Almost Complete

I love an organized closet!!! To the right is the perfect painting by Aunt Court.

I took a stab at decorating the walls with this wall art purchased online. The yellow paint is "rubber ducky"...perfect! Ok, so it's only been 5.5 months, but the nursery is almost complete. I've got some more pictures to frame, still need a night stand that can hold books, and would love the finishing touch of a rug in the middle since we've got the worst color of carpet ever...white!!!

I LOVE Darby's room...not necessarily because of the way it looks, but because of the way it FEELS. Her room is full of so much love it's not even funny. The Darbs is one lucky little munchkin that's for sure...I find myself just sitting in the rocker pondering the day's thoughts...just because...

Let me explain...

1. A handmade crib made by Grandpa Z...absolutely beautimus!

2. Bedding/quilt/bed skirt was hand crafted by Nana D'Amico. Her design fit my vision perfectly and looks splendid on the crib!

3. The pillowcases on the rocker were made with love by Aunty T.

4. That once boring, cluttered closet was transformed with the built-ins designed by Tone (Dad) and Grandpa Z. The closet is just full of thoughtful gifts all for the Darbster!

5. The curtains above the crib were hand cut and "crafted" by Grandma Z and Aunty T...I was over 9 months pregnant and didn't have the patience to do such work :)

6. Let's not forget the adorable water colored horse rocker that was painted and framed by Aunt Court. She wants to "instill a love for horses..."

7. Artwork from Darby's Great Great Aunt sits on the white shelves, painted in Germany, by hand, just for Darby. A BIG Piggy bank also rests on the shelf courtesy of Grandma Z. Loose change will be filling that up for years to come I have a feeling...

8. Finally, Great Grandma Mimsy gifted her First Communion Rosary Beads that hang on the wall by the crib. They must be almost 70 years old...

Everything else that fills the room either comes from friends and family, or from mom and dad's hard work...actually, It's been so much fun seeing the room slowly evolve!

To be continued...I'm going to go rock the Darbs to sleep :)

FIRST timers...

Burger night at the O'Club...Darby's first adventure in the restaurant highchair. A big girl thing for sure!!! Darby's first time sitting in her NEW crib...specially made by Grandpa Z! More crib pictures to come...

Darby's first time sitting like a big girl in the Babies R Us cart...she thought that was the coolest!

Darby's first time digging up the grass and mud.
The past few weeks Darby has enriched her little life with some first time milestones, if you will. We've documented these exciting adventures for all to see. Having Darby has brought new light to the way I view the world. Everything is simple, fascinating and TOTALLY new.

Bronco Soccer PRIDE!

November 8, 2009

Today is a great day to be a Bronco. Today is a day of mixed emotions. Today the Boise State soccer team won the WAC Championship game against Nevada, a first for this "established" program. Now it's on to the NCAA Women's Cup.

Blood, Sweat, and Tears comes to mind. The thrill of VICTORY and the AGONY of defeat. That is why we love the game. I think I can speak on behalf of many of my Bronco brethren when I say that hard work, heart and drive was never the reason team's past didn't live the Women's Cup dream. Soccer was our LIFE. We came to Boise State wanting to be a part of something new, something BIG, something we could be proud of! We were Division I College Athletes!

So much has changed since 1999 when I first walked onto what was then the brand new BOAS soccer "practice field." We were sponsored by Diadora at the time...not Nike. We drove out to a multiple field soccer complex to play our home games, no scoreboard, and we were in the Big West Conference....you may have heard of it?? 2001 we joined the WAC. I was a part of the team that experienced some of the worst losses in the history of the program, but we also had some pretty sweet wins! Beating SMU will always stand out! So much changed just in the 5 years I was there...The logo even changed!

Today it is hard not to feel a tad bit envious of the Lady Broncos who are currently living a dream so many past Broncos worked so hard to achieve. I'm definitely happy for the girls who are a part of a successful program. A program I am proud to say my teammates and I helped build. BLOOD, SWEAT, TEARS.

