30 Days of Rachael: Day 14

Happy almost New Year! Mommy says that 2011 will bring many new things...like a baby brother. I'm hoping for something better than that!

30 Days of Rachael: Day 15

If you have picked up a new trick (like putting your finger to your lips to make that blub.bbb.bbb.. sound) and, if everyone laughs and smiles...do it every so often. Make sure they're paying attention.

Rachael's first Christmas...

was a smashing success! She was showered with love and goodies of all kinds. We started with the trip to PA on December 23rd and have been going non-stop. Rachael has been a trooper through all the hectic family gatherings and the back and forth from Mimi's to Nana's to Pops' houses and back again.
The biggest items to note are her "new tricks" -- just while we've been in PA -- she's been doing the following:
waving hello and goodbye, putting her arms up for "so big", and putting her finger to her lips for that "blib, blub, blib" sound that happens when you run your finger over your lips while sounding your voice.  My treasures from this week include being able to watch these things happen before my very eyes.
She's also been on a  much needed growth-spurt and eating everything in sight. She had a full Christmas Eve meal with Mimi & Papa and a full Christmas dinner with Nana on the day after Christmas. With a great eating day on Christmas in between.
And, of course, I can't possibly post without mentioning how thankful I am to be in the midst of a healthy pregnancy at this special time of year. I can't imagine how Mary must have felt....I've thought of her a lot on the days surrounding the birth of her Son, our savior.
I'm getting more and more excited to meet this precious boy growing inside of me. I'm still praying daily for his continued health and growth.
Mike and I were generously gifted with the chance to go away overnight for the first time since Rachael has come home while Nana kept Rachael. It was some much needed time together and a great chance to reconnect and keep our spark lit. We are so lucky to have each other and to have Rachael and her little brother.
Without further ado...here are some photos of the holiday:

30 Days of Rachael: Day 16

If you're scared or lonely in the middle of the night, just cry out, Mommy or Daddy will come for you.

30 Days of Rachael: Day 17

If you have a favorite toy, make sure to chew on it. That way, no one else will want it. Unless you're at school...then, everyone else will chew on it, too.

30 Days of Rachael: Day 18

When getting tickled, make sure to let out your best belly laugh. It makes everyone smile.

30 Days of Rachael: Day 19

Wow...what a day it was yesterday! Who needs presents when there's shiny ribbon and grandma to play with?

30 Days of Rachael: Day 20

MERRY CHRISTMAS!  
Mommy and Daddy have learned that the best gifts come in small packages -- 3lb, 6oz ones to be exact.
Happy Birthday, Jesus...glory be to God!

30 Days of Rachael: Day 21

Mommy and Daddy want me to learn to share. Does giving the dog 1/2 my dinner count?
I'm excited for my first visit from Santa Claus tomorrow! I wonder what he will bring me? I wonder if I'll even notice.

30 Days of Rachael: Day 22

When you bump your head, make sure to cry. The more pathetic you can look, the better. People (ok, mommy and daddy) will feel sorry for you.

30 Days of Rachael: Day 23

When life is difficult, take a moment and suck your first two fingers on your right hand. It will help, trust all of us...it works.

30 Days of Rachael: Day 24

When learning something new, take baby steps. Enjoy the process...and don't be afraid to fall down.

30 Days of Rachael: Day 25

Make sure to play some and sleep some every day!

30 Days of Rachael: Day 26

Cutting new teeth hurts! Make sure to let everyone know by crying, drooling and chewing on everything in sight.

30 Days of Rachael: Day 27

When you're hungry, make sure to eat all of your bottle. When you're not hungry, don't eat! Simple diet plan, folks!

30 Days of Rachael: Day 28

When you meet a new face, make sure to study it. You can learn a lot by watching.

30 Days of Rachael: Day 29

When you see someone you love, give them a big smile and reach your arms out. Hugs are the best!

30 Days of Rachael...

As we count down to the end of our first 365 days with Rachael, I thought it would be fun to have 30 days of Rachael. This is a challenge for me to blog each day about one of the 30 lessons I (we) have learned from Rachael. Some of them will be deep, meaningful lessons, and others will be fun tidbits. Enjoy!
Lesson # 30:
Most everything is better when you put on fuzzy pajamas!

