So many 'firsts' this summer

This summer has been so much fun!  To log all of Ilaria's 'firsts' would really be a task as we are shaping her every experience.    However, this post is an attempt to get some of these moments recorded.  First time touching grass (she stood like a flamingo), first time dipping her toes in the ocean (didn't like that so much - rather chilly for her I think), first time feeling sand (didn't seem to mind this), first time at the pool (daddy went right in with her...no easing her in so she was not too thrilled about the pool...initially)....

In July Ilaria had her first plane ride for a trip to Maryland and she was a real trooper.  All-in-all I think she did great.  We had such a wonderful time visiting family and friends.  While there we were able to spend a few days at the beach with Ilaria's Great Grandma Anna, Great Auntie Katie, and first cousin once removed, Reilly.  She had her first fireworks experience, but she was more interested in people watching (she takes after her mom) than the fireworks.  Her first pool experience also came while at the beach.  She warmed up to the idea when mommy took her the second time.

Having Ilaria meet all of her cousins was so much fun and all her Aunties and Uncles too!  In addition, she got to meet Great Grandma Kurtyka, Great Grandma Lange (four generations pictured below), Great Grandpa Jack, and Grandma Michelle for the first time (pictured in order below).  We also got to see Mimi and Pop Pop again (we are pretty sure that is what she will call Krissy's parents - Karen and Dave's kids picked these names out and we like the names so why change).  

 

Some memories that remain fresh in our minds...Mackenzie's sweet nature and desire to hold/play with Ilaria.  This picture reminds me of one where my sister Karen is holding me.

Mackenzie was pretty funny trying to figure out Uncle Gabe's magic tricks too.  Trenton's sweet little voice as he spoke ever so softly to Ilaria.  Luke's interest in Ilaria really put a smile on my face.  This was a fun picture of Auntie Jeanine and cousin Luke from Ilaria's baptism.

We are so thankful for Ilaria's Godparents - Krissy's brother Brian and his wife Karen.  They have been and continue to be great role models for us and a special treasure in our lives.   

We had a wonderful visit with my sister Mary and her kids/crew!  Ilaria wasn't the only one experiencing 'firsts' on this trip.  We met up at Gabe's mom's farm and the kids took their first horseback rides.  There are so many great pics from this day that it was hard to choose just one.  However, this picture really captured some sisterly love and kindness between Laveisha and Sharique that captured the spirit of the day.  Everyone helped brush the horses, took turns riding around the property, fed the horses, and shared some great memories.

When we returned from MD we took Ilaria to her first 'swim lessons' with our friends Rian and Scott and their daughter Olivia (pictured with us below),  Okay so it was more like a splash class, but we sure did have fun!  By the end of the two weeks, she was developing a trust with me in the water, kicking her legs, and really enjoying herself.

Ilaria now has her first two teeth on the bottom, but that has not been so easy to capture a picture of.  She is really enjoying more and more foods and doing great at feeding herself.  Discovering that she can make new sounds is really a delight to hear.

I am sure that I am missing some other firsts.  For example, her first time crawling.  She sure can motor using the army crawl.  She is rocking back and forth on her hands and knees and really loves to stand.  Her sitting has improved over the past couple weeks as well, despite hitting her head due to some tumbling over.

Our dear friend John David put together this cute little video montage of Ilaria recently and I wanted to share the link. http://gallery.me.com/elpadre#100035

Great times with many more 'firsts' to come!  As we wait with joyful anticipation for this fall, we hope that your summer is winding down nicely.

Ilaria's Old Town Experience

Ilaria was captured hammin' it up in Old Town with her daddy.  Check out the following link - picture # 6.


http://www.coloradoan.com/apps/pbcs.dll/gallery?Avis=G2&Dato=20100720&Kategori=GOFOCO&Lopenr=720005&Ref=PH

Update, Update....READ ALL ABOUT IT

This family blog is my first attempt at blogging and clearly I am not very timely with my posts.  In the past couple of weeks I have received emails from two of my sisters requesting updated pictures of Ilaria...a sign that it has been awhile.  So, without further ado....

