and now there are four....

blizzard 2010: February 26th

2010-02-26T22:50:00.005-05:00

What a great day we had, once we (Jon) dug out of the snow. We got almost 20inches of snow between yesterday and today and we were finally able to get out and play. Charlie stayed home with Nana and Jon, Ava, Pop Pop and I ventured out to play. Ava loved sledding and being outside.

one month old

2010-02-16T10:13:00.006-05:00

charlie at one month

ava at one month

2010-02-09T10:46:00.001-05:00

Ava and Charlie just hanging at home

2010-02-09T10:42:00.003-05:00

On Monday Ava and I started a gym class with her friend Alexandra. We can't wait for Mondays to come so we can jump on the trampoline, walk the balance beam, and jump in the foam pit!

good mornin!

2010-02-09T10:41:00.000-05:00

Daddy and his little ones!

Ava and her boys

2010-02-09T10:38:00.001-05:00

On Friday, Ava and I went to CT to visit Kiki and Sheila and the boys! It is so great to see how grown up they all have gotten!

a favorite pic of charlie

2010-01-30T21:32:00.000-05:00

how to be a princess...

2010-01-30T21:22:00.006-05:00

and she certainly doesn't need any help!
Today at the Disney store they had a class to teach the girls how to be a princess! Ava loved dressing up like Sleeping Beauty(you know we didn't get out of there without the costume) and being the princess she already is!!

how to drink tea with her pinkie up

and Charlie came along for the trip but slept the entire time!

Day Six

2010-01-27T15:31:00.001-05:00

Day Five

2010-01-27T15:23:00.002-05:00

Day Three

2010-01-27T15:18:00.002-05:00

Ava meets Charlie

2010-01-18T12:40:00.002-05:00

Ava was over the moon to finally get to meet her little brother. She is so in love with him and can't get enough of him. She keeps checking on him and gets very worried when he cries.

Uncle Shawn and Auntie Ellen were able to get down this weekend to meet Charlie!

Still at the hospital

2010-01-18T12:29:00.004-05:00

Thank you to all our visitors at the hospital! It was so special that you could come and see Baby Charlie before we got home and settled. We appreciate all the love and support you have already given us!

How it all happened

2010-01-17T06:25:00.004-05:00

I can't believe that it is already 2010.... So much going on in our lives since the holidays! Sorry it took so long to post pics of Christmas, but how wonderful it was with Ava! She totally got the entire concept of Santa this year. It was so great that she was able to have Christmas to herself before the arrival of her new baby brother. Now she is trying to understand why Christmas is over... just like any kid would love for it to last all year!! New Years was low key- a dinner out to our favorite Mexican restaurant- just the 3 of us and home and in bed by 11pm.

The first couple of weeks of January were great. I got to be home from work with Ava and spend some quality time with her because she has no idea how her world is going to change once we get home with Charlie. She was so excited that she was becoming a big sister but we have been talking about it for so long that we think that she really wasn't 100% sure of what was about to happen.

Most of you probably know the whole story, or pieces of the whole story--so as I sit here in my hospital bed waiting for my little man to be ready to go home I thought I would blog it so when Charlie gets older he too can read about it too.

My official due date was Jan 21, 2010. We found out on Dec 22nd, that the baby was going to be big (they were estimating 7lbs 10oz at that point with a month to go) We got through Christmas and New Years and both the baby and I continued to grow.
Tuesday, January 12th, I came to the hospital to be monitored because my contractions were about 5 minutes apart but I was only 2-3 cm dilated. I was hoping and ready for the baby to be born that day, but he wasn't quite ready to make his debut!

Wednesday the 13th I had a schedule Dr's visit and we said see ya next Wednesday at the next one!! Still on 3cm dilated... no action going on, but I did have a scheduled ultrasound on Thursday.

Thursday the 14th, had my ultrasound at 9am and the ultrasound tech informed me that he was anywhere from 9lbs 4oz and 9lbs and 11oz. Now, anyone who has had a ultrasound and then had a baby can tell you that 90% of the time they aren't close to what they say, but when someone tells you that you have a baby that big inside of you... time to freak out, just a little. All the thoughts of trying to self induce labor at that point slowed down and I was really trying to figure out how I could deliver something that large. All I was thinking about was what a 10lb turkey at the grocery store looked like. The ultrasound tech said she wanted to talk to the nurse and the doctor and see what they thought we should do. I would get a call later at home.
Within an hour the nurse was on the phone with me, letting me know that we were going to do a scheduled induction on Friday because of the estimated size of the baby. The good thing was that I am so tall they weren't concerned about the baby's health and if I was going to be able to push him out.

