Thank you to everyone who posted comments or messages to my MySpace page about Matthew's arrival. You are all the greatest bunch of friends a girl could ask for!!
Since I had "false" labor on Tuesday (08.05.08), this whole week has been a whirlwind. Dr. Thomlinson (the one who saw me at the hospital in false labor) gave me the impression that Matthew would arrive closer to his due date....only to have me and Jeff run to the hospital yet again early Thursday morning (about 4:00am on 08.07.08). My labor was very quick and very painful at 6 hours and 47 minutes (from 11:57pm when I felt the 1st painful contraction that woke me up to 6:44am when Matthew arrived).
Since I labored mostly at home, I was already dilated 9cm when I arrived at the hospital and my water had broken at home...no time for medications, so I just pushed and had Matthew as a natural vaginal delivery. Dr. Bachman (the doctor on call that night/morning) delivered me and I was lucky enough to have Sheila and Evelyn, the 2 BEST labor nurses on the face of the planet around to help me deliver Matthew (along with Jeff who fed me ice chips and kept my head cool with a rag). Jeff was awesome, there the whole time and saw Matthew being delivered :0)
As soon as I saw Matthew come out of me, bloody and crying, all I could say was, "He's so beautiful, he's so tiny". I wanted to cry but I was in just so much shock and amazement that all those months of being pregnant with him, that he was finally here. I was in so much awe of the little miracle that Jeff and I created :0)
STATS:
Matthew Robert Greenberg
Born: Thursday August 7th 2008 at 6:44am
Weight: 6 lbs and 12 oz.
Length: 19 1/2 inches
My doctor, Dr. Dean (who didn't deliver me b/c he wasn't on call) did come to visit and discharge me and told me that while having the very quick/painful labor, that my recovery though should be that much quicker. I am feeling better now than I did at the hospital. Matthew is doing well. He eats and poops regularly and well, like a newborn, doesn't wanna sleep. I know he's just 5 days old, but it's just so amazing what little babies are capable of! I'm just in awe every time I see his cute face :0)
I just wanted to take a minute and thank all of you for your well wishes throughout my pregnancy and now with the birth.
Thanks :0)
Enjoy the pics that Jeff put as a slideshow below...we are still working on getting a baby page for Matthew together and adding all the pics to our website here.
For now, here's a link to where ALL the baby pics are: http://picasaweb.google.com/jeffg79
With love,
Nan :0)
Since I had "false" labor on Tuesday (08.05.08), this whole week has been a whirlwind. Dr. Thomlinson (the one who saw me at the hospital in false labor) gave me the impression that Matthew would arrive closer to his due date....only to have me and Jeff run to the hospital yet again early Thursday morning (about 4:00am on 08.07.08). My labor was very quick and very painful at 6 hours and 47 minutes (from 11:57pm when I felt the 1st painful contraction that woke me up to 6:44am when Matthew arrived).
Since I labored mostly at home, I was already dilated 9cm when I arrived at the hospital and my water had broken at home...no time for medications, so I just pushed and had Matthew as a natural vaginal delivery. Dr. Bachman (the doctor on call that night/morning) delivered me and I was lucky enough to have Sheila and Evelyn, the 2 BEST labor nurses on the face of the planet around to help me deliver Matthew (along with Jeff who fed me ice chips and kept my head cool with a rag). Jeff was awesome, there the whole time and saw Matthew being delivered :0)
As soon as I saw Matthew come out of me, bloody and crying, all I could say was, "He's so beautiful, he's so tiny". I wanted to cry but I was in just so much shock and amazement that all those months of being pregnant with him, that he was finally here. I was in so much awe of the little miracle that Jeff and I created :0)
STATS:
Matthew Robert Greenberg
Born: Thursday August 7th 2008 at 6:44am
Weight: 6 lbs and 12 oz.
Length: 19 1/2 inches
My doctor, Dr. Dean (who didn't deliver me b/c he wasn't on call) did come to visit and discharge me and told me that while having the very quick/painful labor, that my recovery though should be that much quicker. I am feeling better now than I did at the hospital. Matthew is doing well. He eats and poops regularly and well, like a newborn, doesn't wanna sleep. I know he's just 5 days old, but it's just so amazing what little babies are capable of! I'm just in awe every time I see his cute face :0)
I just wanted to take a minute and thank all of you for your well wishes throughout my pregnancy and now with the birth.
Thanks :0)
Enjoy the pics that Jeff put as a slideshow below...we are still working on getting a baby page for Matthew together and adding all the pics to our website here.
For now, here's a link to where ALL the baby pics are: http://picasaweb.google.com/jeffg79
With love,
Nan :0)
06/19/06: Father's Day Weekend :0)
Friday:
I took off Friday to run errands with Lisa. Honestly, I needed a day off and chilling with Lee is like the old days when we used to work in Silver Barn...except neither of us drove and we'd head to the city. Anyway, I went to Bay Terrace with Lee for her hair appointment. We went to have lunch and then shopped in Victoria's Secret, Express and Gap...the only place I bought something in was Vicky's. Lee drove me home and hung out for a bit with me before leaving for the gym...I kinda did the same and did 2 miles on the treadmill. About a month ago, Steph and I planned a college "reunion" get together for our friends and well, that's tonight. TGIFridays on Austin Street, Forest Hills at 8:00pm...our old hang-out. I wore my new red dress that I bought in Express (size Small :0). I know that I was a bit over-dressed, but I felt damn good wearing that dress and it helped me to make healthier food choices...you know, it's tough to eat unhealthy when you're sitting in a nice dress and feeling good about yourself. The phrase that Marianne says, "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels", echoed through my head that night. I had some Low-Fat Chicken Pot Stickers, 1/2 of my Jack Daniels Sesame Chix Strips and 2 Mudslides...ok, so I drank more than I should have, but what the heck? :0) We got together with Steph, Gloria, Debbie, Kim and her boyfriend Paul, David and his friend, Adam and Jen. Unfortunately, Frank had to work, so him and Andrea couldn't make it, Bissy had a last minute gig (she's in a band), Melissa had to work and Lorraine, Paul, Anthony and Scott couldn't make it either. But...regardless, the bunch that showed up had a blast and a ton of laughs. Check out the pics of our night out on the Photo Album page. It was so great to see some of them again - haven't seen them in about 4 years I guess. We drove Gloria home and took Steph home with us for a bit, then Jeff drove her home. Steph's gonna help me plan another get-together in September/October.
