Memorial Day Fun!

We had a great Memorial Day - filled with fun right out of a slice of Americana. In the morning we watched the local parade, which marched right past our house (we sat in chairs in the driveway). There were veterans, bands, firetrucks, little leagues and even paramedics (including the ones who helped with Nino who came over to see their handiwork). Alessandro waived to everyone including our congressman (must do more research on him for sure). Afterwards we went over to our friends house for a backyard BBQ which was filled with nice people, delicious food, an awesome custom swing set fort and lots of other kids playing in their inflatable pool and slide. Alessandro was totally exhausted when we got home and keeps talking about all the excitement. Too bad there is not a parade everyday..... Sending love to all and can't wait to hear about all the other great holidays.

XOXO

Shower for Auntie Evelyn -

All of us went into the city last weekend for a Baby Shower for our friends Evelyn and Dinesh. They are expecting a little boy (where are all the little girls) next month. We had the shower at Jacques Torres or Mr. Chocolate as they call him in NYC. While standing in the crowd, Alessandro received a chocolate lollipop with a baseball bat on it from Mr. Chocolate himself. This is after all the upscale equivalent of getting candy from Willy Wonka.... Still he smiled but showed no interest at all in the candy - luckily David was there to grab it for him - yummm! '

Can't wait for all the good news about the baby and also a return visit for more chocolate.
XOXO

Summer House -

All - we are not "taking it on the road" this year to our beloved Outter Banks for vacation. Instead we are staying close to home for the most part. However the boys and Mama are planning to attend a Ladies & Babies weekend in August at Wild Dunes which should be fantastic - yippee! Am sure there will be plenty of fun stories from the flight to share.

For most of the summer we will be hanging at the house and enjoying the new deck furniture and Dave's new vegetable garden. Come and visit soon!

XOXO

The Old G.O.P. -

For those of you at Alessandro's Baby Shower - you will remember that our dear friend Corie (Auntie CoCo) got him a balloon to cuddle with of an elephant. This was because like us she is a very unpopular conservative in DC. Well as you can see it is quite a favorite now.... If only the G.O.P. were so well loved in all the other homes right?

XOXO

Nino at Two Months -

Yes time is just flying by and the littlest guy is already two months. Nino is sleeping pretty well at night (averaging five hours with a high of seven total blip). He is also getting bigger and outgrowing all the newborn clothes (finally) and getting more expression each day often smiling at Daddy which he does not believe is actually likely gas... Alessandro continues to be a model big brother helping with everything and getting worried when he can not see the little fellow. Think the photos say it best - he is just perfect! XOXO

Cruisin....

All of you check out the new photo of the little man.... We have been working on wearing sunglasses since last summer and today he just put them on while we were riding around town. Then he of course put them on his head when asking a question - wonder where in the world he got that from. Next stop the beach this July - at least now we are a little more ready. XOXO

Haircut Anyone?

It was sadly time for a haircut - and we went yesterday to get "styled." Alessandro was relatively good - likely because he was sitting in a fire truck and watching elmo, but good is good right? Anyhow check out the new doo... Also the stylist was so impressed with him that she also used a little "product" when they were done. SSSShhhhh - this is a secret from Daddy - XOXO

Thomas Has Made Us Train Crazy!

Yes we have now joined the world of toddler hood and are in love with Thomas the Tank Engine. We love the show, books and everything we can get our hands on. Luckily Mama Boal has helped by getting him shirts and shoes (they actually light up) to add to the collection. As you can see daddy is also quite the instigator.... Yes when your older boys grow out of this stage - call me - perhaps we can work a deal.....

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to all of you. The boys and I are staying here this weekend and just enjoying each other. David had a business trip this week (his first leaving all three of us) so we are thrilled to all just be home. Alessandro and I are planning on church and picking up lunch take out and Daddy is going to grill something delicious for dinner - we are so spoiled by the grill. To all my "mentor moms" what would I do without you? Thanks for keeping me on the straight and narrow. Much love from Mama Duck NJ and the Boyz -

XOXOXO

Spring Training -

Alessandro is the glad recipient of a Baseball Birthday Gift from his friend Seamus which he is quite enamored with. Much to David's elation he seems to be "batting" with both the right and left hand, but think this is more out of confusion then anything. We love to hit the ball with Daddy in the yard, kick the soccer ball and of course either throw the ball with or just chase the poor Dog. Batter up!

Lastly the photo of him with the blue tooth is an ode to my girlfriends at home who encouraged me to get one for when we are in the car or walking with the stroller. Okay am hooked and loves it as a favorite new toy. Now Alessandro thinks it is the coolest thing ever and always want to use it as well - pehaps dorky is also a family train?

Nino at Seven Weeks -

Nino is continuing to be a great baby. He is getting big and likes only to be sitting and propped upright so think he is moving right along much faster then his older brother. He sleeps around nine hours at night with one break for a snack and still takes at least two good naps during the day (as long as he is swaddled). Antonio seems to be more of a text book baby - he likes to be in the car when it is moving, will go anywhere in the stroller and spits up all the time (we are told by the doctor this is more of a laundry then medical problem....).

