La Bella Vita

During my baby shower in the "Daddy Knows Best" segment- one of the questions to dad was- "Where do you want your first family vacation to be? Well, Daddy got his wish! 

S is for Sicily

Can you believe I couldn't decide on whether I wanted to go to Italy or not?! Crazy right? It sounds ridiculous even to me to admit that-much less to put it in writing. I'll blame it on my fear of turbulence and the end of the school year stress. Seriously though, there's so much to think about when traveling with a baby. Much less traveling to another COUNTRY! What to bring, what to just buy there, will we have air conditioning in both our vehicle and house? If you ever experienced African Trade Winds you'll know that these are legit questions. Last time we were there we experienced about a 3 day stretch of this African wind. I mean this is such indescribable heat that you literally hallucinate because you seriously could be in the pits of Hell. I sweated in the shower as cold water poured out-yes-sweated. In cold water. And if you know me, you'll know I really never sweat much less would I ever willingly take a cold shower. Back to the dilemma-Was I really stressing about going to Italy? Reality hit me at some point that there are babies born and living in Italy right.at.this.moment and in many moments before this one. So this is for sure doable...right?! I obviously knew this trip would be a tad bit different than previous-no more spending hours upon hours at the beach then going by Vincenzo to get our hair washed and styled, no more late night 11:00 dinners, and no more flying over rail road tracks Dukes of Hazard style. Which in turn saves some of us chiropractor bills and life long tailbone pain. But we'd still have our trusty travel partners with us -Bart & Tanya. Along with our 2 new travel accompanists….

Mr. Nico & Mr. Brady

We confirmed and booked our tickets in mid-May which would give plenty of time for Bart to brush up on his Italian (which strictly consists of "Il treno" and "scusa"). Plus gave me time to figure out the passport situation we were currently in. I mean what mother/father forgets to send for a birth certificate for their 1st born?! Yep, you guessed it. Us. So after paying close to triple in fees to get me the documents so we could proceed with Nico's Passport (which by the way is super cute)….

Photo Cred: Eric Nycz

Before we knew it-we were on our way! The official flight day the mood is what I would describe as full fledge anxiety. I mean I woke up and and felt physically ill thinking "Shit, maybe I should have had someone prescribe me something." Luckily having two little kids along your mind quickly becomes easily distracted. Upon arriving to pick up our flight mates- Brady came running out of the house. When I asked Brady if he knew where we were going he exclaimed, "Sunny Sicily!" 5 years old and knows what he's taking about! I then said, "Are you so excited?!" Brady yells, "I'm super DUPER pooper excited!" On cue, Nico starts dying laughing. Needless to say throughout our entire trip- "Super Duper Pooper" was used so often even the Italians learned how to say it-and wanted to know what it meant. How do you translate that?! 

We don't look nervous do we? Cool as freaking cucumbers! 

While waiting to get checked in and board-Nico looked like he was a well seasoned world traveler...

Isn't this How Everyone Travels Through The Airport?

#1 Priority Obvi

Remember when flying use to be glamorous? Now it's a big giant greyhound bus that flies 32,000 feet in the air going 525 miles per hour. Not glamorous at all. 9 hours and some minutes later we landed at FCO for our next quick flight to PMO. We had to go though customs to get on our final flight. Holding my big giant baby and seeing the never ending customs line-I was thinking, Nico made it through a 9 hour flight in addition to the 2 1/2 hour car ride to Chicago. This is where the meltdown of his life is about to occur-right here in a freaking cattle line. We weren't even to the end of the line and some lady working spotted us-motioned for us to go by her where she then escorted us to the FRONT of the line. Seriously. I should have got her name. God Bless her. Just like that we were off for the quick hop to the "big island" and in no time we landed celebrity style…

I waved coming down the steps like I was famous. 

We were welcomed at the airport by relatives and friends that gave us a lot of kisses, hugs, helping hands, water (what does 29 Celsius convert too? Hot that's what), and family members trying to get away with stealing my baby. Not this time you crazy Sicilians. Next stop, to our rental house that our "Landlord" had made sure was already stocked with supplies, food, fruit, and wine upon our arrival. What? Who does that? Marcelo does that-that's who. On our way to the house he pulls over in front of some building, runs inside and comes back to the vehicle with a huge order of freshly made food to bring back to the house. You know, because he figured we'd be tired from traveling and want something to eat. Really? Really. Marcelo=Bomb.com

Marcelo & Us

That evening we had a mini reunion with some of Steve's family members who obviously had more food waiting for us. But of course there was a lot of oohing and ahhing over Baby Nico. "Ciccio Bello" and "Che Duci" over and over and over again. Guess he is all of those things...

