For Those Who Don't Believe...

Today was a great example of how I put on such a good show for visitors. My Grandma and Grandpa stopped in tonight to bring a gift from a friend. Just before they came I was crying on Mommy's lap. I was in and out of the crying all day. Mommy set up her Baby Bjorn and I slept in it for three hours. That device is a lifesaver for her. Anyway, most don't believe that I actually cry. Here's proof of it! I do have my moments.

The second picture is of me taking a nap on the nice Cubs blanket that Auntie Andrea made for me. The Cubs are my favorite team and I can't wait to watch them play in the summer. My Mommy's favorite player is no longer with them though. So long Mark DeRosa. :( We'll watch you in Cleveland with Kerry Wood.

As we watch this year go out and ring in the new year in 5.5 hours, Mommy and Daddy look back on 2008 with much happiness. A year ago today, life was so much different. While they enjoyed their pre-parent days, they wouldn't trade in these days with me for anything. The news of my anticipated arrival came in late March and the rest of the year was spent preparing for December 5th. Mommy and Daddy thank God tonight for such a wonderful year. All three of us pray that 2009 will be full of more joy and happiness! God is good. Happy New Year everyone!!

Happy Birthday to Auntie Gina too!

My Baptism

What a big day I had yesterday, even though I slept through it all. I was welcomed into God's family with members of my family and friends surrounding me. We had breakfast at our apartment early for my Godparents. It's customary for them to dress the baby before the Baptism. Then the celebration began with mass at 11 at my church, the Cathedral of St Raymond's. Then after that, Deacon Jim Kinsella presided over my baptimal ceremony. It was really meaningful. My Mommy gets all emotional all the time, so she cried many tears of joy. Then my Daddy put together a nice reception back at Lewis for me. Everyone had a good time. There was good food to eat and plenty of love to go around.
I thank God for welcoming me into His family. I also thank Him for wonderful family and friends who are so generous!

My First Christmas Day

Today my Uncle Mikey and my Grandma came to visit us for Christmas. I am so blest to have such loving family. Do you like my outfit? My Uncle Mikey bought this for me when I was born and he came to visit me in the hospital. I was spoiled by my Grandma all day. She held me, told me stories, fed me, and burped me. It was great! Grandpa couldn't join us because he was sick with a cold, but Grandma had Uncle Mikey load my big present in the car. They got me the toy chest that was on my registry! I am so excited! They also gave me a cute bib and an ornament for my first Christmas. My Uncle Mikey got me a savings bond and that I will really appreciate when I'm older. He was most excited that he got to finally see me awake! My Mommy and Daddy got me my first IPod radio/boombox/alarm clock. I can listen to my ITunes all the time now!
Grandma brought lasagna and fresh buns. Daddy and Mommy made a nice salad and heated up Grandma Chiodo's eggplant parmesean. Dinner was delicious. For dessert, we had Cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory and Grandma and Mommy's cookies. We had a nice laid back Christmas. I am already looking forward to this next year.
As I settle in for the evening, I thank God for all of the blessings so far in my 20 days of life. I know there are other babies and families in the world who are not as blest as I am. I have a warm home to live in, food to eat, and MANY family members and friends who love and care for me. God is good to me, and I will not forget that. I will continue to thank Him every day.

My First Christmas Eve

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Wow, I'm so glad Mommy's Italian. Today was my first experience of Christmas Eve at Grandma Chiodo's house. We have a meatless Christmas Eve, just like the rest of the Italians do. Grandma makes delicious spaghetti for our first course and then a buffet table full of fish for our second course. I got to meet so many people! I can't wait until next year when maybe I can have some pasta. I slept through the first course, but when I heard Grandma call everyone to go to the buffet for the fish, I opened my eyes! I wanted to go over and have some with Mommy and Daddy, but instead I got a diaper change and a bottle. :) My family is great. I am so blest to have so many people in my life who care about me. I got to meet my cousins, my Godparents, and my aunts and uncles for the first time today. Everyone liked my hair and my Santa suit. The best part of the afternoon was singing Happy Birthday to Baby Jesus with all of my cousins. Every Christmas Eve since my Mommy was born, my Grandma Chiodo ordered a birthday cake for Jesus. Everyone sings to Him and then the kids get to blow out the candles. Then everyone gets cake. Again, maybe next year I'll be able to eat some!
We were going to try to go to midnight mass tonight at our church, but the weather is not so nice. It's very windy and icy, so Mommy and Daddy are going to watch it on tv from Holy Name Cathedral in downtown Chicago. I'm still sleeping in my car seat from the ride home from Grandma's house. I'm going to rest up so I can enjoy a meal with Grandma and Uncle Mikey tomorrow. I know I've been good this month, so I'm excited to see what Santa might bring me tonight! Sleep good everyone, and Merry Christmas!! Jesus the Savior is born!

