Magical Memories from Disney Studios

The week was packed with magical memories.

At Disney Studios, we watched the High School Musical 3 stage show in front of Mickey's Sorcerers Hat. All of the kids, but especially Isabel, loved the singing and dancing. Isabel would not sit down, she was moving her hips and dancing the entire time. At one point during the show, Isabel was selected from the audience to participate and dance in the show. Her eyes lit up and with enthusiasm she took the stage. It is one of her special memories from the trip. The girl loves to be on stage!!!

It was also at Disney Studios that we were able to eat lunch with JoJo and Goliath from JoJo's Circus and Leo & June from Little Einsteins at Hollywood & Vine. JoJo is a character from one of Isabel's very favorite Disney shows, JoJo's Circus! The kids enjoyed getting autographs and doing the Cha-Cha with the characters.

Memorable rides included the Tower of Terror (frightening for Isabel and not one she wanted to repeat) and Rock N' Roller Coaster starring Aerosmith for Andy. The Muppet 3-D show was a favorite for the kids and the Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground was awesome.

Fantasmic was incredible, although, I wish we hadn't gotten in line 90 minutes prior to showtime. Oh well!! Luckily, Mary Ellen took Brady back to the hotel early that night. Chloe had not been enjoying the firework shows because of the loud noise. In fact, she screamed at the Magic Kingdom during the fireworks. Luckily, we thought to try ear plugs that night. What a difference, she actually enjoyed the show. In fact, she loved it!

One of the highlights for Chloe, was getting her picture taken with Mater and Lightening McQueen from her all-time favorite Disney movie, Cars!

Another great park enjoyed by all!

Magical Memories from our First Day in Disney World

We had a wonderful time in Disney...all of us! The weather was beautiful most of the time and the parks and resorts were so festive with holiday decorations. The trip was better than I could have ever imagined. We were so lucky to have Andy's parents come along and experience the magic with us!

We stayed at the Wilderness Lodge. The girls loved our room with bunk beds and a connecting door that joined our room to grandma and grandpa's! From the hotel, the Magic Kingdom was just a short boat ride away. Each night the kids were visited by the Disney Fairy...this was lots of fun! The fairy brought presents like Santa hats with mouse ears, jingle bell necklaces, snow globes, princess night gowns, tiaras and princess jewelery.

The first day the girls got their autograph books, Disney Dollars, special Disney World pins (First Timer for Chloe and Brayden, Family Reunion for Mary Ellen and I, Happy Birthday for Daddy, and I'm Celebrating for Isabel) all at City Hall. It was hot and sunny! We were off to Fantasyland and our first ride was Dumbo the Flying Elephant! Chloe loved the Dumbos because she could control the elephant by moving it up and down. Brady was gliding his arm up and down and making a trumpeting sound for elephant. Everyone was excited.

At 6:15 that night, we headed over to the front of the castle to watch the show, Cinderella's Wish. At the start of the show Mickey, Minnie, Goofy, Donald, and Daisy came out singing and dancing for the holidays. They were trying to decide how the castle should be decorated for Christmas when the fairy godmother appeared. She suggested they ask Cinderella, since she is the one who actually lives there. It was Cinderella's wish that the castle be decorated to look like her glass slippers. With a wave of the fairy godmother's wand and the magic words, Bibbidi, Bobbidi, Boo the castle magically transformed into an Ice Castle covered in glistening icicles. The show was so beautiful and moving it actually brought tears to mommy's eyes.

That night we had dinner at Peco Bills and watched the Spectro Magic Parade and the firework show Wishes! Tinkerbell actually is illuminated and flys off of the castle. The kids loved their light up toys and watching the parades right up front. Some of the characters, like Grumpy and Sleepy, actually came over and touched the girls. An exhasuting, but exciting first day!

Will we make it to Disney???

