Pre-Halloween Activities

Dominic had several chances to celebrate Halloween this year.  First, there was the Halloween Party at his school on Friday morning.  He was so excited to dress up in his train conductor costume and couldn't wait to see what the other kids were going to wear.  Vinny, Dante and I all got to go and see Dominic in action with his teachers and classmates.  They sang us a song about the falling leaves and then we all had a pizza party.  It was certainly a relief to see how well behaved Dominic is in class and how much fun he has there!

Saturday night, we went to an event at Dominic's school called Trunk or Treat.  The families from the church decorate their cars for Halloween and then the kids go trick or treating around to each of them in the parking lot.  It was a lot of fun and so great for kids of this age.  Dominic and Dante were our two little pumpkins that night.  Dominic got an extra treat since his buddy Treyton met us there too!

Hill Ridge Farms 2011

We made our annual visit to Hill Ridge farms last week.  We went with our friends the McMahon's again (Jace, Michelle, Treyton and Cade).  This year, we went during the week instead of a weekend, so it was almost like the boys had the whole place to themselves.  They could spend as much time as they liked at each activity and didn't have to be patient waiting on the usual long lines.  We had a great time, despite it being a little bit chilly that day.  Our trip there definitely made it finally feel like the fall season had arrived!

Weekend with the Brubaker Girls

We were lucky enough to have some visitors earlier this month.  Jennifer and Alexandra came back to NC from Chicago to meet Dante and so that these old playmates could spend some time together.  Jennifer and I certainly didn't mind the chance to catch up either. Dominic and Alexandra spent most of the weekend playing.  It was great to see the difference in how they played together since the last time they saw each other.  Now that they are older, they actually had conversations while playing and had a greater understanding of what the other was doing.  On Saturday afternoon, we took them to Marbles. A few pictures are below.  
It was great to see you two ladies and we can't wait to come visit you in your new city as soon as we can!

A Bowling Birthday Party!

Dominic was so excited about his bowling birthday party ever since we booked it.  He would invite people to it every time the subject came up.  Luckily, I think the party lived up to his expectations and he had a lot of fun with all of his cousins and friends.  First, the kids got to spend some time on the lanes.  Being that we had mostly 2 and 3 year olds, they didn't even make it through an entire game before our time was up.  Luckily, the concept of scoring hasn't really set in yet.  Next, we had some lunch and of course, birthday cake. After that, there was some time to use the tokens they got and play games in the arcade.  Thank you to everyone who came to help us celebrate. The only problem was that the next day Dominic asked when his next bowling party was going to be!

  

Happy 3rd Birthday, Dominic!

Dear Dominic,
As I write this today, I am still in disbelief that you turned 3 on Monday.  It has been quite a year for you.  Just before starting this post, I took a peak back at what you looked like and were doing when you turned 2 and it seems like you have aged way more than a year in that time. Just comparing the words you were saying and things you were doing, makes it seem like you were still a baby then and now you truly are a little boy.
You are still small for your age - finally fitting into 2T clothes just in time for your 3rd birthday.  However, you certainly make up for anything you lack in size with your personality.  I have said many times that you may have a future in sales.  You are constantly negotiating with Daddy and I for something that you want and then you'll do something to be sweet like give a compliment or tell us how much you love us.  You definitely know how to work a room!
You love having a good laugh and being silly.  But you also have a serious and analytical side.  It amazes Daddy and I how much you understand and remember.  You do all sorts of puzzles and "brain teaser" type games with no trouble.  Lately, you have become very interested in music and dancing.  One of your favorites is the CD from Mommy and Daddy's wedding.
You have hit a lot of major milestones during this past year, many of which seem to have come all together over the last couple of months.  You started pre-school, leaving Mommy and Daddy for the first time.  You go 3 days a week and love doing all of the art projects and being with the other kids in your class.  You also finally got potty trained over the past month.  I would only give you a 95% score at this point in time, but you are really doing great and we're very proud of your progress there.  Of course, all of the various rewards you got for doing it (M&Ms, Matchbox Cars, Puzzle Buzz Books) helped aide in the process.   And of course, you became a Big Brother to Dante.  You are so gentle and caring with him.  I am excited for the years to come that you two will have to grow up together. 
You are one sweet, happy and intelligent little boy and you fill our lives with more love than we could have ever imagined. We are proud of you each and every day and consider ourselves very lucky to be your parents.
Love,
Mommy & Daddy

