all growed up

How did this happen so quickly? One day I am rocking my inconsolable little boy, trying to get him to sleep as he clings his sweet arms around my neck, and the next he is full of excitement and curiosity running to see the joy that awaits him outdoors on a crisp March day.

Milestones are around every corner right now, this week was no different. Our ritual for the past 10 months has been very much the same every night. Bryan walks in the door from his 12-hour work day and I punch my time clock letting him know that my shift is finished. Well, actually, my shift as 'mom' is over but my shift as 'gourmet chef and housekeeper' is just beginning! Okay, gourmet may be pushing it just a little but anything that is prepared on the stove and not the microwave is gourmet to us these days.

Bryan has always been the bath and bedtime guy and the three of us have grown to really love this ritual. I enjoy hearing the two of them laughing as Gio splashes and plays with his shark and Leap the frog singing the ABCs. I know Bryan loves the opportunity to unwind from a busy day by spending time with his son just as much as I love listening to them. As I listen to my guys, I prepare his room: dim lights-check, classical music-check, sippy hidden under the pillow so Gio doesn't see it too soon-check, a sweet kiss goodnight-check and it is back to father and son time with a rock in the chair before prayers and wishes for sweet dreams throughout the night.

Well, the day came where little by little he became less interested in the milk and more interested in jumping in the crib to catch some shuteye. We decided to just stop on Saturday and he has been sleeping soundly ever since. Bryan admitted last night what I had been thinking as well. "Wow, I'm a little sad he has outgrown his bottle before bed". I think that was the first moment I realized how quickly our little boy is changing right before our very eyes. I was so worried about stopping this ritual for the fear of how he would handle the change. I am so relieved that it was his choosing and he will not be scarred for life thinking that mom and dad took his bottle away before he was ready-oh, the therapy bills we have dodged for the time being!

Thankfully, as he turns 16 months old today, he still likes to be rocked when he is tired or hurt or just needs a hug and for that we are very grateful.

February-by the numbers

wow-I am so glad that there are only 28 days in the month of February. It has been one of the longest months and I have been counting down the days until March arrives! 6: The Number of Super Bowl Championships that the Steelers now hold. We had a great time celebrating the Steelers victory and Gio was even able to celebrate with his cute cheerleading friends for the big game. Steeler fans are like nothing I have ever seen before and they sure did celebrate! We noticed that church was much more crowded that Super Bowl Sunday-coincidence? I think not. I thought about taking Gio to the celebratory parade but thought that the two of us in the crowd of hundreds of thousands of people in the cold would not be a great idea. We watched from inside instead. 2: Number of visitors we have had this month-thanks so much mom and dad. Dad was nice enough to bring the rest of Gio's Christmas loot(err, gifts) and some old high school and college memorabilia for me to spend hours looking through. Thanks for making me waste even more time not doing what I should be doing. 1: Missing Luna bar which was stolen via the United States Postal Service from my valentine's card from C-lyn. What the heak? Who opens a package, steals the luna bar, puts the empty wrapper back in the envelope and proceeds to process the envelope? 5: Number of teeth Gio has teethed this month, including two molars and two eye teeth. Although he has been waking up @ 5:30 as a result, he has truly been a trooper. I can't imagine how much pain he is in all the time. 3: Visits to the Dr.'s office. I'm fairly confident that our co-pays have paid for the new office remodeling. I think that they should prepare a plaque in honor of us "This office remodeling has been generously provided by the Morales family, particularly the overly concerned mother" 4: Days Gio had a fever. He was most kind to get sick while my mom was here and although her visit was not as adventurous as we would like, she was a rock when helping me take care of him. He, again, did his best to maintain his energetic personality but certainly fell short at times-specifically in the middle of the night. 1: More ARE test taken by Bryan for a total of 2 so far this year and 1 scheduled very soon. It is quite admirable how he focuses and studies after working 12 hour days. Do I like it that he is locked in the basement? No, but it is admirable...I cannot believe the hassle it is to become a licensed Architect. Seven years of school AND he still has to hit the books every night. I suppose after 5 years of required undergraduate studies, you really know that you love this profession and he wouldn't be doing this if he didn't. 10: Days Gio has to take his antibiotic for his sinus infection. Seriously? After all the teeth and the cold and the fever...he came down with a sinus infection. He was also a 10 at the Dr.s office. The dr. said he really made his day and he wishes all of his patients behaved as well as our little guy. Wow, what else could a mom hope to hear? Let's hope he keeps this up for the next 18 years-give or take. 6: Number of deer in our back yard this week. Gio loved looking at them and quietly watching them graze. Of course, it was not as exciting as watching Grandpa Pete feed the buck by hand in San Antonio but watching them through the window is just fine by me. The thought crossed my mind to throw them some lettuce or carrots but then quickly left when I knew that they would be interested in these when we actually grow them in our garden this spring--we'll see how well that goes. 0: Number of the above mentioned things that I would change. Every adventure we go on we experience as a family, and although challenging at times, they allow us to make memories and learn things along the way. Gio is growing and changing so much that so often I catch myself wanting him to do something new and reach the next milestone but the real milestone is the three of us being here...together...enjoying this day that has been given to us. Taking the time to enjoy that is the real challenge.

