Pumpkin Patch time!

Today, we braved the cold and the mudd and headed to the pumpkin patch!! My theory, is that kettle corn and hot apple cider, really just isn't the same unless you can see your breath! So pretty much, pumpkin patches rock!!

So here it goes: Pre patch!

Mom, is that snoopy?

More pumpkins!

Hee hee

My little Montessori Man

Mr Man is exploding with knowledge at this Montessori, I am just so proud of him!

Last night after dinner, he turned to me and said, "ok mom... bath?"

I think I sat there a little stunned before I said yes. He is growing up right before my eyes *weep*

Then this morning, while watching Imagination Movers, we were about to have to go and I said, ok bud, lets get your shoes and socks. And he walks in his room, grabs some socks, and brings them to me and says "socks!" He is such a doll.

I knew when we started sending him to the school he would get smarter, but this quickly, and this many words, is just unbelievable.

Not to mention Mr Man has started singing. As you all know, I sang to him as a baby, and have continued that in all of his 17 months... but when he started singing back to me, I couldn't help but cry.

Both the ex and I are singers, so I guess he just hears us all the time, and he gets to sing at his school. It is just so incredible to have these walking, talking, little people staring at you and singing to you.

Even after 17 months I am utterly shocked at how much the little guy teaches me!

A ReCap

I am officially the worst blogger ever. Raising Mr Man and working full time, has taken its toll on my schedule, which of course cuts into my blogging life ;-)

However, I thought I would catch you up on what has happened, since the last post.

First of all Mr Man has started Montessori school. He is doing very well, although he has only been in it a week. He seems to be speaking a lot more, and he is loving the kiddo's and new toys.

This weekend was an absolute blast with the little guy!

Saturday we spent time with 2 pretty ladies, Miss Priss and Lindsay. We went to the rainforest cafe and surprisngly the loud noises and large (fake) animals didn't scare the two, but kept them utterly entertained, so Lindsay and I actually had a conversation ;-) I would recommend it to anyone! Then, in the afternoon, I took the munchkin to the blues festival. OMG that was fun, but it was HOT! Mr Man was entertaining all the people on the lawn with his awesome moves and we even got video'd by ABC news. Woot!!!

Sunday I took Mr Man to the zoo and holy schmole. What an amazing experience. First off, that place is enormous!! And Mr Man was so excited to walk around and check everything out. We had a blast. He even had some sherbert! At around 2pm, though, he was absolutely wooped, and so was I, so it was nap time for both of us.

Overall, this has been a busy month. Mr Man is a whopping 16 months (soon to be 17 months - where the heck has time gone???). October is right around the corner, and pumpkin patches and Halloween costumes will soon come out, for all to see.

The Best View in the Morning...

Every morning, when Mr man wakes up, I peek in his room and I get to see this beautiful face. There really is no other better sight in the morning. Not to mention the morning hair is awesome. It hard to describe how you can miss and love soomeone so much at the same time.

Then, yesterday, I thought I would try and give Mr Man a spoon and see if he could feed himself some cereal. Needless to say, he didn't get too many cheerios in his mouth, but it was a darn fun experience!


Such a cutie!

July 4th!

Although I wasn't able to spend the actual July 4th with B, I did get to see him participate in a 4th of July parade and wear an adorable hat (that he made).

I never thought it would be this hard, not seeing my little guy, but it gets harder and harder each week. I miss that little monster more than I can say.

I still think B has adjusted well to the situation, but I am not sure how well I am adjusting...

I am trying to stay positive, but it sure is hard!

14 Months!!

As my beautiful son grows older, his personaly becomes more and more defined. Not to mention, there is no keeping up with an active 14 month old.

This is him April 17th :)

He is always contemplative, wondering what I am doing. Whether it is cooking, or talking, or singing or cleaning, he wants to know how he can be of assitance or wants me to show him exactly how things are done.

He is also extremely analytical (He gets this from his daddy)! Wondering why the screw on his Xylephone won't come out when he puts the stick in the hole and turns (I am assuming like dad does at home?).


