of a parent, friend or loved one. It is a weekend-long experience filled with traditional, fun, camp activities combined with grief education and emotional support -- facilitated by grief professionals and trained volunteers. We could think of no better way to combine Uncle Frank's two greatest loves, that of baseball and his daughter.

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

God Bless you, Uncle Frank

My Uncle Frank passed away this evening after a lengthy battle with lung cancer. He was my mom's younger brother and is survived by my cousin Natasha. He also was a devoted fan of Phillies, and we all believe he held on this last month to watch the Phillies clinch the World Series.

God Bless You Uncle Frank. May you rest in peace.

Monday, November 17, 2008

Pants Off, Dance Off!

Mo is mobile! She cruises around the house, leaning on chairs, coffee tables, tv stands. Frankly, she scares the crap out of Bry and I, though she seems to have mastered the art of falling well. Usually she lands on her bottom.

With that being said, before she became mobile, I would lay out a bunch of her toys on the bathroom floor while I would shower in the morning. She was happy as a clam looking at books or banging her toys together, while I would hop in and out. I had to stop this about 3 weeks ago. Never did I think I would have to write this sentence.
I can no longer place her on the floor of the bathroom because she pulled herself up on the TOILET!

I had to try and come up with a new solution. (I know I could wake up earlier and shower before she wakes up, but seriously??? I'm figuring once I have more than one child that will be my reality. Why not enjoy this now?) Bry was the mastermind of plan B. We have the pack and play set up in the corner of our bedroom. I place Mo in pack and play, turn on Noggin, (I know t.v. is bad for babies, but thank you Nickeloden for coming up with Noggin!), add a few toys and books, and then quick hop in and shower with the door open. I've done this a few times and I'm in and out before Mo freaks out.

The set-up was complete. I dropped in the kid and rushed in the shower. In the mere 7 minutes, my kid somehow figured out how to pull off both socks, and her fleece pants. She was standing in her onesie, grabbing on to the side of the pack and play, bobbing up and down to Jack's Big Music Show!

I hope that the removal of her clothes is not an indication of her future occupation.

Tuesday, November 11, 2008

NYC take two!

We survived the Big Apple!

As I previously wrote,we had tried to visit our good friends Steve & Lynsay in their home unsuccessfully last month. Click here for that trip to nowhere. Anyway, we decided this past Saturday to make the trip. This time, being a little wiser we abandoned the train idea and instead went with the car. After getting the directions, we were off, speeding up the turnpike, through the Lincoln Tunnel and oops, getting lost in Manahatten. Somehow we missed our exit and ended up going the wrong way, instead of the streets going up in number, they went down.

I should write a little disclaimer here. I have a horrible sense of direction. I like to joke that I can get lost in my closet. However, on this trip, I was not responsible for any misdirections. The blame lies squarely on the shoulders of mapquest.

Finally, we figured out how to get where we needed, through Central Park and arrived at their apartment! Lucky for us their building has a parking facility in the basement. Unfortunately, we were in the wrong lane when we first got to the building and had to do another huge circle around the streets to make it to the rear of the building for the parking lot entrance. A mere 2 hours later we had arrived!

Lynsay and Steve have a fantastic view of the city! Their place is cute, but tiny. Big for NY's standards, but small for me, especially now as I have so much stuff. Wait, really it's not all my stuff. Some is Bry's and now most of the stuff belongs to Mo. But I digress.

Lynsay and Steve adopted an adorable dog Dolly. Mo has only had one other interaction with a dog. During that former experience, she basically just crawled around the kitchen area trying to follow the dog. On this Saturday, Mo got a lot more brave. As with most babies, Mo doesn't really know the difference between nice petting and attempting to gauge out an animal's eyes. Well, Dolly didn't want any of that, and so she snapped at Mo. No blood was drawn, and honestly, it didn't even phase Mo. I took my baby on my lap, as Lynsay took hers.

I have learned Mo + Puppy = something to pull

We no longer will allow Mo to try and interact with doggies for a while.

Because of the poor weather, we hung out in their apartment for the day. We had these giant hamburgers for lunch! YUMMY burger w/avacado & cheddar cheese for me. We watched a little football and then they were nice enough to give Mo her Christmas present: BABY UGGS! Her's are brown! Aren't they so cute?

We made it home with only a few misdirections and a little traffic in the city. Mo decided that she didn't want to nap, so for the first 35 minutes of our return trip she SCREAMED...not cried...Screamed. I felt so bad, because she had been so good the whole day and I knew she was exhausted. At about exit 12 on the turnpike she finally passed out and slept until we got home.

