1/2 a year old!

How did we get from here,

To here already!
These photos and the one below were taken by my awesome friend Kristen H.!

Six months has just flown by! I can't believe it. Raphael is such a joy! He is almost always happy and smiley. He loves to be cuddled and tickled and enjoys watching his big brother. He has become quite the little talker and is constantly rolling over and grabbing for toys. Soon he'll be sitting up on his own.

Look at all this hair after a bath!

Raphael is chilling with a sleeping brother.

We love you little man...slow down, don't grow up too fast!

At his 6 month appointment he weighted 14 lbs 6 oz (5%) and was 26 1/4 inches long (50%)

P.S. This is a picture of Jacob's nativity scene(of course cars and trucks are the main participants)!

Santa Claus is coming to Williamsville

We went to the Village of Williamsville's annual tree lighting. It was picturesque. There was a bon fire, caroling, hot chocolate and cookies and of course Santa Claus! Jacob was excited to see Santa and Raphael went along with the fun too although he was very tired. It was memorable evening and made me think how people used to celebrate Christmas in olden times, surrounded by family and friends in small communities.

Send your own ElfYourself eCards

Thanksgiving in Ithaca

Happy belated Thanksgiving. We made the trip to Ithaca for Thanksgiving. We were all very excited (especially me) to spend the holiday with both families! We ate fabulous food, shared stories, enjoyed watching Poppy coach and had Opa's first wine and cheese course (this is something worth making a tradition). We did, however, miss Maria. We can't wait to see her at Christmas! The delicious wine, fruit and cheese bar in between dinner and dessert. Lovely Mom and Dad (aka Mama and Poppa) Uncle Greg raised the 42 lb turkey we all enjoyed.Jacob played all day with this fire truck given to him by Omi and Opa. He also loved playing with the dogs!Opa and Raphael

Aunt Vicky, Rebecca and me
Uncle Dean and Raphael The Immaculate Conception first grade basketball team! Go blue knights! Jacob is a future basketball player in the making (even though he's holding two tennis balls).
Jacob and Raphael on December 1st-the first snow fall of the season!

P.S. Thank you Aunt Kristen and Uncle Tom for hosting a wonderful day! We are blessed to have such a fantastic family.

Our top ten

It's important to be thankful year round, but Thanksgiving always makes us especially pensive and reflective towards what we value and appreciate. Here is our family's top ten list of what we are truly thankful for:

1.) Our health and well-being.
2.) A wonderful, thoughtful and caring family.
3.) The city of Buffalo. It is really "the city of light," and a wonderful place to call home.
4.) Our citizenship. Oh how lucky we are to be American!
5.) Four walls, a roof and a bed to sleep in.
6.) Our friends near and far who sustain us with laughter, love and companionship.
7.) Books! Reading is a pleasure that brightens even the dreariest of days.
8.) A plethora of good food. We don't really appreciate all the farmers do to make this possible.
9.) Life! Not everyone is fortunate to be allowed this precious gift.
10.) Our faith. Without this wonderful gift we'd truly be floundering in a broken world.

Memories and McDonald's

Growing up we rarely ever went to McDonald's. If we did it was after a soccer game or track meet. Occasionally my Dad would surprise us with McDonald's breakfast and the past few years my Dad has loved the new McCafe drinks (I agree they are pretty delicious). In the past, I have also had some heart-to-hearts with my Dad, at McDonald's, over an apple cobbler and some coffee. Currently it is a Sunday ritual at home to get McDonald's coffee after mass.

Since I was feeling unmotivated to prepare a lunch (that would most likely end up on the floor, spilled, squished, thrown, etc.) I decided to take the boys to our nearby McDonald's for lunch. This is only Jacob's third time at McDonald's and his first time getting a happy meal. I know what you're all thinking...McDonald's for lunch how could she, but it was not too unhealthy.

Jacob had the apples, chicken nuggets and milk.

Raphael was content in the stroller. He's getting so big (he just turned 5 months this week).
I packed the boys in the Phil and Tedds (best investment ever) and walked to McDonald's. It was another gorgeous day in WNY! I love our daily walks which include singing, praying, talking and just enjoying our lovely neighborhood. The McDonald's employees were super friendly, offering to hold the door and chatting away with Jacob.

The happy meal toy was a robot! Jacob has been talking a lot about robots since our Cleveland trip.

We ate the lunch at home on our "front yard" (a girl can wish can't she). Okay so it doesn't look very classy, but it sure was fun and Jacob ate each and every bite. He hated the dipping sauces, it was pretty funny to see his face when he tried them (they are gross).

Gross, I know, but kind of cute?

I was satisfied with my McCafe mocha.

p.s. Dad, even though you're probably not reading, this post is dedicated to you! I love you!

Kiss Me!

Anybody want a kiss?

Cleveland Rocks!

Happy Halloween from our little monsters!

We spent a little less than 24 hours in Cleveland. It was a whirlwind. We stayed with newly weds, Stephanie and Chris (Steph and I roomed together for 4 years at JCU). We had a blast! The boys made themselves at home right away. Jacob gave Chris a big kiss and jumped on their beds and couch, drank all their milk and ate one of Steph's awesome stuffed cabbage rolls. Jacob also enjoyed their t.v. which looked like it was made for him since it was his eye level. Chris and Steph played hide and go seek for over half an hour with Jacob. He loved it and would crack up every time he found them. Raphael spit up all over Steph and rolled around on their floor. Jacob and Chris. Raphael can now roll both ways.

Steph and Chris

Our pumpkin!

The brothers. They have really been getting along great lately!

On Friday we visited John Carroll's campus and surprised some of the cataloguers at Grasselli library (I was a student worker there for four years). We made a quick stop at what used to be Arabica and the boys took their naps in the car. We also spent some time with Molls on Friday night and talked about our college years.
On Saturday we went to Fall Fest at the local high school. Unfortunately the temperature was 20 degrees colder then it was on Friday, but we loaded the kids up in the stroller and made the short walk. Jacob was intrigued by the robots that some of the high schoolers made for a class. They were pretty cool! As always, he got right in on the action and wasn't shy at all!

Jacob took a bite out of one of the styrofoam balls...when I told him we had to leave!

We spent Halloween night in the car, but it was cold and rainy so we didn't miss much (besides candy). We really do love Cleveland and wouldn't mind living their someday since we know we have such good friends in the area. Steph and Chris you rock!

p.s. I still need to post a picture of Jacob as Bob the Builder.

Happy Fall!

I love this time of year! The colors of fall are breathtaking. Today when we went on our daily walk we collected (or I guess I should say I collected) these fall leaves, berries and grass. The sidewalks were covered in leaves and it was like walking in a fall snow shower. We loved it!

It really is the simple things in life that can make us smile and bring great joy!

Bob the Builder and Skeletons

Happy early Halloween!

Thanks Mona for the cute skeleton outfit!

Poppy and Jacob playing Bob the Builder! How fun!


Our little cutie pies!

I can roll over Mommy!