daycare highlights

The daycare that Daniel goes to frequently sends out a little newsletter telling us the highlights of the day, with photos and everything. This usually arrives in my inbox around 5 PM, before I leave work, and I get SO excited to see if Daniel's photo made the day's news. Unfortunately they don't send these emails every day, probably only about half the time. I guess on some days, there's just too much going on for anyone to sit down and put an update together! As much as I like to receive them, I can certainly understand that it's hard to find the time (I can't imagine keeping up with all those babies).

This is yesterday's update, as you can see Daniel made it into the newsletter. Apparently the shape of the week is the diamond, and they are hard at work on crafts incorporating what they are learning.
Mike and I think it's pretty funny how Daniel's pacifier is sitting on the edge of his tray as he works. Mike says it's like he's got a cup of coffee on his desk, it's sitting there ready in case he needs a fix.

a belated mother's day post

So I'm a little late... when have I ever been on time for anything anyway?

My first Mother's Day was a couple of weeks ago. Some days, it's still hard to believe that I'm a mother - that the amazing little boy who's sleeping down the hall right now is mine (well, ours!) The last nine months have been by far the most amazing and rewarding of my life. I look at pictures from when Daniel was just a few months old and I can hardly believe it - he changes so fast. He's turning into such a great little person, and it's so much fun to watch him discover new things every day. I'm just incredibly lucky to be his mom, and incredibly lucky to be married to such a wonderful husband and father.

I had a wonderful Mother's Day. I got to sleep in (!!) and then Mike made blueberry pancakes and gave me my Mother's Day gift - a beautiful necklace. It's similar to one I used to wear (a white-gold heart) but this one has a second tiny heart attached, for Daniel. I adore it and I smile every time I see it. (Oh, and check out the little guy below - he learned to clap!)


Later, the three of us spent the afternoon at the park. We went to the playground, and then just relaxed and watched the people go by for awhile. Daniel loves people-watching, especially kids. He also managed to get over his dislike for grass (good thing, we don't want him to be too much of a city boy).

catching up, part 2 - aunts and uncles and cousins, oh my!

The second part of our trip was up to New York to visit all of Mike's family, some of whom Daniel had never met before. They are a great bunch and we had a wonderful time! Daniel had great fun spending time with his Nana and Grandpa as well as his aunts and uncles and his cousins - Aunt Betty, Uncle Kevin, and cousins Andy, Joey, and Richie, Aunt Cathy and Uncle Mike, Uncle John, and Aunt Joanne.
Daniel hadn't seen his Nana and Grandpa since he was about a month old, except over the webcam. He must have recognized them though, because they took no time at all getting reacquainted!
Daniel especially liked meeting his cousins - they're a little closer to his size! Here he is with Andy, Joey, and Richie.
Daniel with his Godmother, Aunt Joanne.
Check out the matching hats on Daniel and Aunt Cathy!
Just the guys - chillin' on the sofa with Daddy and Uncle John.
Thanks to all of you for the great time! It was so nice to see you and spend some time together - I wish we didn't live so far away.

catching up, part 1 - wedding

Long time no blog... we've been busy! I've got lots to catch up on, including a trip for a wedding and visits with family, a new tooth, Mother's Day, climbing stairs - whew!

Our trip last week started in New Jersey, where we had the pleasure of attending Heidi and Ben's wedding. The wedding was beautiful, the food was amazing, the company was great, and Daniel even got to dance with the lovely bride! He was captivated by everything there was to see, especially the dancing.
We also got to visit with Grandma and Papa, and Daniel apparently shared some jokes with them. Something was awfully funny, that's for sure!
Had to include a family portrait - we don't get this dressed up very often!
To be continued!

five generations

This past weekend, Daniel had the honor of meeting his great-great-grandmother (that’s my mom’s mom’s mom, if you’re keeping track). She’s a spunky 93-year-old and she couldn’t have been more excited to meet her first great-great-grandchild. Also making the trip were my mom, my grandmother, my Aunt Steph, my cousins Nicole and Karen, and Nicole’s 2-month old baby Samantha, who is the second great-great-grandchild. We got some great five-generation pictures, which will surely be treasured for a lifetime. Not many people are lucky enough to know their great-great-grandparents.

Five generations.
Moms, babies, and Great-great-grandma.
Sweet little Samantha - check out those beautiful baby blues.
Daniel and Grandma.

first (real) haircut!

Daniel went for his first real haircut today. After attempting a trim at home a couple of months ago (a nerve-wracking experience for Mom involving scissors and a wiggly baby), we decided this was one area best left to the professionals.

Here's a "Before" shot showing the need for a haircut.We had a very nice gentleman who had a lot of patience and was very quick with the scissors. Daniel sat on Dad's lap, while Mom played photographer and tried (mostly unsuccessfully) to distract Daniel.
The hair dryer at the next station proved to be the best distraction, along with the special cape covered with animals that he got to wear (Dad was jealous, he had a plain black one).

Overall, Daniel did great. He was a little rowdy and wanted to bounce on Dad's lap, but he managed to stay calm enough to get the job done. By the time we got home, he wasn't really in the mood to cooperate for an "After" shot, but here's our best attempt. He looks like quite the grown-up little boy now.

It's funny, Daniel's hair seems to be constantly changing color. When he was born, it was practically black, but it's gotten gradually lighter and the newest layers are almost blonde. People pay lots of money for the awesome highlights he has!

work and play

Just a few random photos - helping Mommy with the laundry, and playtime in Daniel's room.