This year we've taken a few weekends away. Just us, as a little family. We don't go far, usually just Daytona or Orlando. But with all the craziness in our daily lives, it's been so nice to have weekends like these to breath and relax away from the hustle and bustle.
Today we took Julianna to Sea World for the Halloween event. She didn't dress up, just in her new boots. She was the only girl in purple boots in all of Sea World.
Saturday, October 29, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Time for Change
I knew coming into today's Facebook announcements that they would indeed be huge. Game-changers were expected, and I approached the afternoon with tons of excitement. For a person working in social media, F8 is kinda like a holiday every year. Excitement flourishes and some new exciting features are released. Today, was just a little different, as I feel Facebook has outdone even my own expectations, and I didn't even realize it until tonight.
I won't go into all the details because there are tons of social media blogs you can read about all the changes, like here, and, here and here. I wouldn't necessarily say that I jumped at the chance to activate my new Facebook Timeline. I am more quick to adapt to change than most, but there's still that "oh my goodness, what I KNOW is changing again" feeling that took over for a slight moment at work today. It totally made me think twice about if I was ready to use the Facebook Developer back-door way into experiencing Timeline.
I knew what I was going to see because I saw the video that was played during the F8 live feed, and read at least 10 blogs about the Timeline changes. But I could not expect how profound it was going to be to search through my new Timeline with Julie.
As soon as I made the change she came over to look at my laptop. She knows that mommy always looks at the cool photos of her cousins when I am on Facebook at night. So, we began to peruse my new Timeline together....through the months this year since our move back to Florida, and then 2010 & 2009 in Atlanta & New Smyrna Beach. Until we got to 2008 when she was born. Through each scroll, she was pointing and excited to see all the photos of her life. She kept referring to herself in 3rd-person, as if that little version of her in the photos was someone she barely knew, saying "oooohhhh Julie-baby dressed like Minnie Mouse....Julie-baby wearing her white bow....Julie-baby in her diaper." Her whole life literally flashed in about a 10-minute scroll through my new Facebook profile. It was amazing to see all the images and hone in on some of my updates through these last few years. I saw words I forgot I wrote, and pictures I haven't browsed in quite some time.
I always thought that I'd eventually print this blog into a book to show Julianna her childhood. That is, until I stopped posting on here months ago. Today, Facebook has given every one of their users the ability to bind the history of their life onto one simple webpage. It's definitely the game-changer we were all told was coming and it will emotionally drive social to the next level. What most summed it up for me was when I saw one of my Facebook status updates from June 2008, just days after Julie was born. "Anne DiNapoli is in love with Julianna." And my heart melted all over again.
I won't go into all the details because there are tons of social media blogs you can read about all the changes, like here, and, here and here. I wouldn't necessarily say that I jumped at the chance to activate my new Facebook Timeline. I am more quick to adapt to change than most, but there's still that "oh my goodness, what I KNOW is changing again" feeling that took over for a slight moment at work today. It totally made me think twice about if I was ready to use the Facebook Developer back-door way into experiencing Timeline.
I knew what I was going to see because I saw the video that was played during the F8 live feed, and read at least 10 blogs about the Timeline changes. But I could not expect how profound it was going to be to search through my new Timeline with Julie.
As soon as I made the change she came over to look at my laptop. She knows that mommy always looks at the cool photos of her cousins when I am on Facebook at night. So, we began to peruse my new Timeline together....through the months this year since our move back to Florida, and then 2010 & 2009 in Atlanta & New Smyrna Beach. Until we got to 2008 when she was born. Through each scroll, she was pointing and excited to see all the photos of her life. She kept referring to herself in 3rd-person, as if that little version of her in the photos was someone she barely knew, saying "oooohhhh Julie-baby dressed like Minnie Mouse....Julie-baby wearing her white bow....Julie-baby in her diaper." Her whole life literally flashed in about a 10-minute scroll through my new Facebook profile. It was amazing to see all the images and hone in on some of my updates through these last few years. I saw words I forgot I wrote, and pictures I haven't browsed in quite some time.
