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Eric got a week of personal leave to stay home with me and Emily. This was amazing. He took incredible care of us: cleaning the house, doing laundry, running errands, giving back massages, changing diapers, coordinating visitors, perfecting his swaddle, applying my chapstick…He literally spoon fed me while I nursed.
The most important and valuable time spent was bonding with his daughter. It was such a gift to watch their times together: listening to the Beatles, he introduced her to his candy stash, she saw him get his highest score to date on Tetris, taking naps together, snuggling on the couch…he also wrote her a song, and she loves it. It’s called Munchkin Land.
On his last day of being a stay at home dad, we decided to head to Dana Point for lunch, ice cream, and a nice long walk around the Harbor. It was a beautiful and peaceful day for the three of us, and an excellent celebration of the past week and Em’s week old birthday.
I can’t imagine having gone through this first week of parenthood without his constant partnership. With his help I feel like we’ve adapted beautifully. Today was his first day back to work. After a tearful goodbye, he went off to “make the bacon” for our little family.
Thank you sweetheart for your servants heart and for being such an amazing dad, already, to Emily. We love you very much.
He is Risen Indeed!
Easter Sunday marked our first outing since leaving the hospital. We went to my parents house for a joint family Easter celebration. It started with an Easter Egg hunt, then we enjoyed a delicious early dinner. Our family is usually anti-ham (being Italian and all), but dad insisted it and I must admit it was quite good.
Emily was definitely the guest of honor, as everyone wanted a turn with her. Most importantly, she met 2 of her 6 great grandparents. Her time with her great-grandma Lynn and great-grandpa Chick/Zoom/Chicky Baby was special for all of us.
Our brother-in-law (skateboard rippin’, veggie hatin’/meat and potato feastin’, bad ass snowboardin’…one of the originals, Homer Simpson watchin’, Monopoly playin’, Mary lovin’ fool) Corey, had his final art show and graduation today in San Diego. Due to our new arrival we were unable to attend – so sad, we heard it was a kickin’ party. We send our best wishes to him and know he has a bright future ahead as an animation extraordinaire. He has already brought us hit sensations such as Samarai Squirrel and Bubble Boy…we look forward to enjoying all the wacky characters to come.
Way to go brother…you da man!
A proud daddy relaxing with his baby girl
Our midwife, Lisa, bonding with the little girl she helped us to bring into the world. We can’t thank her enough!
Birthday Buddies – Thanks Brian for sharing your special special day with our special special girl. The Spicy Chicken from PF Chang’s did the trick…just like you said it would.
Time to go home
She’s here and life couldn’t be better! Born on a beautiful day in Laguna Beach…a day we will cherish the rest of our lives.
Here are some more pictures from our first night:
True happiness…
Jazz Hands!
Bellesi Family
Johnson Family
A new Aunt Mary.
Aunt Brookie meets her new niece.
First time grandparents!
Patience pays off!
This was the conversation I just had with Camryn, my 3 year old niece:
Camryn: Hi Tete. (She hugs me and then rubs and kisses my belly) What’s Emily doing?
Me: I think she’s sleeping.
Camryn: When’s she going to come out?
Me: Pretty soon.
Camryn: (Long sigh) Why’s she taking so long?
What a great question. From a 3-year-old’s perspective this pregnancy has been an eternity, but the end is near…3 more days until my due date. Eric had a little chat with Emily the other night, letting her know that she is expected no later than the 20th – I think they have a deal. Thank you everyone for your prayers and well wishes for us in this (fingers crossed) last week. We are so excited to introduce our little girl to all of you.
We had an excellent birthday party for her with the fam. Lots of fun and teasing, Dad was on the BBQ and prepared and excellent meal for us all, the boys made a run to Baskin Robbins for some fantastic birthday ice cream, and then my parents taught us all how to play Apples to Apples. It brought out the fiery personality in each of us and we had a ball. Great fun!
March has been known as mom’s happy birthmonth for as long as I can remember, and she will have to start sharing it very soon. Sadly we couldn’t produce a grandchild for her today, but she has a belated gift to look forward to.
Love you mom. Hope you had a Happy Birthday.
This is the beginning of my 3rd week of Maternity Leave. My first week was a ball of stress trying to get my ducks in a row – seriously, it was bad. My second week things started to shape up, and I got a few days of rest and relaxation with friends. Now into week 3 it’s just about the greatest thing ever. I got our carpets cleaned, our windows cleaned (that hasn’t been done since we moved in three years ago), I bleached the grout in our tile, I’m doing all of Eric’s ironing (he has a whole new wardrobe now), occasionally stopping for a round of Dr. Mario on our new Original NES. As far as I’m concerned Emily can stay in the oven a little longer because life is good and the nest is getting prettier and more organized with every passing day. I’m thinking of organizing our spices tomorrow. These are the highlights in my life right now, and it’s no joke I literally can’t wait to do it.
