Snow Day and Date Night

I will start this post like I do every time...saying I need to post more often. My memory gets hazy in a hurry and this is a great way to remember those great moments in my life...the ones I share with my daughter - Josie!

Last week we shared to great days! Tammy has had some time off lately while she is transitioning from one job to another...so she and Josie have gotten to spend a lot of quality time together...that made these next two events even more special!

First was the snow day...Since Josie's birth...the DC region has been in a major snow drought...in the months leading up to her arrival...we got hammered...the winter of 09-10...ended with us getting a historic 70 inced of snow in Silver Spring...2011 had one big snow...Commuteageddon...the 8 inch rush hour storm that left Tammy in gridlock for 9 hours! The next day we took a young Josephine into the snow and she cried the whole time...

Since then we haven't had more than 3 inches of snow a YEAR! It was slim pickens...until January 21, 2014...The storm started slow, but picked up after Josie's nap time...When she woke up...we went outside into a winter wonderland...there was about 5 to 6 inches f snow on the ground (we got a little more than 7 total). Tammy came out with us for a little while to snap some pictures, but she is no snow lover so after a few minutes she went inside and Josie and i continued out frigid fun...

First we tried to climb the slopes in front of each home...most of the time slipping within inches of the top and laughing as we slid down...One time when we got to the top...Josie tried something new...the frontside snow angel...one made while laying on her stomach...It was hilarious when she put her face in the snow...

We then had a mini snow ball fight...really a snow fight...it was cold so the snow was really powdery and not good for packing...either way...we had a blast...then we spent 10 minutes of Josie running up the hill and sliding down on her bottom...we did that until Tam said it was getting too cold and we need to come in...She was definitely right...Now we are counting down the days and watching the forcast hoping for more snow!

A few days later...Josie and I shared our first Daddy/Daughter Date Night! Tammy was working late so I picked Josie up and we headed to her favorite restaurant - Friendly's! I'm quite sure this has more to do with the fact that ice cream comes with every meal and not the quality of tier entrees. Proof - Josie ordered the Hot Dog and Mac and Cheese...it was one mangled hot dog...with a side of what looked to be low quality boxed mac and cheese...But it didn't matter to Josie...She ate it all - again, i think it had more to do with getting that ice cream...She always chooses the clown...a scoop of vanilla...with M&M's for facial features...and a chocolate dipped cone as a hat...Josie gave me the hat and tore into the ice cream...she shared a little...but not much...it was all hers :)

After that we braved the cold...headed home...then it was time for a quick bath so we could watch a movie...Josie's favorite right now is Sophia the First - The Floating Palace! As we watched...I noticed that Josie was saying the words before the characters... It started with one word...Like "What a vacation" and I would ask what she said only to hear it repeated seconds later on the TV...It was pretty amazing...I like to think she knew the words because she was so smart...and not because she watches the movie too often :)

It was a great night and once I hoop we can repeat soon! It will give me another reason to write!

Catching Up!

OK...So it has been too long since I took time to write on this blog...but i realized my memory is going...so writing this down preserves it for all to see later :)

Since I last wrote...a lot has happened...You have started a new school, turned 3...and done countless other things that amazed me and entertained me all at the same time...

But what you did over the weekend and especially on Sunday made me want to blog again...

We went to NJ to visit Gammy, Poppy and you cousins...You were awake most of the ride to NJ...a first...and then after going to sleep at almost 11pm...You were up at 6am...that should've been my first sign that something different was happening this weekend...

We went to the boardwalk on Saturday with Sage and Kai...and for the first time...you were a maniac...You wanted to ride everything, but the swings (which is OK because they scare me a little too). What you like most though were the fun houses...there were two that you went through twice...dragging mom and i along with you...It was a blast! And I am sure we will be going through them again very soon...

Sunday was pretty uneventful until the drive home...

Again we left late thinking you would fall asleep...but you had different ideas...You were hellbent on staying away...Mom tried to tell you she wanted to sleep...hoping it would convince you to shut your eyes...no dice...You just talked more...telling mom you were doing it to keep her awake...causing both of us to crack up...

As the trip went on...mom and I decided to ignore you thinking this would lull you to sleep...again...No Dice...You started saying Mother...Mother...Mother...Father...Father...Father...but it sounded like Mudder and Fadder...made us both laugh so hard I almost had to pull over...

At least a first...after another hour...it was annoying...and when I was just about to go crazy...You fell asleep...20 minute from home...

It was a fun and hilarious trip!

I love you sweet pea...more blogging to come...I promise!

Quiet Weekends = Greatness!

So you Mommy is recovering from back surgery and that has meant you were in Jersey 2 out of three weeks - without me :( It was nice to have some bachelor time, but I really started to miss my ladies.

