The Cordella Clan

Bunk Beds!!!

2012-02-02T08:51:00.000-06:00

We enlisted the help of our friend, Benji, to assist Joe in the building of the beds. Joe told him it would take "about an hour." Four hours later (and two hours past bedtime) Fina was able to enjoy a great night of sleep on her new bunk beds. She will have a few months of flying solo in the room before we add Lucia to the mix. She started the night on the top bunk but quickly decided to sleep on the bottom bunk for the rest of the night. These photos are not the final layout of the room (we also bought some wall decals and artwork) but we decided to call it quits last night before it got too late. Thank you Nonna and Grandpa for your gift to the girls...they will appreciate it for years!!!

Hanging Around

2012-01-21T09:30:00.001-06:00

Maya Comes to Play

2012-01-21T09:29:00.000-06:00

Seraphina and Maya had a great time playing with each other last week. We played beauty shop, puzzles, and a game I like to call: torture the cat. :) Actually, I think Lani has a new best friend in Maya(which may have something to do with the 1,000 treats Maya shared with Lani).

(and yes, Fina stayed in her pajamas ALL day)

Snow Day

2012-01-21T09:25:00.000-06:00

After a night of "Wintery Mix" this is what we woke up to...

Christmas in New Jersey

2012-01-12T12:44:00.000-06:00

The best present of all was getting to see our new niece, Emmelene. What a great time we had watching all the cousins play together! Of course, as always, the food was delicious and as an extra surprise, Joe's Godparents came for dinner one night!

2012...it's gonna be a good one!

2012-01-12T09:16:00.001-06:00

We spent the beginning of 2012 with Seraphina's best friend, Jonathan, and his sister, Maya. (and their awesome parents)Also, Fina's Godmother surprised us with a visit from Texas for a few days last weekend! We had a great time catching up and spending time together!

Christmas Day

2012-01-12T09:12:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday, Jesus! We celebrated with as much energy as we could muster after being up with Seraphina all night!

Welcome 2012!

2012-01-12T09:03:00.000-06:00

I've been informed by an anonymous source (eh-hem Dad) that the blog has taken a backseat these past few months and it would be nice if I could catch everyone up...so here is a whole ton of pictures to satisfy you! As far as an update is concerned...2011 was a fantastic year! We ended it with some health issues with the girls but both of them seem to be improving daily! We welcomed 2012 with some good friends (but forgot to bring the camera) so you'll have to imagine all four of us with another family of four celebrating with mini hot dogs and homemade pizza. We're off to a rocky start so far in 2012 as the Odyssey needs a new transmission (ouch!) but otherwise we are looking forward to all the blessings and graces of a new year with our girls!Peace,p.s. these pictures include Christmas Eve at Donna and Nicolai's house The last picture is what I found on Christmas morning (around 8:30am) after Seraphina was sick all night and finally at 4:00am decided to go downstairs and watch The Lion King with Daddy...poor girl. She was a trooper. And it made for a most memorable Christmas!

Playin'

2011-11-21T16:58:00.001-06:00

Nonna and Grandpa

2011-11-21T16:56:00.001-06:00

The visits always seem to go too fast...but we enjoyed our time with Nonna and Grandpa and hope to see them again soon!

Go Ravens!

2011-11-21T09:45:00.001-06:00

Thanks to our amazing neighbors, Donna and Nicolai, I was able to see the Ravens eight rows from the field! What a great time!!! The win was hard-fought and I am hoarse today due to all of my screaming! Awesome day with my bestie!

Random Pictures Post Parties

2011-11-10T17:21:00.001-06:00

Andalucia's First Birthday Party

2011-11-10T17:15:00.001-06:00

Andalucia had a beautiful day surrounded by some great friends who love her so much!

Seraphina's Third Birthday Party

2011-11-10T17:10:00.001-06:00

Thank you to all of Fina's friends who came over to celebrate her life! We had a great time painting faces, making binoculars, going on a Safari Ride, playing games, and eating Bengal Bites, Monkey Tails, and cupcakes!

Halloween 2011 Part Trois

2011-10-31T19:18:00.005-05:00

Our Halloween was a fantastic family event. We started the evening by taking lots of pictures and then headed to the neighborhood party down the street. After a eating a delicious spread (thanks, Katie) we were ready to Trick-or-Treat. Seraphina had such a great time walking around the block with Mommy and Daddy. When our bag got too heavy to carry we traveled home and handed out lots and lots of candy. What a great night!!!

Halloween 2011 Part Deux

2011-10-31T19:16:00.003-05:00

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T19:14:00.002-05:00

My Bumble Bee Princess and Ladybug Princess were the stars of the show!

