Monday, May 18, 2009

Our newest addition

A great super huge welcome to Olivia Maria Palumbi! My sweet niece arrived in the morning on Friday May 15 weighing in at 7lbs 3oz. Big sister Sofia, Mommy and Daddy are all excited for her arrival. Zia Paola is excited to spoil another little princess. Congratulation to everyone!

Saturday, May 16, 2009

The Mommy Lens

I never truly realized how much having my own child would color the way I look at the world.

A few years back, my new book club decided to read the Kite Runner. I had already read the book and loved it so I was excited to talk about it with new people. Before the meeting I asked my SIL about it and she admitted that she only read half the book. "I could not get past that one scene...you know...where the little boy gets attacked," she said to me. "I think it is because I have two sons and all I can think about is them when I read the book." "Sure," I said, "that makes sense to me." But in my head I thought, how silly of her. The book is so good...she is missing out on a sad but great story.

I think about this conversation a lot lately. Now that Simon is here I see everything through Mommy colored glasses. A commercial for Save the Children unleashes uncontrollable sobs. Suddenly, the little boy on the screen has my son's face and his suffering is unbearable. I hear a story about kids bringing guns to school on the news. My mind immediately flashes to Simon in middle school, sitting at his desk, unaware that the kid next to him has a gun in his locker. My heart skips a beat at the thought of him in peril.

Not all of this is gloom and doom. The melody of the Jack and Jill truck has me daydreaming of summers to come, Simon's face all dirty with melted ice cream and a huge satisfied smile. I see the signs for Phillies Baseball Camp at Upper Merion and I envision my son in his baseball uniform sliding into home plate. Prom season has me wondering about the person my son will take to prom...what will this person be like? Will Dan and I approve?

This Mommy Vision has taken me by surprise. I knew things would change and it is only logical that my world view would change as well...but I am still just amazed at how different the everything looks to me now. Amazed yet pleased. I would not change my mommy glasses for the world.

Sunday, May 10, 2009

5 months

OK so I am late with this picture...and it was taken this weekend so it is more like 5 months and 1 week but frankly with as sleep deprived as I am I am thankful I am even posting right now!

All dressed up for a cocktail party we went to this weekend. He is getting so big and is blossoming into a beautiful little boy. He rolled over today (twice) and his talking up a storm, reaching for objects in mommy's hand and is definitely experiencing stranger anxiety - oh joy!

Today was my first Mother's Day and it was great. Simon & Daddy let me sleep in until 11 am and Simon is getting my car detailed as one of my gifts. As crazy as it sounds I am so excited for this as my car is a pit and it makes me anxious to drive it as dirty as it is right now. My how my priorities have changed! He also got me a coupon for a mani/pedi, lunch and a movie with my SIL for sometime in the future. She is due with bambino #2 on Friday so I am sure that at some point this summer - when we all return from Italia - Lisa and I will cash in our coupons for some pampering, good food and a movie...when does New Moon come out again? Just kidding!

I hope everyone enjoyed a fantastic Mother's Day!!!

Wednesday, May 06, 2009

The Brightest Star in the Sky

Yay!!! My most favorite of authors, Marian Keyes, has finished her latest book, The Brightest Star in the Sky. Unfortunately for us in the US it will not be released here until Jan 2010. You lucky folks in Ireland and the UK get it in October.

For those of you that have never read her books...run out immediately and get a copy of Watermelon her first novel. It is so freaking funny. I promise you will be hooked. It makes for perfect summer reading.

Finally...something fantastic to look forward to in the new year!!

Monday, May 04, 2009

Organize to Exercise

Some of you may know about my super cool, extra fit cousin Toni, personal trainer extraodrinaire.

Click here to read an article she just recently wrote about fitting exercise into your lifestyle.

You can also go to her website Training With Toni to sign up for her personalized fitness videos - her 3 Minute Crush Program is amazin and gets results!!!

Remember June (and bathing suit weather) is just around the corner...YIKES!!!