Another Cousin...

Another Cousin...

The day after Christmas we headed back to my parents house for lunch.

An unexpected surprise. My cousin Gabrielle was in town for the Holidays visiting from Germany. She is one of two cousin from Germany that I had never actually met before.

Gabby is wonderful... I wish she didn't have to return to Germany so quickly.

You there yet Gabby? ;o)

Anyway... we had a nice visit.

~

Below Mommy , Tamara & Gabby check out pictures on my Aunts Laptop.

Welcome home... Nado and Radmila... my "young" Aunt and Uncle.

Share photos of their new vacation residence in Croatia.

Mommy, Tamara and Cousin Gabby

Smile ;o)

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Back home Tamara hugs her life size calf pillow.
Auntie Olga... think smaller... please.

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The Pitter Patter of little feet is heard up in the hallway.
Daddy and Tamara are racing?

Tamara decides to take a tooth brushing break.

OK?

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Over The River and Through The Woods .. Round #2

Over The River and Through The Woods ..

To Grandmothers House We Go.

Christmas dinner was at my parents home.

Tamara surrounded by Aunts, Uncles and Cousins. There was no doubt they were out to spoil her a bit this year.

From a Baby Grand to a custom My Twinn Doll to a quad for joy rides.

But the most meaningful and touching gift by far came from Cousin Katie.

If you remember Katie recently won the cute kid contest with your help. Well when Katie was interviewed by the local radio station that sponsored the contest. When asked what she was going to do with all the prizes... she said. "I wanted it for my newly adopted little cousin."

Yes she gave Tamara her Grand prize.

Need a tissue?

Is that sweet or what?

Thanks Katie. Tamara is still a little young to fully understand why this gift is so special but she will someday soon. ;o)

~

Below Tamara watches the family in amazement. I can relate... I still do this sometimes..lol. Just kidding... I'm used to them by now. NOT! Ha

Katie helping Tamara with a package

Katie who takes Piano from a Georgian woman named Tamara shows Tamara a few notes on her Baby Baby Grand.

Thanks Auntie Jay and Uncle Carlos... she plays every day.

Tamara trying out her new piano.

Is this cute or what?

Tamara playing... love the moves. She's a natural.

So as you can see Tamara had a great day. And since she managed to get everything but a playroom for Christmas. That's what I'll put on top of my wish list. Hint... Hint... Daddy.

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Santa was here... Santa was here ... Round #1

Santa was here...

Being the good Elf that I am... I personally saw him. ;o)

Christmas morning Tamara woke up pretty easily although it was almost 9:00 am.

Yes... I know... such an easy child. ;o)

Anyway... Mommy got her up, washed and brushed and brought her down in her PJ's.

First gift she opened was her new red robe with matching slippers.

OK... now she was warm and cozy and picture perfect.

The look of disbelief on her face she proceeded to open her gifts.

Tamara trying to open her Mega block princess castle.

A Tea set from Santa

As you can see she's perfected her gift opening skills.

Elmo Live

For the past few months Tamara would reach for this Elmo at the stores.

Mommy kept saying... "Be a good girl and maybe Santa will bring you one"

A 3 tier cake stand for her kitchen


By far my favorite gift ever.
Tamara made this in Preschool for us.
An angel made out of her hand prints. Meant to be an ornament for the tree.
Mommy had it framed by lunch. ;o)
She was very excited to be able to give us a gift... concerned if we would like it and then very happy when she saw how much we loved it.
Yes... it brought tears to our eyes.
Another first for us... our first gift from our daughter and I'm sure the most precious.



The first time since Gotcha Day 08 that Tamara seemed overwhelmed.
Here she takes a break from opening gifts. Curls up in Mommy's lap so we can read a new book together.

OK... back to the gifts.

She and Daddy check out her 911 book

Hold it Daddy

The Grand Finally.... Drum roll please...

Tamara opens her play kitchen.



