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?!

8 Months, The Unoffical Start of Summer & How Mama Got Her Groove Back

Over this last month my husband and I happily celebrated our 4 year wedding anniversary. Mind you we had a super long engagement (Stefano-you're a saint for waiting on me honey) so it's actually been over 9 1/2 years for us. Meaning I have almost spent a decade with this man! Time flies when you're having fun I guess! It really seems crazy that we now have an addition to our "family" and I'm sure some would probably consider it even crazier that we would take our baby on our anniversary dinner date. Looking back I guess it is a little out of the norm-but to begin with we weren't even sure if we'd be able to go for dinner (#restaurantlife) so on last minute notice-I didn't want to put that pressure on anyone to feel obligated to watch Nico. In addition, we truly enjoy being with our baby and it seems all to rare that we get to be a threesome and go do things (again #restaurantlife) as a little family unit. Not to mention- if he wouldn't have been along for this picture it probably wouldn't be as adorable as it is...

Our Love Has Grown Into ANOTHER Human!

Obviously, Nico looked the sharpest out of all of us three. His little baby button up with a coordinating vest and leather shoes-he defines a well dressed man. Takes after his dad. Speaking of his dad-when he walked in before we left for our dinner he complimented and ohhhhed and ahhed over the baby. Me not so much. Don't worry I'm getting use to it. Happens all the time...with everyone. We had a delicious dinner at one of our favorite restaurants at the moment-Bleu. Although, dinners out as of recent are getting a little more tricky since Nico is so active and wants everything in sight. But all in all-he was well behaved and allowed mommy her glass of wine, let her quick eat dinner, and enjoy the one and only dessert she likes...Crème Brulee. She even gave Daddy a bite. So we will chalk our anniversary dinner along with our marriage thus far a success. :)

So what else is Nico up to these days? Well he has become a pro at shaking his head "no". Its so funny and cute you can't help but laugh which only makes him do it more. 

He likes to go visit at the restaurant and smile and swoon all of our customers and the Luigi girls give him oodles of attention which he very clearly enjoys. Recently, there was a customer who unprompted stated Nico is going be a Packer player...so yeah-he obviously is already being scouted (reference 2 posts ago).We are now showing a little more interest in "real" food. Nico is a big fan of carrots! He also has expended his palette and tried nectarines, cauliflower, applesauce, apricot, and fresh figs. 

Feeding Time Fun!

While Nico has been read to early on he is REALLY getting into books! He gets super excited when we open each book and start to read. He is really examining and interacting as we navigate through each page…being a huge lover of reading myself this thrills me to no extent. 

What Do You See?

Seriously, reading to your child and having them develop a sincere enjoyment of reading is so very important and so very beneficial in every aspect of childhood development and really life in general. It is the single most valuable gift you can ever "give" your child. Sorry...I'll stop myself and get off my soapbox before I go on a huge tangent. Just do it ok? 

Letter Fun!

A few more of Nico's other favorite things at this point in time (in pictures)...

Loves Anything With Dad...

1st Swing Experience…

Wagon Rides...

When The Wind Is Funny...

Smelling & Touching New Things...

When TT Puts You In A Dump Truck...

Laying Outside on a Big Blanket & Stroller Rides with Bellina... 

We are now upon 8 Months…each month that goes by is just a reminder how quickly time passes and also an opportunity to reflect on what life was, currently is, and is yet to become. Being a new parent you are not only trying to meet all the old obligations of life-but now also all the new obligations that come with the new life you've brought into this crazy hectic day to day life that we live that somehow manages to become even more hectic than it previously was. Got that? If you did, you're probably a parent as well because I think that's the only way you can fathom how busy life gets when you throw kids into the mix. After 8 months and a very generous gift from our husbands-the bestie and I (Just us! No kids! What? Weird!) went out of town, had an uninterrupted lunch, day "drinked" (just one) where then a handsome gentleman graciously covered our food/drink tab. Sometimes you're just that lucky. With our full stomachs and empty arms we went and indulged in a little spa time together. It was a new-found bliss-being touched with nothing expected or needed in return...heavenly. Don't get me wrong…I am by no means complaining about life's demands-I love the chaos, I love being needed, and I especially love taking care of my family-but after 8 months (maybe longer) the moment you realize you have not taken any time for yourself… a facial, bikini wax, massage, color, and a haircut later- I'm feeling like a better-well groomed-even busier-so very needed-version of my old self. I like it! Remember that me/you/us need to take care of ourselves in whatever, however or whichever fashion that might mean to you. It's all for the greater good when we are mind/body/spirit ready. We are then able to better care for those in our home/work/life that need and deserve the best version of us. We ALL need to never forget or lose our "groove". 

