I decided to dust off the blog in order to document some of our experience during this global pandemic.
I remember sitting with 2 friends while our kids played a couple months ago when this virus first started to be news. I was concerned that it may affect the trip to Disney World that we were taking on March 21. We all agreed that the trip would probably be fine.
We were wrong. Since then, not only has Disney indefinitely shut its doors, but so have all other businesses deemed non-life sustaining. This is the case in PA and most other states. There are some states that have not closed as much.
Ryan's office is seeing emergencies only. We are only going to the grocery store when we really need to.
It's strange to see empty parking lots. Restaurants are carry-out only. The gyms are closed, the schools are closed. Today I learned that county singer John Prine died of coronavirus complications.
While this pandemic has upended nearly everything, one thing it hasn't done is affect the playful spirit of Liza. She is so completely happy living slower days, and has been having so much fun exploring various outdoor spaces that just haven't ben part of our "normal" until now. She is particularly loving that Ryan is home more than usual.
Our weeks usually looked about the same with preschool, friendship center, Costco, maybe a mcdonalds drive-thru or 2 on the way to the library to Rock the Spectrum. None of those places are available to us anymore (except the drive-thru, which we have chosen to avoid anyway). Now we wake up, take a lap around our neighborhood, and then decide where we will go next. We've checked out Ibberson, Boyd Big Tree Preserve, Governor Dick in Mt. Gretna, and several other areas that we were overdue to visit. We've started geocaching, and taking the scenic route wherever we go.
Thankfully, the weather has been mostly good. The nice weather has made all the difference in us really making the most of this time.
We've made an exception for our next door neighbors as far as social distancing is concerned. The kids are inseparable and play outside together constantly. They are being very careful regarding exposure as are we.
While I am thankful for the motivation to get outside and think outside the box, I hope there is an end to this virus soon and I hope things will open back up safely.
Wednesday, April 8, 2020
Monday, November 12, 2018
Well hello there
...bet you thought this blog was defunct, didn't cha?
Well I'm back, baby!
Sorta - I have a minute and about 35 other things I should be doing but I wanted to hop on before the year was over and do a quick update.
Liza is 3.5 years old. Wow! What an age. She is saying some of the funniest and cutest things, so completely adorable, and along with that some big emotions and not always the tools to handle them. It's a challenge but I thank God every day for my healthy, happy girl.
She is still really into soldiers, nutcrackers, bagpipers, and pretty much any type of job or occasion in which a person wears a fancy suit. Or is in a parade. Or a marching band. You get the idea.
Double Play wrapped up, Liza had a great time there every Tuesday morning.
We had a great visit home for easter, a fun birthday party at my mom's house, and made special memories in Ocean City again this year. Liza saw the Miss New Jersey parade and one of the contestants was dressed up as Frida Kahlo and Liza was enthralled. It was pretty neat.
We spent a lot of time with our friends going to playgrounds, play dates, and meeting up various places all over town. I'm so happy that we have good friends to make memories with.
Liza also started gymnastics this summer and really took to it. She has lots of fun on the balance beam, bars, and rings. We are continuing with it this fall.
We visited Ohio for a week in August and Liza went to the Natural History Museum in Cleveland, and Oh Wow in Youngstown where she also met her Aunt Jenny for the first time. Liza had a great Ohio week with Nana, Pop pop, and my parents.
Ballet started at Tap N Arts dance studio in September and Liza is so cute in her outfits every week. We can't wait til her recital in the spring.
We visited Canfield again in October for my Grandma Rose's 88th birthday, celebrated with a nice dinner at Stonebridge Restaurant.
We are back into the holidays now after a fun Halloween dressed as a cowbow family for trick-or-treating and as a dia de muertos skeleton girl (with a homemade dress!) for a friend's Halloween party.
We are planning on taking Liza to see the nutcracker this season after a teaser freebie show at Barnes and Nobel. We think she'll love it!
Until next time! (which will be next year, lets be real!)
Well I'm back, baby!
Sorta - I have a minute and about 35 other things I should be doing but I wanted to hop on before the year was over and do a quick update.
Liza is 3.5 years old. Wow! What an age. She is saying some of the funniest and cutest things, so completely adorable, and along with that some big emotions and not always the tools to handle them. It's a challenge but I thank God every day for my healthy, happy girl.
She is still really into soldiers, nutcrackers, bagpipers, and pretty much any type of job or occasion in which a person wears a fancy suit. Or is in a parade. Or a marching band. You get the idea.
Double Play wrapped up, Liza had a great time there every Tuesday morning.
We had a great visit home for easter, a fun birthday party at my mom's house, and made special memories in Ocean City again this year. Liza saw the Miss New Jersey parade and one of the contestants was dressed up as Frida Kahlo and Liza was enthralled. It was pretty neat.
We spent a lot of time with our friends going to playgrounds, play dates, and meeting up various places all over town. I'm so happy that we have good friends to make memories with.
Liza also started gymnastics this summer and really took to it. She has lots of fun on the balance beam, bars, and rings. We are continuing with it this fall.
We visited Ohio for a week in August and Liza went to the Natural History Museum in Cleveland, and Oh Wow in Youngstown where she also met her Aunt Jenny for the first time. Liza had a great Ohio week with Nana, Pop pop, and my parents.
Ballet started at Tap N Arts dance studio in September and Liza is so cute in her outfits every week. We can't wait til her recital in the spring.
We visited Canfield again in October for my Grandma Rose's 88th birthday, celebrated with a nice dinner at Stonebridge Restaurant.
We are back into the holidays now after a fun Halloween dressed as a cowbow family for trick-or-treating and as a dia de muertos skeleton girl (with a homemade dress!) for a friend's Halloween party.
We are planning on taking Liza to see the nutcracker this season after a teaser freebie show at Barnes and Nobel. We think she'll love it!
Until next time! (which will be next year, lets be real!)
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Quick notes
Happy 2017! Liza is napping (possibly in the recliner like yesterday, I can't tell by the monitor) and I have a few minutes to record some memories from the past few weeks.