And he is ever the ham! He laughs when you poke his nose. He laughs when you say the word zipper and he laughs when you smile at him. He is exactly like me in this regard. Not to mention, my little bundle, you are becoming quite the ladies man at school. Walking into the room and having all the girls run up and hug you. You must be a good hugger ;-)

At 14 months love bug, you amaze me everyday.

• You are saying too many words to count.
• If I ask you to do something, you go and do it
• You love water, and milk, and Lord knows you can eat!
• You run, run, and run! I think it is your favorite activity.
• You give the best hugs

And most of all, you teach momma new things every month, not to mention, every day!


I am happy to say, for all of you still reading out there, Mr Man has adjusted amazingly to the situation. The divorce was final on Tuesday of this week and the ex and I continue to talk on a regular basis. Sometimes 3 times a day. We finalized things via mediation and we were done shortly after lunch. It was relatively painless. Mr Man is the happiest baby I know and shows no signs of agitation toward the situation (so far). The ex and I praying (and working together) to keep things this friendly and happy throughout his life.

Thank you for all the prayers and well wishes, as they seem to be working. God Bless!

Changes!

Since the divorce, it's no secret, things have been a little different around here.

Time schedules are tighter, it seems like weeks, even months fly by, and it seems like I never get any time to rest.

With that said, there have been other changes.

I feel like, the weeks I don't have my little man, I am trying to get my life back. I think while married to a man that didn't really see me for who I truly was, I lost sight of who I really was.

I was always outgoing, energetic, and a fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants kinda person, and I liked that about me. But my ex husband is not that way. He likes schedules, he likes movies, he likes to sit and watch the sunset. At first I thought this was endearing, and I certainly thought it calmed me down, but over time I grew bored of this type of behavior, and in the end, opposites did not attract.

The one thing I will say, is that the ex and I are on wonderful terms. We talk daily, if not twice or three times a day regarding B. I think we talk now, more than we ever did when we were married, which is so nice I cannot even tell you.

However, other people have fallen out of touch. And that saddens me. I had heard that a friend had asked if I had a boyfriend, because of some picture I posted on FB or myspace. I was hurt by this, because I thought as a friend, she should have contacted me, not asked someone else, and so I told her so, via email. I guess this wasn't the right way to convey this message, because she thought I was yelling at her or who knows what, and she ended the friendship.

So... as the divorce is coming to a close, and the ex and I are becoming closer friends, and I am finding myself once again, other people, I am realizing, were not meant to continue to be in my life. It is sad but true.

I know God has an ultimate plan and I know these changes are good, in some way or another, it is just such a strange time in my life. At 28 I always thought I would've had it figured out. The husband, the child, the house. Period the end. But I guess not. I guess life is a mountain, not a beach, and God always has something up his sleeve :)

Here is to more changes, should they come your way, good or bad!

Ciao Darlings!

13 Months, Tubes and an Appetite to Remember!!

I have been the worst blogger and I appologize! Mr Man is just such a growing boy I don't even know how to keep up!

On May 17th (yes forever ago... slapping my own wrist) Mr Man turned 13 Months. He is such a big boy these days it is almost impossible to write about all that he is doing.

• He is talking non stop and running all over the place.


• He loves to run around the corner and hide from any diaper changing or clothing change.


• He says all types of words, thanks to the tubes in his ears, and he is just an absolute joy.

I think they get more fun the older they get!

So... to the tubes... poor Mr Man got 6 ear infections in 8 weeks. It was horrible. The ex and I didn't know what to do. We were always at the doctor and Mr Man was in such pain we decided to move forward with getting the tubes. Honestly, the procedure wasn't that bad, I mean, nerve racking, but it was over in like 10 minutes. The worst (according to the ex) was the ear drops the poor guy had to endure for 7 days afterwards. However, now, that he has had them for a while, he is a new little guy. It seems he is loving life, running around, watching movies and talking non stop. We are very happy with the decision!

The only other news, is my son's appetite :) The man eats more food than I can count. The other night he ate 6 chicken nuggest (yes you read that correctly), blueberries, and puffs. I couldn't feed the man fast enough. He has an un-rivaled appetite, it is so funny.