Those 5 years flew by, but they were some of the best 5 years of my life. I'm definitely a part of something big. I'm a part of Bronco Nation as cliche as it may sound. It was so nice to be able to pick up the phone after the game today and talk to a fellow BSU teammate, Molicious #11. It is nice knowing she has some of the same mixed emotions about this VICTORY for our program. It's pretty awesome having teammates...friends for life...who share a bond that can't be matched. Today has been a reminder...

I happened to be playing a game in my old women's league at the exact time the Broncos were beating Nevada. Little Darby was sitting on the sideline enjoying not only the action on the field, but the muddy grass as well. Maybe a future Bronco? I can only hope she has some of the same opportunities and experiences as me. I did get a little sad knowing I would never get another chance to put on that Blue and Orange jersey. Knowing I would never get to play with the ol' teammates in front of a sell out crowd. Knowing I would never go through another preseaon training camp. Knowing I would never get the chance to play in the Women's Cup.

That's OK though. I'm soooo happy for the Broncs and can't wait to see them play this week in the first round. I know how hard they've worked...

THE THRILL OF VICTORY!

It's a great day to be a Bronco...Touche!

Trick or Treat

Happy Halloween from our Darbster! She had a grand time hanging out with all the little Nemos, Puppies, Super Heroes, even a little UPS Man and Max from Where the Wild Things Are. Unfortunately, my camera ran out of batteries.

Anyway, I'm including some shots of our little ladybug along with the funniest video my friend took with her iPhone for Daddy...A perfect example of Darby discovering her voice :) LOVE HER!!!

Pumpkin Patch Fun...

Well, last weekend Darby had her first adventure at the pumpkin patch with her boys John and Wyatt. Obviously, the main reason we went was to take pictures to send to dad but hey, it was a fun Saturday afternoon despite Darby's lack of interest :) There was a petting zoo, hay ride, corn maize and more. Who would have thought such a place existed on this island? It didn't feel much like Fall while walking through the fields in our flip flops, but the pumpkins were beautimus, the sun was shining, and we were surrounded by some great friends. Splendid Saturday.

On another note, today is Darby's 5 month birthday. Time is just flying by! Her first Halloween costume is hanging in the nursery, so stay tuned for updated pictures on more weekend fun!
Gotta Run...
Cheers,
The D'Amico Girls

MMMM....Cake!!

Well, the Darbs once again spent a Saturday with the ladies at a cake making class! Our friend Tracy's mother-in-law was in town for her grandson's birth and since she's the cake making expert they thought it would be fun to have some of us over to eat and bake. Why would we pass up such a thing? Darby of course joined me since we're BFF's and boy did she have a blast...not to mention she met another little boyfriend who is just three weeks old. Ayden. I only baked half a sheet of vanilla cake since I'm the only one at home eating...that would be BAD! The frosting is coconut butter cream...oh so delicious yet very rich. With Halloween right around the corner I thought I would be festive...why not? So, we've got a picture of me frosting the cake...notice the orange border...supposedly you never frost a cake without putting some sort of a border. (I just learned that.) The other shots are of the Darbs hangin' out listening to the gossip, the girl's all decorating away, mom and daughter, and then Darby in her new ladybug jammies reading before bed. She was lovin' her ladybug feet. Too cute! I must add that Darby is at such a fun age right now...laughin' like crazy, rolling around the house, and sucking on her toes. Tony really needs to hurry home!!

"4.5" Month Wellness Exam

Today Darby had her 4 month wellness exam along with her second DTaP. She's only gained an oz since her last visit, which I guess is normal (even though she's been eating like a fiend). Her new weight is 13.7oz...2.1lbs bigger since dad left. 25.25 inches long. The shot was no big deal as the Darbs took it like a pro. I think she wanted to cry a bit but she turned that frown upside down and started giggling before the nurse even had a chance to put the band aid on. I swear, she loves the doctor's office! Little does she know....