When you got back...i didn't want to do anything "special," but it turns out just hanging out with you and Mommy is "special!"

You and mom got home on Friday and on my drive home I was so excited to see you guys...I was like a kid on Christmas morning!

I got home gave big hugs to you and Mommy and we embarked on the best "normal weekend" ever!

After you had dinner you wanted to dance...so as a family we did the Hokey Pokey until we were all exhausted...It was a blast...Not the dance scene I used to partake in on a Friday night...but it ended up being so much more fun...

Saturday we had another boring day...Hang out in the morning...church in the evening and a relaxing night at home...

Sunday we got up and headed to the zoo...You absolutely love the Zoo! It was international Tiger day...So we headed right toward the big cats...The animals weren't too active, but you were...You roared at the lion...cracking up your parents and everyone else within earshot...We ended up passing a booth where they gave you a small stuffed Tiger...

We then went to the Monkey House...As always you enjoyed watching them as they did such disgusting things as eating their own vomit...

Mom was starting to wear down a little...so we headed down to the petting zoo...Mom and I tried mightily to get you to pet the donkey...each time your hand got about an inch away...You pulled it back frantically...I don't think you ever did "pet" the donkey, but that didn't stop you from telling us over and over that not only did you pet the donkey...it was also your friend...

On the way out of the Zoo we renewed our FONZ membership...relatively boring, expcet of the fact that you ended up getting a small stuffed panda too...

After a lunch at Fire Station...it was nap time for everyone...

When you woke up...It was time for our weekly "pool" time...You, mom and I sat around your little pink pool..just splashing and hanging it out...it was awesome!!!!!

When we came inside we named your new "pets." The tiger is now "CoCo" and mom told you to name the panda "Milkshake" but you have taken to just calling him "Milky!" :)

This past weekend was just as "normal" and just as much "fun!"

Saturday, we went shopping Downtown and followed it up with a trip to the splash park...It is basically a series of fountains, but it is enjoyed by countless kids...you are now included...

You were tentative at first (like with almost all new things)...You would barely stick you foot in...then you started playing with the small outside spouts...As the morning went on...You slowly ventured in - with me right by your side, getting more soaked with each step :)

After a little while you got tired of the water...so we went and strolled through the nearby Farmers Market...within minutes you were begging to go back to the fountains...Your parents of course obliged :)

After about 20 more minutes...it was time to head home for a nap...

Saturday night was low key, but Sunday was another fun one...

We didn't do much in the morning...You were acting exhausted...so at nap time we though you would crash...boy were we wrong...

You spent the next 2 1/2 hours talking to your self, talking to your babies, running in your crib and bouncing until you almost hit the rook...basically anything but sleep...It was hilarious...Your mom and I both took turns watching you...each of us laughing!

When you "got up" we went back out to the pool, but our time was cut shot by a thunderstorm...so we went inside for art time!

It was another great weekend...and I am hoping we will have another  "normal" weekend  in a few days...

I love you Josie!

"I Love You...So Much!"

OK...I know I've started several blog posts this way, but I haven't written much as I should've...

However, sometime you do something so cute...I want to put it in writing so I don't forget it :)

We had a great weekend together...Mom had a girls' day Saturday and it left you and I alone for the longest time yet! We visited the Brills...Then came home for nap time and went off to Mass...As it started...You put you head on my shoulder...and gave me a good cuddle...It just stuck with me...It was so sweet and so peaceful.

After that-I have to admit...You were a bit of a handful...The Priest could've given out the winning lotto number and I wouldn't have know...I was focus on keeping you happy and quiet..I don't think I heard a word of the gospel or Homily :)

We came home and so did mommy and it was a great evening...

We had a full Sunday that culminated with the sweetest moment...in all moment...on the potty...

We had some friends over and Mommy was about to put you to sleep...as you were getting ready to go potty...I was getting ready to go back to our friends...You looked up at me and said in the sweetest voice "I love you...short pause...so much" It was so sweet...Mommy and I have you say it all the time now :)

I have to admit you have a special intonation in your voice...the way you say things...ending sentences on an up note..It is awesome and adorable all at the same time...It is almost like you are asking a question...It is all part of what makes you the best girl in the world!

Before I sign off...I would be remiss if I didn't talk about the best Father's Day Weekend ever! It was so simple...Just lots of time hanging out with you and mommy...Sunday was awesome...We played, went to Mass...then in the afternoon had a Brown pool party...We danced (you are developing some sweet moves...just like your dad!)and splashed and it was full of moments that I will never forget...You also game me the cutest Father's Day art project!

I just want you to know that no matter what happens - "I love you...so much!"

"What sound does a lion make? Roar!"

So one of my New Year's Resolutions was to write more on this blog...and clearly (since it is March 5th) I am failing miserably...But I promise to do better...