We had a great holiday in Canfield. I was sick for a couple days with a stomach bug, but well again by christmas. Liza had a ball playing with Grandma all week. We took her to Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park where the entire building was decorated in "Toyland" theme. Liza loved seeing all the trees and decorations, especially the soldiers and nutcrackers. We had lunch at the Kravitz cafe inside before heading home. She liked it there so much that we went back when Ryan got into town. He enjoyed it also.
We made a stop at the Canfield Library where Liza enjoyed dressing up and decorating a reindeer.
Her favorite part of the week was may have been playing with all grandma's little nutcrackers and other decorations (like a musical carousel) and watching a Disney Christmas sing-a-long VHS tape from my own childhood.
We were lucky to have Nana and Pop Pop over for new years this year, and Liza kept them busy with reading, playing, and marching around like, what else, soldiers! Liza was blessed with very thoughtful gifts from my family in Canfield as well as Nana and Pop Pop during their visit. As were Ryan and I - I'm wearing my soft new robe as I type this!
Liza has started using the word "actually" which is really cute. And last night while Ryan and I were making the bed she said "Do you need some help, guys?"
She's become very particular about what she wears and when she wears it, for example, she doesn't sleep in PJ pants anymore, only regular leggings. She hardly ever will wear a dress, because she only wants pants with a skirt on top. She also prefers to wear her hair in a bun.
We had some friends over for New Years Eve and Liza loved playing and giving out hugs. We are so happy that we have good friends here in Harrisburg, with lovely children for Liza to grow up with.
We had a great holiday in Canfield. I was sick for a couple days with a stomach bug, but well again by christmas. Liza had a ball playing with Grandma all week. We took her to Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park where the entire building was decorated in "Toyland" theme. Liza loved seeing all the trees and decorations, especially the soldiers and nutcrackers. We had lunch at the Kravitz cafe inside before heading home. She liked it there so much that we went back when Ryan got into town. He enjoyed it also.
We made a stop at the Canfield Library where Liza enjoyed dressing up and decorating a reindeer.
Her favorite part of the week was may have been playing with all grandma's little nutcrackers and other decorations (like a musical carousel) and watching a Disney Christmas sing-a-long VHS tape from my own childhood.
We were lucky to have Nana and Pop Pop over for new years this year, and Liza kept them busy with reading, playing, and marching around like, what else, soldiers! Liza was blessed with very thoughtful gifts from my family in Canfield as well as Nana and Pop Pop during their visit. As were Ryan and I - I'm wearing my soft new robe as I type this!
Liza has started using the word "actually" which is really cute. And last night while Ryan and I were making the bed she said "Do you need some help, guys?"
She's become very particular about what she wears and when she wears it, for example, she doesn't sleep in PJ pants anymore, only regular leggings. She hardly ever will wear a dress, because she only wants pants with a skirt on top. She also prefers to wear her hair in a bun.
We had some friends over for New Years Eve and Liza loved playing and giving out hugs. We are so happy that we have good friends here in Harrisburg, with lovely children for Liza to grow up with.
Saturday, December 9, 2017
Our Stories
Lately I've been making up stories for Liza at night. I just want to record some of the cahracters so that we will always remember our little friends.
Percy the Horse - Main character. Eats oats and hay. Sleeps in a stable. His mom makes pancakes and his dad hangs Christmas lights.
George the Pig- Percy's BFF. Eats slop, sleeps in a pig pen.
Alonzo the Cow - Lives in the meadow, eats grass. In leiu of Chirstmas lights, he decorates a small section of the fence.
Bailey the Tree - Lives over the hill and across the meadow. The animals often visit her and gather under her for picnics and play games under her.
Bonnie the Hen - sometimes joins in the fun. Lives in hen house/chicken coop.
The Farmer - lives in the farmhouse and keeps watch over the barnyard.
The animals do lots of the things we do. Like decorating the tree, going to music class, etc.
Liza has also started calling us "Mom" and "Dad." What happened to mommy and daddy?!
Percy the Horse - Main character. Eats oats and hay. Sleeps in a stable. His mom makes pancakes and his dad hangs Christmas lights.
George the Pig- Percy's BFF. Eats slop, sleeps in a pig pen.
Alonzo the Cow - Lives in the meadow, eats grass. In leiu of Chirstmas lights, he decorates a small section of the fence.
Bailey the Tree - Lives over the hill and across the meadow. The animals often visit her and gather under her for picnics and play games under her.
Bonnie the Hen - sometimes joins in the fun. Lives in hen house/chicken coop.
The Farmer - lives in the farmhouse and keeps watch over the barnyard.
The animals do lots of the things we do. Like decorating the tree, going to music class, etc.
Liza has also started calling us "Mom" and "Dad." What happened to mommy and daddy?!
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
Things that go bump in the night...
AKA.....Liza!
At 4am 10/9/2017 there was a loud thud from Liza's room. She'd climbed out and then fell from her crib. This scared us both and she slept the rest of the night/morning in bed with me (Ryan was already in the guest room due to SNI - Sunday Night Insomnia).
When he came home from work we converted her crib to a toddler bed. Then we took a moment to mourn the loss of one more "baby thing" that's gone forever. Goodbye, crib.
Liza did great that night and she's currently taking her first nap in her toddler bed. I had to use the "talk" function on the monitor to tell her to get back in and lay down one time, but then she stayed put and went to sleep. Horray!
At 4am 10/9/2017 there was a loud thud from Liza's room. She'd climbed out and then fell from her crib. This scared us both and she slept the rest of the night/morning in bed with me (Ryan was already in the guest room due to SNI - Sunday Night Insomnia).
When he came home from work we converted her crib to a toddler bed. Then we took a moment to mourn the loss of one more "baby thing" that's gone forever. Goodbye, crib.
Liza did great that night and she's currently taking her first nap in her toddler bed. I had to use the "talk" function on the monitor to tell her to get back in and lay down one time, but then she stayed put and went to sleep. Horray!
Monday, September 18, 2017
Update
We just spent a great week in Ocean City with Ryan's family. Liza had a blast. I don't have much time to blog so I just want to update on a few cute things she's doing lately.
When she sings "all tired out" it comes out as "all tide-erd out"
She called herself Mademoiselle at the shore and walked around repeating her mantras: I'm a famous ballerina, I'm a pretty ballerina, and I look like Frida [Kahlo].