When we were picking out names for our baby last year, we came across the name Ilaria.  We jumped online to read more about the name and learned that it was derived from the Latin Hilaris (and taken from the Greek hilaros) meaning "happy, cheerful, glad."  We had found our name...if it was to be a girl!  When Gabe said to me, "It's a girl!" I was so very excited.  Immediately we told ourselves that no one was going to pronounce it correctly, so we used the English pronunciation...until recently.  A visit from Gabe's cousin Sjaak got us thinking.  I have been with Gabe for over 12 years and have been pronouncing Sjaak's name incorrectly.   When we discovered this and started talking, I said that I would like for Ilaria to not get to college before people are pronouncing her name correctly.  Sjaak said, "You can start today."  That was all I needed to hear.  Certainly no one is going to pronounce it correctly if we don't tell them how to pronounce it.  So, we are using this blog as our forum to help everyone out!  The following link is an audio to help with this: http://hearnames.com/name-categories/search/ilaria.html  We will still be using Ila as a nickname (Eye-la), but wanted to give everyone a heads up on the 'change.' 

We have had the pleasure of more visitors the past few months.  Grandma and Grandpa (their names for now) came to visit at the beginning of March.  Then in mid-March Uncle Mike came to visit for his first time in CO (next visit we need to plan on more sightseeing).  In May Sjaak, Ilaria's first cousin once removed came to visit.  In addition, Bonnie and Mike are great at visiting us when they are in CO.  It was so nice to see our out of town family and those that have welcomed us into their family here in CO.

Without planning, my maternity leave could not have been more timely!  I returned to work on April 19th and it has been a bit of an adjustment for all of us.  Ilaria was not taking a bottle at the time and I was coming home twice a day the first week to feed her as our car was in the shop.  Long story short, the second week I decided to buy a fast flow nipple for the bottle.  Gabe called me at work and said, "I have some 'bad' news.  She took 3 ounces without any fussing."  I could tell he really did not have 'bad' news, but he knows how much I enjoy nursing and the bonding that this experience provides for us.  The 'bad' news was that she was not going to need me as much.  The 'good' news was that she was not going to need me as much.  One goal in raising her is for her to become an independent girl and this is just one step in that direction.  She (and Gabe) continues to do well with the bottle.  I have even been able to give her a bottle a couple of times.  Gabe commented the other day that he thinks she is realizing that she can count on him to meet her needs - how cool is that!!?!?  It is very comforting to me knowing that Ilaria is at home with her daddy and I am so thankful that we are able to do so.  One day I came home and found the following pic on the camera - one proud daddy!

On her 5 month birthday we decided to start her on some rice cereal.  Not her favorite, but we are sticking with it and just giving it some time.  On a not so pleasant note, we had discovered blood in her stool a few weeks ago and her doctor thinks she may have an allergy to the bovine protein found in dairy.  So, for the past 3 weeks I have been off of all dairy & beef (this protein is also in beef).  Quite the challenge, but worth it.  She seems to be doing well and in the next couple of weeks I will start to slowly add items back into my diet to see if she indeed has an allergy to something.  Another big thing was her second hair trimming.  Daddy did a great job cutting Ilaria's hair as it was getting a bit out of control!

Next matter of business: more about Ilaria - what else would we talk about!?!?  She is developing right on track and it gives us such joy to be witnesses of her growth.  She is very active now and has discovered how to roll from her her back to tummy and back again.  This seems to wake her up at night as she gets 'stuck' in a position in her sleepy state and can't seem to figure out how to get 'unstuck.'  Gabe has been working with her to sit up on her own and she is really coming along.  Ilaria's friend Alex has been sharing his toys with her and she really is enjoying the activity saucer lately.  Sesame Street really grabs her attention and buysmummy and daddy a little time to eat dinner.

Finally, we are going to be in MD from June 30th - July 11th and hope to be able to visit with as many people as possible.

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!