Wednesday, December 31, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

Santa brought trains.  Good thinking Santa.


Just in on the fun over at Wordless Wednesday here and here.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

E-A-G-L-E-S !

Now if you are a Cowboys fan I am sorry!  I just had to post these pictures. 

We have a friend that is a die hard Cowboys fan (and married to a die hard Eagles fan), anytime the Eagles beat the Cowboys it a "tradition" to rub it in.  Now mind you it goes both ways.

This time we just happen to have matching Eagle's jammies the boys got from Nana.  I just couldn't resist.

We use to just inundate him with text messages that say "how about them Cowboys", but now we've up the anti with Facebook and blogs.

Francesco: Look Nicolo, the Cowboy's fumbled.
Nicolo: hehehehehehehehehe!

Nicolo: Looks Francesco, another Cowboy's fumble.
Francesco: hehehehehehehe!
Francesco: We got another touchdown!  Now its 44-6!
Nicolo:Yeah!  Go EAGLES!
Francesco:  Hey Nicolo, how about them Cowboys!
Nicolo: hahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahahaha!

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Best Shot Monday

Any day now he is going to take off and crawl.  I already have a time trying to keep track of him with the way he rolls everywhere.  Two kids on the move, heaven help me.  I am happy though, he is growing so fast and so beautiful.  I am also pleased to announce that he will also have teeth.  At 8 months and 22 day we have a tooth on the bottom right, I swear the one next it it is also trying to breech the surface.  



Head on over to Tracy's for more BSM

Friday, December 19, 2008

Get a clue!

I am reminded daily that "toddlers" look at things in a whole different light.  For example, I can put milk in Francesco cereal bowl and then he decide that he want to do it himself.  The fact that the bowl is already full is lost on him.  All he see is the fact that he did not get to help pour the milk.  When we try to make cookies together he wants to eat them as soon as they are mixed, the fact that they have to cook for 8-10 minutes is completely lost on him.

Just the other day he comes to me yelling "a clue, a clue".  I had no idea what he was talking about.  I wasn't even sure what he was saying.  Finally he takes me by the hand and walks me over to these:
Nicolo's Shoes

See in his world a Blue Paw print is always a  clue.  If only the secret to being a parent of a two year old was as easy as collecting 3 clues and a stint in the Thinking Chair.
Hope all of you have a wonderful weekend, I will be looking for Clues!

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Theme Thursday: Favorite Holiday Memories

These are just a couple of pictures I took of my baby Francesco before his first Christmas. I used the second one for our Christmas card and got rave reviews from everyone. The fact that others liked my pictures really made me think seriously about the hobby of photography. Not to mention I had myself a pretty handsome subject on hand at all times.








I can definately see some flaws in the photos now but I like to see how far I think I have come when it comes to taking pictures.  I swear I learn something new each day, and have fun along the way.  I have definitely learn a lot from all of you.

Head over to Stacy's for more Favorite Holiday Memories

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

The things I do for the ones I love!




Just in on the fun over at Wordless Wednesday here and here.

Monday, December 15, 2008

Best Shot Monday

I am completely amazed how the last eight months have just flown by.  Nicolò is growing in leaps and bounds, and now he is really trying to crawl.  He can scoot around on his belly like a champ and is into everything.  I don't recall Francesco getting into so much, probably cause I never took my eye off of him.  Now that I have two my attention is split, Nicolò has a little more free range.  Just the other day he rolled and scooted under the end table in the living room and started pulling tissues out of a box.  He pulled at least 1/2 dozen out by the time I got to him, I starting to think he will be the one to watch. ;-)
For more BSM head over to Tracy's at Mother May I.

Sunday, December 14, 2008

I Can't Wait Till Bribery Works!

First I fretted over the Holiday Show, and that fear came true.

Next, the "photo shot" for the Christmas card was a flop!

