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"

Las Vegas Lessons

I was so inspired by our recent getaway that I was going to sit down and write this post while everything was fresh and so clear in my head. Well, you know what they say about best made plans. I laid eyes on my baby and a blog was the last thing on my mind. Oh, and then this thing called "work" messed up any blogging plans as well. Dang it. Blogging takes a lot less thinking...which sometimes I really appreciate and it is just so much more fun! So now, you'll have join me through a bit of a foggy memory of what lessons I learned in Vegas. Let's start from the beginning....

I was "lucky" enough to be invited to join my husband on this trip. This is usually a yearly "work" trip although I'm still confused on why Stefano must bring golf clubs on a work trip...I surely don't bring clubs to my job….ah, the mysteries of life. Historically, he goes with a couple of friends (yes, I realize I'm the best wife ever) and spends a few days away "working". This year, only one of his usually cohorts could join him so I "won" an invite along with the other "lucky" wife. Once the tickets were booked I was like, "Oh crap, what have I done? When I said I wanted to go-I forgot I had a kid and got lost in the no kid spontaneity of life." Then I would proceed to have a mild panic attack and this occurred over and over in the few weeks preceding the trip. Luckily, my work which has saved me many times from focusing too heavily on my own "problems" made the weeks leading up to the trip fly by keeping my mind occupied on other tasks. It was 5:00 in the morning the day of the trip when I truly realized what was happening. We were at my sister's house (AKA "TT") where Nico would be staying 2 nights for his own "Vegas Experience". I finally had a moment to catch my breath and when I did I could feel that feeling of full fledge anxiety and  on the verge of tears as I told my husband we had to leave right now otherwise there was a strong probability that I would not be joining him. As I kissed Nico goodbye all those terrible thoughts of, "What if my plane crashes? He will be parentless! What if we are involved in another random tragic accident? What if a car hits a bunch of pedestrians while walking the strip?" Then I reminded myself this is exactly why I should NOT watch the news. I become a lot more crazier after doing so. I gave Nico a thousand kisses praying that it wouldn't be my last. Dramatic, I know.

We met our flying partners at the airport and thank the Dear Lord for modern technology because "TT" was already sending me video clips of Nico very happily eating breakfast and playing like he wasn't aware that we were the terribly selfish parents that we were by deserting him. We boarded the flight and I was not sure what to do with myself without Nico on the plane with us. What do I do if I don't have to entertain and try to keep a baby happy on the plane for hours at a time? Oh yeah! The book that I packed! I spent the few hours in the shaky air (remember my fear of flying?) trying to distract myself from images of the plane falling from the sky by taking advantage of being able to read the first ADULT book in probably two years. So strange. So relaxing. I don't think my mind has been able to decompress like that for a long long time...as in multiple years. The flight safely landed-I said my prayer of thanks and we exited the airport to sunshine and warmness...another strange feeling. We then proceeded to a rental station where we picked up our shiny, fast, hot....mini van. After kids you lower you expectations and you just go with it. But when traveling with professional chefs golfers....you have a lot to haul and we got "upgraded" to a van. Gee, thanks. We pulled up to the Bellagio in our mini van and unloaded next to Ferraris and other fancy smancy cars. From there us girls headed to the pool and the boys headed to work the golf course. We were able to enjoy a couple hours by the pool and then the wind switched and we were forced to go inside where we had to sweat in a eucalyptus steam room/sauna/pools at the Bellagio spa. Poor us huh? 

We met up with boys for a dinner on the patio of Lago where every 15 minutes the Bellagio fountains put on a show seemingly just for us. We then went to see the Cirque du Soleil show "O" where we all marveled in the beauty of such a spectacular show...so much beauty that we all fell asleep. Yes, a Saturday night in Las Vegas with no children we all fell asleep during a show before the clock struck midnight. Lame? Yes, so lame. Good thing no one would have guessed that just by the looks of us….

