IT'S A…..

Santa came early this year and gave us the greatest gift of all! We had our ultrasound this morning and found out we are having.....

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.............A HEALTHY BABY!!

Is everyone groaning right now? I know, I know we are so so sooooo lame for not finding out...again! We are currently torturing our family and friends (and yes, even kind of ourselves) in not finding out but it's just how we like to roll...by slightly annoying others. I mean last time we did not tell anyone even after we had the baby! They had to wait until they walked in the hospital room (mind you in another county) and find out themselves. I literally had my sister in law in tears because she couldn't get up to the hospital till the next day and we.would.not tell her. LOL...we might not just slightly annoy others but down right piss them off. Sorry not sorry-but it was just so.much.fun seeing each person's expression when they walked through the door.

Everyone is always like, "But don't you want to find out?!?" Well of course we do, BUT there is just something about waiting 40 weeks and that surprise being that much more of an anticipated moment. If you yourself have found out in your pregnancies...can you imagine the anticipation of waiting another 20 weeks?!?! It's like you are overwhelming and bursting FULL of anticipation! There has been nothing like it in my life and since I've been blessed and I know how special that moment is and I want to experience it again, and again, and again! <------*Husband looking nervous about that statement. It's just one of the rare (good) surprises in life.

I should back up and openly disclose that my husband DID want to find out this time around what we were having. My reasoning for his reasoning? One-he already has his boy and Two-if it's a girl he has to mentally prepare himself for that fact. My argument (which then shut him right up) was that if I find out we are having a girl I'm going to go NUTS buying things before the baby even arrives. Well, in the two years that Nico has been with us he knows what my "nuts" looks like and didn't have much to say after that. He has since said, "I figure if we have another boy we will save about 30 thousand right off the bat...lol...not sure where he came up with that figure but hilarious none the less.  I myself wanted to find out solely for the purpose of being able to tell others that we found out the sex of our first and not the second and let me tell you...this is how you have to do it because I KNOW! Listen, I'm a total type A personality. I'm a rabid planner, I like to know what's going on, when it's going on, and how it's going on. I.am.a.control.freak. I was the one during school group projects saying, "Don't worry about it, I'll get it done and you all don't have to worry about a thing." All my group members would be like, "Oh Jess, you're so wonderful and that's just so nice of you!" I would nod and look slightly embarrassed all because I was NOT being nice! I was being a control freak playing it off that I was being nice! So I get the whole argument of needing to know to be able to "plan". But guess what? Your baby needs very little (ha-the baby business has tricked everyone in making you believe you NEED the stinky diaper genie, and this and that) but really a baby hardly needs anything! They really only need a lot of LOVE and.... diapers. Not to mention if you hold out on finding out-you will actually receive items you NEED instead of the cutest swimsuit for your newborn baby that's due in smack dab of a Wisconsin winter. But really...who could pass something like that up?! It's just sooooo cute! ;-P

I get so annoyed (sorry I could be potentially offending some of those close to me) when people say they are going for their ultrasound to find out what the baby is. Me being medical and "stuff" want to scream (yes scream) at them-"NO, you're going for your ultrasound to make sure your baby's organs are where they are suppose to be and that your baby is developing normally. Finding out the gender of your baby is just an extra potential perk." But us being us- assume that a healthy baby is a given which sadly is not always a guarantee. Honest to God, the only words I want to hear at my 20 week scans are, "Congratulations! Your baby looks perfectly healthy!" I'm so not trying to make anyone feel bad or guilty for their past, present, or future decisions...because I would say almost all of my friends and family have found out what they were having and I 110% respect their decision. I promise I still think they are just as lovely as I have always believed them to be prior to them finding out. I'm just "penning" this as MY reasoning and maybe to convince (or challenge...hehe) the next expectant mom to NOT find out! There are so many positives in NOT finding out and I won't bore you with all of them but trust me in this. I'll give you just two (out of my list of give or take 1000) that perhaps you maybe haven't thought about...How about being able to avoid other people's insensitive comments when you're pregnant with your 4th boy and they say, "you're going to try again for a girl, right?!" Um, how about you let said pregnant lady GIVE birth to her child before asking that question...oh wait...how about just never ask those kind of questions...EVER! Or for all those people out there that may be standing up against their future child not being stereotyped? Well hate to break it to you, but finding out half way through your pregnancy you're already allowing your baby to be stereotyped solely based on their sex before it even comes out of your womb! Let me put it this way, I can counter every reason you give me on WHY you must know your baby's gender. Sorry, for being a little in your face about this topic...again no offense is meant. But I'm the pregnant lady that walks around wanting to scream, "LOOK AT ME! I'M PREGNANT! I'M CURRENTLY TAKING PART OF THE MOST AMAZING THING THAT A HUMAN CAN PARTAKE IN!" And I guess because of that-I'm just like isn't having a baby enough? Do we really have to participate in this need-to-know-before-it-happens world we live in? Can we just enjoy being in the moment and awaiting the biggest surprise ever?

