It's Elmo's World....Happy Haloween!

What a great Halloween this year!! Leah was able to say"trick or treat" and "happy halloween".I think she really enjoyed it. I let her "pick" her costume out by giving her a catalog and she pointed and screamed "Elmo"!!! We went to the Ridgefield Parade with the baby group and it was so nice all the kids be able to run around this year and really enjoy themselves. Then we got lucky at night where we had one hour that it didn't rain and we went around the development.

Fun days at Fraser Woods

Pumpkin Day

PE......to funny

music time

Why can't I get her to eat like that with me?

Walking from Breakfast Club

Here are some pics from Leah at school. Although many are with her partner in crime , Riley...she has alot of friends there ( especially Sdy and Livey). But since Leah and Riley are the "all dayer's" they are always together. I wish I had some pics of what they look like at the afterschool program with the Big kids passing them around. It's been a fun school year so far!

19 Months....how quickly time is moving

Wecome to Fall!
Lele and her Sophie Boo!

Meeting up with her friends at apple picking

As we sing the "brusha brusha brusha" song from Greese.

We had alot of birthdays this month!!!

Mylania, James, Lucas, and welcome baby Jillian!!

Leah and Daddy's first slow dance

We love Brewster Playscape

Leah exploring her favorite park!!

Hanging out with Sydney, Livey, and Sophia

Sometimes you have to just stop and smell the flowers

Happy birthday sweet baby James

Welcome to the world Jillian. Leah this will soon be your very best friend!

Getting ready for pumpkin time at Lucas's Birthday Party

Who gives the best kisses

As you can see, Leah LOVES to see her big brother ( look at that admiration)

This has been a great and busy month. Being back at work will only allow me to write on the blog once in a while so I think I will just do the monthly updates. Leah is growing so fast we can hardly keep up. And we mean physically and developmentally. Her shoe size seems to change daily and her vocabulary just adds new words all the time. It is has been the best and most exciting time with her. Although I loved the "baby" stage, I am REALLY enjoying the toddler time. Now that her tantrums have been put on hold she is soooooo much fun. Her school routine has been great and she comes home happy all the time. There are so many great teachers and friends there that I think this is the best place we could have sent her. She is still in love with her music and I am always fascinated by how many songs she knows all the words to!!! Her favorites things at the moment are horses, singing, reading, taking a bath, WonderPets, brushing her teeth, practicing taking her shoes on and off, parks, dancing, and looking at pictures of her friends and family and saying all their names.

Leah Goes to School

Today was Leah's first day of school........OMG she is all grown up!!! Off to Fraser Woods she went with Daddy ( who by the way is the BEST DAD IN THE WHOLE WORLD).Seriously he will do anything for his little girl and we love him for it. It is "transition" week so they only stay for an hour each day. The first day went great. She was happy Daddy was there with her but also curious about this new classroom and all the goodies that are in it. Her teachers seem great and loving. We are soo proud of how brave she was and what a great job she did. Casey was there with the camera and we are sooo excited that she got some great pics of their first day. LeLe , Riley, Sydney, and Olivia off to FW....OH boy , let the fun begin. Leah and Riley arrive at the same time and look for their new class
but first.....we have to take their first "official" school pic

We don't want to be late.....Daddy will lead the way

Checking out the furniture

Just making sure Daddy hasn't left me yet

I love this pic....she looks so interested and happy

Bye Bye......a great first day

**** I am writing this entry the DAY AFTER and today was NOT a good day. It was a rough one with everyone in the family crying at some point today. Let's hope tomorrow is better....keep you posted.

Happy 18 Months!!!!

I cannot believe that my little princess is a year and a half. It has been such an amazing ride so far. She has really turned into a little girl, with opinions, a full vocabulary, recognizing friends , family, and has sooooo much love and affection. I started writing down all the words she knows for this blog but when i got to 50 I said what am i doing??? She loves to help around the house and do all different kinds of "tasks". In the last month none of her shoes fit her and she is already a size 6!!!!! There has been so much growth and development that it is hard to keep up with the blog. We love you LeLe and can't wait to see what Fall brings us.