Melts People With His Charm & Sweetness

We visited, caught up, and Steve informed everyone of things they were dying to know such as how I produce a lot of milk but don't really require much food. So he's going keep me for awhile yet and other random facts. Once back in the confines of our own space-I yelled at him for once again comparing me to a cow. His response? "What?! They appreciate those kind of things here." Sweet husband I have huh? We then got some good non-airplane sleep and woke up to this on our veranda the next morning… 

Fresh Cornetti

The morning after that-we find another beautifully wrapped package waiting for us...more Cornetti. Steve says, "I don't think they ever want us to leave." Later that day, Marcelo brings us a huge watermelon. My next statement, "Who the hell does he think we are?" NOTE: Marcelo had fresh cornetti waiting for us every.single.day of our stay. Along 2 more melons, fresh seafood salad, and then hosted a feast our last evening there. Best.landlord.ever. 

It has been 7 years since I've been to Italy and 5 years since Steve was back. Not sure how time passes so quickly. But other vacations were taken in that time and well, life happens. So being back with a baby in tow, makes you even more in demand. In America, you look at a baby and you ohhh and ahhh but in Italy you get special privileges, get faster service, and then more special treatment. They take loving babies to another level. Babies are the reason for living. Life is not meaningful if there isn't a baby in your life. EVERYBODY loves babies. Everyone. Men. Women. Kids. Other Babies. Or again, maybe it's just Nico. He's just so damn lovable. 

What they don't understand about babies though (or at least my baby) is that I don't shove food in my child's mouth nor do I cover my baby when it's 90 something degrees because the "breeze" is bad for them. I also give my baby cold water when it's 162 degrees outside and feed him granita to keep him cool. Which by the way is Nico's favorite treat. 

Granita

Speaking of food and treats. Lets talk about the food. My oh my the food. Honestly, where do I begin? How about the figs? Seriously, I can't even. I love figs the way they love babies. Word travels quick over there (sometimes a good thing, sometimes a bad thing) and it seemed that everyone was bringing me figs. I ate so many figs that I lost count nor was I ashamed that I had a heaping plate in front of me. Actually, I was proud. And when I offered others figs? I was just doing it to be polite-I really didn't want to share. I even snatched some figs but was caught red handed along with photographic proof.  

Full Blown Fig Addict

It was from a family member's tree so it doesn't really count as stealing. But I don't get it…everything just tastes better. Actually I do get it. Everything is FRESH.  Italians have a much higher standard when it comes to their food than the majority of Americans. All of their food-even "convenience" food has a very short and concise list of ingredients.Bread doesn't sit on the shelf for weeks. Bread is made fresh every day. I can't eat ice Cream here but can eat Gelato over there...I experience no GI upset or any other unwanted symptoms. Certain ingredients that are in our food here in the good US of A are actually banned there. Come on America….

Gelato Heaven

Freshly Made Cappuccino & Croissants

Cous Cous & Seafood

Fresh Everythang

More Gelato? Yes, please. 

It basically seemed that all we did was eat. Which happens to be one of my favorite things to do. Along with being in the sun. And being with my favorite people. In other words-I was really living the JLOVE dream in Sicilia. The timing was right that we were able to celebrate Steve's big birthday during our stay. We arrived at a restaurant called "Ground" (They love any American words) where we arrived at approximately 9:30. We went strictly for dinner-you know we have kids now so has to be a little earlier. Which means we got home at two in the morning. Honestly-that's how it works. You go out to eat and it's at a minimum of a two hour process. But what's the hurry? In Italy, life is a reason to celebrate! Any reason is a reason to celebrate! Any day of the week is a good time to celebrate! Those Italians are on to something….

Happy Birthday Chicken White!

We did a lot of exploring as well but everytime we went into town-every 6th car that would pass Steve would say, "There's my cousin." How many cousins does one person have? And then if someone saw Steve as they drive past they would stop the car blocking traffic to stop and talk. It's always like having a celebrity with us. Maybe this explains the over the top treatment from Marcelo? But the driving in Sicily is INSANE. The roads are small-meant barely for 2 way traffic. But you actually have 4 way traffic and then 1 way traffic because 3 people decide to pull "over" to quick run and get an espresso.There are stop signs but don't you dare stop! If you do they will honk at you. The smaller the mode of transportation the better. Scooters are ideal. In fact this is the exact Vespa Steve had when he was young in Sicily that we spotted on an Island we went to. Maybe I'll frame it for Nico's room?

