June 2009

Safina Month 11

June 30, 2009- We have lunch date with friends today and then we are going to walk around the mall and do a little shopping!

June 29, 2009- Playgroup at our house this morning! Then we went for a nice long walk with Ida and William in the afternoon! I also got to book our 30th birthday vacation celebration! 5 nights at the Dreams in Punta Cana! Can't wait! Well I can wait for the 30th part, but the trip will be a great way to celebrate!!!

June 28, 2009- Yucky rainy day, but we decided to brave it and still go to the Roycroft Art Festival. "Uncle" Sam and "Aunt" Laurel joined us while we walked around and shopped! We got to visit with Gigi for a quick bit, she was busy working! After the festival we went to Pasquale's for a yummy lunch, then ran a bunch of errands!

June 27, 2009- Today is Gabriella's First Birthday Party (a girlfriend of Safina's from playgroup). So we went over to their house for a wonderful bbq! It was a beautiful day! We had a lot of fun watching Gabriella open her presents! After the party Daddy and I went out with friends so we could catch up with "uncle" Chris who was up from Atlanta! We had a great time, except we got pounded in darts!

June 26, 2009- Daddy is playing in a golf tournament all day, so we are on our own again! Although tonight we have fun plans for girls night with a friend! So we went over there and hung out for a while, then when we pushed bedtime too far, we came home!

June 25, 2009- Well it is hot here in Buffalo, we definitely enjoy extremes here! I am not complaining, it sure beats the icy snow! Just wish our air conditioner worked. I have to call the HVAC guy tomorrow. So Safina and I had a busy day, she is such a busy body! We ran some errands in the afternoon, then stopped out to see Grandpa while we were in Hamburg! She is getting much better with him, she doesn't freak out as much as she used to. They have turtles, so we watched them, they were pretty cool, then we chased their poor kitty cat, Potter! It was a nice visit. She didn't get much of a nap so she was pretty cranky this afternoon, but she is such a trooper. She spilled my lemonade with ice on the floor then ate the ice cubes, it was pretty funny to see her faces as she sucked on the cold ice cube, she kept spitting it out then putting it back in. We are getting very close to walking. One of these days she is just gonna take off! Well I am exhausted, off to relax!

June 24, 2009- Playgroup again this morning, lots of fun! While we were playing I noticed that Safina has four teeth coming in in the top and one on the bottom! Where is my baby going?

June 23, 2009- I had my first professional photo shoot today. It went pretty well. The kids were all over the place but I ended up getting some pretty good shots! I had a lot of fun doing it, and look forward to more practice! Afterwards we went to Gigi's house for a swim in her pool! So nice to cool off!

June 22, 2009- Today we had playgroup at our house, so it was a fun morning playing with our friends. Then at 3:30 we met up with the family I used to babysit for when I was in high school. It was so great to see them all and catch up with them! Such a wonderful, beautiful family!

June 21, 2009- Happy First Father's Day to our wonderful daddy! Safina and I made daddy french toast for breakfast, and gave him lots of presents, which included, two dress shirts for work, one fun shirt for hanging out, and another t-shirt that says: "not right now, I'm watching the game". We also gave him a little flip book for him to take around with him, with wonderful pictures of Safina in it! Also a 3 picture frame that has Safina wearing his tie and holding the letters, D A D! So adorable. After a lazy morning, my mom and andrew stopped by to say hello and hang out for a bit. Then we went to froghair for brunch with Tony's family. It was very yummy and so nice to see everyone!

June 20, 2009- No plans today! We are just hanging out and having a lazy day! We did run some errands, but stayed really low key.

June 19, 2009- Daddy had off today, we were supposed to go to the zoo, but the weather wasn't really cooperating. So we ran errands and got stuff done. We also switched Safina's car seat to a big girl car seat, so we will see how she likes that. I have to say it made me pretty sad to put the bigger car seat in, what happened to my little baby??!!?? At dinner I realized Safina broke another tooth, so now she has three on the bottom and one on top!

June 18, 2009- We had playgroup at Erin's house today! The girls all had a nice time playing together. There was also a little 1 month old there, and I got to hold her, she was just precious! Safina seemed to be ok with me holding another little one, but at one point she came over and hung on my leg wanting to be picked up. After playgroup we went to the mall in search of clothes for mom... I have nothing to wear! I found 2 pairs of pants, but that's it!