Maybe Mr Man will be a NY Giants linebacker after all :)

Girls are better than Boys... Nah nah nah nah!!!!!

Hello... did anyone watch the Preakness....

Um... hell yeah!

Can I get a... where's all my ladies at! *High fiving Beyonce!*

Did you see that Filly kick the other boys butt!!

Um... B and I did.

Yep! We sure did.

Way to go Rachel Alexandra!! You show 'em girl!!

Celebrate the small things...

Tonight was blissful!

An evening spent, grocery shopping with my mom, then feeding my little man and hanging out with my dad and baby bro.

For me, being such a family person, it really doesn't get much better than that!

Mr Man just loves being with Nonna and Poppy and they, equally, love being near him. Poppy will laugh and B will mimic.

It just makes my heart melt.

Now, I am sitting here, listening to the rain hit the windows, and listening to B sleep soundly, as I type this post.

Such a peaceful evening. Such a small thing, but such a wonderful way to spend a Saturday night!

David Beckham, watch out!

There is a new blonde bombshell, soccer star in our midst!!

A 1st Birthday Party!!

Brady's 1st birthday party was absolutely amazing!! And the outpouring of love that I felt made it one of the best days of my life... so far!

When I got to my parent's house, everything was perfectly decorated, all the food was prepared, and I was told to just enjoy the party. My mom, grandmother, and father had done an amazing job with everything and I just can't thank them enough for all they did!!!!

The nautical theme turned out beautifully. My friends were more than generous with their gifts and I am so appreciative of them driving all the way to celebrate Mr Man's first birthday.

It was an absolute blast to have had them there. And I am pretty sure Mr Man, could he have thanked them all himself, would've said the same thing!

Have you ever met a stranger?

"Nope!" Was my response. And that, my friends, is the truth.

My mom tells stories how I would just walk up to strangers and start talking to them and singing to them.

Last night, my girlfriend E and I went out to dinner, and by the end of the night, we had hooked up with this fabulous table of 5 women and 1 guy. It was wonderful to get to spend time with old friends, and meet new ones.

The DJ even bought me a beer, just so we would stay around and keep the party going :)

That, my friends, is a heck of a way to spend a Thursday evening :)

Hope you all have a GOOD Friday!

Happy Good Friday!!!

Got this from JulieQ and about peed my pants. ENJOY!!

Maybe I'm Ok?

With being alone?

There has been some adjustment, going from a 7 + year relationship to nothingness, but as the dust clears, I think this may be exactly what I need.

This coming Friday will be my very first weekend ALONE. And I am talking ALONE people!

Yes, I am having dinner with fabulous girlfriends... but coming home, later that evening, to a VERY empty house is going to be a sobering experience.

I think when you are married, you never really think about single people. I sure didn't anyway? I always thought their life was glamorous, in some sick way?

No one to have to talk to, or ask what they want for dinner, or cater to when their sick. But now... maybe its a blessing to always have someone to share your thoughts with, to have someone to get you theraflu when you feel like you are knocking on deaths door, or maybe... someone wants to cook YOU dinner?

Maybe it is a blessing both ways?

Eh... who knows.

Life is a learning experience (or that is what I tell myself these days, anyway) and each day is a new journey.

Sometimes its bumpy, sometimes its fun, other times it just plain sucks. But... there are ALWAYS lessons to be learned.

The New Pad

Is coming along nicely :)

Hey... its no Taj Mahal... but its home, and B and I are lovin' it!!!

Here is the best part... the view!!!

The fireplace... which B has found he loves to eat... yummy!

Mr Man's new (Giants themed) room! WOOT!

My bedroom

Dining

Living

And Kitchen... fabulous job on the cabinets L!

There are some things that I still haven't gotten used to like:

A) climbing 8,003 stairs to get to my apartment, all while carrying a diaper bag, a filled purse and a 23lb small man - but hey, look on the bright side - in 2 months my ass is gonna be smokin'! Feel the burn baby, feel the burn!!!

