Nonnie and Mumpy

I'm so grateful to my in-laws, who came over last night with dinner while Michael worked. Gabriella listened to music with Nonnie and shared her toys with Mumpy.I got two extra pairs of hands (much needed @ 35-weeks pregnant) and the peace of mind that someone knows this child's bedtime routine other than her parents, in the event I go into labor while she's awake.

GFR @ 20 months!

California Baby

Tonight, while I was putting conditioner in Gabriella's hair, she pointed at the little girl on the bottle and said, "Me! Me!" And when I took a closer look, I could actually see a resemblance. What do you think?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Toddler Self Esteem

These days, Gabriella insists on being given a hand mirror along with her morning bottle. Aunt Babezers insists this is a sign that we are raising a child with a strong self image. I'll say!

I just love this picture because it captures motherhood at its best these days. Gabriella ... playing quietly and independently for a few minutes on a Sunday morning, while I drink coffee and wonder how long the adorable side ponytail will last.

Three Musketeers

The Pink Unicorn

I love unicorns. So I couldn't have been more proud when Gabriella picked this baby out of the Valentine's Day crowd during a recent trip to Target.(Yet Another) Elmo

I have to take my hat (begrudgingly) off to the merchandisers at Borders who strategically placed these Elmo dolls near the cash register. Once Gabriella spotted them, she became quite vocal, the checkout line began to grow and, well, Michael didn't stand a chance. Please note: the tag still on. I optimistically plan on taking this bad boy back to the store during Gabriella's next nap.

Geoffers

Geoffers is the original, a baby shower gift from Michael's Aunt Nancy. These days, he's missing an eye (and a nostril for that matter) and sporting the rattle socks Gabriella no longer fits in, but he's still her absolute favorite.

Happy 35th Birthday to me!

Here we are on my birthday morning, before Gabriella sent me off to work by wishing me a "Happy, Mama!"

And here we are on the weekend with my birthday ice cream cake. Gabriella could care less about the cake (unlike her two parents) but quickly became obsessed with the whole lighting, singing and blowing ceremony, which we repeated four or five times until it didn't end in tears.

G finds joy in the simplest things.

A doll carriage.
An Elmo blanket.

It's contagious.

Nana B.'s Visit

Gabriella and I enjoyed four full days with my mom (aka Nana B.).

We read and colored ...

... visited friends for dinner and brunch ...

... and cried when she left.