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Dear Daddy,
Rachael here. Mommy let me take over the blog, just for this special occaison. She says it's YOUR BIRTHDAY! Happy Birthday! When you and Mommy sing that song, I always look and stare...it's got to be for me, right? Well, today, Daddy, it's for you. You're the best Daddy a girl could have.
You know just how to make me smile, just how to cuddle me and just how to twirl me around so that I giggle, but don't get too dizzy. You can do many things while I'm in one of your strong arms....make a pot of coffee, stir your yummy spaghetti sauce, and even put the dog outside.

Thanks for teaching me about the Hokies and about the computer and lots of other gadgets...I can't wait to get my hands on all of those things. I'm also looking forward to doing many more fun things with you, like playing ball outside, riding a bike and going to Hershey Park, when I'm bigger.

Mommy says your the best and I couldn't agree more. We're two lucky girls!
xoxoxoxoxo
Rachael

Fall...

So, before it's WINTER, I suppose I'd better tell you (or at least record) the things I want to remember about our fall season.
In October, we had a divide and conquer weekend. Mike went to PA to spend a weekend with his college buddies and reminisce and catch up with each other. He had a great time and enjoyed some solo nights as well as a visit with Mimi and Papa. Meanwhile, Rachael and I stayed behind in DC with Allyson, Nick and Alex so that we could pay a special visit to Mary and Darren and 5 day old BABY DEVON! Welcome Devon Earl Smith! You are a cutie-pie and have captured all of our hearts. Alex and Rachael had a great time playing even though, we drove to the petting zoo, both kiddos were passed out in the car by the time we got there. Oh well, next time, I guess! Here's our best attempt at a photo of the 3 newest in the generation:

Later in the month, we went to the Pumpkin Patch with Shannon, Phil and Samantha. We had a gloriously sunny day and a great time on a hay ride, visiting some goats and hanging out in the corn crib. That day produced some fabulous pictures, see the last post for my best example. Here's a good one of the 3 of us:

And here's the best one of the girls:

It was quite the task getting a good picture of those two...this is probably one of the best.

We capped off October with Rachael's first Halloween and trick-or-treat. We met up with Ryan, Nate and Evan and took two giraffes out for the fun! The costumes were not planned....I thought Evan was going to be a monkey when I picked out the giraffe for Rachael. It ended up being a cute coincidence!

On my mind...

So, it's been on my mind for a while....does blogging and "facebooking" (is that a verb?), make our lives look picture perfect? Status updates and blog posts about pregnancies, births, promotions, good grades, and other accomplishments (including the number of loads of laundry completed in a day) make life look easy, fabulous and always happy. Don't get me wrong...those are great moments of celebration and it's fun to comment on others' success and happiness and it's with great joy that I get to share our family's milestones. But, are we missing out on real life? Like the fact that Rachael was up (for no reason) last night from 1:30-3:00am. She just couldn't (ok, read, wouldn't) settle. She wanted to be held...or to play, which is normally a big no-no in our night time routine. Or, how about the idea that sometimes I'm relieved to drop her off at daycare? Or that when Mike takes her for a bath, sometimes I just want to sit in the glider - BY MYSELF. 
I know that 95% of the time, I am deliriously thrilled to be a mom...but it's hard work. And, I think after struggling like we did to have a baby, I feel even more guilt about it being hard work....I'm supposed to love it all the time, right? I'm supposed to be thankful every minute of every day for the chance to do what I spent so many years working for. I am THANKFUL...more than I can ever explain...to anyone. I am HONORED to be able to do this job. But, that doesn't mean that there aren't moments where I wish for a break. And, just when I do that....Mike comes in and says, "I'll take the night shift" or my Mom calls and says, "while we're visiting, why don't I babysit one night?" And, I get that moment...to breathe and refresh and come at it with a renewed spirit.
Thanks for letting me share what's on my heart...and for respecting my thoughts, even if your own are different. I have to leave you with a picture that makes my heart melt...into total mush...

