KELLI BELLY

Church Is Paying Off

2007-08-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

Gianna reaching for another cookie.
Aaron: "No more cookies Gianna it's almost dinner time."
Gianna: (rolls her eyes) "Jesus, Mary and Joseph"
Aaron: (Cracking up) " Did you just hear what she said?"
Me: "Where did you hear that Gianna"
Gianna: "Church"

Through a child's eyes

2007-08-16T05:24:00.000-07:00

As we were driving back from mass last night it was really dark out. Hailee squeals with delight from the back seat: "I just saw the cutest baby deer lying by the side of the road!" "really?" I replied. Knowing it was a dead one I looked at Aaron and waited to hear what was coming next. "It was so young it didn't have any skin yet!, I couldn't even stand it, it's face was so cute!" Aaron and I silently laughed our asses off. Not that the poor thing was dead. Just How our daughter perceived the crime scene.

All is well here. We've just been really busy it being the end of summer and all. I've had to run a million places for documents and health records so Hailee can start first grade and Gianna pre- school two days a week. I'm excited for Hailee but nervous at the same time. I loved elementary school but know I started losing a little of my innocence around 5th grade. I decided I'll take her to school everyday and pick her up. Just to eliminate the crap on the bus. Even though I know she'd love it. But like I said, I am really excited for her she really likes school and I never had to fight her to do homework or anything.

Aaron's brother and his family are here in Maryland visiting. They have four kids, his other brother has three and we have two so the kids all love it. We're headed to the beach on Saturday with the whole fam. We're staying right on the beach so everyone's looking forward to it. Then two days after we return, Hailee starts school.

All is well with the baby on the way. I'm not as sick, just had one trip to the hospital for fluids. I must have dehydrated quickly. It only took one day and my veins were shriveled up. It's lovely when they keep blowing your veins trying to give you an IV of fluids. I asked if I could just drink a glass of water for the love of god! No was the answer. I knew I could have done it myself if they would have let me ;o) Finally after 4 or 5 tries it was in. But for this baby it's all worth it. I get more and more excited everyday. I cant wait to hold our baby. Just six months to go. Once my belly gets bigger I'll post pictures, but really it hasn't popped out yet. The only thing growing is my thighs.

Hailee and Gianna sleeping

2007-07-10T16:10:00.001-07:00

Hailee and Gianna sleeping
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

Aaron and I came upstairs from watching "Black Snake Moan" with Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci , to find the girl's sleeping sweetly together. I love moments like this.

On another note I had an ultrasound and everything looks good. We saw the little heartbeat. I just haven't had a chance to post because I've been pretty sick. Just the dry heaves and occasionally vomiting. But the nausea does not subside all day. It's not until I actually fall asleep, that I get some relief. I know complaining is annoying. I'm getting on my own nerves for crying out loud. It's just when someone asks me how I'm feeling. I usually want to say "LIKE SHIT". I guess it gets worse with every pregnancy or something. I go to the doc tomorrow. So I may ask for some Zophran. I didn't want to but I have only been able to lay in bed for the last week. I literally have to force myself out of bed. The kids haven't done anything fun with me in days. Thank God Aaron took them to the pool last night. Poor kids. Hailee has been such a huge help. Like fixing Gianna cereal for lunch. It's all worth it right?????!!!!!

She asked me to take her picture

2007-07-01T17:41:00.001-07:00

What a goof
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

Then she said "Mocha stinks mommy, take her outside".

I must say she is making huge potty progress. She wants to wear "Big Girl undies" and has to show everyone including Hailee's 18 year old camp counselor , he turned really red when she pulled up her skirt to show him her Curious George underwear. I was cracking up. The mailman also was asked the same question "Would you like to see my big girl underwear?" . How do I get her to stop flashing random people without killing her confidence? She's so darn cute about it I could just squeeze her. The only problem we're having is the whole pooping on the potty. It freaks her out for some reason. So she holds it and then lets a little out at a time. She hasn't taken a good poop in days. I've been giving her grapes and trying to make her drink lots of water. Any natural suggestions or advice on this? Hailee never had any problems.

Your such a goof ball

2007-07-01T17:27:00.001-07:00

Gianna
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

Stay little Gianna

2007-07-01T17:26:00.001-07:00

Gianna bedtime
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

First belly shot (6 weeks)

2007-06-27T07:35:00.001-07:00

six weeks preggo
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

The nausea has already set in.

Hailee & Mocha

2007-06-26T12:22:00.001-07:00

H & Mocha
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

Look how big Mocha is at just 5 months. She's such a great dog. Not like a normal puppy. She gets excited when people first come in but is much too lazy to keep it up for long. She just lies around during the day and doesn't require much exercise(my kind of dog)in fact your not supposed to over exercise them. I cant recommend this breed enough :o) The only thing is, is that she's starting to pull when I take her out to pee. We really have to take care of this now. These dogs are able to pull up to like 4000lbs when they are adults.

So Far So Good

2007-06-20T16:26:00.000-07:00

I had my first Ob appointment today. It went really well. Except for the fact that both the girls were in the room with me while I had my exam, including breasts! Not that they've never seen their mom naked. Because I'm naked a lot around the house. No biggie here. It's just their not use to me with my legs up in the air with a man hiding between them. They stayed at the other end of the room and I made Hailee read Gianna a story. I just told Hailee they were checking out my belly to see if the baby was ok. She was fine with it and didn't see anything. Usually I would have had a sitter but. Everyone was busy. My hubby was in a meeting downtown. Mom was working, MIL was with my FIL(He just had surgery), friends of family were at a playgroup in Pennsylvania and other friends with out kids were working. Anyhoo, I've had my blood drawn twice so far to check levels and everything seems to look good. I go back in two weeks and before that I'll get a ultrasound. My boobs hurt, I'm a little nauseated during the day, I'm tired and GASSY. I don't mind because I know it's good that I'm having symptoms. The cramping isn't so bad either. Did I mention that I was gassy? Got my vitamins with the added fish oil capsules too. I'm going to try to take them at night so I don't feel like hurling during the day :o) I'm glad to join you other pregnant mamas out there. Exciting.