After a morning of "sleeping in" and a little room service action to indulge in the ability to lay in bed for as long as we pleased

we decided to join the world again. We peeked outside and noticed a wicked wind and a iffy forecast so we decided to chase the sun and head to California in our reliable and roomy mini van. Our destination of choice? Death Valley National Park. We left a windy but sunny Vegas in our rearview mirror and headed into a rainy and cloudy Purump...which led us to question our decision. We carried on not knowing much about our final destination besides a few random internet finds in between our choppy cellular service we really had no idea what to expect or where we were going or if we'd ever find that sun that we were chasing. But two and a half hours later we arrived and the sun was shining and we were full of excitement. Having this big unknown space in front of you, not sure what to expect, or even where to go, that can be so exciting but yet kind of terrifying at the same time. 

During our journey to different points of interests within the 3 million acres of what is Death Valley-we noticed many others whom had parked their vehicles on the side of the roads and were taking pictures of little desert flowers. We all kinda of rolled our eyes at them as we saw people laying in them and having seemingly photo shoots with the flowers as the main subject.

Google Image of What I Speak Of...

Little did we know we were witnessing a "Super Bloom" a phenomenon that if lucky occurs once a decade. Where this typical barren desert is flooded with colorful flowers and because of that tourists were and are currently flooding the area in hopes to catch a glimpse. Reporting to pay enormous lodging rates to do so. The joke was on us that we were witnessing something magical and we didn't fully appreciate it till after the fact. True of life sometimes too, eh? This great unknown piece of land that had stretches of what appeared to be not so thrilling of "spots" but then as your rounded the corner you would witness something that was so beautiful that it took your breath away and you are just in total awe of how you could be sharing space with something so spectacular. Death Valley is amazing. I'm officially obsessed. We saw other POI and visited one of Death Valley's most iconic spots the "Badwater Basin" home to the 200 sq miles of protected salt flats.

Not only that but also the lowest spot in North America (282 below sea level). We all rested our heads on the lowest point in the US although I felt that point symbolically was once a familiar place to my body and soul.

I felt this whole experience was so symbolic to life in general...throughout our journey we hiked, unsure where the path would lead us...we passed others on their own path experiencing their own "adventure" somewhat similar to us but yet different. We made wrong turns, we had to back track, heck we even all stumbled along the way but we all kept going. Isn't that what life is all about? To go through the unknown and find our own way? Even if  that means picking yourself up off the ground or backtracking a bit so you can get back on the path to witness the next beautiful thing that's just around the bend? All the different highs and lows of life and at times even feeling a little bit lost?  And that sometimes the journey will at times take longer than you want it too but the view is that much more appreciated because of the wait?

My "Mountain" Climbing Partner

If it doesn't resound with you maybe it's just felt so closely matched to the last few yeas of my life? The ups and downs but finding the beauty along the way and most of all...just keeping on putting one foot in front of the other. It made me reflect that sometimes we can get so exhausted by the climb up the mountain of life that at times not only is it exhausting but may also have jagged edges to test our endurance even more. That for me personally, there had been so many jagged edges over the last handful of years that I was constantly getting wounded and it was hard to not keep looking back and remembering those wounds. But to keep going, knowing that once I got to that top of that mountain that I would be part of something so beautiful that I would forget about how hard the climb was. Yes, you Nicolo are the peak of the biggest hardest mountain I have climbed thus far. But you big boy, were and continue to be so worth it.

If you're currently enjoying the view from the top-remember to not take it for granted and to reach down and help someone up to enjoy the view with you. And to appreciate and respect that their way up may have been a bit different and maybe a little easier or even possibly even a little harder-so be kind. If you still on ground level and there is a mountain you're currently facing remember that sometimes it all can be so scary and you will be full of fear but just.keep.going. You become stronger. You become more confident. You become more appreciative. I promise.

That saying of that it's not so much about the destination than it is about the journey...is so.right.on. Thank you desert for your life lessons. Thank you TT for allowing us to take this adventure, and thank you to the Sierackis for being part of our adventure.

This quote to the left sums things up pretty well about my experience as well….thank you Randall…you're a wise man. We ended up leaving Death Valley well before I think any of us were ready to due to evening plans we had to head back. Although, I would have loved to see more points of interests and to watch the sunset and see the stars in such a remote location. Death Valley we will be back for you…and we will bring our Nico. We headed back for dinner and had a some legit sushi at Sushi Roku and went to see Absinthe for the 3rd time and laughed and was amazed just as the first time we saw it. And the most amazing part? We all stayed awake. For the entire show. Impressive I know…learning to adult again takes a little time. Overall our adult weekend would be considered a success. I guess it's "healthy" to do things like this although I'm completely OK with being unhealthy and not being away from my child. But, maybe ask me again after we add some more children to our crew…I may be begging to go anywhere without children in tow. And the life lessons learned along the way were valuable. And sometimes you get lost in the day to day you forget about the symbolism of everyday life even though it is there waiting for you to notice it. I probably didn't need to go 1000's of miles to discover this but sometimes when you're in a new environment your everyday environment becomes more clear to see. 

