August 2nd 2007
A Date with Gordon
We ate dinner at a Chinese Restaurant not too far from the airport. We tried lots of yummy appetizers and dishes, and both of the girls did so well eating so much and trying all of the food, even things they hadn't tried before. The waitress was taken with Zoë, and gave her lots of special attention. After dinner the waitress brought regular fortune cookies, as well as some special chocolate ones. Thanks for Dinner Gordon, and welcome to Pennsylvania!
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 18 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 1 month, 22 days
News posted by Laura at 7:27 PM | 
Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Both of you ate so well and were very well behaved. I didn't know your little tummys could hold so much food. A whole Moo-Sh Pork pancake, a Peking Duck pancake, okay only half. You had some white, brown and fried rice and honey sesame chicken and some flank steak and lets not forget the shrimp out of the seafood delight dish, It is good to see you trying all kinds of food. xxoo
I love hearing about your new adventures and all of the new people you get to meet.i love you and miss you
August 1st 2007
Dinner at Cousin Recchio's
Beth had prepared a delicious variety meal for all of us, it was really tasty. Abby and Zoë tried a little bit of everything, and actually stayed to eat, before running off to play some more. We had a great visit ad stayed long enough to brush teeth and get the girls in their jammies before packing back in the car to get the girls home to bed. Thanks Recchio and Beth for having us at your home!
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 18 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 18 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 1 month, 22 days News posted by Laura at 8:29 PM | Comment
Another Swimming Pool Morning
Mommy was the only adult willing to go in the pool this morning, so I took Abby, Cassie, and Zoë in for a bit. We pretended that I was the swim teacher and they were in my swim class and did all sorts of things that the girls will most likely do in Brooke's class. Abby and Zoë just love having the swimming vests and arm floaties on so that they can swim around, but sometimes they still cling to me. After a while, when I saw teeth chattering, we decided to get out and get warmed up. I set the three girls up under the shade of the umbrella, all wrapped up like burrito's in towels, and attempted to relax in the sun. It was short lived. After getting up several times to fix towels, Abby decided she was ready for lunch and then of course the others followed suit. I had packed Abby and Zoë a lunch, and Cassie got some cereal from inside. Abby and Zoë also shared their Dora animal crackers with her. After lunch there was a little time for running in the grass, then we all needed to pack back into the car to get us home for nap.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 17 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 1 month, 23 days News posted by Laura at 3:08 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
That was an enjoyable day out. So glad you are having fun on your visit to Nonna's. Meeting and playing with your cousins.
July 31st 2007
Some Alone Time
We only stayed a little while, and then went back down to Nonna's, where Daddy and I prepared to go on a date, yes a real date with no kids. Abby and Zoë stayed with Nonna and Elizabeth and had some chilli, bread, and corn on the cob while Daddy and I went to the Olive Garden to finally use our anniversary gift certificates. I was a bit nervous to be driving somewhat far away, but knew the girls would be just fine, especially because Zoë told us before we left that she wouldn't miss us. After dinner the girls got to watch a movie and Heather came down with Sarah and Eli, they were still here when we got home.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 17 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 17 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 1 month, 23 days News posted by Laura at 8:54 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
We had a "girls Night out" you know movies, snuggles and fun. xxoo
July 30th 2007
Swimming Pool Fun
Nonna got home around 5:00 and we went right up to the pool, where Auntie Elizabeth, Heather, Bill and the kids were already having a good time. First Abby and Zoë tried going in just with me, then Zoë got an innertube, which she did well with. Abby tried out the noodle, but was still nervous for me to let go of her so then she got a different innertube and swam around with that for a long time. Zoë got out and put on a little swimsuit with built in floaters in it, and swam all over with that on, she stayed in the pool for quite a while having a great time after getting that on, esecially when Daddy put on arm floaties too. Abby got brave and jumped in to me a couple of times, letting me stand back so that she went under and then I scooped her right up. After the third time of going under and either getting water in her nose or down her throat, she decided to be done and wrap up in a towel with Nonna. We'll have to take smaller steps to working on the whole timing of breath holding and such.
