I'd like to share with all of you...

... some wonderful moments of Ruby's 1st night HOME!


It was overwhelming to say the least, thank GOODNESS for BEAR!


Once she calmed down, she took a look around at her new digs...


... met her new dog Ebenezer, who left us all too soon unfortunately.
(Rest in peace old friend, we love & miss you SO MUCH!)


She ate some calzone with Auntie Tracy...

... stacked blocks with Auntie Krista...

And as long as Bear was right by her side, she was ok.

I'd like to thank her Uncle Steve for emailing me these precious photos that I didn't know existed until tonight. Thanks Steve for bringing back some of the most incredible moments of my life thus far. I just can't believe how LITTLE she looks with that sweet 'baby' face!
And how amazing to get that picture of Ebenezer... tonight, cousin - you touched my heart. Thank you.

You know...

... despite being a shut in in my own home, feeling like crapola, looking even worse... I realized something:
This birthday is better than any birthday ever so far.
Why?

(It may have something to do with this fantastic HAT that Karen bought for me while she was visiting, I JUST LOVE IT & I'm gonna wear it EVERY YEAR on my birthday, and so will Ruby! She just doesn't know it yet... hehehe)

But on a more serious note...
This year my birthday is the best ever because:

Last year, I thought for SURE I'd have had my referral in time for my birthday, it just had to arrive as my gift.
It didn't.

Last year, I sat in my house sad & weepy for days leading up to, during, and after my birthday because all I wanted was my daughter.

Last year, I dreamed & hoped & prayed that I could close my eyes & wake up & it would be August 12th, 2006 & Ruby would be here with me.

And you know what?
It's August 12th, 2006, and Ruby is here with me, runny nose, nasty cough, beautiful smile & amazing sounding giggles & all...


... and I could NOT BE HAPPIER!

Ruby is the best thing that ever happened to me, period.


And to be able to be here, in my own little 'sick house' with my own beautiful 'sick child' who loves her very own 'sick mother', despite all the ickky things about today, the only thing that matters is that we're together.
It's kinda like a marriage... for better or for worse
(and trust me, there have been some WORSE times for sure)
and in sickness & health.

Today is our sickness, so big deal, we'll make it through, it's just bronchitis.
I've had it before, I'll have it again... only now every time I have to deal with something like this, I get to enjoy life with my daughter, my best friend- right by my side.

And isn't that just the best?!

*smile*

Ruby, Thanks for making this birthday the BEST ONE EVER BABY GIRL!
Momma loves you SO MUCH!

XoXoXoXo

Happy Birthday to me...

... happy birthday to me,
Not only am I older,
but I'm sick & so is Ruby.

No lie, check this out: Bronchitis

We BOTH have it!
I hope that it goes away soon...
I have lobster to eat later.
*sigh*

Sputtering out sentence fragments...

... NYQUIL is a beautiful thing, isn't it?
*cough* I recently caught a *cough* nasty cough *cough* that is currently *cough* kicking my ass *cough* in the WORST *cough* WAY!

And as I'm *cough* sitting here trying to *cough* breath normally, *cough* I started to let my mind wander about a few things... *cough* & in no particular order, here they are: *cough*

