Ouch!!!!

I was busy reading the mail the other day standing by the front door when Alexis was trying to get my attention by tugging on my leg and yelling mommy, mommy, mommy. I guess I didn't respond to her quick enough because a second later she bit me. And oh my god I couldn't believe how bad that hurt. I could have sworn she drew blood or something. Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating but it really did hurt. I think I scared the crap out of her because when I yelled and got down in her face to tell her once again that biting is a no no, her eyes were as big as quarters. Sometimes I think she really knows what she's doing and she is just testing to she what my reaction will be. Lets hope the biting stage ends soon.

Bon Jour

Well it's been a while since I've updated my blog but that is because Dean and I were on vacation. We're back now so I will let you know how it was. We were fortunate enough to make our way to Paris. The fun of it was that my parents, my brother and some family friends were able to make the trip also. We had a blast. We made it around to see all the sights of Paris and since Dean and I had a harder time getting there than most (the joy of flying standby) we were able to see London for a day too. We left last Friday, the 15th attempting to get to New York and then Paris. But of course with my luck of flying standby, we were unable to get on the flight -- overbooked. So we decided to head directly to London and then take the Eurostar to Paris. It was pretty neat to take the train but since I hadn't slept in almost 24 hours, I only saw the backs of my eyelids for most of the trip. It only takes about 3 hours from point to point which isn't bad at all. To top off my unluckiness, both of our luggage were unable to be found for a day or two. I was able to get mine after a day, but Dean had to wear his socks for another day. We did go out and buy him some shirts and jeans and socks too, only to see that his luggage was there when we got back. Oh well, at least he got his bag back. Other than that, everything else went well. We were able to eat all the french bread and cheese we wanted and wash it down with wine. I couldn't ask for anything more to eat in France. It's funny because a glass of wine is cheaper than a coke. They wanted 4.50 euros for a coke which is about 5 bucks. Nevertheless, we stuck to wine most of the time. As a a group we took some excursions to Giverney which is where Claude Monet lived and completed some of his most famous paintings. (Waterlillies) We also went to the Palace of Versailles which is quite a site. It's hard to believe that the Louvre was not big enough for the King so he had to have a new palace built. It was quite breathtaking. I would have a hard time remembering where I last saw my shoes. The last excursion was to Normandy. This was probably the most emotional. You can read all about WWII and the invasion at Normandy but to actually see the beach and then the memorial with all the white marble tombstones was pretty overwhelming. There are about 12,000 US soldiers burried there and it's amazing that as far as you can see are tombstones. It really puts everything into perspective. We stayed in Paris for a week and made our way back to Cleveland on Saturday, the 23rd. Sunday and Monday were days for recovery and sleep; and to spend some quality time with Alexis. She stayed here with Dean's sister Mary for the week. I'm sure she had so much fun that she didn't even miss us. It was a wonderful trip but it is always nice to get back and sleep in your own bed. I'll attach a few pictures of our stay while in Paris.

The night of no sleep

Tuesday night was no fun. Alexis picked up the flu and it struck about midnight. Sometimes she'll wake up in the middle of the night and I'll just let her cry herself back to sleep. I tried this on Tuesday only she didn't stop crying. I then got up to get her after about 5 minutes only to find Alexis sitting on a wet vomit soaked mattress. I got her to the bathroom and cleaned up. It took all I had not to throw up myself. Dean was home so he had the job of changing the sheets. After that was done, we attempted to put her back to bed. Alexis was not going to let that happen. We brought her in with us; a no no from what I hear. She then proceeded to get sick in our bed. Dean tried to grab her and run her into the bathroom but was not quick enough and there was a trail all over the carpet and of course on my dry clean only pillow cases. (Why is anything dry clean only???? Ughhhhhh!!!) Of all the room there was for a mess, it had to be on my pillows. By this time it was going on 3am. I now only have about 3 hours of sleep in store for me. After about three more trips to the bathroom, Dean took Alexis and her mattress downstairs while he slept on the couch so I could get some sleep. That was very much appreciated. Luckily Dean and I have not gotten sick. (Knocking on wood)

Go Cavs!!!!

