All I want for Christmas is...

...a purple yo-yo. Yes, that's all Giana asked Santa for. That's her story and she's sticking to it. We've asked her several other times what she wants and all we get is "a purple yo-yo." I think Santa can handle this one! She was so brave sitting on his lap but certainly didn't like it too much. I got the "I'm only going to do this because you say I have to look" and she walked on over and hopped up. It's been so much fun experiencing Christmas through her eyes.

The tree has been decorated, undecorated and redecorated by Giana. Santa presents are purchased and now we just need to finish the rest of the family gifts, attend a couple of parties and do some baking...YUM!

I recently joined my local MOMS Club and there are several fun activities planned in the coming weeks. Looking forward to making some more fun memories...camera and video in hand, of course!

Swimming in November

Swimming lessons in November. Giana enjoyed her first lesson and will be going two times a week for one month. She has two instructors and both missed the little boy who was in over his head and in need of some help. The life guard intervened but I thought for a split second I may be getting wet! (fully clothed) Needless to say, I won't be going out for a Starbuck's while Giana is at swimming lessons. It should be an interesting four weeks!

There's my little princess on the far right who refused to sit on the second step. That's my girl!

The only one not on her belly kicking. She's way more interested in those slides! Do you blame her, though? They look like fun!

A whole lot of catching up to do...

I can’t believe that I haven’t updated my blog for over two months! I do know where the time has gone and we have been busy! Giana turned three on 9/6. It’s hard for me to believe that my baby girl is three years old. I’ll just admit it right now…we had two parties for her. Why did she need two parties? Because I wanted to give her two parties. Yes, I’m one of THOSE mom’s…so let the gossiping begin. Party #1 was for the kids and party #2 was for the family. All that matters is that Giana had a “curiously” fun birthday this year.

In early October, we headed south to visit my sister in South Carolina. My niece turned 9 and my nephew turned 3 so more birthday celebrations were in order. While we were there, we visited a local pumpkin patch and the kids had so much fun. The weather was perfect and it was nice to enjoy the warmer weather even though it was October!

We were only home for a few days before leaving for Maryland to visit more family. This time the weather wasn't so nice and it felt like April...rain, rain and more rain. We still had a lot of fun with all the activities...visiting Katie's (my niece) horse farm, first time bowling, watching Katie's volleyball team and shopping. Giana was convinced that she was part of the volley ball team and even helped to make posters one evening during practice. While Giana has flown many times in her short life, this was the first time she remembers flying and had her own seat. She was thrilled to be on an airplane and thought the entire experience was so much fun...except when she didn't want to give up her shoes going through security. I finally convinced her that she would get them back.

Back home again for a few more days and yet another trip to pack for. This one was a girls weekend in Chicago. My friend Erin and I went to the rainy...I mean windy city for a few days and we had a great time. Did I mention that it rained? I think I took the rain from Maryland right to Chicago with me. We walked every inch of the city and saw the Navy Pier, Michigan Avenue, Riverwalk, John Hancock Building and much more. Maybe after my children are grown, I will convince Dominic to move to Chicago. I think I could be happy there!

Up next was Halloween! It was a fun week with pumpkin carving, visiting a local pumpkin patch/farm and trick or treating. Giana was the cutest black cat I've ever seen!

September and October were full of fun. Along with all of the traveling, we were able to squeeze in a visit with Dominic's brother when he came to visit from Atlanta. Giana loves Uncle David and it was nice to see him. We also celebrated Dominic's Dad's 70th birthday and our wedding anniversary. So many parties...so many things to celebrate. Happy anniversary, Dominic. I love you.

For now, our suitcases have been put away and we have no plans to travel over the next few months. While we had the best time traveling cross country, it's time to settle in, enjoy a few quiet weekends with Dominic and Giana and get ready for the upcoming holidays. Christmas really is my favorite time of year. I look forward to decorating our tree, making cookies, shopping, visiting with Santa and celebrating the season through the eyes of our child. There's nothing quite like the joy and innocence of a young child at Christmas.

Three Years Later

Dear Giana,

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder,

You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger.

May you never take one single breath for granted,

God forbid love ever leave you empty handed.

I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean,

Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens.

Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance,

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...I hope you dance.

I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance,

Never settle for the path of least resistance.

Livin might mean takin chances but they're worth takin,

Lovin might be a mistake but its worth makin.

Dont let some hell bent heart leave you bitter,

When you come close to sellin out reconsider.

Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance,

And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance...I hope you dance.

(Lyrics by LeAnn Womack)

G, we love you so much and we are so proud of you!

