It's All in the Name

Dear Baby Dominic,

When Daddy and I found out that we were pregnant with a little boy, we were so happy! I've always loved the name Dominic, even before I met your Dad and I knew that I wanted to have a son named Dominic. I had no idea how many Dominic's would come into my life. It's a family name on your Dad's side and there are many generations that share your first name, however, you all have different middle names. Daddy agreed to name you Dominic but I had to agree that he got to choose your middle name. He came across the name Massimo when looking up boy names on an Italian website. I thought he was joking. I suggested many other options like Louis, after your Papa. I thought this would be nice since Giana shares your other grandfather's middle name. I also suggested Nicholaus since that's your Daddy's middle name but he thought that would really confuse things. Giana and I really pushed for Anthony. It was our favorite and it's also Uncle David's middle name. Daddy told me that it would be a "game day decision" so I had to wait until you were born to find out what he chose and he chose Massimo. Your full name means "the Greatest Lord" and I'm happy that Daddy picked this name for you. We are thrilled to have our little Dominic Massimo here with us now.

Love you so much!
Mommy

Fake It Until you Make It!

I recently (finally) had some time to look through a few pictures from Dominic's birth and my hospital stay. Just before the baby was born, I posted about not liking hospitals or wanting to stay for very long once I had the baby. While I had a wonderful experience, I still wanted OUT! The IV hurt, and I had every reason to worry about that but the rest of my experience was really good. I delivered Dominic by c-section on Saturday at 8:30AM and I had my doctor convinced that I was ready to come home the following evening about 7:00PM. On Sunday, I felt OK even though I took very little pain medication (I'm just not one to take a lot of medicine) but I acted like I felt great (this is where the "fake it until you make it" part comes in) and I made sure the hospital staff noticed. Shower, make up, dressed, walking around, had several visitors and took Giana to the bagel shop in the main lobby. My doctor wrote up the release papers Sunday night. I agreed to stay just so the baby could be monitored after his circumcision and we went home on Monday morning at 8:00AM. Dominic, my husband (this name thing could get a little confusing!) planned to work that morning, not really thinking that I would be released - HA! He just arrived at work when I called for our taxi service. If I had my car keys, I would have just driven us home. :)

What a nice picture I took of my guys before we left the hospital. Dominic had to go back to work and was concerned about getting spit up and pooped on. :)

What a nice picture Dominic took of me and the baby before we left the hospital. He is still unable to operate a camera. See my post from July titled "38 Weeks Pregnant." This cracks me up!

Just one day old with his proud sister.

Now six weeks old...the time has gone by so quickly!

Are there Blueberry Muffins in Heaven?

Earlier this week, Giana brought home a coloring page that had a Bible verse on it. She asked me what it said so I read it to her and it prompted a conversation about death and heaven. It's always so sweet and refreshing to hear a young child's thoughts and opinions on this subject. After thinking I've done a good job at explaining this to her, in a way I thought she understood, she asked "Mommy, are there blueberry muffins in heaven?" I guess I didn't do as good of a job as I thought I had.

Today would have been my Dad's birthday. I miss him. More then that, I wish he had a chance to meet my children. I do feel like he "knows" them and that gives me peace and makes my heart happy. So, happy birthday, Dad! I hope you are enjoying your blueberry muffin!

First Family Picture

As crazy as it is, the main picture on my blog is our first family photo with all four of us. It was taken a couple of days ago over Labor Day weekend. It's special to me since it's our "first" family picture. We are having a family photo shoot in a couple of weeks so I'll replace it soon but until then I just wanted to enjoy it.

On another note, since I'm using this blog as my personal photo journal, I've posted several pictures tonight in an attempt to keep up with our recent lives and activities. We've been busy and there is so much more to update. One of these days, SOON, I will be posting more photos. Maybe even some home videos if I'm feeling brave enough to let the whole world in on our personal lives. Somehow, videos seem more personal to me so we'll see about that.

School is Back in Session

Giana started 4 year old preschool today. She will be going two afternoons a week. She did really well and had a great day! She has matured so much. No tears from either one of us. So proud of her!

Dominic is One Month Old!

Here's our little chunky monkey one month later. He turned one month old today and is doing so well. He left the hospital weighing 7 pounds, 6 ounces and he now weighs 11 pounds. He likes to eat! I have so many pictures and stories to post but for now this adorable picture I took earlier today will have to do. Still trying to figure out a "normal" routine with two kids...if there is any such thing.

Our baby girl turned FOUR!

Happy birthday to our sweet Giana! She turned four yesterday. It's so hard for me to believe that 4 years have gone by! We love you so much!


New roller skates and they were a hit! More to follow on the party later.