Team Gwiley

We have an 18 month old Chocolate Lab, Wiley, who is a little (to say the least) crazy, but nonetheless, LOVABLE, and even better, a loving Big Brother to Gwen.  Well, Smarty Pants, has decided lately that his best way to get some table food (which he is NEVER allowed), is to join forces with his little sis... who ADORES him just as much.

So here is a picture explanation of Wiley's approach...

They've formed an alliance... and WE could be in BIG trouble! :)

I don't really care, as long as they both get along.

Yay for Friday tomorrow... can't wait for the loooong weekend with family :)

xoxo.

P.S.  Did I mention that Gwen is currently HATING bibs, of any kind!  She pretty much REFUSES to wear them... so fun for Momma!

Wordless Wednesday... NO HANDS!

We are in serious trouble now... BabyCakes is daring to stand without holding on!  It's really only for a brief second, or two, but she wants it so badly.

I know it's blurry, but I took it with my phone, and she was clapping at the time.

Happy Wednesday!

xoxo.

Huggies Shoot

Gwen's first shoot was today, and it was great, tiring, but great!  The shoot took place at a studio in the Chelsea Market (which is so adorable, great shops, I would definitely go back!).  We had a great time playing with all the other babies, and talking with their mommas.  It was so professional, lol, I mean, Gwen was being fitted in "wardrobe" and they were altering clothes right on set, which I didn't get to see :( but it's ok, that's just how it goes.

Here are some pics from our day...



I'm kind of a big deal :)



Trying to check out the set :)

Gwen in lights (the weren't on, lol)



Chillin on set, waiting for her turn.



In wardrobe, playing with the other kiddies...

The wait was longer than the actual shoot, but it didn't matter to Gwen, she was having a BALL!

Can't wait for the next one!

Gonna nap now :)

xoxo.

Sunday Funday, Family Style

     As I have said before, Hubby is a BIG fan of what we call "Sunday Funday" ESPECIALLY in the summer.  It usually includes boating, floating, bbq-ing, beers, and sun, and this year we have incorporated Miss Gwen into that mix.  Well, today was an exceptionally different "Funday," and it was just as FUN as the others.

Today, we took our little family over to the Meadowlands State Fair, which is held in the Giants Stadium parking lots.  It was pretty big, and we had a ton of fun.  Although there weren't that many rides that Gwen could go on  (with parent), we managed to get on a few, AND her Daddy won her a HUGE stuffed pig (for those parents out there that know "Jungle Junction," we have named it Zooter. :)  Mommy and Daddy munched on "not-so-healthy, but oh-so-good" carnival food, and we took a stroll in the largest traveling candy store (Daddy has a HUGE sweet tooth). 

We ended the day with a trip to our favorite restaurant, and Gwen was an angel.  Love that little peanut.  Gwen is currently pooped (as are we), and asleep, and I am awaiting the brand new season of "True Blood" yyyaaaaaaaaaayyyyyy!

Some pics from our festivities...

Gwen's Ride w/ her Daddy

The "Zooter" Daddy won, It's H-U-G-E!

Daddy was trying to take a picture of us and the donkey, but apparently another A$$ got in the way.  hahahaha.

It's so sad that the weekend is already over, but we have a jam-packed weekend coming up, plus, Gwen's big shoot this week.  So, we have plenty to do.

Hope you all had a great and relaxing weekend...

xoxo.

Guess What I Am NOT Doing Today?!?

PACKING!!!!!

Hallelujah!  There will be no caravan this weekend, because we are staying home!  :)  Well, that is a little bit of a fib, we DO have something to do SaturDAY, but we will be back home by afternoon, and will spend both nights in our own bed... {sigh}.

What to do with myself today then?!?!  I think I be daring and unpredictable and do some laundry, the dishes, and maybe clean the bathroom... lol.  All kidding aside, I feel like it has been so long since we DIDN'T have plans, that I am SUPER excited NOT to have plans.

I DID, however, schedule a "Wii Bowling Date Night" with Jason tonight, we haven't had one of those in a LONG time... Hope my bowling skills are still up to par :)

Happy Friday!


In honor of date night, here is a pic from our Honeymoon in St. Lucia, 2009


xoxo.

The Road to Stardom :)

I'll give you all the details, but I have to say this first:

Our Baby Girl Booked a Huggies Shoot!

That's right, next Tuesday we head back to the city for her first shoot.  Too exciting!!!