Weekend on the lake

We had the best weekend with Aunt Marcie , Uncle Jeff, and Jared and Lainey at their summer house in the Catskills. We were right down the street from Woodstock and took Leah to the museum there and hang on the lawn. We got so lucky with the weather ( rained every time we were inside and then got sunny when we needed to go out). We also took out a pontoon and Leah got to take her first jump into a lake. This was the first trip were Leah could say every one's name and she just ADORES her cousins. Everyone in the lake ( except Aunt Marcie our diligent photographer)

Leah contiplating if she is ready for herjumpWoodstock....40 years later

A great day of swimming and italian ices

Leah's Favorite Song

We just can't get enough of watching Leah sing her songs. Her favorite thing to do lately is to get all of her "friends" into her crib, line them up in a circle and sing the "hello" song to them. So here it is .....and for those of you who don't know the words they are " Hello to ______, it's good to see you!". Soooo cute.

Full Circle

Leah and I went to visit some of Mommy's best friends from growing up. We don't get to see each other very often but whenever we do it feels like it was yesterday we were having sleepovers in Spring Valley. It feels so crazy to be with these girls and we are all Mommy's now. The craziness we use to put our parents through and now somehow we re all responsible for kids of our own .....is just nuts to me.

What's your name?

Summer Fun

Hanging at different beaches around town
Leah and Sophia start to recognize each other and it is sooo adorable

The first time we had our kids break the law and sneak into a "closed" park.

Make the most of the rainy days and take it to the mall

The last Mother Goose of the summer. Bye bye Melissa, Will, and Baby Dugas.........we will miss you soooooo much.

Some days Mommy and I spend alone time at Brewster Playscape

RyePlayland.....although Leah would rather run around then go on the rides

Pool time with the girls

Reading time at Stepping Stones

Leah at her "Sing and Sign" class.

At the Butterfly Farm....our budding photographer

Leah and Sophia dancing at Mother Goose

I have been so absent from the blog. What a difference a year makes. Leah has been keeping me soooooo busy that it feels like we are out everyday together trying to make the most of my time off with her ( which I am just loving right now!!). Here are some fun pics from over the past month of what we've been up to!

All I want to do is dance

Just a taste of the dancing!!I keep trying to capture the singing on video, but the file is always to big. I will get it shortly.

Sleepover at the Jalosky's

Happy Birthday Daddy

We love nap time!!

and pool time!

While the Daddy's went fishing all the girls went to play at the pool,. We spent the weekend out in Long Island and got to visit our very good friends Jonathan and Becky ( and their little one's Eva and Ethan). We've always had our sleepovers with the Jalosky, whether it be in Rockland, New Rochelle, NYC, CT or Long Island....but oh how the days have changed when you add 3 little ones in the mix. Leah discovered her love for baby strollers and now mommy has to get one. Everytime we leave their place we have a toy we have to buy!!! Here are some pics from the fun weekend:

Bye Bye Baba

Tonight was the last of the Baba ( bottle). She was only down to the night time one.To be honest, she didn't even care, I think it was harder on me. Soooo......... so long bottle, drop-ins, and measuring milk!

My first trip to the beach

After the fireworks from 4th of July we had some great weather the next day and went for Leah's first trip to the "real" beach. A little hestitant at first, after a few minutes she was jumping (very small) waves and digging in the sand. One of Mommy's favorites places on earth so I was happy that Leah was sharing in her happiness. A perfect way to start the summer. She also made it the ENTIRE day with no nap, that in itself was a miracle.

Happy 4th of July!!

The windest day ever on top of the Trump Marina...all of our food went flying!
Leah loving the family time

Lainey and Jared never let go!

Sleepy time with Mommy

yes, I am a diva

Best seats in the house for the fireworks

Got my red, white, and blue

Summer has been getting so busy that I am really behind on my postings. July 4th was spent with family and Leah's first trip to Atlantic City. If Noni has anything to do with it, it will not be her last. It was an awesome time with many more "first's" for Leah. One of the coolest things to happen down there was while spending time with her cousins Jared and Lainey, she started calling them Jared and Lainey. Other than Mama and Dada she hasn't really called anyone by their names. The funniest part of all is that she hasn't stopped. Now every time we see a little girl she yells out "Lainey"!!!. Noni got us great tickets to the best fireworks show we ever saw!. It was a late night for Leah ( all the way to 9:00....but she couldn't last and was asleep at 8, pretty much missing the entire show!!). One of the best 4th of July's we ever had!

