Dana Daily

This was our third annual trip to Kennywood . Once again, Sal chose a late May date, and we had good weather. The forecast called for afternoon storms, but aside from a few passing sprinkles, there was no rain to be had. We got there a few minutes after Sal arrived on the bus. We waited ten or fifteen minutes for our tickets, and then we began the day at Johnny Rockets for lunch. My mom came with us this year. She and Seth rode the merry-go-round and Olde Kennywood Railroad, both of which he loved. I think they enjoyed their time together. The girls started out their day with a ride on the Kangaroos. It's a "flying coaster" and was one of my favorite rides growing up.  "During the ride, eight cars travel a circular track with a single steep hill. After "bouncing" off the top of the hill, the cars then make a slow descent in midair back down to the track, giving each guest the sensation of flying. Its resemblance of a Kangaroo's leap is what insp...

I never knew a 3 month old could sleep for 10 hours straight. This baby is amazing. He's now done it two nights in a row, and I'm hoping it continues. This picture was taken in March, but it's the most recent one I have of him sleeping. He's still this gorgeous.

He's been so close to rolling for a couple weeks now, and anytime I thought he might do it I would sit with my phone on "video" to capture his first flip. Wouldn't you know, I turned my back for two seconds (to pull a tick out of my leg, more about that later) and when I turned back around, there he was on his belly. AND, the little stinker did that to me three more times. Next time I'll be ready. As for the tick. I had an itch behind my left knee and bent to scratch it. Something felt weird so I looked at it and thought maybe it was a scab. Thinking I had cut myself shaving I rubbed it a bit to get it off my skin. When it wouldn't budge, I realized it was a tick. Grossed out as I was, I pulled it straight out. I'm pretty sure the itching I felt was the tick boring into my skin. I had a small red mark, but no swelling, pain, or lingering itchiness. I washed the area with soap and water, but I'll have to keep an eye on it for any abnormalities. ...

Mommy to Seth:  "Sethy, I think your big sister likes you." Emmy to Mommy:  "No, Mommy. I loooooooove him." Be still my heart. These are the days <3

After picking the girls up from their dad's, the three of us found ourselves driving down the Memorial Day parade route, so we decided to pull over and watch. We found seats along the curb and entertained ourselves by taking some pictures until the first unit got to us. One of these days I will master getting all three of us in the same shot. Emmy wasn't happy that half of her face is cut off. The girls didn't understand what Memorial Day is all about so we had a lengthy conversation about that. They lost interest in my explanation once they realized some of the people in the parade were throwing candy. This picture is absolutely hilarious to me. I had been sitting in between Sarah and Emmy and got up to take a picture. Sarah refused to slide down and lessen the gap between them so Emmy ran to her with a big grin on her face and pulled her close. I wish this image could capture the hilarity of the moment. It was out of character for both girls. Usually Sarah loves the c...

Time needs to slow down. My baby is growing up. Just look at that sweet little face. Here are some fun milestones and facts: Loves watching his big sisters. Recognizes mommy's voice and tries to find her when he hears it. Smiles freely and is starting to giggle. Is so close to rolling over. So close. Drinks 3oz bottles. Sleeps no less than 8 hours at night. Loves his bouncy seat. Wears 6m clothing. Weighs about 14lbs. Still loves to be swaddled for sleeping.

Motivational Speaker I don't know where the last three months have gone. I dropped Seth off at daycare again this morning, and I just can't believe I'm back to work already. I loved being at home with him so much. I loved having a baby again. With the exception of a couple nights, he was a good sleeper from the beginning. His schedule varies a little now depending on when we lay him down, but he'll sleep from 9-5 or 10-6. However, he sets his bedtime; we don't have a lot of control. Once I came to terms with bottle feeding and let go of breastfeeding, finally realizing it was just never going to work, I was stress-free and relaxed. He's just an easy baby. I love his personality. I loved taking care of him. I miss him and our routine. Work isn't terrible. In some small way, it's good to be back. However, I miss my simpler life.

I was a mix of emotions when I woke up this morning. Anxious to get the moment I was dreading for over 6 weeks over (handing Seth off to someone else). Anticipation of going back to work because I really do like my job, most days. Excited to get dressed and feel "human" again. Sad because I have no idea where the last twelve weeks have gone. Apprehensive because I was busy while I was on maternity leave, and I don't know how I'm going to cram all those commitments and responsibilities into a few short hours during the week and on the weekend. I did okay though. The morning went well. It took quite a bit of pre-planning, but it went as planned with no major hiccups. Sitting at my desk, reviewing projects with my temp, I kind of reveled in the stress and issues that have already popped up. It felt comfortable and familiar. I would love to be at home with Seth. I could be a really great stay-at-home mom, but I'm not unhappy working. I'm just not. I ...

I thought it was would be both convenient and special to have Seth baptized on Mother's Day. I also thought it would be a great distraction since I was scheduled to return to work the next day, after having been a stay-at-home mom for 12 weeks. Seth was baptized at St. Nicholas by Father Scott Seethaler. Father Scott fills in from time to time for our pastor, and he is an amazing speaker. He explained that because he isn't assigned to any particular parish he isn't invited to perform baptisms or weddings, etc very often so he was very glad to do it. Sal's cousin and his wife drove from Massachusettes to Pittsburgh for this 30 minute ceremony, but it was so nice to see them. We hope to spend a long weekend together this summer, perhaps in Hershey, PA. Unfortunately, I didn't think to feed Seth prior to the ceremony so he was a bit fussy, but once he had a bottle he settled and slept the rest of the day away. I made reservations at Bella Frutteto for...

We celebrated Sarah's First Holy Communion today at St. Ursula's. Sarah wore the same veil I had worn for my First Communion 30 years ago. She was the first to receive communion from her class. She also participated in the Mass by singing with the children's choir, playing the hand bells, and singing with another first communicant during communion itself. It was a gorgeous day with temperatures in the high 80s and plenty of sunshine.

You can imagine, if you don't know firsthand, that having three children can be downright crazy. Fun. But crazy. Seth was born way back in February, but it's taken until now for me to get a picture of all three together. This little boy could not be more loved. It must be something to have your siblings fighting over who gets to hold you, feed you, burp you, or choose your outfit. I'm loving this.