She has been such a joy the past two weeks! Dad needs to come home quick because I swear I blink and she either changes or I miss something cool/funny/sweet... Video just isn't doing her justice!

Play Date

It seems as though all of the gals out her have or are having BOYS! That said, all of Darby's play dates are with a bunch of little Rambos. Last night after our workout, she had a blast with Wyatt and John...here are some pics! John just decided to lay next to the Darbster, and Wyatt gave "Dauby" a kiss. We couldn't quite get that on camera.

Man...I'm such a mom now!!! These are the exciting moments in my day :)

4 Month Birthday!!

Wow...today is Darbs' 4 month birthday! Time has flown by so fast, yet I don't remember life without her?? She is definitely my best BUD, always making me smile at the most opportune moments - How does she know???

In honor of this big day I'd like to talk about all of those "Darby firsts" that have happened so far...at least those that I can think of off the top of my head :)

• She rolled over for the first time in the middle of August. Man is that hilarious to watch. She's definitely mastered going back to stomach, but still has some trouble going stomach to back. I think this is the time when babies first get that sense of frustration. I may have a video clip of this particular skill...I'll have to see.




• I'm surprised it took this long, but her first live soccer game was the beginning of September. 3 months old... Arizona State vs Old Dominion. Sparky the SunDevil showed her a little bit of love, and man did she love watching all of the activity at the event. Unfortunately, we don't have any proof that she was there :( What was I thinking???




• Her first plane adventure...Honolulu to Phoenix on August 19th. (2.5 months of age) Mom was a little bit nervous making such a long flight (with a layover in LA) by herself with baby. Thank the LORD Darby was a little angel!!! Of course I got the "oh shit" looks upon taking our seats from the passengers around us -But, by the end of the flight I received nothing but compliments. Thank you Darby!! I'll try to remember that behavior when you cause me to pull my hair out in the future :) All of that extra baby luggage was a tad bit cumbersome, but flight attendants were generous for the most part, and on one leg of the adventure I had a nice off duty pilot helping me out. Apparently, according to him, he let the pilots know there was a baby on board...meaning, make sure to have a calm landing! Not sure if I believe him :) I must have looked desperate for help??? I thought I was doing pretty good?? Not looking forward to traveling with her when she's mobile...that will truly be an adventure...




• Her first jewelry parties...ha!! Beginning of August...over 2 months of age. Silpada party was the first and Stella and Dot was the second. I think they were both within a few weeks. The good thing about this age, is you can take the baby with you to such functions and the baby will either sleep in another room or just be passed around from lady to lady. The ladder is what typically has happened so far. A bunch of loud women getting together to try on jewels, eat good appetizers, and pass the Darbster around. Some free babysitting while dad is away, and I get to hang out with the girls. Darby is either going to be one chatter box, social butterfly, or she's going to be scared out of her mind when around a bunch of loud women...???!! The way she is jibberjabbering right now makes me think she'll be like one of us! Which brings me to:



• Her first adventure with a boy her age!! This is at Rozzie's shower...3.5 months of age. Sept. 13th or something. Out here, everyone is having or has had boys. So pretty much all of Darbs' friends are boys! Big boy Ben who is 5 days older than Darby, was hangin' out at the shower watching Darby jibber jabber at him. She was having a conversation and he was just staring at her with his fist in his mouth. In fact, he put his fist in her mouth at one point. Was he trying to tell her to be quiet??? The Darbs' just started sucking on it, since that's what babies do??? She loves looking at other babies.



• First Luau!!!! September 15th or something...3.5 months of age. Auntie Amber, Mom and the Darbs ate some Hawaiian food and watched some Hawaiian dancers. Darby definitely loves the dancin' scene. She could quite possibly be a dancer someday. Not quite sure what to think of that at the moment...just being honest???