Fall Festival at IHM

2011-10-17T15:15:00.003-05:00

Our parish hosted a fantastic fall festival that included: pony rides, a hay ride, pumpkin painting, games, crafts, prizes and food. We all had a great day and I especially enjoyed checking out the school as a potential for the girls in the future...what a great day! (and a big "thank you" to Donna and Nicolai who gave Seraphina lots and lots of tickets so she could ride each of the different colored ponies).

Loungin'

2011-09-26T07:18:00.001-05:00

Deepa Visits

2011-09-26T07:17:00.002-05:00

Maryland State Fair

2011-09-26T07:15:00.003-05:00

Short Videos

2011-08-24T08:42:00.001-05:00

Quinton Stays Over

2011-08-24T08:38:00.003-05:00

After the museum, our family of four became five when we took Quinton home with us for a night. Our 24 hours included: quesadillas at Qdoba, ice cream at YogoYa, movie and popcorn, and playing/torturing the cat. I think the cousins had a great time together and hopefully we can do it again next summer!

Port Discover Children's Museum

2011-08-24T08:35:00.002-05:00

A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of exploring Port Discovery with Quinton and Mac.

The Strike is Over.

2011-08-24T08:28:00.002-05:00

For those of you who check our blog faithfully-many thanks. You may have noticed it has been quite some time since my last post. In part, this is because my parents are constantly asking for videos and I am sick of taking videos with our regular "just pictures" camera. So I went on strike with the intention of saying I would only come back if they bought us a video camera for Christmas. Alas, today my dad and I agreed on terms and I will be posting once again...and we'll see what happens at Christmas. However, I would like the record to show that I will NEVER blog again if he doesn't come through. (but my dad ALWAYS comes through).

So...without further family drama...here are some vids...

Vids...

2011-07-20T09:20:00.000-05:00

Seraphina has been really into saying: "To The RESCUE" lately...

Dutch Wonderland Part Deux

2011-07-20T09:19:00.002-05:00

Dutch Wonderland

2011-07-20T09:14:00.002-05:00

Lancaster, PA didn't know what hit it when the Cordella and Campaigne clans hit it last Friday. The pictures say it all: we had a Dutch Wonderful day!

Potty Training Update...

2011-06-09T08:11:00.002-05:00

Whew...I thought having my abdomen cut open seven inches and watching a baby being pulled out of it was difficult. Then, I thought going back into the E.R. for hemorrhoid surgery a week later (one of the most painful surgeries known to man) was going to be difficult. But none of it compares to potty training.

Actually, it hasn't been that bad. The first three days were torturous...I felt like I never left Seraphina's side...and I probably asked her, "do you have to go pee-pee on the potty?" about once every 45 seconds. I was just about to give up when Day Four arrived. And she got it. We haven't had any accidents (she does wear a pull-up to bed...so I'm not counting that part) since. We have even gone potty at a friend's house (but never in a public restroom). She told me a few days ago, "diapers are for babies." She now refuses to wear anything but underwear unless going to bed which requires a pull-up. I am so proud of my little girl! I would also like to thank my most fantastic husband for kicking it in gear and pretty much making us do it over Memorial Day weekend so that he could help out with the worst of it. :)

Of course, I'm still expecting some accidents to occur, but I think for the most part she's doing well!

2 1/2 years old...not too bad. My next goal is to get Andalucia to stop crawling and SIT UP!

Picture Update

2011-06-09T08:09:00.003-05:00

Black Tie at the Cloisters

2011-06-07T12:10:00.002-05:00

Joe and I were very excited to be invited to the Black Tie event of the season. (o.k. I don't know if that last part is true) but we did find out that the Italians know how to party! A huge "thank-you" to Dan (for inviting us), Erin (for going with us), David (for lending Joe a Tux), and Julia (for lending me a dress and jewelry). (oh, and our neighbor, Amber, for taking care of the kids while we rubbed elbows with the Consulate General (a.k.a. Meatball) and other well-dressed Italians.

Memorial Day

2011-05-31T10:57:00.001-05:00

Even in the heat, the six children and 12 adults had a wonderful time at the house for our Memorial Day dinner. (I can't call it a BBQ since we didn't actually do any grilling). Regardless, the food was excellent as was the company. We were sad when it came time to say goodbye to our friends...but hopefully this summer will bring lots of pool time!