Well got to give the girls a bath we just got finished swimming at a friends house and I can't wait to crawl into that bed. My poor husband is probably lonely at night because I'm ready for bed at 8:00. I just ate a huge plate of pasta bruschetta after vowing not to gain 60lbs this time around. I think I can do it. 60lbs is too hard on your body after labor. Not to mention too hard to take off the second time around. I can't imagine how long it will take me the third!

Looks like our plans to adopt have been put on hold for a while!

2007-06-14T13:18:00.001-07:00

100_0987
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella

I know I haven't posted in a long time , but I wanted to share my happy news with you all. I am so excited but a little nervous because of my past two miscarriages. I know God is good though and we have been praying very hard. We were open to life. Either biologically or by ways of adoption. I've been praying that God would make it very clear to us what we should do. And he did! I still want to adopt from Ethiopia in the future but for right now, I will enjoy this little surprise. After we told Hailee today she was so excited. She kind of had an idea because I bought one of those "special toothbrushes" that you pee on. That's what she calls them. She is such a wonderful little girl. She told me that her prayers came true because after I would tuck her in at night she would ask god to please let her mommy be pregnant so she can be a big sister again. She also prayed that God won't take this baby to heaven. She amazes us everyday. I've been a little crampy, but if I remember correctly I was in the beginning with both of my girls too. Does anyone remember feeling a little crampy? Anyhoo, I am just going to think positively and thank God for this little miracle . P.S. pray for stickiness :o)

Mocha

2007-04-15T06:16:00.003-07:00

Mocha 004
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Some new picks

2007-04-15T06:16:00.001-07:00

Mocha 001
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Mocha our new puppy who already gives paw. Notice how large they are!

Gianna eating the goods!

2007-04-15T06:15:00.001-07:00

Gianna eating the goods!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Hailee getting ready to snag some easter eggs.

2007-04-15T06:14:00.001-07:00

Hailee getting ready to snag some easter eggs.
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

GIanna getting ready to get her eggs!

2007-04-15T06:13:00.001-07:00

GIanna getting ready to get her eggs!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Hailee looking through the moon bounce

2007-04-15T06:12:00.001-07:00

Hailee looking through the moon bounce!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Moon Bounce

2007-04-15T06:11:00.001-07:00

Yey! You did it Gianna!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Easter picture with my nephew

2007-04-15T06:10:00.001-07:00

Look at Gianna!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Notice Gianna picking her nose. Theres always next year!

Big smile!

2007-04-15T06:08:00.001-07:00

Big smile!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Matching outfits

2007-04-15T06:07:00.001-07:00

My two darlings!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Trying to get G to pose!

2007-04-15T06:06:00.001-07:00

Trying to get G to pose!
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Hailee and Gianna (Easter)

2007-04-15T06:05:00.001-07:00

Cute, ugh?
Originally uploaded by Mamaquita.

Spring is here

2007-04-11T04:36:00.000-07:00

Wow, it's been an exciting few weeks. I've taken time to recharge myself, get my priorities straight and grow in my spiritual life as well. Spring is a time for change and new beginnings. I love it. The flowers are blooming, the birds are chirping and there's an overall feeling of good things to come. I hope everyone had a good Easter and spring break. I know I enjoyed having Hailee with me for the 9 days she was off of school. In fact, I didn't want to send her back yesterday! But I can't say that or she'll completely feed off of it! "Mommy, I want to be with you!" There are many pictures that have been taken. Mostly by my mom because my camera needs a new battery. And I haven't gotten around to it. My mom rescues me in times that I'm not prepared. Like Easter egg hunts, Easter and important events overall. So pictures are to come :o)

On another exciting note. I believe that God is calling our family to adopt a child. Particularly from Ethiopia. I was concerned about not being able to conceive naturally for the past year and a half and finally it hit me. Maybe God wants us to adopt. I've always wanted to adopt a child and my husband and I have discussed it before but recently it's been so heavy on my heart. I was thinking about it a lot a few months back then kind of focused on getting pregnant again. Then about a week ago I watched the movie "Blood Diamond" OMG, if you have not seen this movie you must. It was heart wrenching but the reality of what goes on in other countries. Mostly of which we turn a blind eye to. It's about what happened in 1999 in Sierra Leonne , Africa. Innocent people were killed, children were made into killing machines and a civil war broke out and lasted I think until 2002? Correct me if I'm wrong. Anyway, it was powerful. And I don't care if I ever own another diamond as long as I live. So on a lighter note. I've been researching and talking to people, emailing others who have adopted from there and PRAYING that my husband feels the same passion I do about adopting a child. Praying that God reveals to him what he has revealed to me. I'm trying to be patient and not bombard him with, "Let's get started on the paperwork today!" I'm trying to remember that God's timing is perfect, but it's very hard when you feel so strongly about something. Where will we get the money for this when we're already in debt? I haven't a clue. But when theres a WILL theres a way. There are grants , special loans, the adoption tax credit any most of all GOD! He will provide if he see's fit :o) So if anyone has any creative ways to make so money feel free to share!

"Baby, give it up"

2007-02-26T16:27:00.000-08:00

So , I've really been thinking about what to give up during Lent this year and I've come to the conclusion. If I really want to do it right it must be something that I truly love. A sacrifice if you will. Just like Jesus sacrificed his life so we could live , I too shall sacrifice what I love. Can you smell what I'm steppin' in? THE COMPUTER! This lovely machine brings me much joy, but also much more chaos than I really need in my life. I put off laundry(way too much), playing with my kids, my dog and even my husband(maybe I'll get knocked up while I'm gone) so I can be on it. I need to detox. I still have to check my emails and I welcome them, but I need to see if taking this break will eliminate some of the things that I do that make my life more difficult than it needs to be. I really lovvvvvve all of you guys and keeping up with you and will miss you dearly! But I have to do this. Man, it's going to be hard but I know I can do it. It would be much easier if we got our cable(source of internet connection) cut off during Lent. But like I said we need it for email and emergencies ;o) So if you want to contact me during this time email me. kelli@picgroup.com I'll be back in the spring WAHHHH ;o( XOXOXOXO

SISTA'S!

