GIBLOGGER

Christmas Letter Blog Style

2011-12-20T15:07:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas to all the Giblogger readers from the Gibilisco's! Here's my best stab at a summary of our year....

This year has been all about change for us. We've changed houses, jobs, pets and the kids have most definitely changed!

The rapid changes began in April when we lost our family dog, Pierre, aka: Schnoodie Boy at only six years old. You might think it crazy that one little dog set our family in motion; but if you knew that little dog you could believe it!

In effort to keep our mind off of the dog, Mike and I went looking at open houses...mostly for fun although we had discussed moving in the near future.

We drove past a home that wasn't even open but did have a For Sale sign in the yard. We parked and walked around the yard. The neighbor came running over to tell us the agent lived next door and to knock and she'd let us in. A few days later we were putting in an offer on a total fixer! I'm not sure what sold us, the mint tile in the bathroom or the shuffle board in the basement but the offer was accepted and we miraculously sold our house in one week. I guess it was all meant to be, or at least that's what I keep telling myself in the middle of our updating projects!

After somewhat settling into our new house we made another crazy decision and drove to Rose Hill, IA to pick up Francois Gibilisco (aka: Frankie Boy). Frankie is a labradoodle and aside from chewing shoes, toy dinosaurs and his incessant need to be right next to you all the time, he's fitting right into our crazy life!

A month after getting Frankie we left on our much needed vacation to Monterey, California. We rented a house and stayed with the kids, my mom and Bob and Mike's parents Ross and Sandy. Angelo celebrated his third birthday on the trip! I can't believe how much my boy has grown. He was excited to see sharks and cars on his vacation! The trip was also to celebrate Ross's birthday and take him to the Monterey Auto Show. Mike and Ross are car lovers and we've been to many a car show with them, but this was the first time I've ever seen them almost lost for words about how many cars they saw and what they had seen!

Speaking of cars, while we were on our trip there was a nasty hail storm in Omaha...coincidentally the airport where my car was parked got baseball sized hail! We returned to find damage like I've never seen. Windows bashed in, water filling the inside of my car and large dents pretty much everywhere. The damage came to $16,000! Unfortunately the insurance company STATE FARM, decided that they were not totally the vehicle and it has been fixed. I received the car back two months after the storm and it's ok...haven't noticed major issues yet. So we'll just keep an eye on things since the value went down significantly with this line item added to it's car fax!

Shortly after our trip we celebrated Gia's first birthday at our new house with many friends and family! The day couldn't have been more perfect and it was so fun to see my beautiful girl have fun on her big day. She is changing daily.

The last change on our list for the year was Mike's new job. A few months ago he was hired as a Property Manager at Union Pacific. He has been really busy learning his new job but he's enjoying it and has already been on one trip to Arkansas.

I'm still working as the Marketing Manager at Central States Indemnity. I complain often about my job, because that's what you're suppose to do with jobs! But the truth is, I like my job and love the people I work with. I'm lucky to have such a flexible easy going company to work for while the kids are little.

Angelo is still attending Morning Star Preschool. Up until January he has been staying two days a week with his sister Gia at Grandma Sandy's. We made the decision to put him in Morning Star full-time in January to free up some of Sandy's time and because he loves it and learns so much there. If you ask Angelo where he goes to school he'll tell you, "Morning Star and Sunday School." I can't believe how much he's changed in the last year and I have to laugh at night when I read to him and he corrects my pronunciation of dinosaur names! Every night he sleeps with a plastic dinosaur, a change from a few months ago when he slept with a tiny matchbox car named Lightning McQueen each night.

Gia has perhaps changed the most in 2011, going from a little baby at the beginning of the year to a walking and sorta talking little person at the end of the year. Gia exudes personality and we can't wait to see her continue to grow. In March Gia will also join Angelo at Morning Star but will still stay two days at Sandy's as well. We want her to have a few years with just Grandma Sandy like Angelo had. We will miss Roxanne and Jerry where Gia has stayed up until this point but it will be much easier on Mike and I to have them at the same spot and I know Gia will love Morning Star as much as Angelo does.

We've enjoyed many fun times with family this year and without all of their help we couldn't keep up with all of the changes thrown our way this year. With our new move we are within walking distance of Grandma Cella's house and about five minutes away from Mike's parents. Being only children we're so close with our parents and I find that as we get older we only appreciate them more and more.

All the changes have made great memories, but I think it's the small things I remember about the year the most; seeing our cousins kids play with Angelo and Gia, watching Angelo sing at school and church, Gia feeding her baby doll part of a cookie, Angelo's requests to spend the night at his grandparent's house or seeing a movie for the first time, watching my dad push Gia around a park, singing karaoke with friends on my birthday and spending countless hours with my crazy husband dreaming about what to do with our 1950's ranch.

Thank you all for being a part of our 2011. We can't wait to see what 2012 brings our way!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Sunday School Christmas Program

2011-12-15T12:55:00.000-06:00

So we've been going to a new church. It's right behind our house so it makes it super convienent. And the bonus is Sunday school is during a church service, so Mike and I can actually attend church and listen without trying to wrestle with the kids and not hear a peep. So far, we are liking it. It's Methodist, so it's a bit different than we're use to. But different can be good.

Angelo was a little unsure of Sunday school at first. All new kids and a different place, but he's made a few friends and did a really nice job on Sunday in the Christmas program. The pastor even commented to the church on Angelo's awesome hat!

On Saturday we went to the church for rehearsal and afterwards they had a kids craft party. I thought this was so cute. A gingerbread manger scene. Since my photos not so good, here's what it's made from:
- Chocolate frosting for the floor and to hold Grahm Cracker walls together
- Shredded wheat for the hay
- Hershey's chocolate nuggut for the manger with shredded wheat on top
- Tootsie roll for Baby Jesus
- Fruit roll up for his blanket
- Chocolate Star on the roof
- People marshmellows for Angel and Mary and Joseph
- Angel had a cherrio for her halo
- Sheep made out of large marshmello cut in half with pretzles for legs and a face

So cute! The sad part is we left in on the counter in the kitchen and Frankie ate it while we were gone! Ahhh! Dogs! Guess they love a tasty treat as well!

15 Month Old Cutie Pie

2011-12-07T13:48:00.001-06:00

That's right, little Gia is 15 months old! I can't believe it....seems like only yesterday little Angelo was 15 months old, now it's Gia.

She had her check up the other day and she weighs 28.5 lbs and is 33 inches long. The 98th and 99th percentiles. She is two pounds heavier than her brother was at this age and we thought he was a chunk!

Gia will eat ANYTHING! In fact her favorites are chili, spaghetti and pizza...things her brother has never touched! She likes flavor.

She isn't saying much yet...in fact really only Mama, which I'm happy about. She tries to say book and baby and loves blowing kisses and playing peekaboo. She loves songs and dancing and her babies. She also loves to climb and mastered the stairs many months ago. One night she dove head first with her clothes on into the bath tub when I was getting the bath ready ending up with a bloody nose. She's our dare devil!

She also has teamed up with Frankie the puppy to play tricks on Angelo. They tease him to no end. Steeling his favorite toys. He gets so upset that he puts the baby gate in front of his room so neither of them can come in. She stands behind it taunting him and laughing with the dog barking!

Cutie petutie Gia. Can't get much more adorable than a Shirley Temple bob and a hot pink beret. Love you little stinker!

Hey Santa Claus

2011-12-06T09:58:00.001-06:00

So, Gia's second encounter with Santa was not her happiest moment. But to be fair this is her general reaction to most men she doesn't know. So don't take it personally Santa! Since Gia wasn't able to tell Santa what she wanted this year, Angelo let him know that he was sure she wanted a Barbie house and car.

Unlike Gia's wailing and crying and gnashing of teeth...Angelo portrayed a little Angel while sitting on Santa's lap. Spewing out his desires one by one...."The Mega Shark Ship, dinosaurs, sharks, Cars 2 Movie"....the list went on and on. He even told Santa to have a Merry Christmas!

We've been having a fun Holiday season. Gia has given a lot of "Oooohs" over the decorations and when Angelo walked in to see the tree all lite up he said, "Oh the Glory of God!" I swear, I never know what is going to come out of his mouth!

We're practicing Christmas songs at our house for two pageants. I can hardly wait! Sunday Mike and Angelo were sledding through the yard while I hooked up the lights, we came inside and listened to Christmas records and drank hot chocolate....I know, I know...don't throw up in your mouth about how cheery we've been!

October Happenings

2011-11-09T21:50:00.004-06:00

So, needless to say my blooging in 2011 has been sub-par! I know that I need to kick it up a notch but well, it's just not a priority most days. But every once in awhile when I glance at my kids, I remember why I do blog...because it's my little time capsule, my chance to take a trip back in time to see what we were doing way back when. That being said, here is my recap of the month of October since I did such a sucky job of keeping you all in the blog loop...only to be followed, hopefully next week by a September recap.

As you can see we had just a little bit of dirt delivered at our house last month. I think our new neighbors were a little concerned at what we were up to, and I don't blame them one bit! In typical Gibilisco style...we over did it! But the over doing turned out really nice.

Our yard slopes and we had a falling down, breaking apart, calling all three-year-old boys, mom's freaking that you're gonna break your leg retaining wall. The safety issue paired with the idea of bringing out our yard further and making it even bigger made us tackle this project first. And this one was a little bigger than call your highschool buddies and make them drag railroad ties around. This one included a skid loader being parked in our garage for a few weeks, one-hundred plus ties, numerous loads of dirt being dumped in our side yard along with several loads of aggregate.

As you can imagine this was a three-year-old boys dream come true! This photo was taken after he got sent home early from school with a 101+ temp. I was thinking the school was full of it during his romp through the dirt with the dog until later that night when he laid beside me in bed puking in to the same bed pan that coincidently I puked into after the lovely meds from the c-section during his birth!

I know, dirt cures a lot of things, this kids just doesn't look sick here at all!

You can't go through October without taking a trip to the pumpkin patch with your kiddos! Gia was in heaven! She was so excited by all the animals, her favorite being the baby bunnies. Being the Daddy's girl that she is I thought we might go home with a bunny for a minute and then I reminded my husband about the large amount of poop they produce and the fact that our children are still a bit young to clean a rabbit cage so that meant him!

But it is hard to refuse this little princess!

It's always the cute things that are so much work...(cough, cough...children).

Mike joked that next year we should let them watch Children of the Corn before we bring the kids here...he got a few looks from some mothers in line....sometimes it's hard to tell when he's being serious...they obviously weren't quite sure!

Nothin screams October like a tractor shot with a shark squirt gun being pointed your way!

Oh yes, and here is little princess walking! This is one of those time capsule moments I was mentioning earlier. I need a few video clips to go along with the photos because her little sumo-style walk is just a scream. She gets comments every where we go!

Angelo picked a giant pumpkin for himself and a teeny tiny pumpkin for Gia. We were impressed that he thought of her....he's finally acknowledging that he has a sister and has even been caught giving her kisses and handing her Lightning McQueen to play with!

Speaking of Lightning McQueen, here's the race car driver himself along with little kitty. I know most cats don't have thumbs, but hey she's impressive like that!

And cute too! Don't you just want to kiss her little kitty cheeks!

Off to get treats! Angelo was really excited to ring door bells and may have pushed some a few more times than necessary...sorry about that neighbors!

Hey check it out...we're sharing!!

Angelo's Three Year Book

2011-10-19T10:00:00.001-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Create your own custom photo books at Shutterfly.com.

When Did This Happen?

2011-10-17T11:16:00.001-05:00

I picked Angelo up from Preschool the other day and there was a package of photos in his cubbie. I knew they were getting photos taken, but what I didn't realize is that preschool photos now resemble Senior pictures! I opened them up and literally started tearing up. When did this happen? When did my baby get so big? And seriously, if I would have told him to pose like this, it never would have happened, but at school he does it perfectly!

I'm still stunned every time I look at them. It's like one day I could barely understand the words coming out of his mouth, the next I'm having full on conversations with the kid. When I drop him off in the morning he goes right to his table and I get no more hugs...unless of course I beg for them, which most mornings I do! He's too busy showing his friends what ever car or dinosaur he brought along with him.

This is the one I'm keeping...the others are too adult looking, although I can't believe he's only three in this photo, he looks much older! Also, he resembles someone here...see if any of you see, what I see.

And here are the rest of the cuties in the Red Star Room, aka: 3-4 year old preschool. Seriously, when did this freakin happen??

Gibilisco Family Photos

2011-09-22T21:36:00.001-05:00

Let me know your favorite photo!

Do you know the way to Monterey?

2011-09-15T09:11:00.002-05:00

Do you know the way to Monterey? Well the Gibilisco's now do, and let me tell you...when traveling with two little ones, it seems very, very far away!

A day or two after the trip, if you would have asked me how it went...I would have told you terrible. Now after a few weeks to slow down and reflect I'd tell you, we all had fun and I'm glad we went but that I'll never again fly with a one-year-old unless absolutely necessary!

Actually the kids did great on the way out. But on the way back we were all a bit tired...and Gia decided to let everyone on the plane know she didn't want to be there. At one point a fellow passenger even offered up his DVD player in efforts to shut her up! That didn't work too well so I ended up walking up and down the isle with her. The flight attendant let me continue that even past the "buckle up, tray up" stage...because the screams were unbearable to all! I also forgot to mention she puked on me as the flight took off, so that was fun as well!

Our trip to Monterey, CA was a Christmas/Birthday gift to Mike's dad Ross, aka, Nanu. We went for Auto Week so Mike and his dad were in Heaven! The rest of us came along for fun and the ocean. We rented a house a block away from the sea. That part worked out well. Although being stuck together for five days can have it's downfalls, it also has a positive side as well. Like having someone cook dinner each night, lots of wine available and another pair of hands and legs for chasing and grabbing children!

While in California, we celebrated Angelo's third birthday! I even toted the birthday hat, handmade by me, all the way from Omaha. He was quite excited to see the ocean, all be it a bit scared by the giant waves on the beach!

Since the boys were off in car land most days, Sandy and I found some things to entertain ourselves with too. Here we are at Earth's Best Organic farm. Soo cute! We were even allowed to eat as many raspberries off the vine as we wanted! And Gia does not turn down free food!

On Angelo's birthday we went to the Monterey Bay Aquarium. It was wonderful! I wish we would have had more time to spend there because Angelo was really getting into it. So much for the kids to do...they even got to touch manta rays!

Here's Grammy Cella engrossed with the aquarium. After a few sleepless nights thanks to Angelo...watching fish swim around to lullabyish music I was about to curl up and take a little nap!

The jelly fish display was amazing and quite large. They also had a sea horse display. They are so cute and did you know they do a dance to mate? They're really quite polite and old fashioned compared to other fish!

Here we are, a little worn and weather from the sea, but plunging on for vacations sake!

Here's one of my better shots off fisherman's wharf.

Another day we drove up the coast along Highway one. Such a beautiful drive if you're ever in that area. We stopped at a little restaurant stuck between the mountains that had a little creek running behind it. They had placed chairs in the water were you could read and eat your lunch. It was really pretty and a beautiful day!

Cheers to the Grandma's! They totally deserved a drink or two during this trip for helping me with my wild Indians!

Here's the scenic drive along highway one, the Bixby Bridge.

He's Three!

