March 7th 2010
First Ice Skating
We started the sunny day by walking to church and back. As soon as we got home it was time to pack our stuff up and head to Angie's for lunch and then ice skating. The girls played outside with Kayla while Angie and I got lunch ready - green and pasta salads, as well as marinated chicken and spicy sausage on the grill - and of course I had to help out a little with holding sweet little Alyssa.
After lunch clean up was done we packed up and headed to the nearby ice skating rink. Angie had some beginners skates that were the right size for the girls, so I just kept my shoes on and walked around the rink with them. After maybe a lap, Angie suggested that I put on her extra pair of ice skates and go around with the girls. I was a sorry sight, but at least I managed to stay up and I think it was helpful for the girls to see, slowly, how to make the skates go on the ice.
Chris was wearing Enzo in the ergo, taking photos but Enzo tired of that pretty quickly and they went to the playground instead. Zoë and Abby also decided after not too long that they wanted to go to the playground so we cut the skating short and played for a while.
Back at home Zoë and Abby were begging to bake so I let them make some chocolate chip cookies, mostly, on their own. Abby worked on the dry ingredients while Zoë mixed the sugar, butter, and such. They needed some help mixing with the electric mixer and then combining everything together, but somehow I still ended up with most of the clean up.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 24 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 24 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 14 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 9:56 PM | 
Comment
March 2nd 2010
Enzo's First Poop in the Potty
Enzo finally told me before he pooped today and I could see him just starting to grunt. It took a little coaxing to get him to sit on the potty (he ran to Chris, who was on the couch), but offering blowing bubbles did the trick. He sat and pushed his poo out and then continued to blow bubbles for another minute or two. When he got up we all cheered and made a really big deal about it.
The praising continued as he and I went up to the bathroom to dump his poo in the toilet and wave it good-bye as it got flushed away. In retrospect, I can't believe I didn't photo it (you know us, we document everything) but I guess we were just caught up in the moment.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 18 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 8 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 10:46 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
March 7, 2010 07:05:04 PM posted by Nonna
Enzo..that is GREAT!! xxoo
February 26th 2010
Zoë's loses her first tooth
After much encouragement from the dental hygienist and Abby, Zoë has been playing with her wiggly tooth. Mommy and Abby have been begging me to take it out, and I have been refusing. The sound and feeling of twisting out these teeth isn't for the faint of heart. But they reminded me that I took out Abby's so I had to do it. Zoë finally agreed to grin and bare the pain. I had to twist this tooth around twice to get the roots to snap and break. It isn't something I want to get used to doing, that is for sure. Laura can't even watch as I am doing this procedure. Anyhow, the tooth is out and safely tucked under the pillow for the tooth fairy.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 2 days
First Moments posted by christopher at 6:59 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
February 28, 2010 12:58:34 PM posted by Nonna
Tooth number one Zoe!!
University of New Hampshire Cafeteria
Today we took the opportunity to dine at the University of New Hampshire cafeteria. We are cafeteria people at heart. We were also meeting a sign language student there for a lesson/unit study that Laura and the girls were working on. We were detoured around Durham to Dover because route 4 was closed while getting there and we were late, and it was still closed when we left. Since we were late we didn't see the person Laura was to meet, so we started to circle around. Luckily he was downstairs and approached us as we walked around and all the college kids gawked at this crazy family. We went back upstairs to settle in a quieter dining spot. During Laura's meeting I took the girls to all the different food stations. We made so many trips to try everything out. The girls had a great time and loved the experience. There was so much to choose from, but not sure about the quality, which is typical of everything else around here that isn't super expensive. Laura was completely overwhelmed with the college kid lunch rush. I could tell she was nervous of all the people and how to get food and for example where to make paninis or find the ice cream. The whole process wasn't so simple or straight forward, it was more of a mad house free for all. She commented on not missing much by going to community college as opposed to a larger school. Abby and Zoë had new found confidence in and amongs this crowd of kids. They even went unattended to get their own pieces of fruit. They were completely out of our eyesight and reach for a good two minutes. Laura was getting her own food and didn't know I let them go downstairs alone by themselves, or she would not have allowed it. They did well and walked and held onto the stairs railing. I was starting to get worried it was taking so long, and was about to try to find them but they came up and I was relieved, until they told Laura about it. I fondly remember American University's cafeteria being larger than this newly outfitted one, but can't be certain my memory is accurate. With the power outage we had $2 off the normal lunch adult price of $10. The girls were $1 off the normal lunch price of $5. So for about $26 and change we had a cafeteria lunch. I am not sure we got a really good deal for the money, but the experience was priceless. Abby and Zoë are very much interested in returning, if not for the schooling, for the meals. With Laura's meeting and all, we stayed a good two hours.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 5 months, 2 days
First Moments posted by christopher at 1:43 PM | Comment
February 23rd 2010
Lollipops and Big Truck
This afternoon, once lunch was done, the girls got to try out their huge heart shaped lollipops that Daddy had bought them after Valentine's Day. The lolly's came with tags that said "Love is Lollipops". The girls convinced Daddy to adorn them with the tags so Abby got hers tied into her ponytail and Zoë got one tied to her headband.