5am on Friday the 15th- called the hospital to see what time I needed to be there for my induction, they said come at 7:30am

8am- checked in and hooked up to Saline drip (can't get the epidural without enough fluids in you) I was just about 4cm dilated at this point.... long way to go but having contractions on my own about 3-5 minutes apart

9am- hooked up to the pitocin to help get the contractions moving along

11am- Still only 4cm dilated..... I was thinking this baby was never going to come!

12pm- Sent everyone for lunch and Toni stayed with me

1pm- Contractions getting closer and a little tougher but still not there. The nurse had me sit in a chair to see if gravity would help get the baby's head in position

1:30pm- Everyone came back from lunch and I stood up for a while. Pitocin got cranked up at this point.

2:30pm- GIVE ME THE EPIDURAL NOW... oh, your gonna have to wait 30 minutes cause the Dr and the Anesthesiologist are in a Csection and they can't leave the OR. YOUR KIDDING ME?!?!?! No, but your doing great.... hang in there. Within 15 minutes the Dr was in the room and I was 7cm dilated. I probably could have finished without the drugs, but I knew how comforatble it was going to make me and I just wanted them!

3pm- got the epidural and my water broke on its own-- and most of you know that because they had to break my water with Ava one of my biggest concerns was not knowing that had happened. For those of you who have the same concern and are wondering...its like sitting on a water balloon. You'll know when it happens!
As soon as my water broke it seemed almost immediate that I was 10cm dialted.

I remember looking at the clock at 3:15pm. I started pushing at 3:20pm and by 3:36pm Charles Sebastian Parisi was born into the world!

He weighed in at 8lbs 7oz (just like his mom was) and 20.5inches long. He is absolutely adorable and doing great!

Big Sister Ava unfortunately can not come to the hospital because of the H1N1 craziness-- they have banned all visitors under the age of 18. She knows that her little brother is here but still not sure since all she has seen are pictures. We are so anxious to get Charlie home today and for Ava to meet her little brother. I have gotten to talk to her a couple of times but she is still unsure of what is going on except that she hasn't seen her "momma" in a couple of days and only seen a little of "daddy". We are so lucky to have both sets of Nana's and Pop Pops, an Aunt Toni, Uncle Shawn and Auntie Ellen to keep her busy over these past couple of days. Thank you everyone for your help and support. Jon and I really couldn't have had this experience with Charlie not knowing what and where Ava was through it all. We love you all!!!

So Sunday is here already, my stay in the hospital is over and we can't wait to get home and start our lives as a family of four! Thank you everyone for all your well wishes-- we hope you get to meet Charlie soon!

finally some christmas pics

2010-01-15T10:02:00.002-05:00

our first snow of the season

2009-12-20T13:05:00.003-05:00

although we didn't get as much snow as we thought, there was still enough for Ava and Jon to get out and play. Ava loved running and falling in the snow and then needing daddy to help her up.

last weekend

2009-12-20T12:56:00.003-05:00

Last weekend we started getting the house ready for the holidays. Jon and Ava picked out the tree-- and what a perfect one it is! We got it up, lights on, and decorated! Jon and Ava also built our first gingerbread house! Ava enjoyed eating it as it was being built!
Lots of festivities going on here as we get ready for the holidays and our new arrival in the new year!

Daddy teaching Ava the "methodical" way of putting lights on a tree

work in progress

our first gingerbread house

I think Ava ate more of the candies then actually made it on the house

the finished product

Annual Firetruck Parade

2009-12-20T12:53:00.001-05:00

The Saturday after Thanksgiving is the Annual Firetruck parade where firetrucks come from all over the state decorated for Christmas. It was cold and noisy, but always a good time!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

2009-12-20T12:52:00.001-05:00

Our Annual "four generations" picture

My new Camera

2009-11-26T08:34:00.003-05:00

For my birthday Mom and Dad got me a new point and shoot camera and I just got some of the pics uploaded from it!!