Happy 3rd birthday, baby girl.

Love,

Mommy and Daddy

"This Everyday Love"

My birthday came and went (thank God!)and while I'm feeling a little bit older these days, I suppose it's better to have a birthday than to not have one. Right? LOL! Dominic took me to see Rascal Flatts in concert. We had great seats and a fun night. I love Rascal Flatts but this time it was to see their opening acts. Darius Rucker (former lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish and now a country music singer) opened for them and I love his new CD. Dierks Bentley opened for them, as well and he was good, too. Dominic enjoyed people watching as much as the concert. You find all types at country music concerts!

Darius Rucker

Dierks Bentley

Rascal Flatts and Darius Rucker

Flowers from Dominic and a home made book mark from Giana.

Love my guys!

Take Me Out to the Ballgame

It was Giana's first baseball game. We took her to see the Columbus Clipper's play Atlanta at the new Huntington Park Field. She was more interested in the bounce house. We made it to the top of the 9th inning. I'm still not sure who won the game but the Clipper's were ahead by two runs when the meltdown took place.

The next day was her first attempt at miniature golf and she LOVED it! The stinker made a hole in one! Notice the purple ball. Her "favorite color."

And finally, the Ohio State Fair. Giana rode on her first kiddie roller coaster and laughed the entire time. I went with her, of course. It was a weekend full of "firsts" and she also milked a cow. My stomach is turning as I type this. There's nothing like giving your child some life experiences. I was reluctant but my mom talked me into it. We quickly found the nearest restroom to wash her hands! She's still talking about it. We're hoping farming isn't in her future.

"Not Spoiled, Loved"

What do you get when Dominic and Giana run a few errands together? New golf clubs for G. I was told that she is "not spoiled, only loved."

Happy EARLY birthday, Giana!

My Life According to Billy Joel

Using only song names from ONE ARTIST, cleverly answer these questions. Try not to repeat a song title. It's a lot harder than you think! Now I tag all of my blog friends.

I saw this on Facebook and didn't have room to comment so I thought it would be nice to explain some answers and keep track of my own opinions when I look back at my blog.

Pick your Artist: Billy Joel (Why Billy Joel? I love his music. I love country music, too!)

1. Are you a male or female: "She's Always a Woman"

2. Describe yourself: "She's Got a Way about Her"

3. How do you feel: "You're Only Human"

4. Describe where you currently live: "Uptown Girl" (I'm an urban, big city kind of girl.)

5. If you could go anywhere, where would you go: "New York State of Mind" (I love NY but I really want to go to Turks and Caicos!)

6. Your favorite form of transportation: "Keeping the Faith" (Faith...you'll travel far if you have it.)

7. Your best friend is: "A Matter of Trust" (Dominic, Mom, Erin)

8. Your favorite color is: "This Night" (It's actually red.)

9. What's the weather like: "River of Dreams" (It's been a beautiful summer!)

10. Favorite time of day: "The Night is Still Young" (Don't call me too early!)

11. If your life was a TV show, what would it be called: "My Life"

12. What is life to you: "Sometimes a Fantasy"

13. Describe your relationship: "Scenes from an Italian Restaurant" (This makes me laugh. So fitting!)

14. Your fear: "Only the Good Die Young" (Yes, I have a fear of dying too young and leaving Giana behind.)

15. What is the best advice you have to give: "Just the Way you Are"

16. If you could change your name, you would change it to: "Laura" (Not really. I wouldn't change my name. I tried to keep my maiden name too, but Dominic didn't go for that.)

17. Thought for the Day: "Don't Ask Me Why" (Again, very fitting with a 2 year old!)

18. How I would like to die: "Goodnight, My Angel" (and God willing, many years from now!)

19. My soul's present condition: "We Didn't Start the Fire" (Don't even get me started here. The Obama administration sucks and I'm afraid for us all!)

20. My motto: "Tomorrow is Today"

Maryland Visit July 2009

The farm was our first stop when we arrived in Maryland. My niece rides horses and this farm has become her second home. The reason we stopped at the farm first was because we had to drop off our cat. The farm has become Wuzzie's new family and she is adjusting really well. Dominic developed severe allergies to the cat over the past year and we were forced to give her up. A picture above shows Giana saying good bye to her kitty cat. So sad but she took it well. I think all of the other fun things to do at the farm distracted her. She fed and sat on the horses, ran around, watched my niece ride and just had a great time. We all did. I personally didn't get too close to the animals (nasty!) but Giana and Katie loved them. Even Dominic, my city boy, enjoyed himself...when he was able to pull himself away from his blackberry. When he had enough of the flies, we found him in the car with the air conditioning on and working on his laptop.