Saturday:
I don't know why, but the whole day I was feeling so blah. Call it hormonal or whatever, but I was snapping at everything and being a girl by getting emotional. Jeff and I woke up late and kind of lazied around the house, which I think was partly contributed to the blah feeling. We were supposed to go to the beach, but since the weather forecast was not hot or really sunny, we didn't go. I remember finally venturing out late afternoon for some grocery shopping, but that's all we really accomplished. I don't know why, but getting out, just to even go grocery shopping, lifted my mood a bit. We went to the new Stop and Shop on Old Country Road...nice big store :0) We got home and made dinner, then relaxed on the sofa watching TV.
Sunday:
Jeff drove me and Aunt Harriet to WW this AM. I lost 2.0 lbs!! I'm down 44.2 lbs. So, now I'm thinking, holy crap! I'm almost down 50 lbs...sorry, but this is very cool :0) I'm happy about it. We went back to our apartment and head over to the cemetery. It was not only Father's Day, but June 18th marked the 11th year that Jeff's Mom had passed. I really wish that I would have known her and that I would have known Jeff back then to be there for him. Regardless, I was there for him Sunday and that's what counts. It's so tough, because I wish I could do more. At least they fixed the planting on his Mom's sight. The last couple of times we went, it was sparce and there is supposed to be perpetual care for it. When we went Mother's Day, Jeff put another complaint in and it was great to see that they finally took care of it. From there, we went back to our apartment for some lunch. I made English Muffin Pizzas for myself and Jeff had some sort of Chef Boyardee stuff...icky. Finally! We went to get our Passport Pics taken!!! I didn't like the way the first pics came out in Ekerd, so we went to a different one and the guy at the this one took better pics...so I'm happy. After a quick run into Home Depot to get some stuff to clean up our backyard, we went by my parents place for Father's Day. It was nice to be with my family. We hung out in the AC'd basement and BS'd for a couple hours. Jeff and I then left to have dinner. We brought home some Empire Garden chinese food...yummy :0) In the car on the way home, I told Jeff that I felt like crap because it was so late and I couldn't get on the treadmill now because I was so hungry and couldn't do it afterwards because of the noise level with it being late at night. He suggested a walk and I was thinking, yea ok. We were watching some DAYS episodes and Jeff asked me, "Do you want to go for a walk?"...so we did. I usually don't like walking without knowing how many miles I'm going so I can keep track for WW of how many miles I do weekly, but we walked anyway around the neighborhood. We walked up 193rd, to Union Tpke, around to 188th, down to the LIE, and back around through our neighbors courts in the back by the Fresh Meadows Movie Theatre...we were so tired and sweaty when we got back to the house. Jeff then did a trail on Google Maps and we walked 2.5 miles! I told Jeff that he's such a great husband for not only suggesting the walk, but coming with me...I just love him :0) And it only took us about 50 minutes. Can you belive that? That's damn cool! So I know now, when Lee and I do the Chase Corporate Challenge on Wednesday, we'll be able to finish the 3.5 miles in about 1 hour and 1/2 or so. It was so hot, after a shower we put the AC on and went to bed.
Nancy :0)
I took off Friday to run errands with Lisa. Honestly, I needed a day off and chilling with Lee is like the old days when we used to work in Silver Barn...except neither of us drove and we'd head to the city. Anyway, I went to Bay Terrace with Lee for her hair appointment. We went to have lunch and then shopped in Victoria's Secret, Express and Gap...the only place I bought something in was Vicky's. Lee drove me home and hung out for a bit with me before leaving for the gym...I kinda did the same and did 2 miles on the treadmill. About a month ago, Steph and I planned a college "reunion" get together for our friends and well, that's tonight. TGIFridays on Austin Street, Forest Hills at 8:00pm...our old hang-out. I wore my new red dress that I bought in Express (size Small :0). I know that I was a bit over-dressed, but I felt damn good wearing that dress and it helped me to make healthier food choices...you know, it's tough to eat unhealthy when you're sitting in a nice dress and feeling good about yourself. The phrase that Marianne says, "Nothing tastes as good as being thin feels", echoed through my head that night. I had some Low-Fat Chicken Pot Stickers, 1/2 of my Jack Daniels Sesame Chix Strips and 2 Mudslides...ok, so I drank more than I should have, but what the heck? :0) We got together with Steph, Gloria, Debbie, Kim and her boyfriend Paul, David and his friend, Adam and Jen. Unfortunately, Frank had to work, so him and Andrea couldn't make it, Bissy had a last minute gig (she's in a band), Melissa had to work and Lorraine, Paul, Anthony and Scott couldn't make it either. But...regardless, the bunch that showed up had a blast and a ton of laughs. Check out the pics of our night out on the Photo Album page. It was so great to see some of them again - haven't seen them in about 4 years I guess. We drove Gloria home and took Steph home with us for a bit, then Jeff drove her home. Steph's gonna help me plan another get-together in September/October.
Saturday:
I don't know why, but the whole day I was feeling so blah. Call it hormonal or whatever, but I was snapping at everything and being a girl by getting emotional. Jeff and I woke up late and kind of lazied around the house, which I think was partly contributed to the blah feeling. We were supposed to go to the beach, but since the weather forecast was not hot or really sunny, we didn't go. I remember finally venturing out late afternoon for some grocery shopping, but that's all we really accomplished. I don't know why, but getting out, just to even go grocery shopping, lifted my mood a bit. We went to the new Stop and Shop on Old Country Road...nice big store :0) We got home and made dinner, then relaxed on the sofa watching TV.