Oh, I bet you're all wondering how Nico fared? He survived and he slept well (my biggest qualm about leaving of course after us leaving him parentless permanently due to one of those tragic accidents) and he had a TON of fun with his "TT" and it's questionable if he even was aware we were gone. Anyone knowledgeable on child development and memory and at this particular age if there is any lasting negative repercussions? Please anyone? Will he need therapy? I returned home Monday afternoon and Stefano stayed a few more days (told ya I'm the best wife) and Nico and I had our very own sweet reunion. Before I left Vegas, I told Steve that him being gone for those few days longer was too long to be away from Nico now that's he's older. Although, I feel Steve was also feeling the emptiness of being away from Nico too by then. In a conversation before he came home my husband told me that he's kinda "over" Vegas and that the next vacation will be together as a family again. Steve & Nico's reunion? Even sweeter than mine...I could tell as Nico wrapped his little arms around his daddy's neck and Steve's eyes filled with tears that the openness of those big fancy golf courses didn't hold a candle to the closeness of being in our home together as a family.

Las Vegas, you and your big fancy everything...you got nothing on us. 

XO. 

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"

This is Nico. Be Like Nico.

Once again, I'm looking back at where I left off on my last blog and I can't believe it's been over a month and a half that has passed! It feels like so much has occured since then! A quick stroll through my very forgetful memory but what I can recall is….

• A fingertip almost severed off (Stefano's)
• Furnace going out in the middle of the night and having to be replaced (Merry Christmas!)
• An anticipated nice long break from work
• Christmas 
• Sick Baby all through my work break
• ER visit on New Years Day (for the 2nd year in a row)
• Diagnosed Strep Throat
• Family Night Mondays
• Kindermusik Tuesdays
• Idol Wednesdays with Our Favorite Girls
• TT Weekends
• Bestie Babies
• A Milestone Birthday in Florida
• Recurrent Fevers
• A state review of our food program at my work
• Diagnosed 1st Ear Infection 
• An Allergic Reaction to an Antibiotic

Are you kinda overwhelmed by this list? If not, you're a way better person than I. The good fun stuff I can handle. The busyness I can deal with. But that sick stuff I have listed? That's where I lose my shit. Like can't eat, can't sleep, give myself three ulcers and lose five pounds. I'm not sure what comes over me. I'm known to be a pretty cool and collected person but when it comes to my son I become a freaking lunatic.

Can You Feel My Craziness? If You Can't Take A Look At Nico's Face.

When he is feverish or ill I lose all rationality. I literally myself feel ill. Maybe it's because of my nursing background and I know too much? I'm really not sure what comes over me…all I know is that it is completely overwhelming and totally irrational. Perhaps it's just first baby paranoia (God, lets hope) and like my wise mother has demanded I better have another baby really quick-because somehow that makes you come back to reality? Say what? You don't really think I'm going buy that right? Doesn't that make you go TWICE as crazy? If so, it's over for me. Please admit me into the crazy ward now and send my kids to see me only if they are healthy. Just to prove how much I'm aging myself over him enjoy the following little ditty...I was at a work conference for a couple days and a colleague within another agency came up to give me a hug and said, "Oh look at you! You look great! And you even have sparkles in your hair! Looks beautiful!" I with what I assume was a very perplexed look on my face said, "Sparkles?" Colleague, "Yes, it looks so beautiful!" Me-"Are you sure it's not my white/grey hair?" Colleague with an absolute look of horror, "Oh my God, I'm sooooooo sorry!" Looking like she was about to start crying I repeatedly assured her that I really (no really) was not offended. Why would I be offended? Isn't white/grey hair a sign of wisdom? If that's the truth then I'm so full of wisdom for a just over 30 year old that it should be illegal. Actually I'm full of it and all of that white/grey is symbolic of all the strands of worry my son has caused me in his 16 months (plus 39 weeks and 4 days in the womb of life) so far. I lied again. I had white hair before my son. Although I'm totally not lying when I say there seems to be more of it nowadays! If I'm not mistaken, I think I've seen some young celebrities dying their hair grey intentionally. So yeah. I'm totally just being trendy. All jokes aside, those moms (and dads) that have dealt and/or are dealing with a legitimately ill child. I bow down to you. I also pray for you often. I can not even begin to fathom the real worry that comes with a child that has more than a fever. I admire you and your incredible strength.     

