Mardi Gras

Scattered Update

I didn't realize how much time had passed until I signed in to Blogger. Lots has happened in the last ELEVEN days. For one - Debbie has been gone for the past four - rendering blogging impossible. Before that - who knows. Anyway - we've been pretty busy and actually have some pics to show for it. Lucky for me - my good friend Jennifer visited for a few days and not only helped me in Debbie's absence, she also flaunted her Canon Rebel and took some great shots of the kids and of our adventures during her time here. So - as soon as I can - Mardi Gras, special projects, pirate walks, farmer's market fun, playground jaunts and baby faces - all coming soon.

Meanwhile - the (amazing and fabulous) doula is arriving any moment now for her last visit. She's come to help about once a week since Matteo arrived and has been a total and absolute life saver. It will be sad to say goodbye to her AND the naps she allows me and the dinners she provides - but I am eager to graduate into the world "two - by myself". Part one of my graduation came yesterday at my six week midwife appointment. It was so strange knowing it was my last visit (for awhile, anyway) - after going once a week for so long and sitting and chatting and planning and crying to anticipating for so many months with those wonderful, caring women. I never thought I'd say this - but I am actually looking forward to my summer pap smear - just to visit with all of them again.

I can't wait until Debbie returns this afternoon and - with her - another good friend who will visit for the weekend. March holds lots of visiting, too - this being Florida and all. So much to look forward to...

I heart weekends

We had a nice Valentine's Day. Nice and quiet. Just the four of us. It started with a lazy morning - for me, anyway. Debbie had both kids in the am and I slept in until almost ten. It was quite possibly the best Valentine's present I've ever received. After I got up, Debbie and Matteo went to get her car serviced, while Luca and I stayed behind to make Spool Dolls.









Later that afternoon, we hopped into the car to seek out a Valentine's Day meal. Of course, the Spool Dolls joined us.




We decided on sushi at one of our favorite spots.





We rounded off the evening with movie night - Land Before Time.



The movie was Luca's choice.



So was the popcorn.



The fact that the evening ended, er, not so well - what with the tantrum and all - doesn't negate the fact that we had a wonderful Valentine's Day.

Maybe even the best one yet. 

Happy Valentines Day

I've been making an effort to spend some serious one-on-one time with Luca. It's helped with the tantrums and the general frustration that he's been experiencing since before Matteo was born. I am realizing (duh) that with all of the extra people around in the last few weeks and the focus shifting from him to his brother - he's been feeling a bit alienated.

Kristin came to help on Tuesday and - instead of spending all of her time occupying Luca, she spent some time keeping Matteo company while Luca and I did a little holiday crafting together.







A friend of mine calls it "feeding the meter". Whatever you call it - we both had fun making Valentines Day cards for his classmates TOGETHER. Instead of trying to keep everyone happy at once and take care of two kids simultaneously - this was an hour or so of solely Mommy and Luca time. And it was very good for both of us.

Brotherly Love

Luca loves loving on his new brother - complete with wet and possibly germ-ridden kissed, full-on body hugs and the constant touching despite the oft repeated Rule Number One - Never Wake a Sleeping Baby.

Weekend Walks

After a very short winter, there are already signs of Spring around these parts. And, there's nothing like Warm And Sunny to combat the post partum "baby blues". So - we've been enjoying lots of coffee walks around town.

BabyLegs

We love these...
www.babylegs.com

Seen around here lately...

Smiling

Spazzing

Staring

Sharing (sort of)

Stacking

Sliding

Slinging

Shelving

Twelve days later...

It's been almost two weeks since the last post. I think the timing correlates with the end of visiting help here at Casa de New Baby. Sleep deprivation is kicking our ass and, by the time we get Luca into bed and clean up the wreckage of the day - it's time for us to run into the bedroom and start the long and laborious process of getting this baby to sleep. Matteo's been sleeping - oh - about twenty-two minute intervals at night.



But still, he's cute. This is his first big smile - taken yesterday, one day shy of five weeks.


Anyway - I plan on catching up on the blog this weekend. Not sure about the sleep.


More pics and updates to come...