Sunday:
Jeff drove me and Aunt Harriet to WW this AM. I lost 2.0 lbs!! I'm down 44.2 lbs. So, now I'm thinking, holy crap! I'm almost down 50 lbs...sorry, but this is very cool :0) I'm happy about it. We went back to our apartment and head over to the cemetery. It was not only Father's Day, but June 18th marked the 11th year that Jeff's Mom had passed. I really wish that I would have known her and that I would have known Jeff back then to be there for him. Regardless, I was there for him Sunday and that's what counts. It's so tough, because I wish I could do more. At least they fixed the planting on his Mom's sight. The last couple of times we went, it was sparce and there is supposed to be perpetual care for it. When we went Mother's Day, Jeff put another complaint in and it was great to see that they finally took care of it. From there, we went back to our apartment for some lunch. I made English Muffin Pizzas for myself and Jeff had some sort of Chef Boyardee stuff...icky. Finally! We went to get our Passport Pics taken!!! I didn't like the way the first pics came out in Ekerd, so we went to a different one and the guy at the this one took better pics...so I'm happy. After a quick run into Home Depot to get some stuff to clean up our backyard, we went by my parents place for Father's Day. It was nice to be with my family. We hung out in the AC'd basement and BS'd for a couple hours. Jeff and I then left to have dinner. We brought home some Empire Garden chinese food...yummy :0) In the car on the way home, I told Jeff that I felt like crap because it was so late and I couldn't get on the treadmill now because I was so hungry and couldn't do it afterwards because of the noise level with it being late at night. He suggested a walk and I was thinking, yea ok. We were watching some DAYS episodes and Jeff asked me, "Do you want to go for a walk?"...so we did. I usually don't like walking without knowing how many miles I'm going so I can keep track for WW of how many miles I do weekly, but we walked anyway around the neighborhood. We walked up 193rd, to Union Tpke, around to 188th, down to the LIE, and back around through our neighbors courts in the back by the Fresh Meadows Movie Theatre...we were so tired and sweaty when we got back to the house. Jeff then did a trail on Google Maps and we walked 2.5 miles! I told Jeff that he's such a great husband for not only suggesting the walk, but coming with me...I just love him :0) And it only took us about 50 minutes. Can you belive that? That's damn cool! So I know now, when Lee and I do the Chase Corporate Challenge on Wednesday, we'll be able to finish the 3.5 miles in about 1 hour and 1/2 or so. It was so hot, after a shower we put the AC on and went to bed.
Nancy :0)
I've been feeling horrible this whole week. My co-worker Arlene has been like a second mother to me with my five years of employment at Guardian. This optimistic mother of two sons was delivered horrible news Tuesday morning when she was told that her 59 year old husband (who just retired this past Friday) has a brain tumor. I can only assume her world is crumbling beneath her, but you wouldn't know it when you see her. She came into the office this morning for a couple hours to keep busy while her husband is in the hospital prepping for surgery Monday. It's easier to travel to the city from work since there aren't any trains nearby her house. I kept optimistic for her and didn't tell her that when she told me that he had "Glioblastoma" that I looked it up while on the phone with her. Glioblastoma is a highly malignant (cancerous) brain tumor that spreads like tentacles in the brain and is deadly. I'm sure after the surgery Monday, the doctors will inform her that the tumor is cancerous - something I believe her sons already know but don't want to worry their mom. I keep thinking how life is so precious. My motto, as answered in surveys, is always something like, "You only get one life, so live it to the fullest". I haven't seen too much of my share of death of loved ones, but I have had many close to me that have. As soon as Arlene gave me the news, I called my Dad. There's just something in receiving bad news that always makes me want to run to Mom and Dad. Call it babyish, but I call it comfort. I spoke to Dad for about a half hour then and as always, he has a tendency to make me feel better...yes, even about this. He spoke of my sister, a cancer survivor...and so did my mom several hours later when she called me at work to see how Arlene's family and I were doing. My sister had only a 20% survival rate when she was diagnosed with Ewings Sarcoma (bone cancer) in 1989. Arlene's husband Bob, his chances are about the same, slim - 1 in every 4 survive which is the statistic that I read...if caught early, if under the age of 45, if if if....and I'm a pessimist, so I'm worried. Arlene though, she's strong. Her optimism is what keeps her going and I admire her for that. All week, I've been telling everyone I love them, as if almost that I wouldn't see them again or something. I must have said it to Jeff a hundred times alone tonight. I guess that's why I take on that motto. And I truly believe that life is precious, you only get one, so live it to the fullest. Please keep Bob Walsh and his family in your prayers. Thank you.
Nancy
Nancy
01/01/06: Happy New Year 2006!!!
Happy New Year 2006!!!
So far so good. Jeff, Mom, Dad and I rang in the new year watching Dick Clark and sipping on Korbel Champagne as the clock struck midnight. Ca and Lee called about the same time to wish us a happy new year and to let us know that they're on their way. We'll be having black forest cake, cannoli's and rainbow cookies when Ca & Charles and Lee & Jorge arrive. I'll write more later.
Ca & Charles showed up about 1:00pm and Lee & Jorge about 1:30am. We had dessert and took some silly pictures. I think Mom & Dad and Ca & Charles left about 2:30am, while Lee and Jorge left closer to 3:30am. Jeff and I got to bed about 4:00am.
Nancy :0)
So far so good. Jeff, Mom, Dad and I rang in the new year watching Dick Clark and sipping on Korbel Champagne as the clock struck midnight. Ca and Lee called about the same time to wish us a happy new year and to let us know that they're on their way. We'll be having black forest cake, cannoli's and rainbow cookies when Ca & Charles and Lee & Jorge arrive. I'll write more later.