As you can see she loves it... Yay!

Opening gifts took about 3 hours in total.

Stopping for book break and breakfast.

Then it was time to get dressed and get ready for Dido and Grandma's

That... we will call Round #2.

Stay tuned... it's coming

~~~

Cookies and Milk

Cookies and Milk... Yum

Christmas Eve getting cookies and milk ready for Santa.

He didn't seem to mind that Tamara helped herself to his midnight snack.

But I want to...

OK... ok.. I'll leave Santa some.

Gingerbread cookies... my favorite.

Mommy.. I think I need a refill for Santa

Yummy snack

After our little princess fell a sleep... Santa and his elf got to work.
It took her over an hour of tossing and turning before she actually fell a sleep.
I guess I over stressed the "YOU have to go to sleep so Santa comes."
She was too excited to sleep. lol. Too cute.
~
This is what it looked like Christmas Eve before we let her loose Christmas Morning.

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More coming.... stay tuned.

~~~

Gingerbread spin

Gingerbread spin.

Well we're back... breath... breath.

Bruce informed me yesterday that today is in fact New Years Eve?

Eeek... where did that come from? Seriously time is just sneaking up on me these days.... very strange!

So... there will be no New Years Eve Party this year. Not that I didn't think about it... I did. It wouldn't have been that bazaar for me to whip up such an event with 24 hrs notice... usually. But this year we have Tamara. Get me to bed by 8 or else.... Tamara. And well I didn't think she would be willing to go to bed with a New Years party in full swing down stairs. I also thought about inviting people over after she's sleeping but then again she'd probably wake up hearing a party horn / noise maker. Gotta have those for New Years. ;o)

So here we are December 31st 2008

For the first time in my adult life... party-less on New Years Eve?

WoW... lol.

OK... so to all you parents out there... I need creative suggestions.

How did or do you celebrate New Years with a young child?

~
Below Tamara decorates her Gingerbread house.

Yummy... candy

Lets take it for a spin.

OK... we're going to try and update this today with a spurt of shorter posts... in between running errands, playing Mommy and celebrating 2008. Yeah... 2008. I can't imagine another year that can compare. ;o)

~

Mommy needs Coffee... Later!

~~~

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone!

Just waiting for Tamara to wake up ...

she was too excited to sleep last night.. so we're letting her sleep in.

This may be the last Christmas for Mommy and Daddy to sleep in as well...

you know past 6:00 am ..lol

OK... Mommy needs a double shot of coffee this morning so we'll catch ya later.

We'd like to wish you ALL a very Merry Christmas and the Happy and Healthiest of New Years!

Oh.. Yeah.. Today is also 200 days home in the USA with Tamara.

200 days ago she steps off the plane at Kennedy Airport and became an instant US citizen. Time sure does fly when you're having fun ;o) .

~~~

Holiday Sing

Holiday Sing

Tamara's first public performance was her Holiday Sing at Preschool. Mommy and Daddy seated in the first row camera and video camera in tow were very proud of our little girl. While some other children froze, cried and tried to run off stage. Our little girl bopped to the music, shook her jiggle bells, tried to sing, smiled, waved and blew Mommy and Daddy kisses. No stage freight here. ;o) Sooo Cute!

~

Tamara models her Christmas Dressy coat set.

"I'm Ready"

Holiday Sing

Big Kids.. 4-5 year olds in the back

2-3 year olds up front.

"Hum... is that Mommy behind that camera?"



Looking at her teacher who was coaching the little ones.

There's that little girl smile. ;o)

Watching her teacher who was holding the other little girls hand through out the performance.

Are they cute or what?

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OK... Elf update.

Your cards are still here... almost finished.

Tamara's gifts are wrapped and hiding until Santa comes.

Gingerbread house is finished.

Cookies... cookies? Oh snap I forgot the cookies again. Do you think Santa would mind a protein bar instead? ;o)

Having down load issues this morning .