2011-08-30T10:32:00.000-05:00

If you have children then you know...time flies. And every once in awhile it smacks you up side the head like, stop take a breath...realize how fast this is all going! For me that was today. It's been a little hectic since we moved, got a new dog and had a baby all in one year. I feel like I'm in constant movement and there is no time to slow down and enjoy the moment.

Today, Angelo started preschool. It's at the same daycare he's been attending...so it was a little less shocking, but shocking none the less. Here he will learn to write his name, take spanish, have a computer in his classroom and a class pet.

When I said goodbye and saw him in his chair, all excited to see his friends..I finally took a breath and realized this little guy is three-freakin-years-old! OMG!

The other part that struck me is...how much three-year-olds learn these days! I mean, this room looks like my kidergarten room. Spanish, cooking, computer, art, music and gymnastics...wow! I want to be in preschool!

Angelo is ready for this move. He's been a little trying....ok A LOT trying! Everything is NO! Followed by kicking and screaming and dropping to the floor. We're doing our best to work through it but I'll admit, somedays I feel like I'm losing my mind. So I don't want to speed up time...but I'm ready for this phase to be over.

I haven't posted photos of our trip yet because I've been dealing with this...

Omaha had a bad hail storm while our car was parked at the airport and this is the result. The problem is there was so much damage done in the area, the adjuster still hasn't come to look at the car and it is, undriveable! I'm curious to see if they total it out. So as if we haven't had enough cars...looks like I'll most likely be getting another new one.

I'm totally ready for things to stay the same for awhile...but we still have a soon-to-be one-year-old little girl's birthday party! And then maybe, maybe we can slow down for a bit! I'm ready!!

We're off....

2011-08-17T09:33:00.000-05:00

We're off to California...see ya when we get back!

We're amping up...

2011-08-10T16:27:00.000-05:00

We're amping up for a lot of activity! Number one on the list...birthdays! And birthdays wouldn't be birthdays at our house if they didn't come with birthday crowns! So I've been busy burning my fingers with hot glue each night to create the perfect Sugar and Spice birthday crown for Gia and the perfect Sea crown for Angelo.

Gia's birthday theme is Sugar and Spice and we're throwing a big party at our house over labor day weekend. Think spice cookies, cotton candy and tea sandwiches cut into girly shapes. Pink, light blue and frilly. Because, that's what little girls are made of!

Angelo's party will be thrown in Monterey, CA this year. We're heading there on vacation soon. I'm not sure how to pack this crown but he must have his "3 by the sea" hat on his birthday! He is excited to see a shark! I'm hoping if we do see one it will be in an aquarium!

Here's a photo of what we'll be seeing soon! We're heading out with both Grandmas, Nanu and Bob. I think Angelo will do ok on the plane, he's mastered the gum chewing. But I'm a little nervous about our teething sweetie Gia.

She's cute and all, but other passengers may not find her so sugary and sweet...that's all I'm sayin! Girl can SCREAM!

Once we're there, we're all staying in a house that is about two blocks from the ocean. I'm so excited! We plan to hang at the beach, go to the Monterey Aquarium and do a little sight seeing in some pretty spectacular parks. The boys are heading to the Tour de Elegance. A fancy car show held on the fairway of the 18th hole on Pebble Beach. Mike and I haven't been anywhere since Hot Springs, AR....which was nice and all but there was no ocean. I'm hoping for some pretty wonderful photos for our vacation wall.

So as we amp up...any traveling tips with children are much appreciated. Also if anyone has been in the Monterey area I'd love some extra itinerary juice!

The Next Michael Phelps?

2011-07-25T09:57:00.001-05:00

Growing up I was not very athletic. I don't know if I just grew too fast (4 inches one summer), that I didn't try hard enough (I didn't really care) or I was just plain not good at anything involving a ball.

However, the one thing I was good at was swimming! I was a lifeguard for four years, taught swimming lessons and would have totally done swim team if it hadn't meant getting up at the crack of dawn, driving to another town and then coming back again in time for school. (I'm from tiny town U.S.A., they don't have indoor pools!)

So, you better believe I snuck my two-year-old son into the lessons for three-year-olds. And it just made my day when he not only passed, but got moved up two levels. And he not only jumped off the side, but he jumped off the board...repeatedly!

He's loving it! So, yes...he's taking more lessons through the winter...in an indoor pool of course, because hey, I'm not in tiny town anymore and he could be the next Michael Phelps...who knows!

Umm...yes back floating...it's no big deal!

Getting ready to go off the diving board. Look how skinny he is! Too bad I don't have as good of luck getting him to eat dinner as I do jumping off the board. I might have to start enticing him....you can go off the board if you take a bite of cheeseburger....

No fear!

Thumbs up Daddy!

Here's Grandma Cella telling hims she's proud of him and that she's got a prize back at her house for him. She literally has a prize for every moment of his life...funny Mom, I don't remember getting that many prizes...probably why I didn't try harder at sports, hehe! : )

So, I've said this before...but Angelo's a little spoiled (obviously I already told you about the prize giving). Since Mike and I are both only children, Angelo and Gia are the only grandchildren. And since Grammy Cella, Grammy Sandy and Nanu live within walking distance from us...(yes, It's a little "Everybody loves Raymondish") they all show up to everything (we actually like it that way...we're weird like that). So on Angelo's last day of swimming we had both grandmas, a nanu, a daddy and of course me! Quite the crowd!

Angelo with his swim teacher Ms. Jen and Marica who was also in his class.

And because even though I couldn't shove her into swimming lessons quite yet...I don't want to forget to mention anything about my sweet, pigtail wherein Gia. She seriously just keeps getting cuter. It took her FOREVER to start moving. But now she everywhere and wants to walk sooo bad. She won't even lay down at night when we put her to bed. She stand in her crib jumping and screaming, wanting to play peak a boo one last time through the crib rails.

She also loves the water, but not quite as much as she loves to eat. She will eat anything...avocado, enchiladas, pizza, even recently beets...she's not a huge fan of eggs, but other than that, we've yet to find something she won't eat. Total opposite of her brother in that respect. She's total Gibilisco with eating (they eat anything), Angelo's total Weinberg. My dad is a picky eater, I'm a picky eater and Angelo is joining us. It's all fried chicken (chicken nugguts in his case), chocolate and cheetos for us.

Here's the 4th of July princess in her wagon for the kiddie parade.

Angelo in his sup ed out speedster...to bad we can't get him to peddle this thing! By the way, we were the only family on the street to have all the grandparents walk in the parade with us! I told you it's "Everybody Loves Raymond." : )

Red White and Blue

2011-07-13T22:08:00.000-05:00

Better late than never...our 4th of July pics.

It started out at Memorial Park for a free concert put on by Bank of the West. The concert was followed by fireworks. Gia wasn't sure what to think of the fireworks. As Angelo said, "Gia likes the colors but not the boom." Angelo was quite happy with both.

We had a fun weekend with our friends and family. It was strange to think that a year ago I sat watching the fireworks with no Gia and this year she was eating cookies crawling around on a blanket. Time flies!

Here's Gia and Frankie before the fireworks.

Gia enjoying the picnic lunch.

Angelo with Frannie and Isabelle.

Eating more!

Angelo enjoying hanging out with the guys, Marco and Ryan.

Me with my little fire cracker.

Angelo with Grammy Cella, wearing the coveted glow in the dark glasses from Dollar Tree.

Lots of Updates

2011-06-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

Ok, so it's been brought to my attention that I'm a slacker blogger. Very true! But let me tell ya, it's not because I'm laying around eating chocolate and watching The Voice. The Gibilisco crew has been crazy busy. Like so busy some people think we're crazy! People stop by and wonder how we fit it all in. And the answer is, we don't! Some things get forgotten about...like blogging for one.

But the other night as I put Gia's 9 month photo in a frame I realized how important a stupid thing like blogging is. My babies are growing up and I just missed a month of writing about it. By the end of the summer Gia will be one and Angelo will be three and it's like where did the year just go! So in the midst of our crazy busy life, it's good to stop, take a minute and regurgitate what the heck we've been busy doing. If not only for my sake, but for a few people out there who of course have never commented!! But read my blog faithfully.

So here goes....photos of our craziness....

First off, if you haven't been reading this for a really long time we moved. And it all happened really fast. One day we talked about looking, the next day we looked, three days later we put an offer on a house and it was accepted. A week later we put a FSBO sign in our yard, a week later it was sold. One month later we were closing on the new house and two weeks after we closed on our old house. So yeah, take that recession! We bought and sold a house in less than two weeks. (And just a side tip for anyone selling their house, it's all about pricing...don't be greedy!)

Moving alone can make you pretty busy...but when you throw in trying to update a 1950's ranch in two weeks along with it...well let's just say forget about weight watchers...it's a pretty good diet.

Before and after of our living room.

A funny little side note, sometimes I can't wait for things to happen...sooo I got a wild hair and came home from lunch and hung all the brackets for the new blinds. Unfortunately, I hung them a bit crooked! So Mike came the the rescue. Although about halfway through he told me to throw them and the fing Chinese instructions in the trash. Ahem....this was kind of why I tried to put them up myself! : )

See the refinished hardwoods! Goodbye disgusting old carpet!

Dining Room Before

Dining Room After

And just so you don't think we did all of this alone...here is a photo of Ron. One of the guys who helped paint and refinish the floors.

Gia's Room before.

And after.

Angelo's room. He's in heaven that Lightning McQueen is on his wall! He's suppose to be making his bed in the morning...some days he does...this wasn't one of them!

And a few things that didn't get done...retro shuffle board/playroom in the basement.

Lovely paneling in the family room in the basement.

The yard at this house is much, much bigger. Part of the reason we wanted this house. We now have a 1/2 acre that backs to more open land. The kids love playing in the yard. Although out back there must have been something that Angelo got into.

So in the midst of moving came a doctor apt. for a little steroid cream. The bumps look much better now but there were a few sleepless nights of itching.

And, as if moving wasn't enough...we decided two weekend ago to drive to Rose Hill, IA and pick up Francois Pierre Gibilisco...aka Frankie Boy. Frankie is a labradoodle and although he is a puppy he's been a darn good one. So far all the raving about labradoodles has been correct. He is being a good boy and the kids are loving him. He rode all the way back to Omaha on Angelo's lap.

Playing in the front yard with Frankie. Gia is loving him too and he gives her lots of puppy kisses!

So there you have it! The last month of our lives. I mean we've had a few other things mixed in there...our six year anniversary, Mom and I started a golf league which has been entertaining, we've had lots of people stopping by to say hi and check out the new house...which we love, Gia turned 9 months old.

We're planning our vacation in a few months to Pebble Beach California for the Tour de Elegance and continuing to update the ranch which will eventually get a total transformation in a few years...but until then minor updates.

Are we busy enough for you? Drop a comment...would love to see who stops by and if you'd like me to update more often!

Life without a dog - not for me!

2011-05-23T09:16:00.000-05:00

So after a few weeks crying about missing Pierre I realized pretty quick that I HATE life without a dog. And since our life is total chaos right now anyway we decided, why not just jump right back in and get a new puppy! So we did and above is our new nameless pal! We'll pick him up June 12th from Rose Hill, IA. The pup is a Labradoodle and we can't wait to meet him! We're still working on names, I like Romeo but Mike is still thinking on it. Send name suggestions are way!

Also, we move into our new house this weekend! It's all gone by soo fast and we've been working so hard that I haven't really had time to give updates. We closed on the house May 13th and ever since we've been moving, cleaning and painting. All ceilings, trim and walls have been painted on the first floor and we pulled the old carpet out yesterday and the hard woods are being sanded today. Don't worry, I've been taking before and after photos along the way, so I'll post them soon!

Spring Madness

2011-05-04T21:52:00.000-05:00

The past month has been INSANE! Obviously I wrote about losing our Schnoodie Boy, which I'll admit I cry about almost everynight because I miss his little head lying on my leg. But we are slowly moving on and even doing new dog research. Right now it's between a labradoodle and a Wheaten, but it changes often. Any suggestions are welcome...I just want NO SHEDDING! And something good with kids of course!

Here we are by the sold sign at our new house! We're still not sure when we're moving, but it should be sometime this month. We have some things to do before we move in like....paint everything and refinish the hardwood floors. We're a little crazy, but we're moving for the neighborhood, yard, school in the back yard and the potential of what the house CAN be, not what it is currently. Which is a 1950's ranch with mint and pink tile! But it does have shuffle board in the basement...so that is a bonus! We'll have to suck it up a bit since we're moving from a totally redone home with new cabinets and stainless steel appliances to a home with homeade cabinets and old appliances. Mike keeps saying we should put up a photo of what the house will be on the fireplace mantle so we don't get discouraged, however we do have awhile before we can unlock it's potential!

In the mean time the kids are having fun getting some fresh air and enjoying a few days of spring. Gia is sporting her 8 month old pigtails! She's not crawling but she's trying hard to move. She enjoys trying to snatch Angelo's cars away and listening to him scream "NO GIA!"

We also had a few parties, here we are celebrating Nanu's birthday with chocolate cake of course!

Girls Night In Birthday Party

2011-04-27T21:27:00.000-05:00

So, this month has been more than a little crazy! We bought and sold a house in less than three weeks! But somehow we've managed to fit just a little more into the month. Like this great girls night out birthday party I hosted for my mother-in-laws birthday.

For the party I ordered a pattern from one of my favorite party idea sites Couture Parties. Then I cut a bunch of fabric for each of us to put together our flower necklaces. I bought some left over pink valentine boxes from my favorite store - Dollar Tree. I added the fabric and the ribbon and beads for each guest.

Here are all the girls creating their necklaces and enjoying lemondrops and bombpop martini's.

Here's the guest of honor!

I also had this super cute cake decorated by All About Cake a friend of mine who just started making these great looking and also great tasting cakes!!

After a few martini's we really started to have some fun!

Wala! The finished product!

10261 Miami Street For Sale

2011-04-17T13:37:00.000-05:00

So last week Mike and I, on a wim, went looking for homes. The result was us buying another home less than a mile from my Mom's house! We are excited, yet panicked! The new house is on a half acre lot in a great neighborhood. However it needs some updates. Whereas our current house needs no updating.

Today I'm sitting in our open house waiting for potential buyers to tour the home. If you're interested check out http://www.10261miami.blogspot.com/ and be sure to send lookers our way! And wish us luck. We're crazy and we know it!

Heaven's Playground

2011-04-04T15:03:00.000-05:00

You know it's going to be a hard day when your thoughts revolve around how to tell your two-year-old his doggie isn't coming home.

It's wasn't an easy thing for me to do, to lose my dog that I love so much, but then to also try to explain why my dog that was playing in our backyard yesterday morning, didn't get to come home that night. It's hard to explain, it's hard to wrap my head around it, but I had to do it.

You might remember about seven months ago Pierre got sick because he'd somehow gotten rat poisoning. We thought we were going to lose him then but he pulled through with the help of our vet. Yesterday he was not so lucky.

All week long I'd been noticing blood on our bed. It had come from Pierre's mouth and I though maybe he'd chewed up one of the kids' toys and cut his gums. However that was not the case.

Saturday night we had Mike's parent's over for dinner and my Mom and Bob and Aunt Barb came later for dessert. While Pierre wasn't himself, he was still social and didn't seem all that amiss. He had needed a haircut pretty bad. So Sunday morning we all went outside to play and I brought the clippers outside and began giving Pierre a haircut. Immediately I knew something was wrong. He didn't want to stand up and he kept trying to lay down. As soon as I started cutting I could see his skin and realized there was blood bruises at the surface. His mouth had more blood coming out than I realized so after I finished his haircut I also gave him a bath and washed him up.