We had a fabulous day, but whoa, driving in the city was quite stressful! I think Bry would prefer to leave it to the professionals.

We had an unpleasant surprise when we returned. Bry took the trash out and when he went under the sink for a new bag he noticed they were wet. He asked me if I knew what was going on? I had no idea. He looked under and found this:
If you look closely, you will notice the pipe has completely rotted away! I guess we're lucky that I use the dishwasher all the time. Bry called the landlord who came over the next day and fixed it.

What a weekend!

Thursday, November 6, 2008

Seven Months

Our girl is 7 months old! I remember thinking on one of those early morning nursing sessions, how different she will be around Thanksgiving. She is so different and yet remains the same. She's pulling herself up...on EVERYTHING and crawling all over the place. She laughs and smiles and has a generally good disposition. She still has that look. That intense, focused look that was present the day she was born. My mom loves to tell the story about the day she was born. When they wheeled out the isolette and she was introduced to Moira in the hallway of the hospital. Mo was sleeping, but then her eyes snapped awake and she just stared at my mom. Her big blue eyes, staring my mom down. My big blued eye baby girl still has that stare. She doesn't miss a thing.
So now, she's seven months old! But,there's five months until she's one. Five months to plan her first birthday party. Five months until April Fool's day. I guess we she survive the holidays first, and then worry about all that other stuff.

Sunday, November 2, 2008

Halloween

We survived our first Halloween, and if I do say so myself, Mo was adorable!

I always loved Halloween. My mom would always start thinking about our costumes in the summer. For the longest time, we would have theme costumes: Wizard of Oz, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland, Mickey & Minnie Mouse w/mouseketeers, Uncle Sam, Statue of Liberty & Betsy Ross, and various candy bars. Our whole family would dress-up including my mom and dad. My mom was great at taking simple pieces and creating full on costumes. We entered the townwide parade every year and I think we may have won the family group for 6 years straight.
I feel guilty this year because I bought Mo's costume. Maybe next year I'll make her something...maybe.

Wednesday, October 29, 2008

Champions of the World!

The Phillies won it all!
My family is estatic and I couldn't be happier. We let Mo watch some of the game 5 on Monday, but tonight since it was on later she missed them winning it all.
My dad thought I should wake her up though I don't think she'd be too happy about it.
Congratulations Phillies!

Tuesday, October 28, 2008

What was I thinking?

I had told Bry that I wanted to go the pumpkin farm with him so that we'll all be together for Mo to get her first pumpkin. Like a good husband, he agrees. So Sunday, after a nice brunch at our favorite diner, off we go to Dragonfly Farms. (I should mention I have only driven by Dragonfly Farms, never actually been there.)
So we pull up and it's decorated so cute! From the parking lot we see a little petting zoo, hay maze, and lots of pumpkins! GREAT!
We start walking as Bry tells me, "This is your deal! I'm just going to follow you." So off we go! I walk to the pen labeled "petting zoo".

Awww, how cute! There's an alpaca and some sheep.

Bry says: "What is that?" pointing to the alpaca.
Me: "It's an alpaca. Isn't it cute?"
Bry: "Don't alpacas spit? Seriously, do you want that dirty animal to spit in Mo's face?"
Me: "Yuck! Ah, no. Do you see any other animals?"
Bry: "There's a few goats walking around. Do you really want Mo to touch them?"
Me: "I wasn't thinking touch, more look."
Bry: "Okay, we'll let her look."

So we walk over the hay maze as the goats are walking around. Mo could care less. She's too preoccupied with my hair and ears. What was I thinking? She's only 6 1/2 months old. Like she cares about a goat.
That was the petting zoo- an alpaca, two sheep and two goats.
There's a hayride and hay maze, but again, she's 6 1/2 months old.

Bry:"This is your thing. What are we doing next?"
Me: "Uh, I don't know. Let's get some pics at least with the pumpkins."
Silly me, I forgot my kid does not sit still. I try to place her in the middle of some pumpkins and immediately she tries to pull herself up.

Bry: "What did you really think was going to happen? She's only 6 months old!"

We pick out a few sugar pumpkins. I think they're for cooking, but anyway, they're the perfect size for a 6 month old. Pay, and are on our way out when, A-HA!
PHOTO OP! We come to a wagon used for taking flats of flowers to the car.
Insert kid and pumpkins and look what you get!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

A couple of necessary letters.

