3... 2... 1...
3 years old today...
2 years since I first saw her beautiful face...
1 amazing daughter who lights up my life more than the sun.
Happy Birthday Ruby, I love you.
XoXoXo
-Momma
Friday, September 07, 2007
3 years old today...
2 years since I first saw her beautiful face...
1 amazing daughter who lights up my life more than the sun.
Happy Birthday Ruby, I love you.
XoXoXo
-Momma
Thursday, September 06, 2007
It's Not Easy...
...BEING GREEN!
2 boxes white cake mix: $6.00
2 tubs white butter cream frosting: $6.00
1 bottle green sugar sprinkles: $3.50
1 bottle green food coloring: $4.00
2 packets silver cupcake liners: $2.00
1 '#3' candle: $2.99
2 tubs white butter cream frosting: $6.00
1 bottle green sugar sprinkles: $3.50
1 bottle green food coloring: $4.00
2 packets silver cupcake liners: $2.00
1 '#3' candle: $2.99
Seeing this smile after letting her have at the frosting covered spoon?
PRICELESS!!!
PRICELESS!!!
3 Year Checkup...
...Height: 37.5 in
Weight: 30.5 lbs
Eye sight: excellent
Hearing: excellent
She's in the 50% for kids her age according to the American charts.
WOW!
It got me to thinking about where I was two years ago today.
I was curled up on my couch very sad that I still had not received my referral,
and at the same time, somewhere in China,
a birth mother was in both physical pain as well as emotional pain
as she anticipated bringing this little life into the world.
Ruby's paperwork says her birthday is Sept 7th.
Well, you know something, even though here for us it's Thursday Sept 6th,
in China it's already Friday.
Friday, September 7th, 1:55am.
So, as I type this I wonder to myself where that birth mother is?
What is she doing? Has her heart & mind thought yet of the precious little baby she had to abandon?
My heart says yes, she has thought of her.
I have to believe that.
And then I turn my thoughts to Ruby's foster mother...
...since we still have contact with her FM, I know for a fact that she is thinking of Ruby & misses her terribly. It's a nice thing to know for sure.
Happy Birthday little one.
Momma loves you more than there are words in all the dictionaries,
in all the languages,
in all the world to express it.
How blessed I am to be YOUR mother... so very very blessed.
Weight: 30.5 lbs
Eye sight: excellent
Hearing: excellent
She's in the 50% for kids her age according to the American charts.
WOW!
It got me to thinking about where I was two years ago today.
I was curled up on my couch very sad that I still had not received my referral,
and at the same time, somewhere in China,
a birth mother was in both physical pain as well as emotional pain
as she anticipated bringing this little life into the world.
Ruby's paperwork says her birthday is Sept 7th.
Well, you know something, even though here for us it's Thursday Sept 6th,
in China it's already Friday.
Friday, September 7th, 1:55am.
So, as I type this I wonder to myself where that birth mother is?
What is she doing? Has her heart & mind thought yet of the precious little baby she had to abandon?
My heart says yes, she has thought of her.
I have to believe that.
And then I turn my thoughts to Ruby's foster mother...
...since we still have contact with her FM, I know for a fact that she is thinking of Ruby & misses her terribly. It's a nice thing to know for sure.
Happy Birthday little one.
Momma loves you more than there are words in all the dictionaries,
in all the languages,
in all the world to express it.
How blessed I am to be YOUR mother... so very very blessed.
Wednesday, September 05, 2007
Wednesday's Without Uncle Steve*...?
Ok, I know, I know... technically unless it's Tuesday, every night is a night without Uncle Steve unless we have a family weekend gathering, and then all bets are off.
So, that being said, tonight I decided to not only make a fabulous dinner for myself & Ruby, but to invite my father to join us (my Mom wasn't keen on the menu) and not only did we have a great time, but you know I took pictures & am prepared to share with you all the recipe, which is not only simple, but TASTY!
I give you:
Fresh Haddock Fillets with Ginger Soy peppers & shallots over sushi rice.
(aka: sticky rice according to Ruby)
Ingredients:
2 fresh fillets of haddock (skin on)
1 red pepper
1 orange pepper
3 good size shallots
2 cloves of garlic
soy sauce
fresh hunk of ginger, diced
(ginger powder can also be substituted)
1 cup uncooked sushi rice (prepared according to directions on package)
extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper to taste.
Directions: In large skillet, go several times round the pan with some EVOO.
Thinly slice both peppers & shallots and finely chop the garlic.
Add all veggies to pot & stir occasionally.
Prepare 'sticky rice' (aka: sushi rice) & have ready on back burner.
Once veggies start to cook, add to skillet several shakes of SOY sauce
& salt & pepper as well as ginger.
Once veggies are done, remove from pan & cover over, set aside.
In same pan, go few more times around with some EVOO and gently place fish SKIN SIDE DOWN, lightly salt & pepper & cook for five - eight minutes.
Once time's up, gently turn fish over to cook on the other side, for approx 4-5 minutes.
When done, plate the meal as follows:
Generous helping of sushi rice in center of plate.
Big spoon full of sauteed soy ginger veggies over rice being sure to add some of the sauce from the pan to coat the rice a bit as well.
Last but not least, place a piece of fish on top of that & garnish with the stray pepper or shallot & drizzle some EVOO on top of fish as well as a few additional shakes of soy sauce.
Serve with wine or beverage of choice & ENJOY!
THIS WAS SO DELICIOUS EVEN RUBY CLEANED HER PLATE & ASKED FOR MORE FISH!
hehehehe smart girl my baby is!
*Uncle Steve would not ever partake of this dish either as he LOATHES FISH.
Another good reason to have this meal on a WEDNESDAY!
*smile*
So, that being said, tonight I decided to not only make a fabulous dinner for myself & Ruby, but to invite my father to join us (my Mom wasn't keen on the menu) and not only did we have a great time, but you know I took pictures & am prepared to share with you all the recipe, which is not only simple, but TASTY!
I give you:
Fresh Haddock Fillets with Ginger Soy peppers & shallots over sushi rice.