Somewhere in-between the craziness of everyday life (with my child) here is what I have noticed of Nico lately. 

• Nico currently has somewhere between 4.75-5.25 teeth. (Eats considerably well considering this fact.)
• He has hair that is out.of.control. The curls! The chaos! I go from wanting to cut it all off to then feeling like I could never touch the perfection. This varies by the minute.   
• He sneezes and thinks it is hilarious. 
• He's obsessed with balloons (takes after his mother) and his father plays into the obsession by every time they go to the store together they seem to bring a new one home. 
• Speaking of obsessions…Nico's obsessed with shoes (takes after both his mother and father) and recently stood at a shoe store window in the mall pounding on the glass (call security). 
• Now likes me to bring him to the "Nico's Food Cupboard" and stands on counter as we go through the items and when I ask him if he wants something he tells me "no" until I hit the item that he wants and then he simply goes, "yum." 
• Speaking of food-still naturally loves pasta the most. Then he could eat fruit all day and everyday.
• Loves lifting and pushing heavy objects. It's somewhere between impressive and frightening. 
• Still loves to clean.
• I'm no longer going in to his crib. He has the ability to go in by himself and fall asleep. 
• Has what appears to be some natural soccer skills. 
• Loves his power wheels and can now drive it by himself.
• Lately has been loving to color.
• Still a superstar traveler.

  

  P.S. This Is How You Entertain A Toddler On a Plane…Post It Notes (Thanks TT)

• Been on his first airboat through the everglades. 

  

  NBD

• Saw his first dolphins and was amazed.
• Washes his hands better than most adults (then why isn't he avoiding these random illnesses? Oh wait, he's a toddler and toddlers are known to get sick often...all part of building their immune system...duh mom.) 
• Loves to help feed Bellina and carries a cup over to her bowl and dumps it in an inch short of the bowl every.single.time. 
• Is wearing 18-24 month clothing, 2T pajamas, and size 5 shoe.
• Loves to dance.
• Just learned how to ride his wheely bug and is soooo pleased with himself.

  

  Cool Right? 

And what I love most about Nico? How he loves. He loves so darn good. Like when he sees his dad and his whole face lights up and he smiles soooo big. Then when he sees other members of the family he squeals with delight. Or even when he sees Grace's photo and he smiles and grabs it and then proceeds to kiss it. And when he sees her in person ?!?! How he bear hugs her to the point of nearly knocking her down…not just one time-but like a good 10+ violent bear hugs in a row.

It's Only Scary For A Second…Then It's Pure Fun! 

It use to totally freak her out but now she loves it and they both get a look of anticipation when this occurs. He loves waving goodbye to everyone and anything he sees. We say goodbye to our toys and goodbye to our books at night with an unprompted kiss before he goes to bed. Speaking of his kisses....they are so sweet. The fading smell of baby breath and a hint of garlic (Stefano-"What?!? He's Italian!!"). I love his little goofy smile and the look he gives when he knows he's being funny. I love how Nico grabs me around the neck and with his little fingers he keeps grabbing tighter for just a little longer resulting in the best hug I may have ever received in all my life. All in all he loves good. He loves hard. He loves with all he is.

Possibly The Sweetest Boy You'll Ever Meet…But His Mom Is C-R-A-Z-Y. 

So yes, be like Nico. Don't be like his psychotic mother. 

XO. 

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"

A Christmas Tribute...