It is December 8, 2009 and the day before we leave for Disney World and everyone is excited! It is a trip we have been planning and talking about for the last 4 months. At 4 am, it is the sound of foot steps rushing down the hall to the bathroom and the tears of Isabel that stir me from my sleep. I instantly have a terrible feeling in my gut. When I enter our bathroom, I see Isabel curled over the toilet throwing up. I think to myself, this cannot be happening!! We are supposed to be on an airplane in 24 hours. Fearing the worst, I think this is a 24 hour virus that is going to slowly pass through the entire family or possibly swine flu which will have Isabel laid up in bed for a week. There is no time to worry about this now, first we need to tend to the matter at hand and give Isabel a bath, change sheets, clean the rug and bathroom floor, and get Isabel back to bed.

The next morning there is more throwing up and again around noon...this is not good. The pediatrician tells us nothing solid until she can keep liquids down at least 4 hours. Finally, in the evening, Isabel is able to eat a few Saltines and have some water. She goes to bed and sleeps through the night. The next morning, she still complains of a tummy ache, but is able to keep food down. We are off to the airport and praying everyone else stays healthy!

We have a wonderful week and everyone stays healthy.

I can ride a two wheeler...well, almost!

I am so proud of my little Isabel! On November 22nd, Isabel learned to ride her bike without training wheels. After much practice and perseverance, she achieved success! Isabel made Andy and I promise that we would never let her fall. It was not always easy keeping Isabel up right while running with the bike, especially as she gained confidence and more speed.

One day while practicing, Andy was unable to maintain control of the bike, and consequently Isabel took a spill in the street. She very quickly got angry and with some tears in her eyes reminded daddy of his promise. Although upset, she never lost confidence or sight of her goal, and she got right back on her bike and tried again!

Isabel still has to work on turning as well as starting and stopping on her own. There is no doubt in my mind that she will quickly master these skills.

We are very proud of you, Isabel! When you set your mind to something, you are capable of great things! Thanks for bringing a smile to mommy and daddy's face each and every day!

Recall on Maclarens

So Isabel had a bad start on the first day of Kindergarten thanks to a faulty Maclaren, not a faulty mom!

I cannot believe this....

Maclaren has issued a "voluntary recall of all Maclaren umbrella strollers ...to all affected consumers a kit to cover the stroller's hinge mechanism, which poses a fingertip amputation and laceration hazard to the child when the consumer is unfolding/opening the stroller."

All I can say, is that I am so thankful, Isabel's injury on that first day of school was not more serious.

Isabel's First Day of Kindergarten Blooper!

Yesterday, September 10, 2009, was Isabel's first day of Kindergarten at St. Annie's in Newtown Square, PA. It was a celebratory day! The day before, the girls and I made a special poster we called "A Mural of Me" all about Isabel. She attached pictures of the beach, her family, friends, a soccer player, a mommy, a dancer and other things that make Isabel special. On the first day, Isabel woke up to a fully decorated house with streamers, balloons, and a special place at the table for her to sit and eat breakfast. After finishing breakfast, we took pictures and were off to school.

As soon as we pulled into the parking lot, Isabel excitedly called out, "Cara, Cara, hi!" She was so happy to see a familiar face. Hurry mom, hurry! We jumped out of the car and quickly tried to get Brady in the stroller to meet up with her friend. Things were going too perfectly that morning....until that moment, when Isabel helping open the stroller, got her finger jammed in the stroller frame. I love everything about my Maclaren, with the exception of collapsing the frame, which is a three step process. Why couldn't I get her finger out?? Isabel was crying, pleading with me to get her finger out. "Please mom, please. Get my finger out!" she cried. A horrible, heart-wrenching moment. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, we freed her right pinky finger from the stroller.

Our first stop on that very first day of school - the nurse's office! The principal, Mr. Kohlhepp, escorted us down to the nurse's office and shared with Isabel his own first day of kindergarten story. He told her how he fell down some stairs and needed to be bandaged up by his mommy! She half-smiled. Finally, after some ice, a hand washing, and band-aids, Isabel was finally on her way to meet Mrs. Hopkins, her teacher. Better late, than never....I suppose!