(aka: sticky rice according to Ruby)
Ingredients:
2 fresh fillets of haddock (skin on)
1 red pepper
1 orange pepper
3 good size shallots
2 cloves of garlic
soy sauce
fresh hunk of ginger, diced
(ginger powder can also be substituted)
1 cup uncooked sushi rice (prepared according to directions on package)
extra virgin olive oil
salt & pepper to taste.
Directions: In large skillet, go several times round the pan with some EVOO.
Thinly slice both peppers & shallots and finely chop the garlic.
Add all veggies to pot & stir occasionally.
Prepare 'sticky rice' (aka: sushi rice) & have ready on back burner.
Once veggies start to cook, add to skillet several shakes of SOY sauce
& salt & pepper as well as ginger.
Once veggies are done, remove from pan & cover over, set aside.
In same pan, go few more times around with some EVOO and gently place fish SKIN SIDE DOWN, lightly salt & pepper & cook for five - eight minutes.
Once time's up, gently turn fish over to cook on the other side, for approx 4-5 minutes.
When done, plate the meal as follows:
Generous helping of sushi rice in center of plate.
Big spoon full of sauteed soy ginger veggies over rice being sure to add some of the sauce from the pan to coat the rice a bit as well.
Last but not least, place a piece of fish on top of that & garnish with the stray pepper or shallot & drizzle some EVOO on top of fish as well as a few additional shakes of soy sauce.
Serve with wine or beverage of choice & ENJOY!
THIS WAS SO DELICIOUS EVEN RUBY CLEANED HER PLATE & ASKED FOR MORE FISH!
hehehehe smart girl my baby is!
*Uncle Steve would not ever partake of this dish either as he LOATHES FISH.
Another good reason to have this meal on a WEDNESDAY!
*smile*
Why I'm A Sucker For Younger Men...
(Pssst, Mikhail... look over here at Auntie.)
(Good job little man! Now, go get auntie some iced coffee...)
(Aww you know I'm just kiddin', Auntie drinks TEA!)
(Yes, I'm well aware you drink boob... sorry luv but can't help you out there kiddo,Auntie's nothing but a big empty fridge that smiles a lot!)
(Hey Mikhail, anyone ever tell you that you do the comb over better than your grandfather?)
(C'mere & give Auntie a smoochie wooch!)...nuff said?
*smile*
Thank you to my best friend in the world,
Jen, for bringing her HANDSOME SON MIKHAIL down to visit with his Auntie Amy.
Man that kid is just so ADORABLE IT'S ILLEGAL!
I nibbled on his cheeks, his neck, his arms etc...
...but he does get you back if you keep your chin still long enough for him to zone in.
He can, he does, he's strong, he's teething, he's FIERCE!
I LOVE THAT BOY SO MUCH I CAN'T STAND IT!
Thank you Jen for letting me just eat him up from time to time,
I so needed my 'handsome boy fix'.
Life is good...
XoXoXoXo
AUNTIE LOVES YOU LITTLE MISTER MIKHAIL!
*HUGGGGGGGGGGGS*
PS. Happy 5 months little man!
*smile*
Thank you to my best friend in the world,
Jen, for bringing her HANDSOME SON MIKHAIL down to visit with his Auntie Amy.
Man that kid is just so ADORABLE IT'S ILLEGAL!
I nibbled on his cheeks, his neck, his arms etc...
...but he does get you back if you keep your chin still long enough for him to zone in.
He can, he does, he's strong, he's teething, he's FIERCE!
I LOVE THAT BOY SO MUCH I CAN'T STAND IT!
Thank you Jen for letting me just eat him up from time to time,
I so needed my 'handsome boy fix'.
Life is good...
XoXoXoXo
AUNTIE LOVES YOU LITTLE MISTER MIKHAIL!
*HUGGGGGGGGGGGS*
PS. Happy 5 months little man!
What's Better Than Birthday Presents ON Your Birthday...?
...Birthday presents, BEFORE YOUR BIRTHDAY!
Introducing Miss Ruby's new RIDE!
She's over the moon for it & rode it around Toys R Us like an old pro!
*grin*
Thank you to her Nannie & Nonno for putting the worlds biggest smile
on her sweet little chubby cheeked face.
Seeing that smile, was MY gift.
She's such a beautiful little girl...
...& she's growing up just a little too fast.
Introducing Miss Ruby's new RIDE!
She's over the moon for it & rode it around Toys R Us like an old pro!
*grin*
Thank you to her Nannie & Nonno for putting the worlds biggest smile
on her sweet little chubby cheeked face.
Seeing that smile, was MY gift.
She's such a beautiful little girl...
...& she's growing up just a little too fast.
The Things We Do For Love...
Bear plays 'dress up' on a daily basis with miss Ruby,
most times it's clearly under duress.
I can't lie, I don't suspect he enjoys it all that much,
but I also think that he just loves her in such a way that
he'll tolerate just about ANYTHING she tries to do to him...
even if it means wearing a bucket as a hat,
being forced to wear her DOLLS keds,
& sustaining surface wounds from having his fur brushed in an all too violent,
yet loving manner.
Now THAT'S true love.
most times it's clearly under duress.
I can't lie, I don't suspect he enjoys it all that much,
but I also think that he just loves her in such a way that
he'll tolerate just about ANYTHING she tries to do to him...
even if it means wearing a bucket as a hat,
being forced to wear her DOLLS keds,
& sustaining surface wounds from having his fur brushed in an all too violent,
yet loving manner.
Now THAT'S true love.
Tuesday's With Uncle Steve...
...albeit posted on a WEDNESDAY!
hehehe
It's nearly 1am and I'm just now posting to the blog about this week's Tuesday night menu...
We had a delicious soup that is an Uncle Steve recipe
& I bravely took a stab at recreating it.
Lots of work, definitely from SCRATCH, but I think it came out yummy!
& apparently so did everyone else.
General consensus around the table?
YUM!
Which is good cuz it's a FREAKIN' LABOR OF LOVE !