Ca & Charles showed up about 1:00pm and Lee & Jorge about 1:30am. We had dessert and took some silly pictures. I think Mom & Dad and Ca & Charles left about 2:30am, while Lee and Jorge left closer to 3:30am. Jeff and I got to bed about 4:00am.
Nancy :0)
12/31/05: New Years Eve 2005 - 2006!
Jeff and I have Mom and Dad over for New Years Eve. Ca is over by Charles in Brooklyn and Lee is over by Jorge in Manhattan - both should be coming over later to join our festivities. We've got Baked Ziti, Deli Heros, a Veggie Platter, Potato Chips/Onion Dip, Doritos and Hors D' Ourves (Cocktail Franks, Garlic Potato Puffs, Spinach/Potato Puffs and Spicy Beef Puffs). We're watching the Giants game now.
Nancy :0)
Nancy :0)
12/26/05: 2nd Night of Chanukah
We're going to my parents house for the 2nd night of Chanukah. We got there about 2:00pm and hung out with Mom, Dad, Ca & Charles for a while before I had to leave for my WW meeting. I usually go Sunday mornings in Middle Village, but it's closed for the holidays (both Sun. Dec. 25 and Sun. Jan 1), so I went Monday in New Hyde Park instead. Mom made Pot Roast with Potato Latkes and a piece of Chicken & Spinach for me, Jeff made the rice. When we came back, Charles had left but Ca was still here. Jeff and I ate dinner, then joined Ca and Mom & Dad in the living room to watch TV. Ca left and Lee & Jorge had come back from Atlantic City as soon as M&D were coming back from driving Ca home. We said our quick hellos & goodbyes and Jeff and I went home.
Nancy :0)
Nancy :0)
12/25/05: 1st Night of Chanukah & Xmas Day
Jeff and I are off to the traditional thing that Jews do on Xmas Day...the Xmas Day Movie! We're going to see, "Fun with Dick and Jane". I'll write more later.
Jeff and I had gone to the theatre in Westbury for the 1st showing at 12:30pm - Awesome since it was Matinee! 1/2 price!! Anyway, the theatre packed up as usual on Xmas Day. The movie was good, a little sad at some points, but the ending was in true Jim Carrey style, to make you laugh and the good guy always wins in the end (I really enjoy those types of movies). We went to Ben's for a quick soup lunch before heading home for some relaxing time. We went to Aunt Harriet & Uncle Howie's at 5:00pm for a nice Chanukah Dinner and Gift Exchange. I haven't seen Uncle Howie in a while since he's allergic to my cats, so he can't come over. It was really great seeing him and Jason. So, it was me, Jeff, Adam, Jenn, Ryan, Aunt Harriet, Uncle Howie, Jason & Michael. We watched some home movies when the boys were much younger and I think it was for Michael's 2nd or 3rd birthday - it was so cute! I've gotta get a copy of these movies! Adam, Jenn and Ryan left about 10:00pm, but Jeff and I hung out for a while longer. It was so great and relaxing to sit and chat. So much so, Michael looked at the clock and noticed that it was 2:30am! We left shortly after and oddly enough, since we napped, weren't too tired. We watched some 90210 on the DVR and went up to bed about 5:00am.
I have some pics that I'm going to have Jeff put up on the web sometime this week.
Nancy :0)
Jeff and I had gone to the theatre in Westbury for the 1st showing at 12:30pm - Awesome since it was Matinee! 1/2 price!! Anyway, the theatre packed up as usual on Xmas Day. The movie was good, a little sad at some points, but the ending was in true Jim Carrey style, to make you laugh and the good guy always wins in the end (I really enjoy those types of movies). We went to Ben's for a quick soup lunch before heading home for some relaxing time. We went to Aunt Harriet & Uncle Howie's at 5:00pm for a nice Chanukah Dinner and Gift Exchange. I haven't seen Uncle Howie in a while since he's allergic to my cats, so he can't come over. It was really great seeing him and Jason. So, it was me, Jeff, Adam, Jenn, Ryan, Aunt Harriet, Uncle Howie, Jason & Michael. We watched some home movies when the boys were much younger and I think it was for Michael's 2nd or 3rd birthday - it was so cute! I've gotta get a copy of these movies! Adam, Jenn and Ryan left about 10:00pm, but Jeff and I hung out for a while longer. It was so great and relaxing to sit and chat. So much so, Michael looked at the clock and noticed that it was 2:30am! We left shortly after and oddly enough, since we napped, weren't too tired. We watched some 90210 on the DVR and went up to bed about 5:00am.
I have some pics that I'm going to have Jeff put up on the web sometime this week.
Nancy :0)
12/24/05: Xmas Eve
Jeff and I planned a nice day in the house watching TV and relaxing. We snuggled on the sofa and watched several episodes of Days of our Lives and 90210 that we had recorded on the DVR. I hit the treadmill for 1 & 1/2 miles (30 minutes) before Jeff and I made a wonderful dinner. Well actually, he really made it and I just helped. He made Chicken Saltimbocca (Chicken rolled with Proscuitto, Spinach and Grated Cheese) with White Rice. It was so nice to have a quiet dinner together. Jeff lit some candles and I poured wine...it was really romantic :0) After dinner, Jeff and I exchanged gifts. He came down the stairs with this bag from Victoria's Secret, so I was expecting something completely different than what I had received. I opened the bag to find a small box that was wrapped with Hanukkah paper. I was thinking that he had gotten me a gift card, but instead, I was so surprised and happy to see a Zales box. Jeff bought me diamond stud earrings (with screw-backs), something that I've wanted for a very long time :0) Jeff opened his gift - I bought him the Burberry's cologne gift set in Macy's - something I bought him for our 1 year dating anniversary, way back when. We then snuggled and watched 'Spanglish' that we had for months from NetFlix. It was a pretty good movie, just sadder than I was expecting for an Adam Sandler flick.