Pics of the Girls

2011-05-31T10:50:00.003-05:00

Even though I forgot to make signs that said: "I'm Six Months Old", Lucy did turn six months a few days ago...she once again impressed the doctor at her well-visit and for those of you keeping track, she is 26 inches long and 15 pounds 13 ounces. While she refuses to sit up on her own she has the best little army crawl around. And as long as she is motivated she will travel far and wide to get what she wants.

Seraphina turned 2 and 1/2 and we celebrated with a tea party for ALL of our stuffed animals. She is spending this week potty training so please say a pray for ME during this time :)

Both of the girls are growing into happy, healthy, wonderful kids and I love spending my days with them!

"...Beautifully and Wonderfully made..."

2011-05-12T11:32:00.000-05:00

The video says it all...

Sleeping Beauty (with a Cinderella crown)

2011-05-12T11:30:00.000-05:00

One of Fina's favorite pastimes: dress-up.

It's a Zoo around here...

2011-05-12T11:27:00.000-05:00

Elijah and Nathaniel invited the girls to the zoo a few days ago...we had a beautiful day to explore the ENTIRE place (an impressive feat with four kiddos). We look forward to doing it again soon!

Being a Mom is Awesome...

2011-05-12T11:18:00.000-05:00

My first Mother's Day with two girls was fantastic! I woke up to a brunch fit for a queen...made by my favorite chef. After breakfast we relaxed by my beautiful fountain (a gift from Fina and Lucy).

To top off my day, Joe confirmed our reservations for a cruise next month (where my only motherly duties will be to drop off the girls to Joe's parents)! I am so blessed to be a mommy!

Mother-Daughter Look Alike Contest

2011-05-09T13:03:00.002-05:00

We didn't win the contest but we had a great time! Thanks to everyone who came out to support us! I'm already working on my plan of attack for next year.

Oh, the life...

2011-05-09T12:59:00.000-05:00

Around the House

2011-05-09T12:58:00.000-05:00

Jess and Will Visit from Michigan

2011-05-09T12:51:00.003-05:00

Our whole family had a great time with Jess and Will during their visit. Highlights included: Game Night, Landscaping, Towsontown Festival, and Five Guys. Thanks to both of you for making the trip...we hope to do it again soon!

Cutest Videos...

2011-04-16T17:36:00.001-05:00

Loungin...

2011-04-15T10:51:00.003-05:00

Thanks to Grandpa for the portable DVD player...now Joe watches his soccer games on television while the girls watch their shows together.

Delaware Continued...

2011-04-15T10:48:00.000-05:00

This is how you feed your second child in a restaurant...

Delaware with Nanny and Pop-Pop

2011-04-15T10:46:00.003-05:00

What a great idea (it was Nanny's) to meet at the Christiana Mall in Delaware for lunch and shopping. The granparents treated BOTH girls to their very own "Build-a-Bear" which was a lot of fun and has since required me to buy a toy stroller so that Fina can take her "Beary Bear" on walks with us around the neighborhood. :) Lunch at Ruby Tuesday was fantastic and Lucy enjoyed eating up at the table! Thanks so much for such a great day---we look forward to doing it again!

2 pictures and a video...

2011-04-08T08:18:00.002-05:00

Emily's Visit

2011-04-08T08:13:00.002-05:00

My cousin, Emily, decided to spend her senior year Spring Break with us in Maryland! We had a fantastic time visiting, sight-seeing, shopping, and laughing. She was a great help to me during the day: changing diapers, feeding bottles, and being a good source of conversation. I miss her already! Seraphina asks about Emily every day...hopefully we will see her again soon!

Miscellaneous Pics...

2011-03-26T19:51:00.000-05:00

Seraphina gets her ears pierced!!! pt. 2

2011-03-26T19:50:00.001-05:00

Seraphina gets her ears pierced!!!

2011-03-26T19:48:00.002-05:00

Video #1

If we had any doubts about Seraphina being a "big girl" they were dispelled yesterday when she got her ears pierced!

The past week in videos...

2011-03-18T10:10:00.002-05:00

pictures coninued...

2011-03-18T10:09:00.001-05:00

The past week in pictures...

2011-03-18T10:07:00.001-05:00

Train Video

2011-03-10T12:44:00.001-06:00

New Jersey

2011-03-10T12:26:00.004-06:00

Last Sunday, Seraphina, Andalucia, and I headed up to New Jersey to see Nanny, Pop-pop, Aunt Kimberly, Quinton, and Mac. Our adventure started when we drove through quite the rainstorm all the way up to Cranbury. The girls were so well behaved the whole time we were in the car...which really made the stress of driving in the rain easier. Our first full day, we were able to take advantage of the many fine things Costco has to offer and then treated ourselves (well, Nanny treated us) to a great lunch at the Rainforest Cafe. Fina especially loved the waterfall and I especially loved the Tomato Basil Soup!