So I don't know if any of you follow NBA basketball at all; I mean since Michael Jordan retired and all. I didn't really follow it anymore until recently. I have jumped on the bandwagon along with half the city of Cleveland. Well the Cavs pulled out an amazing upset this weekend beating the Pistons. Dean and I were lucky enough to have tickets to the game with our buddy Ron. Boy what a game. The atmosphere was amazing; especially after the game. The streets were filled with drunk people chest bumping and yelling profanities at Detroit fans making their way back to their cars. I'm pretty sure those Detroit fans deserved every bit of harrassment that they received. The papers were saying there were more than 100,000 fans downtown (there was an Indians game going on too). It really felt like old times down in Columbus after playing Michigan. Very exciting. We begin the Finals with the Spurs on Thursday and hopefully next week will be attending both games here in Cleveland. For those of you who will be watching, go Cavs.

Pictures of Our Trip to Naples

Alexis enjoying the pool at a friends house while
in Naples.

Alexis and cousin Kevin giving each other hugs.

Alexis becoming a dj as early as she can.

Alexis and Papa doing some grocery shopping while playing
with Casey (the dog).

Say Cheese!!!!

Todd and Alexis spending some quality time together.

Florida Trip

So Alexis, Dean and I made a trip down to Naples this past weekend to see Nana and Papa and Uncle Todd. We had a great time; too quick of course. We went to the beach and went swimming in the pool. Alexis was getting very brave by the end of the weekend jumping in the water almost by herself. I really need to pay attention because I turn around and she's ready to go again. Swimmies have been working well for us thus far. I remember last year at this time. Alexis would wear the swimmies on her arms and her face would just fall forward in the water. I think she's starting to get this whole "swimming" thing. I've beem debating on whether or not to start swim lessons with her. If not this year, maybe next. The airplane trip wasn't "too" bad. On the way down, Alexis had her own seat which made traveling a little easier. I didn't realize how quickly you can go through 10 different new activities. Here I'm trying to be a good mom and entertain my daughter with new coloring books and stickers and all she wants to play with is the vomit bag. I really wanted to pull my hair out. It was nice to share the duties with Dean though because on the way back, Alexis and I had to share a seat in the middle in a row that doesn't recline because of an exit row. We were between two women that didn't seem too thrilled to be next to a child. Sometimes I wonder what these people expect you to do with a toddler in such a confined space. Anyway, we ended up making our way back to Cleveland and back to work today. We had a great time and look forward to visiting Nana and Papa again soon.

Weekend Visits

Alexis and Naomi are actually playing together a
little without Alexis stealing all Naomi's toys.

Ever since Easter, Alexis has a thing for eggs.
Whenever she sees them, she thinks there will
always be candy inside.

I was shocked to find another child who likes to
eat Chap Stick as much as Alexis. Yes she does
eat Chap Stick. What kind of mother am I?

This weekend Alexis and I took a trip down to Columbus to visit Natalie and Naomi. We also stopped by the softball field and watched Ohio State win the Big Ten. WOW!!! They really have a good team this year. Exciting to watch. We were able to see lots of friends there too. She got to play with Vanna (Pat and Natalie's) and Bryce (B's son). Alexis and Naomi seemed to have a good time together. I always feel badly when Alexis "plays" with other kids becuase she spends half of the time telling them the toys are hers even though they're not. She hoards the toys too even though she doesn't want to play with them. At least there wasn't any shoving or pushing. She does have a few pounds and inches on Naomi. Needless to say, we had a great trip and enjoyed seeing everyone. It really makes me wish we all lived closer and could see each other more often.
We definitely have to make some plans to try and get everyone together one weekend (with or without kids)