Summer Vacation, Day 2

Wow, what an awesome day we had today! Stella is in full vacation mode, sleeping in big time today. It was after 9 that we finally got her, maybe close to 9:30. She woke up very happy if not a bit sleepy, and we played for a bit before driving downtown and checking things out. We're in the northern section of Ocean City, away from the big boardwalk (and crowds and noise too), so we thought we'd check out where all the activity was. We just did a quick drive through before heading back up town and doing some grocery shopping. Stella did great at the store and then it was back home for lunch. She mostly ran around the condo during lunch, peridocially stopping for a bite of her sandwich. We have floor to ceiling windows in our bedroom and Stella is loving looking out them at the pools below, not to mention the beach and the ocean. We then put her down for a nap, and it took her quite a while to fall asleep but eventually she did let it go. Mommy & I took advantage of this time to take a quick nap of our own, and then Stella was up at 3.

We then headed down to the beach and Stella was very excited. We set up our towel and found a cute little seashell for Stella, which of course she immediately tried to eat. Once we explained it wasn't food, she enjoyed holding it and playing with it. We said we'd have to make sure we didn't forget it when we headed back to our room. Then she wanted to go down to the water. Yesterday, she clung to me and wouldn't let go, but today she was practically pushing me out of the way. She loved watching the waves come in and didn't mind at all when the water came up over her feet. We did that for a while, then Stella came back to the towel and we packed up to head for the kiddie pool at the condo. On the way up, I realized we forgot her seashell, which was a bummer. We joked that we would probably find it in her swimsuit when we got up to the room! I figured I would just find her another one tomorrow. Anyway, Stella headed for the kiddie pool, which she was reluctant to get in yesterday. She was a little slow to warm to it today, but eventually wanted in and had a ball. She took a header a couple of times and wound up with a face full of water, but didn't even fuss. Amazing she can't take a bath but she was having a ball in the kiddie pool!

Anyway, after that it was back upstairs for dinner and more playtime. Amazingly, as we were changing her out of her swimsuit, we found the seashell! It really was in her swimsuit! We were shocked! Anyway, she ate shocking amounts of food at dinner, to the point I thought she would explode. We put her down and she did make quite a fuss, but settled down within 5 minutes and is quietly sleeping now. So far, it's been a perfect trip, with glorious weather and a very happy baby!

Summer Vacation, Day 1

Things are off to a perfect start for our vacation! We had some slight traffic when we hit the Delaware/Maryland border but nothing as bad as we feared. And the lines for the elevators in the condo building we are staying in are probably not something we should mention...but other than that, is was a perfect day 1! Our condo overlooks the beach and the ocean and it's just gorgeous. The view really is amazing! Photos to come...And the condo unit is very nice too.

As for Stella, she has done great! She went napless yesterday but you wouldn't have known it as she was really good. She hit the beach after we played in our condo for a while and she took right to it, other than having some trouble walking on the sand. She wasn't very interested in going into the water and clung to me tightly, but she watched with mommy as I went in and got knocked around by the waves for a while. It was an exhausting day for her, and she's still sleeping now at 8:30 this morning! That's about an hour and a half later than usual.

Day 2 is off to a gorgeous start, and we really enjoyed the ocean view from our bed this morning. More to come!

Stella's advice for her little brother

So the other night at dinner we asked Stella if she had any advice for her brother to be. This is what she had to say. I don't know why the quality of this video is soooo bad but that's the best I could do. Ugh. Unfortunately you can't really see her flapping her bib at the end, which is hysterical...

TWENTY MONTHS!

I am just shocked that Stella is 20 months old today! It is just mindblowing that the last 20 months have gone so fast when as usual last Tuesday seemed soooo long!

She is an amazing little girl who holds my hand when we cross the street (usually) and just started to say Momma. Her giggle is hearty and so is her cry. She is bright and beautiful and has really great hair. TeeHee! Today she said I Love you.....ahh wuw ooo.....but that totally counts. Each an every day with her is a wonder and I feel so honored that she is mine! She is truly a gift.