A Taste of Mommy and Daddy's Old Life...

Today Mommy and Daddy gave me a taste of what their life was like before I came around and turned everything upside down. Mommy had a doctor's appointment at 10:30 this morning, but they had a flood in the office, so I had to wait over an hour for the doctor to see her. The doctor was really happy with how she's doing. Then when we left, we stopped at Sam's Club to get some "stuff" for my Baptismal Dinner on Sunday. We had two more quick stops in Lockport, but Daddy just got out of the car so Mommy and I could stay warm in the car. Now I'm finally home and enjoying punching and kicking the air while I'm awake.

Christmas Cookies!

This morning I baked with Mommy. She made some Christmas cookies and I helped. I only made it through the first round of Chocolate Chips, and then I fell asleep. I was in charge of transfering them from the cooling rack to the tin, but the smell of the cookies baking sent me straight to dreamworld! I have my Mama's sweet tooth for sure! I am going to have an evening with Daddy tonight. Mommy's going to get out of the house for a little while tonight, so I'm happy to have Daddy time. :) We get along really well. I think it's time for a diaper change again! Ciao amici!!

Saturday the 20th

Today was a better day than yesterday. Even though I still didn't really sleep that much, I was not as cranky and I let out lots of burps. I don't think I like naps too much because I fight sleeping all day. My Mommy took some pictures of me today. There's one of me on the boppy pillow again for some time on my tummy. I am always looking for something to eat...I was trying to eat my mittens that I borrowed from my pal, AJ! I sat in my swing for the first time today. I fell asleep in it, and that was a nice quiet 30 minutes for Daddy and Mommy. Other than that, I fell asleep one other time for 30 minutes on the floor after Mommy fed and burped me. I just like being awake and knowing what's going on all the time. I don't want to miss anything!

Pain in the tummy!

There are no pictures to post of me today. Even if Mommy took some, I don't think I'd let her post them. We had a pretty rough day. I don't know how to consume my food slowly. I get so excited when it's time to eat that I just want to gulp it down. Well, I think that's causing me to have some pain in my belly, you know what I mean? Mommy burped me, held me, changed me, rocked me, sang to me, and even laid down with me to try to calm me down, but I was just not having it. I would be distracted for about ten minutes, but then I'd go right back to fussing. I'd fall asleep in Mommy's arms, but as soon as she would put me down in the crib or the blankets, I would wake up and start crying again or just looking around contently while I kicked my feet around and punched the air with my hands. I was uncomfortable. I finally took an hour nap around 1, and then was up fussing again until 5:30. I took a longer nap, had a few bottles, and Mommy just put me down now. I hope I can sleep a little tonight because I'm tired! Mommy hopes so too because she is exhausted and still has a headache. Good night everyone!

Weight check in day!

Yay! I went to see Dr. Renner again today for my weight check in. I weighed 9 lbs. 5.6 oz. when I was born, but I dropped down to 8 lbs. 8 oz. when I left Loyola. The doctors told Mommy and Daddy that it was normal. Last week when we saw Dr. Renner, I was 8 lbs. 11 oz. Dr Renner told us that was good, and that she wanted to see me get back up to my birth weight by today. If I did that I wouldn't have to come back in until I was 1 month old. Well...I did what I could. I finished all of my bottles and I ate every chance Mommy would let me. Today I weighed in at 9 lbs. 12 oz.! Dr. Renner was so happy that I not only went back to birth weight, but that I gained even more. She said I look great and I'm very healthy. :)

Then we went to Daddy's work for just a quick visit. I got to meet Mr. Falese, Mr. Burgess, and Ms. Whitney. I was pretty sleepy from the car ride, but I did look at their faces for a moment. :)

If you live around me, stay safe tonight with this snow/ice storm that's coming tonight. I'm going to just stay in and not get too crazy this Thursday night.

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A Quiet Day...