After we were all out of the pool, Abby and Zoë took off into the grass with Cassie and Sarah, raking up cut grass and putting it in a little wheel barrow, then putting it in the barrel. Pretty soon Bill came with pizzas, so we all had a little dinner. I got my hands on little Eli again once I was done eating, and when Zoë was done eating she wanted to come check him out. She asked me in the cutest high pitched voice, "Can I touch his little feetsies?" It wasn't long before all of the kids were done eating and ready to go run in the grass together. Sarah found a stick and was holding races, it was funny to watch. Everyone kept commenting on how fast and what good running posture Abby has. She did look like a little sprinter. Pretty soon the girls were tuckered out and it was time to get home and get a bath before bed.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 15 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 15 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 1 month, 25 days News posted by Laura at 7:52 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
By next year you both will be swimming. YOu had so much fun in the water and weren't afraid to go around the pool yourselves. As Zoe said, I was brave to jump in, wasn't I. So proud of both of you trying to swim and going under water. xxoo
July 29th 2007
Malls and Sandwiches
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 14 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 14 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 1 month, 26 days News posted by Laura at 1:17 PM | Comment
July 28th 2007
Cupcakes
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 13 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 1 month, 27 days News posted by Laura at 11:24 AM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Yummy cupcake snacks. You girls made the sidewalk look beautiful!! xxoo
July 27th 2007
Playing with Cousins
This afternoon, after naps, we drove up to Chris' cousin Heather's house, where Abby and Zoe got to play with her girls, Sarah and Cassandra, and mommy got to hold little baby Eli. The girls had a blast checking out the toys and then playing dress up, even Auntie Elizabeth played dress up. Before long, we had to get home to start dinner, but Cass and Sarah let us bring a dora house with all of the pieces to Nonna's house, along with some books to keep Abby and Zoe busy.
As we were finishing dinner, Chris' Aunt Cyndi and Uncle Mark stopped by for a quick visit. One of the car seats we were borrowing didn't fit the girls so well, so they also swapped us the one they keep in their car for the grand kids. While I was out getting it put in the car, the Maidments (Heather, Bill, and the kids) showed up. Abby and Zoe were so pleased to see them again, all of the girls just played and played. Abby and Zoe got to stay up later than usual, but finally I had to send them to bed. They gave hugs and kisses and then worked on going to sleep, while Cass and Sarah played outside to keep things quiet in the house. Mommy got some more baby time in after the girls were in bed, which Daddy hopes will get the baby need out of my system. As they were leaving Cassy told me, "Tell Abby and Zoe I love them. And I love you too." She's too sweet.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 13 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 13 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 1 month, 27 days News posted by Laura at 10:19 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Such beautiful "sweeties" all dressed up and no place to go!!! xxoo
Didn't you all have fun playing dress up. Thanks for sharing, Cassie!!
July 26th 2007
On the Plane Again
Grampy came over this morning and had a chance to hang out with Abby and Zoe a little bit, before we all headed down to the airport. As I had the kitchen already cleaned up and didn't want to dirty more dishes, we decided to just stop for lunch on the way to the airport. We had lunch in record time, and continued on to the airport. Abby and Zoe were upset that Grampy was driving our car away and not coming with us. When we got inside the airport, Abby complained, "I want Grampy!"
We got through security and to our gate with little trouble, the only problem being that Abby and Zoe's kids toothpaste was confiscated from our "3-1-1" bag for being over 3oz., what a joke! We had plenty of time before our flight so we watched the other plane being serviced and Daddy told Abby and Zoe all about what was happening with the plane. The girls waved to all of the passengers boarding the plane, and then watched the plane get backed out and then saw ours coming in. Daddy pointed out the men with the orange "tic-tacs" directing the plane.
We sat in the plane and on the runway for a little while, and all during it the girls spent the time looking at the safety brochure. Then Abby fell asleep, she just couldn't keep her eyes open anymore. A little while later, Zoe fell asleep as well. So, just before snacks and drinks time, both of the little ladies were sacked out. Abby woke up, ready to eat after just a little bit, so she had some animal crackers and water. Zoe continued to sleep, even through the landing into New York. I had to hold my hand on her chest so that she didn't fall forward. We hurried off of our plane, this time we'd left the strollers at home so that we didn't have to wait for them, and got to our next gate quickly. We walked on the plane, and it was already full of people, we were almost the last ones to board, but at least we didn't miss it. On this flight, Abby and Zoe enjoyed choosing a cartoon channel on their little individual seat tv's, this kept them pretty busy for the short flight into Pittsburgh. Our plane landed early, but we still didn't have to wait that long outside to see an excited Nonna pulling up.