I hope that I always remember to listen and try to understand her. It makes all the difference even now and she deserves that so much. In fact Brian got some great video of her chatting away at dinner the other night that I hope he can post it here soon.

Since she was about a year old pictures are harder and harder to get. She is on to my tricks and doesn't want to watch for the monkey to jump in the lens. So here are a couple shots I got yesterday and a couple from the first moments of her precious life. We love you Stella Barbara!


I love how grown up she looks reading her book.


First time in my arms. Greatest feeling I have ever known.

Sleeping beauty!

Stella gets a boo boo...

Stella took a pretty bad tumble today and got a boo boo on her head, which you can see in the photo below. I really feel bad because it was my fault, but thankfully she's ok. Although I suspect this boo boo is going to be worse in the morning. Anyway, as we were finishing up dinner, she kept saying "poo...poo", which is her way of saying pool. So we figured she wanted to go into her little pool in the backyard. So she & I went out there and I went to go fill it up. She stayed on our porch while I was getting the pool into position. There are 2 steps leading from the porch down to the concrete underneath it. She's been doing so good with going down stairs lately so I figured she would just follow me to the pool. I looked up as I was about to start filling it up and I thought to myself "hmmm...she could take a bad tumble here". Sure enough, about 15 seconds later she fell. I don't know if she was trying to go down the steps or what, but she went down and hit one of the steps, then rolled off that on to the concrete. She was crying instantly which is unusual for her when she gets hurt. I scooped her up and brought her inside and she sat on the couch with mommy and cried and cried. A binky and a little Blues Clues later she was ok and back to her old self. She even went into the pool later on! Anyway, it could have been much worse but regardless I felt and still feel really bad about it. I hope she doesn't have too bad of a mark tomorrow! Other than that we had a great day today and went into Trenton to Halo Farms and the Farmer's Market. Stella was a blast all day long!

Farley Fun!!!

This week was a busy and fun week! Debbie and the girls came to visit on Tuesday and we went for a swim in the pool....or the poo as Stella calls it. TeeHee. With 4 little girls....well Leah is 13 now and much taller than me....but 3 little girls and Leah to dote on Stella it was nice to relax a little and be able to talk to Debbie. There is nothing like an old friend and the history we have makes even short visits like this one so easy and fun and it was a real boost for me.

Here are some cute pics from the pool

Hannah and Naomi

Grace, Hannah, Stella and Leah

Stella B and a sweet shot of Hannah and Stella! I sure never thought I would have a little girl of my own so to see this is very special!

On Wednesday we went to Philly to see the Liberty Bell and eat Cheesesteak. YAY! We had a blast and the weather was perfect for roaming the city. The girls helped me push the stroller around and watched Stella while I took a number of potty breaks. The bell is still cracked and the cheeseteak is still fabulous! They had never been to Philly and I think they will be back soon. I can only hope as it was only 50 mins from our house! I barely made it back to the car though and was suprisingly tired.

The girls at the Liberty Bell and smiling after Cheesesteaks!

We had planned to go to their campsite on thursday to play in the waterpark and hang out some more but after having some cramping and just not feeling great I thought better of driving 2 hours each way by myself and we stayed home. Stella was quite upset with my decision and reminded me many times by pitching a record number of fits and otherwise pushing my buttons yesterday. Although she cried and whined her way through playgroup she did have some fun seeing her friends. Rebecca has a T-Ball set and Stella went right up to it and put the ball on and tried to hit it with the Bat. No clue how she even knew what to do but it was adorable and she was so proud of herself as it barely rolled off. It was a nice break from the tears. She finally perked up at the sight of her Daddy last night so it was a good finish to a tough day. Here is a shot from playgroup.