2007-02-23T12:56:00.000-08:00

SISTA'S!
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

A BIG SURPRISE FOR HAILEE!

2007-02-23T12:55:00.001-08:00

A BIG SURPRISE FOR HAILEE!
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

MOMMY EXCITED ABOUT HER DAWG!

2007-02-23T12:55:00.000-08:00

MOMMY EXCITED ABOUT HER DAWG!
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

HAILEE & I

2007-02-23T12:53:00.000-08:00

MOMMY AND HAILEE
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

My Girls

2007-02-23T12:52:00.000-08:00

Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Birthday Girl

2007-02-17T15:18:00.000-08:00

Birthday Girl
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Hailee, I can't believe you are 6 years old! You amaze us everyday. It's hard to admit sometimes you are more mature than we are. But you will always, ALWAYS be my baby! XOXOXOXOXO HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!

Hailee's Party!

2007-02-17T15:16:00.000-08:00

Hailee's Party!
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

80 year old Turtle

2007-02-17T15:15:00.001-08:00

80 year old Turtle
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

millipede

2007-02-17T15:15:00.000-08:00

millipede
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Chinchilla ( SO CUTE)

2007-02-17T15:14:00.001-08:00

Chinchilla ( SO CUTE)
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Hailee

2007-02-17T15:14:00.000-08:00

Hailee
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Gianna and daddy

2007-02-17T15:13:00.001-08:00

Gianna and daddy
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Bye Everyone!

2007-02-17T15:13:00.000-08:00

Bye Everyone!
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

2007-02-12T18:52:00.000-08:00

Blades of Glory Trailer

This looks hilarious!

Sick baby gets to do what she wants

2007-02-12T05:16:00.000-08:00

Sick baby gets to do what she wants
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Chopsticks & Cheerio's

2007-02-12T05:15:00.001-08:00

Chopsticks & Cheerio's
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Mmmm Mmmmm Good

2007-02-12T05:15:00.000-08:00

Chopsticks & Cheerio's
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Happy Again

2007-02-12T05:14:00.000-08:00

Chopsticks
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Bella

2007-02-10T17:41:00.000-08:00

Bella
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

This our sweet Bella. She's cute in this picture but not so cute when I come in to find that she's taken a crap on the kitchen floor once again. The floor that you see in the picture is a very cool floor. However not so cool when you have A) pets or B)kids or C) All of the above. Every single speck of dirt is visible. There is no hiding it. The hair is ridiculous too. Our plan is to rip it up and maybe put down ceramic or something. We're open to suggestions. It's too much work the black and white. A dirt color would be perfect.

Where are we going?

2007-02-08T11:32:00.000-08:00

"CRAZY", I answered my two year old. "Crazy?"she asked. "Yep, thats where we're going." Dancing around the house "YAY!" "WE'RE GOING CRAZY!", "YAY!". Later on she got upset because she really thought we were going there. OOPS.

Having had a 104.3 fever last night she may have come close. I remember being young with a fever and hallucinating right through my bed tent. My Barbie motorcycle took a quick spin by itself around Barbie and her friend. It seemed ok at the time. Or maybe that was a combo of the fever and cough syrup with codeine.

What's for dinner?

2007-02-06T15:22:00.000-08:00

Meals have been pretty boring around here lately. Cooking the same things week after week. I'm ready to try some new things and I KNOW my husband and kids will appreciate it too. So I'm asking you to leave me one of your favorite recipes. Something that you guys might eat every week. Let's hear it. I'll leave you some things I make that are pretty quick and easy. Don't hesitate to leave a dessert if you please.

Beef Strokin' off :0)

-1 can of cream of mushroom soup
-1 pkg of cream cheese
-1 small can of mushrooms
-1 lb of lean ground beef
- egg noodles

Brown ground beef.Salt & pepper.Drain.
-While beef is browning, combine soup, cream cheese and mushrooms in medium sauce pan. Melt together. Pour sauce into browned beef. Mix together. Serve beef mixture over egg noodles (cooked of course ;o)) Not healthy but pretty darn tootin'.

Polynesian Chicken (Got this from Bitchen Kitchen awhile back)

- 8 boneless chicken breasts
- 1 envelope of onion soup mix
- 12 oz Russian dressing
- 18 oz of pineapple / apricot preserves

- preheat oven to 300 degrees
- put chicken in 9x13 pan
- blend all ingredients
- pour over chicken
- bake at 300 degrees for 1 1/2 hours

* I like to serve this with one of the Lipton Asian sides and peas.

Dessert

Boston Cream Dessert

- 1 pkg vanilla instant pudding (make pudding)
- 1 8oz tub of cool whip
- 1 container of chocolate frosting
- graham crackers

Make pudding. Combine pudding and cool whip (wisk together). Line 9x13 pan with graham crackers. You can break them to make them fit. Pour mixture on top of graham crackers. Layer graham crackers on top of pudding. Warm frosting in microwave for about 20 secs. Spread evenly over graham crackers. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for 2 hours. Enjoy. I know when I make this I can stop eating it until I feel as if I'm going to vomit. But then again you might have more self control than me.

When your six year old is the adult in the house

2007-02-05T08:46:00.000-08:00

The other day Aaron and I were driving with the girls to the mall to check out one of his clients displays. We stopped to get a bite to eat and Hailee out of the blue said "Mom, next time you and dad start to argue, close your eyes, concentrate and count to ten" as she demonstrated this Aaron and I laughed. She was obviously a lot more mature than the both of us put together. "Gee, I never thought of that Hailee" I said. "We'll have to try that". She then told us to pretend we were in an argument and give it a shot. The next morning as she sat in between us on the couch Aaron and I were disagreeing about something and I raised my voice. "Mom", she said looking at me with her ears covered and eyes closed, proceeded to mouth the numbers 1-10. What could I do but take her advice? I felt much better. She looked at Aaron and did the same thing. He followed her lead and that was that. No more argument. I guess we'll have to up her allowance since she's been giving us free marriage counseling.