I cannot believe my little girl has started Kindergarten. I am so proud of you Isabel. You are a lovable, smart, creative, compassionate, and adventurous little girl. In my heart of hearts, I know you will mature into a very special person and have a tremendous impact on many lives. I am overwhelmed by my emotions on these first days of school....both my excitement and my fears! Time flies...it is hard to accept that my daughter will only be little for a short time and because of that I must cherish each and every moment, even the not so good ones! I love you, sweet Isabel!

Can we get a hotel room mom?

Just this past weekend, Andy and I wanted to take the kids out and about to enjoy the last days of summer before the kids went back to school. Thursday night we ate dinner downtown at a Belgian Pub and then took the kids to watch a Camden Riversharks minor league baseball game. The kids had a great time, but were exhausted and worn out by the 7th inning, especially Isabel. We decided to pack it up and take the kids home.

The drive home was almost an hour. Brady quickly fell asleep, but Chloe and Isabel were awake the entire drive home. By the time we got to Ardmore, Isabel was tired and cranky, and desperately wanted to be home asleep and in her own bed. Irritated, Isabel said, "Mom, if we are not going to be home in a couple of minutes, then you need to get us a hotel room!" Isabel, we are almost home, I promise. Finally, we pulled into the driveway and I carried Isabel up to her bed. After she brushed her teeth and went to the bathroom, she literally collapsed in her bed. Snuggling into her pillow, she looked up at me and said, "Mom, I don't want to be out so late tomorrow night! I need my sleep!"

Unfortunately, Andy and I took the kids to Sesame Place on Friday and stayed until 8 pm. Another late night for Isabel, but this time she was prepared. She packed pajamas, a pillow, and blanket for the ride home! No complaints or requests for a hotel!

Gallop on over to the door because Chloe May is turning four!

Finally, Chloe's birthday has arrived. Poor Chloe was very confused about her birthday this year with good reason. She could not quite understand why she had a birthday party in June to celebrate with school friends, but had not actually turned 4! She would look at me with her scrunched up face and say, "Mom, I'm still 3?" I tried to explain with little success the difference between a celebration and an actual birthday.

For her party with playgroup friends and cousins, she was deciding between a Cars: Lightening McQueen or a horse theme party. When we looked on-line for party supplies she loved the horses. Her cousin, Katie, had a horse party in May for her 4th birthday. The only difference was Katie had pony rides. I knew a pony was not in the budget and worried Chloe would be disappointed.

We created invites that said, "Gallop on over to the door because Chloe May is turning four! Come dressed to horse around!" We made a sign for the door that said Chloe's Corral. On the day of the party, after all the decorations were in place, Chloe looked up at me with excitement in her eyes, and asked, "Mom, when is the pony getting here?" Crushed, I told her, "Chloe, we aren't going to have a pony, but I promise we will have lots of fun!" I thought to myself I hope this party is fun!

We bought punch balloons, horse decorations filled the room, set-up a craft for kids as they arrived, had face painting, and finally, lots of games.

The kids loved the pony stick relays, Horse, Horse, Pony (played like Duck, Duck, Goose), the water balloons, and the sugar cube relays. I had two mothers helpers to help with the games, face painting, and craft. The girls were awesome.

Everyone was happy at the end of the day, especially Chloe! I knew the party was a success, when little Miss Isabel said, "Mom, that party was awesome! Can I have a horse party for my birthday?"

I love you Chloe! Happy Birthday!

Let's play princess!

The girls adore Pierce, the four year old boy that lives next door! The relationship is mutual. Anyway, last week, Isabel suggested that they play princess. Pierce inquired, "How do you play?" Isabel set the stage for him. She said, "I am going to be the princess. The wicked stepmother has cast a spell on me and put me into a deep sleep. It is your job to wake me up."

Pierce has a vivid imagination and loves to get dressed up. This particular day he happened to be dressed up as a magician. He was wearing a black cape, a top hat, and had his magic wand. His eyes lit up and he knew exactly how to wake the sleeping princess. He would perform magic. With a wave of his wand and a few magic words, the spell would be broken. He lifted his wand and said the words, "abra cadabra" and with bright, hopeful eyes he spied Isabel. She didn't budge. He tried again, but with no luck.