Normally after a bath Pierre goes berserk. He would run all over drying himself on the rug. His craziness from the bath would last a good half hour or more. But yesterday after his bath he went over to the couch and tried to lay down. He lost his balance and fell over.

Shortly after Angelo and I drove him to the emergency vet. They could see he was sick and took him in right away. They thought it was rat poisoning again and said they'd call after they received the blood work.

In my heart I knew it wasn't rat poisoning again. I knew it was something different, something worse. I told Mike if it was the poison again we'd fight it. But it wasn't. The results came in that he had lost alot of blood. He must have been swallowing it for awhile. He needed a blood transfusion and even then they didn't know if he'd make it. I called our regular vet and he also said it wasn't good. He told me if it was his dog, he'd let it go. So I knew that was the right decision. But it didn't make it any easier.

Mike and I went to pick up Pierre from the emergency vet clinic and drove him to the clinic where our vet was waiting for us. We said our goodbyes and then I held him while he peacefully went to Heaven.

When we got home Angelo yelled, "Mommy's home, and so is Schnoodie Boy." My heart just broke, I didn't have his Schnoodie Boy with me and I never would again. I was so upset I put him down for his nap without discussing it with him. When he woke up I told him the news. I told him how Schnoodie had been very sick and he wasn't going to be able to come home and he went to live with God in Heaven. That's when my son said, "Yeah, he's going to play on Heaven's Playground." I cried and cried.

So rest in peace our dear friend. Play your heart out on Heaven's Playground. I hope you're running with all the other dogs, barking your fool head off. Chasing birds and rabbits and running through flowers. I hope little kids are petting and loving on you and you're sleeping next to them at night. I hope you dream of having the fun times with us and that everyonce in awhile an Angel will take you for a walk to visit our house so you can see your old spots and see how much we loved you. Our family will miss you forever.

PIERRE GIBILISCO
Our Beloved Schnoodie Boy

May 17, 2004 - April 3, 2011

We're Cuties!

2011-03-21T09:23:00.001-05:00

We finally had a chance to get Angelo's 2 1/2 year and Gia's 6 month shots. We went a few weeks ago with Gia but she was in no mood to get her photos taken, later I realized she had an ear infection and possible RSV - so I guess she had a right to be fussy.

I finally got in touch with an old friend of mine the other day who said, "How is life, it's seems like it's great by reading your blog!" True and also not true. I try to be positive on here...but life is not all "big brothers kissing their little sisters" at our house. In fact the kiss above is the first time he's ever gotten that close to Gia!

I guess we're just like everybody else. We've got pretty awesome moments like Angelo starting to tell secrets, which go something like this..."I love you lots and lots. I"M A TRAIN!" Whatever that means! But I'll take the I love yous! We also enjoy watching little Gia as she starts to babble and smile. She really has a cute personality!

Speaking of her personality and some of those "crazy" mom moments...Saturday we went out to dinner with Mike's parents. Angelo was falling apart towards the end. He looked over at Gia and screamed. It was kind of a wide mouth snarly scream. He does that a lot when he thinks she's getting more attention than him. But this time she turned her head and screamed right back. Hers was a high pitch, much louder, I can do it better than you kind of scream. All the tables around us started to laugh!

Although I think he looks like he's posing for Sr. photos here...he's actually just in potty training! Which brings me to my next "crazy, real life, mom moment." Two weeks ago Gia was sick. Normally on Wednesday nights I don't do baths with the kids because it's Mike's work night. By the time I pick them up from two different day cares, get dinner cooked, eaten and somewhat cleaned up, I'm just too tired to deal with baths. But I felt bad for Gigi since she wasn't feeling well, so I got a hot bath ready for her.

In true Angelo fashion, he got a little jealous and also wanted to take a bath. So I said fine, took all his clothes off and was ready to throw them in together. But, also in true Angelo fashion, he decided to go running down the hall. I was tired of arguing with him so I said fine, run around naked.

I was talking away to Gia in the tub when I looked over and so Angelo pooping on the floor in the bathroom doorway! I grabbed him up, threw him down on the toilet seat...Mike had stepped on the plastic seat a few nights before so it scrapped his leg when I sat him down and he went ballistic! In the middle of his wails he told me he'd already pooped in his bedroom. I told him "DO NOT MOVE" and went running into his bedroom just in time to see Pierre eat the poop off his rug. At this point I'm about to lose my mind! And of course he did move. Not only did he get off the toilet, he ran through the poop in the doorway and down the hall!

I chase after him and yell "God Dammit Angelo, you're better than this! Do not poop on the floor!!" (Did I mention I'd lost my mind at that point?"

Of course Gia is also screaming at this point because I'm yelling and Angelo's crying. I throw him in the tub, poopy feet and butt and all. And scoop of Gia and go get her ready for bed. I told Angelo to sit in the tub until I was done. I heard him in there screaming, "the poop is getting close to me, help!"

Of course he got out of the tub and ran around again and at that point, I had given up and was about to cry when I heard him run down the hall and yell, "God Dammit Schnoodie Boy (this is what he calls the dog) you're better that this! Don't eat my poop!" I start giggling to myself, realizing this is what it's like when all hell breaks loose!

Luckily Gia went right to bed and I was able to give Angelo a poopless bath and clean the hallway and bathroom. Quite the night! I had to let the daycare know he might say a naughty word, and it was all my fault!

So, yes, I enjoy being a mom. I wouldn't change a thing. But there are days that it's very crazy at our house. Days when I almost cry, sometimes do cry....but then I might laugh seconds later. I think that's called Motherhood!

So even though our pictures are cute...we're just like everyone else...and some days crazier!

The next two photos are Gia's sweet tub shots. Click here, to see her brother's tub shots at six months!

Catching Up

2011-03-14T16:40:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I've blogged. I just don't have much blogging mojo lately. But I need to get it back, so here I am.

Spring is almost here and all I can think about is that my babies are growin up! Gia had her 6 month check-up two weeks ago. The stats are in, she's a big fine woman! She's 20.5 pounds, which puts her in the 99th percentile and she is 28.5 inches long, putting her in the 100th percentile for height.

Angelo went in a week before Gia for his 2 1/2 year check-up. He was 30 pounds and 39 inches tall. He was in the 100th percentile for height as well. I didn't know that they did 2 1/2 year check-ups but my doctor told me it's mostly to find out how kids are doing with their language skills. After Angelo told our ped that he was going to California for his birthday in August on an airplane to see whales, which start with "W", he said he didn't think there were any issues! When the doctor asked if I had any concerns I said, "only that he's still pooping in his pants!" He didn't seem to think that was as big of an issue an me, however I'm sure that's because he's not the one cleaning poop out of underwear daily! How does a child master the potty training and not the poopy part?

After Gia's appointment we unfortunatly did leave with some concerns. The kind that leave a mom awake at night with worry. Gia's spine is quite noticeably curving to the right. She goes in this week to an orthopedic specialist to check for scoliosis. I know in the whole scheme of things this is no big deal...but still, I am a mom so I worry. And after a few google searches and you tube videos, I worry even more. But Thursday I'll find out the facts and that will help alleviate my out of control thoughts. In the mean time say a little prayer that she'll straighten out. Oh and one for Angelo to straighten "up" wouldn't hurt either!

This past weekend we went to visit cousins! My two cousins Ashley and Erika had baby girls this summer/fall as well. So it was fun to see the little girls together.

From left to right: Erika and Harper, Me and Gia, Ashley and Hazel.

You might remember this glamour shot from before we had our beautiful girls. I think we're all very happy not to be wearing maternity clothing anymore!

Here's a few shots of Gia with her little friends. It's funny how already they all look soo different and have such different personalities. I can't wait to watch them grow up. Hazel is a little monkey and about to take off crawling any moment. Gia is so pudgy she can barely sit up. And Harper is going to be the long lenghthy one of the bunch.

Gia and Hazel were drinking their bottles and my grandpa looked over and said, "She won't eat all that right now will she?" Umm why yes she will! That's why she's bootylicious!

I'm going to try and post more...I promise! I miss my bloggy friends!

Winter Activities

2011-02-16T21:00:00.002-06:00

I haven't done a lot of blogging lately because I've been busy! Work has been really busy, but a good busy. And home, well that's really busy, but also a good busy.

I usually create my own busy problems...as shown here. Last Valentines I felt bad because like 7 other boys had the same "Cars" valentines as Angelo. I wanted him to be original and I thought he had like 12 kids in his class...but after counting in all the part-timers, turns out there is actually 22.

So last week at this time I was gluing 22 candy trains together and the night after that I was cutting out hearts and signing Angelo's name. So my whole be the creative mom, got me in a little over my head!

However the valentines were a success, and there were no others like it!

It actually took me awhile to come up with what to write on the cards...somehow "Valentine you make my fire box sizzle, didn't seem appropriate for a two-year-old's cards.

So at Christmas, our friends, the daycare gift over achievers, told us they gave the daycare provider a $100.00 gift card. In my weak attempt to make up for a homemade scarf and Costco cookies, I put together these little antibacterial hand soap Valentine gifts for Angelo to give his teachers. Actually I also did it because I know they've been helping Angelo with potty training and I've seen what they have to deal with...they can use antibacterial anything!!

We've also been eating some sweet potatoes and sqassss, as Angelo calls it. Gia also just tried peas and they were not accepted. She managed to get down two bites and then gagged the rest back up. She must be watching her big brother as trying anything new these days for him is a huge drama.

One chilly winter day we headed to a train expo. Angelo was in HEAVEN! He actually waited in line for 45 minutes to ride "The real Thomas" as he called it, for two minutes. (By the way I don't know why all my photos are screwy.)

We've also been reading and hanging out with Daddy.

If you haven't already picked up on it, Gia is Daddy's girl!! I can hardly wait till she hits the 2's and then the teens, to see if she can still do no wrong. : )

Pierre also has a thing for Gia. I'm not sure if it's that she smells like formula or that she spits up a lot...he's always game to lick up slop, but he's by her side most of the time. He really seems to run between there two bedrooms checking out who is up to what. He still sleeps in our bed at night but he's been eyeing Angelo's bed and I think when the rail is off he'll be in there for sure!

No one is Angelo's bigger fan than Gia. She could sit in this chair and watch him play trains for quite some time! Angelo is obsessed with his train table that he got for Christmas from Grammy Cella. It's pretty entertaining to listen to him push them around. It's actually pretty fun to play with, even Mike and I have a good time playing trains!

Gia sitting in Angelo's room with her dolly.

Fat Bottomed Girls You Make the Rockin World Go Round

2011-02-15T09:04:00.000-06:00

Everyone knows, when you have a baby you brag about everything they do. How they smile, roll around, all the firsts. Well, with Gia we brag about how stinkin cute her fat rolls are!

We did the same with Angelo here. He was also quite the chubby fellow!

I should have weighed her before these photos, but at 5 1/2 months, I'm quite sure she's over 20 pounds.

And well, as far as rolling and sitting up goes, she doesn't do too much. It's hard to hold all that weight up. She rolls, but she's not too fond of it. In fact the other night she got stuck and was screaming so Angelo grabbed her by one side and pushed her over!

He weighed 28 pounds at nine months. He turns 2 1/2 next week and still weighs 28 pounds! So Gia, I don't think you'll be a fat bottomed girl forever. But we think it's cute while you are.

Enjoy the photos of our little Gigi, as Angelo calls her. Don't you just want to squeeze her! She makes quite the little Valentine cupid!

Life through the eyes of Mike

2011-02-08T15:20:00.000-06:00

I know, I know, I need to do some major updating. Life has been...well out of control. I'll catch up, I promise. But in the mean time, here are some pretty cool photos of the Omaha area through my husbands eyes. He took them all and then I played around with them in photoshop to jazz them up a bit. I think it's interesting what he selected. Leave a comment and tell him how cool they are!

Winter Updates

2011-01-07T08:53:00.002-06:00

Winter has been busy and blogging, well it just hasn't been a priority lately. But I do have lots to fill you in on.

First, our little Gia is now four months old! Can you believe it? Where does the time go? I took her in to the Dr. on Tuesday and she is 27" long and weighs 17 lbs. 12.4 oz. Needless to say, she's in the 100 percentile for both. Looks like she's taking after Angelo. He was the same length at four months but one full pound heavier!

The doctor said we need to work on more tummy time and she is not to sleep in her car seat any more as her back is starting to arc to the right. He said it should straighten out on its own with tummy time and we sure hope so! It's always something with kids that makes your heart race. When the doctor was flipping her over and looking at her spine I was panicking inside. Obviously it's a minor issue but still, you just don't want your kids to have anything wrong.

So even though she screams bloody murder, she's being forced to do four, 20 minute sessions of tummy time a day. I'm also thinking of taking her to a chiropractor. I'm interested in thoughts on that.

Here's our little tubby in her bath. I'm thinking she'll be able to have a pony tail be her first birthday if her hair keeps growing!

Here I am with Angelo on Christmas Eve. It was, to say the least, so magical. He was so excited about every gift and so very polite about everything he received. I don't know how many times I heard, "Thank you Santa, Thank you!" come out of his mouth.

He was more excited Christmas morning to see that Santa had a bite of one of his homemade cookies and Rudolf had eaten the carrots than opening his gifts. It was all he could talk about.

His favorite gift was definitely the train table my mom got him. He has it set up in his room and it is providing hours of entertainment. I love hearing him push the trains along and making up his little stories for them all. Every night he puts all the engines to bed in the round house!

Here's my cuties in their matching pj's at Grandma Cella's house. The pj's say, "What Santa doesn't bring me, Grandma will." And between the two grandmas that was oh so true!

When I was growing up my grandma's gave me one or two gifts. Grandma Dilly usually gave us all something we needed, like flannel sheets or maybe if you were lucky a sleeping bag. Grandma Weinberg was more fun, with her you might get a game or a Barbie doll. However neither, and this is because they had more than two grand kids, gave presents like Angelo and Gia's Grandma's!

But looking back at our own living room mess...I guess we were just as guilty!

And the Grandpa's aren't much better! Gia received her fourth doll of Christmas from my dad. I had to chuckle as I pictured my dad in a toy isle picking out a little dolly! For all of you who know him, I'm sure you're also getting a kick out of the image. The photo above also makes me laugh, Gia is really ready to reach out and grab that mustache!

I think Grandpa had a little more fun buying the flashlight, helicopter and remote control car for Angelo.

We don't get to see my dad or my family in Iowa as much as I would like. We went back over New Years Eve and were able to stay with my Aunt Lois and Uncle Mikey. We had so much fun seeing everyone and we were glad they put up with us.

Angelo is right in the middle of potty training and has to stand on a stool to reach the potty. At home he is use to getting a sticker everytime he goes and he usually sticks them all over his stool. Bad Mommy, I forgot stickers for the trip. So Aunt Lois gave him her address labels as a replacement. Two year old's don't get too hung up on what the sticker is, so they excited him! He proceeded to stick them all over her little chair everytime he went. I'm sure everyone was wondering why there where Mike and Lois Miller address labels all over the bathroom!

I hope you all had as wonderful of holidays as we did. It is nice to be able to enjoy friends and family and watch your children enjoy the season. Happy 2011 bloggy friends!