He Deserves The Best "Me" Every.Single.Day

XO. 

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"

P.S. Erin and I already have our next spa day on the calendar. We learn quickly. But for now I gotta run... I have a baby that needs to be fed, clothes that need to be put away, phones calls that need to be returned, reports that need to be finished, a dog (and a husband) that both need some attention…

Room Unveil

If there is any truth in what I hear about how with the first baby one plans endlessly to make the room look something out of a magazine then along comes #2 and you're lucky if you even have a sleeping bag ready...then I better get this crap documented. Especially for the fact that we can give any children from here on out a huge complex that we loved Nico more than them all because of such a lovely room. Which may be true, I mean how could I love another baby as much as I love Nico? Is that possible? One day maybe I shall know....Anyway, lets get back on track to the room thing and not the questions that dance around in my mind. As most of you know, we didn't know if we were having a boy or girl. (Well...I did. Mommy intuition) I knew I wanted to do a gender neutral coloring of the walls...just in case. After a "few" trips to Sherwin Williams and my professional painter (Mike) coming in to see if the colors matched my expectations-we finally had it. Just a simple light cream color along with a darker accent wall. We tore out carpet and put new flooring in (thank you to our other Mike for that). My mother kindly provided the dressers for us. My Pops the crib and Sara the rocker and bedding. We had all the essentials and just had to wait on the little one for the fun part...the details. I of course had some general ideas if it was going to be a boy we'd go for this look and if it was a girl it would be more along that look. But BB (Before Baby) we were out shopping and I saw this and I knew either gender this would be perfect...When something makes you get teary eyed it's a must right?! (At least that's how I explained those new boots to my husband).

So So Soooo Sweet.

This kind of ruggedly sweet look was exactly what I wanted boy or girl. Well here comes Nico and after many trips to Hobby Lobby and other like shops and stores here are the details we came up with for his main wall for above the crib... 

Love. Love. Love.

Don't you just love the giant dandelions? I hope that Nico takes after his dad and loves to give flowers to his mama and that there are many dandelion bouquets in my future. Hint, Hint Nico. Huge thank you to Tony for scoring the barnwood and holding it up against the giant wall all while I was like-"a little to the right, nope 1/2 inch down now up 3/8 inches to the northwest corner." Yes, I am literally that insane. As well as humoring me and having lengthy discussions on how many wood pieces we should include, and if we should do longer in the middle or the top or maybe all 3? Should we use the front side or the back side? Told ya, insane. How 'bout that burlap banner? Custom created and painted just for Nico…finally Tiny's Art Degree has paid off. ;-P Some other note worthy details is the center picture...my sister has a new Graphic Design Degree and I put her to the test! Here it is up close.... 

Contact SENECA for ANY of your Graphic Needs. :)

Shout out to Dad's home land courtesy of Etsy.....

Sicilia

I searched endlessly for the perfect rocker and as fate seemed to work we stumbled upon it randomly! I love it!

Ciao & Vespa Pillow? Seriously. Thanks Etsy!

Next I found some awesome prints on Etsy (obviously you can find anything you dream of on Etsy) that the graphic is printed on dictionary paper. (Random Mommy Fact-she won the fastest dictionary looker-upper in her class one year!) I tied in the barn wood above the crib with some coordinating frames. Love how they turned out!

Nico Will Never Have 1 of These...

OR These. Sorry Bud.

Dresser details include antique crown drawer pulls-aren't they perfect for my little prince?!

Rug is perfect to play on and for some cute photos. :)

Finding decorations for on top was just as fun! I thought I'd compliment the sailboat print with a mini rustic version! Nico loves it already! 

Sail Away

Then a little boys room just wouldn't be complete without a globe right? He already knows how to spin it!

Nico the World Travler

My sister is also a Scentsy Seller (Jack...errrrr...Jane of all trades I tell ya!) and she got him the Edison Light Burner! I hope it inspires him to be innovative and full of ideas…in addition to never having a stinky room…girls don't like stinky boys. 

Be Bright Always Nico!

The tall dresser I trimmed with candlesticks that I spray painted myself and have the stain on the patio to show for it...whoops. I paired them with a little luggage set along two clocks. One with the current time here at home-another with the current time in Sicily.

