Take my baby so I can go on vacation.

We've been dealing with a few things around here, the most annoying one being sleep. Pietro is under stress and has been working nights and weekends for the past two weeks. In another two weeks, things should lighten up. I would kill someone for a vacation in a tropical climate. While I'm rocking Amedeo in the rocking chair, I fantasize about dropping him at grandma's house, as I book a flight to the Carribean. I wouldn't be gone long...a week...maybe two?

Why do you hate your crib? See how much fun you have while in it?

Occasionally, laundry baskets stand in for childcare. He doesn't seem to mind.

Last week (I'm so behind on blogging), Cady and Amedeo went on a little boat ride together in their gymboree class. Cady isn't so sure about this togetherness thing.

Amedeo seems to be taking his own private Carribean vacation.

And "busy box" time. Also, the time before the nasty stomach bug made short work of Emily.

We decided to cancel our subscription to the gymboree class. (Ok...I'm going to do a small rant here.) I think it could be a very nice program, but I've got a few problems with it. I overheard a conversation between the manager lady and a teacher. She was explaining how the teachers needed to sell sell sell. So they could get more commitments from the parents. That turned me off. The open gym times aren't frequent enough and the program is lukewarm. I have a "busybox" at home. I can also sing the Itsy Bitsy Spider at home. Come on, Gymboree, show me something creative and novel! Most of the things you get in their class, you can get at a library program for free. The thing we will miss the most is the indoor playground equiptment. Ah well, I can't have everything. (End of rant).

Amedeo loves bathtime. So do I. I can practice new hairstyles...and give him the horns he deserves.

Despite not sleeping enough, Amedeo is a happy fellow! His favorite thing is to stand in the bathtub. We haven't figured out a distraction method that works to get him to sit and play. I worry that he's going to fall.

After a lengthy wait, we have tooth #7 on the bottom. No sign of tooth #8.

Happy 11 Month Birthday, Amedeo!

Wow. 11 months old today! I can't believe it. We had the good fortune to be at Ria's Birthday Party today. We ate lots of curry and rolled around on the floor. (Mom and dad ate the curry and Amedeo rolled on the floor, in case you were confused.) I was lazy and didn't take any pictures. Hopefully I can post some when Archana sends me some.

We've been keeping our newest method of baby entertainment a secret. Here's a longish (43 seconds) vid of Pietro playing with his new toy.




Oh, poor, Amedeo!!!

Blueberries

Last night, I gave Amedeo some defrosted blueberries for dessert. He had an excellent time squishing them, but was reluctant to eat them. He seems to like dried blueberries better.

Then, he started shoving his finger up his nose. With blueberries. I think he STILL has blueberries up there.

In Search of a Good Night's Sleep: A Letter

Dear Amedeo,

Why won't you stay asleep, little boy? Waking every two hours is not good for us, your weary parents. What is it? We know you aren't itchy, dad lotions you up before bed. You shouldn't be hungry, I feed you all you want before midnight. We've tried aromatherapy...lavender in the bath, and lavender flowers in the bed. Nothing. We put a bigger diaper on you, so you won't be wet. All nighttime conditions are great! Why don't you sleep????

If you don't shape up and sleep at least a 6 hour stretch, we'll be sending you back to Amazon.com. I think your warranty lasts a year.

Love,

Your crazy parents.

Yesterday

We went to the gymboree class and had fun!!! Amedeo's attention was thoroughly captivated and I didn't get very good pictures of his face...but here are a few.


Amedeo used to be afraid of tubes. Yesterday, he eagerly went through several! Yay for progress!


Brooks and Cadence were in class too...it was fun to catch up with them.


Near the end, we had some bubble fun. The little bubbles are so neat...I keep thinking that I could make something similar.


Today we went to Fudruckers for the first time. I forgot my camera, so pictures will wait until another mommy sends them out. Amedeo enjoyed himself...except for seeing Elvis. He does not like life-size statues of the King. Ah well.

Come out already, you stupid teeth!!!

Amedeo has been struggling to cut two teeth on the bottom for two weeks. His mood and sleeping are stinky, so I think they might be almost out. We thought he might get them for Christmas, but no.

So far, 2009 seems nice. Pietro has been home since Dec. 24th, so I've enjoyed a nice vacation. Monday morning will be a shock, being alone with the baby again. But, we've got a new class to attend Monday morning, so that'll be fun.

We went to the train display at the Ellicott City Firehouse with Grandma and Grandpa. I have very little interest in trains, but this one was neat!



Since I got my shiny new toy, Amedeo has expressed a lot of interest in it.


I can noodle on the computer from anywhere...that is, when Amedeo allows it!!!



Oh...NY resolutions. I pledge to eat more chocolate.


Papa and Amedeo pledge to do more vacuuming. If they can figure out how it works!!! (You plug it in and drive it on the floor, boys!)


Our cats pledge to improve themselves this year. We helped them set up a reading program.


Maestro is the head of their book club. Things are good as long as the stories are about fish.


Next...are there any teeth YET?!?!?!?

NYE

Let us take a brief look back into our past life:
Amedeo:
Used to wake every 1-2 hours.
Took medicine for reflux.
Had a hospital stay.
Did the sea serpent crawl.
Refused solid food.
Would not drink from a bottle.

Our current life:
Sleeps well, but wakes at 5:30 am. (take what you can get, mom and dad.)
No meds for reflux.
No more hospital stays and no more reflux.
Can crawl on all fours.
Eats like a champ.
Sucks a sippy cup like a pro.

We have had a great year. I can't imagine how we're going to top this one, but I know it's possible. Looking to the future with my two sweeties....Salute in 2009!!!