The Wonder of the Season

2010-12-23T10:51:00.000-06:00

Last week was Angelo's first pageant. It was called "The Nativity" and was held at Morning Star Preschool and Church. I knew that his class was going to participate, what I didn't know was how struck by emotion I was by the whole event!

I sat in the church waiting for Mike and the Grandma's and I nearly started crying when I saw his name under the title "The Lord's Lovely Lamb's". There was his name, Angelo Gibilisco, how sweet!

The rest of the family joined me and "The Nativity" began. First the older kids came in dressed like Mary, Joseph, the Three Wisemen, the Shepherds and a cute little girl dressed as a giant star. Then the smaller kids came rolling in and then the smallest, Angelo's class of 2 - 3 year olds. They couldn't have been cuter and when I saw Angelo in his cute little lamb ears, well...I started crying!

A dad from a few pews ahead smiled and said, "This is suppose to be a happy event." I said, "I am happy, they're just so dang cute."

Angelo of course spotted us when he was walking in and wanted to sit with us. I had to give him a little shove to get him back in line with his group. He looked like a "sheep" in headlights! Once he got on the stage he got a little nervous and Miss Amanda, his teacher, ended up holding him almost the entire pageant. When she finally put him down he sat down on the bleachers and we couldn't see him. He did however keep his lamb ears on the entire show.

It was the cutest little pageant and I was so happy to see children excited over the real meaning of Christmas. It's so fun to see Christmas through the eyes of children. When they're as little as Angelo they're more excited over baby Jesus than Santa Claus, and that is just sweet.

So here's to baby Jesus, being emotional and enjoying the wonder of Christmas through a child.

Merry Christmas to all!

Message from Santa

2010-12-21T10:48:00.000-06:00

Angelo's Message from Santa

Click on the above message, it's too cute!

Happy Birthday Friend

2010-12-16T11:03:00.000-06:00

Today is Sarah from Life in the Parsonages birthday. She wrote me a nice birthday post last Thursday, and so a week later I'm returning the favor. Although I don't have a cute photo of us from when we were young, I do have kind words.

Sarah and I have been friends for many years now. We met each other while attending St. Paul's Elementary school. We even went to the same morning babysitter and walked to school each day together. We also left the elementary school together at the same time, leaving to go to public school. I can't remember all the reasons behind why we left, but I know part of it had to do with both Sarah and I being bad math students in fourth grade and having to sit in another room while they were doing the math lessons. Our moms were not pleased! Speaking of that, our moms also got to be friends, they did PTA and other church activities together, and although I don't think they spoke of it back then, they also had similar husbands, which was why they were doing the church activities together, without husbands!

So elementary, Jr. high and high school came and went. And those same to girls who weren't very good at math were trying to decide what to do about college. Now, let me get this straight, Sarah and I were always friends, but not best friends. It wasn't till we both ended up in college together that we ended up "besties." (I just heard that dorky term the other day and needed to use it!)

So off to college we went. Sarah went so she could be close to Ben's college, I went so I was halfway between my mom in Omaha and my dad back in small town Iowa. We shared an apartment with two girls we'd never met, and we shared our own bedroom and bathroom. We both had loft beds and we talked every night. We shared clothes, we shared secrets, we cried, we laughed, and we became best friends.

That first year of college Sarah and Ben got engaged. Sarah left to plan her wedding and I was a bridesmaid. We became so close that year of school that I think of her often even though it's been over ten years since we shared our tiny room. I often laugh about some of the crazy things that happened or what Sarah would say about certain things I'm doing or wearing.

We see each other every once in awhile. And I miss her, oh I miss her!!

So today, I wish my very good friend of many years, a happy, happy birthday!

Wordy Wednesday

2010-12-15T09:00:00.000-06:00

Angelo has been saying some pretty cute (even intelligent) things lately, and at the risk of forgetting when he said them, I thought I'd share!

The other morning we were getting ready for church and Angelo came out of the bathroom and looked at me and smiled, then said, "Mommy you look very handsome." So sweet!
Last night he came home from school and while eating dinner informed us that, "Van Gogh painted the starry night." Yep, that's right, he's two and he knows Van Gogh!
At any given time you might catch him talking to Gia and saying, "That's James, he's the number 5 red engine Gia." Or, "This is Thomas Gia, he's the cheeky one."
Mike took him to the mall the other night and he pointed to the roof and said, "That's an octagon Daddy."
One of my favorite things he says is, "What am I doing Mommy." I'm guessing he gets that from me always yelling, "Angelo, what are you doing?"
The other day his teacher wrote on the back of his sheet that after flushing the toilet Angelo said, "Where does the water go Ms. Amanda?"
And finally, when going into Bass Pro to get his photo taken with Santa, Angelo walked down the isle saying, "Santa, where are you?"

December Happenings

2010-12-14T09:14:00.000-06:00

Well, we're finally getting a little sleep at night! Gia makes it through the night 90 percent of the time and Angelo is back to going to sleep on his own and usually staying in his bed during the night. It was a rough couple of weeks with both of them waking up!

Gia is now three months old! I can't believe it! She loves hanging out in her bouncy chair, under her little gym with a mirror and recently in the exersaucer. I'm not sure how much she weighs, but she is a chunk. I'm guessing it's around 15 - 16 pounds. She eats four bottles a day of 7 ounces and 7 teaspoons of rice in each bottle. She is such a sweet mellow little girl. She only gets upset if she's tired or hungry. She loves talking and is really funny when she starts up a conversation!

Angelo is getting happier to have a little sister, although there are still moments when he says, "No, Mommy, Gia don't want you to hold her." But he has started kissing her good night and helping me give her baths. He also likes showing her his Thomas the Train engines and telling her what color they are and how many wheels they have. She seems to recognize us all and gives us a big smile when she lays her eyes on us.

Last weekend we made the wintry trek to Des Moines for cousin Hazel's baptism. We didn't know if we were going to make it for a little while. I-80 was blizzardy conditions and at times we were only going 20 mph with our emergency flashers on. It took us a little over three hours!

We stayed at a Ramada Inn which had a water park. I highly recommend it for kids. Angelo was so excited to go down the water slides. I'm still a little soar from lifting him up all the stairs. He started to go down a few by himself and even went down some head first, he's a dare devil!

We all had a great time on the water slides. Grandma Cella, Aunt Lois, Cousin Landon and Uncle Mike all went down the slides as well. My Uncle Mikey was quite a site as he came flying down the slide like a torpedo! I still can't stop laughing about it!

Anyway the water park wore Angelo out! He fell asleep during the baptism, all the way home, went to bed early the next night and I could barely wake him the next morning!

Here he is sleeping on Grammy Cella during church. (Also, Grammy Cella has lost 9 pounds already in our 10X10 contest!)

Grammy Cella with Gia.

Aunt Lois with her Granddaughter Hazel. Lois made Hazel the blanket she's wrapped in out of an old table cloth from Great Grandma Max and her own Wedding Veil. It was so pretty.

Mike holding Angelo after he finally woke up.

The Grandma's holding their Grand babies. Both are so cute, but so different looking. Gia was born two weeks after Hazel but she's a small giant compared to petite Hazel. It will be interesting to see if it stays that way!

Hazel in her baptism outfit.

December has been a busy month so far and it's about to get busier. I hope all of you are having a nice holiday season. Sorry for the delay in posts, but there is so much to get done this month. Happy Holidays everyone!

Being Thankful

2010-11-28T22:07:00.000-06:00

So, it's been awhile since I've blogged. And that's because I usually blog at night and recently my two-year-old son has decided he doesn't want to go to bed. He's realized he can climb out, open the door and run down the hall anytime he feels like. So, needless to say, it's taking a really long time to get him to bed lately....and we're really worn out! It's kind of the same game at nap time. My free time is fading!

Friday night Mike and I were feeling a little sorry for ourselves. Complaining about the lack of sleep, lack of free time. We were on our way home from a tree lighting ceremony with two screaming kids in the back seat. Gia was screaming and Angelo was trying to compete with her crying. We pulled into Little Ceaser's to pick up a pizza. Mike ran inside to get it and I looked over and saw a family sleeping in their car. Mike saw the dad inside applying for a job. It kind of hit us....why are we complaining? We have a home, jobs and a wonderful family....so we're not sleeping that much right now, it's a small price to pay for all the things in our lives. It was quite appropriate for a little Thanksgiving reminder.

One thing we are thankful for this year is our dog Pierre, we went through a lot with him and we're happy that he is still part of our family.

Another thing we're thankful for is our new addition Gia. What a little sweetheart she has been. We were happy to have her celebrate her first thanksgiving with us.

We're always thankful for family. This year we went to Madrid, IA for Thanksgiving. We were able to meet Harper Flynn, the newest addition to our family. She is about 7 weeks younger than Gia. Here I am with Gia, Great Grandpa Bob, my cousin Erika and little Harper.

Angelo joins us in a photo with grandpa Bob. He was a wild one, showing his two-year-old style!

Erika with Harper Raine.

After Thanksgiving we met my dad in Ankeny. He hadn't had a chance to see Gia yet and we were glad to get a chance to see him even if it were for a short time. My dad isn't your typical grandpa, or dad for that matter. But as you get older, you realize that each person shows they care in a different way and the way they can. My dad was pretty excited to see his new grand baby and it brought a little tear to my eye to see him with his grandkids. It's funny how little kids can make everyone smile and make us forget our differences.

And that's what Thanksgiving is truly about. Being happy with what we have and the people around us. Realizing you can't chance anyone, and sometimes you can't change circumstances, but you can be happy to have them in your life.

Happy Thanksgiving Blog Friends!

This Sums it Up

2010-11-10T13:21:00.000-06:00

Seriously, they're starting to get use to each other. Angelo talks to Gia in the car all the time. He gets her pacifier for her and throws stuffed animals in her crib at her. But you think we could get him to sit any closer to her? Do you think we could stop her from screaming? Nope! So I figured, let's just capture the moment...so we can remember how crazy this time in our lives was, and this pretty much sums it up!

Two Months Already

2010-11-03T16:35:00.000-05:00

Yesterday marked two months with our little sweet pea. This week also marked the official end of my maternity leave and I am back full-time at work and I guess that means things are starting to normalize for the Gibilisco family.

While the last two months have not been easy what-so-ever, we've handled the changes well. Somehow we manage to get what has to be done, done, with little to no sleep.

Last night, one of the worst for sleep so far, Mike and I rambled between infant and toddler room barely touching our own bed. I was a little jealous of Pierre when I realized he had the whole bed to himself all night.

Gia has been an angel baby. She seems to be fine for the most part hanging by herself and if it weren't for her milk, soy, protein intolerance and reflux I don't think she would ever fuss at all. Angelo had the same eating issues as Gia but he was inconsolable. He cried 15 hours or more a day. And many days while on maternity leave with him I thought I might just lose my mind.

Luckily as soon as Gia showed signs of reflux and MSPI we were on top of it. Now she's happy drinking her liquid gold formula of Alimentum and seems to keep her reflux at bay by adding cereal in her bottle. I'm so happy we were able to get this figured out early with Gia.

Yesterday she went for her two month check up and weighed in at 13.8 lbs and 24.5 inches. She is growing well and appears to be tall, just like mommy and big brother, so far.

I'm happy to be back to work and have my space. But it's hard and our mornings and nights are wild. But we're all adjusting and learning to be flexible.

It's funny, it has only been two months, but I can't imagine the Gibilisco family without our sweet Gia. She's quiet but she fits right in. Angelo has even started to talk to her and seems to be realizing she's not going anywhere. He tells her about his day, gives her stuffed animals and pacifiers. Mike is just crazy over her and I have to admit he runs down the hall before I do when she cries in the night. She is definitely daddy's girl!

It's amazing how much your life can change in two months. How you can take on more than you ever thought you could handle and some how pull it off. How you think you're gonna lose it and then you see your baby girl smile at the same time as your toddler yells "Love you Mommy" and you realize you can take on the world twice over.

In the past two months I've held a baby while scooping poop out of the bath tub. I've managed to hold a bottle in a baby's mouth while simultaneously crawling under a toddlers bed in the middle of the night and rescuing Lightning McQueen who had rolled out of bed, causing extreme panic. Read goodnight story after story holding both kids on my lap, bouncing one while somehow holding the book still with the other arm. Put on a surprise birthday roast for my mom. And many, many other incredible tasks that might normally take a stunt double!

In two months my life has become crazy, two kids has flipped my type "A" world upside down. But I'm happy for the flip, it's worth it.

Exhausted, but happy and hoping the next two months bring a few more hours of sleep my way.

GIBLOGGER

Trick-or-Treat

2010-11-01T21:32:00.001-05:00

Watching your child say trick-or-treat for the first time is a big time high. This year was so much fun. I loved last year but this year Angelo actually "got it" and it was so sweet. He knew that he was a JI Joe (as he called it), he knew he had on dog tags and was wearing camouflage and he knew he was with his friend Marleigh. All of it was just too darn cute!

Gia joined the fun as a pumpkin (although she doesn't appear happy below). She rode in the baby backpack and seemed to enjoy the fresh air, letting her big brother enjoy collecting nm-a-nmms (that M&M's to you and me).

Here's to trick-or-treating. Having kids is so fun, you kind of get to relive your childhood through your children, and after they sort the candy and you do a little tricking of your own...you might get a treat too.

Cousin Time

2010-10-30T16:02:00.000-05:00

Cousins have always been a big part of my life. I think it's the whole only child thing. Now, because I married an only child, they just continue to remain a wonderful constant in my life but I've picked up a few more as well!

I love all my cousins, but I'm definitely closest to my cousin Ashley, who is blogless. I babysat for Ashley and her brother growing up. I hung out at their house all the time. Ashley's parents have the kind of place where people just feel comfortable stopping by. There is always good food, friends and a warm feeling at their house. In high school I can remember running cross country and taking the whole team by their house to drink out of their hose, that's the kind of place they had.

Anyway as we grew older Ashley and I changed from the babysitter and babysittee, to friends. She was my Maid of Honor and I was also in her wedding. We've had fun trips and holidays together. And now our daughters are just two weeks apart!

We were so lucky to have Ashley and Hazel come visit us last weekend. We hadn't seen them since our weekend in Nebraska City and little Hazel is growing into quite a pretty little girl!

Angelo wasn't quite sure what to think of having two newborns at our house, but he managed! Our weekend was a little different than our past cousin weekends; shopping, going out to eat and then hitting the bars! This one was a little more laid back. Our big event was going to Treat Street at the MacDome, which was a total disappointment. You had to pay $6.00 to get in and then parents were solicited by Home Security type vendors while they placed minimal amounts of candy into a scared two-year-olds sack. The only fun thing was the bath tub go-carts. I'm sure I gave quite a show, as I can only fit into my low rise jeans at the moment, and I couldn't sit in the tub because my legs are so long. So I drove Angelo in the tub while trying to keep my crack from showing!

Angelo of course, did not want to leave the bath tub go-carts. He was not pleased when his turn was over.
Afterwards we headed to Famous Dave's where Mike and Ashley both fed babies and I tried to keep a two-year-old under control. The whole table was surrounded by car seats, strollers and diaper bags. I'm sure no one wanted to sit near our group!

We did sneak away to get a pedicure and then we were smart and made salads at home for dinner. Going out is just two hard with three kiddos! I was also able to perfect my popovers. Mike and I had these in Maine and went crazy over them. We had tried them before and they didn't turn out, but after buying the $18.00 popover tin, they work! A small price to pay for sweet doughy perfection! I highly recommend trying them, but get the tin first.