Chloe looked at him and piped up, "Pierce, the only way to break the spell is to kiss the princess!" He had a puzzled look on his face, "Oh!" he said. Then he leaned in for the kiss, right on the lips, but again, Princess Isabel did not budge. With squinted eyes, Isabel said, "Pierce, you have to do it again, I'm in a really deep sleep." One more time, Pierce kissed Isabel smack on the lips. Fortunately, this time, the magical spell was broken and Princess Isabel woke from her deep sleep. I'm not sure how I feel about the girls playing the game "Princess" with Pierce or any boys for that matter. These kids sure do keep me on my toes!

Brady's first and hopefully last trip to the ENT

So we finally got into the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat doctor) to get the bead extracted from Brady's right ear last Tuesday. The poor boy was strapped down in a papoose so the doctor could get a good look at his ear and get the bead out. After cleaning out a bunch of wax, the doctor concluded that the pediatrician was mistaken. No bead!!! I had guilt for weeks, only to learn, that there never was a bead in the boys ear!

Brady Walks - May 16, 2009!

It was really awesome, Brady boy finally really walked last Saturday! Andy, myself, and Nana, got to witness those first few steps. He has been wanting to walk for weeks, but just didn't seem to have the courage. It was almost as if he stopped thinking about walking and just did it!

Fuss, fuss, fuss....why is the boy so cranky?

This past month has been rough for Brady. He seems to have perpetual cold symptoms....runny nose, congestion, and overall discomfort. He has been to the doctor at Kids First two times in the last month, and at each visit, the doctor has seen the onset of an ear infection - redness, inflammation, and fluid in the ear, but has asked that we wait it out and see if the ear will resolve on its own. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) together with the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) is now recommending that doctors not prescribe antibiotics to children for ear infections unless severe symptoms develop to help reduce antibiotic resistance. Poor guy has to tough it out.

Well, the crankiness continues and now a fever has developed, and so back to the doctor we go! I am almost embarrassed to be back to the pediatrician, especially when the receptionist pointed out the frequency of our visits. In all fairness, I do have three kids!

Anyway, the nurse checks Brady out first....asks mom the standard questions about symptoms, takes his temp, and gets his weight. Then Dr. Magargee comes in and examines Brady. She listens to his chest and then uses the otoscope to look in the boys ears. First, the right ear. I hate to say this, but I am really hoping he has an ear infection that warrants a prescription for amoxicillin! The boy obviously feels like crap! The doctor does a second look in Brady's right ear. I think to myself, "Whew! I have not brought the boy into the doctor for no reason. Our visit is justified." Now, the doctor says to me, "Can you hold him one more time, I need to get another look in that ear." Okay, now I am worried. What is growing in that ear?

The doctor looks at me with a puzzled look, and says, "I think it's a small, white bead in his ear." What???? Now I am really embarrassed. Calmly, and as if, a small, white bead lodged in the ear is normal, she asks me to hold him one more time so she can get a look in the left ear. She takes one quick look and nods, this ear is infected. I will fax in a prescription for amoxicillin to your pharmacy. Puzzled, I ask her, how does the bead get removed? It does get removed, right??

For obvious reasons, I am no longer worried about this pestering ear infection. Can we please just talk about the bead? Calmly and without judgment, the doctor tells me to make an appointment with the ENT (Ear, Nose, and Throat) doctors down at CHOP sometime in the next two weeks. Isn't this an emergency? "No," she replies. Almost, as an afterthought, she states, "It doesn't seem to be bothering him and does not present any immediate danger. The prescription should clear up the ear and he should be feeling better in a few days." End of discussion. She is back in a flash with our papers and is off to the next patient.

How am I going to explain this one. Now I feel incredibly guilty. Bud, now I get why you have been all "fuss, fuss, fuss" the last few weeks. I'd be cranky too if I had a bead in my ear, not to mention, an ear infection as well.