She napped on the beach on Friday, it was adorable
She wants to wear a ballet skirt 24/7 and has slept in it more than once.
We are doing the "Curly Girl Method" on her hair now and her curls are looking great!
She sings "Like a dino in the sky" instead of diamond in twinkle twinkle.
She's just the cutest ever!
When asked if she wanted two Brown's donuts instead of one she replied "I want three!"
When she sings "all tired out" it comes out as "all tide-erd out"
She called herself Mademoiselle at the shore and walked around repeating her mantras: I'm a famous ballerina, I'm a pretty ballerina, and I look like Frida [Kahlo].
She napped on the beach on Friday, it was adorable
She wants to wear a ballet skirt 24/7 and has slept in it more than once.
We are doing the "Curly Girl Method" on her hair now and her curls are looking great!
She sings "Like a dino in the sky" instead of diamond in twinkle twinkle.
She's just the cutest ever!
When asked if she wanted two Brown's donuts instead of one she replied "I want three!"
Wednesday, August 16, 2017
Huggin' Hydrants
Our summer is flying by. Liza has been sleeping so well and playing so hard. We've been going to Gymboree classes this month and she loves running up and down the foam ramp, going over the wooden bridge and balance beam, and jumping on the trampoline. She did a somersault by herself today! We've also been doing story time at the library and toddler time at Giant. Between our activites and playdates with friends we stay busy!
Last weekend we went to Gates-Mills to spend time with Nanna and Pop pop. Liza had a great time and loved her new crib there. We went on a few walks, some with her shopping cart and some without. We found a fire hydrant and she give it a big hug. Ryan said, "I bet that fire hydrant has never had a hug before!"
My parents were able to meet all of us at the Cleveland Rainforest. We saw a bunch of animals and then had a nice lunch at Johnny Mangos. The next day, while we were eating at Nanna and Poppops table, Liza announced "The name of the restaurant is Johnny Mangos!" She's always listening!
She's a very happy girl and is always playing, singing, and dancing. She's a conlanger - she's made up her own language by adding "tay" to end of words. Comptertay! Milktay! Treestay! Monitortay! Grandmatay! Mommytay! We have fun saying all different words with "tay" in the car.
Jen came to visit a couple weeks ago and we had a nice time at the Ned Smith Craft and Nature fest. We packed lunches and then had a nice dinner at ROOTS on Progress ave.
Last weekend we went to Gates-Mills to spend time with Nanna and Pop pop. Liza had a great time and loved her new crib there. We went on a few walks, some with her shopping cart and some without. We found a fire hydrant and she give it a big hug. Ryan said, "I bet that fire hydrant has never had a hug before!"
My parents were able to meet all of us at the Cleveland Rainforest. We saw a bunch of animals and then had a nice lunch at Johnny Mangos. The next day, while we were eating at Nanna and Poppops table, Liza announced "The name of the restaurant is Johnny Mangos!" She's always listening!
She's a very happy girl and is always playing, singing, and dancing. She's a conlanger - she's made up her own language by adding "tay" to end of words. Comptertay! Milktay! Treestay! Monitortay! Grandmatay! Mommytay! We have fun saying all different words with "tay" in the car.
Jen came to visit a couple weeks ago and we had a nice time at the Ned Smith Craft and Nature fest. We packed lunches and then had a nice dinner at ROOTS on Progress ave.
Monday, July 10, 2017
Two much fun
*She was 2 in May!
Our big girl is two years old! We had a great time visiting family in Ohio and celebrating her birthday. She played with grandma and grandpa and was happy as a clam the whole time we were there. She did get a stomach bug, seemingly, while we were there. She woke up puking 4 times in one night, heartbreaking! She went back to sleep easily after all those sheet and pj changes and took a few sips of water and was fine the next morning.
We have been busy enjoying our playdates with friends at playgrounds, our house, and at friends' homes. MusicTogether just wrapped for the season and we will start back in the fall. We begin a new session of Toddler Storytime at the library on Monday. Liza has also been loving the Friendship Center pool. Ryan has joined us twice and got to see how much Liza loves the water.
We head out to Ocean City for a week next Friday - can't wait to relax on the beach. Haha! I mean I can't wait to chase Liza all around, in and out of the water, around the rocks, etc.
Our big girl is two years old! We had a great time visiting family in Ohio and celebrating her birthday. She played with grandma and grandpa and was happy as a clam the whole time we were there. She did get a stomach bug, seemingly, while we were there. She woke up puking 4 times in one night, heartbreaking! She went back to sleep easily after all those sheet and pj changes and took a few sips of water and was fine the next morning.
We have been busy enjoying our playdates with friends at playgrounds, our house, and at friends' homes. MusicTogether just wrapped for the season and we will start back in the fall. We begin a new session of Toddler Storytime at the library on Monday. Liza has also been loving the Friendship Center pool. Ryan has joined us twice and got to see how much Liza loves the water.
We head out to Ocean City for a week next Friday - can't wait to relax on the beach. Haha! I mean I can't wait to chase Liza all around, in and out of the water, around the rocks, etc.
Sunday, April 9, 2017
Yakkity-yak!
I just have to take a moment to post some of Liza's recent musings.
We were sitting on the couch together and she was holding up her little penguin, showing it things in the room. Then she holds it by my chests and, so clearly, she says "Look, Penguin! It's Mommy's scar!" (I have a tiny little chicken pock scar that she's aways pointed to.) Then she holds it to the scar and says "Penguin eating mommy's scar." I started laughing then she leans in and licks it! I said "Oh, now Liza is eating it?" And she said "I taste it! Tastes like soap."
This really cracked me up. She went over to the window with the penguin and lifted it above her head and said "Penguin on escalator, going to see Big Man!" The Big Man is a large statue at the state museum, we take an escalator when we are there to go see it.
She amazes me every day!
Not only is she speaking well, but she is using her imagination too!
We were sitting on the couch together and she was holding up her little penguin, showing it things in the room. Then she holds it by my chests and, so clearly, she says "Look, Penguin! It's Mommy's scar!" (I have a tiny little chicken pock scar that she's aways pointed to.) Then she holds it to the scar and says "Penguin eating mommy's scar." I started laughing then she leans in and licks it! I said "Oh, now Liza is eating it?" And she said "I taste it! Tastes like soap."