Josie - I can't even begin to explain all the changes in you since October...So Iw il ltry to hit the highlights...

Christmas- We celbrated in New Jersey and we didn't really know if you would embrace the whole gift thing, but much to our surprise...You ripped into package after package...and you even played with most of your gifts, but I think what you liked best was the wrapping paper :)

Since the first of the year you have also moved into the 2-year-old room at daycare and you are thriving...It seems like every day you come home with new words...You also seem to have a new sense of adventure...and sometimes...you copy the the bad behavior of your classmates - but we are working on that...

In February, we made our annual trek to Florida to hang out with Grammy and Poppi and boy did we have fun...

We went night swimming in the pool...It took you a while to warm up to this activity, but by the end of the week...You were loving the swimming pool!

Then there was our day at the beach...Man...Did you love the beach...You have been in Jersey several times, but never embraced it like you did in Florida...You playing in the sand, played in the water...and even made some friends! You and Gram made sand meatballs...and we dug you a hole in the sand that you endlessly filled with water...It was a ton of fun...and there are a lots of cute pictures!

The next day we went out on Poppi's boat...We were a little concerned because last year your boat trip was under 5 minutes...By the time we were away from the dock...You were yelling "I'm on a boat!" It was awesome...but just like when you ride in a car...you quickly got tired...One of my favorite and most memorable moments was you falling asleep on the boat in my arms...It was one of those moments as a dad that I wished would last forever and that I will never forget...Once we got to Raccoon Island you livened up and got right back into beach mode...You playng in the sand, dug holes and splashed in the water...It was my favorite day of the vacation!

Saturday we drove down to Mommy and Daddy's old stomping gounds of Naples...We visited some of Mommy's old work friends...Jane has two girls...both much older than you...You were standoffish at first, but by the end of the day...It was like you had two older sisters...You followed them everywhere...The highlight of the day was the small bounce house...You had been exposed to bounce houses in the past and were a little afraid...this one was small and once you got in...there was no stopping you...Jan'es daughter were throwing you around (see video) and you giggled and said one of the words we hear most when you are doing something fun - "Again!"

Your love of the Bounce House was a glimpse into the future :)

The good times continued, but once again hit a high point at the drum circle Sunday Night on Siesta Key...You were cute a bug in your sunglasses...and even cuter once one of the dancers gave you a flower for your hair :) You drug me into the center of the circle several times...and each time...I thought you were about to get funky and show off your dance move, but each time...all you wanted to do was play in the sand...It was once again a great time! After we left the circle...You ran all over the beach and even climbed up into the lifeguard tower...

We returned home...rested for a few days and then on Thursday Mimi arrived...You hadn't seen her since July so I was a little concerned on how you would react to her...but those concerns quickly evaporated...You embraced your Mimi...and showed her all the lvoe she could handle...it truly warms my heart to watch two of my favorite ladies have so much fun together!

You have been a trooper this weekend, depsite the fact that you have been sick...I took you to the doctor on Friday and 367 days after your first ear infection - you were diagnosed with your second one...But you are already getting better...and showing no ill effects of the sickness :)

Saturday we went to CJ Caprpenter's b-day party at pump it up...which is filled with large blow up/bounce toys...Like normal...You started slow, but within minutes you were bouncing all over the place...We had to turn in a release form so you could play, but as I helped you climb ladders...I quickly thought...I was the one who needed the release because I was sweating and out of breath...Once you got going you were fearless...climbing 10 foot ladders and sliding solo down long slides...When I got tired - Mimi stepped in...She is as fearless as you...I'm not sure which of you had more fun sliding...but both were entertaining to watch! Then there was the cake...I will have to show you pictures...you devoured this cake...starting withte icing...then the actually cake...Words can't do it justice...It was hilarious and a ton of fun to watch!

Sunday we braved cool weather to go to the zoo and I'm glad we did...We started with the petting zoo...You were playing shy, but by the time we got to the lions - you were roaring as loud as they were :) You also were very independent...You wanted to peer over the rails on your own...and loved looking at the lions...next it was the gorilla house...You enjoyed looking at them, unless they got too close :) I think you enjoyed playing on the step with Mimi and I more than the gorillas, but it was blast...then we went to visit the National Zoo rock stars - the Panda Bears...They were both chowing down on bamboo...I'm not sure you really knew what a panda was before we went in there, but you did after...as we left you pointed and said sweetly -"Panda Bear" ... After lunch with Auntie Emily...We headed home...in an effort to keep you up, we gave you a map of the zoo...As you looked at the pictures...You saw a panda and once again said sweetly - Panda Bear...It was awesome!

Today you are spenind the whole day with Mimi...and mom and I are going out to dinner...Hopefully you are taking good care of Mimi and not wearing her out too much!