     Ok, so about 3 weeks ago, we attended a "Meet & Greet" of some sorts, with an agency that we were referred to and were corresponding with via email.  And we really liked it!  We were told that Gwen was at a great (and much sought after) age, that she was very cute (WE knew that), and that they had a "go-see" the next week that they thought we should go to.  WooHoo!

     Tuesday came, her and I packed up (brought enough stuff to last us the day) and hopped into the car ready to take on the big city.  NOW, let me explain a few things... by map (MapQuest) we are 11.65 miles from NYC, which should take approximately 24 minutes... Do you want to know how long it really takes?!?!  About an hour!  Yup, that darn Holland Tunnel will get you EVERY time, lol, but it worked in our favor, because Gwen got a nice hour-long nap, which made for one happy baby when she awoke! :)  We parked the car and arrived at the Studio @ 8:55am, we were 35 minutes early, yay! (It's not very often that we are EARLY for things).  And they began seeing babies @ 9:30am.  All of us moms were instructed to take our babies down to just their diaper and that a woman (whom we all got to meet) would be taking them across the hall to take pictures (they want to make sure that they won't freak out w/o their mommas). 

     Well, they started @9:15am and took them in by the order they arrived (Thank God we were early!!!!)... To make a long story short, we were done and back in the car by 9:45am!!!  IT TOOK LONGER TO DRIVE IN THAN THE ACTUAL AUDITION!  Haha.  But it went great, Gwen had fun playing with the babies and didn't cry when they went to take her pic!

     Friday of that week, I received an email, saying that we got a CALLBACK!  Yippeee!  And that we were to head back to the same place on Monday.  The day came, and we did the same routine, this time we were the FIRST ones there!!!  This audition was EVEN shorter than the last, and we were home by 10am!  Can you imagine?!?!  So, we waited again.

    THEN, the email came!!!  Gwen booked it!!!!! Ahhhh!  I can't believe it!  We are so happy for her!  This coming Tuesday is the shoot, and BELIEVE me I will give you ALL the details!  Wish us luck!

She makes us so proud. :)

xoxo.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Dancin' Queen

It's not the BEST display of Gwen's dancing, but she really loves this song, and got into the groove a little bit.  :)

Love that girl!

xoxo.

"Pen"-less

     With all of the crap stuff that we have to bring with us, to and from, our weekends down in our hometown... we sometimes forget things.  Most of the time, it is something that we can live without, or even pick up at the store... well, NOT THIS TIME.  Lol.  We forget Gwen's "pen," which we don't use ALL day, but it DOES allow Mommy to get a few things (dishes, laundry, shower, etc.) done.  So, needless to say, I am in withdrawl, seriously.  It has only been ONE DAY, and without those little breaks yesterday, I was EXHAUSTED and felt like I accomplished nothing around the house.  Thankfully, Hubby has a softball game down there this week, but he is only allowed to go, lol, if he picks it up!

Well, Miss Gwen is napping at the moment, so I am WASTING VALUABLE TIME! :)

A pic from this weekend... She LOVES swimming!!!

 xoxo.

Profiling

I know that I talk, and talk, and talk about our little family ALL the time, but sometimes I think that you (my FANS, haha), should have more of a background on me (us), because it would paint a better picture.  So, I am thinking that each week, I am going to do a "profile" on one of our family members.  Maybe it will give you some more insight, maybe not... but it's MY blog, and I do what I want. LOL!!!!!

I was going to start with myself, but in honor of his upcoming 1st Father's Day, I am going to start with my best friend in the world, my husband, Jason.

Jason is a 30-something (I won't disclose your age, babe) man, whose motto has always been, "This is not a dress rehearsal, you only get one shot at life."  And, I can honestly say that he is one person that I KNOW will not have any regrets in life!

Jason is a VERY hard worker.  He is a Director at his company, and although his occupation brings a lot of stress upon him, he LOVES his job.  (There is nothing better than loving what you do.)  And he's GOOD at it.  Lol.  I am so proud of how hard he works, and the fact that he has taken on the responsibility of providing for a family so that his little girl can have a stay-at-home momma.  We are both grateful to be able to spend everyday together.

He is the life of the party.  Seriously.  Yes, sometimes, it's not so fun for the wifey, lol, but he really knows how to have a good time... and how to make everyone else have a good time too.  He loves to laugh, and sing, and dance, and best of all, he loves to do this all while with me the most!

He is super sentimental.  Anyone who knows us/him, knows that he can cry at the drop of a hat... for God's sake they had a bet on how much he would cry at our wedding. {It was A LOT} :)  But, it is SO ENDEARING, to know that he really cares so much.  He has no problem telling Gwen and I how much he loves us... and it's so heart-warming to see what a loving dad he is.

