He Said/She Said

Abby has certaintly started to express her likes and dislikes...as if almost on cue...she will be exactly 2.5 years old in a couple of weeks....

Here is some of her recent phraseology:

No, Mommy...I don't LIKE IT! (I'm trying to convey the emphasis...)
Mommy, I am MAD....I am mad MOMMY.
I don't WANT TO!

Sometimes these phrases are uttered with an accompanying fist pumping in the air for good measure. Fun times!

Most times I ignore these outbursts while hoping I was hearing things. Surely my sweet baby girl doesn't talk like this.... My denial was quickly shattered yesterday when I was going through the endless tubs of clothes that Abby was outgrowing. I was separating clothing into piles...those to save, those to sell...when along came Abigail.

Abby: "What are you doing Mommy?"
Me: "I'm going through some of your clothes."
Abby: "These are Abby' clothes!"
Me: (Not for long) "Mommy is cleaning them up."
Abby: "Mommy, I clean up! " As she steps through the piles as if it was late September and we were bagging leaves on the front lawn.....
Me: "Abby, please don't step on the clothes. Why don't you come sit next to me and help me make piles."
Abby: "NO, MOMMY I DON'T WANT TO!"
Mommy: "Abigail Maya! We do not talk to Mommy like that . Do you understand?"
Abby: "Little Joey* say it!"

There you have it. Why wait until grade school? The imitation starts early these days! Little Joey is a lovely young boy who attends the same in-home daycare that Abby does. Little Joey has an older sister in the 1st grade. Enough said.......

*Names have been changed to protect the not-so-innocent.

Political Science for Dummies

I'm not one to always read, and certaintly not forward the emails sent to me that are obivous forwards...but this one was worth the read, the forward and the blog.....

DEMOCRATIC

You have two cows.Your neighbor has none.You feel guilty for being successful. Barbara Streisand sings for you.
REPUBLICAN

You have two cows.Your neighbor has none.So?
SOCIALIST

You have two cows.The government takes one and gives it to your neighbor. You form a cooperative to tell him how to manage his cow.
COMMUNIST

You have two cows.The government seizes both and provides you with milk. You wait in line for hours to get it.It is expensive and sour.
CAPITALISM, AMERICAN STYLE

You have two cows.You sell one, buy a bull, and build a herd of cows.
BUREAUCRACY, AMERICAN STYLE

You have two cows.Under the new farm program the government pays you to shoot one, milk the other, and then pours the milk down the drain.
AMERICAN CORPORATION

You have two cows.You sell one, lease it back to yourself and do an IPO on the 2nd one. You force the two cows to produce the milk of four cows. You are surprised when one cow drops dead. You spin an announcement to the analysts stating you have downsized and are reducing expenses.Your stock goes up.
FRENCH CORPORATION

You have two cows.You go on strike because you want three cows. You go to lunch and drink wine.Life is good.
JAPANESE CORPORATION

You have two cows.You redesign them so they are one-tenth the size of an ordinary cow and produce twenty times the milk. They learn to travel on unbelievably crowded trains.Most are at the top of their class at cow school.
GERMAN CORPORATION

You have two cows.You engineer them so they are all blond, drink lots of beer, give excellent quality milk, and run a hundred miles an hour. Unfortunately they also demand 13 weeks of vacation per year.
ITALIAN CORPORATION

You have two cows but you don't know where they are. While ambling around, you see a beautiful woman.You break for lunch.Life is good.
RUSSIAN CORPORATION

You have two cows.You have some vodka.You count them and learn you have five cows. You have some more vodka.You count them again and learn you have 42 cows.The Mafia shows up and takes over however many cows you really have.
TALIBAN CORPORATION

You have all the cows in Afghanistan , which are two.You don't milk them because you cannot touch any creature's private parts. You get a $40 million grant from the US government to find alternatives to milk production but use the money to buy weapons.
IRAQI CORPORATION

You have two cows.They go into hiding.They send radio tapes of their mooing.
POLISH CORPORATION

You have two bulls.Employees are regularly maimed and killed attempting to milk them.
BELGIAN CORPORATION

You have one cow.The cow is schizophrenic.Sometimes the cow thinks he's French, other times he's Flemish. The Flemish cow won't share with the French cow.The French cow wants control of the Flemish cow's milk.The cow asks permission to be cut in half.The cow dies happy.
FLORIDA CORPORATION

You have a black cow and a brown cow.Everyone votes for the best looking one. Some of the people who actually like the brown one best accidentally vote for the black one.Some people vote for both.Some people vote for neither.Some people can't figure out how to vote at all.Finally, a bunch of guys from out-of-state tell you which one you think is the best-looking cow.
CALIFORNIA CORPORATION

You have millions of cows.They make real California cheese.Only five speak English.Most are illegals.Arnold likes the ones with the big udders.

No Easy Bake Oven for Abby!!!

After weeks of Abby making me pie--all kinds of pie...pea pie, blueberry pie, apple pie, orange pie....I thought it might be great fun to make a cake with Abby.

Abby stood on a chair next to me as we used the mixer, sealed the crumbs, and frosted the cake......

