When the heck did my kids grow up? And where was I?

So yesterday it was yucky, rainy and cold outside. My kids are already used to winter being over and were stuck in the house, driving me crazy  bouncing off the walls. It was about noon, so I took them to McDonald's for lunch hoping the could burn off some energy in the Playland. We haven't been to the Playland in forever so I was totally THEE best mom in the world. Anyways, we ate and then went to play That's when I realized something I haven't noticed or maybe I just refused to see.......my babies......aren't babies anymore. ::tears::

My eyes honestly started to tear up, and no, it wasn't from the mixed smells of urine and stinky feet, they were real tears I was trying to choke back. I had the oldest kids in all of the Playland (of course, besides my Mikey). Rock Jr (9) actually came up to me and said "I think I'm too old for this, mom." He said he was running around but was scared he was going to knock a little kid over. I was like, but you're a little kid. I hugged him and he decided to hang with Mikey. When it was time to go, and I announced "Time to go" they came running. And put there shoes on. And put on their jackets. No one complained. No when begged to stay five more minutes. They got themselves buckled in the truck and all thanked me as we pulled out the of McDonald's parking lot. Gone are the days of telling my babies a bazillion times "It's time to go" helping eight little feet with shoes, carrying two kids while telling the older two not to let go of my jacket, where I then work up a sweat getting get everyone buckled, and pull out of the McDonald's parking lot with someone still crying that they weren't ready to leave yet. I never thought I would miss those days. I guess I will still have these days with Mikey (1yr), I just wish life would slow down.

Why do the days, months, and years have go by so quickly?

Bri and Jules,  Christmas 2003

2006

2007

4th of July, 2009

Feb 2010

Here's Rock (2), where his love for sports began....

and now, (9) One of the best players on the team!

My girls

2007

2008

2010

My Mikey

My Mikey is One!

My baby boy is ONE already! We had a big birthday party for him at our house with the family. He was too cute when it came to us singing Happy B-day to him. I almost teared up when singing to him wondering where did his first year go? It went by so quick. I'm very grateful that he is so happy and that he's healthy, and mine! Before he was born, I always got the feeling someone was missing. The day he was born, I felt complete. I love him more than I will ever be able to explain. Here are some of my favorite pics from Mikey's 1st year.

Moments Old...

Words can never express how much love and happiness I felt at this moment.

a few weeks old

Look at those hairy little shoulders!

holding mommy's hand

1st bath. This is the 1st and last time you ever cried during bathtime.

Love those toes!

Hanging with your big Bro!

Loving the fresh air at the park

Love those big eyes!

Nice full belly.

teething...

Love that smile!!

1st teeting cookie! Very messy!

Learning to crawl...

1st time touching pumpkin guts!

My little football, 1st Halloween

Stuffed after 1st Thanksgiving!

Playing wtih the paper more than the presents 1st Christmas

Happy 1st Birthday, my sweet Mikey. You make us complete. I love you!!

Rock Jr. is 9!

Dec. 22nd, 2009
So this is a month and a half overdue, but better late than never. I wanted to write something around my kid's birthdays to describe how they are, what their likes and dislikes are since they change so quickly and every year seems to go by faster than the last.

To Rock, aka my Papa.
You make me a very proud mom! This year you've really developed a great little sense of humor. You like to joke and are good at it. One of the funniest moments I can recently remember is when you told the lady who was cutting your hair that you have a job. When she asked, doing what, you said bugging your sisters, but you don't get paid for it. It was said in the most serious way, Mari and I were laughing so hard in the waiting area. Truth be told you're not the typical "bug your sister kinda brother". If anything, they (or should I say Bri) bug you. You love me and the rest of our fam very much and aren't embarrassed to show it. Though, I fear the day you do.

You are sports fanatic and amaze me when you talk to daddy about sports. You made the Jr Indians baseball team this year (YAY!) and we celebrated with two bowls of icecream which is one of your favorite foods. Unless it's covered in chocolate, you are kind of a picky eater and recently told me you don't like bacon which was a shock to all of us.  One Sunday morning, at the table, you said "I don't like bacon." All the hussle and bussle of the morning STOPPED! We were shocked! Who doesn't like bacon?

Your parent-teacher conferences this year were awesome. You're doing very well in school (3rd grade) and got a perfect report card. Your teacher this year, Mrs. Luciani calls you the class peacemaker. If someone has a problem you like to remind them to brush it off and not to worry. You have a kind heart and open doors for girl's, but say you still don't like them even though a lot of them have crushes on you.

Even though it drives me crazy you are completely addicted to your little basketball hoop that hangs on the basement door. You play with it daily, trying out different ways to dunk and constantly ask anyone who will listen to come watch you.

I love you so much!! More than I will ever be able to explain!

Love,
Your Mom