Seton Hall University!!!!

Back at school.  I really didn't think I'd be saying that at this time of my life but I am.  With the move to New Jersey, Ellie still being little, and the fact that it's taking FOREVER for my nursing license to transfer over, it seemed like the perfect opportunity to go to grad school for my MHA.  So, I applied, got accepted, and am now up in Parsippany, NJ for my orientation residency of my two year program,

SHU has a great reputation for their MHA program and have faculty teaching their courses with incredible credentials.  During the three residencies they put you up in a hotel to meet with your group, professors, do group work, and listen to two credits worth of lectures and discussions.  Obviously, with the healthcare reform and managed care being hot topics, our discussions are very interesting and quite informative.

We also get to spend some time on campus for some of our residency and it brings back memories of being back at UW as a freshman.  When I first stepped onto campus I immediately felt like I was at a small scaled UW just by the buildings and the quad.  It was crazy to see all the freshman (who made me feel so old!) moving in and buying all the books and wearing all the SHU gear.

And this is all great but I do miss my family!  This was my first time to leave sweet Ellie Reese and it's been hard!  Luckily, Dave's Aunt Bonnie was able to watch her during the time that this residency overlapped with Dave being gone for training.  Of course I had to pick up a little something for her :)

Dave ended up coming up to the Hilton with Ellie for the last night of residency.  We had a good time mingling with my classmates and professors during the cocktail hour and dinner.  Ellie ended up staying up way past her bedtime but faired quite well.  I was so thankful he and Ellie could come up.....5 days was a long time away from my sweet family!

10 months old! XOXO, Ellie

T-minus 2 months and and I'll be a 1 year old!!!! Can you believe it?  My momma says it has all gone by way too fast.

So, now that I'm getting bigger and bigger here is what the doctor told me about me when I saw her last week (a very belated 9 month check-up):

I weigh 20lbs 9oz, 68% ( wearing 12 month clothes and some 12-18 month )
28 inches long
17 inch head circumference, 80%

I still do not have any teeth but the doctor didn't seem too worried. ( The lower two are on their way in evidenced by whiteness in the gums.)    But I do love food!  I'm over chicken and avocado so I tell momma "No Thank You" with a swipe of my hand and shake of my head.  I still love my peas, green beans, nectarines, eggs and bananas.  Lately momma has turned me onto fish and dried seaweed, you know, like the kind wrapped around sushi.  But what I love the most is pasta and this chicken/veggie/quinoa mix mom gets from the store.

I am crawling all over the place, can pull myself up to stand, and have even tried standing on my own without holding on to anything.  But that ends real fast with a big thump to my bum on the ground.

Ever since we moved away from Cape Cod, we've been traveling and have had lots of changes.  So I kinda snuck into momma's bed....alot!  But last week she put her foot down and NO MORE!  (Luckily, it only took 2 bad nights before Ellie remembered what it was like sleeping all night in her own crib again.)  I guess it's ok.  But I don't like it when the dog comes in and barks at me to pick him up and put  him in my crib.  Doesn't he know that I'm not allowed to do that?!!!

I'm having a great time with my baby-sitter Ms. Maggie, who watches me 3 times a week.  But i'm getting sad that she will be moving away at the end of the month.  I just love her son Drew....who will I play with now?  Bella, don't worry...you're still my BFF ;)  Anyway, time for bed.  Bye for now-

XOXO,
Ellie Reese

Adventure Aquarium

Today we went to Camden, NJ, just on the other side of the river from Philadelphia, to the Adventure Aquarium.  Before leaving Cape Cod, I had heard that this place  was pretty fantastic.  Let me tell you, I was not disappointed!  In fact, I loved it so much I may get a membership.

This place was so hands on and kid friendly.  Although I probably shouldn't have gone on a Saturday with the stroller, it was still so much fun.  We were able to pet stingrays and sharks and they also had a seal feeding program but we didn't stick around for that.  We also sat through a 15 min 4D Undersea Creature film which was geared toward little kids, but so cute!  I can't wait to take Ellie back when she can actually enjoy it with the 3D glasses.

I just have to say, Ellie was amazing all day.  She loved this place, probably because of all the kids running around and the dark rooms, bright lights, and different smells.  I'm for sure a fan and will be back soon!

Busy Summer!

Before the ceremony

What a crazy and fun summer it has been.  After we moved to New Jersey Dave immediately left for Fort Leonardwood in Missouri for some training for his new unit.  Ellie and I quickly became adjusted to living on base, met all our neighbors, set up the house, then took a trip to Kansas City for my cousin Dana's wedding.

Our flight was uneventful, which was a blessing since it was my first time flying solo with Ellie Reese. I was really nervous about it but it actually went as smooth as it could have.  There seem to be quite a few kind gentlemen left in this world and I was sure to accept their help whenever they offered to carry a bag or open a door.  They must have seen the anxiety on my face with a baby in a stroller, a car seat bag, and my traveling backpack.  Ha!  Thank goodness for exceptional people!

Once we landed in KC, Ellie was the center of attention.  Her grandpa Vic flew in just a couple hours after I did and was loving on her like you couldn't believe. He even offered to watch her so all of the cousins could go downtown for a few adult beverages :}

All the Vogliardo siblings
Joey, Mike, Chris, Vic, Lisa Angie and Julie

Dana and Sam got married on what had to have been the hottest weekend of the summer.  It was hot!  Like 106 hot.  Thankfully she had an indoor wedding.  Everything was fabulous:  the ceremony, the reception, family and friends.  I had a blast!  It was so great to see all my cousins (except Gina) and catch up on everything.  I hope its not forever before we do it again.  

Me with my grandparents

Pappa Vic and I at the reception

All the cousins taking a celebratory shot

After the wedding, we came home and were able to spend 3 days with Dave before we got called out for a deployment in Puerto Rico.  So I've been keeping busy painting Ellie's room (those pictures to come once it's all complete), landscaping, playing, exploring, and just cleaning this house....all the time, now that we have a crawler on our hands!  

Dad spending some quality time with his girl before he had to take off again

A recap of things we've done since we've done this summer:

Exploring the Jersey Shore

 Practicing our walking skills

 Hanging out with mom :)

 Pulling up to stand

 Coast Guard Day

 Showing off new tricks

 Giggling

 Chasing our shadows

Ripping up toilet paper

Qualifying for baby Olympics at the gym

Hope everyone is enjoying their summer too!

The Edelsons.