B) I have yet to figure out how to carry 2 loads of garbage and said man and diaper bag and purse DOWN the stairs - that one still has to be figured out? Suggestions?

C) I am loving cleaning this place. Um... hello vacuuming 5 min. Walking all of 3 minutes to the washer and dryer and dishes for one (sometimes throw a bottle in there) can I get a hell yeah!

D) I just got TV last night, and to be honest, it was kind of nice not having the option to hear the depressing news. I have no DVR (gasp!) and no cable to speak of. I have bunny ears (the newest model) but still. Humble pie for one. Thanks!

Overall, B and I are adjusting well. It has been a struggle, and I have fiigured out I royally SUCK at being alone, but over time I am sure things will be alright! The first few months are always an adjustment period. I am just trying to look on the bright side of every situation, including this one.

Ciao Darlings!

Moving Day...

So... yesterday was the big day.

I moved out of my house into a new little place. It is a huge adjustment, and I am not sure how I feel about it yet.

Things are moving along, and althought I know both Hubs (wow, I guess I need to change that name) and I have made the right decision, these are still uncertain times.

I appreciate all your kinds words and support. And would ask you continue to keep us in your prayers.

-------------------------------------------------------

Mom, I wouldn't know what to do without you. You are my backbone through this process! You make me laugh when I am crying, and you pick me up when I have crumbled to the floor. You are so much more than a mom! You are the greatest friend a girl could have! And I love you!!!

L, damn girl, you have done so much I just cannot thank you enough! Coffee makers, free glasses (and hershey kisses), making kitchen cabinets looking fabulous, and always an ear to hear my woes :) I love ya! And it means the world to me to have you as a friend!!!

And T, you have given me so much advice, and done so much stuff I don't even know where to begin to thank you! So... thank you! Just thank you!!

This blog is my outlet...

So therefore... you blog readers... are my friends. With that said, I feel like I have been leading a double life and I feel it is time to share a little of my true life with you.

Over the past months, Hubs and I have decided, it is best for B, and ourselves that we not remain married.

Hubs and I are very good friends, but we are not very good married people. We feel that B deserves to grow up with two people that love each other and can show him what a true marriage should be.

This has been an extremely hard decision to come to and it has been a long, winding journey, that we are both still going through.

It is also the reason, my blog posts have been few and far between.

As far as B is concerned, we are both his parents, and we still love him with every ounce of our beings, so we are going to do our very best to be the best parents we can be. He is our main priority and we hope he knows just how much his Mommy and Daddy love him.

I would ask that you pray for B, myself, and Hubs through this VERY difficult time. It has been so hard on everyone, I can only hope it gets better soon.

Love,

Your little Italian!

Babies and Momma's

My IBF Kelli sent this to me, and I just had to share it. Beautiful!!

*Just for this morning, I am going to step over the laundry, and pick you up and take you to the park to play.

*Just for this morning, I will leave the dishes in the sink, and let you teach me how to put that puzzle of yours together.

*Just for this afternoon, I will unplug the telephone and keep the computer off, and sit with you in the backyard and blow bubbles.

*Just for this afternoon, I will not yell once, not even a tiny grumble when you scream and whine for the ice cream truck and I will buy you one if he comes by.

*Just for this afternoon, I won't worry about what you are going to be when you grow up, or second guess every decision I have made where you are concerned.

*Just for this afternoon, I will let you help me bake cookies, and I won't stand over you trying to fix them.

*Just for this afternoon, I will take us to McDonald's and buy us both a Happy Meal so you can have both toys.

*Just for this evening, I will hold you in my arms and tell you a story about how you were born and how much I love you..

*Just for this evening, I will let you splash in the tub andnot get angry.

*Just for this evening, I will let you stay up late while we sit on the porch and count all the stars. *Just for this evening, I will snuggle beside you for hours, and miss my favorite TV shows.

*Just for this evening when I run my finger through your hair as you pray, I will simply be grateful that Godhas given me the greatest gift ever given.