This really cracked me up. She went over to the window with the penguin and lifted it above her head and said "Penguin on escalator, going to see Big Man!" The Big Man is a large statue at the state museum, we take an escalator when we are there to go see it.
She amazes me every day!
Not only is she speaking well, but she is using her imagination too!
Thursday, March 30, 2017
Out like a lamb...
Every day Liza has so many more words and ideas. She loves to have things explained to her so that she can repeat the steps back to you. Everyone comments on how cute her gallop/prance/dance-y way of running is. Every night at dinner she gives us live entertainment with her dancing and laughing. She loves music and will request songs by name. Just last night she was singing "Echa Pa'lla by Pitbull in her crib after I put her to bed. She loves when there is a puddle in out cul-de-sac to jump in.
We went swimming yesterday and she really enjoyed it after being skeptical at first and wanting to "go bye bye" as soon as we got in. She didn't want to leave! I also filled a plastic bin with corn flakes and she's been enjoying playing with the bin using spoons and cups.
We got a second opinion on Ryan's illness at Johns Hopkins on Tuesday and it was a very long appointment. She did really well with snacks and books while the Doctors talked to Ryan. The are confident that he is getting the right treatment at hershey and they think this could be a one-time illness and he may never relapse.
We went swimming yesterday and she really enjoyed it after being skeptical at first and wanting to "go bye bye" as soon as we got in. She didn't want to leave! I also filled a plastic bin with corn flakes and she's been enjoying playing with the bin using spoons and cups.
We got a second opinion on Ryan's illness at Johns Hopkins on Tuesday and it was a very long appointment. She did really well with snacks and books while the Doctors talked to Ryan. The are confident that he is getting the right treatment at hershey and they think this could be a one-time illness and he may never relapse.
Tuesday, March 7, 2017
Spring update
Although it's not officially spring...
My mom is back and visiting with us again this week. Liza is in total bliss playing with Grandma all day. She's been showing off with how many words she's been learning and she is still dancing all the time, even when she runs she looks like she is dancing a little. She requests songs by name still. She loves Harry Belafonte's version of Hine Ma Tov and his Hava Nagila duet with Danny Kaye which we play on youtube.
Last week we celebrated Christmas with Ryan's family. We had dinner at his aunts house and had to head down to the basement during a tornado warning! Liza had fun playing with her cousins and we enjoyed spending time with everyone. Liza got an awesome teepee for the front room along with several other really neat gifts.
I'm at the library right now while my mom is home with Liza. I'm editing a couple submissions for the Lady Blue Publishing bi-annual literary magazine. I'm excited that my writing will actually be published soon!
I've also managed to sew Liza an Easter dress complete with matching hat and shoes. I'm not sure if i"ll make anything for her to wear on her birthday, but I might...I just might.
Ryan has been feeling much better and stronger. We are still dealing with some questions and his medications have been adjusted and added to. We are planning on getting a second opinion at Johns Hopkins as soon as he has another CTA and a urology consult next week.
Prayers are very welcome that we can put his health issues behind us very soon. We are so thankful that he is home and feeling well enough to be back to work full time.
My mom is back and visiting with us again this week. Liza is in total bliss playing with Grandma all day. She's been showing off with how many words she's been learning and she is still dancing all the time, even when she runs she looks like she is dancing a little. She requests songs by name still. She loves Harry Belafonte's version of Hine Ma Tov and his Hava Nagila duet with Danny Kaye which we play on youtube.
Last week we celebrated Christmas with Ryan's family. We had dinner at his aunts house and had to head down to the basement during a tornado warning! Liza had fun playing with her cousins and we enjoyed spending time with everyone. Liza got an awesome teepee for the front room along with several other really neat gifts.
I'm at the library right now while my mom is home with Liza. I'm editing a couple submissions for the Lady Blue Publishing bi-annual literary magazine. I'm excited that my writing will actually be published soon!
I've also managed to sew Liza an Easter dress complete with matching hat and shoes. I'm not sure if i"ll make anything for her to wear on her birthday, but I might...I just might.
Ryan has been feeling much better and stronger. We are still dealing with some questions and his medications have been adjusted and added to. We are planning on getting a second opinion at Johns Hopkins as soon as he has another CTA and a urology consult next week.
Prayers are very welcome that we can put his health issues behind us very soon. We are so thankful that he is home and feeling well enough to be back to work full time.
Friday, February 3, 2017
Good Riddance, January 2017!
Well I'm glad THAT'S over!
Our family faced a pretty hefty challenge last month when Ryan was stricken with what I like to call "The Mystery Illness." He began having fevers on January 4, was admitted to Pinnacle Hospital on 1/9, moved to Hershey Medical Center on 1/17, and finally came home on 1/26...17 days in the hospital. It was a long road with a ton of bloodwork, imaging, medication, and even a thoracentisis thrown in for good measure. We missed him so much. It was so hard not knowing what was wrong, the doctors were really stumped for a while. It was tough on me knowing he wanted me to be there with him, but I could only manage a few hours a day to visit.
It wasn't all bad. The positive was that Ryan's parents came and stayed with Liza and I for over a week, and then my mom came and stayed with us for over a week as well. Liza had so much quality time with her grandparents while they were here supporting us and Ryan. We really enjoyed their company and they made the situation easier on all three of us. She really blossomed with her speech and is repeating and saying so many words and phrases. Even a complete sentence here and there!
She still loves to dance and dances constantly around the house and at Music Together. My mom came up with an idea to shine her Turtle star and moon projector night light onto the floor in the dark and Liza dances up a storm - you'd think she was at a disco! She asks for certain songs by name and call fill in many of the words as we sing. She loves when we all dance together and use her musical instruments, like the kazoo, cymbals and tambourine.
Ryan is home now and getting his strength back. We are so happy to be getting back to normal.