• First splash in the bathtub...3 months. Darbs' is lovin' bath time!!! It has only been a few weeks since she discovered splashing and making a mess of the kitchen. So darn cute one doesn't even care about the puddles of water and water marks on windows!!!



• Let's not forget her first Lucky Jeans outfit, her first hike up Makapu'u (Light House), and her first golf excursion...we won't forget that!!!,

There have been a ton of other milestones, which include, grabbing at objects, cooing (now that's turning into screeching as she discovers her voice.) reaching for Sadie to try and pet, dipping in the pool in AZ, her first giggles, and of course her first BEACH Adventure. Now, how many kids can say they hung out at some of the most famous beaches in Hawaii when they were 3 months old??? I've got pictures as proof...

I cannot believe how much has changed in these 4 short months!! Who would have thought? Darby is truly a blessing who's smiles, laughs, screeches, and even pouts make me laugh everyday. I'm sad Tony isn't around to see all of this, but I suppose these are just the first of many FIRSTS' to come. She's already gained over 2lbs since Dad left 8 weeks ago, so there is no slowing down at this point!

Well, happy birthday Darbs!!! We celebrated tonight with the whole family (me, Saids, and Darbs). Did the nightly walk, and hung out with her bud John who is 1 year older...no big whoop :) She stayed up past her bedtime and finally fell asleep on my shoulder. The best ending to a long day!!

8 Weeks and Counting

It's been 8 weeks since Daddy left for Afghanistan. Darby has gained 2 pounds (now 13.6 lbs), football season has begun (Boise State 2-0) as well as the new season of Office (as of tonight). My first trip to AZ has come and gone, and Amber's visit to Hawaii ended this evening. In fact, she's somewhere over the Pacific as we speak. Technically, it's been a month since I've had any alone time to think about how much I'm missing Tone. It hasn't been the same watching our Alma mater without my best friend nor was it as fun to laugh at The Office without Tone controlling the remote from his big chair.

Driving home from the airport, I couldn't help but get a little sad. However, the minute I pulled into the carport, Saiders was greeting me with her full body wag, and the Darbster reminded me that she was very hungry and tired... Never a dull moment :)

It was a bath night for Darbs (being we spent all day at the beach with Auntie A), which is always an adventure that she's starting to really enjoy as of Arizona. Once we got the jammies on we sat in the rocker and began reading some Dr. Seuss. Saider's was laying at my feet chewing on her new toy, and Darby was sitting on my lap trying hard to turn the pages of the book herself with so much focus. These simple routines are our adventures that bring smiles to my face everyday...really, how lucky am I to have my girls???

These past 8 weeks have brought many "firsts" for Darby. It's sad thinking about how much Tony is missing, but with technology I'm able to get some of those special firsts on camera and there are plenty more "firsts" to come for Daddy to enjoy. I'm proud of my Marine and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The first time Darby starting hugging her Daddy Doll and chewing on his head...Tonight! Thanks Tone for calming her down on multiple occasions now :) We love and miss you!!!

Memoirs of a Geisha

Books on CD...the best invention EVER! I never thought it would be so hard to get the time to sit down and read a good book. After putting Darby down, it's mommy time - but that usually includes cleaning or catching up on online "work" - Maybe taking in some Reality TV...a guilty pleasure for Tone and myself. Most of the time I'm just too tired to do anything, so Darby and I go to bed together.

I finally went to the library on base (when Tone was still here), and decided to pick out a couple of cd's to listen to while I go here and there around the island. It's been two weeks and I've finished The English Patient, and Memoirs of a Geisha. Even better is that the Darbster LOVES the soothing voices of the readers...GENIUS!!!

Loved both the books by the way. I just wish the sisters in Memoirs of a Geisha would have been reunited by the powers that be...hmmm???? The English Patient was so well written. It never ceases to amaze me how good some are with words...poetic! I'll probably go online to read commentary and thoughts on the stories...create my own book club I suppose.

Your thoughts???