Another Complex Miracle...

is on HIS way to the Concini family!
We are shocked and thrilled to tell you that we will be having another baby...a little boy, due at the end of March, 2011!

Rachael is adjusting to this idea...OK, not really. She has NO idea what's about to happen in her world and hopefully, by the time she realizes this is a permanent thing, she'll no longer care. The two will be 14 1/2 months apart, if this little one comes on time.

So, to answer your question -- YES...this is a SPONTANEOUSLY occuring pregnancy. Shocking, I know. After spending thousands of dollars, injecting myself with more medication than I care to think about, waiting through countless hours in a doctor's office (with my girly parts exposed to everyone in Wake county!), we are thrilled and stunned to find out that this can happen!

I'm feeling great...now that the first trimester is a not-so-distant memory. (I do NOT recommend morning sickness and a teething 7 month old....not a good combination!) I am feeling kicks on the inside and felt them from the outside for the first time at 2am on Sunday!

We are in awe of the blessing and miracle this baby is and will be to our family. Life will surely get crazy...but we'll put our faith in God and our hands in the hands of our family and friends and we'll get through this, and hopefully, enjoy the ride!

How about one while it's actually happening?

A post while we're living through Rachael's 9th month! Rather than reflecting on how the month was, I thought it would be nice to talk about how the month IS! 

So....month 9 has brought with it lots of new things, like:

• 3 new teeth -- yes THREE! The two on the bottom popped through on her 7th month birthday, but, literally, 2 days after her 9 month birthday, THREE on the top popped through. My baby has five teeth...what???? Where did my 'baby' go?
• Pulling up to standing! The teacher at school called me on Tuesday, October 19th to tell me: "We're so excited! Rachael is pulling up!" It warms my heart to know the folks who care for her each day while we work take so much pride in her growth and development. 
• Because of the previous item, I went directly to the store to get a play table...she LOVES it! I found it at a consignment shop for $20...I would have paid double for it to see the kind of happiness and pride it brings her. 
• Eating....well, she has moved on to a new point....eating with her fingers! She'd much rather do it herself then take things by spoon or bottle. Here are some of her favorites: yogurt (the one thing that's OK by spoon), puffs, crunchy cheese puffs (the Gerber kind), biter biscuits, pears, peas. Of the baby food varieties, she seems to like almost everything we've presented. We're going to move on to more table food in the coming weeks...she'll be starting to get these things at school too -- just like the big kids.
• Separation anxiety just started at 9 months, 2 weeks. (pretty much right on schedule!). When I drop her in the mornings at school, she will play when I put her down and then, when I head for the door, she crawls after me and cries with the pouty lip. It's the most pathetic thing I've ever seen and it's heartbreaking! Miss Nicole is helpful in distracting her and when I re-check through the window, she's playing happily. Phew.

Overall, Rachael is a happy baby who loves to play and explore and be around people her own size -- and bigger. She studies a crowd or person when she first meets them, but, as soon as she warms up, she's a friend for life. Rachael has brought so much joy to our lives and we are so thankful for her.  It's really a lot to absorb when I think back to a year ago and I was at home..wondering how much longer my pregnancy would last. Can't believe this is where we are now! 
And, of course, I'll leave you with a few pictures:

9 months wearing 

the outfit from Cousins Deb & Dee and Aunt Kathy & Uncle Harold

Month 8 - in review

Well, I kinda like these month-in-review things. It's easier to think back to what's happened then to just tell you what the markers are on the day of the "month-iversary".
Month 8 was really exciting around here!
I heard "ma, ma" for the first time on Monday, September 20th. She worked hard at the weekend leading up to that, while Nana visited, by saying "mmmmm", "mmmmmm" all weekend. It was amazing to hear it come out on Monday as ma, ma, ma.
Rachael started CRAWLING on October 1st (happy 5th anniversary to Mommy and Daddy!)
She moved on to stage 2 baby foods and began eating finger foods like Puffs and pieces of banana.
As for fun times with friends, we had a play date with Owen, Mommy's friend Shari's little boy. We enjoyed swinging at the park and sitting in the grass together. We had a long weekend visit with Nana where Rachael was spoiled with lots of love, cuddles and singing. Sadly, we said goodbye to BJ, Jo and Amelia as BJ accepted the call to being Rector at St. Andrew's in Greensboro. (Man, do we miss them around St. Paul's!). We had dinner with Joe, Nicol & Kate...and Rachael was chewing on just about everything -- making more teeth!
The end of September marked Gammy's 90th birthday -- Happy Birthday, Gammy! We love and miss you!
Phew...it was a busy month, but, lots of fun!