Later on we met Grampy in his big truck. He drives to Portsmouth to pick up/drop off mail at the distribution center here, yet we've never met him to say hello before... he doesn't really have a lot of free time. He had some papers for us so we packed up just before dinner time and met him before he had to be at the loading dock. The kids got to check out the inside of the truck and even sit in the driver's seat for a moment. Enzo was waving as soon as he saw Grampy. As Grampy pulled away and we were getting into the car, Enzo was blowing kisses. Zoë and Abby were trying to devise ways that they could go on a run with Grampy.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 29 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 1:47 PM | Comment
Pancakes with a Princess
We managed to make it to IHOP after the girls 6 month dentist check up visit. With clean teeth and flouride treatment setting, we met Aunt Reanna and her field trip children from Live and Learn for the IHOP Free Pancake day. We were surprised when Ms. New Hampshire was there too. This is a first for all of us, to have pancakes with a princess, even if she is only the princess of New Hampshire for a year. It was fun to meet and talk to her, even though the girls were incredibly shy. Enzo was unphased with title and just wanted his pancakes. When he was done with his, he felt compelled to help Reanna with hers too.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 8 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 29 days
First Moments posted by christopher at 9:36 AM | Comment
February 18th 2010
Zoë's Glasses are In
We got the call today that Zoë's glasses were ready to be picked up. After Enzo's nap we all got into the car to run a few errands, Zoë's glasses pick up included. Zoë and I went in and they fitted the glasses to her face. Just about this time Enzo was cranky in the car and Abby had to potty so Chris brought them in too. Once Zoë's glasses were adjusted for her ears, she got to pick out a case and was given a microfiber cloth for cleaning her lenses and we were on our way. She's so excited that she has her glasses and likes the way she looks in them.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 3 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 24 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 5:12 PM | Comments ( 3 )
Comments:
February 18, 2010 06:59:07 PM posted by Celeste A. C. Gaver
Dear Zoe, Your cousin Dru just got his first glasses last month. He loves them too and will only take them off when he wrestles with his brother and sisters.
February 21, 2010 06:08:17 PM posted by Nonna
Zoe, you look very scholarly.
February 22, 2010 09:42:09 AM posted by Grandma Cindy
Zoe, you make those glasses look cute.
I looked all over for my glasses the other day and I couldn't find them anywhere. Guess where they were?
On my head
February 16th 2010
Bangs
Yes, the girls are now sporting bangs. Zoë has been begging us to let her have bangs, we just couldn't talk her out of it. Today we gave in, first watching a bunch of 'how-to' videos, and then setting to work. I sectioned off some hair and then Chris did the cutting. As Zoë's hair was coming off, Abby eagerly asked if she could have bangs too. After both girls were done and their hair had relaxed a bit, we decided that the hair was too much in their eyes, so I trimmed it up a bit more. The girls can't stop talking about how much they love their bangs. Chris and I informed them that we let them try it out and now they can grow them out. Zoë protested, reminding us that the videos said we should trim them every three weeks, but Chris and I decided that, though they don't look awful, we just prefer the no bangs look.
Abby @ 6 years, 2 months, 1 day
Zoë @ 6 years, 2 months, 1 day
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 22 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 10:08 AM | Comment
February 12th 2010
Cut off the Curls
Enzo has had curls at the nape of his neck, which I absolutely loved, however they weren't always curled up. Sometimes they'd get matted down with a hat or brush or what have you and it would look like he was sporting a rat tail. Finally, this morning after a shower I let Chris trim away the curls.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 28 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 28 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 4 months, 18 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 10:47 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
February 21, 2010 04:37:20 PM posted by Raissa
what a cutie little face!!
January 23rd 2010
And we are shamed!