First Smiles

Last week, Dante started to give us his first real smiles.  Mommy got the first one, however, so far, he seems to be portioning out more to Daddy than to me.  Either way, they are so adorable and we can't wait to see more of them.  Hopefully, one day soon, he'll be doing it often enough to actually capture one in a picture.  

Dante is 1 Month Old

Dante has already been with us for an entire month.  I feel like he's always been a part of this family, even though it has only been a few short weeks.  This little guy is definitely starting to fill out.  I already see so many changes in his face and little body and can't wait to go to the doctor on Friday to see how much he has gained since his last appointment.

Dante is still doing what newborns do - eat, sleep, create lots of dirty diapers for Mommy and Daddy and cry when one of those things is not how he wants it to be.  Over the last two days I've started to put some of his toys in his hand for him or move one from side to side so he can track it.  Boy, it's funny to think how much play time evolves for kids as they grow.  Especially, when you have his big bro singing and dancing all around to the room to Frank Sinatra while Dante is just learning to look at his toys. 

Dante, you even gave Mommy a nice present last night and slept all the way from 8:00pm to 4:45am! I know I shouldn't jinx myself by even putting that in writing, but I'm sure it was just a fluke and I won't be so lucky again tonight.  Either way, I was definitely thankful for the extra rest!

We can't wait to see what you've got in store for us in Month 2!

Spikey's 1st Bath

Last night, we were finally able to give Dante his first bath.  It took a little while for his little belly button to be fully ready.  He did great.  He seemed to like the warm water and looking all around the bathtub.  Of course, big brother Dominic was there to lending a helping hand.  Dante didn't start fussing until I took him out of the water and had to transfer him to the towel, so I'm sure he got a little bit cold.  Once he was warm again, he was happy again. 

Apparently, the grease he had developed in his hair from not getting a true bath since he was born was weighing his locks down.  Once his hair dried last night, it all stood up! And it stayed that way even until this morning when I took this pic.  I can't help but calling him Spikey.  He looks so cute with his new rocker hairdo. 

Happy 3 week birthday, Little Man!

Our Boys

Here are a few photos of what's been going on at our house over the past two and a half weeks - such a special and exciting time.  We are very proud of Dominic and how well his is transitioning into his new role as big brother.  Every day, Vinny and I look at Dante and ask each other how we got so lucky to have not one, but two beautiful boys. 

Too Cute

Vinny took this picture of Dominic probably about two months ago, but I finally got a copy of it and needed to post it here.  It is such a great demonstration of how silly Dominic likes to be these days.  Anything to get us all to laugh and smile! May he always stay that way.



Grandma and Grandpa's Visit

Grandma and Grandpa stayed with us for a month in preparation for Dante's arrival and to help out once he finally made an appearance.  I most certainly do not have enough words to put in this entry to say how appreciative Vinny and I were for that help.  That being said, if you caught Dominic in the right mood with all of the expressions he is using these days, he probably could tell you using various hyperboles what a great time he had with Grandma and Grandpa here every day to play with him.   We created a lot of memories over that month, but here a just a few snap shots we caught along the way...

Grandpa and Dominic wait patiently in line for their carousel ride.

Dominic usually only wants to watch the carousel, but with Grandpa at his side, he was happy to actually take a ride this time!



Looks like Dominic is getting an important life lesson from Grandpa.  I sure hope he's paying attention!