I always thought that I'd eventually print this blog into a book to show Julianna her childhood. That is, until I stopped posting on here months ago. Today, Facebook has given every one of their users the ability to bind the history of their life onto one simple webpage. It's definitely the game-changer we were all told was coming and it will emotionally drive social to the next level. What most summed it up for me was when I saw one of my Facebook status updates from June 2008, just days after Julie was born. "Anne DiNapoli is in love with Julianna." And my heart melted all over again.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Beach Times
When I was a kid, my sister and I would go down to Hollywood Beach, FL every year to stay with our grandparents for Spring Break. Some of my favorite memories are strolling up and down the beach with my grandmother looking for the perfect shells to use for her crafting. She would decorate anything in shells....mirrors, lamps, picture frames. Some of those items are still my most cherished possessions.
When we finally made our way down to the beach, I was amazed at all of the beautiful shells. In Volusia County, it's rare to find a lot of shells on the beach, so haven't seen them in years. The shoreline was covered and once Julie was brave enough to put her feet down in the sand---(side note: Julie is afraid of everything these days. Must be something she gets from Josh ;)), she took right away to scanning the patches for the perfect shells to throw in the water. It made me want to laugh and cry, but it was an amazing experience and was something I'll remember forever. 
This past weekend was absolutely gorgeous in Florida. It was about 80 degrees all weekend. Spring has definitely sprung in Florida this February. It was also a long weekend, as I was off on President's Day for the first time in my adult life. I seriously work for one of the best companies ever. On Saturday, we took Julie to Sea World for the first time. She loved it and although she was exhausted and cranky, we all had a great time. She loved the penguins and even told her teacher at daycare all about them on Tuesday when she returned to school.
Then on Sunday, I convinced Josh to take Julie and I to the beach while we waited for his car to get fixed at the dealer. Since we just moved, we had no idea where to go the beach in Tampa, so we crossed the bridge and headed west. We followed the first sign we saw to Indian Rocks Beach. We parked the car at this amazing little eatery/ice cream shoppe and got Julie the coolest ice cream cone of her little life. The place was super old and if you looked up at the dirty ceiling you'd probably think twice about eating there. I loved it. Florida beach charm at its finest and I felt like I was home in Daytona for the first time since we've moved back.
When we finally made our way down to the beach, I was amazed at all of the beautiful shells. In Volusia County, it's rare to find a lot of shells on the beach, so haven't seen them in years. The shoreline was covered and once Julie was brave enough to put her feet down in the sand---(side note: Julie is afraid of everything these days. Must be something she gets from Josh ;)), she took right away to scanning the patches for the perfect shells to throw in the water. It made me want to laugh and cry, but it was an amazing experience and was something I'll remember forever. 
Monday, January 3, 2011
And so I'm back....
To the blogosphere. Oh how I've missed you. I can't believe it's been two months since I've written a blog, although, knowing my schedule for these last months, I actually can pinpoint the exact reason. Time has been sort of a commodity these days. Since mid-November, I have not worked less than 55 hrs in one week. And with prepping for holidays, unpacking from our move, trying to be a half-decent mother and spouse...there has just been no time for this little ol' blog.
Some people have said they miss me on here. I appreciate that sooo much. I miss reading my favorite blogs too. I'll be commenting once again!