It has finally happened to us. I have been talking about how people are not shamed publicly anymore, then it finally happened to us, today, at the library. Abby and Zoë were misbehaving. They were fast walking, almost running, around a filing cabinet around the computer area upstairs while I taught Laura how to print out a coupon for her Cold Stone ice cream. The librarian stopped them and shamed us by telling them not to run. We have officially been shamed by their behavior. Laura mentioned that she was quite snooty and that made her feel more shame. I said, "exactly as it should, the parents bare the shame." I hope this isn't the start of a trend, so I grabbed the library rules of conduct on the way out and told them they had to copy this sheet of rule 1000 times. Zoë immediately complained that 1000 is too many, maybe only 100 times. I am sure she doesn't fully grasp the magnitude of the ordinal. Laura conceded that maybe they should just read the rules one time out loud, since I was already withholding tasting mommy's free ice cream treat that we were on the way to pick up.
Abby @ 6 years, 1 month, 8 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 1 month, 8 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 29 days
First Moments posted by christopher at 3:40 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
January 24, 2010 01:26:43 PM posted by Nonna
Now that they were remined of the rules and realize that they distrubed others that are trying to read they will behave themselves. Girls please do not "shame' your parents amymore.....remember there is always a consequence to rule breaking.
January 14th 2010
Exeter Lanes Candle Pin Bowling
Today we got to take the girls bowling for the first time. One of the people in our homeschooling group worked it out with the owner at Exeter Bowling Lanes for the homeschooling group to be able to go for completely free (parents too!) today and the next four Thursdays from 1:00pm - 2:30 pm. We ended up being there about 10 minutes late, but we also ended up staying about 10 minutes over.
This alley has candle pin bowling, which was great since I doubt the girls would have been able to hold one of the bigger three hole balls. The owner did a really good job of giving an introduction to candle pin bowling and came around to help people with scoring and stance and said that he'll get more into that in the following weeks.
Zoë got pretty good and got the first, and only, strike of the game! Both of the girls also just loved the shoes, which I thought was hilarious. Zoë asked if we got to take them home and I told her that we had to return them, she told me repeatedly how much she loved the shoes. The girls had a really good time, and though we had to pass on the park play afterwards (not all of us were exactly dressed for cold weather play) they were still happy that we did a fun new thing.
Abby @ 6 years, 30 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 30 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 20 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 2:40 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
January 17, 2010 12:37:10 PM posted by Nonna
Looks like fun for the whole family,..Good going Zoe!!
January 17, 2010 12:42:54 PM posted by Nonna
The lanes look like a long distance for the girls to get the ball to the end!!
Hi Tech Food Shopping with Scanner
On our way home from the bowling alley, we decided to stop into the Super Stop 'N Shop, just for a quick browse and a couple of items. Well, when we walked in the doors I noticed these scanners. This prompted us to go get a store rewards card, which we needed to scan to get one of the devices. With this in hand we saw on sale items and scanned our food as we picked it. We put it right into our shopping bags and then at the end just scanned the appropriate barcode at the self check-out and it showed our receipt and the rest was just like regular self-check out.
Who would've thought grocery shopping could be so much fun? Or maybe we just need to get out more often if this was equally as fun for me as the bowling. :)
Abby @ 6 years, 30 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 30 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 20 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 11:56 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
January 17, 2010 12:39:22 PM posted by Nonna
Uncle Matt took me to a Stop N Shop near him when he lived in Quincy it was great....scan and bag, no loading..unloading and loading again,
January 4th 2010
First Tooth Fairy Visit
Abby was eager to show me this morning that she had indeed been visited by the tooth fairy. Inside the little pouch there was a quarter in place of her tooth! Yes, the going rate around here for a tooth is .25 cents... at least for the first one, we'll see about the others.
Abby @ 6 years, 20 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 20 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 10 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 7:22 AM | Comment
January 3rd 2010
Abby lost her first baby tooth
My loos tooth fell out the third night of january. I loved it so much daddy sede i code hold it.
My loose tooth fell out the third night of January. I loved it so much Daddy said I could hold it.