Hmmmm…living in the moment…that's a thought eh? 

And since we have to wait (and in turn-so do you!) we want to make this EVEN more exciting and fun! So indulge in our guesses and then how to participate in our anticipation as well!

What do we think Baby "G' is going to be?

Daddy's Guess: BOY!!
Mommy's Guess: GIRL!!
Nico's Guess: A MONSTER!! (I swear this is what Nico told his Nonna when she showed him the 3D picture of his sibling today)...But since then and before then he has said-GIRL!!

Disclaimer: I'm so WITH Nico on this one....I am fully preparing myself for our next child to be a monster as well as a little sister for Nico. There is just no way I'd have two perfect angel babies in a row. No way. A person doesn't get that lucky. This baby is going to be bad...so, so, sooooo bad.

Anyway, my husband is a gambling man and I like to give away things so we are inviting all of our family and friends to join in on the excitement! Click the link below and put in your guesses! Bets are open till April 20th and winner will get bragging rights as well as a PRIZE!

Here are the deets:

We have decided to use BabyHunch.com to put together a Baby Pool where you can guess certain things such as Baby's Birthdate (date and time), Baby's Sex, Baby's Weight, (etc, etc.). If you'd like to play, simply click the link provided below to submit your hunches!

          Click Here for: He or She? What will Baby G be?

Our little bundle of joy is due 05/11/2017 if that helps you start the guessing process! :) And if you haven't fully processed that I'm pregnant yet...oh wait that's probably just me...I'll be reminding everyone to "guess" before we close the polls as our due date approaches closer!


Good luck! And thanks for "playing" along!

Photo Cred: Karen Ann Photography

XO. 

JLOVE A.K.A "Mommy"

Celebrate!

I do love the change of the seasons. And since we have a fall baby it's made the season even more fun and a reason to CELEBRATE. As my readers know we had a big party for Nico last year that was a littllllleeee over the top. This year I was going to keep simple and just do a family get together but since we are not able to host friends as often as I like-I did it again and had a "smallish" party for him. Party started at noon and check out the birthday boy when guests started to arrive...

Per usual I don't really understand simple or small and had a special treat table to really hop up all of our friends children right before they left...

And seriously I have to give a shout out to Mara for making Nico's special cookies. She is like a cookie wizard and hand cuts any cookie you can imagine…well worth the drive to MKE to pick up. Contact her here.

Nico of course LOVES to be serenaded with Happy Birthday and was just as cute about it as he was the year prior…

And since I'm serious about us liking to party and Nico is serious about liking Happy Birthday sung to him...we had another family party the next evening. I know. I know. Of course Nico was able to share the spotlight with his idol Antonio so he was beyond thrilled.

It's also pretty much tradition that my husband always manages to get cake in the birthday person's face and I guess he doesn't discriminate and will happily do it to his own child as well.

Nico clearly did not appreciate this gesture. He did not cry. He did not laugh. He just gave his dad a death glare all saying with his eyes, "How dare you daddy. Don't you see I have my special occasion bow tie on?"

Bakery on State Cupcakes of course

We are so so so blessed to have so many friends and family love and adore Nico as much as we do. And who love me so much that they come over to help me throw fun parties (Jenni the Jeweler) and pick up food (Matt & Kim) and the Luigi girls that help me set up when I'm losing my mind. And my MIL that always is helping us out in every way possible. So yes, these celebrations would be nothing with all of those that are always there for us.

So Nico's present from us this year?










A………….





SIBLING!

LIKE MY COSTUME THIS YEAR?

I'm pretty sure that Nico is going to be great at this big brother thing….

And as for my husband…I just hope that he doesn't go crazy before the 2nd baby arrives. Case in point...

So between celebrating and throwing up (and driving my husband crazy) I've just been trying to savor every.single.minute with this ONE. Before there are TWO.

And to all of our guests, the thank you cards that have been sitting on my counter for a month and a half…they are going out tomorrow…pregnant people get a pass on sucking at life…right?

XO. 

JLOVE A.K.A "Mommy"

Thirty TWO and ALMOST TWO....

Well, I'm 32 now and wondering when and how did I enter the 3-0 club? I hardly recall but I'm assuming it was approximately two years ago. ;-P I mean I feel in my 20's and some very generous souls said that they too thought I was in my early 20's . Buttttt I'm pretty sure that's what people say/do to make you feel better when you're a lady of my age to make you feel a little more optimistic about yourself. Right? That will just be the standard protocol now a days when you ask me my age-got it?

