Like Daughter, Like Mother

I got my haircut today. A lot. 8+ inches. I LOVE it. It's a Gabido. :)

My Big Girl

Memorial Day 2008

Today was amazing. The weather was perfect! We went to the Zoo with my Mom, Sister, Brother, Niece and Nephew. We all had a great time. Afterward, Howie, Gabi, Ellie, and I drove to the beach for lunch, ice cream, and a walk on the pier. I can't remember a time in my life when I was happier. I love spending time with my family. I love that Ellie is home. Life is good.

Wordless Wednesday

It's My Birthday and I'll Cry if I Want To....

I'm sad. So, so, so sad. Our school community has suffered yet another terrible tragedy. A house fire yesterday claimed the lives of one of our families. The entire family. Gone. Just gone. My heart aches. It is too much to comprehend. I have paused my maternity leave these past two days to be with my students. I can't stand to watch them suffer. I wish I could explain to them why life can be so cruel. Explain to them how 3 young adults, each beautiful inside and out, can be taken from us in the blink of an eye. But I can't. I don't have the answers. No one does. So for now, I will continue to do that which I can. I will sit with them in silence. I will cry with them in sorrow. I will scream with them in anger. I will open my arms and my heart and remind each and every person how precious they are. Please, please pray for our community.

To Our Dear Elliana (Ten Weeks Old)

We dreamed of you long before

you came into our world.

We dreamed about adopting

a little boy or little girl.

We didn't yet know when or where

or even if or how,

but we knew the child we dreamed about

would come to us somehow.

The ocean of adoption has a

rough and tumble tide,

but we jumped into the water

knowing you were worth the ride.

And even though the journey

had some sad and stormy weather,

the prize was worth a million storms

when we were all together.

It's difficult to dare to dream of

becoming a father or mother,

when you can't control your destiny

and need the help of others.

That's why you're such a miracle-

you found us and we found you.

We dared to dream,

We dreamed of you.

We dreamed...

and you came true!

~Karen Burniston

Pomp and Circumstance

It is so hard to believe that Nicki is a senior. She was only 5 when Howie and I began dating. To say that we are proud of her is an understatement. She has grown into a beautiful, bright young woman. Despite the ocassional ups and downs of (step)parenting it has been a wonderful ride. We spent last evening at a ceremony honoring all of the Top Ten Graduating Seniors from each district in Orleans County. Yes, that's right. Our dear Nicki is graduating 6th in her class! Wow!!!

Dance Recital Time Again

Along with Mother's Day weekend comes the annual dance recital for Lisa's Dance Boutique. Nicki has been dancing at Lisa's for 10 years, and this is Gabi's second. There are two performances at 7pm Friday and Saturday evenings. This year is bittersweet, as it is Nicki's last year. So many endings. So many beginnings. Sigh. The two adorable girls in the bottom collage are Mackenzy and Kayla Nenni, also STAR babies. Aren't they too sweet???

Eight Weeks Old!

Ellie turned 8 weeks old on Friday. :) She is so sweet. I love her smiles-her eyes turn into little half moons when she smiles big! LOVE IT!! We have had a bit of a time trying to find a formula that doesn't make her scream in pain. We have landed on Nutramigin. It is expensive (very) but worth every penny of it! She is so much more content. She is up to 6 ounces per feeding- and generally eats every 3 hours. On Friday, we will be going for her first set of shots. My poor honey!