Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Then & Now

So the sentimental mom needed to put a side by side to show Gwen at age 1 and age 2.  What a difference a year makes.  Then, she was a baby.  Now, she is a little girl.  Happy  Birthday sweetheart!

THEN:  October 2009-Gwen turns 1


NOW:  October 2010- Gwen turns 2

My Baby is 2!

My Sweet Angel Gwendolyn-

I wish you the happiest of birthdays!

Last year at your one year appointment with Dr. Snelling, she told me to remember you the way you were at age one because by age two I would not recognize you.  I thought she meant how you looked.  Boy was I wrong.  In one short, and fast, year, my baby became a little girl, in looks and life.  Last year on your birthday you were this little helpless baby.  You were crawling around, you had little hair and a lot of pudge.  You were still on the bottle and would take 2 naps.  You only had a couple of words, if that, and were just starting to develop a personality. 

Now I look at you and am amazed at what you have become.  You are this beautiful little girl who talks constantly.  You are this sweet little girl that runs from us in grocery stores and has this head of hair that I refer to as Texas hair (it's gigantic at times).  You are so innocent and pure that you constantly make us laugh.  You are so smart which is seen by your constant use of words, the ability to count to 10, knowing your ABC's, repeating every word we say, knowing your colors and how to manage an iPhone.......the list is endless.  You give the biggest and best hugs, your smile lights up a room, and your laugh is the most beautiful sound in the universe. 

I would be lying if I said that you were this perfectly well behaved little child all the time.  In the past year we learned some not-so-fun traits that you have too.  You are stubborn and won't do anything unless it is your idea.  This was seen by you not taking your first steps until 18 months.  You are a spoiled brat, and I say that with love in my heart.  If you don't get what you want, you throw the biggest most spectacular tantrums and proceed to get snot and saliva everywhere.  Sometimes I can't help but laugh at how dramatic you are over the smallest things. 

I said in your first birthday letter that the day you were born was hands down the best day of my life.  I believe in that statement more now than ever.  You are the love and light of my life and everyday with you is amazing............both good days and bad :-)

I love you Gwendolyn!
Love,
Mama

Friday, October 8, 2010

One Friday A Month...........

our daycare is open until 9:30 pm so parents can have a night out.  This will be the 2nd time we are leaving Gwen (it will be a monthly thing) and we love it.  It's $20 extra and they feed her dinner and she plays with other kids.  Yes, she is at daycare for 14 hours on those days, but honestly, I don't care.  Momma & Dadda need a night out!!

I also have a couple shout outs:

Happy Birthday Mom!

Congratulations to Mike & Macaire Cognetti.  They welcomed Jasper Colman today at 3:52 am.  Everyone is healthy and happy! 

Thursday, October 7, 2010

Thankful Thursday

With all of my traveling and busy work schedule, I haven't had a chance to complete a Thankful Thursday in a while.  So here you go:

1.  That the madness of the first 8 months of 2010 seems to have been put to rest, and things are looking up again.  I have hope that 2010 will end on a high note and that is something I thought I would NEVER say this year.

2.  This stage in Gwen's life.  She has been so happy and is not stingy with her kisses and hugs.  She runs everywhere and has so much energy.  She seems to be using her words more and breaking down less.  It's been so much fun and I am looking forward to truly enjoying this time.

3.  The last 3 months of the year.  I love the fall and I love the magic of the holiday season.  This time of year has snuck up on me and has come very fast.  It seems like yesterday I was planning Gwen's 1st Birthday and I am now planning her 2nd. 

4.  Upcoming family visits.  I am really looking forward to The Jurbalas coming out in a couple of weeks, my parents for Thanksgiving, and hopefully the entire Jurbala clan for Christmas.  Gwen now recognizes everyone and it makes it more fun to watch for us and I am sure for all the grandparents/uncles/aunts too.

5.  Pumpkin Spice Lattes.  There doesn't need to be an explanation for this one.  The taste and the warmth........yummmm.

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Wordless Wednesday (with some words)

Symbolizing Everhard 't Serclaes, the Brussels hero, it is said you will be fortunate if you rub his elbow.   First of all, I thought it was a woman.  Second of all, I quickly touched his leg (not knowing the elbow rule) because I didn't want to put too much effort in touching a statue that I am sure is a petri dish of nasty germs.  Given the fact that t' Serclaes met an untimely death, I'm not sure what kind of 'good fortune' rubbing this statue is supposed to bring...............



Sunday, October 3, 2010

The most AMAZING homecoming

I opened the door to Gwen running full speed at me yelling "mama home!  mama home!".  She jumped into my arms and gave me hug after hug.  She squeezed me so hard.  She looked at me and said "mouth.........kiss" and gave me the biggest kiss.  It far exceeded my expectations.  This weekend she has been so lovable and wonderful to me.  It makes my heart melt. 

On top of the amazing homecoming from Gwen, Mike had flowers for me and dinner (enchiladas) ready for me.  It was perfect.  I should go away more often :-)

I do have to say that I left a little girl who was calm and could sit for hours and play with the iPhone.  I came home to a little wild child who doesn't sit still.  I guess the 2's are coming upon us fast!!

Brussels

I went to Brussels for 2 weeks for a work trip.  I wish I could say that I saw all the sites and had a blast.  The truth is I spent 99% of my time in the office, in meetings, or working in my hotel room.  It was an intense 2 weeks but completely worth it.  Everyone was wonderful to me and I was able to visit a patient in a hospital.........not to mention the invaluable time with my boss and co-workers.  I feel very connected to my company and my job.

Amidst all the work I was able to drink good beer/wine and eat great food.  I ate pastries/chocolate everyday and it was mussel season........yum!  My last day I was able to go visit the Grand Place and Manneken Pis. 

Grand Place

Manneken Pis