Our family faced a pretty hefty challenge last month when Ryan was stricken with what I like to call "The Mystery Illness." He began having fevers on January 4, was admitted to Pinnacle Hospital on 1/9, moved to Hershey Medical Center on 1/17, and finally came home on 1/26...17 days in the hospital. It was a long road with a ton of bloodwork, imaging, medication, and even a thoracentisis thrown in for good measure. We missed him so much. It was so hard not knowing what was wrong, the doctors were really stumped for a while. It was tough on me knowing he wanted me to be there with him, but I could only manage a few hours a day to visit.
It wasn't all bad. The positive was that Ryan's parents came and stayed with Liza and I for over a week, and then my mom came and stayed with us for over a week as well. Liza had so much quality time with her grandparents while they were here supporting us and Ryan. We really enjoyed their company and they made the situation easier on all three of us. She really blossomed with her speech and is repeating and saying so many words and phrases. Even a complete sentence here and there!
She still loves to dance and dances constantly around the house and at Music Together. My mom came up with an idea to shine her Turtle star and moon projector night light onto the floor in the dark and Liza dances up a storm - you'd think she was at a disco! She asks for certain songs by name and call fill in many of the words as we sing. She loves when we all dance together and use her musical instruments, like the kazoo, cymbals and tambourine.
Ryan is home now and getting his strength back. We are so happy to be getting back to normal.
Friday, December 16, 2016
Growing and growing
Much has happened since my last post! Liza now has her 2 bottom teeth, two upper molars and two lower molars. Her 2 canines just poked through today. All she wants for christmas is her two front teeth! She doesn't care much for brushing but we are working on it every night and morning.
We had a fun Halloween party here at our house with a bunch of moms and baby friends. Liza was adorable as Frida Kahlo, complete with black yarn head piece with ribbons braided in and set with flowers. Unibrow too, of course. I fashioned her a Tijuana dress as best I could using clothes from Wonders Found cut up and sewed together. The other babies looked cute too. We had snacks and some music playing.
October flew by and so did November. We finished up our music class and that will restart in January. Liza graduated from Born to Read at the library and will start Toddler Time next month as well. We've gone to an indoor playground at the Friendship Center several times which she really enjoys.
We had a great Thanksgiving in Gates Mills with Ryan's family. Liza played with her cousin Josh and had lots of fun with Nanna and Pop-pop too, along with some quality time with Aunt Nicole and Uncle Scott. She attempted to say "telescope" when she saw Pop-pop's big telescope in the basement. It came out as "gah-goo-gook" but hey, that's three syllables! We were at Costco yesterday and she pointed to one behind me and said it. I turned around and looked and sure enough there it was- I was impressed!
Liza has been dancing up a storm and we call it her "happy dance" when she gallops and waves her arms in the air. I made a montage video of her dancing to Billy Idol's "Dancing with myself." So cute!
We've been meeting up with friends often, whether having them over to our house or going to theirs, or meeting somewhere else like the library or Bass Pro Shop (where they have a holiday activity area set up).
Today we had about 8 moms (and a dad!) over to our house for a playdate with some snacks. It was fun having everyone over, and it always motivates me to clean the house really well before they come. I got some pictures of all the kids with our good camera. It really feels like a party when everyone is over.
Liza has shown us that she enjoys playing with clothes and towels by putting them over her head or around her shoulders and walking around the house like that. She also like to hold may items in her hands at once, sometimes using her chin to help keep them in her hands.
I sewed her both a Christmas dress and a cozy robe. The both came out pretty well, I'm pretty proud of my sewing lately. It's not perfect and one can easy see the amateur stitching, but I love the items on her. I made her a poncho too that fits great and looks so cute on her.
We had a fun Halloween party here at our house with a bunch of moms and baby friends. Liza was adorable as Frida Kahlo, complete with black yarn head piece with ribbons braided in and set with flowers. Unibrow too, of course. I fashioned her a Tijuana dress as best I could using clothes from Wonders Found cut up and sewed together. The other babies looked cute too. We had snacks and some music playing.
October flew by and so did November. We finished up our music class and that will restart in January. Liza graduated from Born to Read at the library and will start Toddler Time next month as well. We've gone to an indoor playground at the Friendship Center several times which she really enjoys.
We had a great Thanksgiving in Gates Mills with Ryan's family. Liza played with her cousin Josh and had lots of fun with Nanna and Pop-pop too, along with some quality time with Aunt Nicole and Uncle Scott. She attempted to say "telescope" when she saw Pop-pop's big telescope in the basement. It came out as "gah-goo-gook" but hey, that's three syllables! We were at Costco yesterday and she pointed to one behind me and said it. I turned around and looked and sure enough there it was- I was impressed!
Liza has been dancing up a storm and we call it her "happy dance" when she gallops and waves her arms in the air. I made a montage video of her dancing to Billy Idol's "Dancing with myself." So cute!
We've been meeting up with friends often, whether having them over to our house or going to theirs, or meeting somewhere else like the library or Bass Pro Shop (where they have a holiday activity area set up).
Today we had about 8 moms (and a dad!) over to our house for a playdate with some snacks. It was fun having everyone over, and it always motivates me to clean the house really well before they come. I got some pictures of all the kids with our good camera. It really feels like a party when everyone is over.
Liza has shown us that she enjoys playing with clothes and towels by putting them over her head or around her shoulders and walking around the house like that. She also like to hold may items in her hands at once, sometimes using her chin to help keep them in her hands.
I sewed her both a Christmas dress and a cozy robe. The both came out pretty well, I'm pretty proud of my sewing lately. It's not perfect and one can easy see the amateur stitching, but I love the items on her. I made her a poncho too that fits great and looks so cute on her.
Monday, October 10, 2016
Teeth!
Lots to report since my last entry! Liza is growing so fast. She has 3 teeth now, one is in the back and I didn't know it was there until I felt it, so who knows when it actually poked through. Liza is always running now, enjoying her play slide, play grounds, a crawling through tube my mom got her, and a pile of couch cushions that she can scramble up. In addition to major gross motor gains, she has become very affectionate, which is the most precious thing.
Often while I'm at the sink or the counter she will walk up and hug my legs, sometimes when I'm holding her she will lean in and give me a kiss - it melts my heart! She's been doing this for me for a little while now, but this weekend she started hugging and kissing Ryan and I know his heart is a puddle now too.