Burlap Anything? Yes. 

I throughly enjoyed decorating and perfecting Nico's room. I'm sure I drove a few individuals insane with all the details but I wanted it to be almost as special as the little one we were welcoming into it. 

Again, thank you to all of our family & friends that helped make the room utterly perfect for our Nicoló.

P.S. Suck it Pinterest.

XO.

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"

Celebrating 7 Months, Theresa, & Being a Mom

Today marks 7 months for my big little man! Wait...I had a baby 7 months ago? What? Weird! But it's true! It's also been over a month since I last blogged too...the days slip away I tell you! We had big boy's weigh in-and he is measuring in at an impressive 29 inches (98%) which the doctor said is technically over the growth line based on his age and 20lbs 2oz (80%). He is well on his way to being a future Green Bay Packer. Did he just miss the Combine? Perhaps next year he'll be a top performer…watch for his name. 

Combine Weigh-In

Nico has tried a few foods in this last month but after it's in his mouth he's just like whatever and wants the good ol' reliable boob. I don't mind… and obviously the proof is in the numbers that there is some Miracle Grow in my milk. So we will keep plugging along (more like chuggin' along) and let Nico take the lead on when he wants to eat. What else can I tell you about that boy of mine? Wellllllll…..Nico is very focused and even months ago I noticed him doing things with incredible recall. Taking his lead I decided to "play" with it a little bit. I recorded this after showing him twice… 

Don't worry I won't be one of those mom grilling her kid with flashcards at the age of 15.5 months strapped to a chair. Even if I was...it would be none of your business-he's my kid to screw up. As you can see he was having a ton of fun (as all learning should be)-so I just went with it! 

He's growing sooooo fast and he's wanting to crawl sooooo bad but it's just sooooo hard and sooooo darn exhausting! But check out his party tricks/yoga poses that he just learned yesterday!

Hey Mom! Look at ME!

Nico's dad went to Vegas for a Bachelor Party a couple weeks back (best wife ever for signing off on that permission slip?!) and we spent the weekend in Milwaukee with our Nanny...AKA Seneca. So don't worry-we did OK without dad and had our own fun! But, I'm pretty sure Daddy missed you the most little one and will never take another plane trip without you again. Besides being abandoned for strippers, drinking, and gambling (totally kidding-only one of those sins are true-you can have fun picking which one you think I'm speaking of and letting your imagination run wild with it) - we are loving the sporadic "niceness" of weather we get here during Wisconsin's "spring". When it is pleasant enough to go outdoors-he loves going for stroller rides, playing in the grass and watching kids play. I took Nico to a function this past Saturday and he impressed all the party goers with his smiles, style, and ability to skip his usual nap and rage for 5 1/2 hours straight without being crabby-all in the name of FUN! That's my boy! 

Speaking of FUN! Today we had the opportunity to celebrate one of my dearest friends- Theresa. She had a birthday in March and the stars finally alined with both of our schedules and we were able to meet up and enjoy a meal together. Nico loves her. No matter how many days, weeks, or months pass he takes to her like a day has never gone by. His mommy feels the same way. She gets us...always has, always will.

We Go Back-Way Back-Era 7th Grade-Plastics Class

She's going make such a great mom one day! I can't wait to share in the joy of motherhood with her. I feel extremely fortunate to be blessed with Theresa as a friend and to have her in my corner in this craziness of life. She reads my mind and makes me laugh like crazy. I love you Cheese. Happy Birthday 2 months late. :)

Speaking now of mothers…. yesterday was extra special being my first "official" Mother's Day! Mother's Day wishes had been kindly coming in days before but each and every time-I got a big lump in my throat and my eyes filled with tears-as I pushed out a "Thank You" before my voice had a chance to break. I feel so incredibly blessed to be a mom. Having always wanting babies my whole life and now to have one here with me-especially one like Nico- makes my appreciation so deep.

I love being your mom Nico. Thank you for making everyday special.

Karen Ann Photography

XO. 

JLOVE AKA "Mommy"

P.S. If you haven't yet had a chance to see Nico's 6 months pictures check them out HERE. They are soooooo cute! Thank you Karen! I'm lucky to have you as a friend to capture my baby growing! Oh and don't forget to "LIKE" her page HERE too…I'm sure Nico will be making future appearances! 

Karen Ann Photography