So, here we are one week later...

Last Friday was the day Guiliana got her tubes. Everyone kept saying that she was going to wake up a different girl BUT, that didn't happen. I got a little discouraged because I was really hoping that she would instantly be better. Well I spoke WAY to soon. As the week has gone on I have seen a bigger and bigger change in her. Her teachers at school saw the change first. They commented on how much more content she seemed and that she actually took naps longer than 10 minutes! I particularly have seen a change in her in the evenings. She usually was very difficult to feed dinner to and fussy after her bath when I would get her dressed. Now she eats a fantastic dinner and is super happy and playful in the evening. Tonight she was especially a happy camper. It could be that she got to eat a happy meal in the grocery cart as I was food shopping! LOL! She LOVES her Chicken McNuggets. It is amazing she was able to function at all with all that crud in her ears!! I have noticed that her hearing has improved. She enjoys her Mickey Mouse Clubhouse soundtrack even more now that she can hear it. She instantly smiles and bounces up and down in her carseat :) Also this week, she started taking more steps. I am sure that she has better balance now that her ears are clear. The only thing about the whole "tube" thing, is the constant drainage of her ears. I guess its better that it comes out then staying in and getting infected! I am told that the drainage will get better and slow down. Its amazing what science and medicine can do for our children these days! I am grateful that she is better!

Greg's 30th Birthday Dinner party

Greg turns the BIG 30 tomorrow, May 18th, so we threw a party for him last night. We left it up to him to tell us how he wanted to spend this big birthday. He wanted something small and low-key with his closest family and friends. So, myself along with my in-laws threw him a Dinner party at their house. I decided that I wanted it to be a "black/white/silver" party. I asked everyone to wear black and white if they could and make it semi-dressy. I LOVE planning parties, so I came up with this "vision" in my head of exactly what I wanted it to be for him. I wanted it to be a nice evening for the adults - dinner, cocktails, and good conversation, along with some candlelit. On the menu were Greg's favorites: Baked Ravioli, Meatballs, Caesar Salad, warm-olive bruchetta, sandwiches, oh and for is cake... he wanted a "cinnabun" cake. I also made my famous Chocolate covered strawberries too!
He seemed to really enjoy himself! He had several drinks thanks to Steve's helpful bar tending. I am so thankful that all of our bestest friends and family came to share this special milestone occasion with him. We really have a fantastic group of family and friends!! I want to especially thank my in-laws for their huge part in making this party possible. They always come through for us! The party turned out even better than I could have imagined!

Guiliana gets her tubes

So, Friday May 15th was the day Guiliana got tubes put in her ears. It went better than I thought. I was concerned about her not being able to eat for 8 hours prior to surgery so I gave her pediasure for both her 8pm bottle and then when I woke her up before midnight. It filled her up and she didn't fuss to eat again till after her surgery (surgery wasn't till 9:30am). She woke up that morning in a great mood and even fell asleep on the way to the hospital. She played up until the minute they took her and when the nurse finally did take her back, she didn't cry (which was the part that I was dreading the most) After maybe 5-7 min the doctor came out and told us that she did great and that its a wonder this kid wasn't miserable as she had "rubber cement" like crud in her ears!! They let us back before she woke up (they had an oxygen mask on her that helped bring her out of the anesthesia). She woke up cried for 1 sec and immediately went back to taking and laughing like before she went in. I was super nervous about putting her under but everything worked out very well. I look forward to no more infections!!!

We got to wait in the "G" room :)



She wouldn't wear her hospital bracelet on her wrist so we had to put it on her ankle!

Mother's Day Weekend 2009

I have to say that Mother's Day this year has by far been the best!! I know that is a little premature as this is only my 2nd but, it really was fantastic!! It started Friday night with a gift from Greg and Guiliana, a beautiful necklace that Greg says the both picked out :) Then yesterday was the day that we really celebrated. We decided to do it on Saturday because both Greg and I and my in-laws have agreed, parties, get-togethers, etc... are more fun and less stressful on Saturdays and we leave Sundays to relax before another week of work.
We went over to grandma and grandpa's house yesterday for breakfast. Grandma made blueberry pancakes, fresh fruit, and turkey sausage. It was a very yummy (and my kinda) breakfast. We exchanged gifts before breakfast because we had a coffee cup made for Grandma with pictures of her and Guiliana together and I wanted her to use it with breakfast. Grandma and Guiliana had made me a special project together at school for me and it was truly a touching gift. I also got a bag of "hugs & kisses" and a gift card to starbucks!!
After playing in her sandbox for a bit Guiliana went for a nap and I got to relax in the pool that grandma and grandpa bought for us. Thanks to daddy for pumping it up, it was a pain in the butt!! I laid out for about an hour listening to music and enjoying some "me" time before Guiliana woke up. After lunch it was time for her and I to do some swimming. She really enjoys the water. It was nice because the pool was filled up just enough to where she could move around with out falling under. Brooklyn even decided she needed to swim!! I got to lay out some more when Guiliana went in the house to play with grandma and grandpa.
For dinner I made my mother-in-law and I a special dinner, Cool Veggie Pizza, and my father-in-law made the boys ribs. And after the sun went down Guiliana did some more playing in the sandbox. We made the most outta of our day.
It really was the best day!! I appreciate the recognition that was given to me this weekend. Greg really made sure that I had a relaxing and enjoyable weekend. He wanted me to sleep-in this morning but my body didn't respond! LOL but I appreciated the effort. We had yummy veggie omelets this morning and he cooked and cleaned up the dishes.
I want to thank my in-laws for having us over yesterday and for all that they do. Getting the pool for us, always helping with Guiliana, and just making yesterday a great time for the whole family. We are looking forward to many more "pool" days as the summer goes on.
My beautiful necklace!

The wonderful breakfast my mother-in-law made

Grandma's gift (that I very much enjoyed wrapping!)


My handmade gift (they actually held the pen in Guiliana's hand and she helped write her name)

Sandbox... Round 1
Grandma sharing her tulips


Time for Swimming!!







Playing with her Spongebob sprinkler she got for her birthday


Spending sometime with Grandma and Grandpa
In the top one they were talking to Great-Grandma Millie in NY


She loves to swing with Grandma

So sweet :)

Round 2



Some funny shots of the family!




This face makes me so proud to be a mommy! This was the face I woke up to this morning. I am so thankful that my beautiful baby girl was sent to me! I have waited all my life to get to celebrate Mother's Day!