It's Paczki Day

Happy Paczki Day! (pronounced poon-ch-key)

We started our day by taking Bryan to the Party Cake Shop to pick up some Paczki for the office. As we waited in the car for him, every couple of minutes there were people walking out with paczki by the dozen. It was hard to not ask them for one but I was able to keep myself busy by singing along with Gio's cd (and yes, he was in the car). Finally,after what seemed like hours, bryan arrived in slow motion with the golden donuts. Oh my, I just wanted to eat mine in the car right there but I thought I could have some self-respect and wait until I was able to pair it with a cup of coffee. I mean, what would bryan think if I dropped him off at the "T" with sugar and chocolate all over my face and the steering wheel?

I paired my chocolate-filled paczki with a cup of joe and Gio paired his with a sippy cup of milk. Like with most new foods, it took him a few tries before he became accustomed to the taste but he eventually took a few bites. I'm pretty sure it was the sweetness of the sugar-covered donut filled with jam that shocked him a bit. He still preferred the banana to the paczki so there is hope that he takes after Bryan after all. And, no, he did not eat an entire days worth of calories in one paczki but just had a few nibbles after I scraped off most of the sugar and the jam....Yes, Yes, family, I know I am just a terribly mean mother. Don't worry, I didn't let any of it go to waste!! I love living this quiet life in Pittsburgh with Bryan and John-Paul but today is a day that I wish I was closer to my family. Although Bryan enjoys a good paczki once a year, these are certainly things that I enjoy sharing with my sister.. We are so obsessed with maintaining our Polish traditions (err, primarily those that involve food) that we do not judge, yet we embrace, our love for a glorified donut (or six) on Fat Tuesday. I've also included a few pictures of John-Paul's romp in the snow yesterday. I made the mistake of dressing him in his coat, snowpants and mittens first before getting myself ready. I will only make this mistake once. I felt so bad for him but also found it just a little bit humourous that he had to work so hard to stand up on his own. He has mastered walking but that extra padding made it extra tough for him to move around. He kept holding his hand out for me to help him walk-it was precious. I was glad to have a fun little activity for us to do since we had no plans to leave the house yesterday. Unfortunately, by the time we were opening the garage, I realized how foolish this mom can be at times (most). I thought to myself 'is it really the best idea to take a little boy out in the snow who is just getting over a cold?' hmmm...probably not. So, here are a few pictures of our 2 1/2 minutes (seriously, that's it) playing in the snow and playing in the dining room-which was just as fun!

Happy early birthday to Maribeth---who, as luck would have it, celebrates her birthday on Ash Wednesday. So, Bets, go ahead, eat that extra paczki!

visitors galore!