Then, I tried to created something from what I had, it didn't work.
I spent 2 hours messing with this, making things B&W, removing noise, resizing, changing the background (4 times).  There were many version of it but I just got tired.  I even uploaded it to be printed out.  Then I look at my cards (I have the kind you slip the photo in) and realized the opening that is visible is only 3.5 inches wide.  This would not have worked.

So I went to bed and I slept on it.  I then had the "brilliant" idea to take there Holiday Card picture in there jammies the next day near the tree.  Again, it was not fun nor easy.  Nicolo wanted to eat the tree and the ornaments, Francesco just wanted to play with his trains.  G really did try to help out, but first thing in the morning is not his time of the day either.

After all was said and done, I swear this is the best I could muster up.  I'm not too keen on it but it will have to do.  Beside, the photos are already in the cards, signed, addressed and sealed.
Francesco is out of focus (because he never stops moving) and God Forbid they smile at the same time.
I did include a wallet size of the photo from the other day, I thought some people  would get a kick out of it.

All I can say is:

1. I hate the light in my house (Compact Fluorescent saves money but they have awful,horrible, ugly light).

2. I really need to learn how to use my flash.

3. I had focus problems that I am still trying to figure out what went wrong.

4. Next years card will probably feature them both "fastened" in their car seats. (By then they will both be facing the same direction.)

5. I need a glass of wine!

Thursday, December 11, 2008

Theme Thursday: Holiday Fun

If you have to stay home from daycare because you have a high (104) fever you might as well have some Holiday Fun decorating cupcakes.  This is all possible due to the wonderful properties of Children's Ibuprofen!
Head on over to The Land of K.A. for more Holiday Fun.

Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Wordless Wednesday

This is not going to be the Christmas Card!

Just in at the fun over at Wordless Wednesday here and here.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Best Shot Monday

Since none of the shots I tried to get for the Christmas card came out, I leave you with a happy baby in the tub.  He just loves being anywhere near Francesco and this is about as close as they get.



I am actually considering a re-shoot for the Christmas card. My husband thinks I am going crazy, little does he know I am already nuts!

For more BSM head over to Tracy's at Mother May I
.

Saturday, December 6, 2008

SOOC Saturday

Here is a shot SOOC. My camera was on Vivid and this is the .jpg completely untouched.


Of course I could not resist the urge to play with it.


He is definitely our turkey!

Friday, December 5, 2008

First Holiday Show

Francesco had his first Holiday Show last night.  I had mixed feeling about the whole thing.  He is only 2 1/2 so his listening and following direction skills are minimal.  Right nowthe world revolves around him and it shows.

He did keep everyone on their toes:
1. As soon as he saw us he tried to walk over to us...right off the end of the stage.
2. He then hogged the microphone for a period of time.
3. He then decided he was done, but they try to keep him in line he had a tantrum.
4. He had to be handed off stage to the director of the daycare.

I was laughing and crying all at the same time.  I pray that next year it will be better (I am sure bribery will have more clout when he is 3 1/2).

Here a few photos.

This is him almost walking off the edge of the stage.

Here he is hogging the mic.

Here is Nicolo solo with Santa.  Just use you imagination as to what Francesco is doing...having a fit stage left.

I tried to upload the video but it wasn't working.  I will try later.

Thursday, December 4, 2008

Theme Thursday: Togetherness

When Stacy posted that the theme this Thursday was togetherness I had all kinds of ideas. I never did get to capture any of them, but I found this one from the day after Thanksgiving. We were all still at my sisters house together and Nicolo just loved my sisters dog. This dog is happiest when she is being loved by the kids.



Head on over The Land of K. A. for more togetherness.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Wordless Wednesday: I can do it!

Francesco insisting he can put his coat on the hanger without my help.



Just in at the fun over at Wordless Wednesday here and here.

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Back were they belong! (Thank God)

I have officially lost my mine or I am just so tired I can't think straight. 