Here is the recipe:
Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Ingredients: (keep in mind that I doubled the recipe)
1 T butter, melted
1/2 Spanish onion, chopped
1/4 cup melted butter (I used unsalted)
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half & half
2 cups chicken stock
1 pkg frozen broccoli
1 cup shredded carrots
4 strips thick cut bacon, chopped (I used the low sodium bacon)
8 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS:
Saute onion in butter, set aside.
(I finely chopped my onion with a hand chopper but you could also just hand dice it as well.)
Cook bacon and set aside as well.
Cook melted butter & flour combo using a whisk over medium heat for approx 5 min. Stir constantly and slowly add the half & half (this is called making a roux).
Add the chicken stock whisking all the time & then simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat until the veggies are tender.
(Approx 20-25 minutes)
Add salt & pepper and bacon.
*above is soup PRE blender*
The soup should be thickened by now. Pour in batches into blender and puree (if you don't have a blender you can use a hand mixer as well & mix it directly within the pot on high speed).
Return to pot over low heat and add the grated cheese.
*& now here's soup POST blender*
Stir until well blended & serve with hot buttermilk biscuits.
ENJOY!
hehehe
It's nearly 1am and I'm just now posting to the blog about this week's Tuesday night menu...
We had a delicious soup that is an Uncle Steve recipe
& I bravely took a stab at recreating it.
Lots of work, definitely from SCRATCH, but I think it came out yummy!
& apparently so did everyone else.
General consensus around the table?
YUM!
Which is good cuz it's a FREAKIN' LABOR OF LOVE !
Here is the recipe:
Cheddar Broccoli Soup
Ingredients: (keep in mind that I doubled the recipe)
1 T butter, melted
1/2 Spanish onion, chopped
1/4 cup melted butter (I used unsalted)
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half & half
2 cups chicken stock
1 pkg frozen broccoli
1 cup shredded carrots
4 strips thick cut bacon, chopped (I used the low sodium bacon)
8 oz grated sharp cheddar cheese
DIRECTIONS:
Saute onion in butter, set aside.
(I finely chopped my onion with a hand chopper but you could also just hand dice it as well.)
Cook bacon and set aside as well.
Cook melted butter & flour combo using a whisk over medium heat for approx 5 min. Stir constantly and slowly add the half & half (this is called making a roux).
Add the chicken stock whisking all the time & then simmer for 30 minutes.
Add the broccoli, carrots and onions. Cook over low heat until the veggies are tender.
(Approx 20-25 minutes)
Add salt & pepper and bacon.
*above is soup PRE blender*The soup should be thickened by now. Pour in batches into blender and puree (if you don't have a blender you can use a hand mixer as well & mix it directly within the pot on high speed).
Return to pot over low heat and add the grated cheese.
*& now here's soup POST blender*Stir until well blended & serve with hot buttermilk biscuits.
ENJOY!
Saturday, September 01, 2007
BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT...
...EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'd like to publicly thank my cousin Steve (Ruby's Uncle Steve) for surprising me this year with, what will go down in history as, THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!
(that is, until he decides to perhaps one day buy me a car, till then, this one stands as such!)
So, what was this fabulous gift you're all wondering?
Ok...
See this pic? It's a pic of my hand reaching out to touch,
THE STAGE!
That's right, FRONT ROW PEOPLE!
Oh, what's that?
What stage you ask?
THIS STAGE OF COURSE!
Gee, I wonder why I was in Boston tonight... let's see,
oh, I remember!
Wait, let me back up...
For those of you who don't watch last comic standing,
WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!@#$%
For those of you who DO,
OMG GUESS WHO I LAUGHED WITH TONIGHT?
WHILE SITTING IN THE FRONT ROW?
AND GOT A HUG FROM AFTER?
AND CHATTED WITH AS WELL?
RIGHT HERE AT BOSTON'S OWN COMEDY CONNECTION?!
ONLY THE FUNNIEST COMIC THIS SEASON ON LCS:
GERRY DEE!!!!!!
Had so much fun I nearly WET MY PANTS, AGAIN!!!!!
Gerry, thanks for the most fun night EVER!
You'll always be getting my votes till you're crowned:
LAST COMIC STANDING!
*smile*
Give Ally some hugs from us, she's precious!
-Amy & Ruby Cate
I'd like to publicly thank my cousin Steve (Ruby's Uncle Steve) for surprising me this year with, what will go down in history as, THE BEST BIRTHDAY GIFT EVER!
(that is, until he decides to perhaps one day buy me a car, till then, this one stands as such!)
So, what was this fabulous gift you're all wondering?
Ok...
See this pic? It's a pic of my hand reaching out to touch,THE STAGE!
That's right, FRONT ROW PEOPLE!
Oh, what's that?
What stage you ask?
THIS STAGE OF COURSE!Gee, I wonder why I was in Boston tonight... let's see,
oh, I remember!
Wait, let me back up...
For those of you who don't watch last comic standing,
WHAT'S WRONG WITH YOU?!@#$%
For those of you who DO,
OMG GUESS WHO I LAUGHED WITH TONIGHT?
WHILE SITTING IN THE FRONT ROW?
AND GOT A HUG FROM AFTER?
AND CHATTED WITH AS WELL?
RIGHT HERE AT BOSTON'S OWN COMEDY CONNECTION?!
ONLY THE FUNNIEST COMIC THIS SEASON ON LCS:
GERRY DEE!!!!!!
Had so much fun I nearly WET MY PANTS, AGAIN!!!!!
Gerry, thanks for the most fun night EVER!
You'll always be getting my votes till you're crowned:
LAST COMIC STANDING!
*smile*
Give Ally some hugs from us, she's precious!
-Amy & Ruby Cate
"That's Gross!" (***Updated: for Cindy***)
Me: *sitting at the computer using my hot air curling brush*
What's this?
*pulling at a hair in the midst of all the black, standing out like a sore thumb!*
It can't be... a WHITE HAIR?!
*grabbing tweezers & YANKING SAID HAIR OUT WITH A FIERCENESS!*
I don't THINK so!