Jason would LIVE on a boat.  We both grew up (about a decade apart, haha) in the same town, which is right on a bay, and VERY close to the ocean.  Boating, beaches, and all that comes with it, are a WAY OF LIFE, and it is a perfect fit for him (actually, us).  We hope to share that lifestyle with Gwen and our future child(ren)... because it is something that should not be taken for granted.

Jason LOVES being a dad.  He loves that little girl so much, and it is written ALL over his face.  I am also going to go out on a limb and say that he loves being a husband, who never fails to tell me that he loves me, or that he just wants to make us happy.  It took him (us) a while to get to this place, but we're here, and it's an AMAZING place.  And we're enjoying every single second.

Thank you Jason, for being you.  For loving the way you do.  Our only hope is that you know that we adore you, and are SO proud of you and your accomplishments.

Happy 1st Father's Day, babe!  Enjoy your day.

They're holding each other so tight.

We love you SO much.

And another special Happy Father's Day to our Dads!  We love you so much and can't wait to spend the day with you. {I'll be profiling you both in the near future!}

xoxo.

Triple the Celebration

     Today, we are headed to Gwen's Uncles' High School Graduation, YAY!!!!  Jason has a set of triplet brothers, whom are each so smart and talented, and will have much success in their lives!  They have worked SO hard these past four years, and have conquered every hurdle that has come in their path.  It will be sad to see them "grow up" and leave town for college, but we KNOW that they will do GREAT things in their upcoming years. 

So, we would like to say...

Congratulations Uncle Anthony, Uncle Mark, & Uncle Joseph!

We Love You SO Much, and are BEYOND proud!

How cute are they?!?!

Celebrating Gwen's 1st Christmas :)

Enjoy your day, boys.  It only happens once in your life... so take it all in.

{Pics to Come}

Happy Friday!

xoxo.

Stats~9 Months

Gwen, you are 9 months old...

and this is what you are up to...

Weight - 19 lbs 11 oz (you've stayed the same.  well, at least on my scale.)

Height - 30 inches, I think... you wouldn't stay very still :)

Diapers - Size 3

Clothes - We have moved on to 9 months... and packed away (for the most part) all of your smaller clothing. :(  I am always excited to bring out new clothing, but it is so sad to see all of those outfits that you won't fit in anymore.

Food - We are thoroughly exploring the wide world of food!  I try to throw new things at you all the time... some you are more receptive to than others, but you at least try them all once.

Sleep - Like a pro.  Yeah, you have some early mornings, but nothing drastic, and every morning is better than the last, when you smile that BIG smile at me.  Gets me every time.

Naps - 2 a day.  You definitely let us know when you are ready for one, and we are more than happy to oblige :)

Teeth - Well, all four top teeth have "cut through," so that makes 6!  Your toothy grin is absolutely precious, but "nibbling" on Mommy's finger is no longer an option, because IT HURTS!  Those pearly whites are sharp!  Lol.  But, I will gladly supply you with all the "chew toys" you want.

-It seems as though you want to walk SO badly!  You CAN'T sit still (just like Daddy).  You have started to live on the dangerous side, trying to stand without holding anything and/or letting go of your support for a second or two.

-You took your first boat ride!  And you seemed to enjoy it so much, that it put you to sleep.  Lol.  We are going out again this weekend for Father's Day (Daddy wants to take you swimming in the bay for the 1st time).  Let's hope you continue to like life on the water!

-We just signed you with a Talent Agency!  We are going to have as much fun as possible, and hey, maybe even make a few bucks to put towards your college tuition.

-Your new favorite toy/teether are Daddy's sunglasses.  It is SO funny, he CAN'T wear them (even on his head) because you take them off immediately and throw them in your mouth.  Good thing Daddy likes to share :)

-You have been doing so well with all the travelling we do.  Just want to say thanks kiddo!

No Dr. this month, or next, or the one after that, yay!  (Unless you get sick.)  I have to say, Gwen, it seems like the wait for you to get here was soooooooooooo long, and now that you are here, time is really flying.  There are so many moments in the day that I wish I could freeze time, and keep you this age forever...

We love you more than you know!

Back to packing... our weekend starts tomorrow!

xoxo.

Mama-razzi!

     I have NEVER been shy of using the camera around Gwen (or anyone else), so when we signed with a talent agent (YES! we are going Hollywood, lol, more on that later) and were required to send in a certain amount of pictures, I immediately took the opportunity and had a few impromptu shoots. 