The following day, Seraphina was able to participate in Mac's YMCA class for 2 year olds! It brought me so much joy to see him take her by the hand so that she felt more comfortable in a new place. The toddlers really enjoyed themselves and were happy to receive a well-deserved juice box from Aunt Kimberly at the end of the class.

Unfortunately, Quinton developed an ear infection while we were visiting so when Kimberly went out for some previous obligations, Nanny and I watched the four kiddos. I WAS EXHAUSTED. And I should mention that none of them had a meltdown, tantrum, etc. So even on their best behavior...four kids is about two too many for me! :) During the chaos, Nanny cooked dinner for all of us plus Great Grandpa. What. A. Day.

The Cordella girls has such a great time visiting family...but we are also happy to be back home with Daddy!

Happy Birthday Grandpa

2011-03-08T06:40:00.004-06:00

Just two days after Joe's birthday and two before our anniversary is another special day...Grandpa's Birthday! So today we dedicate our blog to our Grandpa (and Dad) who we love very much!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD - Love, Sami
From telling us stories, to playing on the floor with us to bouncing us on our knees,
we love our Grandpa and can't wait to see him soon!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY GRANDPA! - Love, Fina and Lucy

My baby girl...

2011-02-28T09:36:00.000-06:00

Shopping Cart

2011-02-28T09:34:00.002-06:00

This gives me the feeling that Seraphina thinks I just went shopping and picked up Andalucia at the grocery store and brought her home to live with us. I'll probably stick with that story for another few years.

Seraphina in her playhouse...

2011-02-28T09:33:00.000-06:00

Tummy Time

2011-02-28T09:31:00.001-06:00

Cute Videos

2011-02-20T17:46:00.002-06:00

Lucy is 3 months old!!!

2011-02-20T17:43:00.003-06:00

We can't believe our little baby is three months old already...it seems like she's had a lot more than three months worth of experiences already! What a joy it is to take care of such a precious little girl.

New rug and new dining set

2011-02-20T17:37:00.002-06:00

Our friend Erin offered us her brother's old dining room set...we couldn't pass up such a nice table and chairs...the only problem with our "free" table was that we moved the rug into the dining room so we bought one online for the living room...it arrived a few days ago and here are some pictures to show off our new main level.

Andalucia Smiles!

2011-02-18T07:49:00.002-06:00

We finally captured a video of Andalucia smiling...her personality is really starting to show...and we are loving every minute!!!

Just Playin'

2011-02-18T07:47:00.003-06:00

Saturday Videos

2011-02-12T17:13:00.002-06:00

This is our typical Saturday...just lounging around spending some quality time with each other...until Seraphina requests to watch "Dora and Boots" then it's more like quality time with the television. :)

More of the playhouse...

2011-02-06T16:36:00.001-06:00

Good health is on the way...we hope!

2011-02-06T16:31:00.003-06:00

After being cooped up this week in light of Andalucia's pneumonia, we welcomed a visit from Nanny and Pop-pop. Of course, they never show up empty handed...and Seraphina has pretty much been living inside of the princess playhouse they bought for her when they were in Florida. I don't know how I am going to get her to sleep in her bed at night...we might have to put the tent over the bed.

Update on Andalucia: She is still on antibiotics but her appetite is back and she is once again only waking up once per night or, like last night, sleeping through the night. We are so happy that she is on the mend...

A big thank you for all the prayers and positive thoughts!

And a little more...

2011-01-30T16:57:00.002-06:00

Andalucia has wonderful Godparents. We are truly blessed to have met them during our adventure here in Maryland. She will be well loved by both Erin and Tim in the years to come and we look forward to more celebrating in the future! Thanks to both of you for helping to make this Sacrament so meaningful to our family!

More celebrating...

2011-01-30T16:54:00.001-06:00

Baptism Celebration!

2011-01-30T16:52:00.001-06:00

I forgot to add the pictures from the celebration at our house after Andalucia was baptized!

When it's cold out...

2011-01-30T16:36:00.001-06:00

...nothing beats a soak in the tub.

Baby in a bag...

2011-01-30T16:35:00.002-06:00

Who needs a Baby Bjorn...an L.L. Bean bag works great.

A little bit of snow...

2011-01-30T16:32:00.002-06:00

When we first moved to Maryland we were told that some years "it barely even snows at all". Lies, my friends, all lies.