A fun day of making homemade sauce for the year

The first time we sang Happy Birthday to Grandma

Having so much fun bowling

The 2nd time we sang to Grandma for her birthday

P.S. Dad - we will have to make sure to sing to you twice next year for your birthday, since we never got to this year!

Nutella Face

Grandma brought Nutella for Dominic as a special treat when she came to visit. This was the morning that he had it for the very first time. I think he likes it!

2 Weeks!

Today is Dante's 2 week birthday.  Happy Birthday, Little Man.  It already feels like you have always been a part of our family.

We visited the doctor again today for a well check and we got another superstar report. Dante now weighs 6lbs and 3.5 oz I am overjoyed that he is gaining so well.  His little umbilical cord is about to fall off, but not quite there yet.  Mommy and Daddy cannot wait to give your first real bath.

Here's a picture of my Sweet Pea yesterday while he was taking his Sunday afternoon nap on the couch.

Dante is 1 Week Old

Dante turned 1 week old today.  So far, he is a very good baby.  He is still sleeping a lot, but has longer and longer periods of alertness.  Mommy already did his first session of tummy time with him last night and he was able to lift and turn his head 2 times.  You've got to start somewhere, right?

Dante is eating like a champ.  As of Friday, he was 5lbs, 5.5oz, which was a half ounce heavier than when we took him home from the hospital.  By the time we went for his 1 week check up this morning, Dante weighted 5lbs 12oz.  He had already surpassed his birth weight by 5oz in just 1 week.  I was one proud Mama :-)

Big brother Dominic is adjusting to his new role very well.  He's helpful, curious and gentle with our new family member. 

We are very blessed to have this precious little bundle.

Visitors

At just a few hours old, Dante already had several visitors in the hospital.
Big brother Dominic was so excited to meet the new addition to our family. 
Grandma, Grandpa, Aunt Maria and his big cousin Vincent also came to give him some love.
First thing the next morning, ZiZi Maria stopped by to meet her newest nephew.

Welcome Dante!

We could not be happier to announce the arrival of Dante Giovanni Novello.
He arrived on Monday, September 12, 2011 at 10:26am.
Dante weighed 5lbs and 7oz and was 18 inches long at birth.

Welcome Dante! You are already so loved by many, but most of all
Mommy, Daddy and big brother Dominic.

 

Due Date

I have reached my due date and am 40 weeks pregnant today.  With more than half of the day gone already, looks like I'm going to have another overdue baby (Dominic came 6 days late).  Knowing all of the benefits they say are attributed to having a full term baby, I'm really not complaining.  The doctor says we are both fine, so I know I can make it through one more week.  If this little boy doesn't make an appearance before then, I will be induced on Friday, September 16th. 

Another bonus to the baby not being born yet is that we've been able to spend so much time with Mom and Dad.  Dominic loves having Grandma and Grandpa (Papa) around.  Not living close to them it's certainly been a treat to feel like they are part of our daily life for a little while.  We can never replace the memories being made for all of us.

Ok, Baby Boy, if I don't see you sooner, I cannot wait to hold you in my arms next week!

Dominic Starts Preschool!

Last Thursday, we took Dominic for orientation at his new preschool.  Both Vinny and I got to attend and we heard all about the types of things he would be doing at school, while Dominic got to meet his new classmates and check out the classroom.  Then, Monday was the big day and he went all by himself.  He seems to love his teachers, Miss Pam and Miss Sarah, and although I haven't gotten much of a report on any of his classmates yet, I am sure he's having a blast playing with them as well! I just can't believe what a big boy he is. I am so proud of how well he approaches news situations with such a sense of adventure and excitement. 


Mommy and Dominic getting ready to leave

 

A little help from Grandpa!

This bag is as big as he is.  Note: he is not able to walk and wear it at the same time - too cute!

On the way in!

Almost there...





He's in and ready to play!