Well here is the story. Her tooth didn't fall out. Laura and Abby have been begging me for about a week now to pull out Abby's tooth. I have been refusing until tonight. After checking their teeth at brushing time, I noticed that Abby's tooth was completely horizontal both front wards and backwards. I could also see the top of the tooth that will replace it, cutting the gum line behind the tooth. So I asked her if she wanted it out. She didn't want me to use my freshly cleaned and soaped hands but wanted the dirty pliers instead. I refused to put those in her mouth and proceeded to twist it with my fingers. I had to turn it 720 degrees before the roots broke. Abby wasn't expressing any pain despite the blood now coming out of her mouth. She was so excited that she wanted to hold and keep the tooth. We rinsed the tooth and her mouth out and then she held her own tooth for the first time. She was so excited to show everyone. She even called Nonna. Once everything was blood free we put the tooth in the tooth fairy pouch (thank you Aunt Elizabeth for convenient pouches that her X-mas gifts came in) and placed the pouched tooth under her pillow for the tooth fairy. I think the tooth she lost is the bottom right central incisor. Maybe we recorded it backwards as the bottom left came in a month before the bottom right, we will see when the next one comes out or gets loose.
Abby @ 6 years, 20 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 20 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 10 days
First Moments posted by Abby at 7:05 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
January 7, 2010 02:52:36 PM posted by Celeste A. C. Gaver
Congrats! You look like such a big girl now... and sort of like a young women's ice hockey player. ;)
January 10, 2010 06:45:52 PM posted by Nonna
Good one Celeste!! Loosing ones teeth...part of growing up!!
Still Snowing Sunday - Wagon Hill Farm Sledding
It hasn't stopped snowing once this weekend and the girls love it. I woke up to more snow and more shoveling. Probably got a good 4+ inches over night. I got the deck and car uncovered and cleared our little driveway spot. When I was done this morning I had Laura pack up the kids so we could try sledding this hyped up Wagon Hill Farm sledding spot. We have driven by this place many times on Route 4, we even pick blueberries across from it at the farm there, just never sledded on the hill. It really isn't much of a hill. So today we tried it and we haven't been missing much at all. We arrived shortly after 11 am and left just before noon. We didn't stay more than 45 minutes and probably only went down the little hill 4 or 5 times. There were many people on this hill, almost all the parking was filled up. Many minivans were waiting for our parking spot when we were packing up to go home for lunch. The hill was crowded and unorganized. It is a shame to see so many clueless parents that don't communicate with their kids and kids that are old enough who should have been taught and known better. Sure walk up the middle of the hill where people are sledding and not on the sides. That makes sense until you can't understand why they got hit. Who doesn't advise their kids not to walk in traffic? I tell you, common sense is sparse around here lately. Anyhow. We kept an extra eye out and the girls had fun going down this hill. A couple families brought their dogs, which barked and kept the level of excitement on high the whole time. I guess the free events bring out all the crazies. I think we will stick with the steeper hills that are closer to our home and empty than revisit this dud. I remember driving quite a distance to go sledding as a kid. There was a huge steep hill alongside the road that people would frequent that was a triple black diamond compared to the bunny hill we visited today.
Abby @ 6 years, 19 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 19 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 3 months, 9 days
First Moments posted by christopher at 1:16 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
January 10, 2010 06:56:56 PM posted by Nonna
Yes. your dad took a gang of guys sledding every year..it was fun.
December 20th 2009
Enzo's first snow experience
Laura bundled Enzo up for some snow time while I cleared the snow the plow put in front of our driveway. Enzo got all bundled up and even braved the slide. Mommy first made a small track for him so he could ride the sled.
Abby @ 6 years, 5 days
Zoë @ 6 years, 5 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 26 days
First Moments posted by christopher at 2:37 PM | Comment
December 6th 2009
First Night in Bunk Beds
Last night the girls slept in the bunk beds for the first time. They actually slept the night before, sharing the bottom bed, but this was the first night that they actually utilized both bunks. Zoë decided that Abby could be the first to get the top bunk, as she likes the coziness of the bottom bunk. The plan is to have the girls switch every two weeks, when we wash sheets. After getting both girls all tucked in, we moved the ladder and turned out the lights. There was some talk of bad ideas, but luckily none of those came into fruition and the rest of the night was a quiet one.
This morning Chris put the ladder back so that Abby could get down and go potty, that's when the shenanigans began. Zoë climbed up to throw her snuggly in Abby's bed, Abby through it back down, repeat. Once we work out being safe and respectful of other family members sleeping (apparently Abby woke Zoë up so that Zoë could tell Daddy to get the ladder set up) things will be a bit more peaceful.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 22 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 22 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 12 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 11:39 AM | Comments ( 3 )
Comments:
December 6, 2009 12:32:49 PM posted by Leeann
no ladder!!...what if there was a fire!!
December 6, 2009 04:07:22 PM posted by Nonna
Your own beds...that is great!! I can't wait to see them.