Did you ever hesitate to ask for a little help just because you were afraid of what people may think? Well, I admit to have done that just a couple weeks ago. Without disclosing too specific of information I was in search of a particular item for someone in need. I reached out to a group of women that knew nothing or very little about me and asked for help. I hesitated because of that reason. Those of you that are reading and know me personally know that my intentions are always honest and true. But I wondered if these ladies would question my intentions. That maybe they would think my requests were to benefit my own self. Then I thought what a sad world it is that when we try to do good and ask for help we wonder if others are going to think twice about helping due to all the "scams" of the world today. I decided to go against my negative thoughts and put it out there. In less than 30 minutes I had help. An overabundance of help. Like tears and goosebumps overabdunace-it was nothing short of amazing, inspirational, generous, kind, thoughtful... should I keep going?!

These ladies not only helped me spread Christmas joy but also gave me faith that there are still A LOT of kind people out there with even more kindness in their hearts. and believe in a world where mainly negative things make the headlines and where working a job where I continuously hear one tragic thing after another that can dampen your spirit on the overall good of the world. I could have asked my close circle of friends and family to help and with no doubt would have had an ample amount of assistance. But to have pretty close to strangers able to restore my faith in others is exactly what has happened when I reached blindly in the name of help. And that is exactly what my heart needed and why I'm grateful I took that hesitant step in asking. Through others I was able to provide much more than what was originally anticipated and for that I'm even more grateful. 

So thank you ladies for bringing good to light. For being my chauffeur to pick up the donations. For going out of your way to help. For being present wrappers. And most of all for your incredible generosity. Thank you for helping me make a couple families that are truly deserving not have to worry about the stress of what sometimes this season can bring. You all are nothing short of angels on Earth. What's even better is that these wonderful women (and hopefully including myself too) are teaching our little people how to spread love and joy as well. And that is what is even more beautiful for me is giving hope to the future. 

My message and what these ladies have taught me time and time again-LOVE and LIFT as often and as much as you can. Not only are you LOVING and LIFTING others but I promise you will be LOVING and LIFTING yourself. 

Merry Christmas Everyone. ❤️

XO. 

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"

Mr. Independent

It's been awhile! After my big tribute posts I kind of have lost the desire to blog as I felt the reasoning behind my purpose had been served. Not to mention it's really hard to find the time of late to do so. I began to question if I should continue on with blogging so I went back to a few of my first posts and read them over and realized- YES I may not want to take the time to write the blogs anymore but I NEED to. As it was so amazing to see where we started and reminisce about what Nico was up to at different parts of his life. Once again, I was reminded that it just happens all too quickly and since I'm sucking at filling in the baby book and I'm sucking at getting picture developed I need to keep something going! So here I am, writing bits and pieces at a time whenever I have a spare second. Thank goodness I'm an efficient typist and that my thoughts come rather quickly. I'm not quite sure how often I'll be able to blog-or if there is certain milestones after 12 months that are logical to set as checkpoints so I guess from here on out it is what it is.

After Nico turned one things seemed to get a tad bit crazy around our house! A week after his birthday we took him in for his check up after a good report I had pointed out a little white spot I had noticed in the corner or his mouth. His doctor said not to worry about it since it was just a canker sore. I was still nursing and I thought he may have bitten me because I was a little sore. By the end of the weekend my sister had him laughing so hard that he had his mouth wide open and his head back and noticed more white spots in his mouth. At that point I knew both my uncomfortableness and the spots were thrush. Damn, damn, damn. Now let me tell you-I love nursing. Like love love loveeee it. Unfortunately, due to the thrush even the thought of nursing made me full of dread. Because of the pain, I was only nursing here and there and I thought once this clears up we will be on our way to my magical age of 18 months before I weaned. But little did I know that I was weaning without even realizing. It got to the point one night that I knew I couldn't nurse him before bed. He cuddled on me and was a little irritated but he ended up getting comfy and falling asleep-I was crying as it was the first time in 13 months that we hadn't nursed as part of our bed time routine. Basically, it was harder on me than it was on him. I was beating myself up that I didn't make it to my goal of when I wanted to wean. And I was angry at the doctor that my mother instincts were right and I let the doctor talk me out of something that I knew wasn't normal. After considering the larger picture I realized we made it through a 13 month journey of nursing and that is an accomplishment within itself! I realized that my body provided for not only my pregnancy for him but also served him for an additional 13 months where he depended solely and largely on me to receive his nutrients and grow into the healthy and incredibly strong little boy that he is. In that, I decided to stop being so hard on myself and give myself a little credit for a job well done.

