"Mommy, I need my crotches"

Gabi: "Mommy, can you get my crotches for me?"

Mommy: (WHAT? ) Calmly responds "Your what?"

Gabi: "My crotches, I really, really need them."

I must have looked completely stumped because she grabs my hand and says "I'll show you my crotches".

She takes me into the living room and points to these two baton-like sticks. I handed them to her. She tells me her leg is broke. She uses them as her CRUTCHES!!!

Oh dear!

This is a child who has been scotch taping her foot, wearing a pink slipper on only one foot, putting stickers on her foot, and telling random strangers that she needs surgery because she broke her foot-- all summer long!

Everything's Changing

I can't believe that Nicki is leaving for college in 3 short days. How is this possible?? She was only 5 when Howie and I started dating. Gabi's age. She had just started Kindergarten. Being a step-parent has by far been the most challenging job of my life. However, it's not without it's rewards. Nicki is a beautiful, bright young woman. I am so proud to call myself her stepmom.

Savoring Summer's Final Moments

We have been blessed with beautiful weather this weekend. Yesterday, we spent the afternoon at Sea Breeze after both girls had Dr's appointments. Ellie had her GI appointment- not much new there- just increased her meds to reflect her growth- she weighed in at 16 pounds 14 ounces and is 26 inches long. Gabi had her 5 year visit where she braved four shots. I was almost crying with her.

Tonight, we had another fire in our backyard fire pit. We also got out a blanket and admired the beauty of a clear summer night. The stars were so visible. Howie, Gabi and I were just laying on our backs looking up. There was something magical about that one simple moment. I love it when we take the time to pay attention to the here and now. Sadly, Ellie was in bed so she missed it.

Happy 5th Birthday to my Big Girl!!!

Birth

One
Two






Three

Four

Five

Wow, how is it possible that my baby is FIVE? Time sure does FLY when

your babies are growing!! I thought I'd take this time to update some of my new favorite "Gabisms"

• A few weeks ago Gabi told Sue "I think I'm having an allergic reaction to your dog". What?? Where did she hear that?!?



• My friend Jody and her daughter, Janay were watching the girls last week when Gabi proudly announces "I have two husbands, one to cook and one to clean". Now, I KNOW this is a joke that's out there somewhere, I just CANNOT figure out where she heard it!!



• Saturday, after her birthday party she says to me "Mommy, I feel very grown up". When I asked her why she responded matter-of-factly "I am 5 you know". Lol



• Yesterday morning, Gabi wanted to open one of her new toys. I was still sleeping. Howie said to her, "Let's wait til Mommy gets up and ask her" to which she replies "Daddy, you are a very smart man, you can decide this".



• This morning in the car Gabi says "Mommy, I believe my personality is changing". So I ask her "why"? to which she responds "I don't know, but people won't be liking my new personality".
  
  
• Later today, again in the car, she says to me "I'm sad, because I want to marry Nicki, but I can't because she's bigger, and she's a girl. Why can't girls marry girls, and boys marry boys?" I try to explain in the simplest of ways about babies and God. I'm not really sure where I went with that answer. I should have just told her "They can".... but no, I just have to stutter and stumble over my words. Yikes.

Words could never do justice the love I have in my heart for my beautiful, witty, charming blond haired, blue eyed beauty. She changed my world. She changed our world. She is a miracle. Today, I send out extra prayers and love to her birthmom, for choosing us to parent this amazing little girl.

Pink Poodle Cake

It is confirmed. Sue is AMAZING!! Check out this gorgeous cake she made for Gabi's "Pink Poodle in Paris" Party today. It is sooooo PERFECT!!!!!!!

More party pics later.......

Rauur!!! It's a LION!!

We spent yesterday at the zoo. Despite the fact that we have a membership, we don't visit nearly as often as we should!! It was a great day and we all had a blast.

International Adoption

Our agency- Adoption STAR, traditionally a domestic adoption agency recently announced several International Adoption Programs. There will be a free informational meeting on International Adoption at the STAR offices (47 Plaza Drive, Williamsville NY) on Thursday August 14 at 6:30pm.