- I wish this *cough* damn cough would just *cough* GO AWAY!
- I'm sad that my sweet Ruby caught it *little Ruby cough* from her Momma
- I'm over the moon in love with this little beautiful coughing creature all snug in her crib with her best friend Bear.
- As of late, my arms have been going numb when I knit- ah, the joys of MS.
- I can't believe my daughter is less than a month away from becoming TWO YEARS OLD!
- I love being a Momma.
- I miss the days of sleeping as late as I wanted.
(No lie, 2pm or later! If sleeping had been an event in the olympics, I'd have placed GOLD!)
- I need to lose more weight, eat more salads & less carbs.
- I really would love to learn to play the beautiful steinway piano that sits in my mother's parlor & never gets played unless my uncle Bruce is visiting.
- I HATE 'fwd's in my email... H.A.T.E. them!
(You wanna send me a mail? That's fine but send me a mail FROM YOU, not a generic forward that everyone & their grandmother has seen a dozen times over already... UGH. Trust me, I have seen ALL the jokes & don't particularly find ANY of them funny in the least. Let's face it, I'm far funnier than any email, period.)
- I miss Karen & Gwen being here. It was nice. It was relaxed & felt like they'd been here all their lives.
- I am sad that today when Ruby was playing with her new toy, she paused, looked up at me & said "Gen" ?
(roughly translated, means Gwen)
- I love that my hair is getting longer but am not particularly fond of the snarls & knots that I have to brush out every night seeing as how by 8pm or later, my hair resembles that of 'ooom foo foo the bush bitch'. God does have a sense of humor doesn't she?
- I'm completely excited about saturday, not because it means I'm that much older, but because there will be LOBSTER TO BE EATEN! *drooling & grinning*
*cough*
- Have I mentioned that I hate this cough?
*UGH*
-I miss being in love with someone, it was comfortable & familiar & I would like to find it again soon... here's hoping.
- I plan on making it a point to do two specific things this weekend, 1. mailing Sparky's gift to her since we missed her this past tuesday at Rebecca's... and 2. taking that black & white photo that Karen took of me & Ruby to be BLOWN UP & FRAMED for my living room wall.
-I miss Ebenezer. I feel him sometimes & know he's still here in spirit, but it's tough to hug a memory.
- I wish that Johnny lived closer or vice versa, cuz I think he'd be really kewl to just hang with.
- I love seeing butterflies.
- Every morning when I make my tea & toast, I make 4 pieces.
1 for Ruby, depending on how hungry I am, 1 or 2 for me, & the rest gets broken up to feed the birds. They know that it's Amy's buffett, it's sweet to watch. Who needs a bird feeder, you just need a generous heart, a handfull of warm toast & an open window.
- I don't forget about the squirrells, don't worry. I throw them cinnamon cookies broken in half. They share.
-It's 11:29 pm & I should be in bed right now but I *cough* can't stop coughing. *cough,hack*
- Attractive isn't it? NOT!
- Today Ruby said 'Bruce' for my uncle, his visit was the first time she's ever met him & hearing her say his name, made him smile.
- My aunt (Ruby's Nanna T.) celebrated her birthday today, Happy birthday Leggy!
- I am sad that I missed 14 months of my daughter's life.
- I am thankful that God saw fit to unite us as Mother & Daughter, we make a good little team.
- I LOVE target, HATE wallyworld... always have.
- Nothing better than a steaming cup of tea, anytime, ESPECIALLY when *cough* my throat is THIS SORE!
- I'm glad I'm nearly 34 & still am blessed to have my parents.
- I'm blessed that Ruby is getting to know her Nanna & Nonno.
- I love that my father only speaks to Ruby in Italian. Never once in English, ever. It's good stuff... she's literally the small asian human SPONGE! My smart little girl!
- I'm psyched to be going to see Josh Blue with cousin Steve in Sept! GO BLUE! Funny ass bastard he is, I LOVE HIM!
- My mother got beautiful flowers delivered to the house today from Karen & Gwen... they made her smile & she proudly displayed them center stage of our table tonight at dinner.
- They came from Ward's, like I suspected they would.
- I have the makings of 'S'mores' in the house but don't want to a. get off my butt to go make one, and b. eat this late cuz it'll just be more efficient to staple it to my ass, it's where it'll end up anyways.
- My favorite color is red.
- My favorite number is 13.
- My favorite season is fall.
-My favorite holiday is Halloween.
- I can always smell the first snow before it happens.
*yes, snow has a smell*
- I wonder when I'll hear from whoever has Flat Bear & Flat Ruby Cate next? I'd like to post their pics & update their blogs.
- I wonder how many of you are still reading this & how many gave up after the third *cough*.
- I'm shivvering right now & am fully dressed.
- As I type this, my left arm is slowly going completely numb.
- I hope my right arm doesn't follow suit...
- I think it's time to drug up & haul my ass into bed.
(I hope this wasn't boring for everyone... what are some of your late night sputtered out sentence fragments? I'd love to hear some of you share... ESPECIALLY YOU LURKERS! )
*cough* grin.
G'night.

WE MISS YOU KAREN & GWEN!!!

Well, a wonderful time was had by ALL! These past few days were fantastic with Karen & Gwen visiting our little corner of the world. Not only was it great to spend days & night with them both but it was a blast to show them a few of my most favorite 'special' spots around the north shore.
She tried the popcorn from Salem Willows and ATE MORE POPCORN THAN I'VE SEEN ANY HUMAN CONSUME IN A SINGLE SITTING, NO LIE!
She had several of 'Bert's Horrible Cookies' from Gourmet Fare located in Salem's Historic Pickering Warf.
We went to Salem Beer Works, but uh... don't ask about that night, aside from delicious sour cream & chive fries and us knowing that we were happy to be there together, our two short counterparts were LESS than excited & SHOWED IT.
*not so much fun if ya know what I mean*

My Family ABSOLUTELY ADORES THEM BOTH & can't wait till they visit again soon! Especially Nonno who is happy knowing that little miss Gwen not only warmed up to him finally, but was just plain SILLY & GIDDY with him & they rolled around together on the floor & laughed & laughed & laughed!
It was really sweet to see.

I know that my mother must have a ton of pictures from their visit but I need to first A. see them for myself since I haven't seen a one yet, and B. send them to Karen and THEN & ONLY THEN can I share on the blog. Only with Karen's prior permission of course.

To say that my house is too quiet right now is an understatement.
It just feels a little empty tonight. It's wonderful to have friends visit but it's tough to see them go, that's for sure.
Karen & Gwen, thank you BOTH SO MUCH for coming to spend some quality time up here in Bean Town with me & Ruby Rubes... we loved EVERY MINUTE OF IT!

*hugs*

-Amy & Ruby Cate

ps: Bear sends his love to Bunny... XoXoXo ;)

One month & counting...

... that's right, today my Ruby turned 23 months old. In exactly one more month we'll be celebrating not only her 2ND birthday, but the one year anniversary of my referral!
Seems really hard to imagine but it's so true that so much can change in a year it's unbelievable!

