Nothing Constructive To Add...My Head Is Pounding

I'm not feeling well. I am pretty sure I've caught that stomach virus that seems to be spreading like wildfire. I'm nervous Tommy will get it too, thankfully he's doing just fine so far.

My cousin Jason and his family leave for China tomorrow. I am so excited for them. Not only is it wonderful to experience a different culture, but they are also realizing their dream of being parents to a little girl, Jaiden, whom they are adopting while abroad. I know how long this journey has been for them, and I'm so happy they will get the happy ending they deserve. I can't wait to meet Jaiden.

That's about it for me today. I need to go lay down while Tommy is napping. My amazing husband is coming home early from work to hang out with the little guy so that I can rest. Thankfully this virus seems to only be hitting people for a couple of days, so I should feel like myself again by the end of the week.

Here's are a couple pictures from this weekend. We had a nice romantic dinner on Saturday night after we put the baby to bed (pan fried shrimp "gambas a la plancha", grilled tuna steaks, Tuscan bread, & wine). And here's a couple pictures of our silly duo... Tommy eating his Daddy's head, playing on his mat (I think he looks like my SIL Diana in this picture) and Mav lounging in his little bed.

For My Girlfriends...

Because this reminded me so much of the conversations I had with my girlfriends this weekend @ Girls Night In.

I luv you guys & can't wait to see you again soon!

Monday Morning Moms

I know I hinted at it before, but I never did explain why I was looking for kids toys, etc. I am starting a day care out of my home with the help of an organization called Monday Morning Moms. http://www.mondayam.com/

They help Moms like me who love to teach (Am NJ certified teacher, First Aid/CPR certified, have had teaching experience, etc.) but also want to be home with their children - to have the best of both worlds. It’s a great organization, and a wonderful opportunity for me to incorporate two of the things I love into my everyday life. So far the people I’ve spoken with and met are great and I know I’m going to enjoy working with them. I’ve had a lot of fun transferring our second Family Room into a sort of “classroom” for Tommy and others to play in. There is so much more I could do with the room, but until I get a few little people to watch I didn’t want to go overboard.

For now, I only want to take in two or three kids – infant to 3 years most likely – at least until Tommy is a little older and able to do more on his own, then I may take on one or two more. Tommy will get great social interaction & I get to teach again! The MMM program really is for any couple who is looking to have their child in a smaller environment (more one-on-one) than the typical daycare or preschool. I’m just so excited for this adventure to begin!

Here are a couple pictures I took of Tommy playing in the room, I went to the craft store yesterday and picked up some baskets and other things, so its organized a little differently, but at least you can see what the room looks like. I'm proud of it. Also… I shared these pictures with a friend on mine who’s having twins. It made me think of her. Here, Tommy was playing with the “other” baby in the mirror. It was adorable.

Election Day!!

Don't forget to get out and vote today!! Tony and I took Tommy to the polls at 6:30 this morning...we cast our vote, and now we wait to see if the right man wins! Tommy and I had a great day together yesterday. He started playing with his brand new shapes toy we got him (instead of candy) for his first Halloween. He absolutely loves it. Basically he (and I) played with it all day. We went over colors, shapes, and motor skills (I showed him how to pick up the pieces and drop them into the bucket, once he masters that, then we'll work on putting the right shapes through the cut out holes.). I highly recommend this toy. It's by Fisher Price, and its good fun. Here's a little video for your enjoyment. Tommy wants to crawl so badly. We put him down in front of Maverick and say "Go Get Your Doggy" and this is what he does. Tony and I were almost peeing our pants we laughed so hard last night. You can sort of see Maverick sitting to the left of the screen - he was lying on his back sprawled out like "You can't get me kid," soon, very soon, he won't be so lucky! Hahaha

Wait where did October go??

Hellloooo November!!

Our little guy has been on the best schedule. He's been going to bed at 7:30 at night, and waking at 7 in the morning. This has been going on for about 2 months, maybe more - and I'll admit, I've been getting a bit spoiled by it. I'm sad to report that has all changed. Daylight Savings really screwed up Tommy's schedule. Now, instead of waking at 7am (thus giving me time to get up and get showered, etc.) he has been waking at 5am. Yes that's right - 5 AM! There isn't enough coffee in the world to awaken me out of sleep so early... its been a rough couple of mornings. I'm hoping that Tommy will get back on schedule by week's end.

On Saturday morning Tony discovered a local radio station that is ALREADY playing Christmas music. Can you believe it!! So... if you live in the Philadelphia area and are inclined to do so...tune to 97.5 for some fun Christmas tunes (warning: they play a lot of repeats).

We're already super pysched for Christmas. We have been planning out this year's light display (and a little something new we'd like to add to it), and I've been coming up with some cute craft and decoration ideas. I've been looking up some images online, flipping through old holiday magazines, and collecting pine cones out of my neighbor's trees. We always put a lot of thought into our holiday decorating, and this year is going to be spectacular!

I love thanksgiving and can't wait to decorate the house for Turkey day... BUT if it were up to Tony and I, we'd already be starting our Xmas holiday decorating. The only thing stopping us is that we don't want to be THOSE people....at least for a few more weeks!