Trip to the Mountains

So, a MONTH ago today, we were returning from a wonderful weekend in the mountains of North Carolina. We went to Boone, NC with our "old" neighbors and wonderful friends, Shannon, Phil & Samantha Helm. We have enjoyed several weekends away as a four-some and now it was fun to bring the girls' and watch them spend time together.
For Mike and I, it was our first time to Boone and our first chance to drive the Blue Ridge Parkway. The mountain air was clean and crisp and the 70 degree days and 40 degree nights were a welcome change from the 95 degree weather we left behind in Raleigh.
Rachael enjoyed having time with another "little person" and learned a lot by watching Samantha.
We enjoyed a short walk in the Linville Viaduct, hit up several parks -- the coolest one was in Blowing Rock and bought candy and other goodies at the General Store.
Overall, it was just great to getaway and spend quality time with our friends!
Here are some pictures:

Month 7 -- in review

Well, now that Rachael has been 8 months for 11 days -- it's time to review her 7th month! Yes, slacker mom-blogger of the YEAR! :)
In my defense...here are some excuses reasons for the void on the blog: 

1) our camera was in the repair shop after a run-in with one of our favorite two year olds. The camera lost. 

2) the fall semester started for me at work and that means absolute craziness of the college-student type.

3) Rachael got two teeth and this momma lost countless hours of sleep and therefore brain cells fell out of my head at the time.

Alright, enough of that -- just get on with it!

We celebrated her 7th month birthday with a fun evening at the Helm's. Rachael and Samantha enjoyed a wonderful ride in Samantha's two person wagon. The adults enjoyed grilled pizzas and fun conversation. (Pictures of this experience are on Phil's cell phone -- see camera war above)

Other fun times -- we played with Sue, Shane and baby Claire who was showing Rachael what a big girl she is -- pulling up at 6 1/2 months.

I traveled by myself for the first time since R arrived to host cousin Mary's baby shower. It was a great day to celebrate Mary and the pending arrival of baby boy Smith. As of my typing, we're still waiting for baby boy to arrive, but, it will be any day now. While I was gone, Mike and Rachael enjoyed several long walks and she slept pretty well overnight for a tired daddy. I arrived home to a happy baby, a clean house and the laundry washed and folded -- what more could a girl want?????? I'm the luckiest-- I swear!

Also, Mike installed an infant/toddler swing on the playset just for the diva -- she loves it. 

As for developmental milestones -- there were many this month! 

Weight: 13lbs, 2oz.

Her two first teeth appeared on the bottom gum on August 15th.

Began eating stage 2 foods this month. She just adores anything that is delivered via spoon. Pictures below!

On Sept 5th, Rachael was sitting up for the first time on her own for a long period of time. 

She began rocking on all fours...really wanting to crawl and in the meantime, perfecting her army crawl -- it's pretty quick! 

Enough talk -- here are photos:

Up next...the 8th month post, a post about our Labor Day trip to the NC mountains and other fun things!

Hope you are doing well -- thanks for checking in on us!
Lots of love,
Sara 

Six Years Ago Today...

Mike made me one very lucky and happy woman....he asked me to marry him!
The day is almost a blur, now, but, I do recall him getting on one knee in the middle of
the academic quad at West Chester University...the place from which we both received our degrees.
He knew all too well that WCU was a very special place for me and that it was the place that our
friendship deepened and that, ultimately, set the groundwork for our relationship today.

These years have gone by at lightening speed...but, one thing's for sure: I love  you more today than I did on that day! And, trust me, I didn't think that was possible!