Some days are just hard being a mom!

Remembering Brady's Birth.....Ready or Not here I come!!

Andy just finished finals and Brady Boy celebrated his first birthday, reminding me of his birth story! A little over a year ago, Andy was taking finals and finishing up his 3rd term at Wharton, Isabel was turning 4 and celebrating her birthday at Jumpers, and I was 38 weeks pregnant. It was a busy time in our lives. Having two previous births, both inductions 10 days past my due date, Andy and I were not even thinking the baby would come early. Needless to say we celebrated Isabel's birthday on Friday, May 2nd, and Andy completed his finals on Saturday, May 3rd. Andy came home from school that Saturday night exhausted. That night we would go to Fresco's for dinner and finally have a chance to discuss baby names. Dinner was great, but Andy asked if we could postpone the name discussion just one more day. He was tired and desperately needed a good nights sleep after a week of all nighters. My sister, Erin, was taking the girls to Backyardigan's Live, so Andy and I could prepare for baby number 3! Finally, by 11:45 pm, Andy and I crawled into bed and said goodnight.

WIthin 5 minutes, my legs felt wet, as if I had an accident in bed. Could it be? Surprised, I got up to go to the bathroom, and there was a gush of water between my legs. This is not happening! I am only 38 weeks pregnant, I have two more weeks. I was not feeling any contractions, but decided I should check in with my doctor. This was all new to me. Dr. Schatz called and told me to head down to Paoli. A little after midnight, I woke Andy up, and said, "It's time!" Half asleep, he asked, what time is it? How long have I been sleeping - 4 hours? No sweetie, you've been asleep for all of 15 minutes. No, I am soooo tired. This can't be happening!

I woke my sister and then it hit me, we were going to the hospital to have a baby. That is when the panic set in....no suitcase, no carseat, no baby clothes, and NO name for a girl. Ugh!!! I was googling what to pack for the hospital, up in the attic looking for baby things, and telling Andy we had no cassettes for the video camera. Finally, at 2 am we leave for Paoli, making a stop at CVS for cassette tapes, and frantically, trying to agree on a name for a little girl. Andy was really pushing, Sienna Clair, but I just wasn't sold on Sienna. Oh, I was hoping it would be a boy. The boy's name was done....Kellen Andrew or Brayden Andrew.

We arrived at the hospital, and the contractions had started, but were far apart and mild at this point. Andy stretched out on the hospital chair and fell fast asleep while I read and reread the top 1000 names on the Social Security list most of the night. Finally, by 5 am I decided to call it a night and fell asleep. On Sunday afternoon, May 4th, we were blessed with our little boy, Brayden Andrew. The girls were so excited to meet the little guy! Thank goodness he was a boy!

Brady's 1st Birthday - Grand Slam or Bust?

Oh, the feelings of guilt! The little guy turned one on May 4, 2009! I was determined to make his birthday special, despite him being the third child and having a birthday just six days after his big sister, Isabel. The plan was to celebrate his birthday at a baseball game down at Citizens Bank Park - Phillies vs. Mets on May 3, 2009. Andy got tickets for the suite and we would invite the O'Reilly clan to join us. I ordered the Birthday package which included his name on the scoreboard, singing by the Phillie Phansters, and a baseball hat! Andy was excited and took the whole family to get Phillies t-shirts! Finally, we ordered a huge Phillies baseball cake.

It was going to be the perfect day, until down came the rain! It rained, and rained, and rained, and is still raining 5 days later! Needless to say, the Phillies game was cancelled, leaving the family home with nothing to do and a cake to feed forty!

So the next day was Brady's actual birthday! I thought we could make it up to the little guy and head down to the zoo, if it ever stopped raining, and if not we could go to the Please Touch Museum. Unfortunately, Isabel had been having headaches on and off all weekend and they just wouldn't go away. On Monday morning, we decided to take her to the ER down at Children's Hospital. Andy and I were very concerned and worried. But on that day, out came the sun (at least figuratively), as we learned that Isabel's decompression looked great from the cat scan and her headaches resolved later that day (a definite grand slam).