Since I slept most the day today, Mommy doesn't have any pictures to post. I had a much calmer day than yesterday. I slept, pooped, and ate...then I'd do it all over again. :) Sorry for such a boring post...but tomorrow I go back to Dr. Renner's. Maybe I'll take a picture with her for you to see. Good night!

First Day with Just Mommy

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Oh my goodness...today was our first day of just Mommy and I at home. We didn't have any visitors and Daddy had to work a full day again today. A few times I just looked at my Mommy and thought "Hmm...so it's just you and me now?". She kept trying to get thank you cards and Christmas cards out, but all I really wanted was for her to hold me. She had me play on my back and on my tummy on the play mat from Auntie Gina. I wasn't so thrilled about being on my tummy, but Mommy says that's what Dr. Renner says I have to do. Sigh. I only took two naps, one was 15 minutes and one was 30 minutes. I was too busy being fussy. I sure ate enough though. That's my favorite time of the day. I can't get the food in fast enough!! Mommy tried hard to not hold me, but I cried enough to tug at her heart strings and I got her to pick me up. Good thing I'm cute!

I'm going to go back to my nap with my Daddy. He had a long day at work today like me, so we decided to just take it easy on the floor for awhile while we watch the Blackhawks. I hope they maintain their 3-1 lead!

Good night!

Fun Monday!

Today my Auntie Mandy came to visit me again. Today she brought Drew with her so we could meet. He showed me what I can do to keep myself busy when I get older. I watched him play with all of the empty water bottles from my humidifier! I'm going to have a lot of fun once I get big like him and can walk around!!

Then Auntie Gina came and spoiled me. She was comfy to sit with! Look at the Christmas presents she brought me. She wasn't suppose to do this...but we know how stubborn Auntie Gina can be. If it weren't for that stubborness, Mommy and Daddy wouldn't have met in the same way!

After dinner, Katie and Mrs. Slattery came to visit us. They brought me more cute outfits. I am so going to be able to compete with the other babies on the block with my wardrobe. My family and friends have such great taste! I'm a high fashion baby model in this clothes! Both of these ladies were really comfy to sit with too.

Like I said yesterday, I know how to be on my best behavior for guests. When they all go home and think good thoughts of me, I get to act up. Last night, I wouldn't even let Mommy blog for me. Daddy had a long day at work, so he had Mommy feed me at 11:30. After that I'm usually fussy, but Daddy takes care of me. Last night, it was all Mommy. I wore her out. But, I slept from about 1:15 until 5:15, so hey, I gave her a good 4 hours of solid rest. I think that's good enough, don't you?

I'm chillin in the cradle as Mommy types for me now. I might try to close my eyes a little so she can sleep another hour or two, but I'll have to give it some thought.

Have a great day everyone!

Miss Lakovski meets Anthony!

Today I was very mellow. I got up around 4:30, but then stayed on a consistent schedule of eating every two hours. Mommy gave me some tummy time on my boppy pillow this morning. Other than that, I just slept in between my meals.

This afternoon, Mommy's very good teacher friend from Schiller Park, Miss Lakovski came to visit me. She brought me this cool brown and white blanket with stripes on it and a really nice outfit for when I get a little older. I'm excited to use that blanket when I start going out in the car more often! Miss Lakovski had a really comfortable lap. I slept on her while Mommy folded a couple of loads of my laundry.

Look at me in this third picture. I didn't do much but sleep today, but I worked hard at it! I had to keep my head up with my hand. Sigh...off to sleep again I go!

Good Night!

Graduation Day!

Today my Mommy and I should have been walking across the stage. We finished our MEd program at Lewis! Yay! Who needs preschool! I passed School Law and School Finance! Daddy had us get our cap, gown, and hood on so we could take a picture and pretend we walked across the stage. :)

Then, my Uncle Paul, Grandma Chiodo, and cousin Luke came to visit me. They brought some goodies, and I was so happy to see them. I also had a surprise visitor. My Uncle Mikey was doing some Christmas shopping and called Mommy to see if he could come visit. I like to put on a nice show and behave myself when visitors come. I slept the whole time! They were just waiting to hold me and play with me, but all I wanted to do was sleep in the cradle Grandpa Chiodo made for us. He made that crib for Mommy to sleep in 27 years ago when she was born. Uncle Mikey and all of my Mommy's cousins have slept in that cradle, and now it's my turn. Anyway, Luke fed me a bottle, Grandma burped me, and Uncle Mikey and Uncle Paul just held me. It was so much fun!