Tarantula?

2007-02-02T07:06:00.000-08:00

So Hailee's birthday is coming in a few weeks and we wanted to do something fun for her. She's never had a party where she invited her classmates before. We figured nows a good time to start. She'll be six(much to our dismay). Thats a whole other post though and I won't get into how our little girl is growing up so fast. So I was thinking and thinking. We don't want to spend $300 on My GYM(even though their party's are really fun), The Athletic clubs obstacle course or Chuck-E-Cheese(that place grosses me out). I was looking in "Baltimore Child's" magazine and found local people that will bring animals to your house. So in a few weeks for 45 minutes at our house, we will have a chinchilla, rabbit, a few lizards, huge snake, parrot, porcupine and a TARANTULA!? I didn't hear anything else after that. Now Hailee will probably love that. She picks up millipedes in the summer. She gave worms rides to the park on the back of her tricycle and picked up every secada that she could get her tiny hands on during their last invasion a couple of years ago. I'll confess, I may have molded her this way. I myself love biology and science and thought I discovered a new species when I saw my first
mole cricket at the gas station I worked at in high school. But one thing I don't dig, are spiders. My brother had a tarantula once and would bring it home once in a while. Not long after his cat Mac ate it and had two huge knots under it's chin where the fangs pierced it. That arachnid wasn't going down without a fight. I just think their creepy , but will put on a brave face for the kids. We'll be eating before hand to avoid contaminating our food. :0). It's also supposed to be educational for the kids. I opted not to add on a craft for an extra $125. Huh? They don't need a craft. Anyone had a party like this? So I'll be off to TARGET ($100 store, Holli) to get invitations along with, toilet paper , ovulation kits, milk, dvd, valentine stuff...The list goes on. On another note Aaron and I are going to some function tonight at the Maryland Golf and Country Club. I'm glad to get out of the house with my husband alone. Seriously, every time we have tried to get out lately, something has come up where we can't go. One of the kids gets sick or I have a nervous breakdown or... You know how it goes. I guess I'll be wearing my long sleeve black dress that I always wear and my slutty knee high boots. Aaron likes them. Especially just the boots;0) Sorry mom if your reading this. But I don't think theres anything you haven't heard come out of my mouth. To put it mildly.

Some things I just cant fix

2007-01-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

We were in the car today after having breakfast with my brother and my nephew when Gianna asked me If I could "turn the light out?" I looked back at her , her eyes were squinting from the sunlight beaming her. She's been asking me this lately about the sun. She's really going to be annoyed when summertime rolls around.

On another note my dog won't stop barking which is really annoying me! Nothing I do stops her. She's 6 months and rotten. Not to mention her preferred chew toys aka "stuffed pigs hoofs" are really stinking up our house. Hailee said just the other day, "I'm not touching that ever again, now my hands smell like a farm!". She's right they make your house smell like a fart/farm. It's this or our molding people! She's ruined the window ledges in our kitchen the molding around the doors the steps. This is all in our kitchen. She's not completely house broken yet. WE NEED A FENCE NOW. Our homeowner association only allows us to put up those white vinyl fences. Thats $3000 we don't have right now. Our whole plan was to put up a fence THEN get a dog. But thats what happens when two impulsive people tie the knot. We just had to get a dog right now. To be honest with you , if someone showed up on doorstep with another free pooch we'd take it in a heartbeat. Thats how we roll. We make our lives as chaotic as we possibly can, then try to fix it.

This use to be my Aquatic Haven

2007-01-28T15:32:00.000-08:00

This use to be my aquatic haven
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Now I have floating babies and floating ponies in there. Not very relaxing when you go to soak in a nice hot bath and find remnants of purple pony hair tangled around your toes. I can't stand hair on me in the tub. It's one of my pet peeves. Or if you go to dry off and theres hair on the towel. EWWW! If anyone were to swap houses with me. I would promise to make sure theres no pony hair in the tub. (*Notice the white pony with purple hair. That one was one of mine. Sniff, sniff, oh how I miss my childhood)

House Swapping

2007-01-22T09:20:00.000-08:00

Has any one seen the movie "The Holiday"? Besides the fact that Jude Law was in it and Jack Black( hilarious), it really made me think. They swapped houses for like two weeks. So the other day I was thinking. How cool would that be to exchange houses with a family in another country?! Cars, pets and everything. I googled it and came across
Home Exchange Dot Com . Check it out. Most of the houses are gorgeous. If you click on them , the people tell you about themselves , their town, things to do, shopping, pets and whether or not they have children. A lot of the places have been exchanged multiple times and there are reviews on them. You can put in where you live and it will pull up who want's to visit your area. To list your house for a year I think it's like $60 but I think it's worth it. There also is a write up about about the safety of it too. So just go play around on the site it's really cool.

