THOMAS Arrives!!!!

For those of you who have been around lately - Alessandro is obsessed with everything Thomas. From his books, videos, apparel, toys and even the flashing light sandals that Nonna gave him (which are actually growing on me), we thought we had it all. That is until our dearest friend Tressa and her son Ethan (from Atlanta) sent us all of his Thomas play set. It arrived in a large box weighing over 30lbs, which we let sit there until last weekend due to possible excitement overload. Mommy surprised all the boys by getting it all set up yesterday in the basement and we are beyond thrilled. These photos are from the moment he saw it (note his obvious delight) and playing with all his new Thomas friends. Now poor daddy has to buy us a train table, but he loves it just as much as the boys, so don't listen to him. :)

Thanks Tressa and Ethan - we are over the moon!!!!

Hope to see you soon visiting Sodor or just come here. We can't wait!

XOXO

Update -

The boys are well and getting ready for an action packed summer. Today was our last day of gymnastics (although we will be going to Gym Toddler Camp later this summer) and we are ready for fun. Mama Boal is coming to visit next week and Pops Laterza again in August which will be really fun. Other visitors this month include our friends from DC and David's cousin and his family from Alabama the second week of July. Also this weekend we plan to make our first trip to the Zoo with Chrissy which will be fantastic.

Nino is going back to the doctor next week for official stats, but believe me when I tell you that he is getting BIG. He also continues to roll to one side and babbles/koos when he is happy. Most importantly he is sleeping so much better at night (average is 9:00pm - 5:00am) which has been like heaven to all of us.

Alessandro continues to be the model big brother every day. He is jumping around, loves to play outside, loves the park, adores the library (and books in general) continues to torment the dog and is simply Elmo obsessed. If you want to get anything done around the house and not read a book for a moment, then Elmo on CD, DVD or Tivo is the answer my friends. He is so impressed that he can now eat at the table with us, although we have not put the high chair away just yet. The newest excitement is that Pops sent up all of Daddy's old matchbox cars and we play with them every evening. What he likes best is to hold each of them up and have Daddy detail the make, model and color in detail. Perhaps a future Nascar driver or fan. Dare to dream.

Happy Summer!

XOXO

Happy Father's Day!

We are looking forward to a great Father's Day - very quiet of course since we can still not really go anywhere. Pops has gone home, so we actually also celebrated Father's Day with him earlier this week. Attached David and the boys in the backyard last weekend, which is ironically the last time I remember seeing the sun. All our love to you Dads! XOXO

Artwork Gone Really BAD!

Okay so we do daily arts and crafts.... painting, coloring, drawing and the like. Most of you are getting a little nauseous but it fills the afternoon. Well yesterday we were coloring some Father's Day cards with markers (which we only use on special occasions). The baby was crying in his chair and I picked him up taking my eyes of the process for two minutes and you guessed it the table and THE DOG were colored in purple marker (purple is now our favorite color after blue of course). The table wiped clean but poor Oli has a purple highlight over his left ear that does not seem to be coming out. Oh yeah and you guessed it when Alessandro sees him he points and says "purple" which adds insult to injury for the poor dog. Don't call Animal Control just yet please - we think we learned our lesson - meaning Mommy about the markers. XOXO

Do they look alike?

Many of you have asked if the boys look alike.... Well I figure the best way is to let you judge for yourself. What do you think????? Antonio (three months) is the closer up photo Alessandro (four months) is the one where you can see his little feet. Yes the hand me down outfit is to further confuse you. XOXO

The Old Antique Crib -

As all of you know there is a family antique crib in our family and we of course are lucky to be in possession of it. David calls it the "crib of death" and will allow the boys only to be in it for very short photo sessions for Mama Boal. Here are the latest photos before it magically went up into the atic for a little nap - well it is old after all. XOXO

Nino At Three Months -

Yes readers today is Antonio's three month birthday. Okay so perhaps being 1/4 of a year old is not a tremendous feat, but it does show that we are out of the dreaded "fourth trimester" and settling down into comfortable babyhood. Antonio continues to be a really good baby although definitely one that likes to be held, which who can fault him for that right? He also loves his gym, the bumpo chair and Alessandro's old excersaucer, basically anything that keeps him upright likely due to the acid reflux he still suffers. The "Little Bull" as we are calling him is weighing in at a little over 13 pounds and is going through outfits like Kristie Alley (okay that was a little mean). In the past week Antonio has been on a plane, stranded in Charlotte with Mama and Aunt Deborah and rolled over from his back to his front so the progress is exhausting. He looks forward to seeing all his friends soon to show him how big and smart he is.

XOXO

Gynmastics Spring Session -

Yes Alessandro is still enjoying the "Big Boy" Gymnastics class that he is in this Spring at the Y. He has three little friends in the class and there are also some pretty cute little girls as well (the little "Nadia" leotards just kill me). He is walking on the balance beam, turning forward rolls and following the group through the obstacle course. David says it is like training for "Battle of the Network Stars" but for Alessandro it is a test of coordination and patience, imagine all the two to three year olds following each other.

XOXO

The Von Trapp Boy -

Yes all of you know that I like to dress the boys in a very "classic" style that is not always to David's taste. This past Sunday this was the outfit he wore which I think is perfectly precious. David thought it was too cute as well, but did call him "Little Boy Von Trapp" all morning before church. What do you all think?

BTW at Sunday school they took the day off and played on the play ground which was very much to Alessandro's liking. He may never just want to sit for story time again. :)

XOXOXO

Pop Pop's Visit -

It is the most wonderful time - when Pop Pop is here to visit with us and the boys. He finds both of them much changes since March and is really having a good time. That is when Alessandro will leave him alone from constant request to read to him every second. Elmo Elmo! We are so excited and can not wait for him to visit again in September which seems much too far away.

XOXO

Antonio is Three Months -

Can you believe it - Antonio is three months old? At least per the pediatrician who we saw today. He weighs 12.13 and is 24 inches tall. These seem to both be good percentiles, especially from where the little guy started and he is perfectly healthy. Luckily he is also up on his immunizations so hopefully we can start getting out a little more which will be great.

Alessandro is also making great strides, he is feeding himself which is exciting (although a lot more mess for sure). He is also doing great with new words and trying hard to adjust to his new big boy bed (napping in it right now actually). He is still the sweetest boy and continues to be the most perfect big brother.

Antonio and I are off with Aunt Deborah to North Carolina for Mimi's funeral. Although it is a sad time for the family, we are also glad to be together and to celebrate her happy 90 years of life. Thanks for sending all the love, we feel so blessed.
XOXO