I spelled holiday wrong- sorry!!

We love hoilday time in NYC

We had such a wonderful weekend- we went to Santaland at Macy's in Herald Square and continued on to all the other "sights". Zoe and Jordyn both seemed to enjoy it.We went to the Toy R Us in Times Square but the line was insane. We promised Jordyn we would come back after the holidays. This ferris wheel is one of her favorite places. We also went into the M&M store ( so cute) and made a few purchases. We continued on to Rockerfeller Center and saw the tree and the ice skaters. ( I have very fond memories of skating there and cannot wait to take Jordyn and Zoe when they are a little older). We stopped into a shop called La Maison Du Chocolat- it's right in the Promenade. They have the best hot chocolate-ever!! We paid $8 for it, but it was worth every penny!! We got the semi-sweet in case anyone is thinking of stopping in. Dave told me to pick something out but when truffles were $70 a lb. I decided on a small chocolate bar. Believe me, I'm very happy with my purchase.

I love walking around NYC during the holiday season. It's so much fun to watch everyone with their families taking in all the sights. I also love watching it through our own children. I love seeing Jordyn become so excited by all the cool window displays and decorations.

She is off and running!!!!

Life is about to get a little more interesting. Zoe has been standing and cruising all over the place. Last night she took about 10 steps in a row and has been walking all over now. It's not that we aren't excited, we just liked knowing she wasn't able to get away too quickly. Jordyn has had nothing but words of encouragement for her sister.

Today I tried to dress the girls up after school for a holiday card. As you can see from the photos, it didn't go so well. They did have fun dancing around. I'll try again later- it really is almost impossible to get the two of them to look at the camera and smile at the same time.

Thanksgiving and High School Reunion

We had a fantastic Thanksgiving. We have a lot to be thankful for and are so happy with our brand new addition to the family. Zoe ate the turkey,stuffing,cranberry and all the fixings with gusto. Although, she has slowed down considerably. Jordyn and I went to the Macy's parade in the morning (even with the rain). Our cousin Rob let us come to his apartment, so we had a wonderful view. Zoe and Jordyn had a great time with their cousins and Uncle Jon and Aunt Lisa. We saw a lot of friends over the break but one of the highlights was my 20th High School reunion. I see a lot of people still but it always fun when you look around you at a bar and realize 5 of you were in nursery school together. The funny thing is even though I'm the mother of two, I still feel like I'm in high school at times. Another wonderful moment was when an old friend of mine told me he is adopting from Guatemala. I wish him all the best!! I know everyone always wants pictures of the children but I did post some from our fun evening.

1st Broadway Show

It was such a pleasure today to take my daughter to her first Broadway show. I hope this is one of many. We went with another one of my dear friends and her daughter. The girls were beyond excellent!! The show went from 1:30 until a little after 4- they were so well behaved, not one complaint. I haven't seen a show in a while and it was so much fun. We saw Beauty and the Beast. I know I was a little sarcastic about Donny Osmand but I have to say he played a fabulous Gaston. He also looks great!! I had flashbacks of him from the show with Marie. The sets and costumes were also unbelievable. If anyone comes to NYC in the near future I definitely recommend seeing this show.

Quite an afternoon!

I decided to bring the girls straight home today. We have a pretty exciting weekend ( and week) ahead of us. Zoe is teething and pretty miserable. I posted the picture of her knawing on my foot. Jordyn is so tired at the end of the day- she decided to go to sleep on the floor herself ( she is now in her bed). Everybody has really been transitioning very well. Zoe seems to love her daycare and looks like she is having fun. I am taking Jordyn for her big sister treat on Sunday- we are gojng to see Beauty and the Beast on Broadway. I think I may be more excited than she is to see this. Jordyn is actually very excited to bring one of her best friends to her gymnastics class tomorrow. She has been talking about it all week. Apparently, her friend wins out over Belle. I just can't wait to see Donny Osmand!

Happy Halloween!!

I know I have said it before but I love this day! We had a lot of fun trick or treating . Jordyn went as Mulan and Zoe ( not by choice) was a penguin. I also am posting some pics of Zoe as a chef.