June 17, 2009- Pictures! Safina had her third installment of pictures today! She looked adorable, as always, can't wait to see how they turned out.

June 16, 2009- The funeral was today. It was a very beautiful service. He certainly will be missed tremendously. What a great man. Unfortunately Safina was a tad cranky/tired so we were unable to be with the family the rest of the day, which I am pretty upset about. After we rested we visited great grandma in afternoon. Safina had fun playing through the glass door with her.

June 15, 2009- Playgroup at our house today. The kids had a great time, and played well together and the mom's love getting some socializing in as well! I am in a total craft zone right now, too many ideas flooding my brain. I was putzing around with stuff tonight and I made Safina a little stuffed mermaid. I will post pics soon.

June 14, 2009- Today Tony and I attended the wake for my friend's father. What a difficult time for all of them, they are in my thoughts and prayers.

June 13, 2009- GARAGE SALE DAY! I really do dread doing garage sales, but I just couldn't take it anymore and the crap in the basement had to go. We had a great turnout (block sale, over 15 houses). We were able to sell everything by 2pm! Not too bad! We made a bunch of loot, and cleaned out the basement! Off to Allentown art festival! We met "Uncle" Sam and "Aunt" Laurel at the festival and walked around and took in the sites. What a great time, even though we didn't buy anything. Then we decided to go to dinner at Rizzo's Restaurant. YUMMY! We had a great day!

June 12, 2009- We picked up "Aunt" Sharyn from the airport today, it was so good to see her, just wish it was for happier reasons. Hugs Sharyn, Love you!

June 11, 2009- Today was my last moms panel discussion at Fisher Price (boy am I gonna miss the extra cash!). It was a fun time and I enjoyed getting to know all the wonderful moms there! Safina was able to hangout with Gigi, and they had lots of fun! This evening we received some very saddening news. The father of my good dear friend has passed away, very suddenly. We are so sad for her and her family's loss, they are in our thoughts and prayers... HUGS, we love you!

June 10, 2009- Playgroup at our house today! Lots of fun with all our friends! We just love having everyone over! Today was also Tony and My Third Wedding Anniversary!

June 9, 2009- Today we added to our toy collection! A friend of ours was getting rid of all their "baby" toys, so Safina made out! She got a ton of new stuff, and is enjoying all the new toys! Tony and I went to the art museum for a Continuing Ed class that he has to take, we had a yummy free meal, lots of goodies, and I got to go on a tour of the art museum! It was a really fun time, and so cool to walk around the art museum again, it has been so long since I have been there.

June 8, 2009- Uncle Andrew and Aunt Janet got a new kitten over the weekend, so we went to go play with the little kitty! Safina didn't really seem to notice it, maybe because he was so small? She did play with him with a kitty toy, which was really cute!

June 7, 2009- We went up to the Johnson Cottage today to visit Great Grandpa (who we are now calling Big Grandpa), Aunt Jamie and Uncle Paul, and some of their friends. We also got to play with Hamlet and Hazel! We had a great visit, and a wonderful meal!

June 6, 2009- Greek Festival with Jill today! We went to check it out and see what the fuss was all about, well I wasn't really impressed, we got some food, but probably would have paid less if we went to a greek restaurant. So we didn't stay long, just kinda checked it out then left. Safina then spent the night at Gigi's so that mommy and daddy could celebrate their anniversary, THREE Years! We went out to The Stillwater Restaurant on Delaware, it was VERY good, but SUPER expensive (and we had a coupon)! Then we went to Sweet Tooth and got a slice of our wedding cake like we do every year! We missed our little Safina, but we got a bunch done around the house, so we were feeling productive!

June 3, 2009- We had playgroup at our house today! Usually it is mostly girls, but today was all boys! They were all older then Safina too, so she was just watching them like WOW!

June 2, 2009- Today we went to Erin's for playgroup. Safina and Gabriella get along so well, such happy girls!