I hope you all enjoyed the photos from our day at Salem Willows,
we all ate way TOO MUCH POPCORN! *drool*

Now I'm wiped out & gonna head to bed, Karen's zonked out in my toasty chair in the living room...
and YES I snapped a pic of that but NO I won't be posting it to the blog.
LOL
(even though the evil little voice in my head is telling me DO IT, YOU KNOW YOU WANT TO... DO IT!)
I love my friend Karen too much to do that to her.
*evilgrin*
But don't think that I won't hold onto it for blackmail purposes.
hee hee
JUST KIDDING KAREN!

We've really been having a blast together & my family simply adores both her & Gwen.
Ruby & Gwen together is just like nothing I've ever seen, those two play & dance & act silly... it's just so neat to see!

Ok, shot night tonight for moi, I gotta go shoot up & then hit the sack.
Tomorrow Karen & I are headed to our friend Rebecca's house to meet up with Sparky & relax & enjoy each other's company.
(& I'm told there will be much swimming as there's an in ground pool, BRING IT ON!)

I absolutely LOVE TO SWIM! *grin* hehehe
Oh, and NO no bathingsuit pics of me on the blog, PERIOD!
So don't ask.

Well, g'night for now & I'll post more tomorrow once we're home.
Oh, and to those of you who know & have access to Karen's blog, check it out for more pics of our day & adorable shots of little miss Gwennie Gwen,
my new favorite short person next to Ruby!

hehehe

Snackin' at the Willows...

... first we'll start with a little applesauce appetizer,

& wash that down with some good ole' H2O!
Mmmm Life is GOOD!

(Thanks to Nance (aka: 'SpaceMom') for taking these shots today
of my darlin' daughter stuffin' her face!)
hehehehe

Drivin at the Willows...

... without a licence!

(look Momma, NO HANDS!)

Ruby & Bear Snoozin'...

... in the car.

Ruby & Momma Smooches...

... are THE BEST KIND!

Sharing with Bear...

... doesn't everyone eat popcorn with their noses?
*giggle*

Birthday Girl!

Happy Birthday Jennifer!
AUNTIE LOVES YOU!
XoXoXoXo

A little girl...

... with very high hopes.

(psst, check out Ruby's Nonno in the backround, babysitting Bear! hee hee)

Over the moon in love...

... with my daughter & her bear.

(Thank you Karen for taking this amazing picture of us, I absolutely LOVE it!)

Ruby & Gwen...

...friends forever.

A letter to a soon-to-be single mother...

Dear Krista,

You are MORE THAN WELCOME! Trust me when I say that we may not be walking in identical shoes, but they sure as hell pinch in the same places don't they? LOL We're a rare breed, the 'single mother by choice'. It's scarey, amazing, wonderful, unreal, mind blowing etc... the list goes on and on. But the two biggest things it is is BRAVE and IMPORTANT! We're single soldiers doing our 'hearts work'.

People ask me why I chose to adopt, and honestly, adoption chose me. Originally I was going to adopt an older child through the state of Massachusetts via MARE. (Mass Adoption Resource Exchange) I had found a little girl, Maria, she was 12. She loved to color, sing, play games, play sports outside with her friends, she liked school etc... she was a mixed race beautiful little girl & I was going to give her a chance at a better future & she was going to give me the gift of becoming a mother. Only, when I made that decision, it was Sunday & Mare was closed. So, I went to bed & figured "I'll call first thing in the morning."

That night, I had a dream of me walking through the mall holding onto this chubby little hand & when I looked down to see who'se hand it was I was holding, it was Ruby's. Chubby cheeks & all was smiling up at me & she said "Momma".
I woke up that next morning & KNEW my daughter was in CHINA. I called 'MARE' and asked about Maria, and they said " Maria was adopted a week ago, I'm so very sorry..." but I was happy to hear that she had found a forever family & I knew that things clearly are happening for a reason.

So call it fate, call it divine intervention but whatever you call it, I knew in my heart that my daughter was waiting for me in China. Not only waiting for me, but literally CAME & CALLED TO ME in my dream & got my attention. I heard you loud & clear Ruby girl, Momma's coming.

And the rest is history. I officially started the process in april of 04'. Paperchased until Dec 04' & my agency had my dossier put together & sent Jan 14th, 2005. I received my LID Jan 31st 2005. Then, I waited... and waited... and waited... and when I THOUGHT I'd receive my referral (july/august), I missed the cut off by ONE DAY! A HUGE BLOW! But I'm here aren't I? So I survived...

Trust me when I say, things really DO happen the way they do for reasons that we just can't understand & may never know. All I know is that when Sept 7th rolled around & my phone rang & it was Eric from my agency, I nearly fell off the couch when he wished me a 'happy birthday'. I laughed ("Eric's cute but he must not be that bright" I thought...) "Uh, Eric, it's not my birthday, my birthday's in August... " to which he said " IT'T NOT? Oh yeah, that's right, it's RUBY'S BIRTHDAY!" *THUD* my ass was on the floor in SECONDS FLAT! It was the best day of my life... one that I knew I was blessed to be experiencing.