Watch out Sylvia Weinstock.....this mother daughter team might be on your heels..... ;)



and here is a pic of Abby taking a picture of the cake...errr....I mean the dishwasher.... LOL

I Interrupt this Program....

to bring you this important message. I guess it's a fact of life that as we get older, we are faced with some grim realities. None worse than learning that our friends and peers may be sick.

It is in this vain that I bring you a public service announcement of sorts......please read this--it is quite important.

IBC STANDS FOR INFLAMMATORY BREAST CANCER, MOST DOCTORS HAVE NEVER SEEN A CASE, IT CAN KILL YOU!! PLEASE CLICK ON THE WEBSITE BELOW AND TURN UP YOUR SOUND, IT COULD SAVE YOUR LIFE,OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW.



IBC is usualy a very advanced Cancer.

This happens when the disease goes undiagnosed for a long time - or in some cases, a suspicious finding that doesn't get followed up on by a woman is too busy!


We would all be diagnosed long before this would ever develop.

Have you had your mammo in the last 12 months?

When is your next? - set the date now and keep it.

That's your best bet against Breast Cancer!

The Mom Vote

It's Super Tuesday! I have never been so excited to vote in a primary election. I am excited to say that this registered Independent changed my affiliation today, in order to vote for Barack Obama. MOMMA'S FOR OBAMA!!!!

As I post this--I see that Hillaryk Clinton won New Jersey--so all DH and I can hope for is that Obama can siphon off as many delegates as possible as we wait for 100% of the polls to report.

I find the impending presidential election fascinating. I find Obama inspiring with the kind of cross generational appeal not seen in a long while. I read and hear anecdotal stories that it's the younger generation opening the eyes of their parents (Caroline Kennedy, included) and elders to the likes and appeal of Obama. This phenomenon has struck a chord with me. This will be the 4th presidential election I will be voting in, the first as a parent. Somehow, more than ever, I feel like I need to be as informed as I can be in order to make a decision Abby could be proud of.

It's probably idealistic to think that my vote will have an impact in THIS election, let alone Abby's future. However, it feels too imporant to take a chance otherwise. I feel a connection with Obama--a connection of hope and optimism that I hope to be on the horizon.

Hold on---it'll be an interesting ride to November 2008.

They say a picture is worth a thousand words.......

What are 20 months of pictures worth?

It's great to be back. I want to resurrect this blog by giving it a new name and to begin to lay the groundwork for something that, someday, I hope Abby, herself, will continue....gotta love this 21st century technology stuff, right?

Last we posted....Abby was 9 months old....she is now 2 years, 5 months going on 25! This child is no-joke. While being the light of our lives, she is a fun, bright adorable little girl with the most amazing sense of humor.

Without further ado.......a glimpse into Abby's world for the past 20 months. Enjoy!!!

Warning: very long post with lots of pictures and lots of bragging

The best way to start this post is with this picture:



Yup--that's Abby at 9 months! I can hardley believe it--and thank goodness babies are hard to break. I guess we are doing something right! Things have been very busy. Abby is crawling and pulling up--and it's Abby's World and we just live in it.

Let me get the stats out of the way. Abby is now 29 1/4 inches and 20.6 lbs. The doctor seems impressed with her physical prowess, but unfortunately that has resulted in her verbal skills taking a backseat. Sure, she lets us know what she is thinking, wants and hates...but not a consonant in earshot. I am not too concerned. Afterall, given who her parents are, it will be no time before she is reciting the Gettysburg Address.

Abby has been blessed with a terrific sense of humor and an easy laugh--as evidenced by this little diddy; Make sure you have your sound turned UP!


On Memorial Day weekend, we celebrated Abby's Hebrew baby naming. Since a picture is worth a thousand words, here are some pictures of that very special day:
This is Peter with Abby, me and the Rabbi. She is telling everyone the meaning of Abby's Hebrew name. Her Hebrew name is Aharuva Masha which means love.

This was taken before the prayer over the Challah (bread) that is said while it is cut by Abby's grandfathers.



This is the rabbi blessing Abby


This is us drinking the wine after the blessing over the wine which was said by Abby's godparents--my sister and Peter's brother. That is my oldest sister standing next to me. (Abby's Godmother)


From the left that is my dad standing a bit apart from everyone else, Peter's brother (Abby's Godfather), my oldest sister, behind her--a bit hidden is her her husband, me and Abby, my other older sister, Peter and the rabbi (holding one of her 7 month twins)



That's Peter's dad--and no it isn't lit--hardley ever is anymore...but it's his trademark. Apparently, Abby took it from him...but we don't have any pics of that!


This was taken right before the ceremony began...HAPPY FAMILY!


I have alot to catch you all up on so if you have made it this far--I have even MORE pictures and another video. Thanks for looking!

so---here we are a few days later

Ok--it's been more than a few days...but, believe me, I've been REALLY busy. I thought it would be fun to reinaugurate my blog with a post about drool.....

You know you're a mom when your baby drools right into your mouth and you don't FREAK out! Yup, that's right...Abby drooled right into my mouth tonite.

