Santa made a special stop at the Wiley House this year. He visited us on the 23rd so we could spend a quiet day together before heading east on Christmas Eve. Sam was at our bedside by 7:15am, begging to go downstairs. But I convinced him to wait at the railing with his sister while I “checked to make sure... Read more
Dear Sweet Nora Kathryn, Today is the day! You are ONE! Every day you seem less like a baby and more like a toddler. You can easily scale the stairs and climb onto the ottoman in the living room. You step onto Sam’s stool and try to climb into his bed. You love to sit in your rocking chair and... Read more
A few holiday highlights before we ring in the new year. We were so excited to host our German friend, Anne, in mid-November. We explored Phipps Conservatory, ate at Church Brew Works, and took her to the top of Mount Washington. We also enjoyed a lot of down time with the kids. Just a few days before Thanksgiving, we took Oma... Read more
Santa is Sam’s new best friend. He literally shakes with excitement every time we see him. And we have seen him a lot. From Rizzo’s Italian Restaurant to the Christmas Market in Pittsburgh to the Winter Wonderland at Winnie Palmer Nature Reserve. Sam hops onto his lap like they are old pals and repeats his wish list: batman, superman, a... Read more
Time for Nora’s wish list! Of course, she enjoys all of Sam’s toys, but little miss needs some things to call her own. 1 | B Zany Zoo | I’ve wanted to buy this fun activity cube since Sam was a baby. And I found it at Target for a phenomenal price on Cyber Monday. Score! I suspect both Nora... Read more
‘Tis the season for holiday gift guides! I love reading these as much as I love researching and writing my own. And this year I have the joy of playing Santa to two little kiddos. First up, from Sam’s wish list. 1 | Optimus Prime | Sam is no exception when it comes to little boys’ attraction to Transformers. He... Read more
This Thanksgiving was an especially celebratory one. Our traditional turkey dinner was coupled with the wedding festivities of our cousin, Erica. The dinner was beautiful — and catered, which meant no dirty dishes! And although the ground was covered with snow, it was warm and cozy under the tent. Sam was thrilled to spend time with his cousins, Sean and... Read more
Dear Nora, You are 11 months old today! Though I’ve started to say “almost one” when someone asks your age. Almost ONE? Really? How did that happen? Every day with you is more fun that the last. You are playful, and a little bit mischievous. You are sensitive, and a little bit sassy. You are sweet, and a little bit... Read more
With a late September birthday, it was difficult to find a school that would take Sam this year. But I really wanted to get him into some sort of organized program. He has never spent time away from me, and I felt it would be beneficial to his social development. And, admittedly, I was looking forward to devoting a few... Read more
Little Miss Nora, We are fast approaching your first birthday. And I’m not really sure how to feel about that. Every day you seem less like my baby girl and more like this curious, comical, confident little person. When I peek into the living room and see you sitting on your knees beside Sam, having a pretend tea party, I... Read more