Bad Mood.

I just wanted to apologize to my readership for the lack of updates. It's been a crazy two weeks. Long story short, Stewie's image above describes my mood to a T. Everyone in the house is cranky and tired and now I'm sick -- and hoping not to infect the rest of my housemates.

I should note that Carol and Tanny's wedding was unbelievable! Beautiful, elegant, happy, joyful, fun, etc. We're soooo thrilled to welcome Tanny into the family -- and Chris is hoping that Tanny fetches beer as well as he has for the past 12 years! Chris is delighted to be one rung higher on the ladder and looking to pass the "beer-bitch" torch.

BTW: When I picked Rylee up on Monday (after a long weekend away from her in Pittsburgh) she pitched a hysterical crying fit and wouldn't come to me. Yep... that about sums up my life right now. Not even my daughter, who I struggled to carry in my belly for nearly 10 months, wants anything to do with me... I feel soooo loved and appreciated!

Watching the Steeler Game

Roo's Front Row Seat

3rd and 2. Holding her breath.

That a boy, Ben!

An Unlikely Pair

When Chris and I first discovered we were expecting our first non-furry child, our second thought was... "Oh No! How will Simon handle this new addition?" It defies all logic, but it seems Simon has quickly become Roo's bestie! And she is by far Simon's biggest fan! They watch each other's every move. Every day, after school, Rylee and I head into the back yard to watch Simon run around, and she laughs hysterically. Every time Simon comes within 10 feet of her, she reaches for him. In the photos below, Simon found a comfy spot next to Rylee to watch the Steeler game. It's like Poodle is Rylee's bodyguard -- one is never far from the other. Their love is epic! Check out Simon's face in the third photo... "Go ahead, Roo, pull my hair. As long as you're happy..."

For Melissa...

This post is for my friend Melissa who facebooked me this morning to say that I absolutely HAD to update my blog because she needed a good laugh at work. So here, ya, go, Melis -- I share this hideous picture of myself for your amusement! Notice how large my arm appears and the fullness of my chubby face -- Note my diva-esque daughter striking a bulimic supermodel pose for the camera -- the dropped shoulder, pouty lip, boho chic sundress... All she needs is some super-blunt cut bangs and oversized sunnies and she's got the "I'm too good for you" look.

And of course, this photo also features my hot, furry husband, who never smiles unless he's 1/2 in the bag (note we are standing in front of a bar -- observe the Irish flag in the background... yes, Rylee frequents bars, get over it Grandma ;-)

First Day of '09 Football Season

Hoping beyond hope that our hero is not a sex offender, Roo is rockin' the black & gold #7 at daycare this AM. Her teachers have instructions to try to get her to take a LOOOOONG nap this afternoon, so that she can stay up late and watch at least the first quarter of her very first Steeler game (outside of Mommy's belly!)

Of course, the game is bound to be a lot less stimulating on the outside -- without the incessant pounding of Mommy's heart so close by... Of course, I think Rylee will like the screaming... Who wants to lay odds that Roo's first words are "F*&%ing Ben!"

Enjoy the game. GO STEELERS!!!!

Help!

Rylee: "Somebody tell my Mother that no self-respecting Steeler fan wears pink bows during football season!!!!"

[Editor's note: Typically, I think Rylee would totally rock the pink bow, but she was terribly ill, and I found it an appropriate time to torture her by adding a large pink bow to her PJs!)

Sorry...

Sorry no updates this week. Roo has her first stomach virus. Been busy...

Mommy's Baskets Rock!

Tooting my Horn!

Ok... I'm always bragging about Christopher and Roo -- telling you about the amazing accomplishments in their lives -- like sleeping through the night, rolling over and drinking without spitting up ;-) but I never have the opportunity to toot my own horn.

I'm in-no-way humbled, and especially proud, to have received a special award from my company. At our annual staff retreat, last Friday, I was honored with the President's / CEO's Award for Growth, Creativity and Innovation in front of my 200+ colleagues. I was extremely touched to be nominated by my supervisor for this award, which was voted on by a committee of community volunteers. It was a HUGE honor -- and I really am quite proud to have my work -- and especially my creativity -- recognized in this way.

I work really hard to market 22 very different child care facilities and to try to raise the expectations for "quality" within our field. I strive to find innovative marketing solutions -- at an affordable -- low to no cost -- rate. You can see my latest venture at http://www.thisweekatlvcc.com/.

South Carolina Trip

Rylee had a wonderful time in South Carolina -- we all did! It was a FANTASTIC trip -- and too GREAT to spend time with family. Rylee loves her cousins and enjoyed spending time with them -- except at the Greenville Zoo... once again... Rylee slept through the zoo. We miss you South Carolina fam!!! Thanks for having us!!

And to my Yinzers -- sooooo sorry about the Yankee hat. Talk to her father. There's nothing I can do short of divorce. If he took away her Steelers gear divorce would be an option, but the Pirates... ummm... she'll be a much happier Yankee fan.

Medical Update

Roo went to see the doctor for her six month well visit. "Little Roo" is 14 pounds -- which is the 10th percentile for weight, but she has moved up to the 25th percentile for height -- truly an Ackinclose -- tall and skinny! Hopefully, she won't fulfill the entire Ackinclose legacy and remain bald ;-)

The doctor said that she's exactly where she needs to be in both health and development. She's met all her milestones. BTW: her head is still in the 90th percentile for size -- something she gets from her Daddy!!

Happy 1/2 Birthday, Roo!

TURN UP THE VOLUME, FOR A GOOD LAUGH!!!!!!!