December 8, 2009 09:16:45 AM posted by Grandma Cindy
No ladder is bad, in case of emergency.
Ladder may cause emergency. yikes
maybe beds on floor will prevent both.
November 28th 2009
New bunk beds
The girls have wanted bunk beds for quite some time now. We took advantage of a 40% coupon to purchase them at an unfinished furniture store. We picked them up today and set them up. The girls were super excited and very pleased with the finish product, even though they won't be sleeping on them until we get the mattresses.
Abby @ 5 years, 11 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 11 months, 13 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 months, 4 days
First Moments posted by christopher at 4:22 PM | Comment
October 27th 2009
Real Kisses from Enzo
All of the sudden Enzo has started giving real kisses when you ask for one. Previously you got the open mouth, shove his face into your cheekbone. Now he puckers up and makes a bunch of the kissy noises as he nears your cheek and then grins big and usually gives a nice hug to accompany. The first time I noticed him do this was when I was tucking the girls into their beds. He watched me give 'cheeky kisses' to Abby and then he mimicked me and wanted to give his sisters proper kisses goodnight too... it's so cute!
Abby @ 5 years, 10 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 10 months, 13 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 1 month, 4 days
First Moments posted by Laura at 10:56 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
November 9, 2009 05:30:48 PM posted by Nonna
Can't wait to get mine!! xx
September 26th 2009
Portsmouth Farmer's Market
Abby and Zoë wanted to show Nonno our market. Mommy went off to a SAMOM sale and we walked over to the market. Everyone around here is always impressed with the Portsmouth Farmer's Market that is held on most Saturday's throughout the summer. They tell us it is one of the larger farmer's markets in the area and people actually drive some distance to get here as it is quite the attraction. Having been to actual farmer's markets in other states and knowing a tiny amount about fresh fruit and vegetables, I have yet to be impressed. There are more packaged goods, prepared goods and foods, and other vendors/items besides the actual produce. When you do find a produce stall mixed in with the furniture, art and band stall, the produce is priced at a premium, mostly because it is local and organic, but the price prohibits us from purchasing much. I can't justify the price premium when the quality doesn't warrant it. Sure some things are picked that morning for the market, but for most on offer, it makes little to no difference. I like the idea of consuming locally grown produce, but only when cost effective. I can remember going to many produce markets while growing up, the Philadelphia Italian market, the markets in New York City and Englishtown. I know those cities are many magnitudes larger than tiny Portsmouth and very hard to compare their markets, it is the produce that I am comparing. I had to show my father the state of our market, the quality of the produce and the prices. I knew he would understand what "Farm Fresh" means having grown up on a farm.
Side Rant: Just recently I was looked at strangely when I refused to pick my own unripened fruit at an orchard. Being advised that a couple days to a week on the counter would produce a perfectly tasting product. I knew otherwise and bought only 3 peaches for $3.06. I inspected probably 100 peach trees, found 3 that were riper than the rocks others had chosen. I opened the first one after two days, and it was still hard and tasteless. I monitored and opened the next one when it softened more, about a day or two later, it too was tasteless but still somewhat crisp. The last peach's skin started to sag the next day, so I cut it and ate it without any joy as it lost all crispness and was mushy. The people here rave about this quality of produce, where I can only choke out a blah. Having had peaches the size of softballs so juicy and ripe that when you take the first bite, your face and whole head is soaked like if you had taken a shower, it is hard to eat and enjoy sub-quality produce. Maybe I am too judgmental, reminiscing on the bygone days of ripe quality produce, ready to eat. Well apparently those don't exist anymore, at least not here.
At least the girls enjoyed the half dozen of apple cider sugar and cinnamon donuts Nonno bought them.
Abby @ 5 years, 9 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 5 years, 9 months, 11 days
Enzo @ 1 year, 2 days
First Moments posted by christopher at 8:24 AM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
September 27, 2009 09:19:43 PM posted by Shannon Garvey
I hear your rant loud and clear! There is only one farm in MA that I'll go to, Wilson's Farm. They carry some of the best produce I've ever seen, but yes, they too can be overpriced! This is why I work at Whole Foods Market. At least I can get pretty close to top shelf produce at a discount<3 I'm glad to hear that the girls got to enjoy some donuts though... those are my favorites!
September 30, 2009 08:01:29 PM posted by Nonna
Chris we were spoiled living so close to the Jersy markets...as they say the "Garden State". When traveling to and from Trenton the markets just lined the roads, peaches, watermelons, cantelopes oh so very good!!