More later.... gotta get back to it!

~~~

Santa Baby

Santa Baby...

Santa or Father Frost as he is known in the former Soviet gets a visit from Tamara.

She wouldn't sit in his lap so Mommy had to get in the act? Oh well maybe next year.

Tamara helps Daddy wrap a gift for Mommy.

Yes... of course I know what it is ;o).

Daddy and Tamara wrapping.

Tamara showing Daddy how to make corners.

Sticky stuff... that tape.

Need more Daddy?

OK.. you hold it and I'll tape.

~

We're getting there.. although I must say arranging to have Santa stop by on a fire engine last Thursday night. Sirens blazing and then totally forgetting about it and putting our daughter to bed an hour before was not one of my brightest moments as a Mother? Yup I did that! Poor thing I popped her out of bed wearing her footie PJ's.. threw on her ski jacket and took her outside to see the jolly fat guy. She was in a daze through most of it. But amazingly she remembered the whole thing the next morning as she ran to the tree and opened the package Santa gave her the night before.

Santa giving her a gift.

Tamara watching Santa walk back to the fire truck and zoom up her buddy Zach's driveway.

She was very happy to see Santa give him a gift as well. Too cute!

OK... back to bed. She went straight to sleep.

Yes... there is a God! ;o)

Happy Mommy!

OK.. still catching up... more to come!

~~~

Congrats Cousin Katie

Congratulations Cousin Katie

Just a quick update on Katie's Cute kid contest.

I got this email this morning from her Mom

"Well Katie won 1st prize for the contest. She wants to email everyone later after school but I wanted to thank you guys for your help."

Oh... the power of the Internet. ;o)

I know many of you have voted for Katie and she left the competition in the dust winning with about a 20% lead.

So Thanks everyone.. it was fun and I know Katie really appreciated knowing her family from around the world voted for her.

~~~

God Bless Us, Everyone!

'Twas The Night Before Christmas...Mom Style

'Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the abode

Only one creature was stirring & she was cleaning the commode

The children were finally sleeping, all snug in their beds

while visions of X-Box & Barbie flipped through their heads

Yes, and dad was snoring in front of the TV

with a half constructed bicycle propped on his knee

So only the mom heard the reindeer hooves clatter

which made her sigh, "Now what is the matter?"

With toilet bowl brush still clutched in her hand

She descended the stairs, and saw the old man

He was covered with ashes & soot, which fell with a shrug

"Oh great," muttered the mom, "Now I have to clean the rug."

"Ho Ho Ho!" cried Santa, I'm glad you're awake."

"your gift was especially difficult to make."

"Thanks, Santa, but all I want is time alone."

"Exactly!" he chuckled, "So, I've made you a clone."

"A clone?" she muttered, "What good is that?"

"Run along, Santa, I've no time for chit chat."

Then out walked the clone - The mother's twin,

Same hair, same eyes, same double chin.

"She'll cook, she'll dust, she'll mop every mess.

You'll relax, take it easy, watch TV and rest.

"Fantastic!" the mom cheered. "My dream has come true!"

"I'll shop, I'll read, I'll sleep a night through!"

From the room above, the youngest did fret.

"Mommy?! Come quickly, I'm scared and I'm wet."

The clone replied, "I'm coming, sweetheart."

"Hey," the mom smiled, "She sure knows her part."

The clone changed the child and hummed her a tune,

as she bundled the small one in a blanket cocoon.

"You're the best mommy ever. I really love you."

The clone smiled and sighed, "And I love you too."

The mom frowned and said, "Sorry, Santa, no deal.

That's my child's LOVE she is going to steal."

Smiling wisely, Santa said: "To me it is clear,

Only one loving mother is needed here."

The mom kissed her child and tucked her in bed.

"Thank You, Santa, for clearing my head.

Sometimes I forget, it won't be very long,

before they'll be too old for my cradle and song."

The clock on the mantle began to chime.

Santa whispered to the clone, "It works every time."

With the clone by his side, Santa said: "Goodnight.

Merry Christmas, dear Mom, you'll be all right."

Sometimes we need reminding of what life is all about.

Especially at times when the Holiday season shouts,

and all we do is clean, bake, and procure.

You get the picture -- I'm sure.

So stop for a moment and hug that little one so dear,

whether he/she is 2 or 22, or even older this year.

For they are the gift that God gave us from Heaven above,

and what a special gift to be treasured, with endless LOVE!

May The Real Meaning Of Christmas Be With You All Year

There are no miracles for those...

that have no faith in them...

Have faith in the Miracle of Christmas !!!

God Bless Us, Everyone!

Arrived via email from Judy in Fl. Although I've seen it before... This year I can relate.

Thanks Judy ;o)

