Princess Sofia

It is official. Baby girl has a name - Sofia Vincenza Palumbi. More pics to come tomorrow. Weeeeee!

Princess Palumbi

Last night at 8:11 pm my sister-in-law gave birth to the most beautiful, perfect, amazing little creature ever!!! Baby girl is 6 lbs 14 ounces and 18 inches long. Though still unamed she has an amazing set of lungs - we could hear here through the nursery glass!!!

Behold, Princess Palumbi - cue heralding angels

I will post again once I have a name and more pictures...sigh...what an amazing thing.

Carry on!

YAY!!!! They are FINALLY casting for season 4 of Project Runway. See here for details. I was seriously starting to worry that it would not come back. What would I do without Tim Gunn in my life? Congrats also to Nina Garcia who had a bouncing baby boy this week. Between her, Heidi and Laura poppin' out the kids it was a virtual baby fest during season 3.

I feel so much better now! Carry on!

Pre-Cana and Procrastination

This morning, Dan and I had to get up early and go to St. John Neumann where we will be married to partake in Pre-Cana. For those of you that are not Catholic, Pre-Cana is required for all couples who want to be married in a church. Essentially, it is a meeting with other couples preparing for marriage where we discuss issues such as financials, children, intimacy and communication. The sessions are facilitated by other couples from the parish - some are newly married, others have been married for years. We lucked out and only had to go from 9:45-2:30. Some Pre-Cana sessions are 2 day events - my brother and sister-in-law had to go for a weekend.

I have to say that I think this was a pretty interesting and thought provoking day. Dan and I had to take the FOCCUS test online before the meeting and one of the moderaters e-mailed us our results so that we could talk about them before we came to Pre-Cana. While Dan and I have discussed many of these things already, there were a few that we had not tackled yet and we were able to discus them in private which was nice.

There were about 13 other couples there - we all had to stand up and introduce ourselves and tell about how we met and when we were getting married. Everyone seemed pretty nice and excited about getting married. Some of the guys seemed antsy but I suspect they were hoping that we would get out in time for the Final Four games on in the afternoon.

One of the moderators was my brother's 4th grade teacher who is gorgeous - she always was. She is married and has two kids of her own. She told the story of how my brother pushed her, fully clothed, into our pool at the 4th grade end of year party - yes, Anth, she has yet to forgive you for that.

The funniest part was the Natural Family Planning book that our priest handed out to us during our talk on "intimacy." The intimacy part was actually about achieving more of a spiritual intimacy with your future spouse so we got spare the awkward sex talk but the booklet is hysterical - especially the diagrams - can anyone say cervical mucus?

Now we are home. Dan is dutifully painting our guest bedroom while I try to do my assignments for this week...clearly he is the one being more productive and for that I am so thankful that someone is not wasting away their afternoon like I am...sigh...and so I say goodbye for how, my Human Development textbook calls.

Cuteness galore

We were supposed to get our engagement pictures taken today but since I look like Rudolph we postponed. Instead we went to pick out our wedding bands. It was pretty uneventful and just one more thing we need to save up for...sigh...the list is never ending.

Then tonight we went out to La Locanda with Eddie (our best man) and his wife Jeannie. It was really fun - they are a blast - and newly married as well. All in all we had a good day.

I leave you with what is quite possibly the cutest picture of Prince Charming and JD. How can you NOT love this man and his cat?

World Water Day

I almost forgot! Today is World Water Day!

It is also the start of the 5th Annual Build a Well For Bono's Birthday Fundraiser benefitting the African Well Fund!

As some of you may or may not know, I am on the Board of Directors of the African Well Fund. We are a grassroots non-profit that raise funds for clean water projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. Please check out our website to learn more about how ease it is to make a difference in the life of a child in Africa.

This week, when you take a drink of water, think about how many childern, men and women do not have the luxury of going to a faucet and getting a simple glass of water. Think about how instead of going to school, a little girl has to walk 8 miles round trip to the nearest water source to get water for her family. When she gets there the water is in a dirty hole in the ground where animals drink as well. As the U2 song goes " Where you live should not decide, whether you live our whether you die." So visit the African Well Fund today and see how you can make a difference!

Cutest. Cat. Ever.

I have been lying in bed all day - in and out of sleep - and my stepcat - JD - has been keeping me company by sleeping on my feet and keeping them warm. He is so smart and totally knows when his mommy is sick. In honor of him I post this awesome picture. You are the best JD!

Kick off your Sunday shoes!

Sorry if I have been AWOL lately. For the past three days I have been doing my field work assignment for one of my teaching classes. It has been so wonderful - I never want to go back to work ever...in fact I am home today because I have a raging cold which I probably caught from one of the little guys I have been observing.

For the last 3 days I have had the privilege of observing Mrs. McCabe's 3rd grade class at Caley Elementary in Upper Merion. There are 21 adorable little monkeys in her class. She really is one of the best teachers I think I have ever seen. Her classroom management skills are unbelievable. She is able to observe the movements of all of her students at all times and redirect them when they are not paying attention without disturbing the lesson. Amazing really.