Later that night, Andy's parents came over, to bring home Chloe and Brady, and celebrate the boy's birthday! We sang "Happy Birthday" and the boy was happy! Isabel made a very special birthday wish for her brother, Brady. She wished that he would be able to walk soon. A good wish! We all smiled and knew that we had many things to be grateful for in this wonderful life! Brady it was a very special birthday, one I will never forget! I love you little boy from the bottom of my heart.

Oh, and don't worry Brady, daddy got tickets for the Phillies game this weekend! Your first birthday will be a grand slam!

"Rafiti"

Yesterday, Andy and I were in the car with the kids. In the car, Chloe called out, "Look Rafiti!" Puzzled, I asked her, "What did you say?" Again, she repeated, "Rafiti!" Trying my hardest to understand, I questioned, "Chloe, are you saying, Rafiki? Rafiki from the Lion King?" She shook her head "No!" Chloe is now frustrated. "Mom, rafiti, the writing on the bridge." Oh, grafiti!!! Chloe then said, "Mom, rafiti is bad. You are only supposed to color on paper." At this I laughed. Chloe you are a riot! You are one of the brightest three year-olds I have ever met. You are so curious about the world around you, and because of this, you just cannot help getting into things. It is good to know that Chloe knows the rule, even though she rarely follows it!

Dr. Smith - The Veterenarian

Today, while Isabel was at school, Chloe and mommy played one of our favorite games, imagination! Chloe was the vet, Dr. Smith, I was the patron, and Lexy was the patient. To begin the game, I brought my dog to see Dr. Smith. Chloe asked, "What is the matter with your dog?" I explained that she had a fever and was bumping into walls. I asked her if she could examine my dog (poor Lexy) and help her to get better. Chloe, using her doctor kit, listened to her heart, looked in her eyes, ears, and mouth, and took her temperature. She told me that the thermometer said, "happy!" I asked her what this meant and she said, "It means she doesn't have a fever anymore." Oh! I asked her if Lexy should take some tylenol, but she said emphatically, "No, she doesn't have a fever." Silly question, I guess. Finally, I asked her, what does Lexy need to get better. She looked me straight in the face and simply said, "glasses." The imagination is a beautiful thing!

Nature Girl

Who would've thought it? Isabel loves getting dirty. She loves to pick up rocks under the trees in the yard, and look for living things...bugs, worms, and salamanders. She is not afraid to pick them up and carry them around the yard.

Just this past Tuesday, Isabel was carrying a salamander around her grandparents house. I think when she picked it up part of the tail snapped off. Isabel told me not to worry, that salamanders can regrow their tails!

Another day Andy called on his way home from work and told the girls he would take them fishing if they could find some worms. Isabel wasting no time, grabbed her bucket and shovel, and headed out to the tree in the backyard. Within 20 minutes she had found at least a dozen worms. She knew right where to look. While there were plenty of fish splashing in the pond at the Willows, the girls did not catch any that day!

I hope I will always remember the look in Andy's eyes....he is so proud of his little nature girl! He loves to see Isabel having fun getting dirty and hanging from the trees! I know in his mind he is already planning their first adventure together - maybe they will go on a weekend fishing trip?

Isabel volunteers with the circus clowns

Yesterday, two clowns from Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus came to the Nursery School. The kids were so excited. Isabel and Chloe were in the front row with their friends - Maura, Maggie, Maria, and Eva. Towards the end of the show, the clowns were looking for three volunteers, all of the girls shot up their hands. Isabel was selected with two other kids. The clowns lined the three kids up next to each other and told them to put their hands down by their sides. Seconds later Isabel stretched her arms up and out to the side. One of the clowns came over and pushed her arms down so they could begin the stunt. But just moments after the clown walked away, Isabel stretched out both arms again. The clown gently pushed Isabel's arms down to her side one more time and repeated, "Just keep your arms down by your side." No luck, within seconds, she had her arms out to her side. The clown scratched his forehead and returned with a rope. He had an idea. He used the rope to tie her arms down by her side. It was hysterical. Everyone was laughing. Isabel was so cute! She totally made the act! The interaction between her and the clown was funnier than the juggling performance. Oh, to be four again!

