This magic moment ...

I've moved!

2010-02-19T22:27:00.002-05:00

Visit me at www.tararepucci.com for future blog posts.

The porcelain god

2010-02-01T16:11:00.000-05:00

I started the week with a full night's sleep and a peaceful shower. I know, weird, right? Just as I was about to look in the mirror and yell WHO THE HELL ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY LIFE, Michael called to tell me that Gabriella had been puking all morning, in case I had forgotten who I was all the way down there at the Holiday Inn in Raleigh.

I had planned to fly home that evening but returned that afternoon instead to revive Gabriella from her cartoon coma with a bath and bedtime stories.

So then the next night I received a text message from Michael at work telling me in no uncertain terms that he too had the stomach bug. And I wanted to go, seriously? I know I should be sympathetic, but really? THE BABY COULD BE NEXT!

Let me tell you about the next 24 hours where Michael and Dominic perfected a chorus of vomit in between sips of Gatorade and Pedialyte while Gabriella handed out bandaids and Fisher Price Medical Kit injections.

So I finally get to Friday with the family intact, and I'm trying not to feel cocky because my immune system, I don't know, kicks a lot of ass, when I wake up in the middle of the night with immobilizing nausea. OH YES I DID.

I don't think I need to tell you how this story ends.

Mad Skills

2010-01-23T23:03:00.000-05:00

He loves to eat paper and Cheerios more than anything else in life. He understands a handful of words but kitty cat is his favorite one. A ridiculously high-pitched scream. A chronic case of separation anxiety. He cruises through the house like a G.I. who is about to break a world record in the low crawl. And he's finally sleeping through the night.

Philosophy primer

2010-01-10T22:41:00.000-05:00

While exchanging Christmas gifts at the mall on Saturday Gabriella suddenly lay down on the ground. Please get up. Why? Because the floor’s dirty. Why? Because people walk on it. Why? Because you’re not Diego and this isn’t the rainforest and we can’t all swing from vines as our major form of transportation. Oh. Why? And it goes on and on like Russian nesting dolls only slightly more adorable.

Hey batta batta batta

2010-01-06T22:52:00.002-05:00

I've written about Dominic's first fantasy football draft, curse of the bambino and seventh-inning stretch. Now the kid's learned to heckle. And I mean, HECKLE. Like a fan drunk on cheap beer, leaning over the rail and calling the ump Mr. Magoo.

Twenty ten

2010-01-04T22:55:00.001-05:00

On New Year’s Eve I watched the ball drop on television. That’s right, I stayed up past midnight y’all. I didn’t plan such wild and crazy behavior. But then the baby wouldn’t settle until I brought him downstairs by the fire. And then the toddler woke up and puked all over herself. So there I found myself during the last minutes of 2009 doing laundry way past my normal bedtime and convincing Gabriella to switch the channel from Noggin to Times Square FOR JUST TWO SECONDS, DAMMIT!

Seventh-inning stretch

2010-01-01T22:02:00.001-05:00

Dominic claps on command. He stretches on command too. And it’s not just his arms, it’s his legs, it’s his back, it’s his finger and toes. I cannot get over the fact that his first words are clapping and stretching. Most kids start with mama or dada. This kid is starting with bloody Sweet Caroline at Fenway Park.

Count down

2009-12-31T07:00:00.002-05:00

Courtesy of Polka Dot Design

Cool cat

2009-12-29T22:17:00.001-05:00

Michael's Aunt Nancy met Dominic for the second time earlier this month and fawned over him as the women do. As you can see, he seems to take the attention in stride.

Snow is glistening

2009-12-22T22:05:00.000-05:00

This weekend snow blanketed Boston and Gabriella earned her first cup of hot cocoa by helping Michael shovel the sidewalk.

Overheard

2009-12-21T12:00:00.002-05:00

Gabriella: I. NEED. A BOOK.

Me: Excuse me, little girl. That is not how you ask for something. You say, please mama, may I have a book.

Gabriella: I can't remember all that!

Little Drummer Boy

2009-12-20T22:53:00.000-05:00

Pa rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum, rum pum pum pum.

Jolly Old Soul

2009-12-11T23:23:00.000-05:00

If Gabriella is this excited to meet a plastic Santa then stick a corncob pipe in my mouth and call me Frosty because I'm going to need to tether her to the ground before she meets the real thing. If I don't, she's likely to rise to the ceiling of the Natick Mall as if she were a float in the Macy's Parade.

Overheard

2009-12-08T21:31:00.001-05:00

Me: Behave yourself. I'm watching you.

Gabriella: Don't look at me! I'm GORGEOUS!

The gift of Domi

2009-12-07T17:39:00.001-05:00

Sunday afternoon we walked a block and a half for Dominic's baptism at the local Catholic church. The ceremony included my new favorite prayer:

God has brought joy to all mothers, as they see the hope of eternal life shine on in their children. May he bless the mother of this child. She now thanks God for the gift of her child. May she be one with her son in thanking God for ever in heaven.

Then we ate antipasto, bruschetta, chicken salad, mini hotdogs, popcorn and bacon-wrapped scallops at home with family and friends. Oh! And the men stood around admiring the features of our baby monitor as if it were the latest iPod touch and singing Happy Birthday a cappella to Gabriella because she asked them to.