(said out loud to nobody in particular...)
Ruby: *giggling from across the room*
"That's Gross!"
heh
***Cindy, THIS chair was purchased at Target within the first six months of being home.
I had purchased a different one initially & HATED IT!
This one is big & sturdy & wide & takes a beating & is SO SOFT!
I'd tell you the brand name, but I have long since torn off the tag... sorry!
( I actually want one for MYSELF but don't see how that's possible!)
Hope this helps!
hehehe
What's this?
*pulling at a hair in the midst of all the black, standing out like a sore thumb!*
It can't be... a WHITE HAIR?!
*grabbing tweezers & YANKING SAID HAIR OUT WITH A FIERCENESS!*
I don't THINK so!
(said out loud to nobody in particular...)
Ruby: *giggling from across the room*
"That's Gross!"
heh
***Cindy, THIS chair was purchased at Target within the first six months of being home.
I had purchased a different one initially & HATED IT!
This one is big & sturdy & wide & takes a beating & is SO SOFT!
I'd tell you the brand name, but I have long since torn off the tag... sorry!
( I actually want one for MYSELF but don't see how that's possible!)
Hope this helps!
hehehe
*WARNING: objects in blog may appear smaller than they actually are...
(don't say I didn't warn you)
(If you don't have a weak stomach & can tolerate the triumph's of potty training a toddler,
please scroll down & enjoy today's 1st picture for SEPTEMBER!)
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(If you don't have a weak stomach & can tolerate the triumph's of potty training a toddler,
please scroll down & enjoy today's 1st picture for SEPTEMBER!)
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YEAHHHH!!!!!!!!!!
(I knew it would happen eventually,
and not only did it happen but she TOLD ME that she had to go!
I am so proud I could and DID cry this morning!
My little girl is GROWING UP!)
& most of you will note that I've enabled comments again.
Long story & now is not the time since today is a day of REJOICING OVER POOP,
but let's just say that my reasons for disabling them in the first place had
NOTHING
to do with any of my faithful readers.
So, please... comment away on this GLORIOUS DAY!
*grin*
(I knew it would happen eventually,
and not only did it happen but she TOLD ME that she had to go!
I am so proud I could and DID cry this morning!
My little girl is GROWING UP!)
& most of you will note that I've enabled comments again.
Long story & now is not the time since today is a day of REJOICING OVER POOP,
but let's just say that my reasons for disabling them in the first place had
NOTHING
to do with any of my faithful readers.
So, please... comment away on this GLORIOUS DAY!
*grin*
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Mmmmmmm...
...Diego Luna.
OMG HE'S SO YUMMY!
(You can see where my mind is at right now...
I should be in bed but MAN I can't stop thinking about that boy...
his shit eatin' grin, his lips, his body OMG I ADORE HIM!!!!)
Thank GAWD for LUCID DREAMING!
*evilgrin*
hehehehehehe
NIGHT'Y NIGHT!
OMG HE'S SO YUMMY!
(You can see where my mind is at right now...
I should be in bed but MAN I can't stop thinking about that boy...
his shit eatin' grin, his lips, his body OMG I ADORE HIM!!!!)
Thank GAWD for LUCID DREAMING!
*evilgrin*
hehehehehehe
NIGHT'Y NIGHT!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Photo Mish-Mosh & Prayers Needed...
Ok, so here is how my daughter looked this morning as she made her daily call to my mom.
As you can see, she's already far too comfortable with a phone in her hands...
oh how the teenage years frighten me so!
Here is a nifty little number Ruby likes to call "Green Glasses"...
...she took a 'sand hourglass' magnet (aka: the timeout magnet),
and slapped it up on her referral pic on the fridge & said promptly:
"Momma! Ruby have a green glasses!!!!!"
Her imagination continues to blow me away...
And last but not least, since it is/was Tuesday night,
and Uncle Steve did come over, I'll share with you all a picture of tonight's dish.
Chicken Taco Stoup!
(and man was it DELISH!)
...so that's it for my random images tonight. Sorry that it wasn't more but it is what it is.
Also, please if any of you are compelled to believe in any sort of higher power, God etc... and believe in the power of prayer, please, PLEASE, keep both Ruby and me in your daily prayers. So much is going on right now and sadly it's just far too much to go into right now,
but let's just say that we truly truly need your prayers now more than ever,
and really, the more the better.
I thank you all in advance & pray right along side you for a happy ending to my current situation.
God bless you all.
-Amy & Ruby Cate.
Saturday, August 25, 2007
Blogger ROCKS!
Ok, I have wanted to share this video with my readers for nearly two years now,
BUT because my last name was in it, I wasn't willing to put it on youtube.
(youtube being the only way I'd share videos on my blog until now)
But blogger just came out with this FANDAMNTASTIC new feature
that allows me to upload
MY OWN MOVIES
DIRECTLY ONTO MY POST!
How bitchin' is that?
So, Ruby's birthday is fast approaching & not only is it her birthday,
it's also the 2nd anniversary of my 'REFERRAL DAY'!
Only a few people have ever seen this footage of me receiving the call,
but now that I can share it here, I would like to with all of you.
Again, as with anything on my blog,
I ask that you please just enjoy it here
& not share it anywhere under any circumstances
& thank you in advance for respecting that...
...now, without further ado' I give you,
"The Call"
September 7th, 2005
(Ruby's 1st Birthday)
BUT because my last name was in it, I wasn't willing to put it on youtube.
(youtube being the only way I'd share videos on my blog until now)
But blogger just came out with this FANDAMNTASTIC new feature
that allows me to upload
MY OWN MOVIES
DIRECTLY ONTO MY POST!
How bitchin' is that?
So, Ruby's birthday is fast approaching & not only is it her birthday,
it's also the 2nd anniversary of my 'REFERRAL DAY'!
Only a few people have ever seen this footage of me receiving the call,
but now that I can share it here, I would like to with all of you.
Again, as with anything on my blog,
I ask that you please just enjoy it here
& not share it anywhere under any circumstances
& thank you in advance for respecting that...