Fall Fun Pictures

2009-11-26T08:23:00.004-05:00

We have been so busy this fall, but still able to capture some of the things that we have been doing with photos. Halloween came and went, a wine tasting with the Ziemba's, a visit from Uncle Shawn and had a couple of trips to the farm. Lots of fun before Baby Charlie comes!
Hopefully with the holidays right around the corner, I will be a little better at posting pics!

disney rockin road show

2009-11-26T08:18:00.001-05:00

ava got her first taste of seeing a show (not really broadway but close enough for a 2 year old) Nana and Pop Pop Tracy took us to see Disney Rockin Road Show at the Meadowlands. Just long enough for a 2 year old to sit (75 min) and Ava got to see all her friends. Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Cinderella, Buzz Lightyear, and many more! Thanks Nana and Pop Pop

Happy Birthday Daddy!

2009-10-24T10:55:00.001-04:00

Last Sunday we celebrated Jon's 33rd Birthday and watched the Giants game. Thanks to everyone for celebrating with us!

Fall Fun Fair at School

2009-10-24T10:17:00.003-04:00

Last weekend at Ava's school we had the Fall Fun Fair. We had face painting, tattoos, bean bag toss, ring toss, fishing for apples and ducks. It was so much fun and Ava got to spend the day with the kids in her class and school.

School Pictures

2009-10-24T10:14:00.002-04:00

I had to get a quick one in before we left for school just in case she does a goofy smile or her eyes are closed in the professional ones. I will let you all know how they come out!

A Sunday Treat....

2009-10-14T10:58:00.004-04:00

On Sunday we went for a drive to the Sunset Pub and Grill (www.sunsetpubandgrill.com) which is in Lincoln Park. It is a cute little pub that is on an airplane strip that you can see the planes come in and take off. Great spot for kids and the food is pretty good too!

when the wind blows..... sometimes, trees fall....

2009-10-08T09:53:00.006-04:00

When it rains it pours!
So I went to work yesterday like any normal day and around 3pm I called to check in on Ava who was at my moms house. She was sleeping but mom asked me "did you just get a phone call?" I said, "what are you talking about?" She said, "A tree fell on your house.... A BIG TREE! Don't panic, I am getting Nan to come and sit with Ava and I am heading over there" Six months pregnant and she's telling me not to panic.... Guess what, I panicked.
As I found coverage at work and rushed home, I pulled down my street to all my neighbors standing in awe, the police and 3 HUGE tree removal trucks. I could only get half way down the street and when I pulled up next to the cop and rolled down my window, I said "that's my house" He looked at me with this face and said "I'm sorry" I threw my car in park in the middle of the road and got out of my car.
I walked down the street and was thinking to myself, "seriously, how bad could it bed?" "Thank god no one got hurt" -- Actually no, what I was thinking was that the tree that fell wasn't even mine and shit, I am going to get stuck paying for it!!! So, when I say a tree fell, I am not talking about some branches or a small tree... I am talking about a HUGE double Oak Tree (one half was still standing and the other half was sprawled out from the front of my lawn to the back- limbs on the roof, on the garage and more)
The police can make the decision to have the rest of the tree taken down if they think it is a threat, which they did and it was down within 45 minutes. After that they started to clean up the mess in our yard.
So, 4 holes in our roof, a ripped off gutter on the house and garage, a trashed yard from where the tree fell and a damaged driveway later, all I am thinking is THANK GOD no one was home. Jon was home about an hour earlier for lunch and if any cars were in the driveway, they would have been smooshed! So, if I recall correctly, it was just about this point in my pregnancy with Ava that Mother Nature decided to mess with my and flood our basemnet.
Let me put it on the record that IF and WHEN we do decide to have a third child... I am going to hold my breath as we get to and through the six month. I don't know what else possibly could happen, but I am sure it will happen to us!
Just remember, sometimes when the wind blows.... trees fall!

When I came down the street and looked at the yard this was the first thing I saw....

This shot is from the garage looking back down the driveway

Standing in the corner of my yard looking back at the house

Removal of Tree #1 that was still standing

Looking out bedroom windows at yard

Can you guess where the holes in the roof are???

Bye Bye Tree #1

Bye Bye Tree #2 (the one that was already down)

Damage to house gutters

Damage to garage gutters

Damage to roof

Damage to driveway

Trip to the Farm.....

2009-10-05T07:44:00.005-04:00

Sunday was such a gorgeous day here, Toni and I took Ava to the local farm for a hayride, pumpkin picking, and for some pickles!