*I will think about the mothers And fathers who are searching for their missing children, the mothers andfathers who are visiting their children's graves instead oftheir bedrooms, and mothers and fathers who are in hospital rooms watching their children suffer senselessly, and screaming inside that they can't handle it anymore.

*And when I kiss you good night I will hold you a little tighter, a little longer.. It is then, that I will thank God for you, and ask Him for nothing, except one more day

11 Months!!!

Well, since today is St Patricks Day, I find it very fitting that Mr Man is feeling quite green :(

He is doing so many things at 11 months, it saddens me his big day is spent feeling so crappy. The think he has the flu, so we are just going to have to wait it out.

Some things he is doing.

• He mimics everything you do, like says no, no, no, or laughs when you laugh or kisses you when you give him kisses.
• He runs around everywhere, he finds he can get places much faster this way
• He squats, picks up something, then walks off with it
• He LOVES Mochachino. He goes up to him, so he can kiss his face, and he will just laugh and smile!
• He has 4 teeth - top 2, bottom 2
• He does art projects at school
• He knows what a cow says
• And he gives the BEST high 5's around!!!

Overall he is just a joy. I just wish he felt a little better to celebrate with me.

One day, love bug, you and I will share a green beer :)

OH American Idol...

WOW! Is all I am going to say!!

You really have outdone yourself!! First of all Michael Jackson... Aww snap! That rocks the world. Being an infant of the 80's... can I just say that every. single. Michael Jackson song rocks the world... uh huh.. yeah thats right... I went there folks!! YEP!!

OH MAN and my favorite song. In. The. Entire. World. PYT!! And guess who sang it... HELL YEAH. Danny Gokey! Oh man, this night could not get any better!

Not to mention there were so many good singers tonight. I am so pumped about this season.

I have a new favorite though... mmmm... Matt Giraud, you are sexy in a weird, bluesy, kinda way and I have a musical crush on you. You almost beat Danny Gokey, but Danny sang PYT so he beat you out... better luck next week Matt :D

Art Work!!

Since B went to daycare school this week, he came home Thursday with his very frist art projects.

A-DOR-ABLE!!

Hand Butterfly!!

Finger Catapiller :)

My First Post From Work...

It's lunch time people... get your head out of the gutter :)

Today, has been awesome. Extremely productive. Super energetic. And kind of relaxing.

I love what I am doing, so it makes the day fly by.

Right now, I am eating soup at my desk, and most of the office is out to lunch. I can't say this is a bad thing, as most of the time - as a stay at home mom - you are shoving food in your mouth while trying to feed the munchkin.

Although, I miss Mr Man like nothing I have ever felt before, I feel relieved I have a job in this economony and that I get some me time.

The only thing I am worried about is the fact that on the 17th of this month Mr Man will be 11 moths. DID YOU HEAR THAT... one month away from his very first birthday. Aaahhhhh! Ok... slightly freaking out now!

Not to mention, my grandmother and all my awesome family comes in town on the 17th of March (for my Nanny's 85th birthday) so I will have zero time to plan this bash.

OMG I don't know what to do. Must. Get. That. Together.

Ok... moving on. Back to work folks.

Have a good one!

My first day of work

Could not have gone better!!!

The Owner, the office manager (his wife), and the VP, all took me out for lunch and we chatted about golf and the batchelor. It was awesome.

The hours are AMAZING - especially for the work I am in. The people are really nice and everyone was very helpful.

Not to mention, I get to really start tomorrow and jump on the phones. WOOT!

I think this is going to be an amazing experience, and I am so excited I got this opportunity.

Tomorrow's the Day!!

My very first day of work, since Mr Man entered the world :)

I am excited and nervous and hopeful things are going to go well!

I am sure when I get there, I won't know what to do and where to sit and so on, not to mention all the first day jitters, but after tomorrow, I am sure it will be smoothe sailing!

I am so excited to start my career again.

Working in an office, smelling coffee throughout the day, people talking on the phone, commuting, all the things most people hate, I am looking forward to. It has been a long time and my mind and soul are ready for this journey.

Woo hoo!

I'll blog tomorrow evening to let you know how it goes :D