I was playing on the floor with her when Pete came home. He picked her up and was giving her hugs and kisses and then he was swinging her over me as I was lying on the floor.

She was all smiles and giggles and then......












A big squirt of drool dripped right out of her mouth and into mine!!!!!!!

Pete and I were cracking up.....ahhh the joys of parenthood.

So-- a little update on our girl.

She will be 7 months old in a few short days
She is 17lbs, 27 inches
She has one tooth (bottom center)
She sits up on her own
She is FULL of personality
She LOVES to eat
She looks like her daddy MORE than ever! I swear I was there, really, I was!

Here are some pics......

The smoke clears...

Ahhhh... I think we've turned a corner and ahead of us is a life blessed with a child. I am now at a point where I can finally consider Abigail a child. A small but distinct difference in my mind, from a baby. For months, while pregnant, you say: "We're having a baby". Shortly after giving birth you say: "We just had a baby". Now, as we look towards 4 months, I really begin to see that Abigail isn't just our baby, she's our child and Pete and I are her parents. Some of you are probably reading this thinking: "What did they expect? Didn't they realize that this is what it's all about?" And the honest answer is NO. I still stumble over myself when I call the Pediatrician and announce who I am followed up with: "Abigail's mom". Holy Cow!! I am Abigail's MOM!!! It's sort of the same feeling I had on my honeymoon when I was addressed as "Mrs. K----". I think I've once again lost some sense of identity. As I realize that while I am losing a small part of my identity, I am gaining a role of responsibility--one I welcome with open arms eager to play. Abigail makes it easy. When I walk into the room, her face lights up and she breaks out the best toothless grin. She smiles easily and giggles at my comedic antics. I relish in trying to make her laugh and don't worry about how silly I know I look and sound in the process...the girl LOVES it.

We are finally settling into a schedule with 3 daytime naps. The downside is that it doesn't leave much time to go out and run errands...so we will be working on tweaking the schedule into 2 daytime naps with the longer one being in the afternoon. Now that I have our WONDERFUL nanny on board 2 days a week--I've convinced her that it isn't good, anymore, to hold Abigail during her naptime and to please support our efforts in following the plan...thankfully she understands and is on the same page as us. It also helps in me not feeling inadequate that I don't always have the time nor patience to hold and entertain her all day...I constantly remind myself that is why we hired her...to give her undivided attention... something I am short of when home with her.

I've also been dating. Yup, mommy dating. I've been making an effort to meet other moms with children in the same age group as Abigail. So, i've had a few Mommy dates so far and all seems ok. It's funny though to be dating all over again with some of the same anxieties cropping up--does she like me? Will she call/email for another play (Mommy) date? It's amazing how life comes full circle like that. It's even more amazing that even with Mommy dating, you meet some real losers out there...but that's a whole other post.

Abigail's first Thanksgiving was fairly uneventful, even anti-climatic. I suppose that is what happens when you are not the first (and more like the 6th) grandchild. Everyone is happy to see you, but it's a "been there, done that" aura with not too much attention given. That is ok--the last thing we need is an overstimulated child at a noisy family function...and she faired very well with even going down to sleep in the pack n play at my sister's house.

Here are some new pics for your viewing pleasure--see how she's grown!

Another month gone...

Wow...it seems like yesterday that I was updating the blog. I am shocked to see that it has been exactly 1 month since my last update. Let's see--not much is new, except Abby is bigger and her personality, well..., her personality is bigger too.(BTW, that is her laughing not crying) There is nothing like holding up a mirror to ourselves than to look at our children. The guilt sure does settle in early parenthood. When Abigail's temper is raised and her stubborness obvious, it's hard not to see so much of us in her...

The alertness and awareness of her surroundings is at an alltime high...as is her needs to be occupied and entertained. It's Abigail's world and Pete and I just live in it. This is no more plain then on the days when I turn to look at the clock and see that it's 2pm and my teeth are still gritty and need to be brushed and my stomach is growling from not having eaten since the marathon quick dinner the night before. Leisurly dinners are not had in our household anymore unless we want to listen to Abigail cry, as dinner time usually coincides with the witching hour.

We are in the process of providing structure for mom and for Abby during the day. This ensures that teeth get brushed, mom gets fed from time to time and that Abby begins to understand what to expect during the day. I never knew there were some many hours to fill... We are making headway at night but nightime is easy in comparison...there is only one activity expected at night--sleep. During the day, there is alot more variation. And with that variation brings much variation in mood from Abigail.

So, for those that like stats and milestones here is your update:

Abigail is 9 weeks, 3 days old
She is, as of her 8 week apt. 10lbs, 5oz and 22 1/4 inches
She got her first round of shots last Friday
She smiles, coos, eats 5oz every 3-4 hours
She has rolled over ONCE from her stomach to her back
She will imitate Mommy when Mommy sticks her tongue out
She loves peek-a-boo, abc's, counting to 10 with Mommy and Baby Mozart
She laughs at Daddy's funny voices and faces he makes and can't wait for his jokes! (poor girl)
Here is her Halloween picture...can't wait until Thanksgiving!!!