Halloween Fun

Halloween and a visit from Chicago buddy Ali Benis - what could be better! We had a wonderful time with our great friend on a beautiful fall weekend. We showed off Olivia in her ladybug costume at the Providence Farmer's Market; took a nice stroll through Lincoln Woods to enjoy the southern New England foliage; ate an awesome dinner prepared by Tony and, took a trip to Babies-R-Us to spoil the little girl with some new outfits (she's growing so fast!). It was so great to spend time with Auntie Ali, who went above and beyond helping around the house - doing everything from dishes to diapers. Thanks Ali, you're the best!

Our little ladybug all snuggled in her
car seat at the Farmer's Market.

Look at the chubby cheeks!

Ali enjoying the beautiful day at the Farmer's Market.

Ali and I posing in front of the pond in
Lincoln Woods. It was windy, but gorgeous!

Ali with the little munchkin after a very
eventful diaper change!

Olivia loved her Auntie Ali so much she almost ate her up! : )

They were fast friends : )

Cousins!

That's right Olivia, you have cousins! We were so happy to have Jennie, Chris, Zoe, Zachary and Noa up from Reston, VA to meet the new Gemignani family addition. Nonni and Poppi also came down from Vermont to spend time with all their grandchildren. Once again the family came to the rescue with frozen dinners and lots of help cleaning up around the house - thank you, thanks you, thank you! In addition, while Tony and I spend some alone time with Livvy, the "big kids" enjoyed some time at the Roger Williams Zoo, the Providence Children's Museum, and a trip to Old Sturbridge Village with a stop at Big Nazo Puppet/Costume Lab. I hope they enjoyed all that southern New England had to offer  - we sure enjoyed them!

Noa was a great little helper -
she was definitely one of Olivia's biggest fans!

The family had Tony and I pose for
 family photos.

Olivia sure is enamored with her Daddy!
(Photo courtesy of Poppi)

Sweet Daddy kisses.
(Photo courtesy of Poppi)

Mary as one of the photogs.

Zachary and Noa help me change a dirty diaper
( one of their favorite things to do!)
(Photo courtesy of Poppi)

Noa investigating in the nursery.
(Photo courtesy of Poppi)

Zoe, Zachary & Noa at Roger Williams Zoo.
(Photo courtesy of Poppi)

Nonni and her little munchkin.
(Photo courtesy of Poppi)

Olivia meets the Stoepkers!

It was great to see Tanveer, Jeremy and little Petie last week when they stopped by on route to NYC from Vermont. We couldn't believe how much Petie had grown since we last saw him - and it was nice to share new parent stories and get great advice from our seasoned pals. Here are some picks from the, way too brief, visit:

The Moms and their matching nursing covers -
great Moms think alike!

Jeremy and Olivia get acquainted.

Apparently she looks good enough to eat!

O loves her Auntie Tanu and Uncle Jer.

Olivia models her Nonni-knitted hat -
what a little flirt!

More recent pics of the little lady

Here is a smattering of more photos of little Miss Olivia.  You can tell our camera is getting quite a work-out!

Just being precious.

Listening to Daddy play the guitar.

Having a funny dream in my bouncer.

Drifting off to sleep.

Making faces at Momma.

Olivia's first bath!

The time finally came - with her umbilical cord healed, she was ready to graduate from casual sponge bath to full on water submersion.  You would think this would be a nice experience for a newborn, seeing as they spent the first 10 months of their lives in water - but somehow, once they leave that life behind they lose all memory of it.... a bath does not, apparently, equal the amniotic sack : )  Though I will say that O was quite content for most of the bath - it's mainly when we have to lift her out of the dirty water to rinse her in clean water that she protests.  I guess I can appreciate that -- I wouldn't be so keen on someone pulling me out of the shower before I was rinsed off either!

Rubba dub dub!

All clean and toasty in my towel!

Ahhh, the sleep deprivation begins...

So, as with every new family - sleep deprivation has been key to our early development as new parents. Something about making us tougher maybe? Not really sure what Mother Nature's plan was when she decided that a new baby should eat every 2-3 hours.... prohibiting the food-giver (aka, Mom) from sleeping for more than 3 hours at a stretch.  C'est la vie, I suppose - it doesn't last forever, and at least we've been able to sneak in some cat naps here and there to keep our sanity! And, as everyone will tell you, there is nothing better than falling asleep with your little one nestled on your chest : )

The happy family despite the lack of Zzzz's.

Momma and Olivia snoozin' after a big meal.

Cat nappin' it with Papa after a bath.

Olivia's Second Visitors: Nonni + Poppi Gemignani

A mere two days after saying goodbye to her Grandma and Grandpa D, Olivia met her Nonni and Poppi G! Mary and John came down early Saturday morning to spend the weekend with their eighth grandchild. We were pampered with dinner, desserts and lots of help around the apartment. In addition, we video chatted with all the aunts, uncles and cousins; ventured out for a lunch of BBQ; and had loads of good conversation (as usual).

Snuggling with Nonni

The Gemignani ladies with their newest member.

Poppi was the perfect Poppi-razzi

Video chatting with the rest of the Gemignani clan