Once back at Nonna's house, Auntie Elizabeth was waiting, and she'd been busy cooking and baking... yummy! The girls took a little while to fall asleep on this first night, but when they did they were definitely out.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 11 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 11 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 1 month, 29 days News posted by Laura at 7:09 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
I was so happy to see you at the airport, Such little ladies waiting patiently for me. We are going to have a wonderful visit. xxoo
July 25th 2007
Preparing to Go
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 10 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 10 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 1 month, 30 days News posted by Laura at 12:02 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Couldn't wait for your visit, so excited to see you!! xxoo
July 24th 2007
Our Beach in Rye
There was a moment of melt-down, when Abby lost a shovel to the waves. She had taken her shovel and castle bucket down to the water to try and get some wet sand, when a wave rolled in. I saw it coming, I even told Chris that it was going to happen and told Abby to hold on to her things. Abby was so upset when her little shovel got carried away and started to run right in after it, with no concern at how high the waves were coming in. I had to go pull her away from the water, and then Zoë too, as Zoë was telling her sister, "I'll l get it for you Abby." I had to hold up my pants and attempt to beat the waves in order to scoop up the shovel without getting wet... quite the task. Abby and Zoë had such a good time, and I had a blast watching them play and build and just enjoy the beach, and playing with their Daddy.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 9 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 2 months News posted by Laura at 6:29 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
You two are having so much fun at the beach. I am so glad you are enjoying the water. xxoo
thank you. i enjoyed watching the video of you Abby and Zoe. i think it is the first time that I watched you going to the water without an adult holding your hand.you are growing so fast
Dentist Appointment
Abby and I went over to watch Zoë have her turn. Zoë chose strawberry treatments as well and was so funny to watch in the chair. She was bubbly and happy, but whenever she was listening to something the woman was telling her, she'd keep her mouth open really wide and keep nodding her head up and down. At one point the woman said that Abby and Zoë will be heart breakers, and that they probably already are heartbreakers, and Zoë started nodding her head up and down again. When it was Zoë's turn to choose between stickers or a pencil, she chose stickers, but then the woman said that, since they behaved so well, they could each choose three stickers and a pencil. Zoë also got a "Cars" toothbrush with the girl car on it, in a different color.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 9 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 9 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 2 months News posted by Laura at 10:08 AM | Comment
July 23rd 2007
Shopping with Fishy Purses
After a couple of stores we passed by the gum ball/candy machines, where we had said the girls could choose something to buy with their money. Abby chose a pink gum ball, while Zoë chose cherry sours candy. Unfortunately Abby ended having to spend two quarters, as her first quarter didn't produce a gum ball. Zoë spent two quarters too, but that is because, after buying her cherry sours, she graciously offered to get mommy peanut m&m's.
With Abby and Zoë happily enjoying their purchases, we went to check Macy's kids section. They were having some good sales, but at this point I was just trying to quickly scout for jeans on sale. I spotted the perfect size/style for the girls, 4 slim with adjustable waist, perfect because they'll need the 4 for length but the waist will most likely still be too big, which is where the adjustable waist comes in handy. I was quite excited, but then dissapointed to find out they weren't actually on sale and way more than we were willing to spend on a child's pair of pants. They were on some cart that looked like it may be just getting put out, so maybe in a few weeks they'll be on sale with back to school stuff. As we were finally getting out of the mall, Abby and Zoë were still all excited about the purchases they'd made with the money from their fishy purses.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 8 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 2 months, 1 day News posted by Laura at 5:33 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
How fun to go shopping with Mommy. she is teaching you how to shop wisely.I can't wait to see your fishy purses.maybe those pants will be on sale while I am out visiting you. We can go shopping again
Breakfast and Playtime with Friends
All of the kids got right into playing together, while the adults worked on waking up. While Beau ran Angie to work, I got the kids some blueberry pancakes and bananas. As Beau didn't have to be to work until later in the day, he hung around and the kids got to play with each other for a good couple of hours. All of the kids were upset when our friends had to go, especially the younger three. Hunter kept saying that he wanted to come with us to do our errands today, and insisted that he could fit in our car, it was cute.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 8 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 2 months, 1 day News posted by Laura at 10:14 AM | Comment
July 22nd 2007
Beach Play and Sleep-Over
The girls had a blast with the water and playing games in the sand with Kayla and Hunter. Abby and Zoë were just having such a great time, I gave them ten minutes past when I had planned on leaving. When I finally had to start getting them dusted off and to the car, they gave me such a hard time. I'd get Abby dusted off a bit and have her started with her sandles, then when I went to dust off Zoë, I'd see Abby running back to the water. Once at the car, there was even more whining, which we had to have some discussions about. On the way home both of the girls changed their whining from being upset about the beach, to being hungry. Perfect opportunity to explain to them why we needed to leave the beach.
