Early Riser

The work day is coming to a close.  The hustle, bustle and craziness of the last 8 hours is calming down and I’m ready to go out for drinks at Remy’s in the Seaport with Kristen, Jocelyn, Ali and Heidi.  I’m reallllly looking forward to the girl time.  It’s different than hanging out with Jill.  My girlfriends form full sentences and they don’t poop their pants. 

Besides, Jill and I were able to hang for an extra two hours this morning since she decided to get up at 4 – yes 4 – a.m.  She cried then yelled then squirmed under our covers post-transfer.  She tooted.  Wait, she didn’t smirk or laugh like she usually does.  Must be a bellyache.  I held her in bed.  We cuddled on the couch.  We watched the early early morning news and ate breakfast at 4:30.  No wonder Jill was falling asleep at 6:45 and I was starving at 10.  Early mornings … they can be brutal, somewhat tolerable or even fun.  This morning I enjoyed the extra time with Jill.  Flipped on the coffee maker and kept the lights low in the living room.  The rain fell and we were in no rush to start our day.  It was kind of nice.

Kids Say the Darndest Things

This morning Jill and I were cuddling on the couch when Jill pointed out that it was time to get in shape.  Tony was getting control of the "dish situation" in the kitchen and I was waiting to swap Jill duty to head upstairs and iron my shirt for an important day at work. 

My Mom pointed out that Jill's been clingy lately too.  You don't want to pick her up all the time but then you do.  At some point she won't want to cuddle anymore, right?  And so we snuggle on the couch - Jill in her pajamas and me in my sports bra and gym shorts - when Jill pokes my tummy roll (I was sitting in my defense) and says, "BUBBLE."  Awesome.

Mr. & Mrs. Fernandes

Congratulations to Mark & Ali who were married in Falmouth on Saturday.  Thank you to my Mom who watched Jill all afternoon and overnight so that Tony and I could attend their wedding toddler-free and stay overnight.  It was a treat!  Cheers to this wonderful couple!

Thomas the Train Reaction

Who's that puffing down the tracks?

 (who could it be??)

 It's Thomas!

 God, that's exciting!

 I have to celebrate every single time I watch!

Toy Story 3

Toy Story 3.  The day care scene when the kids come in from the playground.  You know the one I'm talking about.  This scene is so ridiculously funny to us now that we have a toddler in daycare.  Have a look and a good laugh!

At the Playground

Prior to April of 2009 (you do the math), Tony and I used to venture into different parts of the city and check out new restaurants and bars.  Times have certainly changed and now I find myself scouring the area for adventurous yet safe playgrounds!

Sunday afternoon by Wollaston Beach

Monday morning at Collins Rest-A-While Park

at home

Tuesday afternoon by the Atherton School

Jill REALLY enjoys splashing in puddles!
She soaks her shoes and a good portion of her pants too.

Her excitement toward puddles, pool water, the ocean and rain remind me of this quote:

A Saturday Morning at Smolak Farms

first cider donut and it was delicious!

loved running around on the playground with Heidi and Mom

wagon parking

hayride through the orchards

Jill, Denny and Molly (Denny is a stud)

 apple picking was a success!

checking out the pumpkin patch

Weekend Fun

Saturday morning we took a walk to Edgewater Beach.

Jill sported her new jean jacket from Granna.

Saturday afternoon while Tony and Heidi were out on the boat, we checked out a new (to us) playground across the street from the boat ramp.

Jill LOVED it! 

She climbed inside this school bus and pretended to drive.

She went down this slide all by herself!

After that we walked over to Louis Crossing for an early dinner with Tony and Heidi.  Tony, Jill and I have eaten there before but apparently we should have ordered the pizza because it was delicious!  For pizza in the Hough's Neck hood, the Musante household will not order from Harry's (still love your soft serve vanilla!) or Time Out any longer.  It's Louis' from now on!  Anyways, Heidi chased Jill around the restaurant for a bit.  Thank God there were only three white-haired locals at the bar.  Jill managed herself fairly well throughout the meal; I was impressed.  Heidi got a kick out of bathtime.  Jill enjoyed listening to herself scream, kick the bath water and generally show off in front of Heidi.

Sunday morning came much too early and Jill and I started the day cuddling on the couch with Thomas the Train.  We got grocery shopping out of the way early too, and Jill rode in the toddler cart for the first time.  This wasn't the cart/car combo but the cart with the red seat and straps on either side.  Jill tried both sides of course like the view may be different from the left than from where she started on the right.  Sunday afternoon we drove down to my Mom's and then to Mandy's house about 10 minutes away.  Faith, Jackson and Jill played very well together. 

I really wanted to visit with Mandy more but I enjoyed watching Jill play and interact so much that I just sat on the floor to take it all in and yelled to Mandy in the kitchen while she made dinner.

Sunday was of course the 10-year anniversary of the terrorist attacks.  What a strange feeling.  My Mom, Tony and I watched the TV special for a bit then we all headed to bed early.  So sad that it's been 10 years.  It was also my sister-in-law's birthday - Happy Birthday, Jess - and the day that Tony and I started dating in 1999.  Woooooo it's been awhile! 

Now I don't remember my dreams often but Sunday night's slumber included a vivid visit from my Dad.  He was playing with Jill.  He hadn't met her in previous dreams so this one was different.  It was special and bittersweet.  He'd be so proud of his Jill, and he was!