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!