Grandma Monico, 1927 - 2010

Sad to report Grandma died yesterday, and we're heading up to the Berkshires for the funeral. This photo is quintessential Grandma Monico, smiling, surrounded by light, and ready to head out into the great outdoors, in this case the ski hill at Mount Greylock, circa 1993.

Sam and his books

Where do I begin?

It has been nearly a month since we've last posted anything. We've had a crazy last few weeks. I can't even begin to tell you.....

First of all - the BIG NEWS. Sam is going to be a big brother. Yep, that's right. Dave and I are expecting baby No. 2. Crazy, huh?! This wasn't exactly planned, but it's a blessing nontheless. We heard the baby's heartbeat already, and it seems that everything is progressing well. The due date is Dec. 10.

Second, Sam and I spend about a week in Wisconsin. We were planning on flying home on April 20 to surprise my dad, who turned 60 on the 21st. But our plans were rearranged because of the unexpected death of my uncle Jimmy.

Jimmy's funeral was April 17 in Prairie. Sam and I flew into Chicago on the 16th. It was a sad weekend, but the funeral was an incredible tribute to a kind, generous man.

Sam and I stayed on in Wisconsin the following week, hanging out with family and celebrating my dad's birthday. Sam took him out to lunch on the big day.

Finally, I haven't been feeling well. This new baby is reeking havoc on my eating and sleeping. I fear that is the main reason why I haven't updated this blog in some time.

Here are some photos from our time in Wisconsin. They were taken by my dad, and there are several videos in there too: Sam in Platteville

Sam's Baptism

Sam was baptised on Saturday, April 3, during the Easter Vigil service at Christ Church in Bay Ridge, Brooklyn.

Grandma Deb, Grandpa John, Aunt Sue, Cousin Vittoria, Uncle Nathan, Uncle Kyle, Grandma Barb, Aunt Christina and Cousin McKenzie made the trip to attend this special occassion.

We were blessed with good weather and enjoyed a great weekend together.

Photos: Sam's Baptism Weekend

First Day of Spring

We traveled into Manhattan on Saturday to take in a street fair and stroll through Washington Square Park. It was there that Sam enjoyed his first ride in a swing!

We also stopped in Brooklyn Heights to explore the neighborhood, which has a beautiful promenade that overlooks Manhattan.

On Saturday evening, Dave and I went out for a "date" to a neighborhood restaurant while Sam stayed home with our babysitter, Gina. We ate oysters -- the first I've had since learning I was pregnant well over a year ago.

Photos (the last one is a video of Sam swinging): First Day of Spring

The Crib

We lowered Sam's crib today. He has been trying to pull himself up. The mini-crib has suited us well, but we fear we might have to get a bigger one. Sam won't fit in it too much longer -- he's getting too tall!