Today we had a special treat! A lunch date with Daddy! The weather has been amazing this week. Sunny but not too hot at all. It seems the summer is going too fast and we haven't had as many lunch dates with Brian as last summer or the one before so I packed up some grub and off we went. Our usual spot of Peddie Lake in Hightstown got a small makeover so it is even nicer now. I think they just repaved the sidewalks and replaced the benches but that works great for us! Stella ate great...which you can never count on...and then she walked up and down the path by the lake looking at fish with Daddy and making the occasional pirate noise. TeeHee. Brian tried for a cell phone pic but she was too quick for him! Anyway, it was a really nice end to the week.

Coney Island, Baby!

The McGanns made their first trip to Coney Island this summer! We used to go often when we lived in the city, and Jen has been going for many, many, many years. For her birthday, she said she'd like to go this weekend so that was the plan. Unfortunately, Stella was giving us a hard time this morning and Jen wasn't sure we should go and I was on the fence myself. We talked about it and ultimately decided we would go for it, with the plan being if we ran into any serious trouble, i.e., traffic, Stella losing it, etc., we would simply turn around and come home. Fortunately, it did not come to that. Stella did AMAZING, probably helped by a refreshing 30 minute nap in the car on the way up. And knock on wood, we hit no major traffic. I'm so glad we got to go for Jen's birthday, as I knew it was something she was really looking forward to. Stella hung out in the stroller for a while, but then we got her out and tried a carousel, which she didn't really care for. After that, we tried to put her back in the stroller, but no dice, so we set her loose and she went wild! She ran and ran and ran everywhere, and I followed as best as I could! Fortunately no one got hurt and it wasn't until we got to Surf Avenue that I had to scoop her up. She let loose a few good cries but nothing too bad. Anyway, a great day was had by all--and oh, I should mention Uncle Jonny showed up too, which is always fun!

Anyway, on to the photos. I have no idea what order these will show up in, but the shot of the 3 of us in front of the red wall is significant. About 5 years ago, when Jen & I first started dating, she took me to Coney for my first ever trip. I should point out that it was January, I think, and bone chilling cold! I think we were the only ones there. Anyway, she took a photo of me in front of that red wall. And then, a couple of years later, I took a shot of her in front of that same wall. That trip was significant as it was Jen's first real trip out after her spinal fusion surgery and it was a big day for her. Anyway, so here the McGann Family stands in front of that same red wall! I should probably dig up those other photos...It's amazing how time has gone by and how blessed we are and how much has changed over the years. Happy Birthday honey, I love you with all my heart!!!

38 Years Old!

So I turned 38 years old yesterday. Geeesh. Two weeks ago was my 20 year high school reunion and this coming week is an FPG reunion. FPG is the photo agency I worked at for many years and I was 23 when I started there. Time is going too fast! I fear with Stella and Gobble it will go even faster.
Brian made the weekend special from start to finish! Thank you honey!!!! After begging me to sleep in (not a skill of mine) he gave me great gifts and cards (my favorite part). A new set of pots and pans....which I needed badly and would never have bought myself and a facial (ahhhh) and an ADORABLE Coney Island onsie for Gobble. Also a couple of books and a promise to help me get them read. YAY! In the afternoon we went to a picnic at Patti's with the rest of the playgroup families. The Gerber's throw a fabulous party and I have lots of cute pics of the kids. We left too soon to enjoy my chocolate cake but had a BABYSITTER coming!!!! YAY! After much hemming and hawing about what to do Brian and I went into Princeton and had a nice dinner at Alchemist and Barrister. It was a really nice birthday! Part two of my b'day was going to Coney Island today! That is another entry so here are some pics from the picnic and we will get back here with a Coney Update!

Pearce giving a great grin and Stella and Nathan in the little house.

Stella eyeing Rebecca's snack and a great stare from Jack!

Stevie stops for a drink and Stella just stops on the trampoline!

A Beautiful Baby Taylor and A Beautiful Thirsty Stella B!

Stella's first time on the trampoline!

Ok, so this is from Stella's friend Stevie's 2nd birthday party. The video was taken by Jen's friend Jill. I just love how excited all the kids are! This was Stella's first trampoline experience and I think she's hooked...And I thought I'd have to get her a pony!