Even with having two young babes in tow we still were able to go sight seeing and go to new places. Erice, Favignana, Cefalu, & San Vito to name a few. But no matter where you go-everything revolves around the beach. Lucky for us-both kids loved the water. Enjoy a few pics from our trip below!

How Could Anyone NOT Love This Water?

Isn't Sicily so amazing?!! One of my other favorite memories was at a restaurant called "La Favarotta". We joined some friends there and it was quite the happening place. A birthday/baptism/wedding all happening within one party. (Only because they are too cheap to host them separately per Salvo). :) This place was packed. There was a kid's bouncy house in the back with a bunch of kids all sweaty and laughing. There was live music and dancing by both the young and old. It was so neat to see everyone interact and even though there were language barriers- it didn't matter because fun and laughter is spoken the same in all languages. We of course had to photo document some of these fantastic memories and Brady came over between me and the table and accidentally spilled my glass of red wine all over Stefano's baby pink shirt and white shorts. 

Wine Spilled On You = Good Luck in Italy

I'm pretty sure we should have good luck for the rest of our lives. It was 11:00 at night and still 84 degrees-Stefano just really needed a cool down. Speaking of heat. Remember my concerns regarding the heat before we left? Let's just say during our stay- Italy experienced a heat wave that according to the news hasn't happened in over 70 years. Thank God, we had air conditioning in our house (not the norm there) as well as in our vehicle. Also, remember no more salon visits? Happened twice even with a baby. Yahoo! Thanks Vincenzo-XO.This 16 day adventure proved to be without a hitch. The final test would be the flight home. I wanted to wait till we were back in Chicago to really judge how my baby travels. I thought the way there was probably just a fluke and I didn't want to jinx anything. Wouldn't you know-Mr. Nico aced the test. It kind of got sickening everyone saying how good he was throughout our travels. Kinda like when people always say how cute he is. Sickening. Ok, I lie. Not sickening at all. A fellow passenger turned around and said "Your baby is amazing." Not good…amazing. People coming over to us on the jet way complimenting him. All while I silently thanked Jesus and took all the credit for his stellar behavior…and cuteness. 

Way Up High

We have so many special memories for this trip. But one that tops the list is on our last day there we were standing on the streets-of course everyone spotting Steve and stopping over to say hello/goodbye. One gentleman came over-I didn't understand what he was saying to Steve. But he started thumbing his wallet looking for something. He pulled this out...

It's a two dollar bill that Steve's dad gave him many many years ago. Across it if you look closely Steve's dad wrote "Buon Natale" on the left side and his name "Nicola" on the right. The gentleman wanted Nico to have it. I got emotional when he handed it to us and I'm emotional as I write this. It was the perfect ending to our trip. Coming home with a piece of Nico's Nonno. Things really came around full circle and just seemingly made sense. 

I want to thank everyone for making our trip to Sicily one to remember. From all of Steve's family and friends that spoil and love us there. Especially Salvo for taking care of all the big important details for us. A thank you to our travel companions-Bart, Tanya, and Brady for keeping us company and enjoying Sunny Sicily with us! And a huge thank you to Marcelo who was a stranger at the start but now is someone that we consider family as well. And for everyone back home that kept things in order and made coming home special too. All together you made our time away worth it. There is just something about the sea, salt water, and sun that heals your soul. Something we needed desperately. 

Amazingly Close to God

So what have I learned about Italy this time around whether you have a baby with you or not? 

• Don't expect dinner to start before 9:00pm…even with a baby. 
• If you have someone that speaks Italian you are golden (yes, we are available to accompany you on your dream vacation for a small price)
• Do not go to Italy without a baby in tow (yes, Nico is available to accompany you on your dream vacation-but his mom and dad are part of the package) 
• Don't ask too many questions. Sicilian Wisdom from my husband. 
• There's no such thing as too much gelato. 
• Italians can't say the name Brady. Brett? Bradley? Huh? 
• It's official-I have one of the easiest, sweetest, and most lovable babies.
• When an opportunity presents itself-take it.

And of course the very best lesson…

There is just something about those Italians....

XO.