The Haircut

I have always heard the stories about kids getting a hold of a pair of scissors and then giving themselves or a friend a haircut. Just a few months ago, at Nursery School Registration, I saw a mom with her twins with the shortest pixie cuts. I said to her, "Your girls look adorable with their short hair." The mom just rolled her eyes and groaned as she proceeded to tell me the story of the twins playing beauty parlor and giving each other a trim. She was mortified. Well, it has happened to me! Just yesterday, I was on the phone with my sister, Erin, when I came downstairs to find a few small piles of hair on the floor. I was stunned. I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. Chloe had found the scissors and had cut chunks of hair on the right side of her head. I cannot say this surprises me as Chloe rarely obeys the rules of the house. Frankly, I don't think she can help it. She is incredibly curious always wanting to try new things and discover how things work. The funny part was when she told me how it came to happen. She said, "Mom, I just thought to myself, Chloe needs a haircut and so I decided to cut my hair." Luckily, I had her hair pulled back in a half-up, half-down style. When I took the pony out, the hair that was pulled back covered most of the section that was cut. Never a dull moment in this house. What can I expect with three kids?

An Interview with Isabel

1. What is something mom always says to you? Listen.

2. What makes mom happy? flowers

3. What makes mom sad? When I don't listen and you have to give us a timeout.

4. What does your mom do to make you laugh? She tickles me.

5. What was your mom like as a child? You chatted when you went to bed.

6. How old is your mom? 90

7. How tall is your mom? 5 feet

8. What is her favorite thing to do? clean

9. What does your mom do when you're not around? clean

10. If your mom becomes famous, what will it be for? I don't know.

11. What is your mom really good at? cleaning

12. What is your mom not very good at? Riding bikes.

13. What does your mom do for her job? Watch her children.

14. What is your mom's favorite food? I think broccoli.

15. What makes you proud of your mom? I am proud of you because you do all the hardwork.
We get to play and make a mess and you always clean it up.

16. If your mom was a cartoon character, who would she be? Sharpee from High School Musical

17. What do you and your mom do together? Special time - when we read books together.

18. How are you and your mom the same? We have the same eyes.

19. How are you and your mom different? Mom, your feet are bigger.

20. How do you know your mom loves you? Because you tell me everyday.

21. Where is your mom's favorite place to go? Tennis lessons

Chloe is going to South America

Chloe is such a funny girl with a vivid and wild imagination. Today she spent the majority of her day packing for her big trip. When I asked her where she was going, she looked at me with serious eyes, and said America. I tried to explain to her that she was already in America. She just looked at me and said, "No mom, I am going to South America, to visit my Tia and Lalo!" Who could argue with that? Chloe was very considerate and actually invited her sister, Isabel, to travel with her tomorrow. Unfortunately, Isabel had to decline her offer. Isabel explained to her that she would be unable to go as she has school on Tuesdays. Chloe told her sister not to worry as she had packed her camera and promised to take lots of pictures and send a postcard. Chloe, you are so special. I hope someday you will travel the world!

The Biter

Brayden is now 11 months old. He is such a cute little boy. He looks all baby, until he opens his mouth, and flashes his pearly whites! He has ten teeth already. The four front teeth on the top and the bottom as well as two molars on the bottom. He is a very affectionate boy, snuggling up to his mommy, and then when I least expect it, he goes in for the bite! I cannot tell you how many times I have been bitten by this kid. He bites down hard and leaves marks. It seems I am always crying out in pain, "Ow"! I can't say I would be surprised if it is one of the boy's first words. Brady dear, don't worry, I still love you more than words can express!