All I want for Christmas

2009-11-29T23:06:00.001-05:00

I used to wonder what type of person asks Santa for two front teeth. But now I'm sleep deprived. Beyond sleep deprived. Because I live with a baby who is cutting his two front teeth. So Santa? Can you please bring me two front teeth? Soon, DAMMIT!

Drawing the line

2009-11-25T22:56:00.001-05:00

Gabriella got herself into a whole lot of trouble today with her father. The crime: bouncing up and down on her brother. LIKE A KANGAROO she later told me. Dominic usually puts up with his sister's rough ways, I think because he finds her so damn entertaining. But the other night Dominic was rolling around the living room minding his own business when Gabriella lassoed his head with a pink headband. I grabbed the camera and he looked up as if to say, seriously Mom, you too? Where's Dad?

Dear Santa

2009-11-22T21:57:00.012-05:00

Today Gabriella turns twenty-nine months and the world turns the corner toward the most wonderful time of year.

Santa is a daily topic of conversation in our house. Gabriella gets the presents, the milk and cookies, the carrots for the reindeer. But the letter to Santa confuses her. She keeps listing toys she has instead of toys she wants. Until today.

Today in the grocery store checkout line Gabriella thought of something Santa could bring her: ice cream. And oh, she didn't want to go home to take a nap. She wanted to go to the North Pole.

Not So Newlywed Game

2009-11-21T13:52:00.001-05:00

In honor of our fifth wedding anniversary, I ~~forced~~ asked Michael to play the Not So Newlywed Game.

How do I take my coffee?

Tara: Soy milk and two Splenda
Michael: As a latte

If I could be married to a movie star who would I choose?

Tara: Mark Wahlberg
Michael: John Travolta

What would I eat every day if you could?

Tara: Pizza
Michael: Snyder's honey-mustard pretzels

What is Michael's dream job?

Tara: NFL coach
Michael: Lottery winner

What is one food Michael doesn't like?

Tara: Pot Roast
Michael: Pot Roast

What would Michael never wear?

Tara: A Halloween costume
Michael: Slacks

When I leave the house, is it party time, time to clean, or nap time for Michael?

Tara: Nap time
Michael: Nap time

BONUS QUESTION: Where was our first date?

Tara: Armani Cafe
Michael: Franklin Cafe

Happy anniversary, baby! I look forward to many more years so we can get to know each other.

Michael on our wedding day.

Boy Crazy

2009-11-16T23:30:00.000-05:00

The other night Gabriella spotted a little boy eating dinner at the next table and said, “I love him.” Michael almost had a heart attack. “I love him. He’s cool.”

Recently she’s been developing crushes on older boys. She calls Michael from Barney and Friends on the phone. She cooks him dinner, cries when he misses an episode (which I suppose is the toddler equivalent of being ignored after a first date.) I know. THE HEARTACHE.

I think Gabriella reacts so positively to boys because she just loves her three boy cousins, especially Jonathan who is the oldest and spends a lot of time entertaining her.

Curse of the Bambino

2009-11-13T06:37:00.002-05:00

The year we got married the Boston Red Sox won the World Series after an 86-year drought. When Gabriella was born, the Red Sox won the World Series again. Now that it’s Dominic’s turn the Yankees win the World Series. The NEW YORK FUCKING YANKEES.

We’re stunned. Domi’s pissed.

Attitude

2009-11-10T21:50:00.000-05:00

Michael is feeding Dominic dinner when Gabriella shows up wearing his t-shirt and demanding a photo shoot. She has also started calling us by our first names and rolling her eyes dramatically when we order a time out. This weekend, we’re going prom dress shopping.

A Wrinkle in Time

2009-11-07T21:10:00.001-05:00

21 years since I met his mother.

13 years since his mother introduced me to my husband.

5 years since his mother stood as the matron of honor at my wedding.

2 years since his mother co-hosted my baby shower.

1 year since his mother became a mother.

Happy birthday, baby Max! Love always, Gabriella and Dominic

An Interview with Domi

2009-11-06T23:09:00.004-05:00

What is your favorite food? Apples and Sweet Potatoes
What is your least favorite food? Peas and Green Beans
What makes you happy? Drooling, Banging, Jumping
What makes you mad? Socks
What is your favorite song? Gabriella's cover of MJ's "Thriller"
What tickles you? Llama Llama Red Pajama
What fascinates you? My hands
What is your favorite way to start the day? Lounging around in bed with Mama
What is your favorite way to end the day? Splashing in the tub
If you had to give all your toys away except one, which one would you keep? My Zebra Clacker

Seasons

2009-11-04T22:02:00.000-05:00

Speaking of Sock Monkeys

2009-11-03T22:23:00.000-05:00

If you've ever wondered what it's really like to live with a toddler, this photo is for you.

Your child will suddenly wake up in the middle of the night, barking orders for a glass of water and a back rub, as if she just went fifteen rounds with Apollo Creed and you're the Mick to her Rocky. Then she'll refuse to go back to sleep unless you stay in her room. FOREVER. The next day, when you finally pass out from exhaustion, she'll stage a compromising photo op with the help of a Sock Monkey jack-in-the-box.

Two Divas and a Sock Monkey

2009-11-01T23:16:00.000-05:00

For Halloween Gabriella dressed up as her favorite storybook diva, Fancy Nancy, and I dressed up as my favorite pop diva, Madonna. Obviously neither one of us subscribes to Coco Chanel’s advice on accessories: always take one thing off before leaving the house. And Domi? We dressed him up as an old-fashioned sock monkey. Because we can.