...now, without further ado' I give you,
"The Call"
September 7th, 2005
(Ruby's 1st Birthday)
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
One Small Step For Potty Training...
...one GIANT step for STICKER CHARTS!
Have I mentioned how BEYOND PROUD I am of my girl?
Go Ruby GO!
Have I mentioned how BEYOND PROUD I am of my girl?
Go Ruby GO!
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
A Very Special Day... *UPDATED*
Today, August 21st, 2007 was Ruby's FINAL step
in becoming part of our little FOREVER FAMILY!
In Massachusetts,
in order to obtain a birth certificate for your child from the town you live in,
you MUST re-adopt within said state.
All that meant to me was more paperwork,
as Ruby was my daughter the second I first saw her glorious little face
& those CHEEKS nearly two years ago.
My heart didn't need a judge or a piece of paper to tell me that she was my girl,
but it sure was nice to not only hear out loud but to also know that there will be NO MORE PAPERWORK!
YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW AMAZING THAT IS TO KNOW!
Below, is a little glimpse into our special day...
(Now that I can post this directly through Blogger,
I feel comfortable allowing it to say indefinitely,
and as always, with the understanding that it only be viewed in this forum
by my readers. Thanks!)
in becoming part of our little FOREVER FAMILY!
In Massachusetts,
in order to obtain a birth certificate for your child from the town you live in,
you MUST re-adopt within said state.
All that meant to me was more paperwork,
as Ruby was my daughter the second I first saw her glorious little face
& those CHEEKS nearly two years ago.
My heart didn't need a judge or a piece of paper to tell me that she was my girl,
but it sure was nice to not only hear out loud but to also know that there will be NO MORE PAPERWORK!
YOU HAVE NO IDEA HOW AMAZING THAT IS TO KNOW!
Below, is a little glimpse into our special day...
(Now that I can post this directly through Blogger,
I feel comfortable allowing it to say indefinitely,
and as always, with the understanding that it only be viewed in this forum
by my readers. Thanks!)
Ruby would like to thank her Auntie Jen (soon to be God mother Jen)
for this beautiful card! It means alot to us both!
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Cheezy or Timesaver?
Ok so here's the deal, Ruby's birthday is fast approaching
& I'm doing something different this year.
Yes, I'll still send out cute invites, that hasn't changed.
Yes I'll still have a 'cupcake tower' because frankly
that's just the easiest thing on the planet to NOT do!
But this year, rather than handle dozens of phone calls from eager party goers as to the best gift ideas for my little munchkin, instead I'm going to be sending everyone an email with THIS link.
It's by no means a 'must have' wish list.
On the contrary, it's just more of a guideline for those who prefer a little guidance,
as to not.
Last year I had call after call from people wanting to know what she'd like, what her size was, what she needed etc...
...and I don't mind the calls so much but what happened was that I started taking so many of them that I forgot who I told what to!
And that is where it got messy.
I didn't want that to happen this year, thus... the WISH LIST!
Honestly I prefer to look at it as my 'sanity provider' because quite frankly, my memory was total shit BEFORE my MS, people can't honestly expect me to remember what I said to who for how many cookies after the fact, now can they?
Oh, and if you're all wondering, yes, in addition to sending everyone the link, I also intend to put in the invitations the following 411:
Ruby takes a 3T & could really use some long sleeve tops
& colored socks if you'd prefer not to go the 'toy' route.
We look forward to seeing you all Sept 8th!
So, call it people, what do you think?
Cheezy or a timesaver?
And NO you won't be hurting my feelings to say it's cheezy, I'm just curious what others think from a 'guest's' point of view, cuz I know what I think from my Momma point of view...
Thanks!
& I'm doing something different this year.
Yes, I'll still send out cute invites, that hasn't changed.
Yes I'll still have a 'cupcake tower' because frankly
that's just the easiest thing on the planet to NOT do!
But this year, rather than handle dozens of phone calls from eager party goers as to the best gift ideas for my little munchkin, instead I'm going to be sending everyone an email with THIS link.
It's by no means a 'must have' wish list.
On the contrary, it's just more of a guideline for those who prefer a little guidance,
as to not.
Last year I had call after call from people wanting to know what she'd like, what her size was, what she needed etc...
...and I don't mind the calls so much but what happened was that I started taking so many of them that I forgot who I told what to!
And that is where it got messy.
I didn't want that to happen this year, thus... the WISH LIST!
Honestly I prefer to look at it as my 'sanity provider' because quite frankly, my memory was total shit BEFORE my MS, people can't honestly expect me to remember what I said to who for how many cookies after the fact, now can they?
Oh, and if you're all wondering, yes, in addition to sending everyone the link, I also intend to put in the invitations the following 411:
Ruby takes a 3T & could really use some long sleeve tops
& colored socks if you'd prefer not to go the 'toy' route.
We look forward to seeing you all Sept 8th!
So, call it people, what do you think?
Cheezy or a timesaver?
And NO you won't be hurting my feelings to say it's cheezy, I'm just curious what others think from a 'guest's' point of view, cuz I know what I think from my Momma point of view...
Thanks!
Saturday, August 18, 2007
So Sweet...
...tonight just before bed, Ruby ran up to me with tears in her eyes
and said: "Momma! Where Bear? He not here, I MISS HIM!"
Turns out he was in the playroom 'playing people' the whole time.
(right where she left him I might add...)
Funny how a little bear can cause such a big heartache.
If that isn't adorable enough, the other day she announced to me:
It's moments like these that make me smile from the inside out.
Man, do I love this kid AND her Bear!
and said: "Momma! Where Bear? He not here, I MISS HIM!"
Turns out he was in the playroom 'playing people' the whole time.
(right where she left him I might add...)
Funny how a little bear can cause such a big heartache.
If that isn't adorable enough, the other day she announced to me:
It's moments like these that make me smile from the inside out.
Man, do I love this kid AND her Bear!
Desperate Times Call For Desperate Measures...
...at least that's how the saying goes, right?