Wow! 2009 has been off to a fantastic start for us here in Pittsburgh! The Steelers are Superbowl Champions and we have been blessed with a houseful of visitors to help us celebrate the New Year (and the victory)!! When Bryan and I moved to Pittsburgh, we never imagined how generous family and friends would be with their time and plan many wonderful visits to keep us company and keep us connected! I cannot even count the number of times my sister Carrie has been out this year alone! We had a wonderful, relaxing time ringing in the new year with Carrie and Chris, relaxing and laughing with Heather and Lindsay, becoming true Steelers fans at the Strip District with Maribeth and reading stories with Grandpa John. My mom also arrives this week and we hope that Bryan's mom will be able to make a visit this March as well. I need to get better about visiting others as well...maybe when it is warmer and I feel less like a hermit! John-Paul has been growing and changing daily and it is such a joy to see him develop. Yesterday Bryan and I just loved teaching him 'Ring around the Rosie' because he looked like he loved every second of it. He walked around in a circle holding our hands and fell down and giggled-it was precious. We need to take some video for sure!! He is really enjoying being read to right now which is just wonderful. He will bring you a book and sit in your lap and actually listen to an entire story. In the past you would be lucky to read a sentence before he was off to play with something else (usually that playing would include tearing every book off of his bookshelves). He hasn't quite caught on to talking too much yet--he must take after his quiet daddy. Everything he wants is 'dhat' . Cookie =dhat. Book = dhat. Shoe = dhat. there is one exception to his 'dhat' rule and that is dada. Dada is always dada and momma is always dada as well! ah, one day he will start saying momma and I will probably give him lots of hugs and kisses for doing so. For now, I will just give him lots of hugs and kisses for being my sweet, wonderful little boy!

Happy 2009!

looking back...looking forward

Why does this time of year go by so very quickly? We plan and plan and plan some more and then I procrastinate, procrastinate, and procrastinate some more and before I know it-it is over. It is such a beautiful time of year that we all love so much and it is so sad to see it come to an end. This year, I must admit, was a little bit different. I didn't rush around in a buying frenzy and I still haven't shipped all of my presents to my family in Indiana (sorry about that guys). I wasn't necessarily in the Christmas spirit this season as I usually am but when I was, I just wanted to spend time listening to music with my little boy and relaxing at home. We had it easy this year because Gio doesn't quite understand Santa so we have another freebie year and will definitely have to be better about being prepared next year. However, we so badly want to try and celebrate the true reason for the season and not let ourselves get too wrapped up in the commercial aspect of Christmas. I'm sure that is most parents' goal, but when you want to give your child the very best of everything, that goal can easily go by the wayside. Check back with us in December and we'll see how it is going.... 2008 was a great year for our family and we are so blessed to have witnessed this little boy grow and develop into such an amazing little toddler. I can't believe in just a year he went from being our little baby to our little boy-it truly is a miracle. I know that 2009 will be filled with much more laughter and many more big accomplishments for Gio. I am confident that our family's guardian angel will protect us and bring us daily smiles and we look forward to this new year and can't wait to see what 2009 has to offer us. We wish all of our familiy and friends the very best that life has to offer this year. May each day be a new beginning full of hope. May you always know that you are cared about. May you grow from each challenge you face. May you be surrounded by the love of family and friends always.