This past holiday weekend I had a fussy baby that only napped if he slept on our bed. Now that he rolls like a champ I can't bring myself to leave him there without supervision. So last Saturday as Nicolo napped I laid next to him, on G's side of the bed,working on a crocheted baby blanket. 

I recalled my wedding rings getting caught in the yard and I thought about taking them off. I realized there was no bedside table to lay them on and decided against it. I then proceeded to doze off to sleep, watching a baby sleep only makes me tired.

The next morning as I rubbed lotion into my hands (chapped from washing so much because I have 2 in diapers) I realized my rings where off. Now comes the scary part.

I had absolutely no recollection of taking them off. I remembered thinking about it but doing it...no. I really thought I was going crazy. 

I then looked everywhere, and I literally mean it. I pulled the vent covers off the heat vents and put my hand down in them. I even called my sister, parents and in-laws (all the recent places I had been)to put out an ABP for them. 

Again, the worst part was that I could not pull out of my psyche the act of removing 2 rings from my fat fingers and putting them down. G tells me to relax, they have to be in the house and to take a day or two to sleep on it.  (He also reminds me he is still paying for them.)

Well, come to find out...he was actually sleeping on them. They somehow, and I have no clue, ended up on the bed under the sheets on his side. He happened to be fixing the sheet when he smoothed it out and felt them underneath. I was laying on his side and maybe I took them off in my sleep when I dosed off.



No matter what, they are back and I can stop giving myself a headache trying to recall what I did with them.

Thanks for finding them G. I love you!

Sunday, November 30, 2008

Grammar Lesson

Why did I think that I would get Italian grammar right when I struggle with English?  I don't know.  If it weren't for spell check, all of you would think I was illiterate.  Even with spell check my grammar is awful.  I am the ultimate comma splicer, just ask all my English teachers.

So I redid my blog header  recently and I liked the picture so much I posted it on my Facebook for all to see.  My MIL has a page and tells me yesterday that my grammar was wrong.  I titled my blog Mia Due Bambini with the intention of saying "My two boys".  Come to find out the proper way to say it is "I Miei Due Bambini".

So as you can see I fixed it.  I fell like such a schmuck for not at least going to her before I did my title in the past.  Of course my husband never pointed out I was wrong either, but then again I think his Italian grammar is a little rusty to begin with.

Other than my poor grammar Thanksgiving was busy but great.  I even got some great deals on Friday, my first ever time going shopping at 4 AM.  It was fun and not as busy as I expected.  I had fun strategizing with my friend and sister the night before and getting all the stuff we went out for.

*** When I hit the spell check I had 15 mistake...told you I suck!

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!  Here is my family that I am so thankful for and had a great time with!

Wednesday, November 26, 2008

My only girl.

In the midst of all the boys in this house there is one other female that endures it with me.  Pixel, is my sweet Tabby cat that has been through it all.  I usually can't get a shot of her because one of the boys is either in the way, chasing her, letting he out, trying to eat her fur, pulling her tail or giving her the whole jar of treats at once.

We got Pixel before we were married, rescued her from the pound.  She was there because the prior owners dog didn't like her, she had a few battle wounds to prove it.  We decided to call her pixel because she was small and it had a little techie ring to it (DH is a computer geek).  The years go by and she hasn't gotten much bigger than say 7-8 pounds, so the name Pixel really is appropriate.  

She has been through it all with us.  She had to shack up at my SIL's while we were in the midst of a 6 month limbo between our old house and new house.  She wasn't to fond of the big Tom Cat they had and spent a lot of time hiding.  Now she has two little boys to deal with and on occasion get left outside during the day (note to self, don't teach your 2 year old to let the cat in, he now lets her out too).

Today I was messing with my camera and no one else was around, Pixel decided to come over and check out what I was doing. I decided to snap a few shots and share.

She is a great cat and my only girl!

Monday, November 24, 2008

Best Shot Monday

He is just so still when he sleeps, actually that's the only time he is still.




