Happy New Year

Go Ducks!

Yes, we are lame. We brought in the New Year in bed. Marco and I have colds and Alessandro had to work this morning at 6:30.

Christmas was great. Marco had the best time. He passed out presents both on Christmas Eve and Christmas morning. He would very generously bring you your gift and then "help" you open it.

On Christmas morning he sort of woke up and then slumped back down into bed. I said "Merry Christmas" and well, have you seen the scene in Pulp Fiction where they give the shot of adrenaline? It was kind of like that. He immediately bolted up and slithered off the bed to go see if Santa had come. Santa had come and brought him the coveted Optimus Prime. Which took the adults approximately 8 hours to successfully change into a truck. Alessandro says Marco now just has a truck.

Marco had a great time with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and dogs. I barely saw him on Christmas, which was a gift in itself :-) I kept hearing things like "Come on, Uncle ___fill in the blank___. Let's play."

We had the fortune and misfortune of experiencing a bit of snow. The unfortunate aspect was that we were across town when it started and while it had taken it 30 minutes to get to that location, it took us 4 hours to return home. Over two hours were spent within 5 miles of home. The fun part was playing in the snow the next morning. It was starting to melt, so perfect for making snowballs.

The morning we left, Marco cried for 10 minutes because he didn't want to come home. He wanted to stay in Portland. On the plane, he cried prior to landing because he didn't want to land.

Whisper Sweet Nothings to Me

It is amazing to me how having a child takes away so much of the gross factor out of life. You get pooped on, peed on, vomited on, snotted on, and eventually think nothing of it. In a similar vain, they invade an intimacy that you once only planned on sharing with your husband.

This weekend we went to Indian Wells and Friday night as I was laying in bed with Marco putting him to sleep, here is what he told me.

"Mom, I like your boobs. You have big boobies. I only have little boobies, but when I grow and grow, I will have big boobies too."

A Really, Really White Christmas

We went to Portland for Christmas again this year and were a little afraid we might not even make it because of the storm. Luckily we made it and Grandpa even managed to get through all the ice and snow to pick us up from the airport.

I love this next series of pictures...

Letterboxing and a Homecoming

This past weekend, I went away... all by myself. Marco & Alessandro had a boy's weekend and I had one long mommy playdate. I went to Oregon for the We Live and Breathe Letterboxing gathering. I flew into Portland Thursday night and Friday morning, my mom and I drove down to Colton, Oregon to Camp Adams for three days of tromping around in the woods, looking for tupperware.

If you don't know what letterboxing is you can find out more here and here, but basically it is a type of treasure hunt. Over 200 letterboxes were hidden at this 210-acre campground. I hiked so much, every muscle in my legs hurt. I met so many wonderful people. In particular, Smiley and Lexi-Bug, with whom my mom and I letterboxed with almost all weekend. On Saturday evening, there was a masquerade ball and I dressed up like a tiger. We then went out night boxing, so imagine me dressed like a tiger, wandering around the woods with a flashlight, looking for tupperware. Sounds ridiculous, I know, but you have no idea how much fun I had.

And now for the homecoming. I arrived home Monday morning and went directly to work. In the afternoon, I picked Marco up from school. He saw me right away and started screaming for me. He ran to me and jumped in my arms, hugging me so so tight. He held my face in his hands. He was just so happy. When we got home, he kept saying we're home, but I think he meant "you're home." He wanted to show me all his toys. That evening, I needed to go to the store and he seemed a little concerned that I was leaving again, but I assured him I would be right back and he was just fine. This morning, he woke up and was in such a great mood. He brought me a photo album and showed me pictures of myself and said "you're home." I was worried he might not want to go to school after he got me back, but we had no problems. He just wanted to make sure he got a hug and a kiss before saying good bye.

Marco's reaction to my being gone all weekend was the icing on the cake. He had a great weekend with Daddy, asking about me occasionally, but not at all upset. He was thrilled to see me come back. And he fell right back into our normal routine. I really had a wonderful weekend!

Travel, But No Vacation

We went to Portland for the 4th and I have some advice for those of you considering traveling with a two year old. Don't.