Dear Mo,
It is now Thurday, October 23 and you are asleep. PLEASE STAY ASLEEP! I feel so sad that Dad and I let you cry it out last night but seriously, after 6 nights of waking up at various early morning hours, mommy was stumped! Why after almost 2 months did you start waking up? Daddy and I will never know. So I beg of you, SLEEP! When Mo sleeps, Mommy sleeps and Daddy sleeps and everyone is happy!
Love,
Your Mommy





Dear Tooth Fairy,
I know you usually get letters from school-age children asking to take their baby teeth away. This time, I'm asking for you to BRING on the BABY TEETH. My poor little girl is drooling, and chomping and still is a toothless wonder. While she's really adorable, I bet if those teeth come through she will be in a better mood at night, and perhaps, even go back to sleeping through the night.
Thank you,
Moira's Mommy
p.s. I defintely think you overpaid some of the kids I had in my class last year! Not to tell you what to do, but there is no way a kid should get 5 bucks for a tooth.

Sunday, October 19, 2008

AHH- Spa!

I have been friends with Ashley since the first day of high school. Since her last name started with a K and mine a L, we were in the same homeroom, separated by one guy with the last name starting with Ku. Anyway, Ash has been a constant in my life since then. We've gone through our ups and downs as any teenage girlfriends do, but alas, 16 years later we're just as close as those days in high school.
Like me, Ash turned 30 this year. She had a suggested going off to NY for an overnight trip but I'm not quite ready to leave Mo that long. (I'm thinking by next year, I'll be looking forward to that!) Instead, I planned a little surprise for us.
MASSAGES!
Unbeknownst to me, Ash has never had a massage before. We headed to Metrolpolis Spa for our massages. Can I say heaven? We enjoyed our hour long bliss while Bry watched Mo and Ash's hubby Chris watched Aiden. We then headed to one of my favorite gourmet shops for yummy sandwiches.

Bry, in the meantime, took Mo on a little daddy/daughter adventure to the Trenton Farmer's Market, where they bought rolls, cheese, and enough Polish kielbsa to feed an army.

I was a little worried that Ash wouldn't like the massage, but luckily she did. Hopefully this can be a yearly event, though I think next time we need more than just a massage. I'm thinking an entire day of beauty will suffice- massage, facial, manicure, & pedicure!

Happy Birthday Ash!

Sunday, October 12, 2008

Her Newest Antics

I wonder if people think I am exaggerating when I tell them what Mo is capable of doing. She is only months old, but already sits up sturdily and plays with her toys. She's figured out how to pull herself up in her crib and now on the coffee table. A few days ago we discovered that she can crawl. She needs motivation.

Motivation comes in the form of a remote control.

Tuesday, October 7, 2008

Trip to Nowhere

This past Saturday, we had planned to take the train up to NYC to see our good friends Steve &Lynsay. We were so excited! Really, what could go wrong?!?

We woke up Saturday morning in relatively good spirits. We put Mo in a cute little polka-dot outfit and her new vest, got the diaper bag good & packed and headed to the train station. We planned to stop at Dunkin Donuts on our way there, but we were running late, so we nixed that plan. This should have been the warning.
FYI- Jackie + No breakfast = Moody Bi-atch!
We get to the train station and while Bryan gets the tickets from the machine, Mo & I stroll into the little cafe' to pick up drinks & muffins. We figure we'll just eat them on the train. As I'm walking to the cafe' I notice that all the entrances to the tracks are closed. Hmmm, that seems weird. Anyway, back to the muffins & drinks, and then we meet Bry outside the store. For some strange reason, transit officers are making everyone walk to the same stairwell. Again, this should be a sign that things aren't going well, but alas, we continue. Mo sits in her stroller, staring at all the strange people and things. She's doing awesome! The train arrives, and Bry, and I awkwardly get the kid, the diaper bag, and the folded down stroller ready to board the train.
We forgot about boarding the train.
We forgot about walking through the aisles...
of a Saturday early afternoon train
filled to capacity
with a kid
a diaper bag
and Bryan carrying a stroller!
I suggest you imagine Mr. Incredible attempting to do this feat, because honestly, that's who Bry looked like navigating car after filled car with the stroller attempting NOT to injury any poor bystander.
We finally find a seat, a two seat not three. I look longingly at the man sitting alone in the two seater in the handicapped section, (There's more leg room there!) Luckily, he meets eyes with me and offers to switch seats!
Maybe this train thing isn't too bad of an idea...wait. Mr. Incredible, I mean Bry and I get cozy in the two seater. I'm smushed up against the window with kid in my arms and Bry literally tosses the stroller onto the overhead. I think, "I'm so freaking hot and I can't take my coat off because we're squeezed in here. Plus, I've got Mo on my lap. I'll just grin and bear it". Bry looks at me, sweat on his brow and says, "Jac, we really didn't think this through!". Cue Mo to start "talking". Really, to us it's cute, but to the rest of the train, I can imagine it sounds like a baby on the verge of crying. CRAP!
Again, Bry says, "We didn't think this through!" Is it getting hotter in here?, I think. She's on the verge of actually crying. I look at my watch, only 68 more minutes until we get to NYC-
PENN STATION... with Mr. Incredible....and a baby....and a stroller...and a diaper bag... WE DIDN'T THINK THIS THROUGH!
And then a cab with Mr. Incredible...and a baby...and a stroller...and a diaper bag...WE DIDN'T THINK THIS THROUGH!
We make it two stops, and then get off, check for the next train, get some Dunkin Donuts, call and apologize immensely to Steve & Lynsay and head back home. Mo crys on the train home for a few minutes before she passes out! Luckily, the train back home is far less crowded and so Mr. Incredible & I are able to get a 3 seater.
We decided when we actual go to visit Steve & Lynsay next time we'll just drive the car, so Mr. Incredible...the kid...the stroller...the diaper bag...and the mom can all be comfortable.
Steve, Lynsay, we're sorry we missed you! Hopefully we can make up to see the new place before the holidays! Love you both!