Funny, how birthdays and really any day is no longer about ME. Parents, remember when it was all about us? What the hell did we do with all of our time before our child(ren)? Once again, life proves to be all about perspective. But yes, lets get back to me. (Haha) It's so hard to even recall, I look at my days and 99% of my day is about someone else. Then I think all the years previously when I was living for me, I was doing it wrong and I didn't even realize it. Never have I been more content, more satisfied to give my all to my family, my career, and the big man upstairs. Isn't that how we are suppose to live-serving others? By doing so though-days can be so dang hard, and especially in jobs like mine nothing short of emotionally draining. To the point where after I come home I want to lay in bed in the fetal position and not even think  about how the world operates the way it does and how we can have horrific things going on literally in our backyards. But instead, I walk through my door and give my son my biggest smile and a "smooch, kiss" and give him the love and attention he deserves. And as always, while I still think it is healthy and necessary to have some "me" time it just happens at a much less frequency. Trust me, if you saw my nails and grey hairs you'd think come on girl....getchyo self together! But there's just no time for that! My baby is going to be 2 in just under one week!

Speaking of this almost 2 year old he's doing (and saying!) such amazing things I just can't wait to share (and partly because I don't forget a minute of it) some of the incredible things he is doing! The last time I blogged (too long ago, sorry baby) what he was up to was six months ago. Yikes. I looked back upon that blog (thank goodness for this keepsake, otherwise it would be more of a blur than it already is) to refresh my memory and it's like we have a new kid running around. He's so busy, so soooo busy. And the epitome of a boy-yep, pretty much Nico in a nutshell. While his friend Grace is trying to have him sit down for her tea party he grabs the whole teapot takes a pretend swig out of it sets it back down and then runs off to chase a ball. She looks a little flabbergasted and confused but it's all so funny to see and experience the difference in gender play. He loves balls, anything with wheels, and being outside.

And since we legit have had close to a Sicily summer this kid also has the tan that comes with it. Truly is my golden boy. 

Oh and his hair...changes everyday but some days are the closest thing to perfection as I may have ever seen!

HOW DOES THIS EVEN OCCUR?

This summer we fenced in a part of our yard to create an area that would be designated as Nico's safe outdoor play area. But wouldn't you know-that is no longer considered outside per Nico! Outside is outside of this area...you know the area we invested in? Stinker. So outside of the outside is where we spend our time. Summer is just the best isn't it? Perhaps it's because it seems to come and go so fast that we appreciate and savor every minute of it..and Nico does just very that. While he out running he will see a butterfly and point -"Mama! Butterfly! White butterfly!" Then at the very next moment he will hold his ear and go, "Listen! Airplane!" Gosh darn it kid- just absorbing ever sight and sound during every.single.second. Talk about living and being so very present in the moment. If you only knew how many life lessons you have gifted to me since your existence. Thank you for that baby.  

Back to our summer-as, you probably observed and kindly "loved" our recent travel Instragram posts of our recent visit to NYC and exploring the New England area-well once again my child proved to be an ideal travel companion. Both flights he fell asleep while we were taxing on the runway before takeoff and slept the entire flight. Perhaps that's because we let him run wild in the terminal where he actually ran behind the airport's gate desk and ONTO a jet bridge which was not ours. Nico had the whole terminal laughing while his mother and father wiped sweat and tried to avoid any encounters with TSA. Per usual, he charmed people from NYC to Boston and handled every adventure with ease and flexibility. Here are some fun photos from our trip and you'll see why traveling with him is so much fun!

Born Beach Ready

Beach Lover

Joy...Sheer Joy

Every second with Nico is an adventure. He brings us so much joy that even though he won't recall these times he's made these moments that much more enjoyable and memorable for us. Selfish I know. ;)

He further amazed me when we were at the beach and went by a group of young kids who were digging in the sand and stood there for a second observing and one of the children invited him to come play (bravo to his parentals) and Nico crouched down and side by side "helped" the group of kids dig. Can I tell you what this does to my heart?!? I'm just so proud of his ability to be independent and confident so young. Isn't this one of those parental passages-to help your children be able to become independent and to work well with others? Nico-you're not even two and you're passing these life tests! Although the independence only goes so far. We got Nico a big boy bed and I spent way too much "time" (code for money...don't tell my husband)  finding the perfect sheets, comforter, and quilt for this big occasion.