Sealed...

by the cross of Christ forever.
On Sunday, August 8th, 2010, Rachael Lenore was baptized. We started the weekend with our families coming to town, including her Godparents, uncle Doug as Godfather and my cousin Allyson, as Godmother. Thank you to you both for playing this important role in Rachael's religious life. We spent Saturday making preparations for Sunday's brunch...I couldn't have done it without all of the help from everyone! Saturday evening, we had shared dinner together and then ushered Rachael off to a bath in preparation for the big event. The next day was a very special day for our family! Rachael was such a trooper....she didn't cry when George (the head Rector/Priest) took her in his arms, nor did she cry when he poured the water on her head. She was quiet during the rest of church and even fell asleep during communion! This is one of my favorite pictures from the day:

Rachael reaching her hand up to touch Rev. George's face...precious!

After the ceremony, we enjoyed a brunch at our house with family and friends.
The whole weekend was a great celebration of Rachael's big day...her first "white dress"
celebration! I have a feeling this one was cheaper than the BIG one in the white dress.
Another special memory -- Rachael was the fifth girl to wear the baptismal dress.
Here's the list of those who have worn it:
Barbara Louise (Eavis) Garman - 1946
Kathie Elizabeth (Eavis) Craft - 1948 (Rachael's grandmother - Nana)
Micki Leanne (Garman) Marquardt- 1968
Sara Louise (Craft) Concini - 3/6/77 (Rachael's mother!)
Rachael Lenore Concini- 8/8/10

Gammy (Rachael's great-grandmother) remarked that this was the fifth baby she'd held in this dress:

And, here are the four generations:

And, finally, Rachael with her parents and Godparents:

Rachael's been officially "welcomed"...

Our families hosted some celebrations in honor of Rachael's arrival.
The Concini/Hermance/Coombe crew gathered around Mimi and Papa's deck and pool to greet the little one. It was a very full day....full of love, laughter, food (of course) and of long-awaited hugs and conversations. We are so thankful to Mimi and Papa for hosting us and to Nana and Pops for helping us to celebrate with a Rachael poster and a delicious chocolate "Welcome Rachael" cake.
A few pictures from the day:
Christy holding Rachael while she loves on Cecelia, Mike's cousin's daughter

All of the cousins around
the cake!
















Then, the very next day, we were again surrounded by family at a
"Welcome Diva Rachael" brunch at Allyson's home in Springfield, VA.
It was a great afternoon and evening of chatting and catching up and more
hugs and kisses for Rachael. She loved playing with Alex, and it was the two
of them playing that explains the lack of pictures!

THANK  YOU to our families for celebrating Rachael...she is one lucky girl
to have you!

A Whole Lotta Catchin' Up to Do...

So...if ever there were faithful followers of this blog...I'm sure I've lost you with my ridiculously long, life-filled break from posting! I am in awe of blogs that I read (very sparingly these days) in which the author can post each day, or, at the very least, multiple times a week. I feel like I can't even get to all of the things that I WANT to in one day...just trying to get through the things that HAVE to be done.

Alright...so, enough with the excuses and whining. Here's the scoop with the Concini's:
Father's Day: We had a great day together. We took Rachael to church for the first time and I haven't seen Mike any prouder than when he walked Rachael up to the communion rail. We were all welcomed back to the physical community with the warmth of hugs, special greetings and excited voices to meet Rachael. We were never far from the spiritual community with all of the thoughts, prayers, cards, calls, food and visits from clergy and fellow members during our time away.
Later that afternoon, I surprised Mike with VA Tech onesies for Rachael and so, the two sat together with their VT t-shirts on after a homemade (by me!) dinner: herb-encrusted pork tenderloin, cheesy potatoes, cooked carrots, and escalloped apples. It was scrumptious, if I do say so myself.
Here's a picture of daddy and his little hokie:

A proud daddy and an admiring baby girl! Mike, you are an amazing father (already) and it is my honor and pleasure to watch you in your journey of fatherhood. Rachael is blessed!

Also on Father's Day weekend, our friends, Richard and Margaret came to meet Rachael. It was great to see them and very special to watch them meet the diva.

Don't worry, Rachael, you will (someday) have more hair than Richard! :)

And, then there was the "Gammylympics" and 90th birthday celebration at Holden Beach!
It was a fabulous time to be together (we missed  you Alaska/Arizona crew!) and we celebrated in grand style with Gammy and the overarching theme: ' Let's get on with it' (said by Gammy on her 80th birthday whitewater rafting trip when the river was too slow for her liking!)

