Fun in the Sun

A couple weeks ago we had some pretty warm weather.

 

So, I made the effort to get us outdoors as much as possible.
 

One of those days, me and the boys went over to my parents' house. My mom was planting some flowers, so Maximus was eager to help!

Santino looked on from the swing on the back patio. By the way, Santino is so over this thing. So, that's the last time we'll be using it.

 

Maximus LOVES to work.

 

Although, at this age...kids have a way of making even "work" FUN!

 

I needed to run to the store and since Santino is in that stage where he cries if he's not with Mama or Papa, I took him with me.

 

He fell asleep on the way to the store and woke up when we returned. Thank goodness, because he needed to nap!

 

When we got back, Maximus was helping Grandma with seeding some bare patches in their lawn.

 

He had fun getting his hands dirty.

 

Every time he dropped garden mulch on the area that he was working on, he'd brush his hands together to remove the dirt.

 

Santino enjoyed the grass.

 

Time for a wheelbarrow ride.

And lunch!

 

Check out Santino grabbing Maximus' arm. I love how he's looking at Maximus. He LOVES his big brother so much!

 

Good times...

 

42 Weeks

Like brother, Like brother...

 

So many of the things that Santino does reminds us of Maximus at this age. Santino likes to chew on combs and brushes and he goes nuts for plastic water bottles and any kind of paper product.

 

The last several weeks, Santino has been drinking water out of a cup with a straw. He only really once drank successfully out of a baby bottle and all of the other sippy cups didn't work. But this one made by zoli (in case you're interested) works for him. Although at times, he ends up with more water on his clothes than in his mouth. Silly boy. Maximus used this same brand of cup as well when he was little.

 

Life has been busy. It seems like laundry is a never ending task. The house always feels messy and there are days where I don't feel like I get much "accomplished." I lack energy & sleep. But, I wouldn't trade this time with my boys for anything. I'm grateful for Rob's job and his hard work and dedication that allows me to stay at home. And on this Memorial Day, I am so thankful for all of the men and women that have sacrificed their lives to protect our country and the freedom we have here in the United States.

 

God Bless America!

 

41 Weeks

I'm not sure how much longer I'll be taking photos of this little rascal on his back, because he doesn't like to lie still for very long. At least when he has a toy or object in his hands and mouth, it helps as a distraction.

 

Lately he's been holding onto furniture to get around on his feet. He cruises pretty well around the soft ottomans we have in the living room. Rob also brought out the same cardboard box that Maximus used when he was a baby to help him learn how to walk. Santino has been pushing that around the kitchen. It's a space heater box and is just the right height for him. Rob put the heater inside the box, which gives it a little extra weight, so the box doesn't topple over.

 

I caught this video last week of Maximus "helping" Santino with the process.

 

 

Santino loves music and enjoys dancing to it. He'll rock and move on his own and also dances with me. When I sing or hum to him, he will sing back to me. Not a full blown song, but a few sweet notes.

 

When he's sitting on the floor he'll spin around like a dog chasing his tail. It's really funny. He'll turn 180 degrees and then 180 again.

 

In the afternoons, Santino typically wakes up from his nap before Maximus. So, when it's time to get Maximus up, I'll open up M's door and Santino will crawl into the room. S likes to go over to M's crib and pull himself up. They have a really special connection the two of them. Even though they can't fully communicate with each other, there is bond that you can see between these boys. Rob and I have talked about how they are going to be a couple of clowns together when they get older. They totally feed off of each other.

 

Last week the weather was nice, so we tried to get outside as much as possible with the boys. Both of them enjoy the outdoors, like me.


Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate each and every one of you.

 

 

Happy day!

The Waiting

 

I have to tell you guys about a book that I just read, written by a sweet gal I know, Cathy LaGrow. It's the most AMAZING true story called The Waiting. I encourage you to read this heart wrenching, incredible journey of a woman, who is the author's grandmother. This story chronicles the life of a young girl, (named Minka,) who loved her baby girl from the moment she was born up until the time she was first reunited with her. This reunion didn't take place until 77 years later! And get this, Minka is alive today at almost 103 years old!!!

 

Just so you know, I'm not being compensated in any way for this post...I'm just so excited about this book and proud of Cathy's endeavor in telling this true story.

 

Last week, my Mom and I got our copies signed by Cathy. She is an up and coming author. I won't be surprised when this book reaches the status of New York Times Best Seller!

 

Cathy & Me

 

Already, there has been some great press, including an interview of Minka, her daughter, grandson and Cathy on the Today Show. You can see the segment here.

To stay connected, be sure to "like" Cathy's facebook page here. By liking it, you can get the latest updates on her book, information on book signings and future projects. In addition, there are free book giveaways from time to time.

 

You can check out Cathy LaGrow's website, here.

 

Also, If you are on goodreads, check out her page here.

 

This book does not disappoint. The story will stick with you forever! I KNOW that we're going to see more writing, down the road, from this talented mama of two boys.

Right now Amazon has this book for a really good price. You can purchase it here.

xoxo

40 Weeks & Happy Mother's Day

Look at those teeth!

 

Santino's latest adventure is climbing stairs. He is getting really good at it, although I'm not about to let him go off on his own yet. I stay a safe distance behind him.

 

Last week he had his 9 month well visit. He weighs 17 lbs 4 oz (12th percentile), is 27 ½" in length (17th percentile) and his head circumference measures 17.91" (65th percentile).

 

Despite his small stature, he is VERY strong. He keeps giving me a workout during his diaper changes. Not a fan of the whole process, he flips over and tries to crawl away. I have tried putting his diaper on when he's sitting or standing up, but it doesn't go on very well. Maybe I should just start potty training him now. ha!

 

Yesterday we celebrated Mother's Day with Rob's Mom and tonight, my Mom. Happy Mother's Day to both of these ladies! I am blessed to have a Mom and Mother-in-law that I can call friends as well.

 

I hope all of you moms out there had a special day.

I LOVE these boys!

 

Maximus got me the bracelet I'm wearing here. He went shopping with Papa and picked that out himself, along with a ceramic bird and a beautiful green vase. That boy has good taste. Thanks, Maximus!

 

39 Weeks

Santino was SO squirmy and kept rolling over today when I was trying to take his photo. Thanks to the wooden toy and big brother Maximus coming along to help distract him, he stayed on his back for a bit.

 

 A week ago we got Santino a crib. He was sleeping in a pack n play recently, so now he has more room to roam around and I think overall he likes it better.

 

Last week, Santino has his 4th tooth coming in on top now. It's the right center front. Pretty soon he'll be chomping on some steak and fries. haha...

 

He's been moving around on his hands and feet lately and picking up speed. It's funny to watch.

 

Just in the past couple of days he's been babbling a lot more and we're hearing new sounds.

 

Can't believe this little guy is 9 months old today!

 

Love him!