Julia Eileen 9/13/03 12:43 a.m.

Being a mother is an amazing thing. A gift. I never expected in my wildest dreams that I could ever feel the way I do about another individual. I remember thinking when I was pregnant that I loved Joe so much so how was I supposed to love this child right away when it took years to build what Joe and I have. Because of that I was scared that I would not be the type of mom that Julia deserved. But like everything, it all fell into place.

Julia and I have a bond that I cherish dearly. I love being her mom and holding her when she is sad and sick. I love being her biggest fan when she dances around her room singing to her stereo. I love being her teacher when she can't seem to ask enough questions about a subject she is interested in. I love being her friend and shopping with her and going out for ice cream. What I love most about her coming into our lives is that I get to see another side of the man I fell in love with. You will find me often hiding around the corner in my house, observing Julia and Joe, without them knowing. I stand there smiling because I know that in his own way, Joe has a place just as special as mine for her in his heart.

I am so proud of my little girl and the person she is becoming. She is nice, respectful, charismatic, compassionate, loving...I could go on and on but I think you get the point. I leave you with these pictures from over the years.

Julia on the day she came home from the hospital.
1St birthday
2nd birthday

3rd birthday
4th birthday

Happy 5th Birthday Julia Eileen! We love you from here to Aunt Jan's house!

and the birthday celebrations begin

Yesterday Julia celebrated her birthday with her classmates. She brought in cupcakes and everyone sang to her. Mrs. Nelson (her teacher) took some pictures.

It's a tradition in Joe's family that when you reach a milestone you get a custom written poem by Aunt Jan over in Italy. Joe and I each got one for our 30th birthdays, one when we got married...Well today in the mail Julia received her 1st poem from Aunt Jan. I thought I'd share it with you.

From a Who down in Whoville

To the relatives in the boot

Horton with his magical trunk

Is playing a Happy Birthday Salute

To a lovely little lady

Stylish and petite

One great great-niece

So pretty and so sweet

A smile to melt your heart

And blue eyes like the sea

All the happiness in the world

Is our wish for thee

Whether dressed in a gown

Or as an Indian Squaw

Elegant with a tattoo necklace

Every detail without flaw

Of all the Princesses

You're peachy keen

Definitely a royal beauty

Much more than a Queen

A castle in the forest

Now wouldn't that be grand

When a handsome prince comes along

To ask King Joseph your hand

Hoping for a sparkling future

For our fair lass

With a touch of Irish and Italian tradition

And a good amount of class

Five candles on your cake

Make a wish and blow

Need more hot air

Ask Brigid and Joe

Thank you for picking me

many flowers

Drawing pictures with you

I could have spent hours

You made me feel pretty special

On my last trip home

Hope you enjoy receiving

Your Happy Birthday poem

Wasn't that sweet? Thanks Aunt Jan. We love you!

So I'm back!!! Here we go with lots and lots of pictures.

Rob's Party!

Joe and I had to go late because my boss got married. But I was very impressed with the 80s gear. Everyone got really into the theme. Kara did a great job with the planning and decorating. (for those of you that couldn't make it Kara had a birthday/master's degree party with an 80s prom theme for Rob) The music was all 80s and Kara's friend even set up a photo backdrop and took prom pictures that everyone could take home.

Prom King and Queen

Julia singing Hannah Montana on stage. Thank you Rob for humoring that.

My manly man

Couldn't have found a more perfect shirt
These girls were the best dancers I think. I found out after that they go to school half the day for academics and the other half for dance.
Julia taking a picture of herself.Me and Greg
Neil being oh so patient playing Hannah Montana for Julia


So tell me this sober pregnant chick doesn't look drunk.
Rob and Julia dancing
Again....they crack me up
Julia and Auntie Megs
Everyone left at the end of the nightThe three of us
Group shot
And the mother-to-be exhausted at the end of the night. Let me tell you it was worth it. Everyone is still talking about it.
Julia before we got to the end of commerce st.
Mystic!
The day after Rob's party we went to Mystic to do some shopping. It was a blast and the weather was gorgeous



Rob and his favorite little girl

Kara made me take this picture because she thinks I dressed Julia all 80s, cabbage patch kid and pink Velcro shoes.
Julia and her friend Henry

Resting with Daddy
Ha ha ha ha ha
Julia took this picture of us. My dad wants an updated picture of us so here we are.

Annie's 1st birthday!

Down at the beach to celebrate. Annie was sick but was still the cutest thing ever!

Annie and her big sister.

Julia and Uncle B pouting
Now that's betterThe 2 1/2 Sheftels
Molly and Julia helping to build Annie a pool in the sand

Peter
Julia
Rob playing with the kids
Abby taking a break under the cabana
Annie getting dirty

Molly and (I'm sorry Kasey) a fish skeleton that she found on the sand bar. She was so fascinated and wanted to take it home. I made her put it back in the water.
Rob and Annie
The kids jumping into the pool they made for Annie
Burying Annie in the sand
The in laws

Damn I take cute pictures of them. (and Megs I loaded the pictures different this time so you can save to your computer)

I love this picture of Tyler. He is imitating what Rob is doing in the next picture

Peter burying himself on the sandbar
Group shot
Random pics!

First day all together on the bus. I was very nervous. But I didn't need to be. Peter and Molly were great big cousins. Peter told her he would protect her from the big kids if they got mean. Molly walked Julia to the cafeteria and ate breakfast with her.

Julia and Molly sitting together. It's been a week and she is still so excited to leave for school.

Annie waiting with me and KK to get the kids off the bus.
Julia took her piano on the porch to play her music
And that's what I have so far. This Saturday Julia turns 5 so there will be more pictures. I can't believe my baby girl is going to be 5!