It's a long journey not for the faint of heart but again, remember we're single soldiers... we can absolutely do it! But it helps to have a network of other single parents to lean on... so with that said, Krista... if you ever EVER need anyone to vent to, questions you want to ask, or just a shoulder to cry on, you use this: ***-***-****, anytime.

And remember, soul mates come in all forms, and I'm here to tell you that Mia, your soul mate, will take your BREATH AWAY, just like my little precious Ruby Cate did nearly one year ago.

Take care hon! *hugs*


-Amy & Ruby Cate
Mother & Daughter- Nov 20th, 2005,
Officially a forever family- Nov 21st, 2005.
Beyond blessed to have found one another- Every Day.

What a difference a year makes...

(This was the very first time Ruby ever set foot in her new bedroom...
is it me or is she just the teeniest little punkin' ever?)

Seems wild to even try to think that one year ago today was my very first entry into this world we all call blogland.
Funny kinda, back then I could never even comprehend that a year would pass, nevermind the things that would happen to me during that time.
Crazy.

It's wild to think that today is the first of many 'year anniversaries' that I'll celebrate. First this, the blog... next, the day that changed my life forever, my referral.
Not only was it the best day ever for me, but it was one year to the day that Ruby was born into this world. It's neat to think that things happen in 'year incraments' for us.
And not only will Sept 7th this year be my referral's anniversary,
BUT it'll be little Miss Ruby's 2ND BIRTHDAY!

I just don't have any words for that.
Soon, it'll be the year anniversary of Got'cha Day and then Adoption Day and theLong Trip Home etc... it's just mindboggling.

But you know what? I wouldn't change a thing.
Life is good!
*smile*

Sometimes...

... after swimming in the pool with Momma,

I get a wee bit sleepy from all that sun,

& I need a little nap.
Wake me in an hour Momma... g'night!

CALLING ALL FLAT BEAR LOVERS!

Little mister Flat Bear is still hanging out in Virginia but would very much like a new destination on his agenda... SO, I'm asking all the readers, (THAT MEANS YOU TOO LURKERS!) who of you would like to host Mister Flat Bear at your place for a short visit? As before, the first person to comment on this post will be the winner & then I'll get your address & 411 from you so that Flat Bear can be on his way!

WOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOO

A new calendar month...

... is such a BEAUTIFUL CLEAN PAGE IT'S NOT EVEN FUNNY!
If you guys could only see the crap written on my calendar for the month of July you'd be dizzy from trying to read it all- let's just say I'm glad to now have a NEW page up with NOTHING written on it except family things to do to genuinely look forward to... things like:

LOBSTER FEST 06'


*DROOL*

I absolutely ADORE LOBSTER and once a year, every summer usually falling in August, my family has our annual Lobster Fest & invites our friends from NH down to enjoy it with us!
As if that wasn't fabulous enough, this year it happens to fall on my birthday and I just can't think of a better way to spend that day than eating lots of LOBSTER, lots of fresh native CORN ON THE COB, and FRESH BREWED SWEET TEA!

Maybe getting another year older doesn't have to be so bad if you've got good food, good friends & all your family around to enjoy it with you.
Oh, and lots of melted butter don't hurt neither!
*grin*
(yes I know that wasn't proper english... DEAL WITH IT!)
hee hee

That inner voice...

... you know it's funny, call it women's intuition, call it a hunch- regardless what you call it, it's right every time. That inner voice that screams to you when you try to ignore it...

I learned long ago that when it came to new guys in my life, that I'd need to do my best to find out what I could asap so as to avoid any messiness down the line.
If I catch someone lying, in any way, shape or form, it's done.

Let's just say that it's funny when faced with a 'girl' online, who appears to be someone new, you find out lots of things... things that that inner voice was screaming at you about that you chose to ignore because it was just nice to be held & kissed again.

Never ignore that inner voice.
Someone I trust very much once told me that you have to listen to that inner voice,
even if what it's telling you is hard to hear.
It's true...

I don't for one second regret yesterday, it was much needed, it lifted my spirits and I slept the best I've slept in weeks.
I also don't regret going online today incognito to find validation for what my inner voice was screaming about yesterday.

Chalk it up to a nice few hours of kissing & that's that.

I think I'm going to be single for the rest of my life by choice.
Less headaches that way.

Cloud 9...

... party of 2!

Date Sunday Update:

Nick was a no show, so be it.
Phil (who was going to be date #2 for next weekend) called & asked if I was getting ready for my date with Nick & I said " I'm ready, but haven't heard from him, I'm pretty sure he's gonna be a no show..."
to which he replied: "Hiss loss, my gain, I'm coming over... that ok with you?"
"Hell yeah that's ok with me!"

Long & short of it, Phil & I had a FANTASTIC day! He met my daughter, my parents,
my uncle & aunt & fit RIGHT IN!
Everyone loved him & he loved everyone... including me. *evilgrin*
And the boy smelled DELICIOUS!
Let's just say that it wasn't the date I had originally anticipated, but it was by FAR a FANTASTIC SURPRISE!