I was tagged by Jill! ABC'S Of ME

2007-01-19T12:57:00.000-08:00

A- Available or married? Married for 3 years!
B- Best Friend? I have to say my husband Aaron. We always know what the other is thinking.
C- Cake or Pie? Cake but I do like pie occasionally. Not much I don't like!
D- Drink of Choice? Water, Boring , I know
E- Essential Item? lip stick and mascara
F- Favorite Color? Blue
G- Gummi Bears or Worms? I don't like anything gummy. But if someone held a gun to my head and told me to choose. The Worms.
H- Hometown? North of Baltimore, Maryland. I'm still here.
I- Indulgence? Food of all kinds! I'm a foody. I can out eat Aaron any day.
J- January or February? Hailee's B-day is in February and so is Valentines day. I love seeing all the pink and red together.
K- Kids & names? Hailee Michelina (6), Gianna Antonia (2)
L- Life is incomplete without? God & my family!
M- Marriage Date? October 25th
N- Number of Siblings? @ brothers from my moms first marriage, a sister and two brothers from my dads first marriage. Then they got married and had me!
O- Oranges or apples? apples & clemetines
P- Phobias/Fears? Something happening to my kids.
Q-
Favorite Quote? You got Hair hiney? -Gianna Antonia age 2
R- Reason to Smile? I WILL one day see my dad again in heaven :0)
S- Season? Fall, but right now I'm looking forward to spring
T- Tag three people! Blonde mom, Heaven Sent & Mamac-ta
U- Unknown fact about me: My parents took me to Mexico when I was 4. I got to see the Mayan ruins :0)
V- Vegetable you hate? Brussel sprouts! Thats about it!
W- Worst habit? Yelling really loud at poor Aaron when I'm PMSing. Then laughing the next minute. He thinks I'm psycho!
Y- Your favorite food? Italian, Ravioli w/ cremini mushrooms and peas in a sherry cream sauce from Della Note in Little Italy
Z- Zodiac? Taurus

When your five year old knows too much...

2007-01-17T15:30:00.000-08:00

We had some guests over the weekend from Connecticut. Aaron's friends from college. Well, mine now too, seeing as I am their youngest Charlies God mother. Anyhoo, Katie came upstairs with a funny look on her face:

Katie- Do you have something to tell me?

Me- No, Why?
Katie- Are you sure?
Me- Yes, I'm positive!
Katie- Well Hailee said that she thinks your going to be having a baby soon because you've been buying and peeing on those special tooth brushes lately.
Me- Oh yeah, she was with me when I bought the ovulation kits.

Apparently to a five year old they resemble "Special Toothbrushes" I had to explain a little bit not in detail what they were for. But by no means did I mention a tooth brush let alone peeing on one :0) Gotta love it!

Stomach Bug

2007-01-16T19:51:00.000-08:00

So tell me? Has everyones children gotten the stomach bug recently? It came through our house this weekend. But only happened to hit Gianna :0( but :0) no one else got it. Strange. Maybe it was all the chinese food and the fudgesicle she washed it down with. Man , she's just like her mommy when it comes to food. Her mind and body say yes! She's all better now. It was just a 12 hour bug. Thank the Lord!

Just some of our pictures

2007-01-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Our tree

2007-01-12T07:52:00.001-08:00

Kelli & Aaron's Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Our Huge Christmas Balls

2007-01-12T07:52:00.000-08:00

Kelli & Aaron's Home
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

"G" posing

2007-01-12T07:50:00.000-08:00

"G" posing
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Little "G"

2007-01-12T07:49:00.001-08:00

Little "G"
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Joseph & Mary

2007-01-12T07:49:00.000-08:00

Joseph & Mary
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Hailee - aka Mary in the Christmas Program

2007-01-12T07:48:00.000-08:00

Hailee - aka Mary in the Christmas Program
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

De-lurking week

2007-01-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

If you do come here and don't comment, PLEASE DO! I would love to hear from you and promise I will lurk on over to see you .

Phewww

2007-01-09T11:37:00.000-08:00

First I wanted to thank you girls for all the support you have given me. I feel much better knowing that I'm not alone and there is hope. You all mean a lot to me. And sharing your personal struggles with me really helped. Much love to you all :0) This momma does not want to be any crazier than she already is. I see the doc again in about a week and as of right now. I'm feeling GREAT. Thank the lord! I've been getting sleep at night which was part of the problem and I've had energy during the day:0) God is good. And so is Klonopin temporarilly;0) which I take one at bedtime. TEMPORARILLY. It's pretty funny though because Aaron's said to me "I'll be up after this is over so we can..." I'm like honey, you better hurry up before your getting jiggy with someone unconcious. He actually said. Thats okay honey , you can just lay there. Hmmm , this may not be a bad thing. Maybe I will end up pregnant soon afterall. I'll be nice and relaxed during sex.

I will be posting Christmas pictures soon. XOXO

ANXIETY

2007-01-06T17:30:00.000-08:00

Wow, it's been quite a while since I've written. We had a great Christmas! But soon after I was paralyzed by some freakish anxiety. It was like a big panic attack that didn't go away. I was in bed for about 4 days . I use to get the attacks before I had Hailee 6 years ago and got on a medication called imipramine. It worked well then I became pregnant with Hailee and stopped it. I've been fine for all these years but recently they have been escalating from PMS time to a lot more of the time. I couldn't even function. I've never not been able to take care of my kids. I usually just push on through and keep on keepin' on. But this time it was different. It was BAD. Not the normal "oh I can't catch my breath and my arms are going numb." This was that plus more. It was like pure adrenaline was running through my veins for days I was paranoid out of my gourde!Like I was detoxing from heroin ;0) I thought I was losing my mind literally. I couldn't sleep. Xanax didn't even do it. All I wanted was some relief!. I don't mean to have a pity party for myself because I am very blessed and there are people out there WAY worse off than me. All I'm saying is, this scared the shit out of me!. The thought of losing my mind is horrible. But what made it worse was that I couldn't care for my kids while this was happening. Thank the Lord Aaron was home and I didn't really have to worry about it. But Of course I did. You see I don't suffer from depression. My OB tried to put me on a low dose of Zoloft for my anxiety and it had the opposite affect on me. Complete opposite. Thats what sent me into the tailspin of my panic. The past few night I've been taking klonopin before bed so i can get some sleep. Which is is in the same family as Xanax but made up of different components. This stuff is highly addicting and like Valium or any other benzodiazepine, has a nasty withdrawl. I cant take it during the day anyway because I need to be able to do my thing. I like to be alert and running around like a maniac. Thats my problem. I dont give myself any time to relax. Anyhoo, i want to find another solution soon. I don't really want to be on a medication but I'm open to it. We're trying to get pregnant, but at this point I just want to get this anxiety under control and let God take the wheel with the pregnancy bit. Thats what he wants anyway. This is what happens when I try to take control. He's trying to tell me something and I need to just open my ears and listen. I don't know if any of you have suffered from panic attacks or anxiety but if you have I would love to hear what worked for you. You can leave a comment or email me directly if you want kelli@picgroup.com XOXO P.S.- Christmas pictures to come :0)

