Friends Forever

Dziadzia loves Genevieve for the simple fact that Gianna loves her so much, and he tells me they are going to be friends forever. Yesterday, the girls were surprised with a play date. Josh, Genevieve's dad, said that Gena shook with excitement when she heard she was going to Gia's house. When Gia heard Gena was coming over, she yelled, "YEAH! Ge-na."

good night kiss

I started with the cute story and pictures. Let me continue. We began by the girls eating green beans while I made some dinner. Then, they jumped around, played with noisy packing paper, read books, and danced. After awhile, Genevieve wanted to play in the basement, so I brought her down there and ran back upstairs to find Gianna stuck in the bathroom. She shut the door and opened the bottom drawer...so far that she couldn't push it back in. When I shoved my fingers in the crack, the door pushed the drawer so that it wouldn't follow the tracks back in. I kept saying, "Gia, stand next to the potty," so that I didn't take her out in the process. Remember, the little sweetie I am babysitting is in my basement alone this entire time. My heart is starting to race...Do I call Molly and Josh? Ryan is going to kill me. Am I gonna have to break this door? Oh great, Gia is getting upset. Stay calm. I thought I was going to lose it. To my extreme relief, I managed to pull the drawer out completely and open the door. Gia was fine, and Gena was still happy as pie downstairs! That must be why people put safety clips on their drawers.

We sat down to eat dinner (tacos followed our green bean appetizer). Playtime again. I hear, "Rachel, Vito's getting me!" Gena comes racing around the corner with Vito attached to her blanky. She climbs to safety on the chair while I put pj's on Gia. "Vito, NO!" I look over to see Vito on Gena's leg, going to town. Vito spent the rest of the night locked in my room, Gia slept soundly in her bed, and Genevieve and I cuddled while watching The Santa Clause and making gifts for Mommy and Daddy.

Do you think I'll get asked to babysit ever again?

Sweet As Pie

Here is the video of Gianna giving Great-Grandpa May a kiss.

Our last couple of visits at Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa's have been lots of fun.  Gia has been her animated self running around their living room, giggling, and throwing out plenty of "No's."  Recently, Gia overcame, well almost, her fear of Bongo, Great-Grandpa's African Gray parrot.  She used to step foot in the room, let out a scream, and run the other direction.  Now, as long as she is near someone else, Bongo is actually somewhat interesting!  She enjoyed talking and dancing with him.

Thanks for having us Great-Grandma and Great-Grandpa.  We can't wait to see you over Christmas.

Sickie

Last night, I was at work waiting to work the high school basketball games when Ryan called me with Gia crying, crying, crying in the background.  He told me that Tricia, our day care provider, said that Gianna woke up screaming from a short nap, and she had been crying pretty much for the past couple of hours.  I raced home to find the saddest face resting on the bed with Daddy.  Her eyes were swollen and droopy.  She was so sick.  We took her in right away, and she started on antibiotics for an ear infection.  Here is a picture of her on our way home. Nope, her hat is not in her eyes.  Poor thing.

Gianna felt much better today, but her cough prevented her from napping.  She has been so healthy.  I am hopeful that she'll kick this bug quickly.

Shutterfly To The Rescue

Shutterfly makes my heart sing. I can’t get enough of personalizing cards and gifts, especially with Gia’s cuteness. When I can’t find the right gift, or I need just a tad bit more for a special someone, Shutterfly comes to my rescue!

Ryan and I were given a photo book after our wedding, and I made one for Gia’s first year and one for her to read about her amazing daddy. Our wedding book took the place of a traditional wedding album, and after a year and a a half, the pages in Gianna’s “My Daddy” book are still in mint condition!

Grandma loves the calendar that Ammy (Amber) made her. I think Grandpa might need a calendar poster for his office. As a teacher, I love the 18-month option.  Did you hear about the feature that allows you to put in pictures and notes on specific dates? I think a picture of Gianna on May 25th or a big, fat 30 on April 19th (cough, Ryan) would be great additions to a Fawver calendar.

Gianna gave Great-Grandpa an adorable mug last year. I bet Dziadzia would love a mug (shhh). I have also personalized cards and invitations on Shutterfly. Here are a few of my favorite holiday cards (there are hundreds).

I love the playful design of the Joy Wishes Ornament folded card. 

Mod Love and Retro Love are bright and cheery. Pictures in Shutterfly cards, calendars, and books turn out crisp and colorful.

Glitter And Gold 2011 has just the right sparkle and may be just what I need if I’m too late for Christmas cards…

The Happy 2011 Damask design comes out beautifully in black and white or color.  I know both from experience!

Happy Shopping = Shutterfly Shopping

Hey fellow bloggers - Shutterfly is giving away 50 free cards to those of you who want to do a little advertising for them.  I found it very easy since I am familiar with and do love their products!  Check out the Shutterfly blog for details.  

We Are Thankful

for Gianna’s warm hugs

for siblings and nephews

for parents and grandparents

for family get-togethers and shared recipes

for each other

Thanksgiving

Over Thanksgiving, Gianna, Ryan, and I were fortunate enough to spend time with Ryan’s extended family, my extended family, our parents, and our grandparents. 

Gia didn’t feel great at Aunt Debbie and Uncle Mike’s.  My cousins all took turns acting like their crazy selves to try to give me a break.  I wouldn’t trade having a mama’s girl for the world, but it can be exhausting.  Their help was a relief.

On Friday, Gia was her usual playful and bossy self.  She danced with Bongo, spun in circles with Aunt Michelle, and ate Mr. A’s Beef from Dziadzia with Courtney.  I got the cutest video of Gia giving Great Grandpa a kiss.  Stay tuned; I need to crop it.

Ring Around the Rosie

Updates like this make my day. Tricia (day care) sent it to me yesterday with a note that Gia and her friends had been going 'round and 'round for 15 minutes. We are so thankful for Tricia!

Sent from my U.S. Cellular BlackBerry® smartphone