Just of Rachel

My neighbor was kind to watch Rachel while I went grocery shopping with Daniel this morning. She took some pictures of Rachel while she was there, and here are just two of them. They all came out very well. I may ask her to take some of Daniel too! After I unloaded the groceries I told Daniel we needed to go and get the baby, and he practically ran to her townhouse to go and get her.

All Family, No Pictures

So Daniel, Rachel, and I were in upstate NY this past week, after our weekend trip to Easter. We spent time with my sister and brother and nephew and it is always an adventure when we travel back to where I grew up. Can you believe it, I don't have any pictures that I took of my own camera to share right now? Once I get them sent to me, I will post the Easter pictures and the NY pictures. Daniel and Michael were funny together, acting like two brothers. At each other's throat one moment, and then laughing hysterically the next. Rachel was just watching, waiting for her moment to join into the fun.

Which leads me to talk about siblings. As one batch of siblings watch the other begin to grow and bond, I can't help to wonder about the unique bond that comes with being a brother or a sister. I watched Kevin's family interact and know they have their inside jokes, childhood memories, love, and loyalty with one another. Kevin's mom brought up all their childhood books to split amongst the three and it was funny to watch them fight and decide who gets what (Kevin played some mean paper rock scissors to get his). They were laughing and remembering and it was very fun to watch.

I was able to interact with my brother and sister, and as I watch how Rachel loves to watch and intract with Daniel, I can't help to think that is probaby the same way I see my brother. I watch Daniel and Michael interact, I can't help to think my sister and I were like that in the female version. Joe took care of us as an older brother as kids, and he is still looking out for the best for us. Beau is still the "baby" of the family, but growing and finding her own way. And I can talk about the both of them on my blog, because I am the middle child and always overlooked (not really, just a little inside joke). We love each other and always will.

This is what happens when I don't have pictures, I get introspective. If you haven't heard by now, Kevin has been in Florida this past week and they had to extend his job another week. So I am holding the fort down in MA and with the kids this week. Give me a call and check in on me, I will need the adult conversations.

The other news is that I got new glasses (Daniel broke my old ones) and I feel a little more hip and cool with them. I am also beginning with putting Rachel in her crib in Daniel's room, and was a little nervous to make the jump, but I am going for it. I figure this is a good chance as any to try it.

I think March came in like a lamb and out like a lion, welcome April, and all the warmer weather you will bring.

We're here

Hello from Mexico!

I don't have any pictures to share, but I wanted to update on the weekend.  We left Friday in the morning and although Daniel had a rough night the night before, we got off to a good start for Delaware.  We were just outside of NYC when we stopped for gas.  It was windy that day so as Kevin filled up I opened up the door and our directions when flying down the highway.  It was one of those "OH NO" moments.  I called my sister in law and she got me some good directions, so off we were and I shared that the kids were doing well and the traffic was fine.  About a half hour later Daniel puked in his car seat, which we were able to take care of and then we got stuck in traffic.  

So Daniel has a tough weekend, but we had an amazing time with Kevin's family.  The food was great, the laughter lots, and family time was good.  We went to go to church on Sunday morning, got a good seat and went to sit down for the mass to start.  Daniel puked right before the priest came out and I didn't have a change of clothes.  A mom in the pew over threw a burp cloth over and I caught it in the air as Kevin carried Daniel out.  Oh the joys of parenting.  

I dropped of Kevin at the airport for Florida this morning and drove up to NY with two kids.  They were great in the car, and stopping at a rest area was a little tough but we got through it.  Hope you all have a good week, I need a good rest!

Happy Birthday Daniel!

So it has been two years already, and now we have a two year old on hand! We had a little party with some of his buddies tonight, a day before his actual birthday, so happy St. Patrick's Day to you all too. We weren't sure what the theme would be, but when we went to IParty we gravitated towards the Cars.


I was able to pull out the cake decorating tools again and put them to good use!

We sang Happy Birthday and he actually said Birthday as he pointed to the cake. I think he is getting the hang of birthdays.

Thank you friends for the presents and well wishes, we really appreciate your friendship. We will have more birthday time with our extended family coming up, so more birthday fun to come.

A Friend filled week

My very good friend Lisa from college came and visited me on Friday and that was the highlight of my week. We have been friends since freshman year of college, and I am so thankful to have kept in touch with her all these years. Her husband's family lives in Bridgewater, MA so I get to see her from time to time as she comes into the area. It was fun to remember good memories, and share in good news, she is expecting a little one in September!

I didn't take too many pictures this week, so here are some fun bath time photos from two weeks ago. Daniel is very animated with he gets in the tub, and Kevin is usually very wet at the end of bath time.

Rachel is rolling to get to places, and is holding her head up great. She also can almost sit up by herself. We are getting ready for the big 2 year birthday of Daniel, I am still in denial he is 2 already. We are having a little party for him on Monday night, and I will be sure to post pictures of the event later this week. We are also getting ready for some travel, we are leaving on Friday to spend Easter in Delaware with Kevin's family, we will all be together with his family which hasn't happened in a little while. Kevin is flying out of Philadelphia to go to Floria for work, and I will be spending the following week in NY with my family as Kevin is away, so may fun times ahead. I am not sure how our car is going to look all packed up, but we will see how things go. Kevin is the expert packer, so he has his work cut out for him. Check back in a few days for the birthday pictures!!

When in doubt, go out!

The weather was much nicer this week, so the kids and I went outside for walks in our neighborhood. Daniel pushed his wagon, and I pushed Rachel; the fresh air was good for all of us. Now when Daniel wants to go outside he grabs his socks and tries to get the baby car seat out of the closet.
These outfits are so cute on her! I am going to be sad when she outgrows her winter stuff.







Daniel was fascinated with the guitar when I recently went to visit my friend Angela. I just wanted to point out that the guitar is taller than Daniel is right now. Maybe we have a musician on our hands.








So today we did our monthly trip up to the house in NH. Everything looks good inside the house, but there is still a lot of snow up there so Kevin got a good workout shoveling. It is a fun little trip as a family, and sometimes I think Daniel remembers it because he always runs to the room that used to be his first. Tomorrow Kevin is helping me out at the nursery at church, and with being there early and the time change, it may be a rough start to the morning. Hope you all are able to find an extra hour to relax this week to replace the one we lost with the time change (except for those living in Hawaii who remain unaffected).

It's still winter

Kevin got an awesome opportunity to go to a Bruin's game this week. Here is a picture of the ice from his seat.

Rachel is looking cool in her shades. Is winter over yet?

Kevin had the kids on Thursday night while I went to a party at a friend's house. Here he is multi-tasking and doing very well with Daniel at his throat.

We got a great deal on a toboggan for Daniel, although I think the jury is still out on how much he likes the snow. Kevin got a workout going up and down a hill with toddler and sled in hand, but I think Kevin was more excited than Daniel to be out there. Here are my little snow bunnies.

So February was short and sweet, and now March is at hand. This is going to be an exciting month with Daniel's birthday right around the corner, and we will have a lot of opportunity to see family this month. Will March come in like a lion and out like a lamb? We shall see.