JLOVE AKA "Mommy

P.S. Nico-your 9th month of life was BIG! I'd consider you an official world traveler now. You had so many firsts while in Sicily! 1st time eating pasta, gelato, fresh fruit that you can't compare, and your 1st tooth! Then 2 more decided to come through and you still were the sweetest baby ever. The sun and water made your hair grow a little more and you have skin that becomes golden when the sun kisses you. I hope one day you'll look back at this and realize you are so very blessed to be loved and adored around the world. There is something real special about you and I'm glad you prove that to everyone you encounter. Keep shining baby.  

The Start of 9 Months…

There's something that feels big about 9 months. Maybe it's because for 9 months of pregnancy you were awaiting this precious little baby. Now 9 months have passed and you have this big giant baby...or at least I do.

9 Month Old---->Looking Like A 2 Year Old

We were just at the doctors for the official 9 month weigh-in. Nico is a little over 30 inches and weighing in at 21lbs and 4 ounces. He's leaning out since almost the second after Nico's 8 month mark he decided it was time to start crawling. As the month progressed Nico is now crawling at a super speed. My husband chases him around the house all while saying, "He's going way too fast! Look at him, he knows I'm coming after him so he goes even faster!!" All while I'm thinking that Nico is going be walking before we know it and then Steve's really going lose his shit trying to keep up with him! Oh and when Nico pulls up on things...I can see the torture it brings to Stefano anticipating our first ER visit for stitches. I say that in jest...I really hope that never happens. I mean how could it happen when I'm keeping Nico in his ultra deluxe padded bubble?!? As detailed previously-Nico is saying nothing but Dada as the 8th month closed. He's loving the food stuff. Mostly giving him the typical fruits and veggies. He's still loving his wagon (thanks again Nonna, money worth on that one for sure!) and his favorite book is Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?  from our other baby cub-Gracie. Nico's hair has grown a bit and he's gotten a great summer tan. Thank goodness he inherited my olive skin and not his dad's freckled Italian white boy skin. :) We spend a lot of time outside enjoying the beautiful Wisconsin summer. Nico has even gone over to the door and started hitting it in protest to go explore. I love his zest for all things outdoors and happily oblige to his protests to go out! Nico was able to go in grandma's pool for the very 1st time! She bought him all the pool essentials he could ever need/want and he's been enjoying his pool time thus far!

Um, yeah...ok, I guess.

Alright…I Guess This Big Bathtub is Cool!

One of my favorite experiences of this past month was Nico's first attempt at painting! I was inspired by another mom who's one of those artsy-fartsy kind of people (totally jealous) and she started painting with her son at the age of 5 months! In other words, Nico is wayyyy behind in being able to express himself artistically-which I'll probably pay for later in therapy bills. :) With the help of TT and GG we had SO much fun! Nico loved it!

Red & Blue Make.....

Artistic Mess!

Painter's Bathtub

His Final Masterpieces...Sorry They All Sold!

This past month we've had a pretty full social calendar with our friends! From grad parties, wedding showers, birthday parties, anniversary parties, to holiday celebrations it is no wonder everyone loves summer time! People are happy and have things to look forward to and nice weather to enjoy. What's not to love?! We are so so so sooooooo (repeat 1 million times to really emphasize) blessed to have such a wonderful circle of friends. Like I can't even begin to put into words how amazing they are. Below is just a small little sample of what I speak of (exclusively from this past month-I had to limit it somehow)...you'll be feeling warm and fuzzy feeling all the love.

Uncle Papa, Mimi & Company (They Come w/ Lots of Fun People to Love) 

My 1st Baby Ellie with MY Baby

Ava, Nico aka Larry, & Brady

Nico And His Gracie...See The Love In His Eyes?

The One & Only Eric (Lovvves Asiatic Lillies) and His Meat

Kisses For Clara

Oh And Emily Too!

4th of July Boat Fun

With Grandpa George & Grandma Marilyn Celebrating 65 Years of LOVE!

Love overload, right?! Did I mention how incredibly lucky we are to be able to have seriously some of the best friends to celebrate life with? Not only do we celebrate with them-but all of the people (and/or their parents) in the pictures above and many that are not pictured (but they better know who they are) have also helped us get through those rough-not fun-at-all moments in life as well. And really, those are the friends you want to keep forever…so I'm keeping ya'll ok? Friends whether abundant or few are something to be treasured above gold. They give us new experiences, a different perspective on life, exciting stories, and of course little quirks of their own to embrace and love. Our friends really aren't even friends...they are family. 

You all are the best and so much more. Thank you for all you do. 

XO. 