Wednesday, October 1, 2008

Six Months Already!

It is now October first which means Moira is 6 months old, and she is getting to be so much fun! She is sleeping through the night, sitting up and playing with her toys on the floor, and has begun to get up on all fours. We're waiting for her to figure out that she has to move her arm AND legs to crawl. She is so amazing! Early on, when Mo was a few days old, I remember my mom saying that hands down six month old was her favorite period of "babyhood" and I see why. She is giggling and actually gets excited when she sees Bry or I. Her eyes get so focused on new things, that it's funny. People comment on how serious she can be, because she stares so intensely. She's trying to figure things out, and I love that! She's super interested in eating and has tried to steal our forks or glasses from us and will watch us like a hawk as we eat. We were bad last week, and I let her chew on my pizza crust. (Jeanna, it was hard and she hardly got anything from it!)


I almost forgot, today is Bryan and my "dating" anniversary. We've been together for twelve years! (give or take a few days) Can you believe it? Only 6 days until our official wedding anniversary.

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Those Fightin' Phils!

Yippee! The Phillies clinched the National League East tonight, and Bry and I were there. Mo stayed home w/Grandma S. While we missed our Mo-Mo, it was nice to actually watch the whole game. Next up, either the Dodgers or the Brewers. Bring it on! We're on our way to the World Series!
Go Phils!

Thursday, September 25, 2008

Walnut Revisted

We went to visit Walnut Ave. yesterday, and it wasn't quite as strange as I thought it would be. I always thought I'd be teary or awkward walking back into the building, but it wasn't that strange. I guess part of my brain still hasn't processed that I won't be back teaching this year. I also did not go into my old classroom. Just walking past the door, and seeing someone else standing up front was weird enough.
I did see a bunch of my kiddies from last year. I always seem to have the class of characters! Now even though they're big second graders they still seemed excited to see me and Mo. I even got a few hugs out of the visit. One girl whispered in my ear, "I really miss you". It made me miss it for a moment, but then Mo started crying and I realized that I was where I need to be. Regardless of whether I ever go back to teaching there or not, it will always remain a special place, for me. (and Mo too!)

Friday, September 19, 2008

Houston, we have a problem!

Today was a busy day! Not only did Mo and I shop til we dropped with Grandma, Aunt Ash, Aiden, & Mrs. K, but Mo decided today would be the day that she learned how to pull herself up!


Can you believe it? We were able to catch her first real pull up on tape!


We had a fabulous time shopping at Philadelphia Premium Outlets. Technically, they aren't in Philly, they're located in Limerick. Anyway, we spent the day shopping and bought lots of cute stuff. Mostly for our kiddies of course. I love the fact that Mo will wear hats. I got her three! I did pick out a few things for myself too.
Last yeat, we decided to go on opening day. I think only half of the stores were open, parking was ridiculous, and since it was the first weekend in November it was chilly. I was a few months prego, and Aiden was still just a little guy. This year, what a different story! As our little crew walked into Carter's, or Baby Gap, or Osh Gosh, it was amusing. Mom, Mo, and I went one way, while Mrs. K, Ash, & Aiden went the other. On multiple occasions, we would hear Aiden's little voice calling out "Mo-mo?". Too cute! We then would meet up in the middle to pay. What do you expect when stores have boys things on one side, and girls on the other?
We plan to make this a bi-annual event. We figure the kiddies need new clothes for the winter and summer!
Aiden also enjoyed some time riding his horsie and was all smiles.
Mo, meanwhile, was exhausted by the end of the day! Shopping can wear you out!