Let the Wild Rumpus Start

2009-10-31T11:22:00.001-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Windows to the Soul

2009-10-30T23:05:00.001-04:00

Punk Rock Pumpkins

2009-10-29T23:07:00.000-04:00

Gabriella is madly in love. No, she’s infatuated. Pumpkins are her favorite thing EVER. She refers to them as punks and every time we leave the house she tries to recruit soldiers for her army of punks.

Yes, Gabriella. Yes I do. I do see that pumpkin over there. No, no we can’t take him home. He’s too heavy. He belongs to someone else. HE’S NAPPING, DAMMIT.

We finally picked up pumpkins of our own and Gabriella was understandably happy, until I decorated them and she couldn’t touch all the wet glue and paint. OH BOY. She cried inconsolably on and off for a half hour, in between proclaiming them her best friends and wishing them a happy birthday.

So everyone, meet the punks that caused the commotion.

Squiggy

2009-10-27T22:54:00.000-04:00

Schlemeel, schlemazel, hasenfeffer incorporated.

Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

2009-10-26T01:05:00.001-04:00

Rain is one of those surprising reasons I love having kids. Staying home is this super fun pajama, cupcake and cartoon festival. And going out involves an adorable wardrobe of mismatched items inspired by animals and fruit.

On this particular rainy day, Gabriella insisted on carrying a small container instead of her frog umbrella. As I ran her from house to car, from car to store, I felt her warm puppy breathe on my neck while she held out the container to catch raindrops. And that’s when—if my life were a movie—I would push a button on the jukebox and “My Girl" by The Temptations would begin to play.

Terrible Two

2009-10-21T07:53:00.001-04:00

Gabriella spits chewed food into her hands and then rubs it into the kitchen table. She shoves her hand down her diaper WHILIE LOOKING DIRECTLY AT YOU. And after her bath, she will run and hide under her brother's crib. Wet and naked! IN THE MIDDLE OF FLU SEASON, Y'ALL.

She's no joke.

Then there are moments like this one when Gabriella is just sitting there quietly, with an oversized pencil and construction paper, and she is totally scribbling a picture for you. Like, who me? A terrible two? I don't think so.

Doodling and Daydreaming

2009-10-18T23:32:00.001-04:00

You know on a date when suddenly you realize HE'S THE ONE! Soon you're doodling your new signature and daydreaming about happily every after. DOODLING AND DAYDREAMING. Who has the time? Not me, now that happily ever after is here and kicking my ass with her mountains of laundry and months of sleep deprivation. But, by god, if this shot doesn't make me want to sprinkle glitter down Pacific Coast Highway from the window of my convertible pink Barbie Dream Car.

Bookworm

2009-10-16T23:42:00.005-04:00

This shot was taken moments after Gabriella returned her first library book.

What can I say? The kid loves books.

She's trying to turn her brother into a bookworm.

So far it isn't working. Dominic is far more interested in grabbing, banging, even eating books than he is in reading them, with one very adorable exception.

Mademoiselle de Paris

2009-10-14T23:14:00.030-04:00

Pumpkin Pie

2009-10-03T23:58:00.001-04:00

Inspired by Bakerella's Mini Pumpkin Pie Bites, we baked individual Pumpkin Pies tonight.

It was the perfect rainy day activity. Gabriella stood on a chair eating raw pie dough and critiquing my technique. Apparently, I'm a good mixer and need to be more careful when cracking open eggs.

A Ram Sam Sam

2009-10-02T23:05:00.000-04:00

I signed up Gabriella for Groovy Baby Music. She calls it pre-school. I don't have the heart to correct her. We walked to the first class where she played the triangle and Geoffers played the piano with his nose, mama, did you see that? She stood while everyone else sat, sat when everyone else stood, danced in the sunlight and stuck her name tag to the mirror, my hair, everywhere but her shirt. Here she is studying the CD we received at the end of class.

It's Not What It Looks Like

2009-09-28T23:18:00.001-04:00

A certain someone is already worried because Dominic points his toes. So I'm going to pretend these two are playing football.

Halloween Awesomeness

2009-09-27T20:30:00.003-04:00

We bought this sorry looking fellow at the grocery store this morning.

I didn't think he was much to look at then. He's even less to look at now that Gabriella gave his hat to Geoffers.

Yes, it was only a matter of time before Domi got mixed up in the Halloween awesomeness too.

Pumpkin Cupcakes

2009-09-26T15:32:00.000-04:00

GFR @ 2 years 3 months

Gabriella is talkative, dramatic and imaginative. We wake up to full-blown expressive conversations through the monitor. She marches madly to the Barney theme song and loves a good tea party. And when Dominic cries, she’s the first to cheer him up with a silly song only the two of them understand.

Gabriella is also completely unpredictable. She’ll gently pat Geoffers to sleep one minute and toss him out of the crib the next. She’ll ask for pancakes and then stare at them in confusion because she NO LIKE pancakes.

The other day, I accidentally bumped her hand. She got this goofy look on her face and said, "I'm sorry, Mom," as if she had hurt me. THEN SHE PUNCHED ME IN THE FACE WITH A LEFT HOOK, Y'ALL.

