Bleep!

Yesterday, Rocco was out riding bikes with Gabby and Maria, our au pair. When he was finished he was trying to take his helmet off. He was having a really hard time trying to unclip it and started getting really frustrated. Well... add this to an already frustrating day of waking up early, not getting to eat candy before lunch, your big sister teasing you, and your little sister wanting everything you're holding... and this pretty much equals a really bad day in the life of a 3 year old. After trying and trying to get his helmet unclipped, he finally yelled "I CAN'T GET THIS F*CKING THING OFF MY HEAD!"

Obviously, I don't want my kids swearing. Who wants their child to have potty mouth?! Not me! But, when they shock you with something like this, it is SO FUNNY that we were a pile of hysterics. We were shocked! Once you compose yourself, you're able to put your mommy hat on, slap on your serious (but understanding) face, and have the talk about *words that don't make you sound nice* and all the other words available to express your anger.

That's the first time I've ever heard Rocco say that word. Last year, he had a little run with the word "dammit". Probably due to the fact that daddy had lots of random house projects and seemed to favor that word when something went wrong or when he'd hurt himself. Well, it didn't take long before Rocco understood appropriate uses for the word. Next thing you know, Rocco would break something and say "dammit!" or he'd bump his head and say "dammit!". Needless to say, this was quickly put to rest.

The only memory I have of Gabby saying a swear word was from when she was 2yrs old:
Me: (just getting home from grocery store) Hi Gabby! Where are daddy and the twins?
Gabby: They are upstairs.
Me: What are they doing?
Gabby: The babies are sleeping.
Me: Well, where is daddy?
Gabby: Daddy is mad because he got throwed up on.
Me: He did? Uh oh... that's not good. What did daddy do when he got *throwed up on*?
Gabby: He said "goddammit"

I guess I was expecting her to tell me he wiped up the puke or whatever. So, this still makes me laugh because she said it so matter-of-fact, like nothing else happened.

Fashionista!

Gabby is always putting together very... well... umm... interesting outfits.

Sometimes... they look pretty cool. And, sometimes I try to gently add a little advice or make suggestions.

There are times she walks down the stairs buried in a layers of stuff from both her closet and mine and I think to myself "wow... that actually looks really hip and trendy. I wish I could put together an outfit like that and get away with wearing it!"

A year ago, I felt compelled at times to assure people that she did in fact dress herself, becuase the outfits were VERY creative. While I still think she is very creative, the stuff she puts together now more often than not actually looks pretty hip and cool.

She now often asks me "Mommy, were you born to work at a Children's Hospital?". And, I'll say, "well... I don't think I was BORN to work at a children's hospital... but I really LOVE working for a children's hospital". Then she goes on to say "Well I think I was born to work with clothes and dress people." So, then I try and think of and tell her about the many job options available to people who like clothes.

At age 5, Gabby insists she would like to be a stylist some day. I imagine this will evolve into many other hopes and dreams throughout the years. But, I love that at age 5, she knows what she enjoys and is passionate about... and is aware of how some people do this for work and she could someday too.

Future stylist to the stars? I don't know. But, definitely my stylist! This girl has WAY more style sense than I ever had or have! :))

Love this photo of Rox & Dan...

"F.ancy Nancy" and "P.eter and the W.olf" ballets

While my mom was visiting, we took the big kids to see two children's ballet's that were combined into one big show.... "P.eter and the Wolf" was first, and then "F.ancy Nancy" followed the intermission.

Gabby was SO EXCITED to go see this ballet for several reasons. She has been taking ballet and tap since January, so she was very interested in seeing a live performance. Secondly, she LOVES seeing shows of any type, whether it be a play, a dance show, or a movie in a big theater. This girl loves a reason to dress up and get fancy! Which leads me to the third reason she was excited about this... F.ANCY NANCY. She loves the "F.ancy Nancy" book series, and the illustrator of everything F.ancy Nancy just so happened to be here promoting the new book. So, not only did Gabby get a personalized autograph, but she got a photo taken with the illustrator.

This was Rocco's first experience with seeing a live performance in a theater. I was somewhat prepared to take him outside half-way through the performance (thinking he would get bored at some point). But, he really enjoyed the show too! Thank goodness they did the "P.eter and Wolf" ballet first though because it was definitely the more interesting story and Rocco was captivated. I could tell he wasn't as interested in "F.ancy Nancy", and I'll admit... I liked the "P.eter and the Wolf" ballet story better too.

It was a great show to go see with my mom & the big kids! Sorry for the bad photos... I took them w/my i.Phone.

Gammy Visited Us!

We had a lot of fun when Gammy visited us at the end of February. The kids were so excited to see Gammy and show her their new home (mostly their new bedrooms and the forest).

We took Gammy to see the S.pace N.eedle, and the children's ballets "Peter and the Wolf" and "Fancy Nancy" (which also included a book signing by the Fancy Nancy Illustrator). We went out to eat a number of times, we went on walks, we did a lot of talking, and we made lots of yummy home-cooked meals too. Gammy got to see how busy the kids are these days (I think my kids are her craziest grand children... just so energetic and active!). It snowed while Gammy was here (maybe 2-3 inches), so she was able to see our winter wonderland and watch the kids play in the snow on the ground. Gammy also got to see where Gabby goes to school. And, she also got to watch Gabby in dance and gymnastics class. Gammy spent lots of time playing with the kids and reading them books. She also spent lots of time helping our au pair, Maria, keep the kids entertained while I was working.

Yes, I am working again! I started doing contract work again for Packard Children's Hospital back in November. I was so happy to be reconnected with my "work family"! I basically took back a lot of the publication work that I had managed for the past 5 years. It truly has allowed me to balance out my personal needs. Being a mommy is my TOP priority! But, I also love having a "professional" outlet and a flexible job that allows me to work from home. March kept me busier than I would like to be on a regular basis (I took on an additional project resulting in full-time hours). But, it's great interacting with my old coworkers again on a regular basis - love them!

We sure do love having Gammy visit! Next time, Papa will have to visit too though... because Rocco kept asking... "Where's Papa?"