She did recover enough on the ride home to practice her pulling herself up.
Later, we brought out a new toy, and she decided to practice her standing too.
Look Mom, no hands!

What a day!

Wednesday, September 17, 2008

Hmmm ...what to do? What to do?

I am a multi-tasker. I always, throughout my life, juggled a bunch of different things at once. High school- clubs, sports, a job, school. In College, it was crazy! At Seton Hall, I swam (on the Division 1), was vice-president of the Varsity Club, student senator for the college of Education, maintained a good enough GPA to graduate Magna Cum Laude, (As I type this, I look proudly at my diploma!)have a relationship w/Bry, and do all the pre-service student teaching stuff. Once I graduated and starting working, I took it easy for a year or two, but then I was back to my old ways: teaching, graduate school, planning a wedding. As I mentioned before, I kept this up until I graduated (7 weeks after Mo's birth) from Rutgers with my Master's in education. For the past months, I've had one job- Mom. There has been something turning in my head though. I may continue college. Yup, I'm thinking of pursuing my doctorate! GASP!

I should put it out there, I love school! I enjoy reading and look forward to the dialogue and discussions of class. It's only been 4 months since graduation, but I already miss it. I've talked it over with Bry and he's 100% supportive. I'm planning on contacting my favorite professors from Rutgers to bounce some ideas off of them.
Who knows!?!? Perhaps, Mo will have a "Doctor" for a mommy someday!

Sunday, September 14, 2008

Beach Blanket Bingo

We have survived our first family vacation!


We spent last week in Wildwood NJ. We rented a lovely, new condo in North Wildwood. Those summers before Mo, our trips down the shore would be quick little weekend jaunts. We'd head down on a Friday after work, stay at Bry's mom's house, and come back on Sunday. We'd have late dinner reservations, like 9 or 9:30 in Cape May. We'd go out to
410 Bank StreetEbbitt Room or The Pier House where we'd wine and dine. Or, if the mood hit us, we'd go to Duffer's for ice cream sundaes at 11 O'Clock or Westy's for beer and burgers. Fast forward to this year. We ordered in, 3 nights- cheese steaks, pizza, and cheese steaks again. (Second time, I ordered a pork sandwich w/provolone & broccoli rabe! YUM!) We did make it out for dinner a few nights. We thought we'd be able to take Mo to Duffer's for sandwiches and the best ice cream sundaes around, but lo and behold, they were closed. We ended up at Westy's. Yes, we took our 5 month old to a bar for dinner, though they do have actual dinners and two highchairs. Granted, they both were broken, so we had to pass the baby between Kathy (my Mother-in-law), Bry, and I.
We did get the chance to dine out just the two of us. Thankfully, Kathy watched Mo on Tuesday night, as I had a reason so I got all dressed up. As Kathy played w/Mo, we went to dinner at the Pier House. Delicious calamari w/3 dipping sauces and out of this world crabcakes. On Thursday, Mo not only had Kathy babysitting but my parents too, who just so happened to be enjoying their own little vacation in Ocean City. I was so excited! Twice in one week I got to dress up! I actually put on a little make-up. We went to one of my most favorite restuarants, 410 Bank Street where I had ceviche (Yes, raw scallops w/lime, cilantro, tomatoes, and avacados) and the most delicious divine catfish w/tomatoes and bananas. Not a typo- tomatoes and bananas! Seriously, they work together! Our conversations in the past focused on our future- and a lot of what if's. Now, as parents, most of our conversation revolved around Mo. I mean, she really is THAT awesome.
Our beach trips in the pastwould include the following items: towel, book, and wait...that's it. We'd leisurely read our books and sun ourselves for a few hours. I, of course would have my SPF 15 on, while Bry would forget that he's not a local anymore and fry himself as crisp as a lobster.

This year our bag was far heavier. Besides the obvious...BABY, we brought a blanket, 3 towels, chair, 2 plastic toys, extra swim diaper,(remind me later to tell you the swim diaper story!), sunscreen, hat, camera. I am so grateful our rental was only steps away from the beach, because it could have been dangerous attempting to balance said items & child! She tolerated the beach. We also were lucky enough to have a pool in the condo unit. She is defintely my baby! She loved the water.

Overall, our vacation was a success! Moira slept well. That's actually an understatement. She now sleeps through the night- no more 5:30 am feedings! I kept telling Bry that next year will be crazy because she'll be running around and getting into everything. This year, though, was great! While our trips to the beach will never be as simple as they were for those years before Mo, I know we'll never have as much as we will with her.