Well, I've reached the end of my rope, or more to the point, the end of my pull up!
Ruby knows how to use the potty.
She's used it several times, SUCCESSFULLY I might add!
She knows that when she goes, she gets a sticker & the whole process is praised beyond praised.
Apparently to a toddler, this just doesn't make much difference to her because as long as she knows she doesn't truly HAVE to do it, she's not going to.
I'm convinced that it doesn't matter if it's a diaper OR a pull up,
basically if it's ANYTHING that will catch the urine and trap it in some way, shape or form,
the kid just isn't going to be on board because kids are savvy and they KNOW that even if they kick & scream & downright REFUSE to use the potty, the really don't have to cuz Momma keeps providing them with said pull up/diaper.
NOT ANYMORE I SAY!
My child, STARTING TODAY, went from pull ups,
to DORA UNDERWEAR FIRST,
then the pull up.
(which sounds counter productive HOWEVER, it isn't... let me explain why.)
FIRST, the underwear is just regular old 100% cotton undies.
She pees, it gets cold & wet & UNCOMFORTABLE!
The pull up OVER the undies is just my own insurance plan so that I don't end up spot treating my couch, carpet, bed... etc.
Ruby only had to experience that feeling ONCE to know she DID NOT LIKE IT!
Needless to say this little girl of mine has used the potty THREE TIMES TODAY
&
been SUCCESSFUL EVERY TIME!
Her chart is LOADED with stickers and I'm loaded with SMILES FINALLY!
So much so that I've stopped putting the dates & just started letting her put stickers wherever she wants to stick them.
Every sticker on this chart represents a successful potty experience!
(No, she's not once done a poop on the potty yet,
but let's conquer one issue at a time, shall we?)
Now, I am, however, inundated with laundry up the Dora, HOWEVER I don't care!
If it means that my child is realizing that she can't play the 'lazy' card anymore & understands that she needs to use the potty for it's intended use, THEN BRING IT ON!
We have a little two step stool that she uses to get up to the sink to brush her teeth
and it conveniently has two little pull out drawers under each step!
(Bottom step houses extra undies & pull ups,
top step houses an array of stickers for her 'potty chart' on the bathroom door!)
Please everyone, keep your fingers, toes, eyes ... etc crossed for us!
Oh, and anyone with any potty training advice on what worked for them, feel free to share.
I know it must sound ridiculous that a Nanny like me with all the years experience I have is asking for advice but honestly, I just think it's totally different when it's your own child.
I NEVER had any trouble potty training any of the kids I've cared for over the years.
Ever.
Ruby?
Man am I getting a run for my money this time!
My mom just smiles & says:
"God has a sense of humor Amy... remember, you wet the bed till you were 11, that's alot of laundry!"
Thanks Ma, that's just what I wanted to be reminded of at a time like this... good times!
NOT!
Well, I've reached the end of my rope, or more to the point, the end of my pull up!
Ruby knows how to use the potty.
She's used it several times, SUCCESSFULLY I might add!
She knows that when she goes, she gets a sticker & the whole process is praised beyond praised.
Apparently to a toddler, this just doesn't make much difference to her because as long as she knows she doesn't truly HAVE to do it, she's not going to.
I'm convinced that it doesn't matter if it's a diaper OR a pull up,
basically if it's ANYTHING that will catch the urine and trap it in some way, shape or form,
the kid just isn't going to be on board because kids are savvy and they KNOW that even if they kick & scream & downright REFUSE to use the potty, the really don't have to cuz Momma keeps providing them with said pull up/diaper.
NOT ANYMORE I SAY!
My child, STARTING TODAY, went from pull ups,
to DORA UNDERWEAR FIRST,
then the pull up.
(which sounds counter productive HOWEVER, it isn't... let me explain why.)
FIRST, the underwear is just regular old 100% cotton undies.
She pees, it gets cold & wet & UNCOMFORTABLE!
The pull up OVER the undies is just my own insurance plan so that I don't end up spot treating my couch, carpet, bed... etc.
Ruby only had to experience that feeling ONCE to know she DID NOT LIKE IT!
Needless to say this little girl of mine has used the potty THREE TIMES TODAY
&
been SUCCESSFUL EVERY TIME!
Her chart is LOADED with stickers and I'm loaded with SMILES FINALLY!
So much so that I've stopped putting the dates & just started letting her put stickers wherever she wants to stick them.
Every sticker on this chart represents a successful potty experience!
(No, she's not once done a poop on the potty yet,
but let's conquer one issue at a time, shall we?)
Now, I am, however, inundated with laundry up the Dora, HOWEVER I don't care!
If it means that my child is realizing that she can't play the 'lazy' card anymore & understands that she needs to use the potty for it's intended use, THEN BRING IT ON!
We have a little two step stool that she uses to get up to the sink to brush her teeth
and it conveniently has two little pull out drawers under each step!
(Bottom step houses extra undies & pull ups,
top step houses an array of stickers for her 'potty chart' on the bathroom door!)
Please everyone, keep your fingers, toes, eyes ... etc crossed for us!
Oh, and anyone with any potty training advice on what worked for them, feel free to share.
I know it must sound ridiculous that a Nanny like me with all the years experience I have is asking for advice but honestly, I just think it's totally different when it's your own child.
I NEVER had any trouble potty training any of the kids I've cared for over the years.
Ever.
Ruby?
Man am I getting a run for my money this time!
My mom just smiles & says:
"God has a sense of humor Amy... remember, you wet the bed till you were 11, that's alot of laundry!"
Thanks Ma, that's just what I wanted to be reminded of at a time like this... good times!
NOT!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
True Story...
...so Ruby & I were all snug in my bed the other morning
& as she reached over & placed her hand on my arm she said:
"Momma?"
"Yes Ruby?"
"Momma, Ruby FUNNY!"
*smiling*
"Awwww sweetie, that's true, Ruby IS FUNNY!
And what about Momma? Is Momma funny too?"
Without skipping a beat she replies:
"Nooooooooooooo"
while giggling.
I look at her, mouth open, wide eyes & ask:
"Momma's not funny? What is she?"
