St. Patrick's Day Laterza Style -

We had a lovely St. Patrick's Day and the boys were very excited about all the fun and green goings on. We started the day with the soiree at school which was a blast - when everyone got to school there were Leprechaun footprints on the floor and a treat of gold coins for each of the children (ADL placed his in his pocket to bring home to his beloved piggy bank). One of the teachers Mrs. C brought her husband in to play the bagpipes for the babes which was cute because when retelling Daddy about it sounded like "there was a bad man playing at school" which quickly got his attention of course. At the party - lucky Mama was on the list to "just attend" which was so much fun. There were treats, special stories and art projects which was fantastic. All the babes - including Nino who knows what party means and just sat down for all the fun - had a great time. That evening Daddy made a special corn beef and cabbage special and we talked about the Leprechaun Song and rainbows. Okay so St. Patrick's Day is not like it was when we were younger (and slightly drunker) but it was a very nice day and it was fun to see everyone so in the spirit. XOXOXO

Quick Updates -

All is well - to read this blog you would think life is made up of cupcakes and presents (isn't it) and so the birthday season is well upon us. In addition to all the celebrating we have still been nursing some colds around the family - most recently with mama duck having bronchitis which is never fun in her state. Hopefully all is on the mend and better soon to enjoy some of the nice weather we are finally having. Woke up this morning singing "zippadee do da" and realized that the boys (3 and 2) are already embarrassed by Mom. As you will see they are still loving all the birthday loot - especially the suitcase from Nonna and the laptop computer that they just sit and play with dueling laptops when Mama or Daddy are also working. HA!

Lastly you will see in some of the photos that little Nino took a bad header off a slide in the park and does have a "fat lip" as Daddy likes to say. He is a tough little guy and is fine, but looks like a cross between Angelina Jolie and The Fighter which much make him very en Vogue at the moment. Lots of love and spring cheer. XOXO

Daddy's Birthday -

Daddy also had a birthday this week which is so exciting. For those of you who are regular readers you know this is also Oliver the Beagle's Birthday which makes it extra special for both of them. Daddy worked all day of course and then came home to a nice dinner and small sirree from the boys - who greeted him at the driveway with party hats et al. Daddy seemed pleased with the party - even though the boys did not even let the poor man get changed before they demanded dinner, cake and presents. All and all we had a nice day together and appreciate all the shout outs to Daddy/David/Pumpkin/Froggie/Dipper or whatever you might know him as. Last year we had a big party in DC (for the BIG 40th) with all his boys, the year before we had a newborn so it was nice to just be together and of good cheer. So much to celebrate!!!! XOXO

Nino's Birthday -

Can you believe it Nino has turned 2...... He is a crazy whirlwind of activity daily and is talking up a storm which is never dull to say the least. He was just starting to get the idea of what a birthday party is and was excited to say the least - mostly about the cupcakes. We had a small family birthday here at the house with Auntie Chrissy which was great. Alessandro loved helping his brother with his gifts and telling him what to do - "you have to blow out the candles" and "you have to keep the ballons by your chair Nino." It was a great day to say the least - Of course we left the babes in the capable hands of Auntie Chrissy that night to enjoy the Fundraiser for the Parents of the Day School. This might seem cruel - we considered it - but Nino will start school there in the fall and they need all the support they can get of course. Thanks to everyone for the good thoughts, cards and presents (honestly if you could see the living room you would of just sent a card). Nino is very excited to be two - although he might tell you that he is three - since he thinks he is completely grown now. Ahhhh our baby.... XOXOXO

Valentine's Day 2011 -

We had a lovely Valentine's Day all together - David made an amazing dinner and the boys made cards for everyone. They really got a kick out of all the excitement of sending out valentine's and getting them in the mail. Thanks to everyone who sent them one or called or thought of them this day. There was a party at school that we happened to miss while on Spring Break in SC, but Mrs. B. saved all his love notes and special little goodies for our return. We also put up photos of the boys on all their four Valentine's Days past which they thought was really cool - that was when I was a baby.... We did get a belated V-Day dinner once Pop Pop arrived and it was very nice and date like - we even took Daddy's car with no car seats or crushed cheerios so it really felt fancy.... As the shirts say "All You Need is Love".... Happy Valentine's Day All - XOXOXO

Updates - February 2011 -

There has been much excitement keeping up with the boys this month. We had a Winter Break from school - so Camp Mom and Camp PopPop have been in full swing. We have done arts and crafts, playing at the park (once the two months of snow melted), play times with friends and of course our regular activities of reading club/gymnastics and library visits. Nino has continued to drive up single handily the costs of health care with more visits to our pediatrician but we hope once we are done with the bitter part of winter that he will feel much better. At the same time the boy shows no fear when playing with his older brother at home or at the park - continuing to make Mommy's heart skip a beat while going down the slide backwards or jumping from the jungle gym. Also this month Momma did her stint of three Sundays as the Sunday School Teacher - Alessandro seemed to bear this very well and enjoy having Mommy along - he really does like the crafts (photo of his "lost sheep is here) and stories which is great news. Now we can enjoy the rest of the spring with all the other great Moms teaching (yippee). In other news Alessandro is reading (okay memorizing as David reminds me) some of his favorite books and loves to read them to you and sound out and spell words. We take this as a great step not because he is a genius but that he does seem to love reading and sharing that special time with us - not to mention now his brother. Yes the lovable duo do continue to play well 85% of the time together - which is great because Mommy is admittedly getting a little slow and tired these days. Now onward to March which is known around here as "Birthday Season" with Nino, Daddy and even Oliver the beagle celebrating their special days (ADL close behind in April of course). So much to look forward to - XOXOX

P.S. Before I get any emails the ship cream photos of AHL are from a time he accompanied Mama to ladies coffee with Mrs. C. When he saw my fancy drink he just about went wild so I did let him lick some of it. Which was the highlight of his young life - of course we had to come directly home for the sugar rush and subsequent crash but it was really cute.