June 1, 2009- So we are officially transforming into a toddler. Safina is not wanting to take her long naps (which means I get less done!), she will only eat big people food, and she is trying so hard to walk! Next thing we know she will be getting her driver's license! Slow down little girl, slow down!

May 2009

Safina Month 10

May 31, 2009- Safina has taken her FIRST STEPS!!! She only can do about two or three, but she is getting much stronger and is doing great! Not long now!

May 30, 2009- Safina has begun making this whistling like noise, just like Great Grandma Root. It makes me smile and think of her everytime she does it! So sweet!

May 29, 2009- A tooth has made an appearance! Safina has her third tooth! It is on top on her right! She is now grinding her teeth together which is a really creepy sound! She is also saying Mom, momma now! She has no idea what it means, but I pretend that she does! It is so cool to hear her say Mom! She is also saying Gigi, but I am not sure if it is because we keep saying it or it is a normal letter combination that they make. But still pretty cool for Gigi, because she is saying her name too!

May 28, 2009- Today I had a Fisher Price Mom's Panel and Little Miss spend a few hours with Gigi! Apparently the two had a fabulous time! I wish I could have played with them!

May 27, 2009- Safina and Mommy have gotten a cold. So we are both not feeling very well, and had to cancel our playgroup. Hopefully this will go away quickly... it is summer and who wants to be sick.

May 25, 2009- Memorial Day! We had our annual Memorial Day party today. Lots of friends, food and fun! Now we need a day to recover!

May 23/24, 2009- We spend the whole weekend cleaning up the yard, planting, fixing and mowing! I am so sick of doing yard work! Safina stayed the night at Gigi's on Sunday, which was a nice break for mom and dad! We went out to dinner at Le Metro, but were basically falling asleep at the table. Man we are tuckered out.

May 21, 2009- Zoo today! We met some of our friends from the Mother's Group at the zoo today! We walked around watched the animals, then had a picnic on the lawn, what a fun day!

May 18, 2009- Tonight we celebrated Grandpa's life! What a tough night, but it was good to see and be with the family.

May 17, 2009- Zachary's first communion. Tony went to watch Zachary's big day. Safina and I went to church with the family. Hugs to you all! After church Safina and I met up with Tony's Family for Zachary's celebration. What a crazy weekend, we are exhuasted.

May 16, 2009- Kyle graduates today! WAY TO GO KYLE!!! We are so very very proud of you! All that hard work paid off! We are going over to the restaurant early to decorate, so we were unable to see him walk! So proud of you though!

May 14, 2009- What a sad day. Safina's Great Grandpa (my grandpa) passed away this evening. The world has lost a brilliant man. Please pray for my Grandma and family. We love you Great Grandpa!!

May 13, 2009- What a day! We had playgroup in the morning, which was lots of fun. Then Miss Safina had her first big girl lunch. She had a grilled cheese sandwich and apples! She really liked the grilled cheese, apples were ok. I can't believe how big she is getting! Later in the afternoon we went in the hot tub again, she just loves it! After dinner we went for a nice walk and got DQ! Then hit the park on the way home and Safina went down the slide for the first time with daddy and on the swings for the first time with mommy! She loved it!

May 12, 2009- Safina was a bit fussy after dinner, so I thought maybe a nice swim in the hot tub would help! And boy did it! SHE LOVES THE HOT TUB!!! I think once the weather stays nice I might be taking her in every day! She loved it all, even the jets, she was happily splashing away! So adorable!

May 11, 2009- After work today Tony was cutting the lawn. Safina stood by the back window the whole time watching him and waving. It was the cutest thing! I am sure it was a great motivator for Tony as well!

May 10, 2009- Happy Mother's Day! My first mother's day! We had a nice quiet morning at home. At 1:30pm we met Tony's family at Salvatore's for a buffet lunch. It was a nice visit but it was hard to talk a lot with all the commotion! We then had a bbq at our house at 4pm for my family. Gigi, Kyle and Sarah and Grandpa Johnson were all there! We had a great time and yummy food!

May 9, 2009- Safina has been showing us lots of new skills lately. Another one to add to the list is dancing! She has started be-bopping to her music on her toys, she just bounces her head, ,but it is the cutest thing ever!