When I unveiled it Nico was as equally excited-"Nico's bed! Coooool!" Then he would lay down in it and pretend to sleep. Success right? No. That's what he does-pretends to sleep in it and Bellina really does all the real sleeping in it...at least someone is enjoying my efforts! In order to get Nico to go to sleep he prefers "Daddy's Bed" and at the moment likes to cuddle into me and he will pull my arm so it's wrapped arm him while I tell him "stories"-which he wants me to make up but my brain has such a hard time doing so...as it has been used over it's full capacity at my place of employment. So then I just decide to sing-and he sings along. And it's the most precious thing I may have ever been a part of. So precious that my not very sentimental husband will also lay there just to absorb the sweetness and innocence of it all. Don't worry big boy, you still needing me to fall asleep is quite alright by me. I know these days will eventually come to an end so I'm savoring each and every evening till then.

As I shared in my last update we surrendered 6 hours of our time with him each week to let him have a break from his smothering family. His time with Miss Ann has become a part of his weekly routine and he comes home each week excited and happy and talks incoherently about his time away and cries when he has to leave Miss Ann's house. I receive such fun pictures throughout the day of his adventures with her and his friends there.

Once again he not only shines for us but for her as well. I'm so thankful for Miss Ann and for our decision....

The funniest thing he currently is doing right now is learning to give the thumbs up sign. It has been hilarious to watch the dexterity...or at first the lack of…and his little brain telling his little hand/fingers to do this task. He would say "Good Job!" and then he would make a fist and shake it up and down and think he was doing a "good job" at this thumbs up thing. Then a few days later he realized...oh wait my thumb isn't up. So then he had his thumb and pointer finger up shaking it up and down and then it progressed to the pointer finger randomly triggering out and he would try to pull it back so hard but just couldn't.make.it.happen. Then we were at the point that his thumb was at such a weird angle and bent back so far I thought I'd have to make a call to an orthopedic surgeon to make sure all was OK. Now we are pretty much there and he goes around and tells everyone, "Good Job!" with an almost steady upright thumb. I'd rate him at a 98.97% mastering of this very very verrrrry tricky skill.

His other words of choice....

• "Your turn!" He makes me proud on what a good turn taker he is
• "Hi Baby" 
• "Hi, my daddy"
• "Thank you!" 
• "Pease" (Manners of a saint)
• "Bless you!"
• "Bood! Baby Boods! (Birds)",
• (In a really deep voice)" "Gogocycle (motorcycle), vroom vroom!" 
• "Ummmmmmm" When he's thinking really hard. 
• "Nana, come mere! Nana, back mere! Not istening!" (Loves to holler at Bellina)
• "Nice job!!"
• "Shoo, cats!"
• "No big deal"
• "Holy Cow!"
• "Whoa-whoa-wee" (Borat Style)
• "Eazzzzyyyy!"
• "Whoa-dude"
• "Santo Dio" while shaking his hands together Italian style…I'm serious.

Boy still lovesssss to eat. He will make appreciative noises and his favorite thing to say is "ooch (lips puckered) HOT!" Even when it's not hot at all. His current obsessions, "Snacks, pouches, and chocolate." He wakes up and wants something to eat. "Pouchhhhhh" I tell him that he can't have a pouch for breakfast! Then I say, "What do you want for breakfast?" His response? "Snackkkkk." Kid cracks me up! But he really is a nice eater. He loves his dad's cooking, "Nice Job Dad! Good Food cook!" He will gobble up his artichokes or chicken saying "Down, down, down into mache" (Stomach). Or being the smart kid he is-when he's hungry he knows who to utilize-"Dad! Daddy! Food!"

He knows all his body parts including his eyebrows, collarbone, elbow, chin, and neck. And he's constantly seizing to amaze me with his recall as well as his physical abilities. We got him a little scooter earlier this summer and I set it down in front of him and he jumped on and was like OK, now what? So, I showed him how it works and he tried a couple of times and I was like, "yeah, probably next year he will have this thing mastered." 5 minutes later he was scootin' along ringing the little bell like what's up? You underestimate me? I'll show you....Grandma recently told me regarding his smarts, "You can't send him to Kindergarten! He's going to make the other kids look dumb!" I'm not questioning her....she's 94 and I'm assuming she knows a thing or two!