Greetings

2006-12-23T17:14:00.000-08:00

Well it's been awhile since I've been on here. Just so darn busy getting ready for Christmas. I've been thinking about all of you and hope all is well. If I get some time ,I'll be doing some catching up. Between visiting, running to the store, CLEANING (hah hah), baking and did I forget SHOPPING and spending way too much money :0)Ihaven't had much of a chance to breathe. But I'm looking forward to Christmas eve and our traditional get together. This year we will be hosting it and it will be much fun. One more stop tomorrow for some booze and we'll be set! That's after church of course. I have a feeling the stores will be wiped clean and we'll end up drinking from 40's of malt liquor on Christmas. You see here where I'm from, we don't have beer and wine in the grocery stores or TARGET! Must be nice those of you who do. You guys don't have to make a special trip. Diapers- check, milk- check, tampons- check, pregnancy test- check, and WINE- CHECK! Lucky for you! We'll I wish everyone a very merry, stress free and blessed Christmas or whatever it is that you celebrate this holiday season. Kiss your kiddos and hug them tight! XOXO

Can't seem to get it together

2006-12-11T06:50:00.000-08:00

I can't find the time to blog and to keep my house clean. How many of you keep up with your housework daily? I want to know, who stays on top of laundry(folded and put away), kitchen floor, bathroom floor, tub, toilet, refrigerater, base boards, ceiling fans, clutter clearing, sorting through clothes, giving to good will... Who has a regular routine? Who doesn't? And not just because of blogging but other things like staying at home with your kids , running from here to there blah, blah, blah. You see my husband doesn't think I keep up with enough. He wants everything done. I can understand, I stay at home, I should do most housework. My house isn't dirty. It's just that some things I dont find as important as my husband does. I guess I should make things easier on myself come home right away after I drop Hailee and do some cleaning. Instead of heading to Starbucks or hooking up with a friend for lunch or whatever it is that I do. So please tell me. What do you guys do?

Making our gingerbread house

2006-12-05T19:29:00.001-08:00

Making our gingerbread house
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Our finished product

2006-12-05T19:29:00.000-08:00

Our finished product
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Man, did they want to eat this!

2006-12-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

My Girls
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Gianna

2006-12-04T17:43:00.000-08:00

Gianna
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Check out this Swirly-head hooded scarf we won from
Urban Baby Runway It's so warm & fuzzy! Don't mind her face in the picture. She's really just pissed that Swiper keeps bugging the hell out of Dora & Boots.

This is Gianna's brain

2006-12-04T17:28:00.000-08:00

Gianna
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

This is Gianna's brain on no nap, any questions?

2006-12-04T17:27:00.000-08:00

Gianna NOOO nap
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

May Cocoa R.I.P. 6/05- 12/01/06

2006-12-02T05:18:00.000-08:00

Cocoa was Hailee's black bear hamster. He lived a long adventurous life. He was an escape artist and regularly would be missing from his cage for days, sometimes weeks. He survived many a jumps to the hard kitchen floor. He would come back from his expeditions, scrawny, malnourished and covered in dust. He would make long journey's up our steep steps to Hailee's room. One time I found him crawling up her pillow. Despite Aaron's remarks occasionally of "I wish that thing would die already" Cocoa was a survivor. He will be missed.

On another note. Last night I was so tired after I gave the girls a bath and dried them off. I told, what I thought was my youngest to lay down so I could diaper her. Grabbed her legs to slide the diaper under her bottem and realized it was my five year old Hailee. She said "Um mom, what are you doing?". I crashed out early to find both girls in bed with me and their daddy in the bottem bunk of their beds. Went downstairs to take the dog out and found TEN loads of laundry folded neatly in baskets. How sweet was that? Not to mention he came home earlier with a Dyson vacuum cleaner. He's scoring some big points lately. I guess I better have some wine tonight so I can get a little freaky deaky on his A@#.

What would you do?

2006-11-29T17:37:00.000-08:00

So I've had my eyes set on one of
these dogs for a while now. I know, I know, I'm crazy for even thinking about adding another dog to the mix. I think I just like chaos. I really don't but my other personality must make me do crazy things. The people on that website go to our church and breed really great dogs. They're like gentle giants and don't require a great deal of exercise. like a couch potato basically. Moderate shedders. The big thing, they carry a hefty price tag of $1,600.But you pay for a really great dog. So tell me, am I stupid. Mom, you don't have to answer that.

You know you've had to much food...

2006-11-26T18:46:00.000-08:00

Over the holiday when you get out of the tub after taking a bath with your two little girls and your five year old looks at you disgustingly and says Hailee: "eeeewww mom"
Me: "What?"
Hailee: "your butt is jiggling!"

At least it's not quite as bad as some of the things from this post last year:

(DEC 05') KIDS SAY THE DARNDEST THINGS

So I was taking a shower and I started feeling light headed. I needed to eat a little su in' su in'. I dried off a little but walked downstairs naked to the kitchen. I passed Hailee on the way and she just looked at me. After I crammed a bunch of peanut butter in my mouth, I headed back up only to be stopped by my eldest daughter (4):

Hailee: "Wait Mommy"

Me: "Why?"

Hailee: "Because, I wan't to see them" (reaching up quickly and squeezing one)( Me jumping )
"Do they still have milk in them?"

Me: "No Hailee, not any more"

Hailee: " Please can I touch them"

Me: " No More HAIL!"

Hailee: " I wan't to cut them off and keep them forever, I have scissors"

Me: "Um, thats a little gross Hail"

Another day:

I was getting dressed after a shower and she was sitting on my bed.

Hailee: Looking at my stomach, " Mom you need to pull those up" ( talking about my shorts)

Me: "Why?"