That right there is my mercurial little girl, celebrating her monthly birthday with a Pumpkin Cupcake from Whole Foods.

The Garden in the Fall

2009-09-20T23:08:00.000-04:00

Gabriella.
September 18th, 2009
Charlestown, Massachusetts

The Achiever

2009-09-20T00:48:00.001-04:00

A couple of weeks ago someone introduced me to a cool personality system, and since I love anything that remotely resembles a Cosmo quiz I took the online assessment pretty much immediately.

I am very conscious of the image I present to others. Very accurate. I have a strong desire to be accepted by others. Very accurate. If people are coming over I make sure my place is totally clean. Very accurate. According to the results, I am The Achiever. The Motivator. The Performer. The Image Builder. GAH!

I found myself thinking about Erma Bombeck who once said that if she had her life to live over she would invite friends over to dinner more, even if the carpet was stained. And about Gabriella who puts socks on her hands to wipe down the glass on our coffee table and French Doors. And about Oprah who went on television without makeup.

Sure, there’s a lot of good that comes from being an overachiever, experiences I would hate to give up such as marathons and graduate school and a real estate closing. But that thing Erma Bombeck said about inviting friends over even if your house isn’t spotless? I’ve never done it and I know that I should.

Because that little girl and eventually that little boy… they’re watching everything we do and imitating it, now in play and later in life. So I have to finally get it right. The balance between accomplishment and fun. The science of rest. The art of living in the moment.

So here is our house at the end of a long day, on Oprah, without makeup. Toys all over the floor. Dirty bibs and socks on the ground. Food stuck to the table. Laundry in the washing machine, in the dryer and spilling out of the upstairs hampers.

Want to come over?

Real Men Wear Pink

2009-09-19T14:25:00.001-04:00

Dominic ate his first vegetable today. Pureed carrots.

He's pretty much the man around here, pink bib and all.

Notice anything different?

2009-09-15T22:51:00.002-04:00

Nope, not the hair. Nope again, not the outfit. The mouth, people, the mouth. Here is Dominic days after CUTTING HIS FIRST TWO TEETH!

Of course, when I try to take a picture of them, he just looks at me, all, yeah, I wasn't born yesterday.

Or he sticks his tongue out.

Kid, as long as you don't bite me while nursing, we're good.

Milk and Cookies

2009-09-13T22:35:00.000-04:00

Dominic's extra-long nap this afternoon gave me an excuse to stay home and bake chocolate chip cookies with Gabriella for the first time. I used this recipe from Bakerella and may never use another one. The cookies were that good.

Here's my adorable assistant.

Cheers! I love love LOVE eating raw cookie dough off the utensils.

Looks like Gabriella is saving some of the warm gooey chocolate for later. Who can blame her?

Amber Alert

2009-09-08T00:04:00.002-04:00

This here is the best $89.99 we've spent on baby equipment. Ever.

And this here is the face that stops supermarket traffic.

Seriously, the other day, I'm paying for groceries, which is no easy feat when you have a baby strapped to you and a toddler acting like a really greedy and determined Veruca Salt who just wants a chocolate chip NOW, even if it means eating one through the bag. So I look up from promising Gabriella her very own Oompa Loompa if she stops gnawing on the gold Ghiradelli package and four cashiers, mine and the three behind her, are all staring at me, well not at me but at the baby strapped to me, with the same intense devotion. It was as if I'd crashed a tween slumber party while wearing Joe Jonas in a backpack. Then I realize, Dominic is making the face and I may need to call a damn AMBER ALERT.

Last Days of Summer

2009-09-05T16:40:00.000-04:00

It's Labor Day weekend, which means we're saying goodbye to summer.

The summer Gabriella turned two, rode her first bike and got a little brother who absolutely adores her.

The summer Dominic smiled, laughed, rolled over and ate cereal for the first time.

The summer we discovered the garden. Gabriella running from flower to flower, stopping only to pick up rocks or dropped fruit. Dominic napping among plants, butterflies and really chubby bumble bees.

Most of all, it's the summer our family became complete. One girl and one boy. A perfect party of four.

Geoffers' Tub

2009-09-03T06:54:00.001-04:00

Gabriella: Geoffy? GEOFFY?! Mama, where's Geoffy?

Me: He's in the tub.

Gabriella: NOOOOO! GEOFFY NO LIKE TUBS!

Me: Yes he does. Geoffers asked to take a tub.

Gabriella: Mama? Geoffers doesn't talk.

The Draft

2009-08-29T22:45:00.000-04:00

Dominic had his first fantasy football draft today. Here's how it went down.

First round draft pick consultation.
Tom Brady. DONE.

BREAKING NEWS.

Belichick evasive on Tom Brady's SORE THROWING SHOULDER.

No, SERIOUSLY. Dude, is this a joke?

Because I'm new here, guys. Don't I get a DO OVER?

Showdown

2009-08-29T06:58:00.000-04:00

I love the look on both faces.

Dominic daring to touch the cat but looking to me for backup. Nola--who tolerates Gabriella's pouncing, squeezing and general roughhousing--deciding if she will extend the same courtesy to the newest member of our brood.

I love my mother's reaction to this photo even more.

From: Nana B.

Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 9:11 AM

Honest to goodness, Tara. WHEN are you going to get rid of that potoire. I literally gasped when I opened the picture. Shana angel doesn't realize what is lying next to him and just LOOK at how that mangy creature is looking at my precious cherub. WHY do you let that cat so close to the kids?