We've started up our music class and Liza is much more interactive with the songs and instruments. She barely sits still at Born to Read and likes to walk right up to the book while the teacher is reading a story to the babies. She knows when its time to put the animal puppets away and willing runs over to put her animal in the bag.
We had a great trip to Salt Lake City in September and a fun few days in Ocean City with Ryan's parents. Liza totally loved the beach an ocean and playing around Ryan's grandma's house while we were there. We also got to spend a few days in Canfield and Liza got lots of family time and a quick trip to the awesome Canfield library.
She's going down easier at night now, which is wonderful. However, she still struggles when we travel. It's hard to know if its different surroundings that are keeping her from going to sleep or if there is a coincidental tooth popping through.
We've been having lots of fun hanging out with friends. Beth and Thea come over a lot to play, and we go and see Shannon and Tyler sometimes among other get-togethers. We've enjoyed going to the market with Liza and taking her to Paulus Farm yesterday to play in their corn shed and corn maze.
Often while I'm at the sink or the counter she will walk up and hug my legs, sometimes when I'm holding her she will lean in and give me a kiss - it melts my heart! She's been doing this for me for a little while now, but this weekend she started hugging and kissing Ryan and I know his heart is a puddle now too.
We've started up our music class and Liza is much more interactive with the songs and instruments. She barely sits still at Born to Read and likes to walk right up to the book while the teacher is reading a story to the babies. She knows when its time to put the animal puppets away and willing runs over to put her animal in the bag.
We had a great trip to Salt Lake City in September and a fun few days in Ocean City with Ryan's parents. Liza totally loved the beach an ocean and playing around Ryan's grandma's house while we were there. We also got to spend a few days in Canfield and Liza got lots of family time and a quick trip to the awesome Canfield library.
She's going down easier at night now, which is wonderful. However, she still struggles when we travel. It's hard to know if its different surroundings that are keeping her from going to sleep or if there is a coincidental tooth popping through.
We've been having lots of fun hanging out with friends. Beth and Thea come over a lot to play, and we go and see Shannon and Tyler sometimes among other get-togethers. We've enjoyed going to the market with Liza and taking her to Paulus Farm yesterday to play in their corn shed and corn maze.
Thursday, September 1, 2016
Goodbye summer
Tonight we took a crisp walk with my mom, who is visiting overnight. We've had quite the last two weeks. Liza and us enjoyed a long weekend of grandma visiting which gave Ryan and I the chance to go out to dinner and for coffee after. We also all went to the west shore market and got some tasty watermelon, cantaloupe and beets at the market and then had a great greek lunch at Hellenic Kouzina.
Unfortunately the following Friday Liza got her first fever. We had to treat her for about 54 hours (The doctor said it shouldn't go beyond 48). I took her to get checked on Monday and she had a little rash on her belly. The doctor thought it might be roseola. Who know. We had more rash issues on Tuesday and ended up having to give Benadryl. Things seem to be all back to normal now.
And guess who got her first tooth - finally! Liza sprouted a sharp little tooth that were able to feel on Sunday night. At certain angles you can juuust see it poking up. 15 months + 1 week. She took her sweet time!
On Saturday we head to Salt lake with little Beanie Baby for a fun week of reliving our year of fun in the Wasatch,
Unfortunately the following Friday Liza got her first fever. We had to treat her for about 54 hours (The doctor said it shouldn't go beyond 48). I took her to get checked on Monday and she had a little rash on her belly. The doctor thought it might be roseola. Who know. We had more rash issues on Tuesday and ended up having to give Benadryl. Things seem to be all back to normal now.
And guess who got her first tooth - finally! Liza sprouted a sharp little tooth that were able to feel on Sunday night. At certain angles you can juuust see it poking up. 15 months + 1 week. She took her sweet time!
On Saturday we head to Salt lake with little Beanie Baby for a fun week of reliving our year of fun in the Wasatch,
Sunday, August 14, 2016
Red white and Walking!
She's since been walking further and further.
We are on our way home from a fun weekend in Canfield. We visited baba in rehab after her hip surgery and went to aunt Noreen's new condo for a 4th of July picnic. It went fast as usual but we had a really nice time being home and seeing Liza spend time with Grandma and Grandpa.
On the move - big time!
Liza is unstoppable now. When she wants to move, don't get in her way!
We enjoyed a visit from my parents and grandparents last month right around my birthday. Liza got to play with everyone while we ate pizza and salad. 
We've been keeping busy with library story time, some play dates, and toddler time at Giant. We had a little picnic at ft Hunter with our friends Beth and Thea. We swam in our friends' Shannon and Tyler's new pool, and we've enjoyed going to our "favorite place in Harrisburg" Wonders Found Thrift Shop about once a week. Last week I got Liza a toy upright vacuum cleaner for $1.50 and she loves it!
Last weekend we went to te Poconos so Ryan and his sister Nicole could complete a relay triathalon together. My in laws came too and Liza had a ball running all around the hotel and restaurants with them. She bonded with cousin Josh a little more too! We took a quick swim in the hotel pool and watched some of the olympics while we were there. Nicole and Ryan had a great race and Liza was carried over the finish line.
I've been sewing more lately and made Liza 3 pairs of shoes, Robeez style. One pair is real suede but the others are faux.
I also made a pair for Thea and one for Shannon's baby who is due next month.
This weekend we are in Gates Mills visiting Ryan's parents. (we saw a tornado on the way!) We went to the rainforest at the Cleveland zoo yesterday. And had delicious Cuban sandwiches for dinner. Liza is loving a new house to run around in. She's been carrying her new toys all around the house with nanna and enjoying pop pop reading to her. 
I have to finish tagging items for the next consignment sale in two weeks. We also have a visit from my mom to look forward to next week! She will be staying a few days and I know Liza will be loving every minute with her Grandma - and grandma will be loving it too!
I'm looking forward to Music Together starting again as I know Liza will be participating and soaking in so much more now that she's mobile. I'm also excited for a bunch of new songs!
We have Ryans office pool party coming up, followed by a trip to Utah (Liza too this time!) and then a trip Ocean
City. We plan on visiting Canfield again at the beginning of October and then the holidays will be upon us before we know it.