Nancy :0)
Nancy :0)
Jeff and I picked up both Cindy and Steph. to go to Gloria & Mannix's baby Keiana's 1st birthday party at Christ Church in Woodhaven.
Keiana Party Pics: Keiana's 1st Birthday
After the party, Jeff and I dropped Steph and Cindy home, then headed home ourselves. I went on the treadmill for 1 mile before everyone came over. We had Adam, Jenn, Matt, Diana and Marissa over for a game night. Matt, Diana and Marissa came over about 9:00pm and Adam and Jenn showed up with our chinese food from Empire Garden. We ate dinner, then played a couple rounds of Disney's Scene It!, Scene It! Movie Edition and then a new game Catchphrase. Catchphrase turned out to be the funniest game...you split into 2 teams and pass this electronic hand-held thing around that has words on it. You have to give hints on what the word is and your team has to guess what the word is, if they do, you pass it to the next team. If not, the alarm will continue and eventually buzz. It's basically like an electronic 100,000 Pyramid and Hot Potato mixed into one. Everyone left about 1:00/1:20am.
Nancy :0)
Keiana Party Pics: Keiana's 1st Birthday
After the party, Jeff and I dropped Steph and Cindy home, then headed home ourselves. I went on the treadmill for 1 mile before everyone came over. We had Adam, Jenn, Matt, Diana and Marissa over for a game night. Matt, Diana and Marissa came over about 9:00pm and Adam and Jenn showed up with our chinese food from Empire Garden. We ate dinner, then played a couple rounds of Disney's Scene It!, Scene It! Movie Edition and then a new game Catchphrase. Catchphrase turned out to be the funniest game...you split into 2 teams and pass this electronic hand-held thing around that has words on it. You have to give hints on what the word is and your team has to guess what the word is, if they do, you pass it to the next team. If not, the alarm will continue and eventually buzz. It's basically like an electronic 100,000 Pyramid and Hot Potato mixed into one. Everyone left about 1:00/1:20am.
Nancy :0)
12/05/05: Weekend
Friday:
Jeff and I went by Adam's for dinner. I tried out a new recipe from my large Pasta cookbook - it was Pasta & Mushrooms with a Heavy Cream & Butter sauce...it was quite yummy, but we all agreed that the recipe could have used either proscuitto or pancetta to punch it up a bit. We played with Ryan until it was bedtime, then Jeff and I went home.
Saturday:
I woke up Saturday morning late with a headache, so Jeff and I lounged around our apartment all day napping. We went by Adam's after dinner to babysit Ryan about 8:00pm while Adam went out with Jenn. Ryan and I colored some coloring books with Blues Clues and Care Bears and then Ryan sat to watch the end of 'The Wizard of Oz' with Jeff and I on the loveseat. We also watched some of 'Bruce Almighty' which was when Ryan fell asleep on Jeff's lap about 11pm (he napped during the day). I picked him up and tried to put him down in bed, but his eyes were opened and he was awake, so we let him stay in the living room with us until he fell asleep again. We switched to Nickelodean's 'Legends of the Hidden Temple'. I remember watching Legends when I was younger, I also wanted to be on that show! It's about then, that Ryan fell asleep for the second time (around midnight) and we let him sleep rested with his head on Jeff's lap and feet on my lap. Adam came in a little after 3:00am. Jeff and I were so hungry, so we went to locate a 24hr. diner. It had begun snowing before we left Adam's apartment. We stopped at Yesterday's diner, which while being open 24 hrs, wasn't the greatest place that I have suggested. The salad and grilled cheese I had were eh and Jeff's pancakes deluxe also weren't anything special. By the time we left the diner, there was snow stuck to the car that Jeff cleaned off. We got home about 4:30 and fell asleep about 5:00am.
Sunday:
Lisa called me a bit before 9:00am to let me know that she skidded on the way to pick me up, so she wanted to know if Jeff could drive us to our Weight Watchers meeting (yes, for those of you who don't know, I've joined WW - and I've been successful so far in losing 6 lbs!). Jeff, the sweetheart that he is, drove me and Lee to our meeting. Once I came home, I put my laundry away and cleaned the bedroom. Adam, Jenn and Ryan were coming over to watch the Giants game and called to say they were going to be late after 1:00pm, so I walked 1 mile on my treadmill figuring I'd be done by the time they got there - and they were. I made grilled chicken cutlets with soy sauce, sesame oil & sesame seeds in flour tortillas with white rice and carrots for lunch. Adam fell asleep during the game (like he always does). I went up to shower when the game was over and came down to see Adam reading Dr. Seuss to Ryan and Jeff cutting coupons. Ryan and I had a quick Play-Doh session before Adam bundled him up to go home. Jeff and I watched some 90210 and Days of our Lives episodes that we had on the DVR and we had a nice Steak and Rice dinner. We fell asleep about 12:00am.
Nancy :0)
Jeff and I went by Adam's for dinner. I tried out a new recipe from my large Pasta cookbook - it was Pasta & Mushrooms with a Heavy Cream & Butter sauce...it was quite yummy, but we all agreed that the recipe could have used either proscuitto or pancetta to punch it up a bit. We played with Ryan until it was bedtime, then Jeff and I went home.