Further example of his ability to make other kids look dumb (GRANDMA'S words NOT mine!) is when about a month ago we were outside playing with the chalk and he grabs a piece and goes "N-I-C-O" I almost choked because I could not believe my not even two year old just spelled his name! Talk about a proud mom moment.I know it's probably due to me writing his name obsessively whenever we play with the chalk outside. But whatever the reason, I'm impressed. My worries about him being color blinded are gradually lessening. As he knows his colors and everything is no longer "Blue!" but his current favorite color is "Orange!" When I ask him what color an object is, he will look at me and then go, "Blue" start laughing and then say "Nooooooo." Knowing that my fear of him being color blind and going around the world in non color coordinating outfits terrifies me a bit. Not even two years old and he teases just as much as his daddy loves to tease. Oh and you know what else this PUNK is doing? I will ask him for a "smooch" and he will look at me and say, "No!" and then grab his daddy with both hands by the face and plant the sweetest smooch on his daddy's lips and look at me and laugh. Eventually, he stops teasing me because he goes, "Mama, cryyyy." and then proceeds to give me a kiss and says, "Mama! Happee!" I sure am big boy. As I know most of you are quite aware but he truly is the sweetest little boy I or you probably have ever met. He will gently caress his baby friend's face and even more gently give a little smooch and say, "niceeee". Boy, you are going to be quite the catch. Smart, cute, funny...you got it all.

Nico also thinks I'm a Kardashin (not flattered), all the models at the stores (sometimes flattered), as well as the lady on the Startbucks cups....which I can kinda see some resemblance to as well. Most of the summer we took our daily strolls to the mulberry tree where Nico sat and picked ONLY the black ones to eat and he'd do a little dance and go "mhmmmm, mmmmhmmm!" and then go pick some more and do another little appreciation dance. We are enjoying the fruit that is coming now with the apple/pear trees and take daily walks so Nico can enjoy one. He knows that we pick the apple from the trees and then brings an apple to the horses from the ground. I like his ability to remember to care for others. I always find it so bittersweet that the very fruit Nico enjoys and loves so much is all labor and love of his own father and his grandfather-whom he never had the opportunity to know. But how sweet it is that long after he has gone he is still caring and providing and such a special part of our daily routine. One of those things in life that makes my heart feel a little more full knowing.

Summer has now concluded and all the fun that goes hand in hand with summer also feels to be slowing down. We've had numerous celebrations, holidays, days/nights of fun with family and friends, and now we are starting a new season. Which again brings me to another bittersweet moment. A new season, a new chapter. After I think about it, I guess it still is about ME...ME being  a wife, mother, daughter, sister, and friend to the best of my ability. Reflecting on the past year, I feel so humbled and blessed by it all. All the craziness, all the adjustments, all of it all. There's nothing more in life that I've wanted to accomplish in life then being a mother. Doing well at it (for now)...that's just the icing on the cake. And you Nico, you're the best gift that I have ever received. So bring on the birthdays for you and I both big boy. I will embrace each year as we both get older. And even though this "2" thing is happening to the both of us...YOU will always be my #1.

XO. 

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"

Fed Up

Good! The angry title of this blog got you to push that hyperlink and to take a minute to read my words. That's exactly what it is…my words..my thoughts…my beliefs put on to the internet for whomever to read. I'm sure I may tick someone off because in today's world we've come to a point where no matter what is said someone will be offended. So here is my disclaimer. I'm going use "we" and "you" even though the words I write may not be directed specifically at "you" or "us" Alright? Hopefully, we can move past the potential offensive parts and to the understanding parts of this all. If I can ask you to take one step back and be understanding, respectful, kind and read this with an open heart.

I've had to limit my Facebook usage more than ever in the last few months becomes it's become such a place to just sit and attack each other. I hate it. I despise it. It makes my stomach hurt. Perhaps, it stems from witnessing domestic violence as a child. But aren't we products of our environment? Are our own views not of where we came from whether that be who raised us or even what our area code is? Does that then mean that our own right and wrong beliefs stem from places that our brain or address has already predetermined and maybe we shouldn't be judged so harshly because of that? Maybe what you think is wrong (and very well may be by definition wrong) the other person doesn't even know is wrong?  But yet we judge everyone that is different than us or believes something else and that is the only determining factor of them automatically being wrong in our eyes? Whether it's those that are below us or those who are above us. "They are all wrong". "They don't deserve what they get." "It's not fair." Why yes, you're right….it isn't fair. If you haven't learned that yet in life or taught your child that life isn't fair then let that be the 1st lesson of this blog. No matter how talented you are, no matter how much money you have, sometimes life won't be fair. And if you are one of those people that are super talented and have a ton of money-you better learn that lesson even quicker because when that life lesson of things not being fair hits you (and it will) it will be a hard pill to swallow. But what's really not fair is a child who has a disadvantage simply by the street he lives on, or a child that is born into a home where he is neglected, and then said child becomes an adult that doesn't know how to love and only knows how to hate instead. That my friends is what really isn't fair. 

I see and hear stereotypes constantly being made but let me tell you my everyday life surrounds me with some of those people that are constantly being judged. Some of us might say they made their own decisions that led them to where they are, and for some that may very well be. But how do you tell the difference between those individuals versus the individuals that found themselves at a life altering moment that brought them to their knees? That left them broke, homeless, and/or alone? Because that's all it takes is one life event-the loss of a job, a traumatic event like the loss of a child that can turn someone's life completely upside down. Everyone has a story but we never take the time to listen and understand. But what if we did? 