Here's some of my favs.

Pretty in Plaid :)

I just want to EAT her!!!!!!!

SO big!

She was telling me "Go," like GO AWAY MOM, and take your camera too! Hehe. 

Not the prettiest pic, but I love it.  WHY, won't the phone stop ringing, Mom?!?!

She was going to chomp on my glasses, but the face is just priceless.

She's such a beautiful girl...

Happy Baby

Standing up on her mama



Just hangin on the park bench, cool as can be.



There she is.  My baby.  And yes, we signed to a talent agency.  We (her and I) are just going to have fun with it, and not take it too seriously.  I have the time, she's got the looks :), and the city is so close by.  Why not?  And just think, my blogging will benefit from all of our experiences.  Good stuff.

Calling it a night.  xoxo.

Seriously?! Thursday (on Friday)

Sorry, I am day late!

Seriously, I am an addict of reality TV.  I am hooked on all of the "Housewives" (and I might add that the hubby enjoys it too).  I mean, I could watch them 24/7.  I can't get enough.  I even want to head over to the town the NJ Housewives are from, and maybe catch a sighting... lol.  They're so entertaining, yes, in a not-so-great way, but it is my guilty pleasure, I can't help it.  Although, NO ONE compares to "Bethanny,"  she is freakin hilarious, and I catch myself hysterically laughing out loud while watching her... I know that my sis-in-law will agree... She can do no wrong. :)

Seriously, TEETHING is a NIGHTMARE!!!!!  EVERYONE gives you advice while preggo, so much that you start to not pay attention, but please take my warning... it is AWFUL!!!!  It's like waking up with a whole new baby.  I would give anything to take her pain away.  ANYTHING!

Seriously, HOLY HEAT!  Lol.  I know that this is all anyone talks about, but really, it's just absurd.  Gwen and I hid inside Wednesday (we have no pool or beach nearby), but ventured out shopping yesterday, and I think I lost weight from the store to the car!  I am heading to the store ASAP to buy a kiddie pool for me Gwen.  :)

Seriously, next baby (one more and that's it people), I think I am going to use cloth diapers.  I am not positive, but I look at the cost/waste that comes with disposables and it just makes me sick.  But, talk to me again during next pregnancy (in a year or so).

Seriously, I am also an addict to Words With Friends, my mom (sorry, I dimed you out) and I, alone, have like 10 games going at one time.  I am pretty sure that Jason HATES that I am so obsessed, but it is just TOO addicting!  AND, my brother just got hooked... there is no help for us, lol.

Seriously, I need a new, semi-pro camera.  I LOVE taking pics, and I think that with a newer, better, more sophisticated camera, I could really thrive!  Doing some research... then gonna work on the hubby ;)

Wishing you all a fantastic weekend!
xoxo.

Go

     I am ecstatic happy to report that Gwen's current favorite word, has been "Ma"! :)  "Da-da" hasn't caught on like we thought it was going to... Hubby's dying to get it out of her! (Poor guy).  But, a part of me feels rewarded, I mean, I AM the one who spends all day, every day with her, so isn't it only right that "Ma" wins?!?  Lol.

     Well, I don't have a video of "Ma" yet (I am really working on it), but within the past few days, "go," or something like it, has been Gwen's 2nd favorite word.  I started wondering, "Why?  Why would "go" be one of her first words?"  So I thought about it, and then realized who was responsible for it... Wiley.  That's right, our crazy Lab Wiley is ALWAYS getting into stuff that he shouldn't (he's still a pup), and our go-to word for him is "Go."  Weird, right?  I don't know if there really is a connection, but it WOULD make sense. 

     Anyways, the other morning, while laying in bed with us, Gwen went on a "go" rant.  **WARNING** This is not the best cinematography, but you can definitely hear all that Gwen has to say. 

     She has SUCH personality already!  I must admit, teething is getting the best of all of us this week.  Gwen is SUPER clingy, cranky, and down right not herself.  :(  Poor girlie.  But, the last of the 4 new teeth broke through a day or so ago, so hopefully it will get better. (Fingers crossed). 

Gotta run.  Gearing up for another weekend of travelling... this packing is becoming my second job.  Do Mom's get paid overtime?  Haha.

Hope you are all staying cool.

xoxo.

Planning...

     With just a little over 3 months until Gwen's 1st birthday (ahhhh!), I have begun the planning process.  While not too many decisions/purchases have been made... I have gotten a few things done. 