The weather was perfect...with a cool breeze in the evenings, hence the blowing hair and Gammy's sweater.

Rachael didn't get to the sand much when the sun was bright overhead, but, we did sneak in a quick picture or two for posterity!










We are so blessed to have family that comes together (from miles and miles) for celebrations and just good times to spend together to create lasting memories! We love you guys!

And, last, but NOT least, Rachael is SIX months old! Where did the time go? Will the next 6 months go by as quickly? I'm afraid they'll go by even faster!

Beautiful blue eyes!










Here are some stats:
weight: 12lbs, 5oz (25th percentile)
height: 25 inches (50-75th percentile!)
What you are doing:
Rolling, rolling, rolling...unable to leave you alone for any length of time on the floor!
Army crawling...using your arms to go forward while getting up on your legs.
Grasping at all kinds of things and putting everything in to your mouth. You have noticed your feet and are trying to figure out how to get them to the mouth.
Sitting up with the help of the Bumbo for 30 secs- 1 minute. "Talking" all the time -- squealing even! Wonder where she gets that ability from? :) You are also "bossing around" the toys on your bouncy seat....no comment as to where that trait derives.

If you're still reading, at this point, you should get yourself a cookie! :)

Until next time...

Another first...(or two)

Little Rachael had her first virus this week!
I got the first phone call from daycare about a
low-grade fever. We had our first "sick" visit
to the pediatrician.
Thankfully, she doesn't have an infection and
never did act very "sick", but, it wasn't
an easy week, as she hasn't been
eating with her usual vigor, but,
she was sleeping an unusual amount.

Meanwhile, the determined (read: stubborn
where does she get that?) diva is
working on her Army crawl.
She inched her way across the room
and is rolling over from front to back
and back to front like it's her job. OK, so
maybe it is her job, for now. :)

Tsk, tsk...I don't have pictures to post
at the moment, but, when I get my act together,
I will be back, with photos!

ttfn!

5 months!

Happy month # 5, Rachael!
Here are some stats:

weight: 11lbs, 3oz

eating: 500-600mls a day

doing: sucking on hands, fingers, 

rolling from back to front (happened today

for the first time!), cooing, giggling,

smiling. following hands and feet

with eyes, watching others move

around. still in love with glowy,

the glow worm, who can bring a

smile to your face at any moment.

In the last two weeks, you have adjusted

to daycare very well...taking good naps

and eating well all the while enjoying the 

"big kids". I am trying to do as well

at adjusting being back to work full-time.

I'm just thankful to have a job that I love

and colleagues who are more like family

than "co-workers". 

Of course, here's a 5 month picture:

Hello Summer...Rachael's first beach trip

Well...it's a hot one out there today and it's not even noon!
We were able to take a few days to join Mike's parents
in Hilton Head, South Carolina before I started back to
work full-time. It was an adventure to travel with a 4 1/2 month
old! Rachael did great on the way down...slept the whole way there!
We woke her up once to eat, since it is a 5 hour ride. While on the
island, we took her to the beach (at 6pm!) and placed her tent poolside,
underneath the umbrella and underneath a lightweight blanket -- no sunburn
on mommy's watch!
Here are some pictures....thanks, Mimi and Papa for letting us crash your trip
and for watching Rachael so we could enjoy some pool & hot tub time
and a long dinner out!

The Cousins...

Cousins & kids...we're multiplying! :)

Mother's Day weekend brought a visit from
the cousins and their families! It was the best
way that I can think to spend my first Mother's
Day! We all enjoyed some play time...both
little kids and big kids. Saturday night we
took Rachael out for her first dinner out
to Mellow Mushroom...Shannon, Phil and Samantha
joined us for the big occasion.
Thanks to the cousins for coming all this way to see us!

Alex & Allyson lovin' on Rachael

Mary giving Rachael some breakfast

Alex checking on Rachael

Shannon, Phil & Sam joined us for R's
first dinner out- Mellow Mushroom!