I just read an article about a 2 year old little boy from Nebraska that was on vacation wading in a man made lake in Florida and horrifically was snatched by an alligator and after MINUTES of the story being published people were sitting behind their keyboards hurling insults at the parents. "How dare the parents!" "How dumb are they to their child play in water?!?" "Don't they know Florida has alligators everywhere?!" If we step back for one second and think maybe these people are no longer in their typical environment and in the excitement of this vacation didn't think things fully through? Do each of us before every vacation go and do our research on where hidden dangers may be? I don't. I probably should. But I don't. Wouldn't some say this is common sense though? Maybe some. But how about we all just be human for a second and realize that this poor family just lost their son, their baby- in a terribly tragic way so maybe we should show not just a little but a ton of mercy. Lets even put ourselves in their shoes and think how some accidents are exactly that- accidents. Accidents that maybe could have been preventable but that's sure easy to say after the fact. Accidents that can happen in a similar way to any of us. And then how about we have some more damn mercy knowing that the parents are currently torturing themselves with thoughts on how if they only decided to go out to eat, or that there would have been a traffic jam or flight delay, or if they would have just been content in staying in the predictable flatlands of Nebraska that they call home that this very thing would have never happened. Oh yeah, did I mention they don't need your shaming negative input in the matter? Or let's not get forget about the gorilla situation. Oh yeah, we forgot about that because all of the other things this week that we get to pretend we know all the facts about. But my goodness, remember how everyone became parent of the century because their kid never found themselves in the same exact situation? I mean our kids have been lost but only for a few seconds or maybe even a minute or two-but somehow we forgot the panic that comes with that and we forget to go beyond the place where that poor mother was and instead turn it and somehow even manage to twist it into something even uglier, like the many racist comments that followed when we learned the mother's race? But you know what we really should be pissed off about? We should be pissed off about the kids that are getting beaten on a daily basis, or kids that are sold into sex trafficking, or how about an individual that is dealing with so much pain in their heart and perceives they are alone in that pain-and commits suicide? That my friends is what we should be pissed off about. 

My posts are typically happy and light-but in this dark world isn't that what we should try to focus on? Perhaps if we did just that we wouldn't be in this mess that we are currently in? The mess where everyone focuses on every bad thing occurring in the world which then makes our world seem that much more doomed? I write positive and hopeful things for just that. Because there is enough bad news and hate out there. My belief is that maybe not only will my own children read my words ones day and know without a doubt that my memories of and with them were magical and even though there were/are daily tribulations I chose to focus on the good. I share with all of you for the reason that it will be a light and happiness in this world that can seem overly dark. As well as the fact that maybe through my own son and celebrating this crazy thing we call life-that it will in turn help you find your own joy. Or that maybe you will look at your own child differently and marvel at the little accomplishments that is  experienced on any old ordinary day and just celebrate it. (Um, like licking a lollipop!) How about we focus on some of the positive things in life in general? How about we share and broadcast news on do gooders instead of one person that will receive weeks/months/years of attention because of something evil they did? And within that evil, people will do even more evil with it-point fingers, blame race, sexual orientation, guns, on an evil act when it's really none of that. It's only evil. There has been evil since the beginning times and there will always be evil. No matter if we make laws banning this or that-we know from history that people have done evil things with planes, fertilizer, knives, drugs, etc. Evil doesn't have a weapon of choice. No matter what you do nothing can protect us fully from evil. That being said stop turning tragedies into agendas. Because hidden agendas often become political and then people think it's ok to start hurling insults because we see future potential leaders of our country doing the same exact thing to each other. When we start criticizing each other on political views and saying hurtful and spiteful things in the name of a political stance is it any different than saying hurtful things about ones race, sexuality, etc? But guess what? It's not even really about politics. It's not my God versus your God- it's about "you/us" being decent human beings. Mind blowing huh? Let's not allow the evil ways or even one evil person seperate us even more. 

Now that I have a child-more than ever, I want this world to become better. I want all the hate to stop. I want those who surround my son to be kind people. I want my son to be a kind person. I want him to be tolerant. I want him to respectful. I want him to be understanding. I want him to know that even though his ideals and beliefs may not match the person next to him that it is OK and not only is it OK but he can also be a friend to that person. And who is going to be responsible for teaching him those qualities? Hopefully, mostly myself and his dad and not only because we say so but because we live that way. Do I have work to do myself in that department as well as Nico's dad? Heck yes, every single day sometimes we have to rise above our own thoughts in our mind about our own ideals. But guess what, I also want him to learn those things from you too. I want him to learn those things from your kids too. So please start being the good, start teaching your children to be the good in this world as well. Start loving individuals that may be hard to love. Just start doing something or anything kind.