On Sunday we tried the going out thing one more time and met my Mom and Bob for brunch at Granite City. The babies were great, the two-year-old was trying my patience, but we made it through with minimal naughtiness! Luckily they immediately sat us in the family area of the restaurant.

The breakfast buffet was the last horah for Ashley, Mom and myself. We've just begun the 10 pounds off by the end of 2010 challenge. We weighed in Sunday and we'll weigh in again in 2011. Anyone who doesn't lose 10 pounds by the end of the challenge pays the members who did $10.00. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Ashley and my mom wish to keep their weight totals off my blog. They're no fun! Check my weight loss at the 10X10 page. Leave a note if you have tips and inspiration for us.

You are So Blessed Dear

2010-10-17T21:36:00.000-05:00

Today our family celebrated as Gia was baptized. There was a little more fluff to it than when Angelo was Baptized. For Gia, I'd been planning for a few weeks. Getting little white tights and lacy shoes and making sure the baptism dress that I wore 32 years ago was clean and ready for my daughter to wear.

The grandmas were also excited about it. My mom bought her the cutest little bonnet that turns into a hankie someday for her wedding day, it's suppose to be the "something old." Grandma Sandy brought her a white knit shawl that she had used for Mike at his baptism.

Gia couldn't have been a better little girl. She didn't even cry when Pastor Al poured the water on her crazy hair. Scott and Jen Sturgeon and Kerri Beth de la Vega were the sponsors. After the Baptism we headed to Ross and Sandy's for brunch.

It was a great day for a Baptism, beautiful weather and I couldn't help but have a giddy feeling inside looking at how blessed our family has become. A sweet big brother and a darling little sister. You couldn't ask for anything more.

A few weeks ago when we were in Nebraksa City an older women stopped me in the hallway of our hotel with Gia. She wanted to see the baby and she said, "You are so blessed Dear." She's right, and today just made me more aware of how truly blessed we are.

I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my children are walking in the truth.

III John 1:4

Peaceful Moments

2010-10-16T21:14:00.003-05:00

I'm alone and it feels so good. It's so quiet right now. No baby crying, no dog barking, no toddler yelling. I can hear our little fountain out in the yard pitter-patter and the fall leaves blowing in the breeze. It's quite wonderful. It's funny how much you take for granted peaceful moments until you actually get them. Ah, it's Saturday afternoon, and I'm alone!

Not really alone, Pierre is here and could bark at a squirrel any moment, Angelo is upstairs taking a nap and could wake up any moment, but for this moment, I'm alone! Mike and Gia left to go to a Husker football game party, although it doesn't sound like it will be much of a party from the score I'm seeing! (That's ok, I'm a Hawkeye living in Husker land so I don't care.)

Yesterday was kind of a wild day. A day where nothing was accomplished because one little girl decided not to sleep a wink and cry all day unless she was placed in the baby carrier. She was in a mood, and so was I.

The night before I had left both kids with Mike to go get much needed hair care. It took over an hour to get to Rain Salon in downtown Omaha due to an accident along I-80. And normally the slow traffic would have driven me over the edge, but not Thursday night. Nope, Thursday I relished in my alone time. I ate my dinner of a Midnight Truffle Blizzard while listening to my I-Pod, singing loudly between bites with no one to tell me they wanted Elmo songs on instead or wailing in the background on my way to my appointment. Luckily my hair designer of the Gods, Tristan, didn't care that I was late. Then I had a relaxing time chatting it up with her. She made me look super fabulous by curling my usual non-curly hair in a super cool way that I can't figure out even after tutoring. Then I left to meet Mike's cousin Kerri at our favorite dive bar, the Phoenix. Now here's where it started to go down hill for me.

After not having drank for over nine months, two beers made me feel kinda woozy. That and the cigarettes I decided were smart for me to smoke. So, between the sleep deprivation and added nicotine, well I wasn't feeling myself not to mention it was late. Really late for a mom whose been heading to bed around 9:00 p.m. in case of a baby wake in the night.

At 1:15 a.m. I walked through my front door. Mike was somewhat awake, you know the kind where you have a 6 week old baby and you're constantly on edge because you never know when you're going to have to jump out of bed and run down the hall, kind of awake. So he helped pull off my boots. I prepped for bed and then we decided I should just go feed Gia then, even though she wasn't awake. (Don't worry people, I'm not breast feeding, and really I only had two beers!)

She sleepily ate her bottle and went back to bed...for about an hour or so. Then she was up and down for the rest of the night.

So by Friday morning, I was so tired and not in a great mood! Her and I roughed it out together through the whole day, grouching back and forth. She finally won. By 6:00 p.m. I was so tired of her crying that I stole Angelo and left her with Daddy to go to the store. Well, her Daddy is a miracle worker. By the time we got back with grocerys he'd given her a bath, fed her a bedtime bottle and put her to bed! He even took this photo of her smiling and cooing. He's like the freakin baby whisperer!

She slept great and today we renewed our friendship and headed to Polleys Pumpkin Patch. We hadn't been there before but it was so cute. The prices were reasonable compared to other venues. Only $6.00 to get in and pumpkins were only .35 per pound. Pony rides were $3.50.

Angelo had a great time riding on the hayrack ride to pick out his pumpkins, seeing the baby chicks, bunnies, goats and pigs. He also rode a pony and a John Deere pedal car. It was a great day and nice to be out in the fresh air. Gia loved it too and quietly slept the whole time.

So far my weekend has been wonderful. Tomorrow is Gia's baptism and then Monday I go back to work part-time for a few weeks till I go back full-time. So I'm excited to enjoy the weekend and my remaining days as a stay-at-home mom. But for now...Mike and Gia just got home, so time for me to head back to reality.

In the mean time, feel free to take my survey here. Hopefully you're all having a nice quiet weekend.

Survey Says...

2010-10-13T09:15:00.001-05:00

All this blogging has got me curious, is my blog interesting to others, how are people finding me, what would my readers like more of and so on.

So while I continue to make a few changes to GIBLOGGER, I thought I'd ask for your help. If you wouldn't mind taking a short survey I would much appreciate it. It's totally confidential so I won't know who answered what.

Thanks so much, I can't wait to see the results!

CLICK HERE TO TAKE THE GIBLOGGER SURVEY

Baby Pool Results - Better Late than Never!

2010-10-08T11:30:00.000-05:00

So, it's taken awhile...but my Aunt Lois was the winner. Gia was 8 lbs 9.8 oz. and 21 inches long. I'll make your yarn scarf soon!

Girl, 8lbs. 8 oz., 19.7 in., 9/2, Andria - Audra Cavanaugh

Girl, Lucia - Sarah @ Life in the Parsonage

Girl, 8lbs. 9 oz., 20.5 in., 9/2, Bianca - Cousin Jolyn

Girl, 7 lbs. 12 oz., 22 in., 9/2 - Nanu Ross

Boy, 8 lbs. 5 oz., 20 in., 9/2 - Grandma Sandy

Girl, 7 lbs. 13 oz., 20 in., Sophia - Cousin Kerri Beth

Boy, 8.2 lbs., 20 in., Rocco - Chad McCrillis

Girl, 8.0 lbs., 19 in., Gianna - Lexi McCrillis

Boy, 8.5 lbs., 20 in., 9/1, Enrico Gianni - Kevin Blackmon

Girl, 8lbs. 6 oz., 21 in., Gia - Emily O'Connor

Girl, 8lbs 2 oz., 21.5 in., 9/2, Giada - Cousin Ashley

Girl, 8lbs. 9 oz., 21 in., 9/2, Aria - Aunt Lois

Girl, 8lbs, 21 in., 9/2, Mila - Julie Godkin

Girl, 8lbs. 12 oz., 19 in., 9/2, Julia - Grandma Cella

Girl, 7lbs. 14 oz., 21.5 in., 9/2, Bella - Cousin Jana

Babies, Birthdays and More Updates

2010-10-06T21:36:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since my last blog and we've been busy! Two birthdays, a two year old and a new born keep you pretty busy!

The first birthday was my mom's 60th party. I had a surprise roast for her in Nebraska City during the Apple Jack Festival. Six roasters stood up to tell jokes about my mom. Mostly about her driving with two feet, using the Schwan's man for her grocery's and her increasing lawn ornaments and collections.

She was pretty surprised and we had a great turn out of family and friends.

Here is my Uncle Mikey roasting my mom!

Her son-in-law roasting her...she was a little scared when he got up!

The birthday girl opening her gifts.

My cousin Ashley brought her four week old baby Hazel to the birthday weekend to meet Angelo and Gia. Here Gia is 2 weeks old and on the right. Angelo wasn't too sure what to think of all the babies but he's starting to get use to them. We spent two nights in a hotel room with a two year old and a two week old and it actually didn't go to badly although I wouldn't recommend it! : )

So, I couldn't figure out how to flip this photo, but this is Bob at his 60th surprise birthday party in Hooper, NE.

We got a sitter for Angelo and took Gia with us. It was nice to sing karaoke and have a beer!

Here is my mom, she planned the surprise party!

Gia had a fun time at the party. Thanks to Grandma Sandy for holding her all night!

The birthday boy and his friends!

Patty, say cheese! You made the blog!

Bob and his sister Sue sing "My Little Deuce Coup".

Here's our little sweetie at 1 month old. I can't believe it's been a month already. Here she's wearing an outfit my aunt Sharon gave to me when I was born. Gia has been a sweet little baby but is having some little pains in her tummy. It seems she's allergic to almost every formula we give her. We're now on perscription formula and have an appointment with a GI specialist on Monday because of the pain and her reactions to the formula. Hopefully we'll get it resolved soon; keep your fingers crossed that the latest formula does the trick. It's so sad to see a little one in pain.

And big brother Angelo, well he's went from totally loathing his little sister to ignoring her. He's spending his time playing outside with our little miracle dog Pierre, watching Thomas the Train and talking non stop! We can't believe some of the things that come out of his mouth. We had to go to a wake for Mike's Great Aunt last week and Angelo announced to everyone, "My pee pee goes potty in the bath tub." Mike and I were just a little embarrased!

Gia and Hazel doing what newborns do best!

My Little Beauty Queen

2010-09-20T16:47:00.000-05:00

Last week was nice and sunny so Gia and I headed out to the backyard to take her two week photos. She was a very good little model. She enjoyed sleeping in the sun with a breeze blowing on her in a basket. Enjoy some photos of my little sweetie pie.

This one made the birth announcement!

This was a doll crib my grandpa built me when I was a little girl.

It's been a fun two weeks with this little babe. She is as sweet as pie and is just the personality we needed as an addition to our family...low key, mellow and pretty quiet. We are enjoying getting to know her.

We left on Friday night to Nebraska City for the Apple Jack Festival. We were a little nervous to spend two nights in a tiny hotel with a 2 year old and 2 month old, but they both proved us wrong and did well under the circumstances. I'll have more photos of the weekend soon!

Pierre update: He's home and back to normal!

Pierre Updates

2010-09-17T11:35:00.000-05:00

So my last entry mentioned I was on my way to meet Mike at the Vet to say goodbye to our friend Pierre. It turns out, as of right now we still have our pal!

It's been a wild couple of days but it went something like this...

I met Mike at the vet and Pierre's wonderful doctor explained our options. At the last minute Mike and I had a change of heart and decided to let the vet open Pierre up to see what was causing all the bleeding. I stayed and waited for the doctor to come back out and Mike headed back to work. The news at that time was still not good. He was bleeding and his blood didn't want to clot and they couldn't seem to see what was causing it but all signs led to rat poisoning.

The vet wanted to do a blood transfusion but said we could wait and see how it went. Mike and I had already spent more than planned so we didn't want to go that route. That was about 2:30 p.m. At 7:00 that night the vet (who had been on his day off) called and said he felt so bad about our dog that he'd went home and gotten blood from his dog and gave it to Pierre and it was no charge. So you can imagine how I was blathering on bawling out some sort of thanks to this wonderful man on the phone! He said not to get to excited and that we could still lose him in the night, but in the vets words, he said "if you do things half assed you get half assed results, so I wanted to make sure we could try and save your dog."

When I went to bed I prayed and prayed. I prayed that if Pierre was unhappy here for any reason to take him and let him out of his misery. But I asked that if he was happy with our family that he could stay with us for awhile longer because we love him so.

The next day Pierre the vet called at 7:00 a.m. Mike answered the phone fearing the worst. However to everyones astonishment Pierre was getting better. With a clotting medicine and Vitamin K to fight the potential rat poisoning he stopped bleeding and started to clot. He still has a ways to go. But he is off his puppy IV and he barked and jumped around when I went to visit this morning.

We had plans to go out of town this weekend for my mom's birthday party and I was so worried about what to do with him since we couldn't be here to take care of him. Again, or wonderful vet stepped in and said he would take Pierre home with him as he didn't want to charge us anymore money.

So no matter what happens now, I feel we gave Pierre every chance available and he has had a lot of prayers and wonderful people step in to help him and us out financially. Ironically enough, a few weeks ago I made fun of people who spend insane amounts of money on their pets...so far it's not an insane amount but without the help of our vet it would be.

Thank you so much for your kind words on my previous blog, but now I ask for you to continue to pray for our little pal who is a fighter!

I promise to post cute baby photos in my next blog instead of grim doggy news. As I know life goes on and my sweet kids and husband have gotten me through bawling everytime I see Pierre's dog bed in our room.

I'll keep you posted, for now I'm off to Nebraska City with my family for mom's 60th birthday and the AppleJack Festival and Pierre is in good hands.

2010-09-14T15:32:00.003-05:00

2010-09-14T15:32:00.001-05:00

Goodbye Friend

2010-09-14T12:16:00.000-05:00

In an hour I have to go say goodbye to my best friend of six years...Pierre. He has been sick ever since Gia and I got home from the hospital and spend last night at the vet. In the beginning they thought his body was attacking his platelets and if so some medicine would fix this issue. Unfortunately it appears he's bleeding internally and the issue is unknown. It would take a blood transfusion and surgery to see what is happening and even then it might be unfixable. Another option may be some oral medication but it's expensive as well and they don't think it will work and would result in several more nights at the vet.

He"s always been such a sensitive little dog. I remember him having to be on puppy Prozac when he was little because he didn't want us to leave the house. Now it seems he may have worked himself up over my being gone at the hospital or even the new baby. Or it could just be a system failure and the timing was coincidental. Either way, he was my best friend, and I'm crying as I type about this sweet dog whose gotten me through so much.

As I look around the house I see everything that reminds me of him. A bone, his bed, a toy, I can even smell pee on the rug in this room from him. And as much as I hated his habit of peeing on my rugs, I'm bawling over smelling it now. Probably a mixture of love for the dog and post partum emotions. Either way...I'm very sad.

Mom is leaving from work to stay with Gia and I'm meeting Mike and 1:00 to go say goodbye to our friend. The cutest little dog that Mike stole out of a little girls arms so he could buy him for me. Our first family member. How will I ever get over having your little head resting on my foot each night in bed.

You will be so missed my friend. Words can't express what you've meant to me. Tonight when Angelo comes home and calls for you to play with him saying "Schnoodie Boy come outside" my heart will again break. I love you sweet little dog. You'll never be forgotten.

Announcing...

2010-09-07T21:32:00.000-05:00

GIA MARCELLA GIBILISCO

8.98 lbs. 20 in.

September 2, 2010

7:28 a.m.