I'll blog again soon!
Thursday, May 19, 2016
One year
My sweet baby will be one year old on Saturday. It's so strange for me to feel the same weather, smell the same flowers, and even wear some of the same clothes I wore a year ago. It remind me of a time when Liza wasn't quite here yet, and for some reason that plays tricks on my mind, like it didn't really happen.
I remember getting home from work and making spring rolls to eat on the porch while I did my charting. I remember all my patients asking about my due date. I remember that rolling over in bed required a warm-up and a cool-down.
Sometimes I look back at labor and the birth and think if I had to do it over I would change a few things. It's easy to say "oh I would have gotten in the birthing tub, I would have walked the halls, I would have done even more skin-to-skin. I wouldn't have gone into the hospital for another couple hours." But truthfully, everyone does the best they can and thats all you get. I was blessed with a health baby at the end of it all. I was one of the lucky ones who had a supportive mother of her own to come and stay and help when I was more than clueless.
The first few weeks were so hard for Ryan and I. But after the first month things got better and better. Liza's personality came out when we was about 5 weeks old. She was smiling and kicking her legs like crazy in Ocean City, her first little trip.
Fast forward to today. Liza is sleeping still (yay!) after getting up once last night, fighting sleep again on being put back down. We have music class at 9:30 where she will crawl all around the room and shake her little instruments. We might walk on City Island later with a group called Hike It Baby. We have mom groups and play dates, library story time, swim lessons. All sorts of activities with a new group of great friends. Its been a transformational year and I am so happy I'm fortunate enough to stay home and be with Liza as she grows and learns.
Our family is a family now. We became a family of 3, and for lack of a better word, its perfect.
I remember getting home from work and making spring rolls to eat on the porch while I did my charting. I remember all my patients asking about my due date. I remember that rolling over in bed required a warm-up and a cool-down.
Sometimes I look back at labor and the birth and think if I had to do it over I would change a few things. It's easy to say "oh I would have gotten in the birthing tub, I would have walked the halls, I would have done even more skin-to-skin. I wouldn't have gone into the hospital for another couple hours." But truthfully, everyone does the best they can and thats all you get. I was blessed with a health baby at the end of it all. I was one of the lucky ones who had a supportive mother of her own to come and stay and help when I was more than clueless.
The first few weeks were so hard for Ryan and I. But after the first month things got better and better. Liza's personality came out when we was about 5 weeks old. She was smiling and kicking her legs like crazy in Ocean City, her first little trip.
Fast forward to today. Liza is sleeping still (yay!) after getting up once last night, fighting sleep again on being put back down. We have music class at 9:30 where she will crawl all around the room and shake her little instruments. We might walk on City Island later with a group called Hike It Baby. We have mom groups and play dates, library story time, swim lessons. All sorts of activities with a new group of great friends. Its been a transformational year and I am so happy I'm fortunate enough to stay home and be with Liza as she grows and learns.
Our family is a family now. We became a family of 3, and for lack of a better word, its perfect.
Friday, April 1, 2016
April Fools!
Has she tricked me by sleeping through the night last night :)
Our little one has been quite busy since my last post. Not only is she crawling but she's standing up (pulling up) on anything and everything, and loves climbing the stairs.
We had a great time in Florida. There was a long delay on our outbound flight and Liza took it really well. We arrived in the middle of the night, and we were dead tired the next day, but soon we were back to normal and enjoying Florida.
My mom and Greg met us in Tarpon Springs for lunch, then came back to the house for the night. This gave Ryan and I a chance to go out to breakfast and have a little 1 on 1 time. When my parents moved on south we went to Myakka State park and saw some gators along the water. We walked Celery Fields each morning, visited Caspersen Beach (our favorite!) and Bradenton beach. We had some really good food, my favorite being a seafood lunch at The Seafood Shack in Cortez.
Each night we watched the Westminster dog show and had key lime pie! Liza had a great time crawling all around the house and seeing palm trees and ocean for the first time. We can't wait to go back again.
March flew by! We had some nice days and Liza and I took advantage and walked out side a lot. We are part of a group called "Hike it Baby" and April starts a challenge to log 30 miles in 30 days. If it doesn't rain today we will get started!
Our second session of Music Together has started, and our friends Shannon and Tyler are in class with us. They are also in our storytime group with our other friends Angela and David. We scored another Spanish childrens' book at the end of the last session. Liza has been really loving being read to lately, and I even catch her "reading" by herself. Its so cute!
We've been hanging out with our other friends from Mom Group - Beth and her baby Thea. We walked with them yesterday and enjoyed the fresh air. However, I did come home with a few mosquito bites - of course!
We have a big consignment sale coming up in a couple weeks, and I'm selling a bunch of stuff that Liza has outgrown. I'm excited to get her some nice new things at great prices. My mom will be coming down to help me get all my stuff to the sale and shop. She'll be able to make it to the library with us too!
We had a great Easter, although it went fast. We were able to go to Canfield and enjoy brunch with the Pannunzio's and visit with Baba too.
Someone is awake - gotta run!
Our little one has been quite busy since my last post. Not only is she crawling but she's standing up (pulling up) on anything and everything, and loves climbing the stairs.
We had a great time in Florida. There was a long delay on our outbound flight and Liza took it really well. We arrived in the middle of the night, and we were dead tired the next day, but soon we were back to normal and enjoying Florida.
My mom and Greg met us in Tarpon Springs for lunch, then came back to the house for the night. This gave Ryan and I a chance to go out to breakfast and have a little 1 on 1 time. When my parents moved on south we went to Myakka State park and saw some gators along the water. We walked Celery Fields each morning, visited Caspersen Beach (our favorite!) and Bradenton beach. We had some really good food, my favorite being a seafood lunch at The Seafood Shack in Cortez.
Each night we watched the Westminster dog show and had key lime pie! Liza had a great time crawling all around the house and seeing palm trees and ocean for the first time. We can't wait to go back again.
March flew by! We had some nice days and Liza and I took advantage and walked out side a lot. We are part of a group called "Hike it Baby" and April starts a challenge to log 30 miles in 30 days. If it doesn't rain today we will get started!