Sweet Sixteen

Last Friday, January 23, we were all invited to Alexandra's "Sweet Sixteen"! Isabel was soooo excited for the big party! The party would be at the Plumbush Inn and not start until 7 pm. The night before, Brayden, Chloe, and mommy were all sick with a stomach virus. Isabel was so nervous we were not going to be able to go. She had lots of "ideas" as to how we could all go to the party. Luckily, everyone was well on Friday.

The girls were so excited to get dressed with all the big girls upstairs at the Inn. Then the party began. Isabel would not leave Alex's side - she danced, assisted with the candle lighting ceremony, got a henna tattoo with her sister (thank goodness it was temporary), and watched the big kids sing Karaoke. Isabel did not want to leave until the party was over....and there was no fooling her. Conversely, Chloe knows her limits. The most exciting part about the whole party for Chloe was the cake! She couldn't wait to have a piece of cake. It was 9:30 pm, and Chloe quickly started losing steam. I realized this when I saw Chloe trying her hardest to curl up in a ball on the chair at the table. She just couldn't get comfortable. The next thing I know, Chloe has army crawled her way under the table and curled up in a ball. Within ten minutes, she was out. Good for her! She found a comfortable, quiet place to get some sleep. She even chose the table furthest from the dance floor and dj! I felt terrible, she wouldn't get a piece of cake that night. Of course, I didn't remember to bring a piece home for her. The next day, she woke up, asking about the birthday cake. Sorry Chloe!

Isabel now thinks birthday parties are extravagant events! She has not stopped talking about her birthday party!

I am a mom of three - 2 girls, Isabel, 4, Chloe, 3, and a little boy, Brayden, 8 months. Our life through my eyes is the "perfect mix of chaos and love."

Isabel is a sweet little girl who loves to sing and dance. Of late, she has been constantly asking, "For real, mom? Is this for real?" She is really trying to distinguish between real and make believe. One memory I'd like to preserve and remember happened earlier this evening. The girls, their Tia, and mommy were playing the game Spinning wishes, a new game they had received for Christmas. The girls were happy to finally have a chance to play. At the start of the game, each princess chooses three wishes and puts them on the game spinner. Then on each turn you work to collect all of your wishes. Once you have collected all of your wishes, you must enter the castle and try to find your present. Seems simple enough, so we begin play. When Isabel gets all of her wishes, she gets so excited! She stands up, puts her two feet on the gameboard, and looks into my eyes with excitement, and asks, "Mom, how do I do it? How do I get into the castle?" At first, I just look at her with confusion. Then I am wondering what on earth is she doing. I am about to get annoyed at her for stepping on the board and knocking off all of the game pieces, when I realize, she believes she can actually go into the princess castle. At that moment, I just laugh and wish I could be a child again. I pull her into my arms and tell her she is the best! The innocence of a child.

Chloe is a little ball of fire. She is such a joy. I love that Chloe is a leader and always does what she wants to do. Well, I love this about her most of the time. Chloe has an incredible vocabulary and is very articulate for a three year old. This morning at breakfast, she wanted to drink out of her new CARS sippy cup. We get the cup out of the packaging, and like her father who smells everything, she grabs it and lifts it to her nose. One sniff, and her eyes squinch shut, "eee-squsting" she says. "What Chloe?" I ask. Again, she repeats, "eee-squsting!" I just laugh out loud.

Finally, my little boy, Brady! He is such a delight! I have witnessed so many changes in him the last few months. Around 6 1/2 months he became mobile doing the army crawl. Being able to move changes everything! I decided to take Brady to his first Gymboree class yesterday, since I did this with both of my girls. As soon as we entered the soft gym play area his eyes lit up and a smile instantly took over his face. The first thing he did was crawl to a little Gymbo and colorful beach ball. He loved watching the other babies, playing in the circle, exploring the equipment, and of course, playing with the parachute and bubbles. There is something magical about Gymboree for little babies. It was a wonderful experience for us both! Although, I think the stimulation wiped him out; we weren't even out of the parking lot and he was fast asleep!