Music to my ears!

Stella says MaMa!!!! She just started it this past weekend and I never seemed to catch it or if I did I wasn't too sure it was what she meant but yesterday and today she said it a couple times and I couldn't be more thrilled! Even the time she said it while pushing open the bathroom door on me! TeeHee!

Another bit of cuteness....At night we read her books before bed. One night Brian reads and the next night I do. When she starts rubbing her eyes or we run out of books we know it is time for night night. Brian usually puts her in the crib and we both give her big kisses while she clutches her beary. She is usually so mellow and sweet, it is one of my favorite moments of the day. Anyway, the real cuteness started a few nights ago as she points to both Brian and I and we tell her "Mommy loves you" and "Daddy loves you". She totally smiles as she points to each of us. Silly cute!

Finally-We are thrilled to report a decent bath tonight! No one got hurt. Ok, She had a binky in her mouth and Daddy in the tub with her....and 453 toys and I even got out a mirror for her to see how cute she looks in the tub (tip from some parenting board) but she is the cleanest she has been in a while and she didn't lose her mind or end up in a shaking screaming heap so that is HUGE progress!
Anyway, here are a couple adorable pics Brian took this past weekend. Uncle Jonny came to play and though we don't have any pics with him in them he was having a grand time pushing her around in this empty bin.

Big Baby Boy McGann!

We had a sonogram yesterday and got to see our little guy....who isn't so little!!! At 26 weeks he is already 2lbs 5oz. A weight seen more at around 29 weeks. I am almost at the 27 week mark so I guess it isn't that bad but they would like us to come back for another look in 6 weeks. The funny thing is that I get sick usually a few nights a week at the least and we have often worried that the baby wasn't getting enough to eat. I guess he is! The same thing happened with Stella and she was a healthy 8lbs so I guess we don't have to worry. Here are a few sonogram pics.

He wasn't in the mood to pose but this is a profile shot.

Perfect foot!

He gave us a wave!

The Goods!!!! Still a boy! TeeHee!

Terhune Orchards!

Today we went to one of our favorite places, Terhune Orchards in Princeton (home of the amazingly delicious cider donuts!). We've taken Stella there before but she's never really been old enough to get much out of it. Today was different though and she was able to chase geese all over the place! As well as check out real live roosters (she learned that daddy's rooster sound is not really very good after hearing the real thing), and all kinds of other animals. There are way too many cute pictures from the day but here's a bunch. I'm not going to try and put captions on them because I know that will all get screwed up. And these may be out of order too, but you get the idea.

The McGanns get a pool!

Someday I hope we'll have a nice, big in-ground pool in the backyard of our big house, but for now we have to settle for the $9.54 version from Toys R Us! Since Stella did so well in the kiddie pool at the party she went to yesterday we decided to get one for her. So while mommy made dinner, daddy headed out to Toys R Us to pick it up. The plan was to sneak it into the backyard and fill it with water without her knowing about it, and then we'd eat dinner while the water warmed up in the sun. After dinner, we'd surprise Stella with her new toy. Well, curious gal that she is, Stella was on to us and caught sight of the pool as I was filling it up. Needless to say, she wanted in right away, and threw many moderate to large sized fits as we kept saying "no, after dinner". Somehow, in yet another example of this kid totally surprising me, she had an awesome dinner and ate like a champ. I didn't think she'd even get in her seat. It almost seemed like she had forgotten about the pool. But just after she was done eating, she started pointing to the backyard. So, after a quick change into some swim diapers, it was on to the pool! She went right for it and I put her in, but she immediately wanted out. Too cold, maybe? Anyway, it took a few tries and we had to put her little chair in there with her, but eventually she went for it and she had a blast. So odd that she LOSES HER MIND if she is in a nice, warm tub, but outside in a freezing cold pool, she's loving life. Anyway, here are some photos. We had a great time!