While the guys went golfing, the girls went to a place called "Smooch" and we all made our own lip gloss. It was really cool and something fun and different to do. With Aunt Wendy's help, Giana named her lip gloss "G-Gloss" and I named mine "September Love." The colors turned out really pretty. As a matter of fact, I like Giana's color as much as I like my own...so I've been wearing both!

The giant 25 foot slide! It was so much fun and we all had a great afternoon. My bother in law wiped out at the bottom of the slide and it was caught on camera. I didn't include the picture in my collage but I did add it to my Facebook pictures and tagged him for all to see! We would have played longer but a storm rolled in and we had to leave. And oh what fun it is to catch lightning bugs. Thank God my niece helped Giana because Dominic was asleep and I don't do bugs or barnyard animals. Yuck!

Recent Random Pictures

These pictures above all have some special meaning to me and I wanted to capture them in my blog.

I love the picture of Giana and my mom on the swing. Giana loves my mom so much and they have a special bond. This picture confirms our decision to move back to Ohio to be close to our family.

G's second haircut...I know, it's the first one that counts but I had to take pictures of the second haircut, too. I promise I won't take (or at least post) pictures of her third haircut or her haircut for prom. (lol!)

The pool picture makes me laugh every time I see it. Dominic's Dad filled her baby pool with warm water that he heated on the stove and then gave her an ice cream cone. No wonder she never wants to come home from Grandma and Pa-Pa's house!

And finally, the picture of "bunny" in the Biddy Baby carrier. "Bun" as G calls him, is a staple in her life. Bunny is never far from her and has been around since she was just weeks old. Giana isn't into playing with dolls but she loves the baby carrier. I guess bunny is her baby for now.

A Time of Celebration

Happy birthday America! This past weekend was a time to celebrate our freedom. GOD bless the United States…for it is HE who has his hand on this country and our people.

Our family is also celebrating the recovery of Dominic’s Dad. Last week, he had a stroke and is now slowly recovering. We are so happy that he is doing well. You’ll see him in the pictures below and you certainly would’t know that he is struggling to regain his health. We are excited to see a full recovery from him soon!

The weekend was filled with lots of fun activities including a parade, swimming, cooking out, a trip to the driving range and alcohol. (Is alcohol considered an activity?) I really wanted to take Giana to see the fireworks but she just didn't make it. They started at 10:00pm and she was in bed by 8:00. Oh well...there's always next year!

WOW...look a picture of me! Giana is way more into that water bottle then taking a picture but this is the only family photo I have of the three of us from the parade.

Waiting patiently for the parade to begin.

G waving during the parade...she was so happy that they were waving back to her! She doesn't like rude people and seems to call them out daily as we pass by. I wonder who she gets that from?

Dominic's sister and the rest of our family at the parade...that's Dominic on the back right...typical Dominic...the quiet loner but I suppose that what's makes him special!

My Mom and Giana waiting for the parade to start.

Dominic's parents with Giana at the 4th of July parade.

Stopping by my Blog...

I've noticed that I often have visitors to my blog. Many of you I know and some of you who I don't know. Please feel free to leave a comment after you've visited or send me an email to say hi at carrie.vitale@hotmail.com I'd love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading and "stopping by."

Father's Day 2009

Dominic and Giana on Father's Day.

Dominic and his Dad on Father's Day.

Gone too soon, my Dad...love and miss you. Happy Father's Day!

May 2009

Oh so much to catch up on! I have several posts so keep scrolling! May was so much fun! Playdates, swimming, my sister, Julie and her family came to visit and Memorial Day weekend in Cleveland with the Vitale's. Giana rode her first carnival ride and roasted marsh mellows for the first time...although she wouldn't eat it. I don't blame her, though!

More Family in Town

My sister, Wendy and my niece, Katie came to town for a few days this past week. We had a great time visiting with them. There was a lot of playtime that included lacrosse, swimming and a trip to the zoo. And we fit shopping in there, too! Wendy and I love to shop together! My niece plays lacrosse in Maryland and she brought Giana a toy lacrosse set with pink and purple sticks. Giana loves the purple one! Aunt Wendy came with a lot of cute clothes and toys for Giana (as usual) so I think we are all set with cute dresses for a while! We are planning a trip to see them in July and Giana can't wait to ride Katie's horse! We're looking forward to our visit and we'll get to see Uncle Chris since he couldn't make it to Ohio on this trip.