If you insist on not following my advice then at least buy a sticker book. We had one of these for the plane trip back and they are very useful.

Marco had a great time with the Grandparents and Uncle Joey and Uncle Brian and Uncle Dan and Uncle Ben and Aunt Becky. We may have pictures, I don't even know. I didn't take any, but I think Alessandro had the camera.

I also enjoyed seeing everyone, but I do not enjoy sleeping in a bed with Marco. I never did get a good night sleep, so I came home more tired than when I left and my back hurts. (Bitch and moan, I know.)

Alessandro and I did get to have breakfast together at Elmer's on Friday and went letterboxing on Saturday.

One funny tidbit, the last time we were in Portland, it snowed on Christmas. We went out the front door of my dad's house to play in the snow (usually we go in and out of the side door). When we got to my dad's on Friday, Marco went to the front door and "Go outside, play in the snow?" We were all stunned by his memory of this.

Zia Luciana

(Gianluca, Zia Luciana, Francesco, Zio Vincenzo)

Friday we went to Zia Luciana's for dinner. Marco had a blast. First, he played with Zio Vincenzo.

Then he met Blu. At one point, Blu knocked up against a box. Marco said he was hurt and tried to give him a kiss to make it ok.

Later his best buddy, Gianluca came over.

I Cugini

It seems like every time we get in the car, Marco asks for his cousins. He has a special fondness for Alessandro. I think this is because he likes older kids in general and Alessandro is really great with him. Marco laughs and laughs when he plays with Alessandro.

He also enjoys playing with Andrea, but they are not quite as good at sharing with each other (especially when it comes to Nonno Cesare).

Here is a random picture of Marco being patriotic in Rome.

Buon Compleanno Marco!

Saturday, Marco turned two. Zio Massi and Zia Pina hosted a wonderful party with lots of family. As soon as we arrived, he saw the other kids and took off running. He was welcomed by cousins Alessandro and Andrea and "cousins" Leonardo, Valerio, Federica, and Riccardo.

(Leonardo, Andrea, Marco & Alessandro)

He blew out the candle on his cake about 5 times. ("More, more!") Then Irene showed him what to do.

He quickly understood.

The Arrival

We got to Rome on Friday. Marco was very good on the flight. He jumped around a bit on the first flight, but never really cried (except the time he got hurt). He enjoyed watching the cartoons, we colored, played with some puzzles and some animals. He fell asleep around 10pm Los Angeles time and pretty much slept the rest of the flight (about 5 hours). We had a four hour lay over in Frankfurt (ugh). Marco was still pretty tired, so didn't run around too much. Mostly sat and played. On the second flight, he had a mini-tantrum right before we took off, but then fell asleep during take off, so it was just exhaustion. He slept the entire second flight waking only when I had to pick him up for landing.

When we arrived, Marco and I went out to great 'la famiglia' while Alessandro waited for our luggage. Marco was a bit overwhelmed. He was tired and there were a lot of people grabbing and kissing him. Nonna, Zio Massi, Luciana and Vicenzo greeted us at the airport.

After what seemed like forever in Friday evening traffic, we finally got to the house and some good food and a nice bed. Nonno was there waiting for us. Marco quickly made himself at home in Nonno's hat and slippers.

Great Grandma Bunny's

A couple weekends ago we drove out to Indio to see Great Grandma Bunny and Gordon. After some running around and lunch we went to the Riverside County Fair and Date Festival. We took Marco to the petting zoo and then into the barn to see the other animals. So many cows and goats and pigs and sheep. He was very exited running from place to place to look at all the animals. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures because we forgot our camera, although most likely they would have all been just streaks across the screen.

When we got back to Grandma's I had an ice cream bar. Marco was very insistent on having this ice cream bar. I was trying to hold it and give him a bite, but this would not do. He had to have it himself. How does he even know this is a good thing? He has never had an ice cream bar. I have never eaten one in front of him. I swear kids have an instinct for what is going to be good. Anyway after a crying fit, I gave in. Then Grandma got out more ice cream bars for Alessandro and me. Alessandro handed me one and I started to eat it. As soon as Marco realized the situation he started to freak out. Eventually he ended up with an ice cream bar in each hand. (All others were hidden from view.) Then I dared to take a bite of one. Oh, the torrent of tears that followed that bite. Alessandro of course stood by snapping as many pictures of the scene as possible. It was quite amusing.