Clear as a bell & as sure as she's ever been about anything, she answers:
"Momma LOUD."
Truer words have never been spoken.
*grin*
Beautiful AND HONEST!
My girl rocks...
hehehehe
& as she reached over & placed her hand on my arm she said:
"Momma?"
"Yes Ruby?"
"Momma, Ruby FUNNY!"
*smiling*
"Awwww sweetie, that's true, Ruby IS FUNNY!
And what about Momma? Is Momma funny too?"
Without skipping a beat she replies:
"Nooooooooooooo"
while giggling.
I look at her, mouth open, wide eyes & ask:
"Momma's not funny? What is she?"
Clear as a bell & as sure as she's ever been about anything, she answers:
"Momma LOUD."
Truer words have never been spoken.
*grin*
Beautiful AND HONEST!
My girl rocks...
hehehehe
Ok People, Help Me Out Please...
...in this house, we've always been 'dog people', never once owned a cat.
Needless to say, I know lots about having a dog as a member of the family.
What they love, how they like to live, their favorite pastimes... etc.
But a cat?
Nada!
The only thing I know about cats
is sadly from one of Ruby's books.
It's one of her favorites & we read it several times a day, every day.
At the end of the story,
the two cats can be found snuggled in a cardboard box
much too small for them, yet, there they are,
all snug & toasty together, happy as peas in a pod.
Yesterday, after a trip to BJ's,
(in another attempt to try to help my daughter learn to love the potty)
we bought a box of training pants.
They have the 'feel wet liners' apparently they get wet AND cold!
*fingers crossed*
Anyhoo, as I was about to disassemble the box for recycling,
Ruby screams; "No Momma! I have a box!"
Ok then, so you get the box, that's kewl.
And, this is how she's been ever since I gave it to her.
Her and Bear, snug as bugs, in a box just a wee bit too small for them,
but happy as can be.
Maybe my kid was a cat in a past life?
Cats do dig boxes, right?
Needless to say, I know lots about having a dog as a member of the family.
What they love, how they like to live, their favorite pastimes... etc.
But a cat?
Nada!
The only thing I know about cats
is sadly from one of Ruby's books.
It's one of her favorites & we read it several times a day, every day.
At the end of the story,
the two cats can be found snuggled in a cardboard box
much too small for them, yet, there they are,
all snug & toasty together, happy as peas in a pod.
Yesterday, after a trip to BJ's,
(in another attempt to try to help my daughter learn to love the potty)
we bought a box of training pants.
They have the 'feel wet liners' apparently they get wet AND cold!
*fingers crossed*
Anyhoo, as I was about to disassemble the box for recycling,
Ruby screams; "No Momma! I have a box!"
Ok then, so you get the box, that's kewl.
And, this is how she's been ever since I gave it to her.
Her and Bear, snug as bugs, in a box just a wee bit too small for them,
but happy as can be.
Maybe my kid was a cat in a past life?
Cats do dig boxes, right?
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Eventually Happens Every Night At 9pm...
*ladybug on one cheek, rainbow on the other*
She never napped & was going, going, going all day like a trooper.
Triplets,
mass amounts of relatives & friends,
birthday celebrations,
swimming,
face painting,
dancing,
story telling,
side walk chalking',
sandbox'ing,
tricycle riding,
Nonno grilling,
salad eating,
milk drinking,
Nemo watching,
Bear loving...
I knew she'd crash EVENTUALLY!
Sleep well baby girl, Momma loves you.
Birthday... Cake?
How yummy does this little number look?
That's right,
my very first,
very own
BIRTHDAY FLOWER CAKE
from my friend Heather & her husband Tom!
Was a total surprise, and I knew immediately that it was flowers because the woman who delivered it was from a local florist I know very well.
So, when I opened it in front of the masses of family members gathered around me,
my cousin in law, Paul, pipes in:
"Man, that just looks too pretty to eat!"
I kinda smirked at first cuz I thought he was joking,
but turns out he didn't know it was truly made of flowers
& was excited at the thought of getting his very own slice.
I nearly pissed my pants!
I looked at him, smiled & said:
"Paul, if you'd like you may have the very first piece, I'll even cut it for you!"
He lit up like a Christmas tree...
"REALLY?!"
(He's 38, but you'd have thought he was 12 at that moment.)
"Yes Paul, really. I can't wait to see you enjoy it!"
By now family was laughing
& he started to catch on
& I told him why...
He laughed in spite of himself,
and said that eating it was probably not the best idea after all
but that it was a very pretty cake.
I wholeheartedly agree!
THANK YOU HEATHER & TOMMY FOR ONE HELL OF A BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!
It meant alot.
=)
PS. Was THIS
necessary?
Biotch!!!!
*grin*
LOVE YOU BOTH!
That's right,
my very first,
very own
BIRTHDAY FLOWER CAKE
from my friend Heather & her husband Tom!
Was a total surprise, and I knew immediately that it was flowers because the woman who delivered it was from a local florist I know very well.
So, when I opened it in front of the masses of family members gathered around me,
my cousin in law, Paul, pipes in:
"Man, that just looks too pretty to eat!"
I kinda smirked at first cuz I thought he was joking,
but turns out he didn't know it was truly made of flowers
& was excited at the thought of getting his very own slice.
I nearly pissed my pants!
I looked at him, smiled & said:
"Paul, if you'd like you may have the very first piece, I'll even cut it for you!"
He lit up like a Christmas tree...
"REALLY?!"
(He's 38, but you'd have thought he was 12 at that moment.)
"Yes Paul, really. I can't wait to see you enjoy it!"
By now family was laughing
& he started to catch on
& I told him why...
He laughed in spite of himself,
and said that eating it was probably not the best idea after all
but that it was a very pretty cake.
I wholeheartedly agree!
THANK YOU HEATHER & TOMMY FOR ONE HELL OF A BIRTHDAY SURPRISE!
It meant alot.
=)
PS. Was THIS
necessary?Biotch!!!!
*grin*
LOVE YOU BOTH!