Theme - We decided that it would only be appropriate that Gwen's 1st birthday theme be that of her favorite show... Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  Yup.  It wouldn't be her party if we had any other theme.  She ADORES that show, and smiles and giggles every time Mickey greets us at the beginning of each episode!  Too cute.  Although I am not crazy about all of the decorations that the party supply store has, I figure that I can tweak some things and make it my own.

Menu - BBQ style.  Hoping that the weather is still nice in mid September, and that we will be able to hang outside for a part of the day, it seemed logical and budget friendly that we grill some good ole' hamburgers, hot dogs, chicken, etc.  Of course, with all the salads and fixins that go along with it.  Nothing is set in stone, but we are headed in that direction.

Guest List - PLEASE don't laugh... I know that this is outrageous, but our current guest list is 145 people.  (I just heard you all gasp/laugh/shout "What the !@#$?")  Lol.  Let me explain.  We have a VERY large family.  We both come divorced families, who are remarried (which extends our family even more).  Yes, the list is large... but I can already name about 20-25 people that will probably not be in attendance, yet I will still send them an invitation.  In addition to that, there are our friends and some of them have their own little families.  We are in agreement though, that this is only for her 1st birthday (I have a feeling we will be revisiting this issue for her Sweet Sixteen, but we have some time til then).  So, there you have it.  Man, I feel like I need a cocktail... or two :) 

I know that it will all work out, and I DEFINITELY know that seeing Gwen happy that day will make all the stress worth it!

Let's just hope I make it. Haha!

Until then, here's some EXTREME CUTENESS to make you smile :)

xoxo.

Seriously?! Thursday

     For the past few Thursdays, I have been LOVING my friend the workaholic momma's posting called "Seriously Thursday?!" in which she links up with Becky over at From Mrs. to Mama.  It is supposed to be all about the things that made you go "Seriously?!?!" this week, and I am so excited that I am finally jumping on the bandwagon!!! Yay.

1. Seriously... unless you know me, have asked, or just like living dangerously on the edge... look, but DO NOT TOUCH my baby!  TWICE this week, while out shopping, some one has touched Gwen (nose and hand), not devastating, but C'MON!  She's not your kid, better yet, you don't even know her, or her mother.  Walk away! Lol.

2. Seriously... do people look in the mirror before they leave the house?!?!  Yes, this is a little mean, but if my husband/mother/friend/WHOEVER, let me walk out of the house the way that some people do... I would FREAK!  "What Not to Wear" has plenty of prospective fashion victims to last them AT LEAST 20 more seasons!

3. Seriously... am I really already knee deep in planning Gwen's 1st birthday party?!?!  I know, it's a few months away, but I am really working hard on it right now.  It is so exciting, and in the same breath bittersweet... I can't bear to think that this first year is almost coming to an end.  So, I am not going to think about it, I am just going to live in the moment.  I hope we give Gwen the best 1st birthday ever!!!

4. Seriously... how did we skip Spring?!?!  I am not complaining, I am VERY happy that the warm weather is here, but it seems like we went straight from Winter to Summer, with very little Spring (my favorite season).  I guess there's always next year.

5. Seriously... why can't the women of DD and I get along?!?!  I am a DD addict, to say the least, and I love every DD, EXCEPT the one closest to my house.  I always go through the Drive Thru (easier with Baby in tow) , and 9 times out of 10 when I get to the window (after ordering), I am either a) asked what I ordered (helllloooooo I just told you at the intercom! so WHY are you asking me again?!?!) b) handed the wrong drink (I can tell by the color and without having drank it yet) c) reminding them that I am waiting for the other half of my order (to which she replies, "what else did you order?") AHHHHHHH.  WHY do I ever bother ordering at the intercom?  Why don't I just tell you what I want when I get to the window.  I have decided that I am either going inside from now on, or to the other DD across town, that happens to be cheaper (IDK how that it is, but it's true) and friendlier!

6. Seriously... it's Thursday already!?!?  I am excited about this one!  That means only one more day until Daddy will be home with us for the weekend :) 

7. Seriously... Mother Nature is PISSED at us!!!  These tornadoes, storms, etc., are crazy!!!  We had warnings all day yesterday in some parts of NJ... and doesn't happen very frequently.  We better start being nicer to her! :)

8. Seriously... isn't she the cutest!?!?!?!

There you have it, my first "Seriously Thursday?!?!"  Hope you enjoyed.  I am pretty sure that I will be keeping it around.

Happy ALMOST Friday!

xoxo.