Hailee: "Because it doesn't really look that good"

When she's like 2 1/2: I was getting out of the shower about to shave my legs. I put one leg up on the sink, as I looked down she was under me, looking up and pointing to you know where "Mom, why do you have pink gum stuck to your hiney?" Lovely huh?

Anyway,
I'm done with the turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, sweet potoes, maccaroni & cheese, watergate salad, cranberry sauce, gravy, keilbasa, corn, rolls, apple dumplings, pumpkin pie, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin rolls and pumpkin trifles. Yes, I've said it, I'm done with pumpkin before Christmas this year. I've OD"d. There will be no relapsing on them until next year. My ass is going to start walking TOMORROW! I need energy. I need to double the endorphins in my brain! I NEED EXERCISE!

Decorating

2006-11-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

Decorating
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

This is my favorite time of year. I think one of the reasons being, I had a wonderful childhood and Halloween to New Years reminds me of my childhood. I love sharing this time with my husband (who loves it just as much) and my children. I love the smells, the decorating , THE EATING (which I've been doing a lot of since the beggining of fall) , the music and spirituality of it all. We decided to decorate early this year since we're having Thanksgiving at our house. Which reminds me, maybe I should start some cleaning. Or laundry. HMMM. I think I'll wait until the last minute :0) We've had a busy day of running here and there. Take Hailee to school, run to my friend Marissa's, go to the grocery store, run home, let dog out, feed Gianna, pick Hailee up, drag both girls to anual Gyno appointment, complete with breast exam, from there go to bank, sign some papers and now, here I sit. Not getting dinner ready for hungry children and husband , but typing on the computer. So it's been busy. I did happen to mention to the doctor that I was concerned I hadn't gotten pregnant yet. It's been 6 months since my last miscarriage and we've been trying. He seemed to think maybe I ovulate later than I think bacause my cycles run anywhere from 28- 32 days. He said to try an ovulation kit for the first month. And do it every other day from day 10- 20. Looks like Aaron and I will be pretty sick of one another COME next month.

I'll leave you with some decorating pictures :0)

Hailee

2006-11-21T13:50:00.001-08:00

Hailee
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

O' Christmas Tree

2006-11-21T13:50:00.000-08:00

O' Christmas Tree
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

H & G

2006-11-21T13:49:00.000-08:00

H & G
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Only ONE ornament broke!

G

2006-11-21T13:47:00.000-08:00

G
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

She's fascinated by the liitle house that lights up.

Kiss, Kiss

2006-11-21T13:46:00.000-08:00

Kiss, Kiss
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Stomach Bug

2006-11-19T15:55:00.000-08:00

Stomach Bug
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

So word on the street says
Jenny at Mama Drama is having a "weird crap" contest. I thought I'd enter a picture of the Stomach Bug stuffed animal that someone gave Hailee when she was little. Weird Huh?

I stole this from a lot of people

2006-11-18T06:05:00.000-08:00

1. FIRST NAME? Kelli
2. WERE YOU NAMED AFTER ANYONE? I don't know.
3. WHEN DID YOU LAST CRY? Yesterday listening to "O' holy Night" The Celine version gets me every time when she wails "Christ is the lord!" Just listen to it. I'm not normally a Celine fan :0)
4. DO YOU LIKE YOUR HANDWRITING? No it's like chicken scratch.
5. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE LUNCHMEAT? Primo Taglio salsa turkey
6. IF YOU WERE ANOTHER PERSON WOULD YOU BE FRIENDS WITH YOU? I think so. I feel like I pretty much get along with everyone. Until you do me wrong.
7. DO YOU HAVE A JOURNAL? This is my journal. Kind of. When I keep up with it!
8. DO YOU STILL HAVE YOUR TONSILS? Yes.
9. WOULD YOU BUNGEE JUMP? Possibly. My brother was a paratrooper. I asked him if he ever got used to jumping out of planes and he said"NO"
10. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CEREAL? Honey bunches of oats w/ strawberries
11. DO YOU UNTIE YOUR SHOES WHEN YOU TAKE THEM OFF? I don't usually wear shoes that tie.
12. DO YOU THINK YOU ARE STRONG? YES.
13. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ICE CREAM FLAVOR? Ben & Jerry's Chubby Hubby or chocolate mint cookie.
14. SHOE SIZE? 9-9 1/2
15. RED OR PINK? Pink.
16. WHAT IS THE LEAST FAVORITE THING ABOUT YOURSELF? Procrastination:0) Also when I'm irrational and blow up at my husband during PMS.
17. WHO DO YOU MISS THE MOST? My dad! He died three years ago:0(
18. DO YOU WANT EVERYONE TO SEND THIS BACK TO YOU? It's up to you.
19. WHAT COLOR PANTS, SHIRT AND SHOES ARE YOU WEARING? Pink and white striped pajama pants with a blue shirt, whie slip on Skechers(to take the dog out)
20. LAST THING YOU ATE? Two Gingerbread cookies.
21. WHAT ARE YOU LISTENING TO RIGHT NOW? Gianna saying "mommy, mommy, mommy" If you mean music than lately it's been Christmas music and Nelly Furtado"Loose" If you haven't heard the whole CD, I highly suggest it .
22. IF YOU WERE A CRAYON, WHAT COLOR WOULD YOU BE? sky blue
23. FAVORITE SMELL? My kids after they've had a bath.
24. WHO WAS THE LAST PERSON YOU TALKED TO ON THE PHONE? My husband, he's at Ikea getting the girls bunk beds.
25. THE FIRST THING YOU NOTICE ABOUT PEOPLE YOU ARE ATTRACTED TO? I have to say face.
26. DO YOU LIKE THE PERSON you stole THIS from? MOS DEF
27. FAVORITE DRINK? Iced Decaf grande soy caramel macchiato
28. FAVORITE SPORT? Soccer
29. EYE COLOR? blueish/greyish/greenish
30. HAT SIZE? NO IDEA
31. DO YOU WEAR CONTACTS?NO, but I should! I'm just used to being blind!
32. FAVORITE FOOD? Too many to choose from. I LOVE FOOD! I can't say that enough!
33. SCARY MOVIES OR HAPPY ENDINGS? I get too freaked out from scary movies as of lately. I do love a happy ending though.
34. NO 34? Would you like some random person to send you $10,000? Yes I would!
35. SUMMER OR WINTER? When summers done I'm ready for winter and when winters done I'm ready for summer. I get excited about the season changing.
36. HUGS OR KISSES? Hugs but it depends on who I'm kissing ;0)
37. FAVORITE DESSERT? Profiterols(spell?) in a white chocolate sauce. YUM!
38. WHO IS MOST LIKELY TO RESPOND? I haven't a clue.
39. LEAST LIKELY TO RESPOND? SAME.
40. WHAT BOOKS ARE YOU READING? Just magazines lately. Haven't had time to read.
42. WHAT DID YOU WATCH LAST NIGHT ON TV? The Davinci Code.
43. FAVORITE SOUNDS? Christmas music right now :0)
44. ROLLING STONES OR BEATLES? Thats a hard one. I like them both!
45. THE FURTHEST YOU’VE BEEN FROM HOME? Our Honeymoon in The Dominican Republic,Punta Cana. Wow that was Sarah's answer too! Sarah, your cool.
46. WHAT’S YOUR SPECIAL TALENT? I think it's illegal in the state of Maryland. Just kidding. I can make some really gross hideous faces.
47. WHERE WERE YOU BORN? Baltimore, Maryland
48. WHO SENT THIS TO YOU? I stole it all by myself.