I'm Allowed To Take Credit For This Right? 

Since Nico's 12 month update he has been taking a few steps here and there. My sister had gotten him the cutest shopping cart ever for his birthday and he utilized that and his primary mode of transportation. All while my husband is saying that the cart was "delaying" him in walking. I just laughed and told him that he would be eating those words one day.

One evening we were going a little stir crazy in the house because of a cold snap so I decided to get the bubble machine out that his TT also got for his birthday. As this was a new experience and who doesn't like a little bubble action? Of course I spent about 4 hours trying to get it out of the package (seriously whoever creates packaging for products I believe purposely makes them impossible to drive already crazy parents that much more crazy, right?!?) Then I spent another 1.5 hours trying to round about 16 random batteries to get the motor running (again...seriously, right?!) Finally, got everything unwrapped and screwed back in and I called Nico over to the kitchen (he was in living room) I then see his little head moving from the other side of the counter but I don't hear the wheels of his cart. All of a sudden he comes around the corner of the cabinetry and he's walking on his own with the assistance of one battery in each hand! Little did we know that in order to get this kid to walk more than a step or two we had to put batteries in him! The next morning over breakfast I told my husband the story and he of course was "yeah righting" me and thinking I was making it up. Since I always have to be right and prove a point- I took Nico out of the chair and gave him a battery for each hand and just like that he started walking. Mr. Independent once again showing up. Not only is amazing seeing him becoming physically independent but it's just and maybe even more amazing to see him actually comprehending words, tasks, and directions. We were at music class a few weeks ago and the teacher instructed the children that it was time to put the toys away (of course in song). So Nico started putting the toys in the container and one of the other children came and grabbed a toy back out. Nico said, "No, no, no, no" took the toy out of the child's hand and put it back in the container. It was mind blowing in my little brain-not only was Nico following directions but he knew that the toys were to go in the container and not to be taken back out by anyone. Amazing. My Mr. Independent. 

Mr. Independent is also ball obsessed. I've had to upgrade the size of his ball basket 3 times to accommodate all his balls. He had all sorts of balls-footballs, baseballs, waffle balls, ping pong balls, golf balls, basketballs, bouncy balls, and well just balls. :) Every day the ball is the first basket to be emptied. He sees football on TV and is pointing and making grunting noises and sounds of  expiration and holding his hands together and then up in the air (Mini Stefano). When we yell "Touchdown" he's nothing but smiles. He loves when I take his football and pound my hands against it yelling "hut-hut-hike!" Nico's future as some kind of athlete is looking promising.  

Oh and can I also tell you that if Nico doesn't become that professional athlete that is being predicted by others he's going to be the best (and friendliest) damn custodian you have ever met! This kid is OBSESSED with cleaning! He's showed some obsessive cleaning tendencies already a few months back but now it's going to some extreme levels. His "TT" hasn't helped the situation either-she bought him a vacuum as well as his own swifter, mop, and broom. After playing with all his balls he then cleans everything. Can't say that's a bad habit eh? :)

What favorites does Nico now have? Well, his next favorite thing after balls (and cleaning) are books. His current favorite? "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" Of course this fact for love of any book brings me unlimited joy. Not only that-my ESL husband has joined the bandwagon and now seems to be a book lover too. I believe Stefano can now say he's read an entire book. In their repertoire of interests, they both have a fascination with lions. Nico never woofs, meows, or moos like other children he ROARS. For real. It's the best. His favorite foods currently are pasta (of course), bananas, he's tried a persimmon, grapes, and pancakes! I've now become quite the pancake connoisseur! Banana pancakes, pineapple pancakes, pumpkin pancakes, and other pancakes in queue. But in true Gallina style he loves to eat. He gets so excited for his meals it's comical and borderline may be a problem. 

Everyday Occurrence….Multiple Times…Ughhhh…All In The Name Of Learning.

Nico continues using his fork (which I'm super proud of his abilities) and he was trying to stab a little pea onto it. I watched him struggle a bit and I wanted to help him so bad but I knew that moments of struggle are really such learning moments to individuals (yes even a one year old!) that I would just observe and reign in my desire to make his attempts successful. Lo and behold within a minute he had the slippery little pea on the prong and then into his mouth. My little big boy once again proving his independence to me. 