*the fact that he's a phenominal kisser doesn't hurt either*
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Upon leaving he pulled me close, kissed me & said,
" I dont know who it was who didn't show up today, but the guys a fool,
and now I'll be coming back tomorrow, not him."

Life is GOOD.

*smile*





PS: God bless victoria's secret on their
'delicious smelling' cologne for men- OMG!

'Very Sexy' for him.
YES IT WAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Can YOU...

...guess WHO?



This beautiful scarf is going to be a gift for a fellow blogger.
Any guesses who it might be?
*grin*

C'mon, go ahead, I know you wanna guess...
Plus, I'll be curious to see who you all think it is.

hee hee

I won't say who, but I will tell you that it's not my buddy Karen, because her scarf
is going to be this delicious RASPBERRY color that I have yet to start.
(but no worries Karen, it'll be ready in time for your winter.)

Nope, this one is a surprise for someone who is also pretty good at surprises herself.
Now I don't know if these colors are her favorite, but I just fell in love with the two together.
Actually the red is called 'Candy Apple Red' and I bought a ton of it to make a blanket for miss Ruby, but had some leftover and thought it would go beautifully with the 'Golden' color.
Thus, a scarf is born...


(PS: for all you fellow knitters, here's the 411 on my scarves:
I use Takumi bamboo size 11 needles
and I always use Lion Brand Homespun yarn and cast on 18 stitches & knit until the entire skein of yarn is gone. Nothing fancy either, just good ole' knit stitch for this Momma.

It makes for a long, toasty, soft scarf that's fabulous during those cold winters we get here in new england! Don't get me wrong, hot cocoa works too
but a hand made scarf is a 'MUST HAVE' !)

Almost done... *UPDATE*

This is the christmas stocking I've been working on for my niece Isabella.
It's not quite done yet but very close, just a little more outlining to do then it gets sent off to CA to the woman who does my finishing work.
It was a labor of love but it's fun to do!
If you're the type to enjoy crafts and enjoy counted cross stitch, I highly recommend taking a needlepoint class, as it's easy to learn & lots of fun!
(Plus, alot more forgiving if you make a mistake than in counted cross stitch.)

Once it's finished & sent to CA, I can expect to receive a completely finished stocking just prior to Thanksgiving... neat huh?

Niecie doo, AUNTIE LOVES YOU!
*hugs* to my Isabella...


*UPDATE*



Ok so here's the stocking once all my work is finished!
The outlining makes everything pop to the eye & now I can finally head over to B.F.Goodstitch to pick out the colors for the velvet backing & the satin lining & then it's OFF TO CA IT GOES!
*smile*
Now I can get back to my knitting... working on a special scarf for a friend.
I know I know... I'm an old lady trapped in the body of a 33 year old, what's up with THAT?

Socks

Socks... such a simple word, right? Five little letters smooshed together to describe those soft toasty guys we pull up over our feet before putting on shoes, yes?
Well, tonight as I was getting miss Ruby ready for bed after her bath, I had put on her lotion, put on her diaper, her onesie, and then I said "Do you want shoes tonight baby?" (shoes meaning ROBEEZ)
she thought for a moment, then looked up at me & said, clear as a bell "Socks Momma" and I was a little shocked because although she's heard me say that word a thousand times, she had never ONCE said it out loud... until tonight.
*grin*
I smiled at her & said
"YES HONEY!! SOCKS!! GOOD GIRL!!"
she smiled this big proud smile & said
"Socks, shoooooes!"
by this point I'm so proud that I'm tearing up and laughing to boot...
"YES BABY, SOCKS AND SHOES! GOOD GIRL! YOU'RE SO SMART!"

You know, when I named this blog I did so because it's so very true to who I knew Ruby would be... a little girl who not only does but SAYS things, in her 'OWN TIME'-
-Socks are no exception.

If laughter is the best medicine...

... then SMILES are CONTAGIOUS!

It's official...

... my first 'official' date is this sunday.
It's nothing fancy, per request of me because honestly, fancy isn't what makes a mark in my book, it's quality, not quantity.
We're going to a quiet little place locally to eat & then maybe back here for some swimming depending on weather.
It should be fun, at least I hope it'll be fun, who knows.
I've been wrong before about things, this could clearly be no exception to my string of shitty luck as of late... never know.

What I do know is that I'm gonna just be myself, as I am always.
I probably won't even put makeup on since I have a pretty nice tan going already & don't need much makeup, really. Maybe just make sure my hair is down & pretty rather than bunched up in it's traditional 'mess-0'lastic' as per usual.
Pretty hair can't hurt, right?

It's just weird... this dating stuff.
I had set myself to think that I'd never have to do the 'first date' shit ever again.
No worries about a first anything for that matter, first date, first hand holding, first hug, first kiss, etc...

I really thought they were all behind me but how little I knew & how wrong I was.
Just breaks my heart.

I will live, I can do this dating thing again even if it's not something I remotely thought of doing.
Everything is strange at first, right?
I mean nobody goes into something like this gung-ho correct?

