Can it really be?

How is it that we are already into 2010?  Or that it is already halfway through February?  Or that Ilaria is almost 2 months old and no post on the blog yet?!?!?  As a wise woman (Krissy's mom :-) ) warned us prior to Ilaria..."If you think time goes fast now, wait till you have kids."  We are certainly understanding this more and more! 

How do we summarize the past two months?  For starters, as many of you already know, Ilaria graced us with her presence on December 23rd at 10:53pm, weighing in at 7lbs even and 20 3/4 inches.  Sparing the details, the delivery went really well and Gabe was a wonderful labor partner!  We could not have asked for a better Christmas present as we arrived home with our bundle of joy on Christmas Day. 

Fortunately, we got to spend the first few weeks as a family of three and adjusting to parenthood - Ilaria adjusting to the world!  She continues to grow and really takes our breath away on a daily basis. 

Ilaria loves to be held and we love to be the recipients of her cuddling.  As you can see in the photo above - she loves her daddy and her daddy loves his little girl.  We have so much love to give this little girl it is unbelievable!
                                                          

When Ilaria was 3 weeks old her Auntie Karen and cousin Stephanie came for a visit.  It was so nice to have them here!  Stephanie turned 21 on January 6th, the week before they arrived, so we got to celebrate with her.  Gabe took Stephanie to our favorite sushi place in Fort Collins - Nimo's.  Since Krissy did not have sushi while pregnant, Gabe had not gone in several months and was so glad that Stephanie was willing to join him and try some new sushi.  Krissy, Karen and Stephanie later went to The Chocolate Cafe for desert and indulged in some chocolate decadence! They certainly did spoil us - cooking meals, cleaning the kitchen, doing loads of laundry, holding Ilaria, playing with Ilaria, taking numerous pictures, and simply being with us during such a memorable time - we will treasure the memories from their trip for many years to come!

Stephanie, Karen, and Ilaria - the oldest and youngest of the cousins

Around 6 weeks Ilaria began sleeping through the night, found her hand to pacify herself (although she can't seem to figure out how to control this at will), began smiling and interacting with us (no it is not just a smile because of gas), and she simply loves to be held...are you sure you can't spoil a child under 6 months of age?!?!  We are beginning to wonder the validity of this statement!  She really enjoyes her playmat and is good at entertaining herself already.  Often we have to reset the music and lights on her playmat so she can continue to play.   

We still find it difficult to put her down and find ourselves in awe over the wonder of her!  Gabe loves his quality night time with Ilaria as she really does not like to go to bed at night.  She tends to sleep most of the day and then is up till late.  Thank goodness her daddy is a night owl so mommy can catch up on some zzzz's! 

We could go on and on as far as Ilaria is concerned.  Gabe put it well the first week, "This just feels right."  Indeed it does!  On January 3rd, we celebrated 12 years together since that first blind date (thanks again Jon for introducing us).  We are coming up on our 9th wedding anniversary in April and time has flown!  As our friend Aileen was commenting...before we know it Ilaria will be one and we will be celebrating another holiday season.  In the meantime we are taking this journey into parenthood one day at a time and truly enjoying these moments as a family.

We trust that your new year is off to a great start.    Love has been redefined for us this year. 

With Valentine's Day just behind us, we leave you with this...

  “Love is just a word until someone comes along and gives it meaning.”

Waiting with Joyful Anticipation

Today is our official due date and while there are still a few hours remaining to December 20th, the baby seems quite content.  We are being reminded that good things come to those who wait!  What will happen with the counter that is on our blog!  Does it continue to count past one's due date?

The munchkin's nursery is ready for a wee one and Krissy is often found sitting in the rocking chair just taking everything in.  As previously mentioned, our friend Brian came to paint.  The walls are a very pale yellow and the ceiling and the inside of the closet are a pale blue (similar to the crib bedding).  Gabe's mom made a very beautiful and colorful quilt that arrived recently.

         

                                     

Last Monday was Krissy's last day at work (conveniently she will return on April 19th - after tax season) and she is getting what she had hoped for...time to just 'be' before the baby's arrival.  This past week has found Krissy and Gabe at the City Park.  While Gabe ice skates on the lake, Krissy has been walking laps around the lake with Nina - in the hopes of getting labor started!  It has been such a great week relaxing as husband and wife, sleeping in (we are aware this will be a luxury once we welcome the baby), and simply discussing our dreams.

A few weeks ago our friend Jenn came over to take 'belly pics' and what a great job she did.  We are truly thankful for her time and the memories captured for this incredibly special time in our lives.

37 Weeks - Nina is definitely aware of my belly!

Krissy's favorite

While we wait with joyful anticipation for the arrival of our blessing, we wish each of you a Merry Christmas and a very joyous holiday season. 

Giving Thanks

While each year we have so much to be thankful for, this year we have a new blessing to be thankful for and we can't wait to welcome this little one into our lives.  We are truly thankful for this miracle of life, continued good health and growth of the baby in particular, and for all of our loved ones who have supported us so far through this journey to parenthood.   

On Tuesday we had an ultrasound and the baby is measuring about 6.5lbs.  Gaining 1/2 a lb. per week and I have 3.5 weeks left - could be a decent size baby!  The baby is already larger than Gabe was at 6lbs 4oz. and I hope it does not get to my size 10 lbs. 12 oz. (Mom K. you are a champ)!  However, the baby is taking after me in other areas - we were told the baby has large feet at 7.5cm and a lot of hair.  For those of you who know what I looked like as a little one, these are definitely my features....well at least I have large feet now!

The nursery is coming together.  Our dear friend Brian offered to paint and will be finishing the room possibly this coming weekend.  It will feel so good to get the crib set up and the baby things organized next week!

Hard to believe that next week is December already.  The time has indeed gone quickly - my mom has always said, "If you think time goes quickly now, wait till you have kids."  We are about to find out exactly what she means.  I do hope that my maternity leave does not fly by.  So thankful that Gabe will be with me during this time and not have just a few weeks and then go back to work.  We will treasure this time as a family!

Happy Thanksgiving to all!  What a great time to connect with loved ones and share the joy this holiday season brings. 

Let the blogging begin...

Over the past several years, we have enjoyed watching others blog about their lives.  In our world of increasing technology and seemingly less personal contact, a blog was in order to share about the joys of parenthood ahead.  While Gabe and I have had a wonderful time as husband and wife, I never felt like people would be interested in reading a blog about us.  However, with a little one on the way we wanted our families and friends (especially those at a distance) to be able to be a part of this special chapter in our life story.

We look forward to sharing with you and for the adventure that awaits us!

5 weeks 4/18/09 - 3 days before we found out we were expecting

Almost 15 weeks - 6/26/09

25 1/2 weeks - 9/10/09

10/20/09 - almost 32 weeks and 32 years old!