Wish Upon a STAR

We finally did it! We moved Nicki downstairs into her new bedroom, and started work on the nursery. Thanks to the help of my dear friend Sue, it is turning out more beautiful than I could have ever imagined!

I chose the Twinkle Twinkle pattern from PBK. I LOVE it!!!

Come on LITTLE ONE!!!! We're All Ready!!!!!!

Woo Hoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Lady Lions brought in wins on both Friday and Saturday! Alyssa played a lot, which is very impressive for a freshman on opening weekend. She did AMAZING! It was a great weekend!!!

http://gopsusports.cstv.com/sports/w-volley/

****This pic was on the front page of the sports section of today's Daily Collegian. That's Lyss, number 5- celebrating the win!!!!****

Road Trip!

So tomorrow I'm off for the weekend to Penn State to watch one of my nearest and dearest recent grads play in her first Big 10 Volleyball game. She is there on full athletic scholarship. I have been her counselor since she was in 8th grade and I just adore her and her entire family!

Bookworm....

Just look at how Gabi fell asleep tonight! Is that too precious? Is it just me, or is her left hand signing "I Love You?"

Happy Birthday, Gabriella!!!

So, I think today may have ended our week of birthday celebrations. I have so enjoyed making Gabi feel like a princess every day of this entire week (as if I don't already). Today we had our family over for dinner and cake. We surprised Gabi with one final gift, a John Deere tractor just like her Daddy's! She LOVES it!!!

As I write this, it occurs to me that exactly four years ago at nearly this very moment, my child came into this world. I had no idea that forces outside of my control, and realm of knowledge were set into motion to bring her home to us. It wouldn't be until nearly 12 hours later that I would learn of her, and 4 hours after that would I hear those magical words "Come pick up your daughter tomorrow." Isn't it amazing?

As an aside, this morning when Gabi walked into the dining room, she found it fully decked out in honor of her special day. She came running into our bedroom and kissed me. Then, with all the wisdom of a 40 year old woman says to me; "I saw my birthday surprises Mommy, that was so nice of you! Thank you!" and again, I melted..............

Jersey 07

We returned tonight from our annual trip to Deal, NJ. We spent a relaxing week at Howie's sisters summer house. I love to visit there. While there, we celebrated Howie's parents 75th and 80th birthdays, at a poolside luncheon his sister threw. We also spent time shopping and at the Ocean. Most of all, we enjoyed spending time with our family. Gabi just adores all of her cousins! :)

Isn't She Lovely?

Click to play | Make your own Smilebox

"Zoo" Much Fun!!

Today we celebrated Gabi's 4th birthday with a party at the Seneca Park Zoo! She had such an amazing time with her friends. The kids were able to listen to a story, make a craft, pet some animals, play charades, and eat pizza and cake. After the party, some friends were able to stay and we visited the animals and then cooled off in the splashing stream.

Our Week, in Pictures......

One Year Today

The ticker at the top of my blog reminded me that today marks the one year anniversary of our wait for baby number 2 (as if I really needed that ticker to remind me).

After a short 3 month wait to bring Gabi home, we figured number 2 would be a piece of cake. We were under the naive, mistaken assumption that our journey would be equally as blissful. Although, in a strange way, I do not have entirely negative feelings about this wait.

I have learned appreciation. I appreciate this beautiful blonde haired, pig tailed child "gabing" away next to me, every single day. I also think when our baby does come (when, not if) it will feel that much sweeter.