Saturday:
I woke up Saturday morning late with a headache, so Jeff and I lounged around our apartment all day napping. We went by Adam's after dinner to babysit Ryan about 8:00pm while Adam went out with Jenn. Ryan and I colored some coloring books with Blues Clues and Care Bears and then Ryan sat to watch the end of 'The Wizard of Oz' with Jeff and I on the loveseat. We also watched some of 'Bruce Almighty' which was when Ryan fell asleep on Jeff's lap about 11pm (he napped during the day). I picked him up and tried to put him down in bed, but his eyes were opened and he was awake, so we let him stay in the living room with us until he fell asleep again. We switched to Nickelodean's 'Legends of the Hidden Temple'. I remember watching Legends when I was younger, I also wanted to be on that show! It's about then, that Ryan fell asleep for the second time (around midnight) and we let him sleep rested with his head on Jeff's lap and feet on my lap. Adam came in a little after 3:00am. Jeff and I were so hungry, so we went to locate a 24hr. diner. It had begun snowing before we left Adam's apartment. We stopped at Yesterday's diner, which while being open 24 hrs, wasn't the greatest place that I have suggested. The salad and grilled cheese I had were eh and Jeff's pancakes deluxe also weren't anything special. By the time we left the diner, there was snow stuck to the car that Jeff cleaned off. We got home about 4:30 and fell asleep about 5:00am.
Sunday:
Lisa called me a bit before 9:00am to let me know that she skidded on the way to pick me up, so she wanted to know if Jeff could drive us to our Weight Watchers meeting (yes, for those of you who don't know, I've joined WW - and I've been successful so far in losing 6 lbs!). Jeff, the sweetheart that he is, drove me and Lee to our meeting. Once I came home, I put my laundry away and cleaned the bedroom. Adam, Jenn and Ryan were coming over to watch the Giants game and called to say they were going to be late after 1:00pm, so I walked 1 mile on my treadmill figuring I'd be done by the time they got there - and they were. I made grilled chicken cutlets with soy sauce, sesame oil & sesame seeds in flour tortillas with white rice and carrots for lunch. Adam fell asleep during the game (like he always does). I went up to shower when the game was over and came down to see Adam reading Dr. Seuss to Ryan and Jeff cutting coupons. Ryan and I had a quick Play-Doh session before Adam bundled him up to go home. Jeff and I watched some 90210 and Days of our Lives episodes that we had on the DVR and we had a nice Steak and Rice dinner. We fell asleep about 12:00am.
Nancy :0)
11/27/05: Ryan's actual Birthday
This afternoon we went to Adam's apartment to celebrate Ryan's 3rd birthday. Both of Ryan's parents were there, plus Jenn's mother, sister and her fiancee, as well as Aunt Harriet, Steve, Rosie, Robbie and Megan.
Ryan carefully opened all of his cards and gifts (Adam's gift of the Home Depot work bench went over well). We all ate Nancy's home made Baked Ziti and had cake.
Later on the adults (Aunt Harriet, Jenn's Mom, Nancy and I) all played with Ryan's new tinkertoys that Aunt Harriet had gotten for him.
Enjoy the pictures:
Ryan's Birthday
Ryan carefully opened all of his cards and gifts (Adam's gift of the Home Depot work bench went over well). We all ate Nancy's home made Baked Ziti and had cake.
Later on the adults (Aunt Harriet, Jenn's Mom, Nancy and I) all played with Ryan's new tinkertoys that Aunt Harriet had gotten for him.
Enjoy the pictures:
Ryan's Birthday
11/24/05: 7 Years
It was 7 years ago today that Nancy and I officially began dating. Since that time we have been through travesties, tragedies, the good, the bad, the ugly. The thing is, no matter what life has thrown in our path we always work through it together.
I found the following passage online that seems appropriate:
The same words, the same hearts
but wiser, somehow
The same vows, the same faith
but deeper, now
As we turn to each other
again, we are sure
Love doesn't wait, it gets better
I just want my wife to know that I love her deeply and find myself more in love with her now than 7 years ago. Nancy - thank you for being in my life and for loving me.
I found the following passage online that seems appropriate:
The same words, the same hearts
but wiser, somehow
The same vows, the same faith
but deeper, now
As we turn to each other
again, we are sure
Love doesn't wait, it gets better
I just want my wife to know that I love her deeply and find myself more in love with her now than 7 years ago. Nancy - thank you for being in my life and for loving me.
11/21/05: Thursday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday
Thursday:
Today is my 26th birthday. Now, you'd think I'd be happy, but it just wasn't my day at all. I woke up late and rushed through breakfast to catch my 7:14am bus, only to get stuck in traffic along the LIE due to an ambulance and police car activity (for what, I don't know). I was given a birthday card from Lori (our office manager) signed by the office staff, only to have her ask me about receiving my birthday cookies and to later find out that they had to be re-ordered because a tin was already delivered to my old address in Kew Gardens Hills. During the cutting of my birthday cake, I was told by every woman there that they had 2 kids by age 26, while I'm thinking that I'm not ready to be a mom and content with just having a nephew for now. Jeff bought me a wonderful bouquet of Sunflowers, but FTD messed up the order, so I received a Mixed Flower bouquet (when talking on the phone to Jeff, he emailed me the pic of the flowers that I should have received). It's that time of the month (of course during my birthday) so I've spent all day looking completely flushed and warmer than the menopausal women in my office. And feeling so much like crap, that I asked Mom and Dad to pick me up and drop me off home. Anyway, it was a huge flower fiasco that day, but the night took a turn for the better. Jeff made me Chicken Saltimbocca (chicken cutlets rolled with proscuitto, spinach and grated cheese in a chicken stock/lemon juice sauce) served with White Rice & Spinach. Jeff gave me my birthday presents...the Mariah Carey 'Emancipation of Mimi' CD, the Sound of Music Soundtrack and DVD...which I asked for. Along with 4 of the very funniest and sappiest cards :0)
Friday:
Mom and Dad picked me up from work at 4:00pm and we met Jeff at the Olive Garden in Westbury about 5:30pm. It was a nice change of pace from our normal Friday night dinners at Georgia Diner. After dinner, we went our separate ways. Jeff and I wound up falling asleep on the sofa to some odd TV show or movie...I don't remember what it was or what time we dozed off, but I can tell you that I was definitely out like a light! I think at one point Jeff went to shower that night, but I really don't remember, I was just so sleepy.