As I write this I'm watching a father and his son try to save a snapping turtle from crossing Highway 151. This is after both my husband and 2 other random do gooders pulled their cars over to do the same thing 10 minutes prior all while Nico and I watched from the window. Isn't this what it's about? Teaching our young how to help someone (or in this case something) that is in danger or in need of a little help..and maybe in need of help more than once for the same poor decision? Dude, you're a turtle crossing a highway-be smarter! See the irony? See the parallel process?! 

One thing I'll always stand behind and for is kindness…to everyone and everything. 

Thank you for making it this far and dealing with my random thoughts (again). I hope this allows you to reflect on an area in your own heart where you can be a little more tolerant to, a little more forgiving to, a little more understanding to, a little less judgmental about and more appreciative of. And let's figure out how we are going to help our children be the gift and the light to this world…together.

XO. 

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"

A Year & A Half Into The Parenting Game...

Where does time go? I blink and it's a new day and then suddenly a new month and my "baby" is now a year and half and we are creeping to two years all too quickly. I know, I know...I'm getting ahead of myself as usual. Since our last check in things have gotten CrAzY! It seems after Nico got his first haircut he seemed to turn into a little man. He looked older and all of a sudden he's following multiple step directions, and talking in 2, 3, 4 word phrases. What?!? And as usual I had every good intention that on the DAY he turned 1.5 years I'd write a tribute to him-but once again my best made plans did not unfold. All because we were out double fisting crème brûlée CELEBRATING our big boy! That’s a good enough excuse if you ask me!

So whats-a-happenin’ now a days? Well, one of the biggest changes in our day to day lives is that Nico is going once a week to “socialize”. I never thought I’d let a stranger watch my child but through one of my coworkers who constantly was raving about her in-home provider and showing me cute pictures of her son having a ton of fun-was when I thought about how Nico would love and benefit from an experience like that. So I let go of my arrogant thoughts of how we are the ONLY people that Nico should be with and learn from because we are frankly the best for him. Which I do think is still true to a point…but my better judgment and experience I'm aware of how valuable it is for kids to learn from others early on since this will be a requirement throughout life of learning and following other rules besides our own. Another reason I chose to do this is because I myself was one of those kids that had a borderline unhealthy attachment to my mother. I know the anxiety that came with that growing up and I don’t want my son to experience that if possible. Plus, working with so many kids I really see a difference socially with children that had opportunities away from home and thus making the adjustment to school life easier. It’s all part of that letting go for all of us…even though hard…it’s only once a week and I now am getting the cute pictures of his weekly adventures away from home. And feeling good about my decision to be selfishly unselfish....

Nico hit 18 months and his words are so much clearer! His “Byeeeee” now sounds less like “Dieee” and currently his favorite words are...

• "Oh, no!” -Used in a multitude of ways...all appropriate. All hilarious.
• “Mama”-Obviously.
• “Dada”-Obviously.
• "I don't know"-Pleading the 5th already...
• "Boom!" "Slam Dunk"-in that order as he dunks the ball into the hoop. Little cocky for an 18 month old, don't you think?  

He loves to identify all his family and friends and even points to himself and says “Nico”. He does a mean gorilla impression and has a love for animals and birds.  

Because of his love for birds, his dad bought him a bird feeder that Nico helps fill up and they bird watch while having breakfast. So sweet. Nico loves nature and being as natural as possible…aka being naked-hey can you blame him?

But when we are outside we just go pants-less (whoa, not we…Nico..just Nico…even though I would like to join him) and hang from bars and such. 

This kid.


Outside is Nico's place of choice. And it's very confusing to a lad of 18 and a half months on why one day we can be running around with no pants on and the next we have winter boots and coats on. Welcome to Wisconsin baby. Yay, for beautiful weather and hopes of months of fun (and good weather) to come!

Oh, and Nico is putting his acting skills to work for Hollywood. He dramatically throws himself to the ground and pretends he's hurt. And his mother (playing the lead actress) says, "Oh, no! Are you ok??! Do you need a hug?!" He slowly gets up (I swear he's thrown in a limp a time or two) and says, "Dessssss" (yes), and puts his arms out for a hug. He walks away and does this on repeat until he feels he's mastered the scene and then demands to be waited on and for some food...so yes, your typical A List actor already.