I have a full list of resolutions for 2011. Not like last year, when weight loss was my only agenda....somehow, that is on my list AGAIN, I'm not so surprised really :)
1) My camera has been broken since our move. I do not have any marvelous photos of my beautiful girl to share. It is getting fixed this week, no excuses. I need to document these precious moments on something besides my cell phone and I can't find the throw-away cameras I've purchased for the major holidays, so that I'd have SOMETHING to put in our albums. 2) The albums that are updated through Julianna's ripe age of 13 months. She is now 31 months. Since that day, I have not added a single gosh darn snapshot. 3) I say gosh darn because I am not cursing anymore. Many would probably be surprised to know that I am the curser in the family. And I hate it, especially when I do it front of Julianna. No more, I am breaking the cursing cycle. My daughter will not swear like her mother. 4) Mothering in general has been challenging these days. I regret to say I've been guilty of picking work over Julie and caring for our family. TG Josh has been an amazing man as always, and has picked up much of the heavy lifting. Julie's tiny days are going so fast, and I don't want time to pass by. I'm slowing down in general. 5) That is, once we move. Yes, we are moving again. I am on the hunt for our next home. Our move to Tampa has been wonderful and because of my hard work these past few months I am proud to say I have a permanant position with my company in Atlanta working from home in Tampa. Josh's work is also going very well....so we know were staying here for quite some time. The thought of continuing to rent and knowing that we are not settled into a home that is ours...that we will have to pack and move from one day is making me ill. I am literally depressed, not to sound so dramatic, but I am when it comes to this subject. A few weeks ago we were pre-approved and have been looking for the place we will raise Julie. Where she go to school one day, where we will hang pictures, knowing they will not be unhung and wrapped up again. The pressure to find this house has not been like any of the others I've bought, but I am confident we'll be blessed with the one that's meant to be. 6) And when we move, I'll finally settle. And begin to digs roots in community like I did in Daytona. Meet friends, go back to church and share in my faith with Julie. 7) Jules, who needs to potty train. And because of resolution 4, is not quite there yet. OK I'm not pulling anyone's chain here, she is actually quite far from it. With the exception of daycare, where there seems to be a little magical potty that makes her go. 8) And through all of this I will write, because it's one of the only things I do for myself. And to take care of everything else this year, I need to start with myself. 8) Which is why I finally bit the bullet today and got glasses. They were much needed and I can finally see as I type this.
Happy New Year!
Some people have said they miss me on here. I appreciate that sooo much. I miss reading my favorite blogs too. I'll be commenting once again!
I have a full list of resolutions for 2011. Not like last year, when weight loss was my only agenda....somehow, that is on my list AGAIN, I'm not so surprised really :)
1) My camera has been broken since our move. I do not have any marvelous photos of my beautiful girl to share. It is getting fixed this week, no excuses. I need to document these precious moments on something besides my cell phone and I can't find the throw-away cameras I've purchased for the major holidays, so that I'd have SOMETHING to put in our albums. 2) The albums that are updated through Julianna's ripe age of 13 months. She is now 31 months. Since that day, I have not added a single gosh darn snapshot. 3) I say gosh darn because I am not cursing anymore. Many would probably be surprised to know that I am the curser in the family. And I hate it, especially when I do it front of Julianna. No more, I am breaking the cursing cycle. My daughter will not swear like her mother. 4) Mothering in general has been challenging these days. I regret to say I've been guilty of picking work over Julie and caring for our family. TG Josh has been an amazing man as always, and has picked up much of the heavy lifting. Julie's tiny days are going so fast, and I don't want time to pass by. I'm slowing down in general. 5) That is, once we move. Yes, we are moving again. I am on the hunt for our next home. Our move to Tampa has been wonderful and because of my hard work these past few months I am proud to say I have a permanant position with my company in Atlanta working from home in Tampa. Josh's work is also going very well....so we know were staying here for quite some time. The thought of continuing to rent and knowing that we are not settled into a home that is ours...that we will have to pack and move from one day is making me ill. I am literally depressed, not to sound so dramatic, but I am when it comes to this subject. A few weeks ago we were pre-approved and have been looking for the place we will raise Julie. Where she go to school one day, where we will hang pictures, knowing they will not be unhung and wrapped up again. The pressure to find this house has not been like any of the others I've bought, but I am confident we'll be blessed with the one that's meant to be. 6) And when we move, I'll finally settle. And begin to digs roots in community like I did in Daytona. Meet friends, go back to church and share in my faith with Julie. 7) Jules, who needs to potty train. And because of resolution 4, is not quite there yet. OK I'm not pulling anyone's chain here, she is actually quite far from it. With the exception of daycare, where there seems to be a little magical potty that makes her go. 8) And through all of this I will write, because it's one of the only things I do for myself. And to take care of everything else this year, I need to start with myself. 8) Which is why I finally bit the bullet today and got glasses. They were much needed and I can finally see as I type this.