In my mother's defense, she is not an animal hater. She's simply terrified of cats.

Domi's first night in his crib.

2009-08-27T22:45:00.000-04:00

Finally.

We bought a crib last week, from Walmart, to celebrate Dominic's five-month birthday. It converts into a toddler bed, day bed, even full-size bed. We spent less than $200 on it. That includes shipping.

I know. Far cry from Gabriella's designer Bratt Decor crib we purchased months before she was born. But it's a recession. He's a second child. And we're smarter this time around.

The Serena and Lily bedding? Not so recession friendly, but I did buy it on sale. Go, Mom! And it features the most adorable parade of elephants, giraffes and lions in silhouette.

So, good night, baby boy.

Sweet dreams.

Don't make mommy put you in this in the morning.

"If I count all my blessings, it puts a smile on my face." - Sugarland

2009-08-25T22:44:00.001-04:00

Domi loves his new tub seat, mostly because he's now eye-to-eye with his sister.

And Gabriella loves it, too, because she now has a captive audience for her antics.

Like putting the rubber drain cover on his head like a hat.

Then she proceeds to laugh her ass off.

And he joins in.

Pink Cupcakes

2009-08-22T21:33:00.001-04:00

Since Gabriella has long outgrown the custom of taking pictures in our oversized recliner to measure growth, I wanted to start another tradition to celebrate her monthly birthday.

Cupcakes.

Tonight, in honor of the 22nd and Gabriella's new favorite book, we baked heart-shaped Pinkalicious cupcakes.

DJR @ 5 months

2009-08-22T13:28:00.000-04:00

We're getting a better look at Dominic's personality, and it's AWESOME!

He gets a lot of attention from perfect strangers because of his dark hair and blue eyes, and he returns most of it with flirtatious smiles. He is super affectionate and laughs easily, especially at pretty much anything his sister does. He loves diaper changes and bathtime, standing up and chewing on blankets. And his shirts are frequently soaked with massive amounts of drool.

There you have it: our baby boy at five months old!

Bye-Bye Bouncy.

2009-08-21T23:18:00.001-04:00

Domi got hooked up this week.

The Bugaboo chair replaced the car seat on stroller rides for a whole new view of the world.

We dug through Gabriella's old toys to find the ones Domi can enjoy on his tummy, since lying on his back is so July 2009.

We went to Babies R Us for a tub seat and also came home with a 360-degree play station complete with technicolor piano keys, oversized (and overhappy, if you ask me) flowers and a spinning frog who is quickly becoming an obsession.

Mom and Dad also ordered your very own crib. No more awkward nights' sleep in the Pack-n-Play. No more naps in the bouncy chair. You're getting a proper bed to bomb around in. All we ask in return is that you sleep through the night. Deal?

Meet Marshmallow

2009-08-19T21:49:00.000-04:00

I want Gabriella to learn how to garden, so we went to the local flower shop to buy a plant for the fire escape. A safe, unambitious starting point.

The nice man who owns the shop helped me identify good student plants while Gabriella wandered around petting the animals. Yes, the animals. Sock monkeys. Teddy bears. Stone bunnies.

Mama? MAMA?! MUMS?! See him? See monkey? I LOVE MONKEYS. He's SOOOO cute. Good boy. I have him?

The nice man is now looking at me like a concerned zoo keeper and I'll be damned if I'm going home with a sock monkey. A stone bunny, on the other hand, would look awfully cute on our fire escape ...

Central Air

2009-08-19T21:36:00.000-04:00

Our central air conked out Saturday, on the HOTTEST night of the year. Really, Central Air? Really?! Why do you have to do us like that?

On Sunday, we picked up an AC unit from the restaurant and another from Michael's parents, which turned out to be a wonderful excuse to visit the grandparents.

At home, Michael and I camped out in the living room. On an air bed. Living the good life. Domi set up shop (a.k.a. the Pack-n-Play) one room over, in the kitchen. The three of us shared the downstairs AC unit while Gabriella stayed upstairs in her room with an AC unit to herself. Clearly this is her world and the rest of us just live in it.

By the way, we are now back on good terms with Central Air, four days and one thousand dollars later. Hmmph.

The Library

2009-08-18T22:16:00.000-04:00

Gabriella went to the library for the first time today.

We had the entire children's floor to ourselves, and she was uncharacteristically cautious at first. Taking one book from the shelf at a time. Spinning a globe of the world. Lifting up a metal bookend and asking her favorite question of all time: "Mama, what's this?"

Then Gabriella came across the animal puppets, one of which was a giraffe. A GIRAFFE, MAMA! A GIRAFFE!!

Oh, boy.

Gabriella started to dart around bookcases. She stopped listening to me altogether. And eventually she tripped right over her own white-sandaled feet. Knocked her head against a wooden chair. (The sound was dreadful). Screamed bloody murder. (This sound was worse).

Luckily, neither she nor the librarian held a grudge. Once outside, sitting on the curb in the oppressive heat and waiting for Michael to pick us up, Gabriella turned to me and said, "Mama, I love the library."

Phew.

Oh, and for the record, after all that, the book Gabriella checked out is:

Tea

2009-08-18T21:47:00.000-04:00

Gabriella invited her friends over for tea this afternoon.

Feet

2009-08-18T15:31:00.000-04:00

Big week for feet in our house.