I have been lucky enough to be at Caley while the 3rd grade is practicing for their play "On the Radio." It is about music throughout the decades. The cuteness meter is off the charts on this one. My class is in charge of the 80's and is doing a choreographed dance to "Footloose."

Very appropriate, I know! They have been practicing every day and are making tremendous progress. It's not easy getting twenty-one nine year olds to move in sync.

I go back tomorrow for my last five hours of field work and I am so glad that I made the decision to make a career change. I only wish that I had done this sooner - it will be a while before I graduate and who knows how long before I get an assignment. However as a reading specialist I may have more marketability - hopefully - seeing as so many kids need help with their reading,

Ok, back to bed - my head is aching and my nose running. Ewww! I am so glad I am going to have a bright red nose when I get my engagement pictures taken on Saturday. Awesome.

They Cannot Take Our Freedom!

For St. Patty's Day, Dan and I went to visit his sister Kelly's family in Hellertown, PA (just outside of Bethlehem). Kelly and I went to pick out her bridesmaid dress in a lovely little hamlet called Palmerton. The dress shop, Ann Margaret, left much to be desired but our mission was accomplished and Kelly got her dress.

Afterwards we went back to her house where Kelly, her husband Rich and their kids, Cody and Morgan, made us dinner. We started celebrating St. Patty's Day after dinner with the super cool Heinekein mini keg.

The Mini Keg - the ulimate invention

Soon Rodney & Melissa arrived as well as Dan's sister Lorraine and Kelly's friends Mike and Corinne. After some drinking at home we made our way to the bars...first stop, Braveheart Highland Pub.

Now go figure there was no Irish Pub in Hellertown but there is a Scottish Pub. It's actually pretty nice - shiny and new on the inside with free flowing Guinness. Here are some pictures from the evening.

Kelly and Melissa with lots of flair.

Kelly and Rodeny - he wins best costume hands down

Dan has his shot glass and whistle ready to go!

Dan and his sister Kelly and Lorraine - Yeager's in the house!

Soon I will be a Yeager too! Yay!

Dan half way through the night...in prime shape.

Kelly and Rodney do a "keg stance"

The "mouse" in the bathroom. I love that he has a martini glass in his hand!

How many drunks can you fit in the trunk?

After Braveheart we headed out to another bar, this one called Beer Mussles. We didn't stay here for very long but we did meet some interesting people. Meet Ray.

Ray was like the old man in the Great Adventure commercials. He cut a rug and schooled some of our more drunk friends at pool. He was in a word, interesting.

We left shortly after since the bar closed and we were forced to go home. Although we did manage to go to 7 Eleven before going home to get a "big bite" for Rodney and some chocolate chip cookies for Dan.

All said and done it was an awesome night. Thanks to Kelly and Rich for hosting us!

Our first present!

Yay!!! Upon my arrival home last night I discovered that we had received our first engagement/wedding present!!!

Thanks a million to Evie, Ian, baby Ava and soon to be baby boy Wellings for the gift. I was so excited last night - I should have taken a picture of the pretty wrapping paper - but Dan and I ripped the present open as fast as we could. It is the perfect frame - now I just have to order my invitations!!!

Thanks again guys!

Dance, Dance Those Winter Blues Away

Today's birthday shout out goes to Gina!!!!

Here we are last year at Gina's b-day party at Crush? I can't remember where we were - somewhere in Adams Morgan, I think it was Crush.

Anywho, great fun was had by all last year.

Gina leaves tomorrow for the Winter Music Conference in Miami Florida so I am sure the celebration will be even better in Miami where it is not sleeting ice pellets. I thought Punxsutaney Phil said spring was on its way? Lying little groundhog!

Happy birthday Gina!!! Have a fabulous time at WMC and remember to Call a Cab!!!

Ides of March

Today we celebrate the Ides of March or as I like to call it Jeremy's b-day!

In honor of Jeremy I am posting these pictures...one is of us at Mix Lounge at THEhotel at Mandalay Bay - when Lakisha and I visited for New Years in 2004/5.

The other is of us at JazzFest in New Orleans in 2004...clearly we are drunk. Just be thankful I didn't post the wig pictures.

Thankfully, Jeremy has come a long way since these pictures. He is now the proud father of twin boys, Jake and Jaeger. I would post pictures but I don't have any updated ones!!

Happy B-day Jer! I hope it is a good one!

The Doorbells of Florence

I came across this today while desperately trying to do as little work as possible.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/andrewlos/

They are photos of Doorbells in Florence and each one has a curious story attached to it. I am completely facinated by this and have succesfully avoided doing any work this morning.

Off to lunch now!

These are not the droids you are looking for

In honor of the 30 anniversary of the release of the Best. Movie. Ever., the USPS has finally gotten its priorities straight and given us Stars Wars fans the respect we deserve. Thank you to Gina for sending me the link...may the force be with you.