Sunday's date is Nick, and NO Karen his last name isn't Lachey *weasel*
hehehe
But you know, if you plan your visit accordingly, and you BEHAVE yourself,
maybe we COULD try to go HERE while you're up visiting. *grin* hehehe LOL

As for my Nick, he is easy on the eyes & has been my friend now for well over a year, so I know I can count on him to STILL BE MY FRIEND regardless where this date leads us.
It's just funny how things happen, things that completely alter your life in ways you never saw coming & were powerless to stop them.

Sometimes people say things they don't mean, and then they mean things that they absolutely say...
it's hard to know the difference, but easy to feel it in your heart.
Hurt is hurt no matter how you slice it.

Sunday, although weird, will hopefully be good.

And yes Karen, I'll send you a pic.
*smile*

Moving on...

Yes, that's right, I'm moving on as far as dating goes. It's healthy right? I mean, when one love has ended it's normal & expected that one should move on with their lives. I mean, after all... I can't sit at home every night & cry over this can I?
Well, I mean I did for nearly two weeks and crying is really, well...
...overrated.
(plus my eyes were always puffy & sore.)


It's funny... of all the really shitty things I've been through in my life, heartache seems to always be the worst of them. Never impossible to get over but hard nonetheless.

I've decided that of the 3 guys who asked me out
(yes, I know it's insane & it never ever happens to someone like me...)
that the first guy will most likely end up just being a friend as we've been friends for a while now & seem to be comfortable there, which is totally ok in my book.
Especially since good, sincere, respectful, honest & genuine friends are hard to come by.

The second one will probably never happen as he lives so far away & works a graveyard shift so his time is therefore very limited... and truth be told, as a single mother with a toddler, my time is limited too, so there's that.
(plus he's a vegetarian...
I just never understood those people, no offense to any of you who are.)

And the third one is from right here on the north shore.
He's nice from what I can tell so far- after only one phone conversation.
(but hey, I've been wrong on my judgement before)

Let's just say I'm guarded. He's italian like me, lives below his parents and I above, he's got one younger sibling as do I and he's easy to talk to and enjoys the little things in life... or so he says.

I'm just not ever going to jump in head first ever again, period.

So, he'll have to be patient with me, very patient.
I've told him that it's gonna be a slow journey, and he said
"it's one I'm happy & willing to be patient for,
if it means I get an opportunity to know you better."

Nuff said.
That's all I can ask right?

It's funny, if anyone had asked me a month ago where I thought I'd be tonight, it would not have been here, blogging about this.
But, it is, and I'll be just fine,
even if my heart feels it won't.

Where in the world are...

... FLAT Bear and FLAT Ruby Cate??

The real Ruby Cate and Bear would like to know where their
'FLAT' counterparts are currently residing.

Could whoever has Flat Ruby Cate and Flat Bear please email us at: mom4ruby@yahoo.com
with their whereabouts & a few photos so that we may update their respective blogs?
Thanks a bunch!

-Ruby Cate & Bear
(& Momma too)

Slow & steady wins the race...

... at least that's what they say. I'm beginning to think that slow is just the way of it & perhaps you never win the race but just occasionally come 'close' to winning but never actually cross that finish line. Who knows.

As far as Ruby is concerned... she's doing well.

For now, we're still happy together and enjoying our summer as best we can.
Ruby still loves her Nanna and Nonno to pieces, and in fact this morning she spent the better part of an hour putting BOWS IN NONNO'S HAIR! No lie, check it out...

Ruby thought that was the FUNNIEST THING she's ever seen !

Thanks to my readers for your patience & concern with me during my blog-free week...
it was appreciated more than you know.

I may be a little broken, but I'm back.

-Amy

Taking a break...

Lots going on in my life right now... things are a little more than I can handle & I need to take a personal break from blogging, not because I couldn't come up with fun things to entertain the masses, but more because I really need to be focusing on myself right now, my state of mind, body & soul. Lots to mull over & none of it easy to do, but certainly not impossible. I'm strong, I love big, live big, and sometimes have to 'rest big' as well. Not sure when I'll be back but I know it won't be long, just need to take a 'momentary lapse of reason' from my blog world to stop & smell the roses... if there are any.

Keep me in your prayers.

-Amy

ps. Ruby is doing well, so no worries, this 'break' isn't about my baby girl, she's healthy & happy & doing fine. It's her Momma that needs this time, personal reasons. Thank you all in advance for understanding.

*hugs*

Nonno Kisses...

Things to cheer me up...

... my best friend Jen came down tonight to make me laugh & smile &
decided to have her way with the only two potato heads in the house.

Allow me to introduce to you:

Militant Lesbian Potato Head & Her Life Partner

Aren't they charming?

HAHAHAHAHA

Never leave a bored librarian alone with pieces,
parts & two bare taters!

hee hee

My Girl is GROWING!

Today Ruby had another visit with our family doctor
& man is my girl GROWING LIKE A WEED!

Her current stats are:

Weight: 26 lbs
Height: 34"
Head Circumference: 18"

Now, according to the American Growth Charts, she falls into the following percentages:

Weight: 50%
Height: 75%
Head Cir: 12%

Man, we make some big babies here in the good ole' USA if that's where my little girl falls into!