May 8, 2009- Daddy had off today, so we had a huge to do list to take care of! While Safina was taking her morning nap we did a bunch of stuff around the house that needed attention. When she woke, we headed to the zoo and enjoyed the animals for a few hours! This was my mother's day gift! (A zoo membership!) Safina is just starting to learn how to wave, and she was waving to all of the animals, it was really cute! After the zoo we headed to a nursery to get some more plants and supplies for the backyard. The rest of the evening we were planting and re-arranging our flower beds! Lots of work, but it looks so nice! We also sprayed this stuff called liquid fence to keep the bunnies our of our plants, boy does that stuff REEK! I mean, disgusting... I don't know if we will use it again... ugh!

May 7, 2009- This morning Gigi (Grandma Clare) came over to watch Miss Safina tonight while Tony and I went to the wake. Safina did very well, while we were gone, I think we may be over the mommy attachment! YAY! Gigi also said that while they were reading Safina was pointing at different things in the book, so she is starting to grasp the pointing skill!

May 6, 2009- We found out today that a good friend lost his father. We are so sorry for your loss and we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers! We love you!

May 5, 2009- Tonight we went to "Uncle" Sam & "Aunt" Laurel's house for a Cinco de Mayo dinner! We had a wonderful meal, delicious Sangria and awesome company! We also surprised "Aunt" Laurel with a birthday cake to celebrate her belated birthday! Safina just loves playing the Molly doggie!

May 4, 2009- What a busy day we had! We went to playgroup for mid-day and had a great time! So many toys! Then we came home for a nap, then off to Wegman's for groceries! After Safina being complimented a million times, we got out of there (but you can't be mad, people are sweet, and really she IS a beautiful baby!). Then home to make dinner and more playing then tubby time, reading books, then to bed!

May 3, 2009- We had a rough night and Miss Safina was up way too early! So we got up and played for a bit, then back to bed for Mommy and Safina! We slept passed church, oops! Sorry, but we both really needed the sleep. Then we were busy catching up with yard work all day! Man are we exhausted! We even got a new willow tree to plant in the backyard!

May 2, 2009- And their off! Safina and I did the Heritage Walk today. It started at Chef's and went all along the waterfront and back. Gigi (Grandma Clare) and Amanda and Olivia (and Olivia's Grandma) were also there with us! Safina had her first taste of Chef's after the walk, I think she liked it! When she is a bit older, Tony and I are going to take her for real!

May 1, 2009- Today Safina and I met up with Amanda (& Olivia) and Rhiannon at Taste in East Aurora! We had a yummy breakfast and a nice visit. Miss Safina started to get cranky so we had to leave early, but it was still nice to visit with our friends!

April 2009

Safina Month 9

April 29, 2009- Safina has learned to throw. She will clap her toys together and then throw them to the ground and watch them roll away. She gets a real kick out of it, she is so funny!

April 26, 2009- Today we journeyed back from Rehoboth Beach, DE. 9 hours in the car! Yikes! Safina did really well for most of the trip. The last 2-3 hours she fussed. We stopped often to get out and play in the grass, but she just didn't like being trapped in the car seat for that long, and who can blame her!

April 25, 2009- Jason & Jessica's Wedding! We spent the morning at the beach, had a quick bite to eat for lunch and then went back to the room for Safina's nap. Gigi and I went shopping while Tony stayed with Safina! After that we were off to the wedding! It was a beautiful day and a beautiful ceremony and reception! We had a great time and the bride and groom looked amazing!

April 24, 2009- We got in at 3:30am, so we immediately went to bed. We didn't get to sleep too long, miss safina was ready to get up and play, so Gigi and I took turns entertaining her while the rest of us tried to sleep. After that we went on the hunt for food and shopping! We met up with Leslie and Jarett for lunch and had a great visit! Then we went back for some down time and a nap! That night Tony and I went out with our friends and had a great time!

April 23, 2009- Off we go! We left the house at 6:20pm for our trip to Rehoboth Beach, DE. Gigi and I drove the whole way! We didn't get to the hotel till 3:30am, we were pooped!

April 22, 2009- Playgroup at our house today, and we were celebrating Earth Day! We used recycled baby food jars to plant seeds in! The kids did great, very cute! Safina has started making kissing noises. I am trying to teach her how to blow kisses, but she doesn't understand putting your hand to your mouth, so she just makes the kissy noises, very adorable!