Saturday:
I went for a haircut at 9:30am with Lisa. I'm not really crazy about the cut and I can't wait until the bangs grow out. It's a nice cut, but not for my face. Anyway, Jeff picked me up after picking up the cakes and surprised me with Sunflowers!! I was sooo happy that I had the sunflowers that I was supposed to get from stupid FTD. (Thanks Jeff - Love You :0) We went home, put the cakes in the fridge and took a nice nap before having to get up and ready for Ryan's 3rd birthday party. So, Ryan's party was at Chuck E. Cheese in Hempstead at 2:30pm. It was really done up nice with Chuck E. Cheese balloons, table cloth, cups and the cake! Jeff took the camera and snapped a ton of pics of the atmosphere, Ryan, and the party-goers. (Pictures to be added tonight). After the party, Jeff and I went home for about 1/2 hour and met everyone up at Georgia Diner at 6:00/6:30pm for my birthday dinner. The whole 16 of us then went back to our apartment for some cake...Black Forest Cake and Strawberry Shortcake. Thanks to all for coming - it was tons of fun! (Pictures to be added tonight).
Sunday:
Adam came over to watch the Giants/Eagles game with Jeff and I. I didn't really want to watch it, but it was nice to snuggle next to Jeff. I then played around online and at some point while I was looking at the Bed Bath and Beyond website, I heard Adam snoring. So I look over at Jeff and he's nodding off. I went to go make some lunches for myself for the week (Zucchini & Macaroni - with Grapes for a snack). After I put the pot of water on for the pasta, cut the zucchini and put that up to cook, I went into the living room and saw both Jeff and Adam sound asleep. Funny thing, as soon as I tried to reach for the remote to change football, Jeff woke up and yanked the remote away before I could even get my fingers on it! After the Giants game (they won but I don't remember the score) we had a Chicken Cutlet/Green Beans dinner while watching the songs from my new the Sound of Music DVD. We then went to see 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' at Westbury. It was a really awesome movie! The ride home after the movie was hysterical since Adam and Jeff were then telling me all the side stories and secrets of the book that they left out of the movie.
Nancy :0)
Today is my 26th birthday. Now, you'd think I'd be happy, but it just wasn't my day at all. I woke up late and rushed through breakfast to catch my 7:14am bus, only to get stuck in traffic along the LIE due to an ambulance and police car activity (for what, I don't know). I was given a birthday card from Lori (our office manager) signed by the office staff, only to have her ask me about receiving my birthday cookies and to later find out that they had to be re-ordered because a tin was already delivered to my old address in Kew Gardens Hills. During the cutting of my birthday cake, I was told by every woman there that they had 2 kids by age 26, while I'm thinking that I'm not ready to be a mom and content with just having a nephew for now. Jeff bought me a wonderful bouquet of Sunflowers, but FTD messed up the order, so I received a Mixed Flower bouquet (when talking on the phone to Jeff, he emailed me the pic of the flowers that I should have received). It's that time of the month (of course during my birthday) so I've spent all day looking completely flushed and warmer than the menopausal women in my office. And feeling so much like crap, that I asked Mom and Dad to pick me up and drop me off home. Anyway, it was a huge flower fiasco that day, but the night took a turn for the better. Jeff made me Chicken Saltimbocca (chicken cutlets rolled with proscuitto, spinach and grated cheese in a chicken stock/lemon juice sauce) served with White Rice & Spinach. Jeff gave me my birthday presents...the Mariah Carey 'Emancipation of Mimi' CD, the Sound of Music Soundtrack and DVD...which I asked for. Along with 4 of the very funniest and sappiest cards :0)
Friday:
Mom and Dad picked me up from work at 4:00pm and we met Jeff at the Olive Garden in Westbury about 5:30pm. It was a nice change of pace from our normal Friday night dinners at Georgia Diner. After dinner, we went our separate ways. Jeff and I wound up falling asleep on the sofa to some odd TV show or movie...I don't remember what it was or what time we dozed off, but I can tell you that I was definitely out like a light! I think at one point Jeff went to shower that night, but I really don't remember, I was just so sleepy.
Saturday:
I went for a haircut at 9:30am with Lisa. I'm not really crazy about the cut and I can't wait until the bangs grow out. It's a nice cut, but not for my face. Anyway, Jeff picked me up after picking up the cakes and surprised me with Sunflowers!! I was sooo happy that I had the sunflowers that I was supposed to get from stupid FTD. (Thanks Jeff - Love You :0) We went home, put the cakes in the fridge and took a nice nap before having to get up and ready for Ryan's 3rd birthday party. So, Ryan's party was at Chuck E. Cheese in Hempstead at 2:30pm. It was really done up nice with Chuck E. Cheese balloons, table cloth, cups and the cake! Jeff took the camera and snapped a ton of pics of the atmosphere, Ryan, and the party-goers. (Pictures to be added tonight). After the party, Jeff and I went home for about 1/2 hour and met everyone up at Georgia Diner at 6:00/6:30pm for my birthday dinner. The whole 16 of us then went back to our apartment for some cake...Black Forest Cake and Strawberry Shortcake. Thanks to all for coming - it was tons of fun! (Pictures to be added tonight).
Sunday:
Adam came over to watch the Giants/Eagles game with Jeff and I. I didn't really want to watch it, but it was nice to snuggle next to Jeff. I then played around online and at some point while I was looking at the Bed Bath and Beyond website, I heard Adam snoring. So I look over at Jeff and he's nodding off. I went to go make some lunches for myself for the week (Zucchini & Macaroni - with Grapes for a snack). After I put the pot of water on for the pasta, cut the zucchini and put that up to cook, I went into the living room and saw both Jeff and Adam sound asleep. Funny thing, as soon as I tried to reach for the remote to change football, Jeff woke up and yanked the remote away before I could even get my fingers on it! After the Giants game (they won but I don't remember the score) we had a Chicken Cutlet/Green Beans dinner while watching the songs from my new the Sound of Music DVD. We then went to see 'Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire' at Westbury. It was a really awesome movie! The ride home after the movie was hysterical since Adam and Jeff were then telling me all the side stories and secrets of the book that they left out of the movie.