Happy New Year!
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Riverview in November
We made it! We're Florida residents once again....for exactly 3 weeks and counting. It was a horrible move with lots of headaches, hiccups, and hair pulling, but it's over. Now, we just have a lot more unpacking to do.
Our new house that Josh picked is growing on me, although we are lacking some much needed storage space. If you saw our last closet, you would totally understand. We are also about 5 miles from the rest of the civilized world. Doesn't sound that bad I know, but compared from where we came, it's been an adjustment. It's also created a huge challenge when selecting a daycare. And after a few teeth marks in Julie's forearm, we found a fantastic daycare in Brandon. Riverview doesn't seem to have good options for child care.
My mom was here for a week. It was wonderful to have her and she did what she does best, cleaned and helped take care of Julie. I have been working a lot of hours during the whole moving and settling process, which is probably why we just got sheets on our bed last night for the first time since the move. I need some help.
Julie has asked to go home a few times. This broke my heart, until I realized that it has not been under 75 degree in FL since the day we got here. With Atlanta temps in the 50's most mornings. She should be thanking us profusely. She is also the only 2 year-old I know with her own floor. The whole upstairs is hers, with a loft/playroom, private bath and huge bedroom (I think even bigger than ours)....it's a normal kid's dream. The only problem is she refuses to sleep in her new quarters and she's slept everywhere from the couch, to our bed, even on the floor in the living room since the move. And apparenlty her sentiment is that I am a mean, witch mommy for even suggesting that she sleep in the extravagent space. Since she has always been a crib sleeper, this has also been quite an adjustment.
Lots has changed, but we're happy about the move and I am finally in a place where I can share a little bit about it.
Our new house that Josh picked is growing on me, although we are lacking some much needed storage space. If you saw our last closet, you would totally understand. We are also about 5 miles from the rest of the civilized world. Doesn't sound that bad I know, but compared from where we came, it's been an adjustment. It's also created a huge challenge when selecting a daycare. And after a few teeth marks in Julie's forearm, we found a fantastic daycare in Brandon. Riverview doesn't seem to have good options for child care.
My mom was here for a week. It was wonderful to have her and she did what she does best, cleaned and helped take care of Julie. I have been working a lot of hours during the whole moving and settling process, which is probably why we just got sheets on our bed last night for the first time since the move. I need some help.
Julie has asked to go home a few times. This broke my heart, until I realized that it has not been under 75 degree in FL since the day we got here. With Atlanta temps in the 50's most mornings. She should be thanking us profusely. She is also the only 2 year-old I know with her own floor. The whole upstairs is hers, with a loft/playroom, private bath and huge bedroom (I think even bigger than ours)....it's a normal kid's dream. The only problem is she refuses to sleep in her new quarters and she's slept everywhere from the couch, to our bed, even on the floor in the living room since the move. And apparenlty her sentiment is that I am a mean, witch mommy for even suggesting that she sleep in the extravagent space. Since she has always been a crib sleeper, this has also been quite an adjustment.
Lots has changed, but we're happy about the move and I am finally in a place where I can share a little bit about it.
Thursday, September 23, 2010
A Florida Mom Back Home
I thought this post would be more profound, but I just looked at this blog for the first time in weeks and I have noticed it's been 23 days since my last post. What's going on?
Well, we're moving again. Back to Florida!!!
Not home in Daytona, but close enough. We'll soon be Tampa residents.