Now I'm just chilling in my bouncer chair while Mommy blogs for me and Dadddy watches a movie. There's peace and quiet in our apartment...hmm...maybe it's time for me to get busy!!

A Visit From Grandma and Grandpa!

Today (12/12) I received the coolest gift from my Godmother Auntie Mary Faith, Uncle Bill, and my cousin Katherine. They sent my Mommy and Daddy two Lou Malnati's pizzas (Mommy's favorite). It came with a Lou's onsie for me and a chocolate pop too. I might try to sneak that chocolate when Mommy's not looking. See in this picure how I have it under my arm? :)

Tonight my Grandma and Grandpa came to visit me. They brought yummy pepper and egg sandwiches from Jay's Beef for Mommy and Daddy to eat! They really enjoyed the treat. My Grandma and Grandpa were so happy to see me, hold me, feed me, and of course, burp me! I was on my best behavior for them. I slept in Grandpa's arms for a long time. Grandma cut a few of my finger nails for me while I was sleeping. My Mommy is afraid she is going to cut my fingers, so Grandma said she would do it. I'm so lucky to be so loved!

Tomorrow my Uncle Paul, cousin Luke, and other Grandma are coming to visit me while Daddy works the graduation ceremony for the Masters' and Doctoral Programs here at Lewis University. Mommy and I were suppose to walk in this ceremony since we graduated, but Mommy's too tired and sore to be walking across the stage and sitting in an uncomfortable chair. We have our cap and gown, so we'll take a picture tomorrow and post it, even though we won't be going. Anyway, my visitors are coming to stay with Mommy and I while Daddy works for awhile. I can't wait to meet Luke! I know we are going to get along great!!

A Visit with Karlie and Abby

I had a really fun afternoon! I woke up to two visitors, Karlie and Abby! Karlie works with my Daddy and she lives on campus too. Abby is her little girl and she came with her Mommy to come and see me today while they waited for Abby's Daddy to come home from work. We are two fabulous future Flyers here at Lewis. While we await our college days, we'll just play all day and night on campus. :)

Mommy's Coworkers Will Love This One!

Mommy's coworkers will be shocked by this. Mommy let me have a monkey! Well, a virtual monkey that is. Will you help me feed him and play with him until I get back? If you click on the "m" on the bottom right hand side of the monkey box, you can grab a banana to feed him. If you click on his mouth, you can make him move around on his branches.

Before I was born, Mommy always said she would never take me to the zoo. She would leave that to Auntie Mandy or Auntie Gina. But now she says I'm so cute that she can't help but think she'll take me to the zoo when I'm ready. Yay!!

I'll come back and post some more tonight. I think Karlie and Abby are coming for a vist this afternoon and then of course, I'll be cheering on the Bears. They are 1-0 since my arrival. I hope I can help them defeat the Saints tonight! My Bears onsie is ready to go!! Bear Down!

My First Doctor Visit and a Visit from Auntie Mandy!

Today I was really busy. I went to see Dr. Renner, my pediatrician for the first time. Of course, I had to have a nice poopy diaper as we walked in to the office. The nurse had to let me be wiped off and changed before they could weigh me! I gained two ounces from when I left the hospital on Monday. Dr. Renner was so happy! Everything looked good!

We came home and I chilled with Mommy. We needed to catch up on our rest while Daddy went to the office for awhile. Then Daddy went to the Christmas party for the staff at Lewis, so Auntie Mandy paid us our first visit! She brought me a box of wipes, some more cream for my diapers, and some yummy chocolate chip cookie bars for a treat for Mommy. :) She spoiled me. We had some tummy time, and she taught us a neat trick. She told us that Drew liked tummy time on his boppy pillow. I liked tummy time on my boppy pillow from Karlie much better than just on the blankets!Auntie Mandy held me, fed me, changed me twice, and just played with me while my Mommy talked with her, ate her dinner, and just rested. I'm so glad she came over!

Daddy came home soon after, and I've been chillin' with him ever since. Enjoy my pictures from today!

December 9, 2008

Hello world! Last night was a fun filled first night in my new home. I did pretty well until about 1am when I got confused. I didn't want to sleep and I didn't want to do anything but cry and fuss. Mommy and Daddy stayed with me and I eventually slept a little bit.