snow, snow, snow

I want to wash my hands, my face, my hair with snow. Those of you who know me even remotely well know that there are many reasons I love the Christmas season but there are a couple of reasons that top my list. Of course, first would be celebrating the birth of Christ and preparing for his arrival this season-that is a given. On a much different level, my second favorite part of the holidays is celebrating Bing Crosby and the arrival of White Christmas. I don't know what it is about this movie but it is my absolute favorite with A Christmas Story, Love Actually, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation and It's a Wonderful Life tied right behind for second place. To be honest, I have loved this movie for so long, I cannot even remember how it all started. I do remember being quoted in the Munster High School Crier telling the entire school that I love Bing Crosby. I guess that is a sign right there that a problem exists. Of course, he is no Bryan, but that voice-oh my goodness. How could anyone NOT love Bing? And, how nice was he to fill the Pine Tree Inn full of his old service buddies to help their ole general? Amazing voice, nice guy-again, how could you not like him? Oh, ok, i guess his personal life was a little (err, a lot) dysfunctional but, really, whose life isn't in some regard? So, I have chosen my favorite Bing movie-that was easy-but to choose my favorite Bing Christmas song, that is near impossible. There are hundreds of options and I'm sure I have listened to most of them already. While Bryan prefers the Elvis Presley & Charlie Brown Christmas CDs, I am a sucker for the classic Bing and Frank songs (With a little Harry and Mariah thrown in there, too). I'm not trying to have John-Paul choose sides but since he does spend more time with me, I think he is leaning in the same direction. I have narrowed it down to 1. White Christmas-such a classic-but on my off year from going 'home' for Christmas, I can't listen to it too much or I will cry because as enjoyable Christmas in Texas will be, I doubt that it will be white... 2. Adeste Fidelas-that song is just beautiful when it is sung by anyone-with the exception of me- and 3. Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy as sung with David Bowie. Ha, even I laugh so you can as well but it's so fantastic. Individually, their voices are lovely, but together, this song is just stunning. Well, I have made the decision that-drum roll, please-this year's winner is Peace on Earth/Little Drummer Boy. This song trumped the others probably because the song is all about teaching our children to care about others and give of themselves to the world around them unselfishly and if they do not learn from us...who can I expect to teach them? Yes, I'm sure this song beat out the others simply because I do have this glorious little boy at home who changes constantly and his brain takes in every little thing we do. Right now he is proving that by learning new sign language words almost daily. Not only do I have to feed this growing brain with healthy, nutritious food but I need to feed his brain by teaching him how to be a good person. This job sounds easy, but I'm afraid it will be harder than trying to get him to nap.

Peace on Earth, can it be

Years from now, perhaps we'll see

See the day of glory

See the day, when men of good will

Live in peace, live in peace again

Peace on Earth, can it be

Every child must be made aware

Every child must be made to care

Care enough for his fellow man

To give all the love that he can I pray my wish will come true

For my child and your child too

He'll see the day of glory

See the day when men of good will

Live in peace, live in peace again

Peace on Earth, can it be

Can it be

May there be peace in your home and in your hearts this joyous Christmas season.

so very thankful

2008 has given us so many gifts to celebrate and be thankful for this wonderful time of year. We had a blessed and relaxing Thanksgiving visit in Munster. Yes, Bryan, Lucca, John Paul and myself all survived the 7 hour car ride home in our Honda Civic. I'm sure we get some weird looks as we drive down 80 through Ohio and Indiana with Lucca sitting in the front seat. I must admit, though, I really don't mind all that much. Don't get me wrong, I would prefer sitting up with Bryan but when it comes to long car rides, I am like a baby and fall asleep instantly. I was asleep before we left Pennsylvania on the way there and before we hit South Bend on the way home. Thankfully, Bryan is patient and John Paul likes to nap as much as I do! We spent a somewhat quiet weekend at home with most of my family (we missed you Carrie and Chris) but it was great to relax and eat and relax and eat some more. Everyone is loving watching our little guy grow since they last saw him. He is surely walking now and you can see the excitement in his face when he reaches you or the object he is walking towards-he is so proud of himself. Maybe it is because we are cheering him on like he is hitting in the winning run in the bottom of the 9th but we all smile so that is all that counts! My favorite part of our weekend was taking him to see santa for the very first time. Last year he was only one month old and I was a new mom worried about all the germs on that Santa suit! This year, The Region is celebrating the 25th anniversary of "A Christmas Story" as it was written by Jean Shepherd, a Hammond native. They had a display at the Visitors Center so we took him there to see Santa and go down the slide just like Ralphie! Well, needless to say, he HATED Santa but loved the slide!! In addition to the slide, they had great displays of the flagpole incident and, of course, the "Beautiful Awaaard" F-R-A-G-I-L-E Leg Lamp in the window. Although Gio was clueless, we had fun and can't wait to watch this very quotable movie. Hmmm, which makes me have to make a decision as to which movie to watch first "A Christmas Story" or "White Christmas". Decisions, Decisions. I'll do my best to decide while listening to some Christmas music.