April 20, 2009- Safina has started clapping. I am trying to teach her sign language for "more" so at first I thought that is what she was saying, but then I realized she just likes to clap! hahaha!

April 13, 2009- Happy Birthday Uncle Andrew! Safina had her 9month doctor appointment today. She didn't have to get any shots, just a finger prick for a blood test to check for anemia and iron. She is fine! She has grown a bit, but only gained 11 oz. Which is fine the doctor said! She is now 17 lbs and 11 oz. That evening we had the family over to celebrate Andrew's birthday! We had yummy tacos! Then celebrated with cake and ice cream!

April 12, 2009- Safina's first Easter! We went to church with Annette and her family! Then off to Root Five for an awesome Buffet! YUMMY! Pretty low key day.

April 11, 2009- Easter Dinner at our house! We hosted Tony's family for a wonderful Easter dinner! Safina enjoyed the ham and other yummy treats! It was a fun time!

April 8, 2009- EGG COLORING TIME! We headed over to Annette's again and colored eggs with the kids! Lots of fun, it has been a few years since I had done this! We had a very nice visit! Safina got an easter bunny as well!

April 5, 2009- Dinner at Annette's (and family). We went over for a lovely meal, and visited! Safina showed off her crawling skills!

April 4, 2009- Today Safina and I went out to Rochester with "Aunt" Joella. The reason was Matt and Yolanda were throwing each other surprise 30th birthday parties! Turns out joke was on all of us, and they were throwing it together! It was lots of fun to see everyone! Safina did great visiting with everyone! What a wonderful day spent with friends.

April 2, 2009- Starting today and running for every other thursday for six weeks, I am doing a mom's panel discussion at Fisher Price. This is where they show us products or ideas or ask us our opinion on all kinds of things. So today was our first session. Safina hung out at Gigi Clare's house while I went. The panel was lots of fun and there is some really cool stuff going on. I am not allowed to talk about it, but how fun to be involved! Can't wait for the next panel.

March 2009

Safina Month 8

March 27, 2009 - WE HAVE A CRAWLER! Safina took her first crawl tonight. She is still working on it and she can't go too far, but she can do it! We are so proud of her!

March 26, 2009 - We are introducing a few solid foods! She loves having bits of bread and pasta! She also loves puffs and cheerios! She is becoming such a big girl!

March 24, 2009 - booo! It is time to leave Florida. We checked out and hung by the pool for the morning and then headed to the airport around 2:30. Our flight left at 5pm, and we didn't get home till 10:30pm, and Safina did GREAT! I was so worried it would be tough on her, but she did awesome!

March 23, 2009 - A gloomy day in Florida, but not too miserable. We went to Gatorland and walked around while watching all the gators! Very cool animals/creatures! Safina got a little plush alligator as a momento, we named it Chester after the enormous alligator at the park.

March 22, 2009 - Mark, Emma, and Claire (poor Tonya was sick) met up with us today! We hung out at the pool and visited! The girls helped Safina chow down poolside! We had a blast and enjoyed seeing them all!

March 21, 2009 - We are off to Florida today! We are going down to Orlando for a few days to warm up in the sunshine and so Safina can meet her paternal grandfather! She did great on the plane! She makes friends with everyone!

March 15, 2009 - Safina is getting so big! She is trying to move around more... any week now she will be crawling, or walking or something! She isn't quite sturdy yet, but she is trying very hard... she doesn't like sitting still for long! I also think she is getting more teeth, she has been a little more fussy then normal lately!

March 11, 2009 - Safina had her second photo shoot today! She did so great and gave us great big smiles the whole time! It is going to be hard to pick which pictures to choose.

March 10, 2009 - We went to visit little Olivia today! She is only 3 weeks old. She is very sweet! Safina kept trying to pet her. I think she thought she was a kitty!

March 8, 2009 - Safina and Mommy stopped by Uncle Sam and Uncle Laurel's house today. Safina and Molly got to play! They were both very interested in each other! Safina loved it when Molly licked her fingers!