Now, according to the CHINESE GROWTH CHARTS, her percentages are:

Weight: 90%
Height: 75%
Head Cir: 25%

I must say that I do find it odd that on BOTH charts, her height is in the same range of 75%.

She did so well today & was such a good girl that Momma treated her to a special treat at The Learning Express store. Check out her new little Microwave complete with 'beeping' buttons, rotating turntable and WORKING LIGHT!



hee hee My girl LOVES TO PUSH BUTTONS OF ANY KIND
(even her Momma's emotional ones from time to time)
so she was just THRILLED to PIECES to get this little number!



Momma loves you baby, even if you didn't nap at ALL TODAY & fell asleep for the night at 6pm. LOL

Let's hope she doesn't wake up at 3am raring to go... *fingers crossed*

Night Night Ruby, blow Momma kiss-kiss...

Awww thanks sweetie, Momma LOVES YOU SO MUCH!

World's BEST BIB EVER!

In all my years of being a Nanny (16 & counting...) there is ONE BIB that has always been my absolute FAVORITE!

BUMKINS SUPER BIBS


They're lightweight, easy to spot clean spills & they DRY SUPER FAST for 'SAME DAY USE' !!!

Cloth bibs get dirty & wet & then need to be machine washed, NOT THESE BAD BOYS!

And they're so super light, Ruby never even knows she's got one on... no tugging at it to yank it off etc.

Ruby & I give them 4 thumbs up!
hee hee

Practice makes perfect...

... BUT, practicing my JUMPING WITH NONNO
makes for some serious SILLIES!

hee hee

LET'S DO IT AGAIN NONNO!

ITALY 2006 WORLD CUP CHAMPIONS!!!

AND THIS ITALIAN FAMILY COULD NOT BE PROUDER!!!

Left to right: Ruby's Nonno (my Dad), Ruby's Zio Adam (my younger brother) and Ruby's Zio Vito (My Uncle & father's younger brother...)
ps. Zio = Uncle in Italian.

Members of the Italy team pose with the World Cup Trophy after their World Cup 2006 final soccer match against France in Berlin July 9, 2006. Italy broke their penalty jinx, winning 5-3 on shootout over France for their fourth World Cup triumph after tying 1-1 in 120 minutes. (Xinhua photo)

Italy's Fabio Cannavaro lifts the World Cup Trophy after the World Cup 2006 final soccer match between Italy and France in Berlin July 9, 2006. Italy broke their penalty jinx, winning 5-3 on shootout over France for their fourth World Cup triumph after tying 1-1 in 120 minutes. (Xinhua photo)


BERLIN, July 9 (Xinhua) -- Italy broke their penalty jinx here on Sunday, winning 5-3 on shootout over France for their fourth World Cup triumph after tying 1-1 in 120 minutes.

It's the first world title for Azzurri in 24 years after they last lifted the trophy in 1982, though the Italian side entered Sunday's match with a formidable resume featuring three World Cup titles and five appearances in the final.

"I have to say thanks to the players. This is the most satisfying moment of my life," said Italian coach Marcello Lippi.

"I dedicate the victory to my family. The players have unlimited heart, character and personality. Winning the World Cup is the greatest satisfaction that any coach or footballer can ever feel."

"I've had the fortune to win the Champions League and lots of Serie A titles, but I've never felt anything like this," he added.

Being one of soccer's traditional powers since the tournament began in 1930, Italy only other stamped their superiority in the event's Stone Age of 1934 and 1938.

Sunday's game has been regarded as the best chance of the Italians to again put hands on the top glory of the soccer world after decades.

Azzurri made the semifinals on home soil in 1990, only being stopped by Argentina on penalties. Four years later they reached the final in the United States and lost to Brazil again on penalties.

At the 1998 World Cup finals, the penalty shootout duck continued to harass them as they advanced to the quarterfinals before losing to hosts and eventual winners France on penalties, again.

In 2002, Ahn Jung-hwan's golden goal sent Italy home after only the second round, although the defeat to South Korea was blamed on Ecuadorean referee Byron Moreno.

But in Sunday's final, the first all-European World Cup since 1982, the Italians faced down the penalty jinx with courage and skills, and they eventually made it.

Andrea Pirlo, Marco Materazzi, Daniele De Rossi, Alessandro Del Piero and gennaro Gattuso all converted their penalty past French keeper Fabien Barthez, while David Trezeguet turned out to be the one to blame for France's loss.

The veteran striker, 29, came as the second French player to the spot, driving the ball to hit the bar before it bouncing out of the goal line.

Les Bleus, overcoming a slow start and criticism of aging, has reached its second tournament final in three World Cups by playing soccer reminiscent of its 1998 World Cup and 2000 European Championships triumphs, carrying a more impressive list of victims Spain, Brazil and Portugal, comparing to Italy beating Australia, Ukraine and Germany.

Zinedine Zidane, who had lifted his team more than anybody, ruined his career at the final match before retiring from international football, committed a ugly sending-off in 20 minutes of the extra time on Sunday.

The Real Madrid midfielder clearly head-butted Italian left-back Marco Materazzi in the chest in 109 minutes.

