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