His obsession with cleaning has lessened only slightly, but his obsession with balls has continued...and when you have "TT's" (aka Auntie Seneca) that play into this ball obsession to the tune of 1000 ball pit balls being delivered- ya know it may be a problem.  He loves to instruct his dad to sit down and play on the floor with him. “Down, down, down” as he slams his finger to the ground to get his point across. He knows exactly what he wants when it comes to what he wants to play with, what books he wants to read, or what he wants to eat. I respect people like that. To know exactly what you want in life is admirable. 

Nico's obsession with shoes also continues and he loves to put on shoes, especially his dad’s shoes.

Which then prompted me to get him his own matching pair...ridiculous I know....ridiculously cute that is. ;-)



His hair is like his mother's and it just depends on the weather on how it looks each day. Some days he's got this perfectly styled side swept smooth look going on and the next he's curly as all heck.

He LOVES his rain boots and loves splashing in puddles and getting soaking wet and dirty. 

The dirt, the rough and tough-most people would think I cringe at this, but I don’t. “Let him get dirty, that shirt is brand new but oh well, he’s having fun!” Those who know me look at me wide eyed as those words come out of my mouth. My sister said, “I thought you’d be one of those moms that would never let their kid get dirty and ruin their outfit.” Thanks?! Although, I do admit being able to dress a boy is so much fun. In my next life, I want to be a stylist (and a travel agent, wedding planner, and a photographer) so now I have my own little person to style. It’s so much fun. But most of all, there’s just something about a boy and his mom. Another mom said to me, “Don’t you just look at him and think he’s the most wonderful creature?!” Yes, yes I do. He’s delicious and wild and I just really love being a boy mom. I always saw myself as having little girls, but a boy is taking me by surprise of how much I'm enjoying it. And I still am the queen of the house…got that Bellina?

Nico enjoys being rough and tough with his dad and they are always laughing and screaming and it sounds like so much fun. But, when your kid starts tackling other kids out of excitement and pulling kid’s hair in music class (twice) I cringe and want to blame his dad and say it’s not my fault. But I don’t. I apologize, curse my husband’s name under my breath and go back home and yell tell my husband he cannot allow Nico to pull his hair because he thinks that’s how we play with other kids. My husband nods like he’s in agreement but then 15 minutes later they are rolling around and Nico is sitting on his head and pulling his hair. Good talk husband. Good talk.


Nico still loves to read. His current favorites are the “The Going to Bed Book” and “Goodnight Moon” and when we get to the bowl of mush he on cue goes “mmmhmm”. Kid loves to eat….fruit and smoothies being his go-tos. He is currently digging bananas, eggs and chicken sausages as well as peanut butter. Did I mention he only still has 2 teeth on the bottom and still eats “impressively”? He’s a little late on the game when it comes to teeth but is managing quite well. He’s pushing 25lbs and stands 33 inches tall and according to some random old man, “He’s going to be a big one I can tell by his hands.” Um, ok? I thought that only applied to dogs and their paws, but what do I know?


We've been busy welcoming lots of new babies into our lives and we couldn't be more thrilled on all the fun that brings! We hang with our family and friends in our spare time and we’ve been lucky to have some extra fun adventures in the last couple months. Shout out to Theresa and Elliana for being SO spontaneous and spending a couple days of fun with us in Madison!

And to Brady, who was just as thrilled to spend his spring break with us in the Dells and went back to school and forgot his parents and sister were along for the fun.....

We are so looking forward to summer to have more time to spend with even more of those that we adore and for more spontaneous fun adventures!


Speaking of good friends…Nico and Bellina ("Nana") are becoming the best of friends. And Nico really helps "Nana" out by if he doesn't want what I gave him for snack he promptly dumps it on the floor and yells "Nana" so she can come gobble it up. Win-win, right? Seriously, things like this? How do I get mad? It's pretty genius. Bellina finally is feeling a worthy part of the pack again…sorry “Nana” that mama has neglected you for the last 18.5 months. 

Nico also has yet to sleep through the night and likes to sleep in on days mom has to be up early and wake up early on days we have nowhere to be. How do they know these things?! His favorite place to sleep? On my stomach. He's lucky he's so darn cute.

So yes, this is what a year in a half into this parenting game looks like. Crazy, exciting, exhausting, silly and beautiful. Thank you to all of our family and friends that love us so well. But most of all, thank you to Nico for a year and a half of nothing but pure love for your mama and dada and to everyone around you. Continue to put that love of yours into the world and keep making everyone smile...

Elliana & Nico

Big Nico & Little Nico ("No, me Nico"…currently very confusing for little Nico)

Liam & Nico

"TT" & Nico

Monroe & Nico

Gracie & Nico

Dante & "Koko"

Zio Nino & Nico

Grandpa & Nico

Charlie & Nico

I love you big boy. Thank you for making my everyday crazy...I wouldn't want it any other way. 

XO. 

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"