The Week That "Mama Tumbled"

Yes through the mouth of babes you learn a lot about how they see the world. Last week Mama fell down the back steps of the house in an accident that can only be described as stunt woman worthy. It was raining and was running back inside after bringing the dog in (yes we had all three on an outing) to get the boys when it happened. At first was kind of dazed and just sat there for a minute (poor Tressa was on my blue tooth when it happened and was ready to call 911). Afterwards I was able to get the boys inside but was really hurting. Alessandro seemed a little upset at why Mommy was "fussing" - hey it really hurt and think some tears were well deserved. Now that is confirmed because my Coccyx is fractured. Now for you who are not doctors or Latin majors that is your tailbone and it seems this is pretty normal for going down four hard steps on the stupid thing. Now if you are trying to pick something to break this is not the one as there is virtually nothing they can do for you but drug you up and prescribe the most pathetic looking inflatable doughnut for you to sit on (really the thing is 10" wide and looks like a pool toy from the dollar store). the drugs they prescribe you are "Lohen worthy" but since there seems to be no nanny coming to help with the troops think this is a liberty more for weekend enjoyment. The bottle has no less then 10 warnings which make me afraid that the inmates might soon take over the asylum or worse. Anyhow am on the mend and really appreciate all the kind words and offers to help. Luckily David is home for the long weekend and Viola the power housekeeper is due tomorrow to save the day.

Other then this excitement it has been pretty quiet around here. Saturday we were in the Bronx for a visit to the Mathews who we miss all the time. It was fantastic and the boys loved the playground and watching Metro North - which was very exciting - we miss you!!! We had ADL's best friend from baby school Alden over and a lovely visit for Sunday brunch. The boys are still doing a lot of independent play but really enjoyed being together. We are so excited they are in New Jersey now and look forward to getting together tonight - they are lovely people. We are continuing swim class and looking forward to the last week of school and beginning extra time camp next week (yippee). If anyone has a creative idea of what a "fiesta costume" should be - please this should be P.C. for the church school - please let me know.

In other news Nino is just all over the place and going everywhere he possibly can. He is doing things at the park that ADL has just started and seems to show no fear in anything he does. This is more scary then I can say and have pulled him off of play rock walls, ladders and his favorite place right now on top of the mantle (sigh). He has been dubbed most likely to break something serious by Daddy but hopefully will not follow in Mommy klutz ridden footsteps.

Enjoy the photos - and just think - Parade this weekend, Day Camp, more swim, Florida Trip, VBS and soccer camp. You guys will be so tired of all the details and photos.

Photos -

1 - Swim Class - so much fun but missing Ms. Katie his teacher - not the same with poor Mr. Keith.

2- Planting sunflower seeds in the garden that were grown in school

3- When your child says "mommy I see something" it is a little scary to turn around. This time it was for a big blimp flying over the house. He was so excited - think it was on way to Yankees game. Now if this could just happen all the time ADL will be satisfied

4 - Daddy and Nino chillaxing

5 - Nino at the park hamming it up for the camera

6 - the boys swinging together

7 - The boys at the window waiting for daddy and his "cool car" to get home

8 - Nino proud of himself for climbing into the club chair all by himself - watch out leather...

All the best for a great memorial day - the flag is out in front of the house and we are looking forward to celebrating a great day and remembering why it is important. XOXO

P.S. Baby L is due on Monday Memorial Day so please remember Jennifer and Mark (and Stoughton) in your good thoughts until we welcome the new little angel. Yippee!

Zoo Trip - Nonna -

Before Nonna left we took her on one last adventure to our favorite zoo. Those of you who are regular readers know we have the most perfect little zoo here close to home where the kids can really enjoy the day and get literally "hands on" excitement. We really loved sharing all this with Nonna as she was likely tired of hearing about the penguins and sheep from all the stories. We saw everything and even rode the "blue train" which is always the highlight of the afternoon. Nonna was also able to ride the carousel with ADL not once but twice - the first time he did not like the selection of "animal" because it did not actually go up and down (lesson learned). All and all it was a great day to enjoy the zoo all together. Next time you come and visit we will take you there because we are very grateful members (thanks Auntie Chrissy). XOXO

P.S. Doesn't ADL's favorite sheep look a little like5 "Dolly" - know only my sweet B.I.L. will get a good laugh from that one. Love you Sean!!!

Mother's Day - With Nonna -

We had a lovely Mother's Day together at Casa Laterza. Went to church all together and Nino actually did quite well in the nursery for the first time ever - granted he was the only baby there and they had to shut the door from his causing a problem with passing people but what can you do? Afterwards we came home and made brunch for all including David's Aunt Joan and Uncle Vic who were just back from their fabulous cruise to Bermuda (even after refusing to let me stow away with them). After brunch Joan and Vic headed back to Tennessee but not after enjoying some really fun time with the boys.

