Library Adventures -

Yes life in the burbs is exciting and one of the biggest fun is "Library Adventures." No that is not the name of a new reality show on Lifetime it is the program at our local library for young readers. The kids come in with their age group - we come on Tuesday with the 3s because we are in school on Thursday and besides Alessandro is a rather advanced reader..... Each week the children's librarian Ms. Susan has a theme and reads to the kids and then follows up with a art craft or other activity. We have been twice the first time we read about apples and made homemade apple sauce (he seemed to like it almost as well as Motts....) and this week we read about Scarecrows and made a scarecrow face on a paper plate. It is cute and all the kids seem to really enjoy it.

Most importantly as many of you know - our trips to the library are extra exciting because they yield "old books" that we turn in upstairs and "new books" that we pick our downstairs. Of course man of the new selections have already been home with us which is fine as well. Now for extra super fun - each trip to the library also means a visit with "Fireball" the library's pet Guinea pig. Now when we first started going to visit last year fireball was old and blind only leaving his house when ADL would throw his favorite fresh cilantro at him - literally hitting him over the head. Now Fireball seems to be very spry indeed jumping around, climbing on his toys and begging for treats (they only accept those high in vitamin C for the "old guy"). Am not sure what is going on but if anyone knows the true story please let me know if my suspicions are correct. HA! XOXOXO

Missing Everyone -

Yes we are still missing everyone after last week surrounded by all the family and friends. The boys are asking everyday when the entire group is coming back - which is sad but so cute. Can remember counting the days until our grandparents arrived. Luckily Aunt Deb and Nonna are arriving tonight so Daddy can enjoy his "Boys Weekend" at the Maryland game.

This week we had a lot of fun activities - the Library had it's book sale and we loved looking at all the kids books (ADL picked out at least 20 - luckily they were $1 each). His patience and love of books amazes me everyday.

Nino is playing and communicating a little more each day. He wants to sit up so badly but just seems to slump over because he is so big) okay a little plump. While Nino is on his playmat - his big brother just likes to sit there and play and talk to him. The entire experience just warms my little heard everyday and so there are now 1001 pictures so I can remind them in ten years when they want to kill each other.

We are all still working on thank yous, art and this month "special manners." Next time you see Alessandro be sure and shake hands - he is getting good at it just as long as the right is available at the time. Lots of Love for Friday - XOXOXO

Drive Thru that is Good For You -

Yes we always hear that the "Drive Thru" is bad for you - well in this instance it is just short of making my entire world. As you know (from reading all of this) ADL has started pre-school at the Day School at our Parish. For these two weeks he has been going there for one hour stints to get comfortable with school and his class. Of course this was a logistical nightmare that only you Moms can fully appreciate - him, the baby, baby bag, backpack for school, jackets and on and on and on. Well this week we started the drive thru process of drop off and pick up. It is fantastic and all of my initial worries of ADL being freaked out by the "see ya drive by" were unfounded. Just like always he is calm and collected (where does he get it from?) and takes the hand of his teacher and walks in. It is the same thing in the afternoon as he comes smiling out from class to meet us.

One thing still to learn - there is a very distinct traffic pattern and process to all of this that we need to perfect. I get the feeling that many of these moms are experienced with the procedure and are being temporarily polite with their patience with me. Since even Father Andrew is out there directing traffic and getting Moms to move on. Oh and no telephone so please be patient if we get "disconnected."

Now next week when he actually gets to stay more then two hours Nino and I will be able to enjoy ourselves as well. Some Mommy and me bonding time and trips to the gym are on tap - stay tuned!

Baptism Soirre -

Yes after the church we did have a luncheon reception "Laterza Style." We hosted the event at a cure restaurant near the house and a good time was had by all. It did take some time to get everyone drinks and ordered so I especially appreciated the boys being patient. Luckily with everyone in the world who loves them dearly around the table they had a ball getting passed around having a ball. We hope everyone had fun and enjoyed being together as much as we did. All of us are truly blessed to have all of you in our and the boys' lives. Many thanks! XOXOXO

The Baptism

Yes it was a very special day for Antonio's dunking - we had a lovely service with fabulous weather surrounded by family and friends. Antonio and Alessandro were angels during the service and Nino did not even seem to mind getting sprinkles in the middle of it.

There were two babies Antonio and Fionna and the babies were even mentioned often in the service once as a joke - "Antonio and Fionna" either some high brow literature or the start of a mirimax film - which does sound too true. We did have three Godparents this time - Michael, Michelle and Chrissy which is great because this time we will need even more help from these perfect selections. After attending the prep class on Saturday think we were all filled with new ideas and thoughts on the occasion which made it very special as well. Father Andrew did a good job and we even managed the "baptism outfit" (not a dress of course) with few issues which was great. We had 24 people at the church and four little ones which was perfect. Evelyn was the official photographer of the day - many thanks Ev, but we are still collecting great photos from all over. Everyone was so kind to share their weekend and travel so far to be part of our special day. We have lots of photos to share and lots of thank yous to write so please stay posted. Many thanks - XOXO