Dominic discovered his ...

... while Gabriella learned how to put hers in shoes, all by herself.

That's all. Carry on.

Supper in the Garden

2009-08-15T21:07:00.000-04:00

Tonight, I packed a picnic and we walked to the community garden in our neighborhood (my new favorite hangout).

Gabriella enjoyed her apple juice and peanut butter sandwich.

And Dominic enjoyed his nap.

Little Mama

2009-08-15T14:17:00.000-04:00

One of the first questions people ask me about the baby isn't about the baby at all. It's about Gabriella and how she likes her little brother. Well, let me tell you. She absolutely adores him. He absolutely adores her. Big love affair going on between the two of them. Big.

Gabriella acts as if she is Dominic's real mom. She can barely buckle herself into a highchair, but she tries to buckle Dominic into his carseat.

Gabriella coyly runs away when it's time for her diaper change, but she's a captive audience for Dominic's diaper changes. In fact, I've caught her practicing how to change a diaper herself.

When I was pregnant with Dominic, I was afraid I'd never love another baby like I love Gabriella. I cried when my water broke because I felt as if she and I had lost our time together as mother and only child.

Now, four and a half months later, I know that, yes, you can fall head over heels in love with your second child; and, no, you are not taking anything away from your first child. You are giving her (and yourself) the most amazing gift.

Our Perfect Day

2009-08-08T20:17:00.000-04:00

Presents and Skype.

Blueberry pancakes and sausage on the front stoop.

Jogging through the Charlestown Navy Yard.

Pineapples and bubbles at the sandbox.

Naps.

Salmon and sushi, chicken parm and chicken salad from Whole Foods.

Ice cream sandwiches.

Bathtubs and pajamas.

Hugs and kisses.

Sweet dreams.

Sticky Fingers

2009-08-02T19:05:00.000-04:00

Michael and I turned our backs for one moment at the grocery store. In that time, Gabriella helped herself to a banana in the cart, peeled it and took a bite. By the time we turned around, she was admiring her teeth marks.

Gardens for Charlestown

2009-08-01T18:39:00.000-04:00

Gabriella and I spent Saturday morning in Charlestown's all-volunteer community garden.

We watched white butterflies, kicked fallen apples, tossed a pretend tomato salad from gravel rocks and then rested on this adorable stone bench with two carved bunnies for legs.

Now, Michael has taught Gabriella not to touch flowers or distrub bumble bees while they're working, but sometimes she can't help herself.

Finally, it was time to go home.

Dominic and Max: Future BFFs

2009-07-25T22:09:00.000-04:00

Dominic and Max first met in early April. Look at them now at four and (almost) nine months respectively.

And here's a behind-the-scenes look at the photo shoot. Like herding cats, I tell you.

Dinosaur Drive-by

2009-07-25T10:31:00.000-04:00

Gabriella is into dinosaurs these days, thanks in part to Barney. So I guess I shouldn't have been surprised when the first words out of her mouth this morning were, "I go see dinosaur, Mama?"

I knew exactly whom she meant. This guy. The life-size Tyrannosaurus Rex standing guard outside the Museum of Science.

So off we went--after breakfast, with Dominic in tow--for our first Dinosaur Drive-by. Windows down. Sunroof open. Barney CD in the player.

Cape Cod 2009

2009-07-11T14:04:00.000-04:00

Here are a few of my favorite pictures from our day trips to Cape Cod, which were filled with pizza and puzzles, starfish and sand castles.

Elvis Is Alive!

2009-07-11T13:23:00.000-04:00

Or at least reincarnated.

Is it just me or are Dominic's bedroom eyes the bomb?

What up, Red Sox Nation?

2009-07-05T22:22:00.000-04:00

Here I am. Your newest fan. D.J. Repucci. Rockin' the Bumbo.

Fourth of July

2009-07-04T06:46:00.000-04:00

Gabriella and I spent the morning entertaining Dominic with funny faces, rattles and musical instruments. Then we used our girl time to color and read. Her favorites are still Where the Wild Things Are and Fancy Nancy, but there are some new hits climbing the charts, too: Harold and the Purple Crayon and Kitten's First Full Moon.

Then Michael woke up after some much-needed extra sleep and whisked G away to the beach on Cape Cod where her grandparents and cousins were waiting.

Dominic and I spent the rest of the holiday on Newbury Street, shopping and eating outside, before coming home to watch He's Not That Into You. No wonder he's looking at me like this. I totally took advantage of his age by planning the perfect date ... for a girl.

If Elmo Had Teeth

2009-07-03T23:11:00.000-04:00

Gabriella had her first nightmare last night: Elmo with teeth, yelling at her.

Heck, I'd be scared too.

Brunch w Mama

2009-06-27T14:39:00.000-04:00

Seth landed on the East Coast this morning, and we had a quick brunch before a ferry whisked him away to Provincetown for a couple weeks of summer fun.

Sleeping Beauties

2009-06-27T08:13:00.000-04:00

"There never was a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him asleep."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson

Gabriella's 1st Bike Ride.

2009-06-23T22:07:00.000-04:00

Armed with her pink panda helmet and red strawberry raincoat, Gabriella heads out on her first bike ride with Geoffers as precious cargo.

It wasn't long before Gabriella--true to form--managed to injure herself on this extremely safe stoller masquerading as a bike.