This change came about about a month and half ago when I was sitting in the LaGuardia airport waiting for my flight back home from BlogHer. Josh called me right before I boarded the plane to drop a huge bomb and let me think about whether or not I'd want to move. I was by myself for the next three hours on that plane and all I wanted to do was cry.
I finally felt like Atlanta was becoming home, but then the excitement hit. You mean, we could go back to Florida!!!!
Basically, Josh's boss wanted him to tranfer to the campus down there. It took quite a few weeks of nail biting until the final plans were set about two weeks ago. And Josh is actually already down there working and house hunting. Jules and I will follow in two weeks.
Crazy huh? Seems like deja vu from this time last year. The absolute best part is that my awesome job is letting me keep my position and work from home.
So the next few weeks will be lots of crazy, and emotions and happiness all rolled into one. Although I will say that it is much easier going through it with a 28 month-old vs. a 15 month-old. Wish us luck the next few weeks and I'll try to send updates!
Well, we're moving again. Back to Florida!!!
Not home in Daytona, but close enough. We'll soon be Tampa residents.
This change came about about a month and half ago when I was sitting in the LaGuardia airport waiting for my flight back home from BlogHer. Josh called me right before I boarded the plane to drop a huge bomb and let me think about whether or not I'd want to move. I was by myself for the next three hours on that plane and all I wanted to do was cry.
I finally felt like Atlanta was becoming home, but then the excitement hit. You mean, we could go back to Florida!!!!
Basically, Josh's boss wanted him to tranfer to the campus down there. It took quite a few weeks of nail biting until the final plans were set about two weeks ago. And Josh is actually already down there working and house hunting. Jules and I will follow in two weeks.
Crazy huh? Seems like deja vu from this time last year. The absolute best part is that my awesome job is letting me keep my position and work from home.
So the next few weeks will be lots of crazy, and emotions and happiness all rolled into one. Although I will say that it is much easier going through it with a 28 month-old vs. a 15 month-old. Wish us luck the next few weeks and I'll try to send updates!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Home for the Holiday
This exact time last year, we were packing up our house in New Smyrna Beach to head to Atlanta. Our only celebration for the Labor holiday was when we finally arrived into Alpharetta, late on a Sunday evening. I loved the home Josh picked for us. I was overjoyed at how beautiful it was, and I pranced through the halls and up the stairs with happiness. We actually made the right decision to move, I thought, for the first time in weeks. I loved the excitement of a new life, new jobs and new cities to get to know.
A lot can change in a year. It has been a fantastic year overall. The best part has been watching our beautiful daughter grow into quite the most-awesome 2 year-old.
We're headed on the road again this Labor Day. Taking the same drive that we took last September, with our car stuffed full of stuff that wouldn't fit in the moving truck. Except this time, we're headed south back to Florida, our real home.
I am excited to see my mom, aunt and grandmother. I am excited for rest and relaxation.
And when I think back on the stress, heartache and headaches of moving cross-state, I know it was all worth it. Life has never stopped being exciting this year for our little family, and we've been blessed to soak it all in.
Josh, Happy 1 Year Anniversary as a Georgia resident, honey! We made it! (Now, just don't tell the DMV ;)
A lot can change in a year. It has been a fantastic year overall. The best part has been watching our beautiful daughter grow into quite the most-awesome 2 year-old.
We're headed on the road again this Labor Day. Taking the same drive that we took last September, with our car stuffed full of stuff that wouldn't fit in the moving truck. Except this time, we're headed south back to Florida, our real home.
I am excited to see my mom, aunt and grandmother. I am excited for rest and relaxation.
And when I think back on the stress, heartache and headaches of moving cross-state, I know it was all worth it. Life has never stopped being exciting this year for our little family, and we've been blessed to soak it all in.
Josh, Happy 1 Year Anniversary as a Georgia resident, honey! We made it! (Now, just don't tell the DMV ;)
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