Marco calming down after receiving both ice cream bars.

After realizing I took a bite of one.

"No you don't! You can't take it from me now. I've had this ice-cream bar since I was a CHILD! People... always trying to take it from me! Why won't they LEAVE ME ALOOOOOONNNNE?" -Ren

After the ice cream incident and an unsuccessful attempt at a nap. Marco and Great Grandma had some time to play.

Then Gordon took Marco for a walk around the park. They looked for fish.

And Gordon taught Marco the finer points of golf.

On Sunday, we went to Elmer's, except it wasn't Elmer's anymore! But don't worry, they still have German pancakes (under the disguised name of Dutch Babies). Apparently that Elmer's was a franchise (maybe they all are, I don't know) and Elmer's doubled the percentage take they were asking for. Instead of paying this, the owners decided to go at it on their own, but they still have exactly the same menu. They had to change the name of the German pancakes because that is an Elmer's trademark or something. The owner told me they got to keep all the recipes though.

Shortly after eating, we headed back to LA. Here is a picture of Marco at home sitting on the bench Grandma got him. Gordon made the little table that goes with it.

A White Christmas

We were in Portland for Christmas and it was a busy and fun week. Here are some highlights, lowlights and general observations.

Highlights:

It snowed on Christmas!!!! Marco's first ever real snow and it was on Christmas.

We saw lots of family and Marco thinks all his uncles and his aunt are great. Way more fun than mom and dad. Aunt Heather showed him her kitties and showed him how they like to sleep on tissue paper. At one point, she asked Marco if he wanted a present. He said "Okay" and she gave him a little bag with tissue paper and a Blue's Clue Blue Puppy. Everyone thought he would love this gift, but instead of getting really excited with the gift he grabbed the tissue paper and ran off. He took it into Heather's room and gave it to her cat! Then he came back out and got his new toy. How thoughtful.

There are lots of dogs in Portland as both sets of grandparents have dogs. This was great news for Marco. He enjoyed feeding them, playing with them and I think eventually liked getting kisses. They of course enjoyed it when he dropped food. Marco quickly learned where the dog food was and that he should not eat it. Grandma has a stuffed puppy and he loved this. At some point I caught him shoving the puppy's nose in the dog's water bowl and trying to put food in its mouth. He had already learned what fun it is to feed dogs by giving them treats. If they did not eat fast enough, he would assist them by pushing the biscuit into their mouth. He loved playing chase with Jackson. Endless circles around the family room.

Marco definitely knows what presents are now and how to open them (maybe that should be a lowlight!)

Marco got to play with Jayla. At first, they didn't really seem to get along, but when we were leaving, they got all lovey-dovey.

We went to the Grotto for the Festival of Lights. Marco loved the lights and really had fun at the petting zoo. He got to feed the goats and sheep.

He learned to play the most important game he'll ever learn.

Lowlights:

We got on the plane to Portland and the first thing Marco did was climb under his seat and pop his head up behind him. Then he proceeded to get stuck. On the flight back, we had the worst landing any of us have ever experienced. The wind was horrible.

Marco discovered what presents are. He found one for Becky the day after Christmas and got really mad when it was taken away from him before he could open it.

He also discovered how yummy cookies are. When Brian took a bite of his cookie he cried and cried. Then Brian gave Marco a bite of his cookie and Brian cried right back at him.

General Observations:

On Wednesday we went to Beni Hana for lunch with Grammy, Grandpa, Ben, Brian, and Dan. Marco fell asleep on the way to the restaurant and proceeded to sleep through the entire meal. I ended up putting him in the Ergo on my back while I ate (we didn't bring a stroller) and he just slept and slept. Sleeping didn't go all that well in Portland and with so much excitement, it's no wonder he was really tired.

Well, I think that's all I will write about Christmas since I am writing this only two weeks late :-) We hope you had a great Christmas and New Year's.