Gabriella may not be athletic or even coordinated, but she sure is cute. And let's face it, cute gets you pretty far in life as a toddler.

DJR @ 3 months

2009-06-22T21:56:00.000-04:00

Here is my Love Muffin, my Chicken McNugget.

At three months old, Dominic is really a great communicator. You know when he's tired (he pouts), bored (he whines) or hungry (he yells). The kid would be attached to my left boob all day if I didn't set limits but we're down to two feedings at night (hallelujah!).

Dominic is also a ladies' man. Just make eye contact and you'll most likely receive a flirtatious grin. His first giggle came in response to the word "Mama." (Not bragging. Just sayin'.) And he's been known to make his sister laugh ... genuinely, even hysterically.

So please excuse my unabashed use of foolish food-inspired nicknames. I'm obviously head over heels in love with this little dude, who is actually not so little in Size 3 diapers and Size 6-12 month clothes.

Happy Birthday, Gabriella!

2009-06-22T15:44:00.000-04:00

On Gabriella's actual birthday, we went to Pizzeria Regina, which she loves as much for its name as for its food.

After a dinner of salad, pizza and mac & cheese--the birthday girl thoroughly enjoyed an ice cream push pop.

Then the waitstaff came out to sing 'Happy Birthday' and, well, by then Gabriella was over the moon.

Gabriella's 2nd Birthday Party

2009-06-20T16:06:00.000-04:00

Mumpy and Nonnie's backyard is currently Gabriella's favorite place on Earth, and Geoffers is currently her favorite person on Earth so we celebrated her 2nd birthday with a giraffe-themed party at their house.

For weeks, we counted down to the highlight of any child's party: the 'Happy Birthday' serenade.

And when the singing finally began, Gabriella realized, quite unmistakenly, that it was indeed for her and turned to me with all the innocence and awe of childhood and said, "Mama, wow!"

As if we were the only two people in the room. As if I had just hung the moon. Then she turned back to the crowd to enjoy her moment, and I cried.

Motherhood is harder than anyone ever told me, or perhaps just harder than I would ever let myself believe. To do it right, you lose yourself a bit, at least in these early years when your children can't do much for themselves. It is no doubt an occupation marked by sacrifice, frustration, loneliness and exhaustion. But it is also filled with even greater happiness, joy, love and pride.

Happy birthday, baby girl. Being your mom is my greatest privilege.

Happy Birthday, Michael!

2009-06-16T01:06:00.000-04:00

We celebrated Michael's 41st birthday at his parents' house. The afternoon was low-key, spontaneous and family oriented--just like the birthday boy himself.

Here Michael blows out the candles on his birthday cupcakes with Gabriella--who tries to help by puffing up her cheeks, even if little to no air escapes--and Dominic, who looks on in moral support.

Second Child Syndrome

2009-06-08T08:11:00.000-04:00

This is not the first time we have run out of Dominic's diapers late at night, forcing him to wear his sister's too-big swim diapers from last summer until morning.

Touch a Truck Day

2009-06-06T15:37:00.000-04:00

We took Gabriella to 'Touch a Truck Day' in Charlestown today. Rather than look at, touch or climb in any of the dozens of trucks there--she plopped down in the middle of the parking lot to play with a small rubber duck.

We soon realized that Gabriella had more fun when we dragged her to Sears to buy a new washer and dryer.

Then we ran into my dear old friend Amy and her kiddos, Eleanor and Charlie. Things were looking up.

Gabriella flirted with Charlie and looked up to Eleanor (both figuratively and literally).

Finally, with lollipop in hand and the summer wind in her face, it was time to go home.

Memorial Day 2009

2009-05-25T20:39:00.000-04:00

It took us two hours to get out of the house for a small-town parade that lasted approximately twenty two minutes.

Then we headed to a barbecue with Nah-die (formerly Nonnie) and Mumps' (formerly Mumpy).

And what's a summer shindig without cupcakes and sprinklers?

DJR @ 2 months

2009-05-23T15:06:00.001-04:00

At two months, Dominic loves to chill out in his Fisher Price swing or Mommy's HotSling. He is our sweet angel baby unless, of course, he's hungry. Then his fiery Italian temper flares and you better have a pacifier on hand to buy a bit of time if you need it. For the most part, though, Dominic is easy to read, easy to soothe and sleeps almost anywhere, if not for very long. Three and a half hours is the current record, one and a half hours is the norm. He tolerates his sister (who gets so excited to be near him that she inevitably hugs too hard or pokes him in the eye) and his mother (who calls him by embarrassing nicknames like Love Muffin); but, if the truth be told, I think his favorite family member is currently the other laid back dude in the house: his daddy.

GFR @ 23 months

2009-05-22T14:07:00.000-04:00

At 23 months, Gabriella is everything I ever dreamed of in a daughter. She is a girly girl, through and through, who just loves to dress up.

She is an avid reader of books, magazines, newspapers, you name it.

And she is musical with a real passion for the piano and guitar.

But, most of all, Gabriella is the perfect mix of sugar ...

... and spice.

Child labor

2009-05-20T14:42:00.000-04:00

Some would consider this child labor. I prefer to think I'm raising an independent, self-sufficient human being.

Gabriella used to cry when we washed her stuffed animals. Now, she is a cold-hearted laundress who chucks Jeffers and Elmo into the washing machine with glee and cracks up as her fur friends spin around and around in the warm soapy water.