Our second session of Music Together has started, and our friends Shannon and Tyler are in class with us. They are also in our storytime group with our other friends Angela and David. We scored another Spanish childrens' book at the end of the last session. Liza has been really loving being read to lately, and I even catch her "reading" by herself. Its so cute!
We've been hanging out with our other friends from Mom Group - Beth and her baby Thea. We walked with them yesterday and enjoyed the fresh air. However, I did come home with a few mosquito bites - of course!
We have a big consignment sale coming up in a couple weeks, and I'm selling a bunch of stuff that Liza has outgrown. I'm excited to get her some nice new things at great prices. My mom will be coming down to help me get all my stuff to the sale and shop. She'll be able to make it to the library with us too!
We had a great Easter, although it went fast. We were able to go to Canfield and enjoy brunch with the Pannunzio's and visit with Baba too.
Someone is awake - gotta run!
Saturday, February 6, 2016
And she's off
How did this happen? Since Thanksgiving Liza has been toying with the idea of crawling. She started by just laying on her belly and waving her arms and legs in a "swimming frog" motion. Then she would push up on her arms. Eventually she got on all fours and rocked back and forth for a while before going back onto her belly. Finally, she mastered the skill of putting herself into a sitting position, and going from sitting to all fours and back again.
Last Saturday, after being able to somewhat scoot for very short distances, she actually crawled! It was so cute! She keeps one leg straight out to the side a lot of the time like spiderman. Last Saturday my mom was here visiting and I'm so happy she was able to see Liza crawl. They were sitting on the runner in our hallway, and Liza was scooting and sitting. Ryan said "Ok, we are going to try this." and took a toy and placed it about 4 or 5 feet away. And she went for it! She crawled over and got it!
Now she crawls all the time. At the library on Tuesday she crawled over to the middle of the room when they put the toys out.
Another adorable thing happening is that she "feeds" her baby dolls with the play food she has, and also gives them her binky. She will give Ryan and I her binky too and smile and its the cutest thing ever! My mom taught her this too. I have to admit I was doubtful when I heard them playing, that my 8 month old would be able to give her binky to a doll and to me, but she does! Right to the mouth!
She's consistently giving is about 4 nights a week of sleeping all the way through to the 7 o'clock hour. With the other 3 nights getting up to eat around 3:30-4:30am, but then going back to bed til 7:30ish. I do have to put the binky back in a time or two most nights, but over all she is sleeping well and I can't complain.
We've been enjoying our Music Together classes, our library story time, our mom group, and our swim lessons. She is adorable in her little sailboat and lobster swim suit. She likes the water and splashes her hands around as soon as we get in. Last week she did fuss for a few minutes in the middle of the lesson, but that was out of character, and I think maybe she was getting cold. I just held her pretty close for the rest of the lesson and she was fine.
We've been enjoying some play dates with our friends. We go over to Shannon and her 14th month old son's house about once a week to hang out and play, and we had a couple moms over after the snow storm a couple weeks ago.
Liza has really expanded my social life. I went from having 0.0 friends here in Harrisburg to having several moms that I consider to be my friends. I'm excited to watch our babies grow up and become friends too.
I've been following a few couponing pages on Facebook, and found us a code for Redbox, so we watched "Hotel Transylvania last night. I liked it! It was hard trying to keep Liza from watching, as we dont want her watching TV until she's older. We draped a blanket over the rails of her playyard, which worked for a while.
We are going to Florida in about 5 days. I'm a little nervous to fly and travel with Liza. I'm sure its going to be fine, we have a direct flight and a great place to stay, so I know theres really nothing to worry about. I can't wait for her to see the beach and ocean for the first time! Last summer she didn't see the ocean in New Jersey, she was asleep in the stroller.
Last Saturday, after being able to somewhat scoot for very short distances, she actually crawled! It was so cute! She keeps one leg straight out to the side a lot of the time like spiderman. Last Saturday my mom was here visiting and I'm so happy she was able to see Liza crawl. They were sitting on the runner in our hallway, and Liza was scooting and sitting. Ryan said "Ok, we are going to try this." and took a toy and placed it about 4 or 5 feet away. And she went for it! She crawled over and got it!
Now she crawls all the time. At the library on Tuesday she crawled over to the middle of the room when they put the toys out.
Another adorable thing happening is that she "feeds" her baby dolls with the play food she has, and also gives them her binky. She will give Ryan and I her binky too and smile and its the cutest thing ever! My mom taught her this too. I have to admit I was doubtful when I heard them playing, that my 8 month old would be able to give her binky to a doll and to me, but she does! Right to the mouth!
She's consistently giving is about 4 nights a week of sleeping all the way through to the 7 o'clock hour. With the other 3 nights getting up to eat around 3:30-4:30am, but then going back to bed til 7:30ish. I do have to put the binky back in a time or two most nights, but over all she is sleeping well and I can't complain.
We've been enjoying our Music Together classes, our library story time, our mom group, and our swim lessons. She is adorable in her little sailboat and lobster swim suit. She likes the water and splashes her hands around as soon as we get in. Last week she did fuss for a few minutes in the middle of the lesson, but that was out of character, and I think maybe she was getting cold. I just held her pretty close for the rest of the lesson and she was fine.
We've been enjoying some play dates with our friends. We go over to Shannon and her 14th month old son's house about once a week to hang out and play, and we had a couple moms over after the snow storm a couple weeks ago.
Liza has really expanded my social life. I went from having 0.0 friends here in Harrisburg to having several moms that I consider to be my friends. I'm excited to watch our babies grow up and become friends too.
I've been following a few couponing pages on Facebook, and found us a code for Redbox, so we watched "Hotel Transylvania last night. I liked it! It was hard trying to keep Liza from watching, as we dont want her watching TV until she's older. We draped a blanket over the rails of her playyard, which worked for a while.
We are going to Florida in about 5 days. I'm a little nervous to fly and travel with Liza. I'm sure its going to be fine, we have a direct flight and a great place to stay, so I know theres really nothing to worry about. I can't wait for her to see the beach and ocean for the first time! Last summer she didn't see the ocean in New Jersey, she was asleep in the stroller.
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