Just when I thought Nico may not need me anymore we had a scary bout of sickness. 2 weeks before Thanksgiving he spiked a high fever at night but was acting fine and eating like usual. My motto is to treat the child rather than the fever. A fever is a healthy and normal immune response to whatever may be invading and since Nico didn't seem uncomfortable or bothered by it I let the fever climb to close to 103 degrees until it finally broke around midnight and next morning woke up with no signs of illness. That following weekend he spiked a fever again 2 nights in a row.

Being Sick Is The Worst!

By the 2nd night I was getting worried as the fever was getting high and as a nurse you start thinking worse case scenarios and have a husband that is also now borderline freaking me out asking if we should take him to the hospital. I so wanted to because the pressure of taking care of a sick child and watching your child be down and out is the worst. But knowing fine and well what they would do/say I knew I was doing all the right things in the comfort of our home. Fortunately, the week of Thanksgiving he was on the mend with only cold/cough symptoms and we were able to celebrate Thanksgiving with our extended family. We then left for Chicago that evening.

Hotel Life

As my followers know we enjoyed a week in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! We wanted to take some time as our own little family unit for some well needed quality time together and to get some real vitamin D to cure us from the rest of our germs.  Once again, my baby proved to be a dream on our travels.

Relaxed Much?

We arrived at our resort safely and little to our knowledge we were arriving on the tail end of a hurricane. Hurrican Sandy to be exact. Huh? We had no idea! I thought that some of the homes we saw from the airport were abdonded thus the boards in the windows. Maybe I should have checked the forecast before we left? Does that tell you anything about my state of mind prior to leaving if I didn't even look at a forecast? Nonetheless- we had a drizzle day and half after our arrival but when you go from 20 some degrees to over 70 it still feels amazing. 

It quickly cleared up and become even more beautiful! We stayed at the perfect resort with such friendly staff and other guests. They all thought Nico was the best thing ever. Which I couldn't argue with. :) Usually we would be the ones to be acknowledged but nope it was only Nico that got all the attention. He would smile with his whole face till his eyes were squinty and wave to everyone he encountered. Friendly little spirit we have. And that obsessive cleaning I told you about prior? Well, I thought he would take a chill pill since he was on vacation but nope his obsession continued. If there was anything on the ground he'd point and grunt and not stop until it was picked up. Luckily, the resort was pristine otherwise we may have spent our whole vacation as part of the grounds crew. Oh and when he saw the workers with any cleaning supplies? He went ape. This kid is strange. My dad has some of these obsessive tendencies so I'm blaming him for Nico inheriting this. Since I still can't sit on public toilets, touch bathroom fixtures/handles, or walk barefoot in most bathrooms because of my dad we all may need some therapy down the line. I digress…back to beautiful Mexico….

His Curls-Come Out More With A Little Mexico Air

As you may have assumed we enjoyed ourselves immensely. Traveling with a baby is always an adventure and I can't say it's uber relaxing since back in the duo era when we vacationed our biggest concerns were what WE wanted to do. Now vacationing revolves around nap times and what NICO wants to do and what NICO is in the mood for. There wasn't much relaxing but it was still so nice to be parenting together, giving Nico a bath together, eating meals together as those things happen rarely back home due to work schedules. We have special memories of our trip and of course a little chaos (like almost missing our flight home-would that have been so bad?!). All in all we are grateful to have time together as a family in a beautiful part of the world and thankful to be able to clear our heads for a bit and focus 100% on each other.


I recently read a quote that stopped me in my tracks and made my world stop moving and everything became quiet…something that has only happened two other times in my life-the quote stated, "Little children, from the moment they are weaned, are making their way toward independence." and I knew those words were exactly what my tears stood for going back to that first night I didn't nurse Nico. My baby was/is making his way to becoming independent. Each and every day right in front of my own eyes I'm seeing him become more and more autonomous. It's amazing but at the same time there's this new pull on my heart strings letting him go little by little. I keep hoping and praying we are doing right by him and we are helping him become confident in his own abilities and skills and raising him into not only being a wonderful son but also into a wonderful man.

Mr. Independent But Still My Baby

Till next time....

XO. 

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"