The rest of the day was actually pretty quiet - David worked in the yard, Alessandro and Nonna worked in my new planters for the porch (the best gift ever) and all the boys lavished this Mama with lots of kind gifts (too generous) homemade sweet cards and of course love. One ot eh best gifts of all was the afternoon nap with Nino on the couch (am enjoying this since he is likely not to nap snuggling much longer). All and all it was a great day and we are so glad that Nonna was here to celebrate with us. XOXO

THOMASPALOOZA -

Yes the day is here - "A Day" with Tomas!!!! Yes we are one of those crazy parents who drove forever, paid a ton of money and actually took our children to this event. We did this because Aunt Deborah found out about it and asked ADL if he would like to go.... Hmmm lets see go to see Thomas who we watch almost everyday, own 1001 pieces of a set downstairs and read books daily about???? Well after that we were in. So we loaded up the family and drove to CT for what we have come to call "Thomaspalooza." For those of you who have never experienced this and frankly why would you - it is a fair where they actually bring in a Thomas train that you get tickets to ride on and all the rest of the fun just grows up around the event. They have face painting, characters from the stories, story time, kiddie rides and of course merchandising of everything Thomas that you can even imagine. When we got there for our ride after three hours in the car in pouring rain we were not jazzed about the weather, but decided we had come this far we might as well have some fun. So we parked and headed into all the excitement. When we arrived we saw hundreds of Thomas loving children and their parents, just in time to see Thomas himself pull in with the train before us..... Alessandro just about could not believe what he was seeing and the smile was worth getting totally drenched and ruining a pretty cute new pair of shoes. He was all excitement and amazement!!!!

So we drudged over and loaded in for our exciting ride on Thomas. Once boarded we got to hear all our favorite songs, play Thomas trivia (it is amazing how much you can learn while trying to ignore something - it should of been for money because I was in it to win), meeting the conductor and Thomas' driver and getting a certificate from Sir Topham Hatt himself. Those of you know know who this is are aware how exciting this all was. The train actually rides for half an hour through neighborhoods and crossings which made me think of the small children in the cars who are seeing their beloved Thomas driving by. Imagining my own little guys seeing this - it made my little heart laugh. Upon returning to the "station" the rain did start to slow up - so we were able to take some photos, let ADL ride some rides and enjoy some of the run. the real heroes of the day were Aunt Deb and Uncle Sean who without any children of their own were good sports and loved every minute with the boys. Nonna was also a good sport but none to thrilled about being so very wet. It was a great time and hope the photos show the pure joy of the moment.

For those close by - of course we will be going again if you are game, and next time think David will be bringing his flask to make all the little people activities more "family friendly."

When you next see Alessandro you can ask him all about it - he is just gushing to tell everyone he meets - He will also tell you his favorite part was not Thomas but the school bus ride from the parking lot - we are in love with School Busses and this was BIG TIME Exitement - however as an adult you do not realize that you do not fit into the seats. Nino well he was just wet but a great sport in the car and his stroller just glad to be included in all the fun - what an angel. Enjoy all the wet photos (you can not hold that against us) of our great day on the Island of Sodor..... XOXOXO

The Week That Was - Nonna is Here!!!!

We are so glad that Nonna is here for Mother's Day Week - we have had a crazy time. The boys are busy wrapping up school and activities while Daddy and I debate soccer camp and extra time at church school. You know David is rather serious about soccer and wants to make sure that ADL is getting solid basics so he can play in Italy one day.... David has been swamped with work at the office and in the yard as is usual this time of year. Donna is just trying to enjoy Mama Boal's visit and all the fun times with the boys.

ADL had a great week in school where they worked on some special art for the "Art Show" and also on some special Mother's Day projects (my painted planter is just too perfect). This week we also enjoyed the summer picnic in Westfield (thanks Mrs. B for the blanket) where they had a band, dancing and of course ADL's teacher and love of his young life Mrs. M. We also stopped to feed the ducks until Nonna was scared away "Jersey Style" by a screaming mother. You just can not enjoy anything anymore it seems. On Wednesday we had swimming again and that was great. This week ADL was excited to show Nonna how he can swim and she rewarded him with a very cute new swimsuit (see photos). I mean we had cute swim suits growing up but this one is ridiculously precious. So cute that Nonna had to run out and get Nino one for the summer. They will be the cutest little Michael Phelps (well minus the hard partying at our own USC I hope) want to bes.

As a little added bonus on Friday ADL came home with a hurt shoulder, honestly thought he was playing around at first and then realized he is not complex enough to remember to keep playing the same game for that long. After literally staring at him during my JL committee meeting, I ran him right over to the pediatrician who told me that he had a "broken collar bone" and needed to be X-rayed immediately. After two hours, five sets of X-Rays, ten temper tantrums from no naps and a total Mommy Breakdown we found out it was not broken but rather pulled muscles in his neck and shoulder area.....from a fall off the slide at school that none of the teachers saw (Mrs. M was very concerned and feels terrible although she should not). He got an "immobilizer" for his arm - this is a fancy word for what we used to call "a sling" along with some pain killers and was quickly on the mend. We have tried to limit his activity but since this is impossible we have just tried to keep him from anything too crazy and have stayed away from the park this weekend. Thanks for all the care and concern and my Momterage who kept me from going absolutely crazy at the radiologist, who sadly I think we will get to know well in this "House O' Boy."

Nino who was our hands on favorite to break something first also continues to get into everything. The boys is literally like a little monkey climbing and grabbing everything in eye shot. Sometimes he gets things that are just unbelievably out of his reach which is entertaining but also ever so slightly scary. Nino is talking/babbling a little and can wave and say bye bye which is entertaining to everyone we meet in stores or on the street. People love cute little babies who are not theirs of course. Nino also is really starting to get into the "dancing" that he and ADL do - which usually ends up in a wrestling match or with someone crying. Since Nonna has been here he has also started tapping his feet to the beat of his favorite song "She'll Be Coming Around the Mountain" which is literally the cutest thing we have ever seen (hope the video comes out so you can see it Pops). Nino is also riding forward now in the car seat and loves looking at everything - which makes me wish I had flipped him earlier of course. So much of the world to see - Enjoy! XOXO

P.S. Next week we will have post from "A Day With Thomas" and also the Zoo - so much excitement with Nonna here!!!!