Thanksgiving 2010

It goes without saying that Tony and I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Despite feeling pretty complete on our own,  it is clear that we were missing one crucial piece: Olivia. It was great to share our joy with family on Long Island this year - and I hasten to say they were pretty happy as well! Olivia was showered with love by her Grandparents, Uncle Jon, Great-Uncle John, Great-Aunt Barbara and Great-Uncle Francis and her Great-Grandparents (there was a lot of "great" to go around!). Here are some pics of the wonderful weekend (as well as some other cute shots from the past week):

With her Great-Grandmother

Four generations.

With Great-Aunt Barbara, Great-Grandma and Grandma.

The September birthday club... Olivia is in good company!

Buggin' out with Grandpa.

Hangin' with Uncle Jon.

Koa gets all the love : )

"Thanks for my toasty snowflake fleece Grandma & Grandpa!"

Livvy had her first babysitting experience with
Grandma and Grandpa so Mom and Dad
could see the new Harry Potter movie!

Watching Daddy sing.

Smile for the camera!

Sleeping like an angel : )

Ridge Road takes over Roger Street!

That's right - it was an invasion of the Long Island ladies of 64 Ridge Road - and boy was Olivia glad to see them! Livvy got lots of snuggles from Mrs. B on friday evening before she headed down to Newport to spend the remainder of the weekend with some friends. But Jen was ours for the weekend - it was great! We had homemade pizza friday night - ventured out to our favorite restaurant, La Laiterie, for lunch and then enjoyed Indian on Saturday night. Jen and I even snuck in some one-on-one girly time (thanks for baby sitting Tony!) - and headed to DSW Saturday afternoon where we got matching boots! : ) The only thing missing was our third partner in crime, Michelle (currently a Cincinnati lady), but Livvy, Tony and I can't wait to see her in January!

Here are pics of the weekend along with some other news shots of the girl.

Mrs. B giving Olivia lots of love and affection : )

Waiting for our table at La Laiterie.

Enjoying yummie eats at La Laiterie -- heaven!

Livvy loves her Auntie Jen!

This beautiful gift from Auntie Jen is the final perfect touch to Olivia's room.

And now for some gratuitous cuteness:

Hangin' in the pack-n-play napper.

" I am round and proud of it!"

Enjoying a smile at Zeneida's 2nd birthday party.

"Ahhhh... fresh diaper."

"Whatchu lookin' at, cat?"

Smile for the camera!

Olivia has officially started to recognize her doting parents and will give them the sweet prize of a jolly smile, which drives them wild (silly parents!)! Here are some we've been able to capture on film - along with other news pics of Olivia's 2nd month. Enjoy!

Sleepy dream smile.

Mini-mohawk!

Priceless!

Cute in some of her new girly-duds.

I love that toothless grin : )

In her new bathrobe from Aunt Ali.

All clean with Daddy.

Gah, gah, gah - talkin' it up already!

Olivia will sleep in ANY position!

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!