Doob-alicious

WHERE are all the pictures of you Doobs?  I had to scroll all the way back to 2006 to find one! I mean, there are some more recent ones, but it's that "Doob-alicious" look that I was searching for.  I finally found it...so here you are in your pretty green dress from Aunt Jul holding your fancy water goblet at Aunt Darlene's fancy party in New York.  You are growing so quickly right before our eyes. Almost at the end of your Kindergarten year, you are reading, writing and learning so much in school. You have an ear for languages and you excel at piano, Math, Irish Step dance and singing (that - coming from a tough critic). Most importantly, though, you are growing in character and virtue. Daddy and I are proud of the ways you are practicing patience and self-control...usually at the hands of one of your younger sisters (the one who walks and has a full set of teeth)!  

This past weekend, we watched you sing and perform in front of many of your peers and their families at the Memorial Day gathering. This shows a lot of maturity for a little girl who "just-turned-six".  You are a blessing to our family, Doobs. We love you and no, I haven't forgotten that I owe you a sleepver at the Convent to celebrate your birthday (and yes, Babcia will take you to Mohegan Sun for a sleepover there too.)  Sheesh! Quite a life you lead...from convent to casino.  Aye!

My First Birthday

Well, I did it!  I hit a milestone today. Turning ONE was exciting...so exciting that I slept through most of the celebration festivities.  After my pancake breakfast, I napped.  Then after my special lunch with mommy, daddy and my sisters, I slept again.  Then it was dinner....boy mom cooked a great meal, but I missed the dessert.  I heard whispering about dad taking the big girls out for an ice cream once I fell asleep.  Well, these things aren't all they're cracked up to be, but I can't complain.  I mean, I never miss a meal.  

Tomorrow, my godparents are coming over to visit me, so I'd better get some rest.  I don't want to sleep through a second day of partying. I'll report back later. Night Night!

Big Sister

What would I do without my biggest girl? She is such a great kid.  She's the mini-mom of the house, retaining over 50% of all vital information (which compensates for her mother's short-term memory loss) and she's the designated "mommy substitute" whenever I'm gone - which is basically never. This past weekend, however, I was on retreat in Massachusetts - a much needed and timely gift for Mother's Day. Anyway, Linka (age 7.5) told me that on Saturday when Kicky (age 3.5) woke up in the morning, she crawled up in to Linka's bed, wrapped her arms around her and said, "Are you my mommy today?" The poor little thing, deprived of her mummy for 72 hours!

Little Shmoo is not without mention here either. She adores her biggest sissy too. She is toted around on her hip most of the day, even though it seems as if the baby weighs only a few pounds less than the seven-year-old.  

It amazes me how much the first child takes on that role of "the responsible one" and "the one who always takes care of everyone" and "the one who always gives in." I have to be mindful to acknowledge her for the many small sacrifices that she makes for the three smaller ones. I keep telling her that she is "super-sizing" the crown of sparkly jewels that awaits her one day!  (I sneak her an occasional ice cream cone too.)