March 7, 2009 - Safina and Mommy went to the Niagara Falls Aquarium with Uncle Andrew and Aunt Janet today! We had lots of fun looking at all the sea creatures! Then we went shopping at the outlets! Don't worry daddy, we didn't spend too much.

March 5, 2009 - Daddy left us for the weekend. He was going on a Guy's trip! So Safina and I hung out all weekend and caught up with friends and family! But we were very happy to see daddy on sunday!

March 3, 2009 - Happy Belated (by one day) Birthday Dr. Seuss! Today we went to a playgroup that celebrated Dr. Seuss's Birthday. We each brought a Dr. Seuss book, and we did an exchange! There was even a green cake with red and blue fish on it! We had lots of fun playing with new kids!

February 2009

Feb 28, 2009 - Today we ventured out to Rochester to visit Mike, Jen and Ryan! We can't get over how big Ryan is getting and what a sweet little boy he is! We had lots of fun hanging out with them, and catching up! The kids liked playing together as well!

Feb 20, 2009 - Safina did a toy test at Fisher Price today! We were testing out a feature on a jumperoo. She unfortunately wasn't very helpful, she had just woken from a nap, and was rather confused by what was going on. But it was fun, and she got a free toy out of it!

Feb 16, 2009 - She did it again! Slept through the night. 6:30pm to 7:30am! I love this! I hope she keeps it up!

Feb 15, 2009 - Safina slept through the night from 7pm to 5:30 am! I hope she keeps this up!

Feb 14, 2009 - Happy Valentine's Day, we are all sick this weekend.. boo! Hopefully we will get better fast!

Feb 8, 2009 - Safina has discovered how to move and rotate her wrist! She is totally fascinated by it, it is so adorable! She will hold something (sometimes nothing) and just flip her wrist! She does it more with her left hand then right, she may be a lefty!

Feb 6, 2009 - Second tooth is in! She loves her teeth and likes to use them when she eats by gripping the spoon. It is pretty funny!

January 2009

Jan 25, 2009 - So we did it! We took Safina to get her ears pierced! I totally thought I would chicken out, but I didn't! She did really well too! She cried for 30 seconds after they did it, but then she was fine! Such a brave girl! She looks so cute!

Jan 22, 2009 - Safina got her first tooth today! No wonder she was miserable last night! It is the bottom left (of the front two). She loves grabbing things with it and playing with it with her fingers! We also had swim class today and she totally enjoys it now! I think she is starting to get used to it, and is enjoying kicking and "jumping" in!

Jan 18, 2009 - Safina is sitting on her own! She still doesn't roll over, but she can sit up by herself! She loves being able to play with her toys better!

Jan. 15, 2009 - We started swim lessons today! She wasn't so sure of the big tub, but she was definitely checking it out!

Jan. 11, 2009 - She is growing so fast! It is amazing how alert and curious she is. She watches everything and is learning how things work. She loves grabbing for things and everything goes right to the mouth! She sat up on her own today! So we are going to keep practicing that! She still hasn't rolled over, but she will eventually. We have a doctors appointment on Monday, so we are curious to see how big she has gotten.

Jan. 8, 2009 - We tried sweet peas today, man she is not that into those. She will eat them, but she makes the funniest face when she does.

December 2008

Dec. 28, 2008 - She still hasn't rolled over...

Dec. 25, 2008 - Merry Christmas! Baby's First Christmas! So much fun. She loved all the paper and even unwrapped some of her gifts. She is a very spoiled little girl! We enjoyed watching her experience her first christmas.

Dec. 24, 2008 - Christmas Eve at Tony's aunt's house. We had a wonderful dinner and great company! Safina opened her first christmas present! So much fun for all!

Dec. 22, 2008 - OK, so she did roll over, but hasn't done it since. So we will keep trying!

Dec. 20, 2008 - Yes! She finally did it! She rolled over on her own! She was on her stomach and rolled to her back, on her own!!! We are so excited. We also saw Santa today! She really didn't care about him, but really enjoyed the jingle bells he had!

Dec. 12, 2008 - Safina has finally found her feet. The past few days she is grabbing them and kicking. This makes diaper changes particularly challenging. But she is so adorable when she does it. We are still encouraging her to roll over, but there is no sign of that happening anytime soon.