Nino at Six Months -

Yes Nino is finally six months and just perfect (of course we are rather biased). He went to the pediatrician this week and weighed in at 17.15 (70th %) and was roughly 70% for height as well - pretty good from where the little guy started. Both boys also got the flu shot (ADL was required by school) and were rather pleasant at the doctor's office even though they were together which is sometimes a little much by myself. Nino also had a follow up with his Cardiologist this week (thank you for all the good thoughts). The doctor is convinced that Nino's issues can be well managed without surgery and will simply be monitored for the time being. All good news. Nino continues to eat really well and grasp and grab whatever comes close to him, so watch your hair and anything else during your next visit. XOXOXO

All Fun and Games

Yes it has been all fun and games around here - Alessandro is staying really busy playing all sorts of games. This has been fun for Daddy especially. Hopefully being in school will teach him lots of new things especially patience so we can try even more exciting things. See attached photos of playing candyland (he lasts about ten minutes but still that is fun) and his favorite floor puzzle (Thomas of course). XOXOX

Hair Cut for Alessandro -

Yes the little prince went for yet another hair cut - The fun thing about this one is he wanted to sit in the "Princess Station" as opposed to the police or Fire car all boy stations. It was bright pink everywhere and covered with pink marabou and crowns. Since he is little and will not remember it, I offer this visual proof that it is true we are all Princesses for a Day - XOXO

the Family is All Here -

Yes we are wildly excited about the baptism this weekend - the family is all here. Nonna, Pop Pop, Grammy, Aunt Michelle, Uncle Micheal, Aunt Deb & Uncle Sean, David's Aunt Joan and Uncle Vic, Aunt Marj and Chrissy, We are planning a casual Saturday of watching football followed by a pizza party for Pop Pops belated birthday. Of course the boys love all the attention and are very excited about the festivities to come. XOXOXO

Breaking news - First Day of School!!!!

Yes friends today was the first day of Pre-School for ADL and it went really well. We got up, ignored most of our breakfast (as we almost always do) and got right over to the Day School. We got to actually park in the lot (was shocked) so we were actually about 10 minutes early getting to class - am sure all teachers love eager beavers right? ADL is in a class of 2+ with six children four boys and two girls. Mrs. M his teacher has been at the school for 9 years teaching this age and seems to be an expert - she also has three kids of her own including two boys pretty close together so perhaps she will regale me with her expertise? All the kids were so cute, the moms were nice and everyone seemed excited. As always ADL did not show any signs of being shy or sad to be away from home and just wanted to get to business with his new friends. There was after all toy school busses and trains to play with.... It will be about two weeks before they are on their permanent schedule - since we are easing into all the excitement - but am sure each day will be a new adventure.

Nino was also a champ going to the class and hanging out in the bjorn until we knew all was well. The best part of school is that we will now have some quality Mommy and me time to get into trouble.

Also note - each child has to have a backpack - where they attach the name tag for the drive up dismissal and Alessandro seems to really love his. He can almost put it on by himself and likes drawing attention to what a BIG boy he is. Of course all that is in there is extra diapers, a change of clothes (just in case) and some goldfish but it is a start. Thanks for all the good wishes - school is going to be great! XOXO

P.S. The one photo here with the semi-out looks exactly like every photo of David that was ever taken... Don't you all think so?

Nino at Six Months -

Yes it is hard to believe that the little guy is going to be six months on Saturday. He is BIG - most people can not believe it - and definitely thicker then his brother but just as tall - can you say basketball team anyone? We are going on Monday for his "well baby" visit and flu shots all around so promise exact stats then, but feel safe telling you the infant car seat has numbered days based on a large head and long legs sticking out of it. Nino is also wanting to sit up but is not quite there all by himself and he babbles all day long and seems annoyed when we do not respond. His appetite is good and he sleeps like a champ (knock on wood) - now if we could just get some of those teeth here - life would be perfect. XOXOXO

ADL's Two New Seats -

ADL has also had a very busy week with his two new "seats." One is the new bl-ue club chair that Daddy got him for the living room. Yes he likes to sit there and chillax just like the other men around here and he even mentions that he looks like Dada and PopPop when he is sitting there. Since tonight is the start of football it is a good thing to claim your chair early.

For the second seat - I am not sure it requires much explanation except for this is a "process" and we are working on it. And yes Snoopy (aka Bo-Boo) does go just about everywhere of course. Thanks Auntie Ev for the Elmo video which has taught us all very creative words for bathroom activities. URGH!

XOXOXO

The Most "Awesome" Week Ever!

Yes we are not using slang in our toddler vocab. ADL is convinced that this is the most "Awe-Some" week every because we took Daddy to the most Awesome park/playground and on Monday went to the Awesome Italian Festival. The festival is a church fundraiser in our town but they bring out the big guns and had rides, carnival games and bands in addition to the delicious food. For those of you from SC it was like a night at the old State Fair only a little less "Dukes" and a lot more "Sopranos." Still the most exciting thing was they had three kiddie rides - the carousel, a duck ride and a car ride. The car ride was ADL's favorite because he drove a sports car and a school bus which is the equivalent to living his wildest dreams.

Everyone is well and we are looking forward to all our nearest and dearest being here next weekend for AHL's baptism. For those of you unable to be here to share the joy - we promise to subject you to many photos and stories of all the fun. And yes Mama Boal we tried on the "baptismal outfit" (this is for David so we do not call it a dress) and it still fits the little pork chop. We promise only pears and apples this week to make sure it will button on the big little guy. XOXOXO