Albany Farmage of Cology

Or, as most people know it Albany College of Pharmacy. Gabi has decided that when she gets bigger she is going to attend "Albany Farmage of Cology" just like her big sister. We had such a great visit with Nicki. She is doing GREAT! She gets tired easily, but appears to be quickly on the mend from that nasty bout of Mono.

Oh No!!!

Poor Nicki! Her first week at college has been terrible. She hasn't felt well since before she left. A blood test she had on Friday came back today- positive for mono. Our poor girl! As if studying pharmacy and being away from home weren't enough to deal with!!

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.

Wordless Wednesday

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???

Busy Week

My Gram had open heart surgery on Tuesday- she now boasts a pig's valve- working in her very own body!! She is 83 and quite an amazing woman! Thankfully, she is pulling through remarkably well. I must tell you ,this is a woman who had 12 children in 15 years! Can you IMAGINE??? I sure as heck can't!!! She was born and raised deep in the heart of the Pennsylvania Dutch community. In fact, her Mother was born Amish. She married a Mennonite, and therefore became one. Gram attended the Mennonite church until just recently when she moved back to the Rochester area. She is a hard working, no nonsense woman who I am so proud to call Grandma.

In other news, we have taken advantage of this amazing weather! What a treat it was!! :) Can't wait til summer!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Also, Nicki has finally chosen a chosen a college!! Da da da dum..... introducing the newest member of the freshman class of 2008 at...... Albany College of Pharmacy!!!! She is going for her PharmD. I'm so very proud of her!!!!

Welcome 2008

Happy New Year to One and All! I am so hopeful for the many things to come this year.

If all goes as planned (God willing) this will be a full year for us.

- PRAYING for the arrival of our daughter in March.
-Howie celebrates a milestone bday in March as well.
-Nicki graduates from high school in June.
-Nicki leaves for college in Aug.
-Gabi starts Kindergarten in Sept.

I am so full of hope for our family, as well as for our loved ones.

May this be known as "The Year of the Baby" for all of us waiting!!!

Girl Power!

Per her request, Gabi has started "Smart Start" Basketball (she wants to do everything her big sister does). It's an awesome program where we participate with her. I was amazed to learn that Gabi is THE-ONLY-GIRL who registered for the program.

I Wish I Had a Better Reason....

Oh how I wish I was writing that I've been so quiet lately because I've been taking care of a new little one, but no such luck; YET!! I think the month of May flew by faster than I knew what happened! So much has been going on this month. Last week, I didn't make it into the house after work one night before 9pm!

Ok so for some updates:

Dance Recital: The girls did AMAZING! Nicki was in three dances, and Gabi, one. It was precious.

Gabi and Miss CaitlynNikki, Nicki, Karen and Janell

Last night, Nicki had prom. She looked amazing!!! Honestly, I don't know how she got to be 17; wasn't she just sucking her thumb, begging to sleep with Howie and I? She was 5 when we started dating- I have so enjoyed watching her blossom into a young woman. Ok- mostly enjoyed! :)

I guess the last piece to say is that today, I am 32. I'm not so crazy about birthdays. Correction, I'm not so crazy about MY birthdays. I LOVE LOVE LOVE indulging others. I enjoy making a fuss about Gabi, Nicki and even Howie. But, when it comes to my birthdays- I don't enjoy them so much anymore. It used to drive me crazy when adults would say that. Heck, I was the kid who thought the whole month of May belonged to paying attention to ME. I get it now though. I get the joy in giving. As for my birthday, well just give me a day with my family. :)

I Love "No-School" Days!

We had such a great day today, enjoying time together.

Gabi started the day by reading yesterday's paper.

After that, she took in a little indoor (aka in the house) soccer

And finally, we took her bowling for the first time. She had a BLAST! Truth be told, so did we!!

Too bad I have to go back to work tomorrow :( At least, Gabi and Daddy get to hang out together!

Enjoying the "Here and Now"

I truly am enjoying this holiday season. I am trying to remember that right here, right now is what is important. Nicki and Gabi are here now. They are enjoying these days- just as much as they would be if there were a baby here. I am trying to do the same. I am trying to savor every moment with Gabi as the youngest, before she moves to "middle-hood".