The day started like this, at 5:15 a.m.

And ended like this.

A few nursery shots...

It's been a wild few days. Everyone is adjusting and we're happy to be home.

More to come...

One Day Left

2010-09-01T09:35:00.000-05:00

So tomorrow I go in for my c-section at 6:30 a.m. I'm feeling so anxious! I can't wait to meet my new babe!

Of course two days ago I woke with nasty sinus crap draining down my throat. I hope I don't have yet another sinus infection. But I'm assuming that they can give me some antibiotics at the hospital if that is the case. I'm just worried about making a new baby sick. So hopefully it's just an allergy thing.

Grandma Sandy came to pick up Angelo this morning and I almost lost it. I won't see him till tomorrow afternoon and I'm going to miss him so much. I can't believe he'll be a big brother. He's been so grown up lately, it's like he knows he's the oldest. Yesterday he started in his new classroom and it went really well. All the kids have to hold onto a rope to head down the hall for breakfast. Typical Angelo made sure he was the first in line! He was also selected as the clip board holder for the day. He's so outgoing. So unlike me when I was little.

I can't wait to meet this new baby and see the personality differences. My next blog should be photos of the baby!

Two Year Old Comment of the Week

2010-08-27T10:45:00.001-05:00

This week Angelo has been singing this repeatedly...

"Bob the Builder, Can he fix it.... NO!!"

I thought it pretty much summed up being two!

In other news I tried my first Plout today.

It's a mix between a Plum and an Apricot.

They're fantastic! You must try them!

Our 18-year-old neighbor (aka hoodlum)

was arrested last night. We're not sure for what

but there were six cop cars on our street,

a firetruck, paramedic and tow truck also

made their appearance. He was crying so

hard it woke me up - I thought it was Angelo

crying in the night. But no, an 18-year-old boy!

Seriously, we live in a decent neighborhood,

I swear!!

It's my last Friday at work for eight weeks!

One Week from Today...

2010-08-26T10:44:00.000-05:00

One week from today I'll be holding a brand new baby. And what seemed like it was speedy pregnancy is beginning to feel like each minute is an hour and each hour is an eternity...

I went to the Dr. yesterday and there was no progress. They told me they'd be surprised if I didn't make it to September 2nd. And although I'm excited about that because the day was precisely calculated by me to get the most paid time off from work, have a nice long weekend recovering from a c-section in the hospital and give my baby the really cool birth date of 9/02/10....I was still kind of hoping that when they checked me they were going to say, "Holy Cow! You're dilated to a four, we've got to get you to the hospital ASAP!" Even though I knew that wasn't going to happen because I've felt, well nothing that remotely resembles a contraction.

And even though I've been told by lots of friends that I'm not missing anything by not feeling the pain of a contraction...I'm sort of feeling like I'm missing something. But apparently my babies really like to hang out with me, they're not interested in the outside world...all I can think is that it must be some kind of wonderful in there!

It is a nice thing to have this all planned out. But I'm such a planner that everything is now totally planned. I've even given a "Baby Timeline" to all the grandparents and Mike so they know what they have to do and when to do it. So basically I'm so organized that I'm beginning to be bossy.

I'm also a bit emotional and it comes out of nowhere. Like last night Angelo wanted me to read him a book we got him about being a big brother. As I was reading it and holding him I suddenly realized I wouldn't have as much time for him and I started crying as I read each page. Luckily he didn't seem to notice.

So I'm trying to keep myself occupied to control my anxiety and excitement. Tonight is Angelo's open house at school and this weekend I plan to clean and shop. That should entertain me for awhile! Maybe go to a late night movie...or at least rent one.

Any tips for staying sane while waiting for another baby or introducing big brothers to their new sibling are appreciated! I'll keep you all posted!

Angelo's 2nd Birthday!!

2010-08-23T13:13:00.000-05:00

I tend to over due parties just a smidge...and at 38 weeks pregnant I was pretty pooped out after this one, but it was well worth it!

Gibilisco family with Elmo!

Elmo Cupcake Cake (No I didn't make this...I'm not totally crazy!)

Dorthy the Goldfish much.

Elmo Bites - Fudge covered oreos with an Elmo head. Super easy.

I almost ate all of these before the party.

Each year I decorate a birthday hat - this is number two.

I gave each of the guests their very own Dorthy fish to take home as their favor.

Grandma Cella posing by her gift to Angelo - how cool is that little car?

Angelo not quite sure what to think of Elmo!

Our friends with Elmo

What a great day for my sweet boy to turn two! I can't believe how fast it's went.

My New Favorite Blog

2010-08-19T12:32:00.000-05:00

Came across this while looking for ideas for the big Elmo birthday party this weekend and it's my new favorite blog...sorry everyone else.

Check it out for super cute party ideas! And have fun wondering how she has time to make everythig so cool!
http://www.creatingcoutureparties.com/

I'm a Big Kid Now!

2010-08-18T10:30:00.000-05:00

This was a photo of Angelo on his first day of his new school at 17 months. I remember crying when I left and the teacher strapping him into his little chair so he wouldn't run after me.

Now some six months later he usually walks in holding my hand and then makes a run for it over to his table to sit with his friends. He knows all their names, Tessa (his BFF), Jack, Sean, Brody, Theo, Elizabeth, Ellie, Molly and others. Somedays he wants me to stay with him, but a lot of days he could care less about ol Mommy.

He sits in a chair with no strap and he drinks out of a cup, not a sippy cup. He knows to fold his hands and he says, "God is Great, God is Good, and we thank him for our food, Amen. And it's the cutest thing how he keeps his eyes shut while saying his prayer.

I was informed yesterday not only of a rate increase (this seems to be a current theme when you're budgeting for a new baby) but also that Angelo is moving to a new class, 'The Green Star Room' at the end of the month. In the Green Star room they focus on potty training and dealing with emotions. I'm excited because these are things that need focused on right now. He'll also do a Move and Groove program each week which is dancing and gymnastics, singing on Thursdays and arts and crafts on Tuesdays. He'll also be in a few plays throughout the year.

So although I'm paying more (only $12.00 a month more) I still feel like it's so worth it and he really loves all his friends and teachers. I'm lucky to have found such a great place.

The baby will go to an in-home daycare and then move to Angelo's school around the same time he did. Both will also go to Grandma Sandy's two days a week. I put the baby's car seat in yesterday and Angelo informed me it would sit back there with him and watch the Cars movie and drink chocolate milk! Sounds like the new baby will be well taken care of by big brother Angelo!

Birthday Week

2010-08-16T09:51:00.000-05:00

Two years ago today, I was patiently waiting for you. Ok, maybe not so patiently! I couldn't figure out why I'd felt no contractions...no anything, except for sleeplessness and frustration. August 16th was your due date. The date I'd been hearing for nine months and suddenly it had came and went, with nothing...no you!

I remember that day so vividly. My aunt was heading to Lincoln, Neb to get a new puppy. I was a little afraid to go with her and Mom because I thought I'd go into labor. But then decided I needed something else to focus my mind on for awhile. We went, go the puppy, did some antiquing and came back and still nothing. It was a Sunday.

Going to work on Monday morning was like shear torture. Every corner I turned I heard "You're still here?" I wanted to scream! Finally Wednesday I went in for my stress test so I could be induced on a Thursday. It was then the Doctors realized you were frank breach and you were to big to make it out on your own.

Time went from almost standing still to faster than lightning. A few hours later I was sitting in the operating room and suddenly you were hanging over my head.

Time had not slowed down for a second since you made your way into this world. You amaze me each day with your energy and sometimes I can't believe that you were the same babe inside me that barely moved and was "stuck" because now you make sure to maneuver your way out of any situation.

I can't wait for you to be a big brother. But I want so much to enjoy this birthday week and focus on you. Because soon it will be very, very different around our house. So here's to your birthday week my sweet son! I can't believe you'll be two years old on Friday! Always know how much I love you!

In Effort to Get Lots of Comments...

2010-08-10T09:16:00.000-05:00

Since I only have 3 weeks and 2 days left till my scheduled c-section and I'm feeling lonely in bloggy world, I thought I'd get the baby pool started. The winner gets one of my yarn scarves...although you won't get it till later this fall....I'll be just a little busy in a few more weeks!

Leave your answers in my comments box regarding:

Male/Female

Weight

Height

Due Date

I do have a scheduled c-section for Sept 2nd. So I won't go past that date and it will most likely end up on that date...but you never know! For a little extra fun you can leave name guesses as well. For both boy or girl it's an Italian name again - the boy name ends in "O" and the girl name in "A".

Have fun! Hope to see lots of comments! I'm missing you all this very hot, hot summer!

Angelo's Two Year Book

2010-08-06T13:34:00.002-05:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

Staying Cool!

2010-08-04T09:49:00.000-05:00

These days, we Midwesterners are trying hard to stay cool, especially the pregnant ones! So if that entails sitting like a beached whale in the baby pool for hours...well that's what we'll do.

Luckily for the Gibilisco clan, our friends and family both have easy access to pools. So Sunday night we set out for a little water play.

Angelo and his friend Ryan race into the pool both holding their beloved "rockets." Angelo has been sleeping with his ever since. He keeps saying, "Ryan has a blue one and Angelo has red one."

Mom's can play this game too...anything to cool off! (Me at 35/36 weeks.)

Don't let him fool you with his cute looks...almost everything that comes out of his mouth is "NO." : )

These guys already know that snack time is one of the best parts of swimming.

Trouble with a Capital "T"!

Mike and I are realizing each day that our son is quickly approaching the "Terrible Two's." Although usually more funny than terrible, we're having to adjust ourselves quickly to handle the occasional outbursts.

A few of the tantrums have been something like this:

This morning Mike was trying to put on Angelo's shoes and he said, "No Daddy, Angeno pick shoes." So Mike let him open the shoe drawer where he of course wanted to wear his Sunday shoes. He was quite irritated when he couldn't wear them but finally chose another pair.

Yesterday when I dropped him off and school he freaked out when I left the red rocket ship in the car and told him it would be there later and that he'd lose it in school. He dropped to the ground yelling "I want my rocket" and yet somehow I managed to drag him into the building with his bag, enter the security code and open the door with one hand, holding Angelo and the bag in the other, waddling like a duck down the hall. He calmed down when he saw his friends. Thank Goodness!

We took Pierre to the vet on Saturday due to his bleeding gums. I was holding Pierre and Angelo became quite upset that the dog was getting all the attention so he began to yell, "My Mommy!" Repeatedly. So I can't wait to see how he'll handle his new brother or sister being held! : )

So, although not earth shattering, the tantrums are mildly funny but can at times drive even the most patient person crazy. I keep reminding myself of a line I read in a toddler book, "they are the little cavemen, you're the civilized adult." Civilized right, notice I'm not telling you the stories about Mike and I throwing tantrums! haha!

Oh Angelo, you truly are a sweet boy...I just have to write these stories down so I can share them with you someday when you have a toddler of your own!

Baby Boom

2010-07-27T13:29:00.000-05:00

This past weekend I headed to tiny town USA, a.k.a Madrid, Iowa (which is becoming more remote, I might add) to my cousins' baby shower. Erika (left) is due in October and Ashley (right) is due in August and of course me in the middle, due in Sept (actually the c-section is scheduled for Sept. 2nd.

The trip was nice, I was able to see lots of aunts and cousins and even Grandpa Bob. I miss them all terribly and always feel more myself when I get to be around them - especially my cousins!

It was fun to see the soon to be, new moms open all their cute little gifts. I even got a few new "spotless" bibs and burb clothes for Giblet Number Two.

All of us girls are waiting to find out and it's getting exciting. I vote Ashley's having a boy and Erika and I are having girls. We'll see if I'm right. Lots of others think they're all girls.

Gotta get the belly shots in!

Great Grandpa Bob with Isabelle, Miah and Ailah.

Angelo wasn't too into the shower other than drinking lemonade with a straw out of baby bottles and shoving cupcakes in his face. He managed to make it into one photo with his second cousins but was quick to run off! He's just not that into this girly stuff! He did get his first birthday gift and was excited about that. Thanks Dilly kids!

We managed to make it home in one piece and driving with an almost two-year-old had it's moments, but I was happy to have my car back with the DVD player. Thank God for DVD players - can't hardly imagine road trips without them!

Summer Fun

2010-07-27T13:16:00.001-05:00

I've been terrible about updating lately. We've been having so much fun it's hard to sit down and write about it all. But I do love documenting our fun and it's so nice to have these posts to look back on.

Life has been wild, stressful with lots of unexpected turns. It's easy to get down but when I uploaded these photos I realized, our life is pretty darn wonderful even through the stress. I need to keep my rose colored glasses on and keep a positive outlook. And how could you not with these sweet smiles...

Angelo made this 4th of July hat at school and was excited to wear it every where over the 4th of July weekend!

Maternity Momma!

Grammy Cella and Angelo watching the fireworks in Memorial Park.

A little glow fun!

Fourth of July was a little rainy so Grammy Cella and Angelo walked to the parade together under a big umbrella.

Now this is fun! Who doesn't love a blow up airplane?

Cece throwing snaps on the 4th.

Marco and Isabelle watching the parachutes come down.

Angelo points at the parachutes.

Marco, Angelo and Francessca - can't get more Italian than that!

4th of July pals taking in the fireworks.

Summer Updates

2010-07-12T10:38:00.000-05:00

Holy Cow! I can't believe it's already the middle of July and I've barely posted this summer. I keep thinking I need photos to go with my posts and I never seems to find time to download and edit my photos to get them on here! So photos or no photos I'm just gonna start typing and fill you in on our busy summer - so bare with me, this could be a long post.

In baby news, I have only seven weeks left and the count down has begun! It's been a crazy pregnancy. I've gotten tons of colds, the flu and last week I was rear ended. I was driving Angelo home from daycare and out of nowhere a lady came flying into the back of us. Neither one of us was hurt but my new car is in the shop and will be there till July 23rd. Ugh!

Anyway the lady flew across the street up over the neighbors curb and into their driveway. She popped three tires and broke two sprinkler heads. Water was shooting all over. She admitted that she had just looked down for a moment. Scary stuff!

I went into Mom mode right away. Running to Angelo side and checking him out. He was totally fine. He cried a little mostly because I'm sure I was freaking him out, but then calmed down when he got to see the "Peece Cars". The funny thing was I didn't think much about my other child. When I got home I could feel the baby move so I figured everything was alright. It wasn't until the next day when I went in for my two week check up that the Dr. totally freaked me out. Once he heard we'd been rear ended he quickly ordered a blood test and a non-stress test on the heart. So what is usually like 15 minutes ended up being over an hour and I sat in the recliner listening to my babies heart beat away. Everything was fine, but I felt a little guilty for not even thinking there could be an issue. It got me thinking, is the second child already going to be ignored? Poor baby! Don't worry...you haven't let me forget you once with all your crazy kicking!

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I'm also busily working on two parties. Parties are my favorite right after planning vacations. I love planning all the little details of each. The first party is Angelo's 2nd Birthday. It's an Elmo theme and I've even hired Elmo to stop by for photos! It should be pretty entertaining although I'm trying to not go over board since I'm due within two weeks of Angelo's party. More on that party to come.

The second party is for my Mom. She turns 60 this Sept. and I've invited her family and friends for a weekend in Nebraska City. I'm planning a few surprises but just in case she's reading...those will have to wait as well. I'll leave you with a little blast from the past though as I've been scanning in some great photos for part of her surprise!