Baptized pt. 4

2011-01-23T13:47:00.001-06:00

Baptized pt. 3

2011-01-23T13:44:00.001-06:00

Baptized pt. 2

2011-01-23T13:42:00.001-06:00

Baptized...

2011-01-23T13:35:00.002-06:00

Andalucia was surrounded by love yesterday. Fr. Mark Thibodeaux, S.J. did a wonderful job making her feel special as the newest member of our faith family. It was an honor that he was able to be here for such a joyful occasion. Seraphina was a great role model for Andalucia during the times of prayer...o.k. o.k. she mostly just walked around the chapel smiling at everyone while wearing Beth Ann's gloves. Surely, in the short time that we have been here in Maryland we have met some wonderful people...including Andalucia's Godparents...Erin and Tim. Thank you to everyone who helped make Lucy's day extra special.

2 Month Pictures

2011-01-23T13:32:00.003-06:00

My little light is growing...her personality is starting to show and I fall more in love with her everyday. If only I could freeze time...

2 month well visit

2011-01-17T11:50:00.002-06:00

Andalucia impressed the doctor by how alert she was and with the amount of eye contact she gave everyone in the office. Of course, they all loved seeing such a beautiful little baby...

Here are her measurements:

10 pounds...14th percentile
22.5 inches...34th percentile

It's crazy to think that some babies are this big when they are born and Andalucia is already 2 months old!!! But I have a feeling she's going to catch up soon!

Snugglers

2011-01-15T15:24:00.002-06:00

Seraphina and Andalucia both wearing their blue jams and doing their favorite thing...snuggling!

Crazy Dancer

2011-01-15T15:23:00.001-06:00

Typical Afternoon...

2011-01-15T15:21:00.003-06:00

Videos...

2011-01-07T11:55:00.002-06:00

My parents have requested more videos...for the rest of you, sorry these are not more exciting. :)

Beautiful baby

2011-01-07T11:52:00.003-06:00

I cannot get enough of this little girl! So many people have noticed how alert she is...these are some pictures of her playing with her favorite toy from my friend, Charlotte.

Random Pictures

2010-12-28T15:59:00.001-06:00

Candy Cane Kid

2010-12-28T15:58:00.001-06:00

Some snow...

2010-12-28T15:55:00.002-06:00

The best part about the blizzard was getting to play in the snow with Seraphina. Joe kept asking her if she wanted to go inside but her response was always, "no." She outlasted all of us!

Quinton meets Andalucia

2010-12-28T15:52:00.001-06:00

The oldest cousin and the youngest cousin seemed to hit it off from the start. Particularly adorable, was when Quinton whispered to me, "she's beautiful."

Christmas with Nanny and Pop-Pop

2010-12-28T15:50:00.001-06:00

Christmas Afternoon

2010-12-28T15:47:00.002-06:00

With the threat of a blizzard looming, we decided to surprise Nanny and Pop-Pop and head to New Jersey a few days early...

Christmas Morning Pt. 2

2010-12-28T15:46:00.001-06:00

Christmas Morning

2010-12-28T15:41:00.004-06:00

The four of us woke up to a beautiful morning...a few snow flurries in the air made the day perfect. We continued our tradition of reading the Nativity Story and then began to open gifts, drink mimosas, and enjoy each others company.

Our girls...

2010-12-13T12:26:00.002-06:00

Seeing Santa

2010-12-13T12:21:00.002-06:00

Santa rode through our neighborhood on the back of a fire truck last Saturday evening! With sirens blaring, he waved to all of the houses in Loch Raven Village. Better yet, he made a few stops along the way and Fina was able to (unhappily) sit on his lap. She was pretty mad about having to be placed on a stranger's lap, but she was really pleased with her first-ever candy cane.

Andalucia all bundled up before heading out...she loves being warm and cozy in her car seat!

Andalucia goes to work...

2010-12-13T12:18:00.002-06:00

Andalucia and her God-Father, Biz (Tim).

Dada and Lucy.

Lucy's God-mother, Erin (E-cool) put Seraphina to work...

Nanny and Pop-Pop visit (the first time)

2010-12-13T12:14:00.002-06:00

The grandparents with the girls...Seraphina looks like a giant compared to Andalucia!

She likes to get up close and personal.

The power of prayer and the Keurig have gotten me through the last three weeks.

They never show up empty-handed. :) Fina enjoyed opening all of her gifts from so many generous people in New Jersey!

The past few days...

2010-11-28T17:15:00.001-06:00

Life with my two girls...

2010-11-28T17:12:00.001-06:00

We are loving our family of FOUR!!!