Ava not quite sure which pumpkin to chose!

"ok, this one" she told me

Pickle buddies

just because

2009-10-05T07:38:00.002-04:00

ssummers over doesn't mean we still can't have icecream!!

birthday dinner with friends

2009-09-13T13:37:00.002-04:00

Last night we had a nice dinner out to celebrate my birthday. A great dinner, great friends, great food and even a few sips of great wine! Thanks for celebrating early with me!!

And the news is in.....

2009-09-13T13:35:00.003-04:00

After Ava's first day of school we headed straight to the doctors for our 21 week ultrasound to find out what our little arrival is. After patiently waiting an hour and a half to get called, Ava was so excited to see her new little BROTHER on the screen. We are so excited to announce that Ava will be a big sister in January to little Charlie Parisi.

How exciting!

First Day of School

2009-09-13T13:21:00.003-04:00

On Thursday Ava started school! She is only going 2 days a week for just a couple of hours, but just enough to get her interacting with some other kids and being on her own. She is such a big girl now and loves her new teacher.

here is Ava taking over her new class room

Turtle Back Zoo

2009-09-13T13:15:00.002-04:00

Last weekend, Nana and I took Ava to Turtle Back Zoo for the afternoon. We got to go on the train, the carousel and see all kinds of different animals. I think Ava's favorite part was riding on the train.

Ava and Nana

Ava and Leyla take Hoboken on Labor Day

2009-09-13T13:06:00.002-04:00

For Labor Day we went down to Hoboken to visit with Robyn, Johnny and Leyla--
Thanks for a great day with great friends! Ava and Leyla are going to be girlfriends for ever!

Norwalk Greek Festival

2009-09-13T12:59:00.003-04:00

At the end of August, we went up to Norwalk, CT to visit Kiki, George, Stefan, Sheila, Mike and Michael and to attend the Greek Festival at Kiki and George's church. The kids had such a blast together and got to go on the rides toghther.
Thanks for a great day!!

Sesame Place

2009-08-20T14:07:00.006-04:00

Yesterday Jon and I took Ava to meet Karen, Mark, Gretchen and Tyler at Sesame Place. What a great day! Ava and Tyler loved seeing the characters, going on the rides, especially playing in the water areas.

We got to see ELMO LIVE show where Ava got to see ELMO, Mr. Noodle and Dorothy!

my little fairy princess

2009-08-16T16:48:00.001-04:00

Summer 2009

2009-08-13T16:50:00.004-04:00

We can't believe that the summer is coming to an end. Only a couple more weeks and before you know it the school year will be here. Lots of exciting things going on here. Most exciting, Ava is going to be a BIG SISTER come January. We can't wait to find out if she is going to have a little brother or sister (we will find out the first week of September) Either way, she is getting ready to be a big helper! We have had a great summer playing at the pool, a day trip to the lake, play dates with friends and more adventures to come.
We hope that everyone has enjoyed their summers as much as we have!

July 4th BBQ at The Lisa's

2009-07-05T14:44:00.002-04:00

July 4th Parade

2009-07-05T11:41:00.003-04:00

Summer is Here!

2009-06-25T06:56:00.002-04:00

Ava got a little taste of summer this past weekend "down the shore." She was more interested in being a model for the camera then swimming in the pool with cousin Tim!

Annapolis: The Lost Photos

2009-06-08T22:10:00.003-04:00

Annapolis Weekend 2009

2009-05-25T14:16:00.003-04:00

another day in paradise

2009-04-30T20:55:00.004-04:00

Today was our last full day here in Aruba and it was another wonderful day. Although it was the only day that we saw any sight of a cloud in the sky, the weather was still gorgeous. It is very windy here in Aruba and although the temperatures are in the high 90's with the wind, it is usually around 87 degrees all day every day.
Kiki, George and Stefan were able to get a little time at the pool this morning before heading off to the airport. Of course George needed a few last trips down the water slide! Here are some shots from the day.

can you tell where Ava enjoyed spending most of her week?

Our last dinner out just the three of us...

day 5: dinner out

2009-04-28T22:26:00.002-04:00

We can't even believe that Day 5 has come and gone. After a morning at Baby Beach and an afternoon of margaritas and the lazy river, Kiki and I decided again it was a night for dinner out! We went to Texas Da Brazil, a Brazilian Steakhouse...woah, was it good! After dinner we headed for some ice cream and ice pops, ending with a walk on the beach.