Saturday, August 11, 2007
The Calm Before The Storm...
...yes, that is certainly what today is.
Why, you ask?
Because tomorrow, this house & yard will be filled to capacity
with family from all over the US!
Here's the list of attendants:
Me & Ruby
Nanny & Nonno
Uncle Adam, Auntie Leanne & Bella
Nanna T & Uncle Steve
Uncle Andy, Auntie Kris, Stephanie & Jennifer
Uncle Alan, Auntie Sue & Joshua
Uncle Bruce (my mother's brother) and Aunt Pricilla his wife.
My cousin Alison (Antie Allison to Ruby), her husband Paul,
& their 4 YEAR OLD TRIPLETS, Marissa, Olivia & Tori!
Now, if my math hasn't failed me,
that's 23 people and that's ONLY MY MOTHER'S SIDE!
Several of my Italian relatives may pop by as well...
...stay tuned, this could be what 'CRAZY' looks like!
*grin*
But seriously, my uncle Bruce only visits but once a year (he's from Wisconsin)
and my cousin Allison (previously from AZ but now currently in NH, couldn't take the heat)
also only pops in about once a year.
Goes without saying that they try to plan these visits simultaneously and although it doesn't always work out that way, this year... it has.
Tomorrow also happens to be my birthday.
I'll be 35 which is fascinating to me since I feel more like an overgrown kid.
How the hell did 35 creep up without me knowing it?
I guess when you're having fun with your beautiful child,
you tend not to worry about such silly things as time.
Then it got me to thinking... two years ago at this time, I was nannying Emma, Abi & Sam and waiting (albeit not so patiently) for Ruby's referral, which I foolishly thought would arrive sometime around my birthday.
I guess I just always thought that it would be fantastic to have it arrive then, as it would be the BEST birthday gift EVER!
Turns out, as fate would have it, Ruby first made her appearance into my life on Sept 7th, 2005, her very first birthday.
Here it was my little girl's birthday & she was giving me the best gift I ever received.
To this day I don't think that my birthday will ever register as important as it used to,
as now my favorite day of the year is my daughter's special day.
It's wild to me to think that we've nearly been together two years...
...I can't remember what my life was like before her.
I love you Ruby.
So much!
Why, you ask?
Because tomorrow, this house & yard will be filled to capacity
with family from all over the US!
Here's the list of attendants:
Me & Ruby
Nanny & Nonno
Uncle Adam, Auntie Leanne & Bella
Nanna T & Uncle Steve
Uncle Andy, Auntie Kris, Stephanie & Jennifer
Uncle Alan, Auntie Sue & Joshua
Uncle Bruce (my mother's brother) and Aunt Pricilla his wife.
My cousin Alison (Antie Allison to Ruby), her husband Paul,
& their 4 YEAR OLD TRIPLETS, Marissa, Olivia & Tori!
Now, if my math hasn't failed me,
that's 23 people and that's ONLY MY MOTHER'S SIDE!
Several of my Italian relatives may pop by as well...
...stay tuned, this could be what 'CRAZY' looks like!
*grin*
But seriously, my uncle Bruce only visits but once a year (he's from Wisconsin)
and my cousin Allison (previously from AZ but now currently in NH, couldn't take the heat)
also only pops in about once a year.
Goes without saying that they try to plan these visits simultaneously and although it doesn't always work out that way, this year... it has.
Tomorrow also happens to be my birthday.
I'll be 35 which is fascinating to me since I feel more like an overgrown kid.
How the hell did 35 creep up without me knowing it?
I guess when you're having fun with your beautiful child,
you tend not to worry about such silly things as time.
Then it got me to thinking... two years ago at this time, I was nannying Emma, Abi & Sam and waiting (albeit not so patiently) for Ruby's referral, which I foolishly thought would arrive sometime around my birthday.
I guess I just always thought that it would be fantastic to have it arrive then, as it would be the BEST birthday gift EVER!
Turns out, as fate would have it, Ruby first made her appearance into my life on Sept 7th, 2005, her very first birthday.
Here it was my little girl's birthday & she was giving me the best gift I ever received.
To this day I don't think that my birthday will ever register as important as it used to,
as now my favorite day of the year is my daughter's special day.
It's wild to me to think that we've nearly been together two years...
...I can't remember what my life was like before her.
I love you Ruby.
So much!
Peek-A-Boo...
...I see you Momma!
I love when I come across an outfit in her closet that I was unaware even existed.
This outfit is one of those fantastic surprises I found today
while putting some of her things away.
It was tucked in the way back hanging there all lonely.
I don't remember where I got it or if it was a gift from someone,
but I DO know that it is ADORABLE!
When I called her into her room to try it on, she went crazy for the HAT!
I didn't know she had such a love for them.
Perhaps we're on the verge of phasing out the bows
& replacing them with hats?
Never know with my girl...
...but whether it's a bow or a hat, she's still my beautiful girl!
(Now if I could only get her to love bath time...*sigh*)
Friday, August 10, 2007
No Comment...
...that's right, not a one.
Yes,
from now on,
emails only if you have something you'd like to share.
Otherwise, silence is golden.
Thanks for your understanding.
-Amy
Yes,
from now on,
emails only if you have something you'd like to share.
Otherwise, silence is golden.
Thanks for your understanding.
-Amy
Who Needs A Grocery Store...
...when you have a father who maintains a yard to envy any Italian's?
Ruby's Nonno makes sure every summer is filled with san marzano tomato's,
gorgeous hydrangea
&
fat juicy pears fresh for the pickin' straight from the tree!
(Ruby nearly started to eat one of those tomato's before we got it into the house!
She eats them like apples! That's my girl, an Italian American of Chinese descent!)
*big smile*
Ruby's Nonno makes sure every summer is filled with san marzano tomato's,
gorgeous hydrangea
&
fat juicy pears fresh for the pickin' straight from the tree!
(Ruby nearly started to eat one of those tomato's before we got it into the house!
She eats them like apples! That's my girl, an Italian American of Chinese descent!)
*big smile*
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