For more best shots, head on over to Mother May I and see what every one else has to share!

Sunday, November 23, 2008

Into a puddle on the floor.

In my last post I talked about my sweet baby Nicolo, this time you get to hear about my little boy.  Francesco is rapidly evolving  into such a little boy.  Yesterday, after his nap, he decided he wanted to sit on the floor and read books. 

Cesco bear then had the bed all to himself.
 
Francesco's book of choice to read was a story written and illustrated by my mom.  The story is is call "Uncle Rory and the Rutabaga "
It's actually and fitting story because it is about Thanksgiving and Family Traditions.  My mother was tickle to know that he had been asking to read it a lot lately.
Since we have read it many times he knows the story.  He proceeded to go through the pages and read it to me.
By the end my heart was in a puddle on the floor.  That was the first time he read me a book and told me the story well enough that I understood what he was saying.  He is growing up so fast, I swear I blinked and he turned into this little guy.


Saturday, November 22, 2008

You melt my heart.

This little guy melts my heart.  He is such a sweet baby, I still can't get over it.  I really must have been good to get 2 beautiful healthy boys.


Niccolò is so different from his brother in many ways.  
He is already clapping his little hands (batta la manina).  He even tries to wave at you in his own little backwards way.  He feet are extensions of his hands.  I have never seen a baby use his feet the way he does to get things closer to him.  He also has a reach on him you couldn't believe.  If he wants something he finds a way to get it.  Francesco never did that, probably cause I always had everything at his reach and jumped to his ever beck and call.

He loves the Jumper Roo and really can get some height in there.  The little Leap Frog learning drum is his favorite toy, I hope he get his Daddy's musical talent.  Mango are his favorite fruit,  he has exotic taste for a little one.  Francesco liked the jumper but not with the enthusiasm that he has and Francesco was the Banana Baby (he was our monkey).

He thinks his big brother is the best thing in the world.  The look on his face when Francesco plays with him is priceless, it pure utter joy.  I get all tearing eyed just think about it.  I pray they continue to appreciate each other as they grow.

With the Thanksgiving Holiday approaching I felt the need to write about one of my most precious gifts that I am most thankful for.

Friday, November 21, 2008

Happy Birthday Daddy!

Yesterday was my husband Birthday.  Even though it was a busy work day we still made a point to celebrate, cake and all.  Now that Francesco verbal skills have taken off he is really understanding all that is going all around him.  He couldn't wait to have "Berfday Cate", and as soon as I light the candle he started to sing "Happy Berfday to You".  I know that it really tickled my husband to see him so excited about the cake and candles.  You would have thought it was his birthday.  

The best gift my husband got this year was his little boy telling him, "Happy Berfday Daddy, I wuv you!" 


I did all these B&W because the colors we so off even with trying to fix the white balance they just looked odd. 

Monday, November 17, 2008

Bad Weather, Busy Job

Things here still have not settled down at work.  This is expected, crunch time for the project as we approach 6 months for Go Live.  Not to mention that the Holidays seem to bring on the crunch.  I am managing to just keep my head above water at work but a few things have gone to the wayside.  That would include, in no particular order, blogging, photography, cleaning, reading and laundry.

The weather here in the northeast had been so dreary, wet and rainy.  With that means no sun, no natural light, no pictures.  I am trying to learn to use my flash, I just need time.  I swear I am already developing S.A.D. (seasonal affective disorder).  It is killing me and Francesco that he is unable to play out side after school.  It is already dark by the time I pick them up from daycare. Having a spirited toddler not able to burn of his energy makes for a chaotic night.  I am not kidding when I say he is literally bouncing off the walls.

We are also dealing with the typical toddler eating issue.  I am flabbergasted when the daycare tells me that they give him his lunch and snack last, this is so he is not finished before the others even get their meals.  I am in disbelief because lately I can not get him to eat anything at home.  We have run the gammet of techniques.  We tried the "showdown", where Michael made him sit until he was finished, Francesco won that one.  We are now just going to let him decide if he is going to eat or not.  Last night he decided not, but the continued to ask for things afterwards.  We held our ground and did not give in.  He ate minimally at breakfast.  I did pack a large lunch, I figure if he eats good at school I'll make sure he gets what he needs there.  I would love any suggestions anyone could pass along.

Nicolo continues to be the coolest little guy.  He is clapping and waving.  He does so many things that Francesco never did.  I am so amazed at how different they are from each other.  I truly believe he will be my Zen toddler.  If he continues to have the same temperament as a toddler I will be so lucky.  He of course thinks that Francesco is the best thing in the world and so far they do get along well. It is so sweet to see Francesco get out his cherished trains and take one over to Nicolo and say "here, you try".  Melts my heart every time.

So as this busy time continues I decide to drop in for a little hello.   I will post a picture but they are not my best.  Like I said , I have a lot to learn about using the flash indoors.  I just thought the series of shot were cute.



Monday, November 10, 2008

Fun with Food

The ladies over at 5 Minutes For Mom  are having a cute photo contest.  The theme is FUN WITH FOOD, as you can see Francesco always has fun.  This is him a least a year ago.  It amazing to look back at some of his younger pictures and realize how much he has grown.



Head over and check out the other photo's.  I think they are great.  Wish me luck!

Friday, November 7, 2008

Just Don't

1. Don't teach your two year how to let the cat in and out of the house.
  • He will let her out without your knowledge and she will get left out all day when it is raining outside.
  • Thank God for nice neighbors who took her and an rescued her from the rain.
2. Don't believe your husband when he says he put ALL your bags in the car.
  • You will get to work without a purse.
  • That includes a wallet and your cell phone.
3. Don't get up from your desk for 2 seconds if you are waiting for a call back from the pediatrician
  • They will call you back at that moment, then when you call them back less than a minute later they are all with patients and busy.
  • The fact that you called back gets pushed to the back of the line 
  • You then don't get a call back until the end of the day
  • This would not have been a issue if you had your cell (see #2)
4. Don't expect to eat a nice quite (not to mention hot) meal on your anniversary.
  • That will be the moment your two year actually admits he has to go potty and agrees to try it on the real thing.
  • He will then require a 1/2 hour of book reading, not to mention the extensive clean up afterward.
  • Beef a La Sichuan is not that good cold.
5.  Don't expect me to get the ton of work that was suddenly assigned to me after a position was vacated.
  • I can't even begin to start the new stuff if we keep having meeting about the amount of work that needs to be done.
  • Meeting about irrelevant stuff is not at all advantageous either.
  • Not to mention I still have the prior stuff that I am tasked with finishing.
6. Don't think that all am I doing is complaining
  • This is more of get it off your chest so you don't blow up at these said stupid meetings ;-)
  • Plus...I passed my re-certification exam so there really is a silver lining in the clouds!
7. Don't think I am not adding a picture either.
  • Here is my first attempt at taking a picture of flare.
  • It is a SOOC: Aperture Priority, f/7.1, ISO 100, 50 mm prime lens, shutter 1/160
  • I have no idea how to get rid of that bit of artifact in the photo. Is it my settings?
  • I would love advise.

Tuesday, November 4, 2008

Trick or Treat

I have been so far behind in blogging that I don't even know what day it is.  Things like Best Shot MondayWordless Wednesday and Theme Thursday keep knowing what day of the week it is.  So far Halloween has come and gone, the time changed and I am completely swamped at work.

I had grandiose plans to have awesome Halloween pictures, that did not occur.  Nobody told me that a 2 1/2 year old would not be thrilled to wear a plastic Buzz Lightyear costume.  He did manage to get the Trick or Treating part done.  It sound more like he was say "Gimme my treat", and he always said Thank You.  

I did get the chance to hang out with Baked By Beanie to make some goods for the troops. We had a couple of issues but in the end we had a good number of cookies and treat to send.  We were trying to do the baking after our kids were down for the night and two  glasses of wine tired Mommies later we had left out an ingredient or two.  What is the saying... you live you learn. Next go round we bake in the morning (LOL). 

The time change has been nothing but a complete disaster for me.  Nobody informed my two kids that they could sleep later and go to bed later.  Instead they have been miserable in the evenings because they are so tired and up way before the crack of dawn.  Hopefully by the end of the week they will have adjusted.  I hope so for G sake, he will have the boys all to himself for 2 nights. (Grin)

With that I must return to the grindstone.  I really do love my job *wink*!

Here are a few of the shots I did get on Halloween.


Tuesday, October 28, 2008

Tag your it: 6 Random Things

Jen over at New Green Mamma tagged me for a 6 Random Things about Me.  Now you all get the pleasure of learning new stuff about Me, hold onto your hats!

Here are the rules:
1. Link to the person or persons who tagged you. 
2. Post the rules on your blog. 
3. Write six random things about yourself. 
4. Tag six people at the end of your post and link to them. 
5. Let each person know they have been tagged and leave a comment on their blog
6. Let the tagger know when your entry is up.

Back to the show...

1. I am a Parrot Head and it all because of my older brother.  I even get the Coconut Telegraph.
2. I am a Foodie and like to read Cookbooks like others read novels.  I like to try new recipes and seem to always have the Food Network on.
3. I am currently on my 3rd Career and still don't know what I want to be when I grow up.  
4. I am an ESFJ (Extrovert, Sensing,Feeling, Judging) according to the Myer-Briggs Type Indicator. I took the test for a workshop and now know why I am nuts.  I would never of guessed me to be an "extrovert" hehehehehehehe!
5. I love coffee and uses to drink it with cream and sugar.  I switched to just sugar and then to straight black for a while.  Now I like it with just cream.  No matter what way I take it I have to have my coffee.
6. I consider myself extremely blessed every time I look at my boys.  I don't know what I did right but I am so glad they are mine.  That goes for my husband too.

Now for the fun part, I tag in no particular order:

Bernadette over at Baked By Beanie
Carrie over at Barely Controlled Chaos
Golightly over at A Little White Space
Sara over at Blah Blah Blog
Shelly over at Aperture of My Eye (I am tagging Shelly cause she need a little fire lit under her and I thought this could get her started)

There were other that I would love to tag but I was trying to follow the rules (that's part of my ESFJ personality).

Monday, October 27, 2008

Best Shot Monday

I originally was attempting to focus on my nephew but then the fence keep getting in focus.  I took the shot thinking it may come out pretty neat.  I am glad I did, I think this was the best shot of the weekend.

For more best shots, head on over to Mother May I and see what every one else has to share!

P.S.   GO PHILLIES!!!!!!!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

SOOC Saturday

I don't usually post on the weekends but I wanted to post this picture and SOOC Saturday seem so appropriate.  I was over at Baked by Beanie's this morning taking some pictures of a very yummy cake.  I can never resist the temptation to take pictures of the kids either.  I was sitting on the floor and Francesco went over to the door and I captured this.  It is SOOC.  I had it on Aperture priority, no flash, ISO 200, f/1.8, shutter speed 1/125 sec with my 50 mm prime lens.  Now I need to remember these setting.
I get so excited about having nice pictures that I didn't have to use the auto setting for.




Head over to Slurping Life for more SOOC's.

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Theme Thursday: Storyteller

Francesco is completely enthralled with his trains. He talks not stop to Nicolò all the while telling him some kind of story. The one thing I can make out is that on occasion he cups his hand at his mouth and yells, "All a board!". He then tells Nicolò, "you say choo, choo!" Nicolò must do something right cause he then get a nice wet kiss on the check. Just too cute for words!

Head over to the The Land of K. A for more Theme Thursday