Kelly and Kiki (we came to the realization today we have been friends for 13 years... woah, where has the time gone??)

Stefan had an ice pop, chocolate ice cream and finished Kiki's mint chocolate chip cone!

Ava had an ice pop which whatever she didn't eat ended up all over her!

George, Stefan and Kiki

Kelly, Ava and Jon

Day 5: Baby Beach

2009-04-28T21:39:00.003-04:00

day 3

2009-04-27T12:44:00.001-04:00

After a nice dinner out and an early night to bed, the kids were ready to hit the pool first thing this morning. They are having such a good time playing with each other and meeting other kids at the pool.

Jon, Ava, George and Stefan spent some time being lazy on the lazy river!

Sole Mare

2009-04-26T21:23:00.005-04:00

OK, so dinner was----interesting. I think we're lucky that we got out alive.... but at least there was someone to clean up after us!

2009-04-26T09:32:00.000-04:00

greetings from Aruba!

2009-04-26T08:44:00.004-04:00

We got here on Friday after a long day of traveling but needless to say the kids did great on the plane. We lucked out and had an empty seat on the plane for Ava which was great because she was able to stretch out and rest. After getting to the airport and getting through the VERY long line at customs, we got our car and headed to the hotel. Lets just say we are realizing nothing happens quick here. No one is in a rush, which has made us realize we are on VACATION! Jon and George headed to the pool with the kids and Kiki and I headed to the grocery store. Dinner at 8pm bed by 10pm.... a LONG day.

Saturday I got up early and headed right down to the pool to tag our chairs. If you don't get down early and tag them, basically you are out of luck. By 9am when we all headed down almost all of the good seats were taken. You can see, we spent the day at the pool .... the kids absolutely loved it! There is a water slide which the dads take the kids down (I think that it is really for them but their excuse to go down is that the kids do love it!)
The kids took a great nap and after that we stopped at the beach for a quick swim in the ocean. We cooked dinner in last night and when we realized that there was no one to clean up, we decided tonights dinner is out!
We are heading to the pool now... more pics to come!

Aruba Day 1

2009-04-25T12:30:00.003-04:00

Day 1: We spent the morning in and around the pool. The kids are especially loving the slide.

Happy Easter!

2009-04-17T20:54:00.005-04:00

Ok, so I know we are WAY overdue for a post, but it took me a while to get through the 100+ pictures that we took on Easter! Things are going great here in the Parisi house. Ava is getting bigger and bigger every day and what a joy it is to watch her! We can't believe that her 2nd birthday is right around the corner!

First we had an easter egg hunt at our house. Ava loved looking all over for the eggs!

Believe it or not, the Easter Bunny went to Nana and Pop Pop Tracy's house too!

For Easter dinner we went to Nana and Pop Pop Parisi's house where everyone was! It was so nice to have all the families together for this special holiday!

The Four Generations!

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss!

2009-03-03T11:42:00.000-05:00

Nana and Pop Pop take Ava to the park....

2009-03-03T11:37:00.002-05:00

Nana is lucky to spend most of the week with Ava, but Pop Pop loves when he can join too. They found a great park that Ava just loves to play at. We can't wait for some warmer weather to go there more often!!

Baby Mock is on his way....

2009-03-03T11:32:00.002-05:00

Well.... baby Mock is going to be here before days end and I figured that I needed to get some pics up from the wonderful shower that was thrown for him. We can't wait for his arrival!

2009-02-24T11:39:00.002-05:00

sorry we've been busy... here are a couple new shots until I get our weekend pics up.

my new favorite pic

2009-01-23T11:28:00.000-05:00

ava at 19 months

my how they've grown.....

2009-01-23T11:26:00.001-05:00

michael, ava and stefan

ava, michael and stefan

I knew I would find it somewhere... can you believe how big they are???

playdate with Michael and Stefan

2009-01-23T11:15:00.002-05:00

Last Friday we took a ride up to CT to see Michael and Stefan (their moms too) and Ava got to have a well deserved play date! It is amazing how big the kids are... I'm trying to find a pic from our first play date!