June is one of my favorite months of the year!!!

June has been a great month filled with new arrivals, visits with family and friends, Father's Day, a lot of play dates, and the end of Leah at daycare full time! Here are all the fun things we did this month.

Mommy gets a new car and all Leah wants to hear is the "Elmo CD" every time we get in it!

We had lots of fun at Van Saun Park with Noni. LeLe loved the train ride and seeing all of the animals.

Yes there is a new baby in town.....we are so happy to welcome baby Bella ( Isabella) to the world. Congrats to Adam and Dominque, she is a cutie.

Taking her first bath with her bff's Syd and Liv (although Liv was not excited to see Leah in her tub)

I wonder what kind of secret they are sharing????

Here the girls are sharing pajamas, bottles, and books.

BBQ time at the Kurchack's.....saying bye bye to baby Olivia before she leaves for camp.

Meeting up with the cousins at the Children's Museum. Leah gets to sign Lainey's cast!!

More fun at the museum

Lainey.....I can't wait for you to teach me EVERYTHING!!

Happy Father's Day to the best Daddy in the whole world. Seriously...... you rock!

Brunch at Rosie's

Finally we get to plant some pretty flowers. Leah loves to say "ohhh flowers" and then smell them.

And now that June has come to an end Mommy and Leah are soooo excited to be together everyday. I am sure there will be alot to write about over the summer.

camping

Our first family campring trip was so great. We never imagined that we would make it to the woods this early in her life but was up for the adventure. Luckily we went with great friends and their babies. We stayed in the Catskilss at Ali, Joe and Layla's house. Although some opted to sleep in the pretty cbin we chose to rough it outside. All of the babies were so great and we can't wait to go again.

Here are the Daddy's setting up camp. Look at tht view and the beautiful weather we had

Leah enjoying her first tent experience

All the little ones enjoying dinner in the wilderness

That was Leah's 5th piece of watermelon....you go girl!!!

Mommy's on the hike........yes, your Mommy was so sore the next day.

Daddy's ( and Jodi) starting off the hike.....Of course, your Daddy was not dressed properly!! A good lessoned learned.....never wear nice white sneakers on a hike.

We are ready to go!

pool time

"I love being here"

Happy 15 Month Birthday

What a big girl you have become!!!!!
Health Update:
If I dare to write this.... we have had a few weeks of amazing health in our house. Leah's persistent running nose and cough have some how come to an end. We can now add allergist to her list of doctor's she has encountered...sat through 3 hours of testing and not allergic to a single thing.....thank g-d for poor Tyson!!) I think when I mentally decided to just stop with all of the dr. appt's and medication it all just came to an end ( maybe it was sitting in the "sick"waiting rooms that kept her soo sick!). Last week we passed by a mother who was cleaning her child's throat tube and it made me realize that your life is so relevant to you until you compare it to others. I have been complaining and complaining about colds and coughs when really things could much worse. We are so grateful for the amazing health that Leah does have and all will run it's course.

Changing all the Time:
They really do become "toddlers" at this age and it is more fun than ever.
Her Words:
ball
cheese
pleeeeease
mama
dada
one, two, ( but never three)
play
down
shhhh ( with the finger over her mouth)
no ( I should have write this one first)
nite nite
blue
baba ( for bottle)
bye bye
hello
book
balloon
shoe
wheeeee! (when she rides on something)
vroom vroom

She can sign for: more, milk, and eat!!!!
Point to a few body parts
Make animal sounds
Sing along to certain songs
LOVES to hear her cd's in the car
HATES to be locked in for to long ( that includes her car seat, high chair, and shopping carts)
Can play hide and seek and will "pretend" to do things ( have tea parties, and pretend to be sleeping)
Can throw mini temper tantrums:
Trying to "discipline" a 15 month old has been quite interesting. She will now test you with the hitting, biting, and we have witnessed a few tantrums ( yes, she has thrown her self on the floor and acted like a complete drama queen). But as I read books, websites, and other blogs....I am not only reassured this is normal but healthy. Or is that a lie to keep us parents sane????

