The Terrible 3's

Can somebody please tell me where my daughter went? My wonderful little angel has turned into a bratty teenager... We had our first parent conference yesterday about her behavior at school. So far, she's called a kid stupid, bossed people around, told someone she doesn't want to be their friend, and spit (yes, spit) at two kids. Everyone says, "She's 3!" I realize, but holy cow I never thought we would have so much behavior management on our hands... The teacher said she's very head strong and street smart, and that she understands what's going on and wants to be sure everyone does what they're supposed to... We love her teacher and know that we'll be working together, so I'm not losing any sleep over it, but our parenthood bliss has been flipped upside down.

Gabby's First Mani/Pedi

Travis was out-of-town this weekend for a bachelor party in Qingdao, where the infamous Tsingtao Beer Festival is held, so Gabriella and I had a fun weekend of shopping, playing, popcorn and movie nights in bed, and *drum roll please* her first Mani/Pedi. She did really well, although was a bit bored at the end and smudged her toes. Oh well, it was fun and a special mommy-daughter thing that we can enjoy together. I'm sure the first of many...

Gabby's 2nd Day of EC-3

Travis took this picture of Gabriella being taken to her classroom by one of the bus monitors. On the other side of the monitor is Kellan and Kya.

Gabby's First Day of EC-3

I'm a proud mama today... my little girl started her first day of EC-3 (Early Childhood 3) and did a great job. I rode the bus with her to school, so I could see how it all works. The bus monitor took Gabby's hand and marched her right to her classroom. She put her stuff in her locker and snacks in the cubby and was off playing with all the toys. She ran right to the dress-up area and asked if she could put-on the pretty pink dress. She was happy as a clam and was totally okay with me leaving- no separation anxiety there!

New Car!

Our old car, ironically titled "Great Wall Safe," because we were almost killed a dozen times, is bye-bye. We bought our first family car, called a Nissan Geniss. Okay, it's not super cool but it's safe and the brakes work. Plus, it smells like a new car and can seat seven people. The purchase of this car basically means that we will be in China for awhile longer...

Meeker 50th Anniversary

This was the coolest parade outside the restaurant!

They were singing and chanting about a Saint.

It made me want to be an Italian.

My parents celebrated their 50th anniversary in style, at a cozy restaurant in the north-end of Boston with a bunch of friends and family. We all enjoyed a yummy Italian feast and good conversation. Gabby did a nice job of talking with everyone and showing them her new Sesame Street hair-ties from my mom's friend, Berna. My sister-in-law, Annarita did a lot of the work so I can't take much credit. She's awesome at organizing things. All in all, a wonderful celebration!

Mikayla Rose Meeker is born!

We are so excited to have another niece! She is the sweetest thing... Todd and Annarita are great parents and Gabby is enjoying being her big-girl cousin. Here are some pictures...