Here's Mom in 1973 in front of her prized Firebird showing off her "Dilly" legs!

Here she is on another toy. Mom's kind of a gear head!

Mom on Dad's Cheville in 1969.

This is not part of Mom's party but it is funny so I thought I'd share...This is my Dad with Aunt Lois. Lois just had a birthday as well so I thought I'd scan it for a laugh. And for some of you reading -- you may never have seen my dad with hair, so that's good for a laugh as well!

So, more to come on the party planning but it's been fun to think of all the great memories I've shared with my mom and I'm really having fun planning this one because I know she's gonna get a kick out of it and so will everyone else! I'm trying to get everything ready now since I'll have a newborn and all...might not have time for all my finicky details later!

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On a more serious note, Mike lost his Nanu yesterday afternoon - Sebastian "Marco" Gibilisco. It was a blessing but still a loss. Nanu had been missing Nana ever since she passed in October of 2008. We are sad to see him go and we'll miss him but there are many memories that will remain forever.

Here's a shot I took of the four Gibilisco Generations shortly after Angelo was born. From left to right, Nanu Ross, Great Nanu Marco, Angelo Ross and Mike.

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I have just one more update...as many of you know, Mike's cousin Kerri's two oldest daughters have Juvenile Diabetes. Francesca and Isabelle (7 and 10) have to prick their fingers several times a day and wear an insulin pump at all times. They are walking for a cure on Aug. 7th. Please help support them by donating even just $5.00. Click here if you'd like to help http://walk.jdrf.org/support.cfm?id=87704027

I'll upload more pregnancy photos and fourth of July photos soon! I haven't forgotten about you bloggy friends!

Five Years of Change

2010-06-11T10:05:00.000-05:00

Five years ago today, I was wearing white, holding a beautiful bouquet of peonies, Gerber daisies and star gazer lilies. I was feeling on top of the world, in love and excited to start my new life as Michelle Gibilisco. Five years later, I can't even begin to tell you how much my world has changed.

Mike and I met when we were both swingin single. Our week revolved around who we were going out with on Friday and Saturday night, what we would wear and what bar we'd be drinking in. I was more of the beer guzzling karaoke singer, while Mike preferred glow sticks and techno (something we all still tease him about). Now, while I can't say that our early married life differed tons, I can say the bar scene became less and less present in our lives, and I'm pretty sure Mike never picked up any glow sticks again, although he may surprise me.

We had a small house that we worked on almost daily together. We did crazy things that people who've never owned homes before do, like purchase a flat roof house, then knock out walls, paint concrete floors with four colors of expensive bronze paint, and use granite paint on the walls. But we had fun and slowly, instead of deciding what bar we were going to on the weekend the question became what home improvement store would we be visiting.

Together we lived in our little house for about two years and then traded up for a larger one thinking we'd start a family soon and a two bedroom, one bath wasn't going to cut it. We moved into the house we're in now and I'll never forget the day we moved. We were both grinning from ear to ear. Feeling like big shots because it was the first "big" house that was purchased out of our group of friends and we were pretty jazzed about showing it off.

Our house while big, still had plenty of updates and had tons of work to do in the yard. We worked our little fingers to the bone, pulling old weeds, digging out an insane amounts of farm lilies and phitzer bushes (why does anyone plant those nasty things?). Dragging rocks that were willie nillie all over the yard into nice borders and building water features.
Time spent together was working on projects and going on vacations and planning a party or two. And then suddenly there was Angelo and our whole only child do whatever we want whenever we want life had changed forever. Now there was nap and feeding schedules and time spent together changed from working on house projects to just making sure the house was somewhat clean and running to Costco for more diapers and formula rushing, to get home for the next nap and hoping maybe we could squeeze one in for ourselves.

Now don't get me wrong, we love and loved our son. But the change in our lives was really something we weren't prepared for. My Kenneth Cole and Armani brand wearing husband suddenly wore Old Navy most days and we were cool with that and just hoped he didn't leave the house with spit up on his shirt. But he did it all in stride. Giving baths like a pro, reading "Go Dog Go" and "Goodnight Moon" several times a night, creating a master formula making system and still making me feel like I was the best thing since sliced bread.

Angelo will be two in August and the new baby will be born shortly after that. We've just started to figure out a system of function between the three of us and I know that will be rocked again soon. But just like each task we've taken on I know we'll do it together. We'll work as a team.

When I became Michelle Gibilisco, I had no idea that I'd take on a team mate to watch me at my best and worst, to recite "Go Dog Go" with, plant flowers with and do every day tasks with. I had no idea someone would take on my crazy idea of visiting all the National Parks, see me naked after a c-section, listen to me and help me through my daily issues, cook dinner each night and truly be my partner in parenting.

And if you had told me that the good looking guy in white pants with glow sticks dancing to techno music was going to be all of those things, well I would have never believed you....but he's all those things and more. He's my husband of five years and I can't wait to see what other changes life brings our way!

"Crack" Me Up!

2010-06-08T09:19:00.000-05:00

We took Angelo to the pool this weekend. Mom has a neighborhood pool she joins each year. He had so much fun and is somewhat of a dare devil in the water. He wanted to jump in the deep end and he didn't want anyone to hold him in the water. Guess it's time for some water wings and swim lessons from me. I got him to blow bubbles and kick and maybe with water wings he'll figure out he needs to move his arms as well.

His only issue at the pool was that his little pants just didn't want to stay up!

One More Down - Hot Springs National Park

2010-06-02T13:33:00.000-05:00

If you know me, or you read this blog, you know that I'm a National Park junkie and that every vacation I go on I try to make revolve around National Parks. So...we decided to take a little get away trip before the baby comes. However, after ten hours in the car, I'm not sure you'd still call it little, especially at over six months pregnant!

I tried to get these photos to do what they're suppose to and be chronological, but no such luck. So in no particular order...Hot Springs National Park, Hot Springs, Arkansas.

On our second day, we took a little hike through Oachita National Forest. The hike was about 2.5 miles, just perfect for me. There were a few little steep inclines and small little steps, but I made it to see the waterfall!

The water under the falls was about five foot deep at the most. However, leave it to the locals to do back flips and dives into the water. I was getting a little nervous that we were going to have some major injuries so we decided to hike back to our home away from home!

So, I hate my pregnant pictures, some people say they've never looked more beautiful than when they're pregnant. Not me! My face swells up like a balloon, as does the rest of me! So I was glad that mom and Bob decided to stick there bellies out as well!

Now, if you've ever been to Hot Springs, you know that the National Park and city are quite a disappointment. Hot Springs National Park is the only National Park that is located in a city. I believe they made it into a park to stop everyone from contaminating the springs. Most of them are capped off although there are a few that people can get water out of. We saw many people filling 10 gallon buckets of the supposed "magic" spring waters and carrying them home? I'm not sure. We didn't take any and the bath houses made sure I knew the water was 140+ degrees and not pregnant women could be near. You'll notice in the photo above everyone patiently waiting for me to take my 100th potty break!

The best part of our trip was definitely where we stayed. It was called Lookout Pointe and I found it through an Exclusive Bed and Breakfast site. We have been to one other off this site and it was amazing as well. If you're going somewhere sans children, I highly recommend checking out the site to see if there are any B&B's on the list in the area. We have had wonderful luck so far. Below are a few more photos of the inn.

Here's Mike, Mom and Bob at the beginning of our waterfall hike.

I'm a Big Guy Now!

2010-06-02T13:01:00.001-05:00

Angelo has become quite a little grown up lately. He's definitely not a baby anymore. He talks away, sleeps in a big boy bed and goes down big boy slides at the park. He's kind of become a little dare devil at the playground and we need to follow him around because we're afraid of what he might try to tackle next! He is learning the makes of cars and seems to like Porsche's best (I wonder where he came got that from!) This past weekend he sat in a very expensive Porsche ($116,000, ahh!) and told his Nanu, I like this one! Again, I wonder where he gets that from??

Above see him with his favorite friend "Moosey" and playing on the playground.

Here I catch a glimpse of him taking a nap in his big boy bed and having a cookie in his favorite chair. He's growing so much each day, I can't help but think his next photo will be of his high school graduation. I want to slow time down, but I'm also enjoying seeing him grow.

Six Years, 42 in Dog Years

2010-05-19T21:10:00.002-05:00

Time goes by so fast. Today is Pierre, aka Schnoodies, sixth birthday. I complain about him a lot. His hair balls all over the house, seconds after sweeping the floor. He likes to run away, he thinks it's a pretty fun game to run all through the neighborhood. He barks like crazy at anybody who walks past our house, squirrels, birds, well pretty much anything. He's thrown up on numerous comforters, peed on brand new rugs, dug up plants, eaten new wood blinds. He's caused a lot of trouble.

But the truth is, I'll put up with pretty much anything because he has a HUGE sweet side. He lets Angelo pull his hair and doesn't make a peep. He sleeps under the covers in the winter and keeps us warm. He licked my tears after a miscarriage and then welcomed Angelo into our home. He keeps an eye on Angelo, eats scraps that fall on the floor and most of all keeps me company and just seems to understand me when I'm in need of my pal Schnood.

So I don't know what I what do without my annoying friend! Happy Birthday Pierre we love you buddy.

Sorry the only gift we gave you was a bark collar!

Big Boy Bed Anxiety

2010-05-17T14:47:00.005-05:00

Last week Mike and I were busy working on Angelo's new big boy bedroom. Which meant, all week long I had anxiety. I'm not sure if it was totally based on anxiety about the tantrums I pictured him throwing in his new bed or if it was the fact that my baby...only 20 months old...was already moving into a big boy bed.

He would have been totally happy staying in his crib. But me, the continual over analyzer, was worried that if he didn't move out now, he'd be super unhappy when the new baby came and was suddenly sleeping peacefully (in my dreams) in "his" crib. So 16ish weeks before the new baby comes - he was officially moved.

I felt nauseous all day on Friday. Telling everyone at work about our decision and reading various articles online. Most of them said something like, "never force your child to move before they're ready." People at work told me to give him rewards for moving to the new bed, but my son is 20 months, he doesn't really understand the whole reward system, and to be honest, I'm not sure I want him too. I kind of like him doing things just to be nice, not because he's going to get something. Sooo....after totally freaking myself out...Friday night came and....

I laid in the big boy bed with him for about five minutes, explaining the theory behind it all, trying to make it sound ultra special. After I realized all he cared about where the stuffed animals already moved into the bed, I left. I sat on the step outside his room in case there was a huge thud. I heard a few whimpers...a few "Mommas?" And then nothing....nothing!

I went outside to tell Mike only to have him bow down in my honor. He had been a little worked up that all Angelo would do is treat his new bed like a mosh pit, but turns out...he's into it.

Now, he did pull all the little onesies I was folding for the new baby off his old dresser, he did climb into the bassinet saying "baby," and he did yell "No baby Momma, No baby" when we visited our friends new baby in the hospital. But one thing at a time. I'll deal with that in 16ish weeks.

For now, I'll move on to decorating the babies room!

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In other news, I passed my glucose test, so I don't have to do the six hour diabetes test that I had to do last time I was pregnant.

I'm finally over the flu and getting my energy back. I had a fun filled week with my bed, an IV bag and day time television...oh and a roll of toilet paper!

Pierre has a new bark collar that makes my life wonderful!

It's suppose to be 80 -90 degrees this weekend!

We're heading to Hot Springs National Park over memorial weekend!

Angelo is talking away. A few of my favorite comments:

In church on Sunday, close to the end of the service he took a big breath and said, "All done please!"

He calls all of his toys "Angeno's" In fact if you ask him, everything is "Angeno's!"

He can say all of his friends names. His favorites are Ben, Tessa, Sean and Brody. And he loves his teacher Miss Kathy.

The other night he made me take apart my Mini Cooper wind mobile and now has six little coopers to play with which he calls "mini cocoos."

Mr. Sandman

2010-05-05T21:23:00.004-05:00

Oh Mr. Sandman, you are my dream.

You're the cutest thing that I've ever seen.

Your little lips are like roses and clover

You've made sure my sleep filled nights are over.

Oh Mr. Sandman you're my dream. (bung, bung, bung, bung...)

Half Way There

2010-04-21T10:19:00.005-05:00

Yesterday was my 20 week ultrasound. Everything is looking good! Little Giblet Number Two is in the 45th percentile. Angelo was in the 75th at 20 weeks. It will be so interesting to see the difference in the siblings. I'm so excited for that.

Angelo is starting to catch on a little. Last night we asked him what was in my belly and he yelled, "bebe"! I love how he pronounces it.

This pregnancy has been so different from last time. I haven't gained near as much weight which is good, but I've have a lot of weird things going on. I've had a sinus infection twice. I have a mysterious rash on my arms and neck which they're calling the rash of pregnancy and my sciatic nerve is in terrible pain. So needless to say I'm not having a lot of fun with all of that.

Work has been crazy as well. Two weeks ago there was another cut that left just myself and the girl I manage in the Marketing Department. The first week was wild and it's amazing how mad people can be at someone who had nothing to do with the layoffs (yes, I mean me!) But they're all calming down now. I just had to switch some processes around and move a few projects to different areas. It's hard when down sizing happens and now I've been a part of it and close with people that got let go twice in the past six months or so.

I've been meaning to continue with my real estate but to be honest everything has been so busy it just seems a little to overwhelming right now. However I would like to make sure I get it all wrapped up by the end of the year in case I need to fall back on it as well.

Angelo was really sick last week, he had a temp and a sinus and ear infection. The antibiotics they gave him didn't agree with him well and for a few days he was just miserable. It was a lot of late nights and snuggling. I can't believe soon I'll have another to snuggle with!

I have a few belly shots I haven't posted yet..so stay tuned. Little Gib #2 is starting to make his/her appearance be known!

Easter

2010-04-05T19:53:00.022-05:00

Mike told me on the way in to church Sunday morning that he'd always hated Easter. He had to get up early, be wisked away from his Easter basket to get in uncomfortable clothes and sit through a long church service.

Me on the other hand, I always loved Easter as a kid. I loved getting my Easter basket, loved the frilly dresses and white panten leather shoes but most of all, I loved getting ready to go for our annual Easter dinner in Harry Woods park.

Every year my Grandma Max would rent the shelter in Harry Woods park. Everyone would bring something to share. Some years it would be cold and we'd have to start a fire. Some years it was nice and we could play outside. I loved seeing all my cousins and all of my family. It was something my Grandma loved, having us all together.

Now, as we have all gotten older and moved farther from Harry Woods, we're not so lucky. Sometimes we're all together, sometimes we're not. This year we decided not to drive back home, to stay here with Mike's side of the family. I missed everyone, but we had lots of fun. Even if Angelo had to wear uncomfortable clothes to church!

We went to church with Mike's parents and then over to their house for Easter dinner. Kerri Beth and her kids were there as well and they played and played! They had the best time hunting for Easter Eggs and running in the back yard.

Angelo hunted eggs with the same rice krispie bar. It was covered with dirt and grass by the time he actually ate it!

The hostess relaxes in the sun. Sandy always goes out of her way to make sure we all have a good time. She had made Easter baskets for all the kids and the food was eggcellent!

Franny and Cecillia searching for eggs. They are so cute with their little wedge haircuts!

Kerri Beth, always the diva in her fish nets and red toenail polish.

Mike helping the kids find the eggs he hid.