Some more photos of Zoe's first party!!

Our little birthday bash

Here are some photos from our little party for Zoe. The cake was awesome!!!( Thanks for the tip, Maura!!!) Zoe is getting bigger by the minute and constantly laughs. She finds Jordyn to be a constant source of amusement. I look at Jordyn and think she's 14 sometimes with the things that come out of her mouth. My first week back at work has been good. I 'm running a tight ship at home, everything is done the day before so our mornings are fun and smooth, I hate chaos in the morning and we all have to get out of here way to early. The best thing that happened this week is we did get Zoe's certificate of citizenship, that was a plus. You'll see in the photos how much Zoe loved the birthday hat. I also put a pic of my Dad, he loves being in pictures!!

Happy Birthday Baby!!

Today is Zoe's birthday and we are so honored to be able celebrate it with her. It is amazing to me, to think that a few weekes ago we did not have this adorable, good-natured, sweet little baby. She is so full of personality and warmth. We all just simply adore being with her. We spent a very fun day making cupcakes ( I let Jordyn miss school - I'm sure in the grand scheme of things, it will not be a big deal) we also went to the mall to have the girls pictures taken. I wasn't really crazy about the photographer we were given, not very warm and fuzzy. It's not usually a big deal- but if you're working with children you may want to take a different approach. So, needless to say we didn't get that many great pics. The theme for the photo shoot could have been "It's my birthday and I'll cry if I want to" My very sad news is that I lost Zoe's poncho today. I usually would not be so upset but for those of you who know- this was my first knitting project. I am so sad it is gone. I knit that all summer as I was dreaming about this baby. I hope who ever found it uses it to keep a child warm. It would break my heart to think someone threw it out. Meanwhile, I am almost done with Jordyn's and now I'll have to make a new one for Zoe. Her are some new pics!!

Zoe is almost starting to walk!!

Not that we aren't happy about that but it opens up a whole new world!! She isn't walking yet but I give it another month or so. She is starting to stand by herself and is becoming very comfortfortable with this new activity. Jordyn loves trying to walk her around.

I also want to give a "shout out". I have a great friend who does the most amazing art work. She has given both my girls the most awesome hand painted jeans. I have gotten numerous compliments on both pairs. She can paint anything ( characters,etc..) on jeans, sweatshirts, jean jackets and more. If anybody is interested I will put you in contact with her, I know I am going to be ordering a number of gifts this holiday season. You can email me at dlschw28@yahoo.com I have posted some samples of her work.

Pumpkin Picking!!!

Today was fun! We took the girls pumpkin picking with some very nice friends of ours. Although, for the most part, the pumpkins looked to be in pretty bad shape. Supposedly, it was not a good crop this year. We went to a place called Hicks in Long Island. There were cute Halloween activities, a petting zoo and a hay ride. Halloween might be my favorite celebration. You can dress up to be anything you want and there is always chocolate. Those of you who know me know I am a complete choco-holic. I could probably even eat any of the various foods we saw in China, like sandworms, beetles, snakes or toads if they were dipped in a rich dark chocolate.

Happy Birthday Raenen

Today, we celebrated Raenen's birthday! I am a big loser because I forgot my camera. So, I will not be able to post any pictures from today. It is so incredible to watch all of these children grow up and see all the amazing changes. Even in just a few weeks, it is so awesome how different they can become. Happy Birthday, Raenen - we love you!!

Having fun!

Well- we have been home now 2 full weeks and starting our third. It is hard to imagine that Zoe has not been with us for that long a time. She is so much fun and Jordyn just adores her. BTW Jordyn is starting to like her parents again,as well. I was told " I love you " twice today. That was huge!!! We are getting into our groove and soon I will be going back to work. ( I teach). That will be a whole other adjustment. Zoe will be going to her new daycare this week for an hour to check it out. It is an in home daycare and the staff is wonderful. Jordyn went there and loved it. Here are some pics I took over the weekend.

New pics of our girls!!

Here are some recent ones from the past few days!! Zoe wasn't so sure about the swing.