Has about 12 teeth and not sure of weight and height yet since her dr. appt is on Monday

And the winners of my favorite new skills:
Her dancing level has definitely stepped up a notch. She can now twirl around , swing her arms, and bend her knees ( not always to the beat, but that will come later). She actually shakes her butt like beyonce.

and most important.............
Gives the best hugs in the world.

pigtails or afropuffs

Leah's hair has always been a fun topic....since one day it was straight and now we have super curls. ( as you can tell we are so obsesssed). Well yesterday she came home from daycare with her very first front pigtails. Althpugh they kind of look like buns ( or if you listened to hip hop in the 90's, "afro-puffs". ) The pics don't do justice but they were soo cute. Seems as though they use Leah as a their doll since I keep sending her there with no pigtails and she keeps coming home with them (???). Well even though Daddy thinks they are the cutest thing Mommy had to put an end to them until we can find better rubber bands, since each night she cries when I have to take them out and I pull alot of her hair out with it. Either way here are the pics of her first (and I am sure there will be many more) fun hairstyles.

Day at the Zoo

The great weekend continued with Leah's first trip to a Zoo. She loves her animals lately and always wants to read a book about them so we knew this would be a hit. We enjoyed the day with friends and especially loved the little pigs!!

Can you say "sooo excited to see the animals"??

My Daddy is king of the jungle

Leah, Noa, and Sydney riding the alligator ( Olivia was not enjoying her ride on the alligator)

Look Mommy.....frogs!

The pretty bird Leah was scared of

ohhhhhh ahhhhhhh

Saturday in the sun

Summer is getting closer and closer and all the more reason to hit up all the parks and ice cream we can get!!!

Leah and Riley loved their Chariot ride together.

The Nuns there called them "Angels" and they really look it in this pic!

yummy chocolate

Whenever I see pics of Leah and Sophia together I feel like they have a secret

Back in the pool we go.......

Happy Memorial Day!! We got really lucky this weekend with some amazing weather. After ANOTHER week filled with coughs and sneezes we were all feeling better and really looking forward to not having any plans so the three of us could just be together. Leah got a new sandbox to add to her developing play area downstairs. Even a trip to Stew Leonard's was exciting to us since the animals are back in town. It's okay that every animals says "moooo" according to Leah , she loved it anyway!!! On Memorial Day it was picture perfect hanging at the pool all day. She really enjoyed it last year and we were hoping that excitement wasn't going to go away after a year. Well let's just say she would stay in there all day if she could. It was even better this year since she seems to really know what's going on. I can't wait to teach her to swim this summer. So the weekend was a great start to our favorite time of year.......................

Block Party with Lucas

I mean really aren't they to young for us to be marrying them off already

Leah is wondering ...how does this boy weigh the same as me???


Lucas loves his Mommy

ummm....did you check out my first nike's?

Leah and Lucas had a hot date in Fishkill. First it started with the tour of the "new pad" and then it was off to the kitchen with some bannanna/tukey/and cheese. As Lucas's' Mommy says , Leah is a cheap and easy date. Then they hit the town for some music and block party events. Thanks for a great night Lucas!

Farewell Party

Today was bittersweet to say good bye to 2 of Leah's (and Mommy's) good friends. Throughout this blog we have written about how much the baby group has meant to us. We knew no one in CT and now that we have such a nice group of friends has been so much fun!! Well, sadly 2 of the crew are moving away and we had a bbq for them. Janelle/Rylee and Melissa/Will are heading back to their "home"state and we are going to miss them sooooo much. Leah didn't feel so good at the party ( shocking???) and we had to leave early. We just want them to know that we are so lucky to have met them and we will never forget all of the great memories we made with them ( and will continue to make when we take our road trips!!). Here are some pics from the photo shoot we took for them and the party!

Happy Mother's Day 2009

The best gift I could ever get is spending the day with my whole family. I had such a wonderful Mother's Day and there is nothing I love more than being your Mommy. We went to NJ to spend the day with Daddy,Noni, Aunt Marcie, Uncle Jeff and Jared and Lainey. We pretty much did the exact same thing as last year with a visit to VanSauren Park and then off to a great lunch. I think this is the beginning of a cool tradition. Thanks for all the great gifts and I especially love Leah's first homemade card ( her drawing, hand prints, and a pic of her!!!).