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"

"Friendship is the hardest thing in the world to explain. It's not something you learn in school. But if you haven't learned the meaning of friendship, you really haven't learned anything." ― Muhammad Ali

The Month of Dada

In honor of Father's Day this past month-my sweet son has decided to say nothing but "Dada". All day. Everyday. "Dada" when he first opens his eyes, "Dada" when we are in the pool, "Dada" while we are playing, "Dada" while we are eating, "Dada" while taking wagon rides, and I'm pretty sure I hear him say "Dada" in both his and my own sleep. My husband loves to throw this all in my face with little innocent jabs on how Nico loves him more. Doesn't bother me one little bit though. Nope not even a little. Really I'm not bitter at all. No way, José. 

I have researched (What? There must be some logical explanation for this right?!) classic linguistic theories stating that mama is actually easier (Wait! This can not be right?!) to say because babies tend to naturally make the "m" shape of the mouth while the baby is at the breast/bottle. If this was accurate- Nicoló should have been saying mama right out of the freaking womb because he's an expert at the breastfeeding stuff. In other words, this Russian Roman Jakobson "expert" is full of shit...all in my very humble opinion of course. Upon more research of my own-more recent theories have suggested the "M" sound is actually harder to make since air has to go through the nose to successfully make that specific sound. See NOW that makes so much more sense! Wouldn't you agree? Don't you think? Right?! Yep! Explains it all! 110% logic right there! No doubt. I of course explained this more current and accurate theory in depth to my husband and he simply said, "Keep telling yourself that." Tough crowd round these parts. We practice saying mama every.single.day. It goes something like this....

Mother-"Me-mama. You-Nico"

Nicoló-"Dada"

Good thing I'm not bitter huh? Because one could understand why every other mother might wonder how her first born-that she takes such very wonderful care of-would only say dada 635487329 times a day but will not even mutter even a mmmmhmmm for a solid 8 months-but nope not me. 

Did you happen to see this viral video yet of the dog saying mama before her baby? Probably going be happening in our house soon….see video below. 

Bellina, you better learn how to say mama real fast....someone in this house better start saying mama damnit! In fact, to anyone reading this-if you run into me out and about please call me "mama". 

So what has this last month brought us besides Nico obsessively saying Dada?! We were lucky enough to spend Father's Day weekend with our friends in Minneapolis. The Mommy's got the fun started with an evening out seeing a pretty sweet line up of country singers with a pretty sweet view (thanks Kari). Yes, Luke Bryan may have sweated on us and I may also have permanent hearing loss from standing directly in front of the speakers. While all of this was occurring-my husband and baby were having an extremely traumatic night. I mean I even heard the screams of my baby over the deafing speakers of Luke Bryan yelling "Shake It For Me" at 16.2 million decibels in my ear. All because obviously Nico was wanting his mama so he could go to sleep properly. I checked my phone so many times that I had to steal "juice" from a complete strangers portable battery pack certain that I'd be getting a SOS text from my husband telling me I had to leave immediately and tend to our baby. While I was obsessively checking my phone this is what really was happening...

Kid looks like he's having a horrible time and wondering why his mother abandoned him huh? I thought so too. I sadly missed my sons first pool experience but I'm glad that his dad got to have a "first" all to himself to be able to enjoy and treasure forever. Oh wait, what else is that in the water you ask? That's just Steve's phone also going for it's first swim-which explains why I never received that SOS text! Stefano said he wasn't even the least bit upset about the phone because Nico was having such a good time. Sweet huh? Anyway, us "mamas" got back to our hotel in the wee morning hours while my baby was sleeping like an angel without hardly any fuss at bedtime. Good for you dad. Glad you make it look sooooo easy. We already know by all the evidence above that Nico may favor his dada but go ahead rub it all in my face a little more. Punk. And when I say "Punk" I mean the both of you.

For Father's Day-Stefano was able to enjoy a round of golf and come back and relax with good company, a few cocktails and a nice big fat cigar. 

I Like It When They Call Me Big Papa...or Dada.

The evening continued with a fantastic meal (when your husband cooks-everyone loves you) and we were able to kick back enjoy our friends company and their very sweet children. It was awesome.

Picture Perfect

Thank you to my baby daddy for being such a wonderful "Dada" and our friends for making us part of their family (Special shout out to Mama and Papa Johnson for that as well) and making Father's Day for Nico's dad a very special and very memorable one.

Until next time family and friends-I'm going to go tape Nico's mouth close and see if he will start breathing more from his nose….you know, just to help him develop additional letter sounds. 

XO.

JLOVE AKA "Mommy" or "Mama" or I'll even settle for  "Mhmmm" 

OK Nico?!