At the beach Angie had said that Beau would be getting out of work at 8:00 (as apposed to his usual much later hours) and suggested finally getting our game night in. Later, just after I'd put the girls in bed, Angie said that they'd be over soon. Abby and Zoë weren't quite asleep when they arrived, but they still did well not being rowdy. Since Abby and Zoë have been sleeping on their beds in Chris and I's room, I've set the air mattress up in the girls' room so Angie got Hunter and Kayla set up in the girls' room with Hunter on the mattress and Kayla in a sleeping bag next to the bed. All of the kids went to sleep pretty quickly, leaving us the opportunity to play some dominoes.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 8 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 8 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 2 months, 1 day News posted by Laura at 10:36 PM | Comment
Dreaming and Sleep Talking
Last night Zoë was saying some more things, but I couldn't make everything out, it is just so funny to witness.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 7 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 7 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 2 months, 2 days News posted by Laura at 1:45 PM | Comment
July 20th 2007
Fancy Food Dinner
We ordered Vegetali Grigliati, an assortment of grilled vegetables, Pappardelle Boscaiola, which was a house made pasta with carbornara style sauce, sautéed pancetta, morel mushrooms, asparagus, and topped with shaved black truffles. For the main course we ordered Salmone Arrotolato, which was a seared Scottish salmon with olive tapenade and encrusted in puff pastry, it was served with sautéed spinach and flash fried sweet potatoes. The favorite part of the meal for the girls seemed to be the crispy prosciutto in the pasta. They were really great about trying everything though, even if it wasn't their favorite.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 5 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 5 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 2 months, 4 days News posted by Laura at 6:21 PM | Comments ( 1 )
Comments:
Wow!! everything you ordered sounded sooo delicious. xxoo
July 19th 2007
Last Swim Lesson for Session 1
Both of the girls were really brave in the water today, swimming all over the place with their noodles, we even had to keep telling Zoë not to swim too far away. They were brave with the kick boards and also with jumping in, although both changed their minds about going all of the way under. Abby and Zoë got their certificates and then got to choose two air heads candies.
We had thought that we wouldn't be able to do session two swim lessons, since we'll be visiting Nonna for a good chunk of them, but while we were waiting for our class to begin, I went over to talk to Brooke, who had just finished teaching her pre-school group. I asked her when her preschool class is next session and if it was full. She said that it was, but asked if we wanted to just come anyway. I explained to her that I hadn't signed up because we'd miss the first two weeks of classes, and she said to just go ahead and start coming to her classes when we get back. We're very excited that, not only will the girls get a few more swim lessons in, but that they'll be able to be in Brooke's class.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 4 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 4 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 2 months, 5 days News posted by Laura at 12:25 PM | Comments ( 2 )
Comments:
Great job you two!! Hope you do as well and learn more during your second batch of lessons.
I hope the weather will be warmer for you when you go back to the swim lessons , so that you can really have a fun time with Brooke
July 18th 2007
July Nutritionist Appointment
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 3 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 3 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 2 months, 6 days News posted by Laura at 4:35 PM | Comment
July 17th 2007
Rush, Rush, Rush
A previous personal appointment for Marge ended up taking a lot longer than expected, so she wasn't able to make it over. As it was past nap time, I ushered the girls up to their beds and had to rush off to the bank.
Later on in the day, a friend called needing to talk, so again the girls got to hang out with Daddy while Mommy went out for a bit. This time I did bring them home something special for dinner though.
Abby @ 3 years, 7 months, 2 days
Zoë @ 3 years, 7 months, 2 days
Enzo expected in 1 year, 2 months, 7 days News posted by Laura at 7:22 PM | Comment