Isabelle and Franny both have Juvenile Diabetes. Here Isabelle shows off her bracelet and her basket of eggs.

Angelo taking a minute to eat the dirty rice krispie while hanging with Cecillia.

Angelo, Franny, Cecillia, Isabelle and Marco.

Angelo's candy stash.

Marco kept running over to the neighbors and crawling up their back deck. He's so quick and tiny we couldn't keep up!

Angelo showing off his Easter hat. He loves hats now. Doesn't ever want to take them off!

Angelo finding his Easter Basket on Easter morning.

Pre Easter Activities

2010-04-05T19:41:00.005-05:00

Saturday Angelo went to an Easter Egg Hunt put on by the church that runs his daycare. I don't have enough things to say about his new daycare or this church. They have wonderful activities for kids. Earlier in the week Angelo was asked to bring his favorite stuffed animal to school with him. He brought his gecko and all the kids were in a two by two parade led by Mrs. Noah! They had a wooden arc where all the kids through their animals to ride on the arc through the flood. How cute is that?

Anyway, back to the egg hunt...

After donating a couple dozen filled eggs, this is all we walked away with. Angelo was more interested in the playground than gathering eggs. It was cute watching him walk around with his giant basket.

Here he is coloring a photo of Jesus before the egg hunt. The other day I though he was saying "cheese" however when I came back down stairs to see what he was doing he was reading his little bible saying "Geez" and pointing at Jesus. God job Angelo, and just in time for you to yell "Geez" all through church on Easter Sunday!

Two New Bloggers on the Block

2010-04-05T08:57:00.003-05:00

The Sturgeon Family Blog

You've seen their son Ryan in some of my photos, now finally, our good friends Scott and Jen have started a blog. Please go check them out and say hi. Blog on Sturgeons!

And, the one you've all been waiting for, my husband has also started Gibilblogsco for anyone wanting to see life according to Mike, read about his love affair for cars and his crazy ideas. Stop by and say hi, make sure you told him I sent ya!

Memory Keepers Daughter

2010-03-31T13:23:00.002-05:00

So finally time to review the "Memory Keepers Daugher." I thought it was a great book, but it was some what depressing. Depressing to see how many lives were upset due to one mans secret. A very big secret!

We discussed this book in another book club the other night and thoughts were all over the board.

Here's a few questions that were pondered, let me know your thoughts:

1. When David hands his baby girl over to Caroline and tells Norah that she has died, what was your immediate emotional reaction?

2. Though David wanted no part of her, Phoebe goes on to lead a full life, bringing much joy to Caroline and Al. Her story calls into question how we determine what kind of life is worth living. How would you define such a life? In contrast to Phoebe's, how would you describe the quality of Paul's life as he grew up?

3. After Norah has successfully destroyed the wasps' nest, Edwards writes that there was something happening in Norah's life, "an explosion, some way in which life could never be the same" (p. 139). What does she mean, and what is the significance of Norah's "fight" with these wasps?

4. The secret that David keeps is enormous and ultimately terribly destructive to himself and his family. Can you imagine a circumstance when it might be the right choice to shield those closest to you from the truth?

Mini Mike

2010-03-29T09:32:00.003-05:00

Meet Mini Mike, aka Angelo. He just got his first butch. I almost cried when he turned around. No more baby! All big boy! I was also shocked to see how much he looked like his daddy with his new buzz.

Angelo is 19 months now. I can't believe it! He's really jabbering. Now that it's gotten nice he stands by the back door and yells "sides" which is his word for outside. Yesterday he played outside for hours. Pushing his dump truck up and down the sidewalk. Can't wait to get some sand in his sand box. Although we may never get him inside then.

Some of his words are quite comical and it's hard not to use his word instead of the real word. For instance, a shower is a shocky, pop corn is pop pop, his stuffed gecko is geckoo and eieio is eieie.

His favorite book right now is "Go Dog Go" and every time he sees a dog or a car he says "go, go, go!" I could listen to him jabber all day. He really is turning quickly into a little boy and soon a big brother!

Goofin Around with Grandma

2010-03-18T14:08:00.003-05:00

Last Friday we went out for fish and chips. Mom and I are good Lutheran girls but I married a Catholic boy and she dates one.

So like the good Lutherans we are, we headed out for a Lenten fish fry. This particular one was held at the Dundee Dell, a great place for fish and chips and scotch, if you're into that. However, with Creighton College here in town and a slew of Catholic churches, these things get busy. So good thing we found the goofy photo booth to occupy Angelo for a few minutes.

It stole our $2.00 first, but the bartender retrieved it and well, here's the masterpiece. As you can see, we had no idea when it was going to take our photos and we were quite obviously looking at the wrong spot!

But we were entertained and that's what counts. Tomorrow night, another fish fry. This one is at a church. I think there is a pasta feed as well. Hopefully there will be something else fun to occupy Angelo while we wait in line.

No Hands in Soccer

2010-03-11T20:37:00.010-06:00

So, last weekend Angelo had his first soccer practice. Yes, that's right, soccer at 18 months old! Let me just tell ya, these places that lure parents in, claiming to turn your children into athletes at a young age, they really rake it in. I mean, when Mike told me that he had signed up Angelo for soccer I thought there would only be a few kids there...I mean really how many people take 18 month old kids to soccer?

Well, alot, more than alot. There were so many kids we waited in lines to get into the soccer building. Then there were so many different groups of kids and it was some what disorganized, so big surprise, the Gibilisco's ended up in the wrong age group dragging our buddy Ryan with us!

I knew something was wrong the minute the "coach" of team "Teddies" said they needed to go around and say their names out loud, I mean Angelo just recently started saying Momma, no way he's gonna stand up and yell out, "Yo, my name is Angelo Gibilisco"!

Ryan (pictured above) obviously felt the same way. He cried and I remember his mom saying, "Oh my God, this is my worst nightmare."

We were all kind of laughing, wondering what we'd gotten ourselves into. Since Ryan cried Angelo decided to cry a bit too. Then he proceeded to try to do jumping jacks in the middle of the circle of kids. Standing next to a kid in umbro shorts, dread locks and knee pads who had quite obviously done more than hold a nerf football and jump into a blow up train with a bunch of plastic balls - which have been Angelo's only experiences with balls so far in life.

We all looked around, terrified for what might be next and then Mike saw it. A net filled with little people who looked much more like Ryan and Angelo's team mates than the "Teddies."

We all felt better here. Ryan showed off by kicking the ball nicely and Angelo showed his skills in soccer by actually picking up the soccer ball when he was supposed to kick it and then proceeded to run with it all over the field.

The coach yelled, "There is no hands in soccer Angelo!"

Me, I was just happy that he was confident enough to trounce all over. You go Angelo!

What, cones are for drills? Whatever!

Yikes, this was the "Teddies" group. We were totally out of our element. I mean neither of us really ever even played soccer! We couldn't offer much guidance!

Here's the "Teddies" saying their names in a circle.

Voices in the Night

2010-03-10T09:55:00.005-06:00

Sunday night I woke up to a little whimper. A sweet little voice in the night calling "Mamma, Mamma, Mamma" from down the hall.

I'm not sure what time it was, maybe 3:00 a.m., but in true Mamma fashion, I quickly threw on my slippers and robe and scurried down the hall. I knew he wasn't feeling well. He'd had a runny nose and cough for over a week. An ear infection I thought, probably.

When I came in his room my cute little guy was sitting in his crib with a look of relief that I was there. I took his temp, gave him some Tylenol and then rocked him back to sleep.

Grandma came in the morning to pick him up and take him to her house. We decided she'd just stay at our house and I'd get a doctor appointment and come get him in awhile.

I went to work. Called and got a 9:00 appointment. I thought for sure it was an ear infection but I was proven wrong. He was diagnosed with a sinus infection and pink eye. PINK EYE! Ahh! Since we got in early the doctor thought Angelo would be fine to go to daycare the next day since he'd have 24 hours of antibiotics.

Tuesday morning rolls around. There had been no crying in the night, so he must be ok, right?

I drop him off at daycare and head to work. At noon I go down to the gym in our office to walk. It had been weeks since I felt good enough to do this. But finally I force myself to walk on the treadmill for 3o minutes. Then I go heat my lunch in the cafeteria and read my book.

Suddenly one of the VP's is at my table telling me the daycare called and Angelo is sick, he's got 102.5 temp and has the chills. How in the world does he know, I wonder? Why would they call him?

I scurry back to my desk to make a few calls and head out. Looks like the daycare tried to call me, twice. Then Mike. Neither of us answered. Then they called Grandma Cella, she called Bob who works with me. He stopped by my desk, I was gone, so he went to the office next door, yada, yada, you get the picture. Anyway by the time I'd gotten back to my desk, Mike was already on his way and Grandma Sandy was already waiting at our house to be with him. So I saved one more day of vacation to put towards maternity leave!

That being said, all I wanted to do was be with my boy. Mike said I had the working Mom blues. He was right, it's so hard not to be the one lovin my sick babe. Especially after I had heard that sweet voice calling for me in the night. But what a relief to have so many people caring for my child.

Last night we were together. We watched tv, he sat on my lap and cuddled for 45 minutes. We took a hot shower to relieve sinus pressure - he just sat on the floor, normally he jumps around excitedly splashing and throwing his toys. He didn't even flinch when I put the pink eye drops in, something I was dreading. We rocked and read stories before bed. Saying our prayers that he'd feel better the next day. He did sleep all night, no sweet voices calling me last night. Although I did wake a few times imagining it.

Angelo is home with Grandma again today. Hopefully after one more day of rest he'll be back to his normal wild self. Although it has been nice hearing that sweet little voice in the night.

Sometimes I Forget

2010-03-04T14:10:00.004-06:00

(Warning this could be over the top mushy!)

Sometimes I forget that I have that husband:

The one who would rather spend time with his family than watch sports and in fact has maybe spent only a handful of hours watching sport during the entire time we've been married...including the Olympics!

The guy who doesn't want to go drinking with his friends on the weekend because it means taking time away from being with his wife and son. The guy I have to set up outings for, just so he can get "guy" time.

The guy who buys all the grocery's and cooks dinner 95 percent of the time and actually, not lying here, likes to do these things.

The guy who packs my lunch almost every morning and has it waiting by the garage so all I have to do is pick it up on my way out the door.

The guy who makes our bed almost every morning while I'm in the shower because he knows it drives me crazy to come home from work and see an unmade bed.

The guy who buys me flowers in the middle of the week just to say he feels like he hasn't done enough to appreciate me and that he thought about me during the day.

The guy who shares in the every day tasks in life, like cleaning and laundry, dressing and bathing a toddler, packing snacks for a toddler, washing cars and letting the dog out in the middle of the night.

The guy who went to two different ice cream places because his pregnant wife wanted a McFlurry and the McFlurry machine was broken.

The guy who doesn't bat an eye when his bossy wife tells them were there next vacation is, not even bothering to get his opinion.

The guy who signs his toddler up for soccer on his on agenda.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sometimes I forget "that guy" is "my" husband. And I forget how lucky I am to be on that journey with someone who doesn't flinch about lending his wife a hand with the little details in life and actually prefers it that way.

Most of all, sometimes I forget to tell him I appreciate him and all he does.

But I do appreciate you for everything you are.

Love you Mike!

Under The Big Top

2010-03-02T12:46:00.014-06:00

There's nothing like a circus to make you feel like a kid again. As soon as I walked in the front door I could remember the few times my dad took me to the circus. I remember riding an elephant, eating cotton candy and my dad buying me a program with a unicorn on the front. I believed in unicorns for a long time after that circus. I mean after all, if they are on the front of a circus program, they have to be real, right?

Saturday night we took Angelo to see The Shriner's Circus here in Omaha. I had been to the same circus a few years ago, but viewing the circus through Angelo's eyes made the lame circus I'd seen years before seem spectacular!

We were a little late and we didn't think he'd manage to sit through the whole two hour circus anyway, so we started with the petting zoo. The animals were quite stinky but Angelo didn't seem to mind. The sign above the goats read "Be careful how you play with the animals." Mike got a kick out of it and I had to wonder, how had someone played with these animals? However inappropriate it had been, none of the animals seemed to mind. They were all excited to be petted and maybe even get a snack.

Petting smelly animals is a big deal to little kids. I'm glad we went early because by the time the circus was over the small petting zoo had a long waiting line. Angelo was disappointed not to see his smelly goat friends one last time but luckily there were plenty of other obstacles to keep his mind off the loss.

Around one corner was a real train. Angelo was very excited because he loves to say choo-choo. And to see a large choo-choo up close and personal was a pretty big deal.

The biggest deal of all for Angelo was his first carnival ride. We had seen the ride when we entered and thought he was probably big enough. Mike placed him in the orange plane and strapped him in and off he went. I've never seen him smile so much. He would twist the steering wheel back and forth and back and forth, then pause to look at the little boy behind him and smile. It may have been the cutest thing we've witnessed so far in our parenting careers. Mike said, "this is what it's all about, isn't it."

Obviously we hope Angelo achieves more in life than just riding in an orange plane on a somewhat dirty carnival ride at the Shriner's circus. But it did our hearts good to see him that happy for his four minutes or so on the ride. Somehow the toddler temper tantrums seemed a little bit of a blurr for awhile. Now, I'm wondering, will one of these rides fit in our backyard? : )

The flight attendant/carnival ride operator helped each tot off the plane. Angelo was of course last to deboard the plane/ride. I wish I could have gotten photos that were a little less blurry but you can tell he had fun none the less.

The circus seemed to have it all. Elephants, clowns, trapeze artists, beautiful dancing ladies and more. On a side note, we received our tickets free of charge from Angelo's daycare. The tickets read "Daddy's Club." So every time the beautiful dancing ladies arrived I would say, "Oh, this must be for the Daddy's Club!"

One of the first acts was ponies dancing in the show ring with little stuffed monkeys on their backs. I'm not sure why but Angelo thought it was hysterical. He laughed and laughed when they were in the ring. He didn't seem as impressed with the clowns, he couldn't quite figure them out. Grown men with make-up and goofy clothes, I guess it would seem strange to a toddler. I always liked clowns as a kid, I even had a collection. Now when I see them up close and personal they kind of freak me out. I can't help but wonder, who is under the make-up...yeeahk!

Halfway through Angelo started to lose his focus on the people performing in the circus and began to focus on the people in the audience. So far he's picking up my nosey habit of eaves dropping on complete strangers. However Angelo takes it a step farther and throws in the direct stare as well. I've noticed people either love it and begin talking with him or they try to avoid direct eye contact.

Not to excited to leave the circus. It was a lot of fun. Hopefully we'll have a chance to check it out again next year.

Giblogger Secrets

2010-02-24T13:26:00.003-06:00

Did you want to know a little secret? Well I have many! But the best one is at the end of the post.

Secret #1 - My mom and I have been working on becoming licensed Nebraska real estate agents. We've taken all of our classes and we're studying for the state and national exam now. So if you want to buy or sell in Nebraska, give us a call!

Secret #2 - This is no secret, just something I found out today - Angelo had his 18 month checkup and he is 34.25 inches tall (93%) and weighs 27 pounds (75%) no secret, he's a big boy!

Secret #3 - Angelo will be a big brother at the begining of September! I'm 13 weeks along. Just had an ultrasound yesterday and all is well. Yay! I'm due September 6th, but since I will have another c-section the doctor said I'll probably go a week early instead of a week late this time. Another Yay!