Alessandro continues to be an angel of a big brother helping Mom with whatever Antonio needs and really working on his patience when the baby needs something. When you see him next ask him who his "best friend" is and he will reply Nino - which brings me almost to tears each time.

Italian School -

David and Alessandro are going to Italian school every Saturday morning. At Italian school they sing songs, great each other and learn new things all in Italian. Each week the teacher has a theme like "family" or "things you find in the home" and they learn the Italian words. There are also puppets, musical instruments and Alessandro's favorite "the stamp" at the end of class when he is good (really everyone gets a stamp but here is hoping). This week they learned about animals and the photos are of them meeting the butterflies and birds that live in the classroom. He has learned some words and as of late understands when Daddy asks for a "high five" or says come along. We hope this will be a window to them both learning to love Italian and wanting to learn more, plus it is really fun for them to do together. Very exciting! Also the Italian School has a carnival coming up which we are sure will be a hit. Ciao!

Birthday Continued -

Alessandro has continued celebrating his second birthday with cake and presents on the actual day. Yes it is more like 12 days of celebration here for turning two..... The actual day was a Saturday which means he was at Italian School and they all sung to him in Italian. Then we walked to the bakery for our favorite cookies - Alessandro's is the face of Elmo and so now he has the word for cookie and Elmo all confused. When we finish lunch and he eats everything he asks for an "Elmo" and David of course acts like he does not know what that means.... Oooops!

Alessandro's Second Birthday!

April 25th was Alessandro's second birthday party and we had a ball. We just had a small family party and a cupcake that was divine (as you can see). Auntie Chrissy and Uncle Marcus visited from the city which was very nice. Together we enjoyed one of the summer preview days in the back yard. Alessandro has also enjoyed all his presents from everyone - especially the load ones with flashing lights and Mr. Potato Head (from Aunt Deborah) that has 1001 parts. Most of all he is enjoying his first birthday as a big brother. He and Antonio are still getting along famously and crazy about each other.

Now onward to the fantastic twos which we are hopeful will be more terrific and less terrible.

Updated Photos of the Boys -

Yes when trying to photograph two boys under two it can be quite exciting. Usually we get a great photo of one and not the other or just get non cooperation all together. In a couple of months we will venture into the world of professional photography but hope you enjoy these for now.

All is well - we have resumed our normal activities trying to get a schedule in the works. Mama Boal has left so we are not officially on our own while Daddy is at work. We have gymnastics, Mommy's morning out and Italian School (on Saturday with Daddy). Also hope to add swimming classes again, but are waiting for the summer schedule. In other exciting news Alessandro has been accepted to St. Paul's (our Parish) for Preschool in the fall . We will be attending for just two days a week but we are excited to be back in school and to meet all the other great kids in the parish and in the neighborhood. So much excitement!

Fancy Stroller -

We have a fabulous new stroller and are so excited. 10 of the best people in the world got together and got us the BOB DOUBLE STROLLER. It fits both boys (even with Nino in his little car seat) and we are on the go. Daddy claims that it is roughly the size of most NYC apartments but we have not found anywhere that we would not fit and it is a smooth ride. We call it the Land Rover because it is a large luxurious ride. It also does fit into the trunk for travel but there is not much room for anything else, but frankly who needs anything else? Many thanks Ladies we are over the moon!

Easter/Grandma Arrives -

Easter has been a very busy time for us all. Alessandro has gone to his first Easter Egg hunt and seen the Easter Bunny twice. Mama Boal arrived for 10 days to visit and help and Aunt Deb and Uncle Sean are also here. We went to our first Children's Easter Service with Alessandro which was a nice excuse to be with the babes. Alessandro loved it because Father Andrew played his guitar during the service and the children's choir sang.

We continue to be very busy with both boys but Antonio sleeps a little better each day. He is also in the pack and play which is much improved over the first week of holding him in the glider all night. YIKES!

Happy Easter!

Antonio Arrives -

Antonio arrived to us on March 12th. We almost did not make it to the hospital (born seven minutes after our arrival via ambulance) but were so happy for his safe arrival. He weighed 7.4 and was 20 1/2 inches long. For those of you that are keeping track that is almost two pounds shy of big brother's weight but one half inch longer. After spending two days in the hospital we are now all at home enjoying a very busy life together.

Pops Laterza is here to help out in the beginning and we have much to celebrate as Daddy's birthday is four days after Antonio's.

Back to Blogging -

All - after a brief hiatus Mama Laterza NJ is back in business. We have moved to New Jersey, I quit my job and we had added to the brood with little Antonio. We have missed blogging to keep everyone up to date on our adventures and look forward to being much better about regular entries. Look forward to getting back on track. XOXO