Everyday I am proud to be you daddy and i can't wait to continue the job! I love you Josie Grace!!!!

Welcome Home Daddy! - "Josie"

What a day...and a month...we have a lot to catch up on...

This morning started with its usual joy...Then as I was getting you ready for school...You were calling "Daddy" and pointing at me...then all of a sudden you put you hand on your chest and said - "Jo-zz-yy" :) It was the first time I had heard you say your name...It warmed my heart and got my day started right!

Then this evening after a long commute...I cam in and Mommy was on the phone with the Air Conditioner repair guy...You spotted me and ran to the hall to give me a big hug! But you were ready to play...We started playing airplane and the giggle began...then there was a game of chase...then some zerberts....each game eliciting more giggles...It was a blast! The best 20 minutes of my day...

Josie Grace I must say you are quite the dare devil - sometimes :) You let us toss you around...up, down and side to side...We can't jump enough or throw you high enough...but as we learned at the petting zoo/pumpkin patch two weeks ago...this daring side of you does not stretch to the animal world.

You loved the slides at this place (again with your daring side)...Couldn't slide fast enough...then came the pony ride...We waiting in line for about 10 minutes...You watched the horses walk and would call "Horsey" in a sweet voice each time they passed...then came time for you to get on...

Mommy carried you to help you get on...as you first leg went over the pony the shaking started...by the time you were on the saddle the full blown screaming started...people from across the park could hear you (we have the video to show you!!!)

Then we took you to the petting zoo...I had to force you to touch the goats and the bunny...but then it came to the roosters and chickens...You ran around the fenced yard chasing those darn bird...then went to the fence and started calling for the Horseys...It was quite funny!

One other awesome moment from this past month...was something I call the face squeeze...I was carrying you down stair in the morning before school...You said Daddy...then grabbed my cheeks and game me a kiss! It was the best thing ever!!!!

Also this month we have new routine at school...I put you down and after you say hi to the babies...I crouch down and you run over to me or away...either way we end up with a sweet hug! I love it!

We also took you to the Doctor last week for your 18 month check up...You are healthy as could be...You are in the 90% for weight and the 97% of height...The use this appointment to estimate how high you will be as an adult...the estimate is 5' 9" right between mom and dad!

I think that is a pretty good update for now...this weekend is Halloween...we are going to Matthew's b-day party and to the mall so we can show off you cute costume - a bumble bee...Which by the way you can now say...and say loud!

I love you little one and I hope to update this more often and even start including your pictures!

"I luv yu!"

SO I can't believe it has been a month since I last blogged about my beautiful daughter!

I have a lot to write about - in the past 4 weeks...We have survived floods, earthquakes and a hurricane!

We will get to everything , but let's work in reverse...

Tonight was a Daddy/Daughter night...and good news...You survived :)

When I arrived at daycare tonight...I was a little later than Mommy usually is and you were not happy about it...You're face was red and there were tears streaming down you face...But some juice and some songs in the car and you were in a better mood...

We then came home and went through the routine...Dinner, bath, milk...now you are sleeping peacefully...at least as peaceful as you sleep...

Yesterday was an even better. day...You were a chatty Cathy on the way to school...we were singing and you were clapping...and parroting everything I was saying...SO I started saying "I love you!" and you started repeating back..."I luv yu...I luv yu" It was so awesome...I had a hard time focusing on the road...you are just so awesome!

Also earlier this week...We pulled up to daycare and Ellie's mom was outside her car...You started saying "Ellie...Ellie..." It was adorable and awesome all at the same time...and besides impressing your dad...you impressed Ellie's mom :)

Then there was last week when you showed off your brain power...We were playing on the floor with your "little people" farm set...You had the cow in your hand and I said...Josie what does a cow say...You replied - "Moo...Mooo..." It cracked me up and made me so proud at the same time...

It is just amazing to watch you develop a little more every day from your thinking to your personality...It is a daily treat that I can't get enough of!

Now let's reflect on some of the other major events...

The Earthquake...I was home while they fixed they drywall from our flood...The house started shaking and the workers ran up the stairs yelling and we hit the porch...it was so weird...Mommy was stuck downtown at work for a couple of hours while traffic untangled...

You were at daycare...and everything was fine...I showed up early to get you and you ran and greeted me with open arms and a smile...I am pretty sure you had no idea of the historic even you had just lived through...

A recurring theme in your first 17 months...

Because a week after the earthquake...we got hit by a hurricane...Mom and I were worried about flooding and losing power...good news...much to our surprise neither happened...I had a fairly sleepless night as I monitored our blocked gutter to make sure it was flooding our recently repaired basement, but just like the rush hour blizzard you slept right through it :)

It has been an interesting month...Now that I am trying to get better with the blogging...the next step is to add more pictures!

I love you Josie!

We will talk again soon!!!!!