~~~

Tis the season...

Tis the season...

to be jolly.

I'm working on it.

4 days to go... are we stressing yet?

Daddy is in the basement putting Tamara's play kitchen together. I never would have put this one together. There are hundreds of parts, screws, boards, knobs. Last I checked he was

step #27 and he still had a ways to go. But I just know she's going to love it.

And like I've said before Daddy is a good sport. ;o) .

I'm almost finished with shopping. The weather isn't helping in that department. 90% of the wrapping is finished and I'm on the L's for Christmas cards. Progress right? Still have a Gingerbread house to make. If I have time I may put my cake decorating skills to work and make it a rose cottage? Ha... yeah if I only had the time. Cookies... cookies? Oh snap I forgot the cookies. Well I'd better get moving... again.

~
Below Tamara reaches for a singing / dancing Christmas mouse.

Helping with the decorations.. Tamara finds Lily in a box.

Opening a gift from Dan & Marsha.
Thank You.. she loves her new books.

Tamara in her new chair.. enjoying one of her new books.

Time to decorate tree #2

Video of her decorating skills. Motion.. no sound.

We're doing another tree?


Tamara reading "The idiots guide to Preschoolers"

She giggled an awful lot. Makes me wonder who's raising who?

She loves her Advent calender.

I think she gets this from me ;o) Ha.. yeah... right.

Watch out Rudy.. Tamara wants your job.

Tree decorating... she's such a good little elf.

Loves to help.

So as you can see things are moving along. Tamara has caught the Christmas spirit. She loves the lights, music and of course the gifts and treats.

Lots more to come... still catching up. Stay tuned.

~~~

Ho Ho Ho

Ho Ho Ho

OK... it's snowing over an inch an hour here. Santa will be here soon and Mommy has sooooo much to do yet. Anyway.. I thought I'd change the music to Christmas for your listening pleasure and update you on some pictures.

Much... much more to come as soon as Mommy catches up on holiday prep.

~

Below are the Malibu girls... who came to visit one night not too long ago.

Tamara had a wonderful time as did Mommy and Daddy. Hope to do it again soon.

Tamara ... can not only open the frig door now she likes to sit in it?
Apple sauce... Yum!

Oh Pooh!

Catalog shopping... Her American girl catalogs are always a hit.

I like this one...

and this one.

I need the attachment Mommy.

What's with all these rugs?

" Here Lily" playing with ribbons

ribbon.. ribbon everywhere.

it's stuck.

~

Trying out a new look.

What do you think?

Is pink my color?

Look into my eyes.

~

Being cute again.

pretty bow

Little Darling.. no?

Watching the Christmas Toy... again.

Thanks Debbie ;o)

Petting Lily

Nice Kitty

~

One of my personal favorite shots.

Daddy and Tamara watching TV

Too cute !!!

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OK... better get back to it.... clock is ticking... tick tock.

Thought about putting a count down to Christmas clock on the blog but I didn't want to stress you all out. lol

Ho Ho Ho.... that's yes, yes, yes in Georgian ;o)

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