I'm going to teach her how to do dishes next.

Picnics in the Park

2009-05-18T15:01:00.000-04:00

Now you know why this is my absolute favorite thing to do these days.

Dominic and I slept like babies last night.

2009-05-13T18:04:00.000-04:00

9:30 bed time

Midnight snack

12:30 back to sleep

1:45 awake

3:00 asleep

4:30 awake

5:00 asleep

5:45 awake

6-7 Brought Dominic into bed with me as a desperate, last ditch effort to steal just a bit more sleep before the day began. And that was a relatively good night.

Happy Mother's Day 2009

2009-05-10T17:41:00.000-04:00

Papyrus cards signed with crayon
spa gift certificate
a windy walk to City Square
cafe mocha and muffins
helicopters and airplanes
the crane and the cod
dandelions and grass
afternoon naps
Regina pizza
Coldstone's ice cream
Sesame Street on television
Annie on the iPod
goodnight, sweet girl
goodnight, beautiful boy
thank you, God
dreams really do come true

Discipline is love.

2009-05-08T17:02:00.000-04:00

Me (to husband): Gabriella's hitting me!
Husband: Um, she's your daughter, not your sister. Don't tell on her. Discipline her.
Me: Oh.

Both my mother and mother-in-law tell me discipline is love, and I believe them. But when I look into Gabriella's big gray eyes and hear her sing-song voice, I'm pretty much a sucker ... even if she is clearly manipulating (or worse yet, physically abusing) me at the time.

All Clean!

2009-05-06T21:36:00.000-04:00

Our little boy has graduated from sponge baths to tub time ...

... and true to his nature, Dominic took the whole experience in complete stride.

The Kitty Cat and The Tiger.

2009-05-03T13:17:00.000-04:00

Gabriella loves repetition. Our pediatrician assures us that this is perfectly normal and, in fact, beneficial to her development; however, I must be honest: at times, her desire to say and do the same things over and over again seems more like a form of Chinese torture.

She'll flip the light switch on and off for minutes on end, ask you to call the pizza man on her toy cell phone until you cleverly distract her and hide the damn thing, sing the same songs, read the same books, watch the same "Sesame Street" episodes ... all without ever losing enthusiasm. And each time we set out on a walk in the neighborhood, Gabriella calls for "The Kitty Cat and The Tiger." Now, these two random Charlestown landmarks have captured her heart and must be visited on each and every stroller ride or there is (quite honestly) hell to be paid.

PS We're quite aware that the tiger is actually a lion but can't seem to convince Gabriella of that.

The Gabriella-ish to English Dictionary

2009-04-25T03:52:00.000-04:00

apple jimmy - uncle jimmy

happy copter - helicopter

I see bum bum? - a request to get in on the action while I change her brother's diaper.

kooky mommy - me ... when I wear my hair curly.

thank you, mama. thank you, dada. - the assumptive close uttered right after she makes a questionable request but before we agree to it: Scissors? Mama, get it? I have? Thank you, Mama. Thank you, Dada.

Third time is a charm.

2009-04-22T21:29:00.000-04:00

I finally survived an evening alone with both kids.

Granted, Dominic moved from the boob, bouncy, swing, changing table, bassinet and back to the boob ... all within a three hour period.

And Gabriella had to feed herself at one point, which resulted in a hummus mustache and a kitchen table fingerpainted with food.

But I didn't have a single Mommy Dearest moment and both kids were safe, fed, clean and sound asleep by eight. All's well that ends well.

Rain Check

2009-04-22T18:52:00.000-04:00

The boys took advantage of this afternoon's rained out Red Sox game with the first of many father-and-son naps on the couch.

Dominic is literally smiling in his sleep!

Death Row

2009-04-20T13:01:00.000-04:00

My mother is terrified of cats. We're talking "jump on the couch, close your eyes and yelp" terrified of cats. And I have a cat.

So for the duration of my mother's 11-day visit, we locked the cat in our home office with food and litter and a taunting view of the living room through French doors.

Gabriella, on the other hand, loves the cat. At least once a day, she set up shop by the cat's makeshift jail cell, bringing peace offerings and news from the outside, as if she were a mother visiting a beloved child on death row.

Gabriella would hold up a new pair of pajamas to the French doors and ask: "kitty cat, you like?" Then she would line up her stuffed animals--giraffe, bunny, tiger and duck--and demand "look, kitty cat, look!" Finally, she would sing, "kitty cat, I neeeeed you, kitty cat, I misssss you," before running off to her books or blocks or dinner and promptly forgetting the cat altogether.

Decorating Ideas

2009-04-19T14:30:00.000-04:00

When it comes time to move Gabriella from crib to bed, I'm hoping this bedding from The Land of Nod is still available!

And once we get around to transforming our home office into a nursery for Dominic, I'm loving this shag rug in chocolate brown (also from The Land of Nod):

Happy Easter!

2009-04-13T02:58:00.000-04:00

Easter kicked off my mother's extended visit to Boston to meet grandchild #3 ...

... while enjoying the thoroughly entertaining antics of grandchild #2 (pictured below with best pal Geoffers and matching rain boots).

Red Sox Opening Day 2009

2009-04-08T02:56:00.000-04:00

Dominic and Max: Future BFFs

2009-04-08T02:51:00.000-04:00