Show Day at Little Gym

Giana "graduated" from her Superbeastie class at Little Gym and they held an award ceremony for the kids. It was so cute and she was so proud of herself and her medal! She's actually still in the same class until she turns 3 but it was the end of the semester and she just started back up the following week. In September, she will move to the Funnybugs class and she will be alone in the class without me. I'm sort of sad about this because we've had so much fun together. But don't worry, the overprotective Mom will be watching through the glass!

Las Vegas!

Dominic and I went to Las Vegas for a few days in late May/early June. We had so much fun and it was a great vacation! The weather was great and there was a ton to do. We didn't win any money but the time we spent alone together was priceless. Dominic works in the hotel industry so we enjoyed seeing all the beautiful hotels. We ran into M&M World on the last day and I made Dominic pose for a picture and hold the bag. He wasn't too pleased with me here but oh what a trooper! Check out that goatie that he grew for me! He hates facial hair but he "did it for me." It was shaved off within an hour of being home.

Remembering Andrew Stithem

My friend, Jessica and her husband Scott lost their 6 month old baby boy suddenly to bacterial meningitis. Dominic and I are so incredibly sad and heart broken for them right now. I can't imagine what they must be going through and I pray we never will. Please keep Jessica and Scott in your prayers as they bury their baby today.

A Trip to the Emergency Room

After 4 home offers fell through for one reason or another, we decided to move into an apartment and take our time looking for a house. We moved in on May 1st. I have to say that I wasn’t thrilled about living in an apartment but now that we’ve moved in, we are really enjoying it. It’s a new place with a nice swimming pool and it’s close to my Mom and Dominic’s work. Giana loves her new room. We moved her from a crib into a toddler bed. She is very proud of her new bed, although the transition wasn’t as easy as I had hoped for. We are feeling a little more settled now and it’s nice to have our family life back to normal.

Shortly after we moved in, Giana came down with a very high fever. It wasn’t going away so I took her to the Children’s Urgent Care where she was diagnosed with Hand, Foot and Mouth disease. She was pretty miserable but we made it through. The following night, she woke up around midnight with a high fever and gasping for air. I thought it might be croup but needed to be sure. Dominic and I took her to the emergency room at 1am and sure enough, she had croup. After a breathing treatment, steroid and lung x-ray, we were able to bring her home. A few days later, she got a bad cold and still had a fever on and off. After nine long days, I took her to the pediatrician to make sure she was okay. 9 days is a long time to have a fever. She is doing much better now, but may have a urinary tract infection. Lovely. When will it end?

We missed my niece’s confirmation in Maryland because we spent the night before we were leaving in the ER. I was in no shape to being driving after being up all night and Giana was too sick to be in the car. My mom was her confirmation sponsor and I was her ride to get there. She was able to catch a last minute flight and made it for the event. I feel terrible for missing it but we just couldn’t be there. Love you, Katie! This also happened to be Mother’s Day weekend so needless to say; we stayed home with our sick daughter. After all, she is why I am able to celebrate Mother’s Day. I wouldn’t have wanted it any other way.

My sister, Julie and her family are in town now and we’ve been having a great time with the kids. We went to the circus on Saturday and we’ve been to the park, swimming, cooking out and enjoying this beautiful weather. Giana loves her cousins and she is having a great time.

We’re off to Cleveland for Memorial Day weekend to visit with Dominic’s family. It will be nice to see his family and spend a few days with them. His brother is coming to town from Atlanta and I think some golfing, beer (wine for me) and cook outs are in order.

Up next…a trip to Vegas! Dominic and I are headed out west from 5/30-6/4. I can’t wait! The babysitters (aka Grandma, Grandpa, Mom-Mom and Aunt Deanna) are lined up and we are free to do as we please! A much needed trip for the two of us. Here’s hoping we return a little darker, richer and well rested!

Finally, a day for golf!

It was only the driving range but it was nice to get out for a while!

Taking tips from Daddy.

She's really trying here. Our local rec center has a golf program for 3 year olds. Next year... Perhaps the LPGA Tour is in her future?

Ahhh, there's my guy. I need to recommend sunscreen because I think the collar being up is out of style...but it sure does block the sun off your neck!

Easter 2009

Giana waiting patiently for the easter egg hunt to begin.

Giana and Daddy scoping out the grass before the easter egg hunt.

Giana loved the easter egg hunt and really LOVED the candy. I'm usually behind the camera but for those of you looking for a picture of me...here you go!

Coloring easter eggs and the bunny cake Giana and I made.

Daddy and Giana before mass. (It was early...Dominic was a little tired here.)

Giana and Mom-Mom

While we were at church, Easter Bunny hid a basket of candy!

Easter Bunny also left Rody the Horse for Giana.