I continued to keep my Mommy and Daddy busy today. Here are a few pics from a few of my quieter moments of the day. I'm sleeping right now and Mommy is finally sitting with her feet up to get the swelling out of her feet.

Welcome Home!

Well, do you think I was going to let Mommy and Daddy start off easy at home? No way...let the fun begin right away!!
So, Daddy got me inside with Mommy and then he brought in the first round of bags. Mommy got me out of the car seat and got ready for my first feeding. But before she did, she went to take me out of my sleeper and saw poopy all over my clothes! I had a big mess inside of my diaper and it leaked out!! After she finished burping me, she changed me and found another nice poopy!! She was so worried that I wasn't going enough in the hospital..haha...I showed her. :) I went down for a nap, and was up again in 2.5 hours for more food. I got them again...another poopy diaper after the feeding!!
Daddy went out and got the presciptions for Mommy and I and put together the video monitor from Mr. Bill. Then on top of it all, Mommy and Daddy had some stinky laundry to do compliments of...me! :)
At this point, it's 11:45 and I'm going to start crying a little so I can be fed. Daddy is finally able to get some sleep since he's been sitting on a chair the last 4 nights. He's fabulous. He stayed with Mommy, and fed me with the soft feeder all the time. He's a great diaper changer. Mommy didn't give him enough credit before I was born! Mommy would be lost without him. I'm ready, so have a good night everyone!

Happy Birthday To Me!

Let me tell you it was a long and winding road that led to my birthday, Friday, December 5, 2008. My mommy was induced Thursday night around 6pm. Daddy took her to The Cheesecake Factory for one last supper before going to the hospital. Mommy had a portobello mushroom sandwich and Daddy had fish and chips. They shared (well, Mommy ate most of it) a piece of vanilla bean cheesecake for dessert with a side of hot fudge. That was delicious!! So like I was saying, Mommy was induced. She was having contractions every 12 minutes but didn't even realize it. They proceded to get worse throughout the night, but no progression of me coming out anytime soon! They gave Mommy some medicine, but it wasn't helping. By the time the contractions got to a minute a part, the doctors gave Mommy the epideral. She felt a lot better. All day Friday I didn't want to budge! Hey, it was nice and warm and cozy inside Mommy...why come out to this cold weather in Chicago? By 4:30pm, the doctors told Mommy and Daddy that they could do a C Section because it didn't look like I was cooperating! Mommy said yes!
Mommy and Daddy went to the operating room, and Mommy started to feel the operation. She wasn't happy, and the doctors weren't either, so the doctors decided to put Mommy to sleep for the whole operation. Wow...I was causing a lot of craziness! Anyway, by 5:49pm I was introduced to the world! Mommy and Daddy were reunited in the recovery room, and by 9:30 I got to see Mommy. We were so happy to finally meet eye to eye. :)
We stayed at Loyola until Monday afternoon. It was quite an expereince. All these doctors and nurses were taking care of us around the clock, but by Sunday night, Mommy had had enough. She was ready to go home to our apartment. Soon enough the morning came and the doctors released us. We were in Daddy's truck and on our way back to Lewis by 2:30pm. Then the fun really began!!

December 4, 2008

Yesterday, Mommy went to the doctor for her 39 week check up. We had an ultrasound done on Monday because last week Dr. Lynn said that I was measuring a little big in Mommy's belly. Dr. Reddy took a look at all of the information from my ultrsound yesterday and she said that I am 9.5 pounds right now. Dr. Reddy said that Mommy needed to get to Loyola to be induced either last night or tonight. Mommy opted for tonight so she could pack some more clothes and have one last night of sleep at home with Daddy before I come into the world and change their lives forever. When Daddy got home from work, we went for some dinner. It was very cold and starting to snow, so Mommy decided that it would be best to just grab something and come home so as to get off the roads. We went to Panera and Mommy got a bread bowl with Broccoli Cheddar soup and Daddy had a bowl of that same soup and a Tomato Mozzarella panini. Mommy and Daddy agreed that they will have their "Last Supper" as Auntie Tammy called it, tomorrow on their way to the hospital. I can't believe how many people are excited to see me. I'm not even here yet and so many people are calling Mommy to see how we are and if they can come visit me. Dr. Reddy said that Mommy can be in labor for a few days, but that I should be here by Saturday. We'll see what God and I have planned. :) We are suppose to be at the hospital at 6:30 tonight. We'll post again when we have time.