Aaron & Hailee

2006-11-17T08:08:00.000-08:00

Aaron & Hailee
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

Isn't this sweet

2006-11-12T18:08:00.000-08:00

Sisters
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

So Gianna has been sleeping in our bed for the past few weeks since she was sick a while ago. She had a high fever , so I felt more comfortable with her being in my bed. Well she got used to it quickly and I had to let her cry for a while in her crib. The other night I heard her crying and I went to pee before going in and getting her and she met me halfway. It scared the crap out of me because at first I thought. What is this midget doing coming out of my daughters bedroom! Tired, I scooped her up and put her in my bed. The next morning I thought maybe I was dreaming. Neither of my kids have ever climbed out of their crib before. The matress was practically lowered to the ground. I have many friends whose kids did this quite early, still my kids never had. So the next night I put her in the crib, thinking maybe it was a one time deal. Closed the door and listened to her bounce for a minute, a few seconds later she was coming out of her room. Well now that she's a danger to herself and until we find a solution like getting her a toddler bed. The solution pictured above seems to be working well. I think it's sweet . I might get another bed and put it in Hailee's room. If we're planning on having another baby we might as well leave G's room open. Not that a new baby would actually be sleeping in the room for a long time. Due to breastfeeding my kids don't usually try out their crib for about 7 months, maybe longer. Until then you can read on below about the effects of a toddler bouncing in her crib all the time.

The crime scene

2006-11-12T17:49:00.000-08:00

G's crib
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

The results of a bouncing two year old

2006-11-12T17:47:00.000-08:00

HMMMM
Originally uploaded by Ciao Bella.

I went to change her matress cover and found this!!!! She's been bouncing in the same spot for the last year. This is only a five year old crib matress. Sealey Posturpedic too! I was horrified! Really it's only had two (good) years of use. Hailee always slept in my bed. If she hadn't climbed out of her crib the other night I probably would have found this later. Is this normal? You would think it would have held up better than this. * Mom, if your seeing this for the first time here. LOOK WHAT GIANNA DID!

Strange

2006-11-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

Tell me why my kids will not eat mashed potatoes, but they'll eat tomato & lentil cous cous like it's going out of style?

O'Reilly is the man

2006-11-08T19:01:00.000-08:00

Check out this link and click on Tiller the baby killer to watch

O'Reilly

My friends wedding was this weeked (Here are some pics)

2006-11-08T08:28:00.000-08:00

Father & Daugher
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Lauren and her dad

Hailee before ceremony

2006-11-08T08:26:00.001-08:00

Hailee before ceremony
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Mommy & Hailee

2006-11-08T08:26:00.000-08:00

Mommy & Hailee
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Hailee & Samuel the ring bearer

2006-11-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

Hailee & Samuel
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Hailee - Flower Girl!

2006-11-08T08:23:00.000-08:00

Hailee - Flower Girl!
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Aaron & I

2006-11-08T08:22:00.000-08:00

Aaron & Kelli
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Me & Aaron

2006-11-08T08:21:00.000-08:00

Aaron & Kelli
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Looks like I need to tone up my arms. Thats what happens when you eat like it's the holidays before the holidays get here.

My brother and beautiful mama

2006-11-08T08:18:00.000-08:00

John & me
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

My brother, Mom and moi

2006-11-08T08:17:00.000-08:00

John, Kelli and the mom!
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

Boys will be boys

2006-11-06T16:53:00.000-08:00

So we were just sitting down for a nice dinner of sausage, peppers ,onions, garlic and sauce over farfalle when my husband decided to be the manly man he is. My mom came by to pick up Hailee to spend the night with her and was going to stay for dinner too. As I was putting food on one of the plates I heard it cracking right down the middle. I quickly removed the food and put the plate in the trash. I had my back turned for a second when I hear a HY-AHH! Since there was a crack in the plate Aaron wanted to karate chop it in half. Well it did break, but so did the skin on his knuckle. He sliced it down to the bone and there was glass under his skin. I just shook my head and sent him on his merry way up the street to Express care. The rest of us finished our lovely meal. They are stitching up his finger as I type this. It's really comical because he does stuff like this quite often. Like punching a hole in the wall he just built downstairs. And he thinks I'm psychotic! Oh well, I still love him and at least he makes me laugh. Even if it's at his expense :0) Can anyone relate?

"Squirt"

2006-11-01T16:14:00.000-08:00

DSC00195
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.

He was "Squirt" from "Finding Nemo"

2006-11-01T16:12:00.000-08:00

DSC00189
Originally uploaded by Mama Chiquita.