Argentine referee Horacio Elizondo was finally notified why the Italians were furious and decided to flash Zidane a red card to reduce France to ten men, while Malouda was also booked for complaining.

Materazzi headed in an equalizer on 19 minutes to atone for giving away the 7th minute penalty, which gave France an earlier chance to open the scoring.

The Inter Milan left back jumped high to meet Andrea Pirlo's corner and powered a header beyond French goalie Fabein Barthez for the equalizer.

Earlier, Materazzi had clipped down Florent Malouda on the 6th minute and French skipper Zinedine Zidane was on the spot to convert it in the next minute to put France ahead.

I'm IT! *damn you Lee-Anne*

Ok, so I'm officially 'IT' having just been tagged nearly this very moment, LOL!
So, here goes nuttin:

7 things I would like to do before I die:

1. Watch Ruby grow up to be a happy, well adjusted & successful adult with a family of her own.
2. Be a size 10, just once.
3. Marry my soul mate.
4. Learn how to Sail Scott's boat.
5. Visit Ireland
6. See a cure found for MS
7. Become a published children's book author

7 things I CANNOT do:

1. Anything with heights, thanks but I'll pass
2. Wear a bikini
3. Bring back Ebenezer... *sigh* Sorry buddy, I SO WISH I COULD! =*(
4. Remember anything
5. Knit anything other than scarves & blankets
6. Eat funky stuff with eyes still on or heads attached ( that's ALL my father!)
7. Play Piano (maybe someday...)

7 things I CAN do:

1. Sculpt
2. Knit
3. Draw
4. Write
5. Drive a stick shift (automatics are for wussies!)
6. Make people laugh
7. Curl my tongue & roll my belly (like belly dancers do) and NO I won't show you!

7 things that attracted me to my boyfriend Scott:

1. His eyes
2. His smile
3. His laugh (we're always laughing together!)
4. His honesty
5. The way my hand fits perfectly in his
6. The way he makes me feel loved
7. The genuine way he cares for me unconditionally without reservation. (I'm extreemly lucky!)

7 things I say most often:

1. I love you Ruby
2. I miss you Ebenezer
3. I love you Scott
4. Helllllloooooooo!?!
5. Wicked Kewl
6. Ya know what I'm sayin'?
7. Not so much!

7 books I love:

1. Anything by Elizabeth Berg (check her out if you haven't, trust me you'll be HOOKED!)
2. Anything by Anita Shrieve
3. All the Harry Potter books
4. Room On The Broom (Ruby book)
5. Maisy books (Ruby books)
6. Every Eric Carle board book
7. I Love You Like Crazy Cakes

7 movies I love:

1. Failure to Launch
2. Animal House
3. Tommy boy
4. Stripes
5. So I Married an Axe Murderer
6. What About Bob
7. Dumb & Dumber

Ok, now I have to 'tag' 7 people... but I'd rather just tag EVERYONE, pick whichever list of these 7 things you like best & comment on them here & share with us ALL won't you? =)

One guess where I was tonight...?

THAT'S RIGHT PEOPLE, EAT YOUR HEART OUT!
THIS SINGLE MOMMA SAW THE IDOL CONCERT
WHICH MEANS I SAW ONE VERY SEXY,
VERY TALENTED,
VERY DELICIOUS,
CHRIS DAUGHTRY
IN ALL HIS BALD GLORY!!!!
*drool*

Excuze me while I go curl up & have some very sweet dreams!
hee hee

A Great Big THANK YOU to Ruby's Uncle Steve for getting the tickets for us, I LOVE YOU COUSIN!

And to Karen, I hope you were able to hear some Chris Daughtry's beautiful singing
via my cell call.
I'm not sure what, if anything, you heard but hope it was enough to weet your whistle!
*grin*
(Don't hate me because HE'S BEAUTIFUL!)
HEE HEE

BJ's NEWEST MEMBERS!

That's right, you're not seeing double... there's two heads in that photo.
I figure it's not every day that one gets their VERY FIRST BJ'S MEMBERSHIP CARD!
I mean, really- I've mooched off my mother's membership for YEARS
and Ruby & I thought it was high time we took matters into our own hands.

Now of course we could NOT be official members unless we were BOTH in the photo...

...AREN'T WE SO CUTE!?!?!!

(Check out Ruby's shades that she REFUSED to take off the ENTIRE time in the store!)
LOL

New Shoes!

Are these the CUTEST little shoes or WHAT???

Ruby has the exact same pair that her Nanna got her
during a recent trip to The Children's PLACE.

Ok, so you're probably wondering why a new pair of shoes that Ruby already owns?

I'll tell you why, because they're not for her, they're for her sweet friend GWEN!
That's right, these little numbers, along with a HUGE BOX full of "hand-me-up's"
will be on it's way to her shortly.

Surprises are fun, aren't they?

ENJOY THOSE SHOES GWEN!
(& Mommy, be sure to take a pic or two of her wearing them
and send em' our way, k?)

My newest indulgence...

OMG THESE Riesen ARE SO GODDAMNED GOOD, YOU MAY POSSIBLY DIE ON THE SPOT ONCE YOU POP ONE IN YOUR MOUTH!
*DROOL*