Nancy :0)
11/13/05: Park with Ryan
Adam came over at around 11:30 so we took Ryan to a schoolyard park about two blocks away. We played in the playground - where Ryan went over a bridge all by himself - and we all went on the swings.
On the walk back home Ryan stopped to play in a large pile of leaves in front of a day-care center, then Ryan raced Adam back to the apartment (Ryan won).
Here are all the pictures from the park - enjoy!
Park with Ryan pictures
On the walk back home Ryan stopped to play in a large pile of leaves in front of a day-care center, then Ryan raced Adam back to the apartment (Ryan won).
Here are all the pictures from the park - enjoy!
Park with Ryan pictures
10/31/05: Trick Or Treat!
Jeff and I went Trick or Treating with Ryan, Adam & Maya this evening. Adam went as Gilligan, Maya had devil horns on her head, Jeff wore an Indiana Jones hat, I was a Fairy Princess and Ryan was Boots the Monkey from Dora the Explorer. Ryan walked away with a full bag of candy and we took a bunch of pictures along the way.
Pictures to come soon to the Photo Album section!
Nancy :0)
Pictures to come soon to the Photo Album section!
Nancy :0)
10/28/05: It's good to go home again.
Mom and Dad picked me up from work last night and took me to their house to wait for Jeff to meet us for dinner. Ca came over shortly after and joined Dad and I in the living room to watch Dumbo on the Disney Channel. Mom was in the kitchen boiling the water for the spaghetti and both Ca and I stole some meatballs before dinner was ready. When Jeff came in from work a little after 6pm, we sat down for a nice Spaghetti, Meatballs and Turkey Sausage for dinner.
About 8pm, Lee called the house and said that her and Jorge were around the corner and finding a parking spot. So now, I was really excited because I haven't seen Lee in about a month (the first weekend when she and Jorge came home from Miami) and I haven't seen Jorge in 1 and 1/2 years since Jeff and I got married! Everyone gave each other big hugs and we piled at the dining table to catch up while Jorge and Lee had dinner. It's great to have Lee home again! Ca, Lee and I even made some plans to have a "Sister's Shopping Day" Sunday at Roosevelt Field Mall while we left the boys at their homes to watch Football (Yuk! But since I love Jeff, Go Giants!).
Nancy :0)
About 8pm, Lee called the house and said that her and Jorge were around the corner and finding a parking spot. So now, I was really excited because I haven't seen Lee in about a month (the first weekend when she and Jorge came home from Miami) and I haven't seen Jorge in 1 and 1/2 years since Jeff and I got married! Everyone gave each other big hugs and we piled at the dining table to catch up while Jorge and Lee had dinner. It's great to have Lee home again! Ca, Lee and I even made some plans to have a "Sister's Shopping Day" Sunday at Roosevelt Field Mall while we left the boys at their homes to watch Football (Yuk! But since I love Jeff, Go Giants!).
Nancy :0)
10/24/05: Weekend
On Saturday, Jeff and I managed to get up earlier than usual to get a nice head start on our errands. First, we had to exchange our cable box since the picture was freezing and made it impossible to watch anything on TV or even shows we recorded on the DVR. Usually when we watch Days, I can read a magazine or go online since I've been watching the show for 20 years and the same silly storylines drag out for months before a resolution. But with the DVR freezing, the dialogue of the characters was so mish-mosh that it was laughable. Needless-to-say, we replaced the box with a semi-newer model. I know it's early, but I also wanted to get in some pre-Chanukah holiday shopping. I haven't bought gifts yet, but rather decorations for our apartment. Last year, we were moving right amongst the holiday season and didn't get a chance to really decorate our new place, with the exception of putting up our holiday tree. This year I wanted to go all out. I purchased some blue lights from Treasure Island and some cute stuffed animal turkeys (for Thanksgiving of course). I also bought a nice electric silver menorah with blue lights, a star of david blue garland and a nice new mezuzah for our front door. Lastly, I found some ceramic Chanukah platters and bowls to add a nice touch to our traditional Jewish Xmas Eve Trivial Pursuit parties for when I serve the Baked Ziti, Buffalo Wings and all sorts of other snacks and goodies. I am very much looking forward to our party this year since if everyone comes, we'll have a packed party at 8 people!
We were invited to a Sukkot lunch at Roz's house for Sunday, along with Adam, Ryan, Maya, Aunt Harriet, Jimmy, David, Sue-Anne and some friends of Roz's. Roz decorated the Sukkah beautifully and most of us sat in there to eat lunch. She made a wonderful matzah ball soup and a sausage stew baked in a pumpkin, amoung other yummy things. We had a wonderful time.
Nancy :0)
We were invited to a Sukkot lunch at Roz's house for Sunday, along with Adam, Ryan, Maya, Aunt Harriet, Jimmy, David, Sue-Anne and some friends of Roz's. Roz decorated the Sukkah beautifully and most of us sat in there to eat lunch. She made a wonderful matzah ball soup and a sausage stew baked in a pumpkin, amoung other yummy things. We had a wonderful time.
Nancy :0)
10/09/05: 5 Years
Its 5 years ago today that my father died. I can still remember the day as if it just happened. Nancy and I are going to the cemetery to visit his grave as well as my mom, grandparents and great-grandmother. While we are there we are going to verify all of their dates of birth and death for the family tree that she is working on (see her earlier post for more info on that)
I'm reminded of some of the things I said in my eulogy to my dad at his funeral:
I'm reminded of some of the things I said in my eulogy to my dad at his funeral:
