First Tooth!

Marco cut his first tooth today (Friday, November 30)! Just two days before he turns 7 months old.

All the signs have been there... waking up a lot more than usual during the night crying, drooling like a little madman, constantly chewing on his fingers or whatever he can put in his mouth, or biting on me.

Hard to believe my BABY (my LAST little baby!), cut his first tooth.

Wow!

A Turkey Day, Divided!

Thanksgiving 2012 will go down in the Martino memory books as a turkey day, divided.

We started the week out with a trip to the ER for Rocco, who had a coup/asthma attack on Sunday night. It was so crazy, as I *might* have heard him cough twice that day.  It was 11pm, I was brushing my teeth and I heard an odd coughing/hacking noise coming from down the hall and I thought it was Gabby having a cough attack, and being super dramatic about it (which is usually the case). So, I asked Dan if he could go check on Gabby since I was brushing my teeth. Then, I hear him yelling "Rocco, breathe!"... so I rushed over and realized we were dealing with a pretty serious case of croup/cough and told Dan to run down and get Rocco's inhaler. Rocco literally couldn't take a full breath, he couldn't talk, and was just coughing and gasping. It was all very scary to me and I was seconds from calling 911. We were able to get him breathe a bit closer to normal and Dan rushed him off to the ER. They gave him steroids, which helped him significantly. They arrived home around 1am, and Rocco then threw-up dinner (chili.... yum!) all over Dan and him and the downstairs bathroom floor. (Thankfully, it is a tile floor!). Clearly, the steroids didn't settle well in his tummy. Poor kid! Dan then stayed up until 3:30am, so he could have piece of mind that Rocco wouldn't have any more breathing troubles. Since Matteo died in his sleep... any occurrence like this rocks our world, and very quickly brings to surface all of the feelings and emotions and memories from the day Matteo died. And, I know nobody can relate, unless you too have experienced the loss of a child, but the emotions and feelings are so strong and present, they are palpable within our home.

Rocco was totally fine the next day, granted, he did have a little random cough. But, nothing I was overly concerned about. No fever, and his eating and energy levels were fine as well. Well, then Gabby started getting a little cough (so little and sporadic that I also wasn't concerned)... and she felt good enough to still go to school and gymnastics on Wednesday night.

This would be the first time since living in Washington that we would not host T.hanksgiving dinner at our home. Instead, we were invited to our friend's home to join their family. We were very excited about it and all of us were looking forward to it. Still, I decided to let them know we had two little people coughing, and showing mild cold symptoms. I am always very cautious about bringing my kids anywhere, if sick... and VERY appreciative of other parents who act the same way. Since Matteo's cause of death was mostly related to a virus he had picked up, I prefer to not spread germs whenever possible... and for people to not spread them to us. Some kids just don't have good immune systems.

Anyway, Thursday morning arrived (turkey day)... everyone was excited and getting ready to join our friends that afternoon. But, Gabby seemed to be coughing more and started looking horrible. I felt her forehead and knew right then and there that we couldn't bring her. Her temp was just under 100 degrees. She started sobbing, saying she wanted to still go but also saying she felt awful and sick. I felt SO bad for her. I tucked her under a blanket on the sofa, piled up some library books next to her, turned on a movie, and got her some juice and crackers.

Dan & I went for a 6 mile run together (our date, if your will!), showered, and Dan got Rocco and Giuliana ready to go while I finished up making the appetizer and dessert we were supposed to bring. We said goodbye to Dan, Rocco, Giuliana, and our au pair, Adriana... and as Gabby cried, I promised her I'd let her drink a F.resca (she's never drank soda before!), and have treats while watching whatever movie she wanted to watch.

So, Gabby, Marco and I stayed home. It was very quiet. Very uneventful... and definitely did not feel very much like a holiday. Spending a holiday divided... 3 at the party, 3 at home, was the pits.

BUT... there are so many things that are and could be worse. And, we have so much to be thankful for. So, it's best to focus on the positive, be thankful for what you do have, and keep that front of mind. Missing a turkey day dinner with friends and family is really not a big deal in the big scheme of life!

We brought Gabby to the doctor on Friday morning. She was diagnosed with strep for the 3rd time in 3 months. Jeesh! Then, Marco caught the cold virus, as did Giuliana... so we had 2 more sick little monkeys come Monday morning.

If I could, I'd wish flu/cold/virus season would just disappear!

She's SEVEN!

Our big girl turned seven recently. SEVEN.

Wow.

I have no idea where those seven years went.

Gabby's 7 Year Growth Stats:
Height: 4' 2" (75%ile)
Weight: 49lbs (50%ile)
BMI: 14-23 (10-25%ile)

Before I go to bed, I'll often tiptoe into her room to check on her and give her a gentle kiss on her forehead. Sometimes I'll just stare at her and get nostalgic... thinking I can still visualize her face as a baby. And, I'll think about how time just flies and she keeps growing. I'll think about the things that Gabby is worried or concerned about... and I'll wish all those things away for her. A parent's love for their child(ren) is an amazing thing.

I couldn't be more proud of the little lady Gabby is becoming. She is smart, confident, caring, thoughtful, loving, funny, and beautiful. She is sensitive. She's girly. She's an amazing big sister. She makes us laugh. Fashionista, drama-queen, dreamer and silly also come to mind. She's a happy girl... and she has such a big heart. We love her more than words. 

Gabby's seven year old favorites:
Food: pasta & meatballs with marinara sauce
Book: Sad Isn't Bad
Color: Pink
Movie: The Rise of the Guardians
Toy: L.EGO Friends Mia's Horsefarm
Song: any song by Taylor Swift or Katy Perry
Treat: mint chocolate chip ice cream
Day: Wednesday
Sport: gymnastics
Vacation spot: Hawaii

She is in first grade and doing so great at school. We're told she is one of the top students in her class, and she is reading at second grade level. Her teacher said she does well in both reading and math, and that Gabby is one of the kids in the class who is both helpful and she can really "count on" in certain situations. She loves reading chapter books. She loves learning math, and even spent an hour one night trying to do three digit addition, making me teach her how to do it over and over again [gee... THAT wasn't frustrating at all! ha!]. Gabby loves school. I think she likes both the challenge of school and the social aspect equally.

She is in gymnastics and swimming and has asked to be re-enrolled in dance class (ballet & tap) in January. She decided to quit soccer in September, saying she's just not interested in soccer anymore.

She is VERY into fashion these days. So much in fact that for her birthday, she asked us for specific shoe and clothing items. All having sparkles, of course (this child LOVES sequins and glitter!). Also, she has started designing her own dress and handbag line, and neatly cuts and tapes each new design into a journal/book for safe keeping. Then, for her birthday, a friend got her a very cool fashion design tracing light box... and she has since designed shoes and complete outfits. I have no idea where she got this gene from... not me! I'm pretty certain my mother only has photos of me wearing jeans and sweatshirts from kindergarten to age 20.

 I guess I shouldn't be surprised, as she has always been very opinionated in what she wears every days since she was 18 months old. Dressing up in heels and fancy dresses started shortly after 18 months. And, multiple outfit changes per day started happening at age 2. Now, adding to the interest in fashion is an interest in face glitter. This is a very new interest. It's cute and she uses it sparingly... never to school, just for fun. So I let her. It's harmless. And, I'll admit - it does look kind of fun! I think it's somewhat a result of having au pairs live with us who often put makeup on.

In addition to fashion, she also really loves L.EGOS Friends, and arts and crafts type activities where she can trace stuff, draw, and color, or just be creative in general in some way/shape/form. She is becoming quite good at drawing (copying) things that she's looking at - I've been impressed. And while she loves the L.EGOS... I think Rocco is better/more patient when it comes to building the sets. But, I do love that the kids all play SO great together with them. It's really cool. I had no idea how awesome the L.EGOS sets were until recently.

She knows how to S.kype, F.acetime, text message and email friends from her i.Touch. Crazy, I know. But, it is pretty funny to watch 6 and 7 year olds on F.acetime... just giggling at each other, asking over and over what the other one is doing and then informing us later that "so and so" is staying overnight on Friday. Too funny, because I remember having to call my friends on a rotary dial phone with the cord attached to the wall when I was a kid. I remember it being a very big deal/privilege to use the telephone, and I would have never imagined in a million years being able to call my friend on a tiny hand-held device where I could actually see AND talk to them at the same time.

She also listens to a lot of music on her iTouch, and I'll sometimes walk in on her singing at the top of her lungs to whatever song. I love walking in on those moments!

She's getting to the age where she is becoming more private. Enjoying more time content just by herself, whether it's reading, coloring/drawing, or just playing. She's also had moments of "I'm going to get dressed in my closet so nobody sees me." Then, the next day... she'll be running from the tub through the house with bare buns.

This year, we barely saw her on her actual birthday. She went to school, then sraight to gymnastics for 3 hours, and then finally home at 7:50pm. We sang her the birthday song, ate gourmet cupcakes and she ripped through her presents in less than 10 minutes. She was a happy girl and I think she had a great day.

For her birthday party this year, she asked to have it at a roller rink. She has never been roller skating before, so I figured this might be kind of interesting! As it turns out, only a few kids had ever skated before, so it was perfect because they all sort of had the chance to learn together. She invited a lot of friends from school and gymnastics. The kids skated, some played arcade games, and then they ate pizza and cake. When we got home and I realized all the presents that she had to open from her friends, I suggested we put together a pile of gifts that we would give to children who might not get any gifts for Christmas. Gabby is a lucky girl in that she does not truly need anything. I was so proud of Gabby because she agreed with me, without hesitation, and helped me set aside gifts that we could give to other children.

Love you tons, Miss Gabbers! You make me so, incredibly proud every single day of your life and I love you around the world and to the moon & back. xoxo

 

6 Month Update

Marco's 6 Month Growth Stats:
Height: 27.1 inches (75%ile)
Weight: 16lbs 6oz (50%ile)
Head: 17.8 (90%ile)

Night Sleep: Still no real schedule, but daytime nap patterns have emerged which is nice. As for night sleep, he typically goes to be between 8-9pm. He’s waking up again between 11pm-12am, so I nurse him back to sleep. He’s decided to make me his human pacifier… sucking for almost an hour. I usually fall asleep while he’s nursing at night , and then he wakes up at least 1-2 more times throughout the night to nurse and soothe himself back to sleep. 

Naps: Marco’s awake time has now stretched to 2 hours during the day, sometimes 3+ hours between his evening nap and bedtime. Every time he wakes up… he’s able to stay awake for at least 2 hours before he needs to take another nap. His first nap of the day is usually around 9am. His second is usually around 12:30pm, and the third is usually between 4-5pm. The majority of his naps are still rather short (30-40 minutes). But, he does have the occasional 1 hour nap.   

Eating: Marco still eats on demand…lucky boy! When he is hungry, I nurse him. I will also still nurse him to soothe him if he’s upset. I probably nurse him 10-12 times throughout the day and night. So far, I have tried feeding him applesauce and sweet potatoes. He has shown no interest in either and actually acts as if he’s going to throw-up with the sweet potatoes. He also looks at me like “MOM, what on earth are you putting in my mouth?!” Eating pureed baby foods is a big goal for us this month!

Marco Updates:

• Sitting all by himself!
• He’s now easily distracted when breastfeeding—he wants to check out his surroundings before he nurses if we’re not in our usual spot. It is next to impossible to nurse him if one of the other kids are around, or if there is any unusual noise.
• Reaching for and grabbing anything that I am holding. Or, if I’m holding him while writing something… he’s bending out of my arms to try and grab what I am writing with or on.
• Grabbing for everything and anything, really!
• Constantly playing with his tongue… sticking it out and wiggling it, making it look like he’s concentrating on his upcoming slam dunk
• Loves grabbing his feet and putting his big toes in his mouth
• I can hold him on my hip with ease now… his core strength is strong enough for me to simply hold him with one arm safely & securely.
• He loves to grab and pull on my hair.
• He likes to grab my arm and squeeze/pinch me, while I hold him on my hip.
• Long screams and screeches to talk with the other kids.
• LOVES watching water come out of water faucets. When I turn on the kitchen sink or pour water from the refrigerator door, he’ll squeal with delight and start flapping his arms and jumping with his legs. It’s hilarious!
• Definitely a liability on the changing table! This little guy likes to roll right over the second I put him down on the changing table.
• Everything goes in the mouth!
• He discovered his unit. Every time we change him now, his hands are like a magnet to the unit.
• Drooling constantly! We have to change his bib almost every hour when he’s sitting up because they get soaked.
• He LOVES being around his siblings! If he hears them – he wants to be with them or in the same room as them, and then he is THE most content, perfectly happy baby on the planet. While they are all running around talking and playing, he just sits there talking (screeching and screaming) away and playing with whatever baby toys are in front of him. Happy as can be! And, when the kids are all gone (maybe on an errand with Dan), he is just sort of fussy. It’s as if he LOVES the chaos of a child-busy house. So cute!
• He’s getting better about liking the car. But, can really only handle 3 trips in the car per day. If he hasn’t already “told us” he’s not happy about driving in the car, he’ll be sure to scream and cry a lot on the 4^th try. Because of this, if Dan is traveling, I try to leave him with our au pair so he doesn’t have to deal with car torture.
• He has really grown to enjoy stroller rides while I run. I love this, because then when I drop Rocco off at gymnastics, I can run with him during the class until I have to pick Rocco up again. Although… now, of course as I type this, I’m no longer able to do this with Marco because cold/rainy season has hit. Will have to wait a few months to do this again!

Halloween 2012

Why isn’t Halloween on a Friday every year? Wednesday just doesn’t work for a mom with 4 young kids. Halloween comes and goes so fast when the holiday is in the middle of the week. It’s like a mad dash of carving pumpkins, school party preparations, bringing and wearing costumes to school and after school activities, then toss Dan’s birthday into the mix, etc. I’m exhausted. I was secretly excited when November 1 arrived.

This year, Gabby and Giuliana both chose to be Batgirl and Rocco wanted to be a samurai (I think his decision was somewhat based on the fancy sword pictured with this costume). Marco was a monkey by default… I didn’t think much about his costume and threw the monkey on him as we were rushing out the door to trick or treat in town. I WISH I would have thought more about his costume, because then I would have remembered to put him in one of the twins bat costumes that they wore on their first Halloween. Bummer!!

Since Halloween was Wednesday night, and Dan’s birthday was Tuesday (along w/Rocco’s gymnastics), we decided to carve pumpkins on Monday night. And, since the rain decided to arrive a week into October (after 90 days of no rain)… Dan & I never took the kids to a pumpkin patch this year.

Pumpkin carving is a somewhat exhausting experience for a parent of 4 young, enthusiastic kids. Luckily, we have had the help of our au pairs the past few years. Gabby really loves carving pumpkins. She pulled out all the seeds and pumpkin guts herself this year. Love! I helped her just a tiny bit at the end. She also really enjoyed choosing what her pumpkin should be carved as. Giuliana also seemed to get in the spirit of pumpkin carving this year. It was probably a combination of her own excitement and energy, fueled by the excitement of her older siblings (and her wanting to do whatever they do; be just like them, etc). She used a spoon to whole-heartedly attempt scooping out pumpkin guts. However, at age 2, it was all about the interest and intent, and not much productivity. It was super cute. After she was done trying and playing, I scraped the insides out and let her pull as much of the guts out as she wanted (which wasn’t much). But, she had a grand time! Rocco was a big talker, but when it came time to clean his pumpkin out—he was not a fan. He didn’t like getting the pumpkin guts on his hands. He’d try to pull stuff out with the spoon, but didn’t quite get the concept of scraping the pumpkin walls first… so he just got frustrated and decided to enlist his mother to do the job. He also chose how his pumpkin should be carved and I had to stop him several times from trying to carve the pumpkin on his own.

We ended up carving a B.atman logo, a one-eyed pumpkin, a P.eace sign, a moon/star pumpkin (to represent Matteo), and a silly face.

 

This year, we also decided to make and decorate some caramel apples. Fun activity that lasts all of 7 minutes. MUCH more time put into melting the caramel, cleaning the pan, and cleaning all the sprinkles from the counter and floor. Now that activity is checked off the list - not sure we need to repeat it! ha!

 

On Halloween, both Rocco & Gabby had Halloween parties and costume parades at school. Then, we took them trick-or-treating through town where all the local businesses were handing out treats to the kids. I LOVE this... the kids fill up their treat bags. It's very social becuase it's from 3-6, so it's not yet dark and tons of families are participating so we see lots of school friends. And... the kids get somewhat worn out from this and don't yet feel the need to do much night trick-or- Yes... even at age 6 & 4, the concept of "work a little harder, get more reward" can be taught! ;)