I have been trying to include a link to the story but I guess I am not savvy enough in Blogger yet to do it so e-mail me if you want it.

Mailboxes will never get any cooler than this.

Manolo knock off

So when I said my new wedding shoes were very Manolo I really meant it. Here are the shoes from SATC that Carrie had stolen at Tatum O'Neill's house during her baby shower.

I must have stored this image in my subconscience because my wedding shoes were the first ones I tried on and the only ones that I thought were appropriate. I miss SATC. Sigh.

Happy Tuesday!

Happy Feet

Yay! I found the perfect shoes for my wedding. Low and behold the "Marissa"

I find them to be very Manolo Blahnik - don't you?

That is all for tonight - my mid-terms tonight were ok - one more to go. And a boat load of reading for this week. Blah. I hope those of you on spring break are enjoying yourselves!!

Buona Notte!

The Cat's Meow

It's official. I have sunk to a new low.

A few minutes ago I created a website for my step-cat JD on Catster. http://www.catster.com/cats/497146

It's like friendster but for cats.

I know. I promise to get help. Admitting you have a problem is the first step.

Patriotism at its best

Ok, so when I decided to keep a blog I promised myself that I would not use it to poke fun at others. I am a big fan of people being able to express themselves in anyway they see fit and encourage individuality - lord knows some of my fashion choices have been questionable at best. And while I did spend countless hours in the cafe at GU giving out fashion "citations" with my friends - you know who you are - I was hoping that I would be able to put these "mean girl" traits aside so that my future children will not grow into mean, alpha girl fashion bullies.

I would also like to point out that I am a huge fan of "theme" outfits and wearing "costumes" ie my Eagles Jersey during football games or the cowboy boots I bought at the rodeo.

Having said this, I have been doing a lot of wedding website trolling looking for ideas for flowers, cakes etc and tonight after endless hours of searching I came across this nugget and I felt I just had to share. I will only say one thing here - God Bless America.

You go Patriotic Wedding Gown girl. Good for you for showing your love for the red white and blue. I really hope you were married on the Fourth of July. Oh and the diamond star tiara is choice. Not my choice but a good choice for you. Seriously, though, I didn't even know you could get a gown that looked like this!!! I am kind of impressed that she found someone that would make it for her. Did I just say that? Pat, feel free to issue me a fashion citation ASAP.

Buona notte ragazzi!

French Kisses and Crafts

Last night was fun. I was able to make dinner without poisoning my brother and sister-in-law which is a minor miracle. Let's get one thing straight. Just because I am Italian does not mean I can cook. At all. But I managed OK. I was also able to finish one of my take home midterms which is important since I have 3 due early next week.

This morning my brother & sister-in-law picked me up bright and early and we headed over to Candlebrook Elementary's First Annual Craft Fair. Lisa set up a table and sold her amazing pictures of Italy.

How cute is she - she doesn't even look like she is about to give birth...sigh...I can't wait for the little monkey to be born so I can spoil her/him.

The fair was fun. Lisa sold about 6 pictures and I bought a cute bird house and the complete novels of Jane Austen. I am a sucker for used books. Oh and I bought a shawl as well. You know for the transitional weather that hopefully is on it's way.

Now I am sacked out on the couch watching French Kiss and procrastinating like crazy - as I mentioned my mid terms are next week and I have some serious studying to do.

OK, that's it for now. A la prossima, ragazzi!

Friday morning blues

Grrrr...it's 9am and EBM is already in the office? He is NEVER here this early. Sigh....so much for my morning internet catch up. TGIF for real.

At lunch I have to let our contractor in to drop off the shelving he is going to install in our living room...an extention to our very small kitchen you could say. I will take some before & after pics to show our progress.

And tonight, my brother and his very pregnant wife, accompanied by my Uncle will be joining us for dinner. On the menu...home made Mac n Cheese and Ribs from the Ribhouse....what can I say, I suck at cooking.

A bientot mes cheres....

I am trying to find a picture to use in my profile...this one is from the Piazza San Pietro aka St. Peter's Square.

Cleaning stinks

Prince Charming and my step-cat, JD

Trying to get the house in order so that my brother, sister-in-law and uncle can come to dinner. My fiance is at the bar - apparently there is some sort of trauma going on at work and the gang is in a tizzy. I really he would come home and help me!!! I think we need to give him a nick name...maybe PC for Prince Charming. Corny but cute. I think it will do for now.

How is it that my house is so dirty so fast? I know that having a cat does not help. My step-cat, JD is our 23 pound baby. We love him. He is the best cat ever. I will have to find some pictures to post.

OK, back to cleaning...ready to tackle the bathroom. Blech.

My first post!

I so do not have time to do this. The EBM (evil boss man) would kill me if he knew. Oh well. I hope this is the first of many exciting and funny posts.

A la prossima!