Olivia's First Christmas: Part One

"I'm as big as my stocking!"

Olivia was ready for Christmas... and her 3 month birthday! And so, on December 17th we packed up the car and headed out for part one of Olivia's first Christmas. This chapter: the Gemignanis! We were graciously hosted by Rebecca, Scott, Megan and Miles at their home in East Middlebury, VT. Saturday was filled with playing and visiting, a nice dinner with Uncle Jon and finally the much anticipated arrival of Chris, Zoe, Zachary and Noa, who finally arrived at 9pm after a very long drive up from Reston, VA.

Sunday was "Christmas Morning" - so we headed up to Lincoln first thing in the morning for a wrapping-paper-ripping extravaganza! The living room was much like the aftermath of a hurricane - however, some of us, namely Olivia, had no problem sleeping through the entire event. Still asleep in her car seat from the drive over, that little girl just snoozed while her cousins tore into their presents like ravenous beasts! After the presents we had a nice breakfast followed by an afternoon of sledding, snuggling by the fire and playing. At around 4pm we topped off the weekend with a Christmas feast before heading back to Providence.

Saturday morning at Chez Gemignani, Middlebury, VT

Miles isn't so sure about
Uncle Tony's fur hat!

Once again Megan was a great big
cousin - always so gentle with Olivia.

Dad posing with Megan and Olivia.

The chaos commences!

Olivia sleeps while Miles is concerned he'll be swept away!

Scott (Monster King) and Zachary (his henchman)
team up to kidnap Noa and tickle her.

Zoe playing one of many rounds of "Granny Apples" -
a great counting game all the kids enjoyed.

Megan draws a picture for Noa on her new art lapdesk.

Finally awake, Olivia snuggles with Nonni.

Olivia meets the Middlebury Gemignanis!

We were so happy to have Rebecca, Scott, Megan and Miles come down to visit this past weekend. There were trips to the Portugese bakery, the playground and a trip to pick out our Christmas tree. Olivia loved meeting her Aunt, Uncle and cousins and I think they liked her too : ) Here's the evidence!

Being cuddled by cousin Megan.

Miles plans his next move.

Megan enjoys the playground despite
the freezing temps!

Wheeeeeeee!

Getting' some sweet love from Uncle Scott.

Megan poses in front of the finished product!

The tree wouldn't have been complete
without Olivia's new ornament from
Great-Grandma Holthusen.

More snuggles from Megan.

Megan and I coloring in Tony's drawing
of Miss Muffet (what is a tuffet anyhow?!).

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!