Stefan

Michael

Ava

This was the only picture that we could get of the three of them until...

we had them turn around!

good mornin'

2009-01-23T11:10:00.002-05:00

On the mornings that I am home with Ava, this has become a usual routine to play in the only cabinet she can get in to. She loves to bang the bowls and I think she has found a new hiding spot.

more holiday pics

2009-01-09T17:08:00.001-05:00

here are a couple more pics from the holidays.... Ava is talking up a storm now and trying to imitate everything we say.

ava and pop-pop

my niece willow

uncle shawn, auntie ellen and ava

as Ava would say "baby....vroom vroom"

2009-01-01T09:15:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year! 2009 is finally here and what a great year 2008 was. Ava is going to be 19 months on Monday and Jon and I can't believe how the time is flying by! We look back at the last year and can't believe all of the things that she has accomplished. Exactly one year ago, she was just starting to crawl and now we can't keep up with her. She is talking up a storm and learning sign language (the few words she already knows are "more" "thank you" and "all done") She still needs a little help from Jon and I but we can already tell what an independent little girl she is going to be.

We hope that everyone has a great 2009 and we are looking forward to sharing it with all of you!
Love and Best Wishes!

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year

2009-01-01T08:59:00.002-05:00

With Ava running all over the place this year, it isn't that easy to get her to sit still to get some good pictures. Here are a couple from Christmas--

Ava's new kitchen set

Ava taking after Jonathan (making a mess in the kitchen)

Pretty girl dressed up for Christmas Dinner

First Haircut

2008-12-20T10:23:00.002-05:00

On Friday before the snow storm hit Ava went for her 1st haircut. She loved being in the Jeep and playing... what a success!

Ho Ho Ho!

2008-12-14T11:26:00.000-05:00

2008-12-12T07:06:00.002-05:00

ok, so we are caught up to Thanksgiving... just a couple more events and we are ready for Christmas!
Hang in there... more pics are coming!

gobble gobble

2008-12-12T07:00:00.002-05:00

Ava and her cousin Willow

Unfortunately we didn't take too many pictures from Thanksgiving since we knew the computer wasn't working. It was great for Uncle Shawn, Auntie Ellen and Willow to be here to celebrate the day with us! Ava is finally warming up to Willow and they are going to be best buds!

Good Morning!

2008-12-12T06:54:00.002-05:00

"Hi-ya"
Every where we go Ava is so friendly with everyone she passes and always gives out a big "hi-ya"

We're back!!!!!!

2008-12-11T21:32:00.002-05:00

I have to apologize for the lack of postings, but we had some technical problems with our laptop and almost lost everything. We just got it back tonight with a new motherboard and we are as good as new! I am so anxious to get new pics up and let you know what we have been up to with Ava-- you won't believe how big she is getting.
We just went for her 18 month check up today and she is just about 31 pounds and 34 inches tall. The doctor said that she is just perfect (which we knew of course!)

I hope to get some new pictures up before the weekend, but if not, stop back and check the blog on Monday and there will be a lot of new pics!

We hope that everyone is doing well and getting ready for the holiday season... Christmas is in 13 days and I still have a ton to do! Love to all!

Part Two of Halloween

2008-11-02T18:05:00.002-05:00

After a gym class and a good nap, Ava got up, had a costume change and we were off to the Halloween Parade at Grandma Parisi's school. Ava loved seeing all the kids in their costumes!

After the parade we headed over by Gran-nans for some treats!

And then by Gamma and Pop too!

and believe it or not...she kept that headband on all day!

The first part of Halloween

2008-10-31T11:01:00.003-04:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!
This morning we started the day at gym class. Ava was lucky enough to have Grandpa Parisi come with us today. He got to see Ava on the slide, sing and dance and play with the other kids! What a great way to start Halloween!

our little bumble bee.....

Anthony, Gianna, Charlotte, Emanuel, and Ava

Bubble popping time....

Ava and Miss Kyle

Ava and Grandpa

morning fun

2008-10-21T08:35:00.003-04:00

This morning I got to spend some time with Ava before heading to work... Here are a couple of pics from our breakfast. Can you tell she loves her berries???

Happy Birthday Jon!

2008-10-21T07:55:00.000-04:00

On Sunday we celebrated Jon's 32 birthday!

Pumpkin Picking at DePiero's

2008-10-12T22:02:00.003-04:00

It was such a perfect day for a trip to the farm to find our pumpkin for this year.
Ava had a difficult time finding the perfect one.

Still trying to decide...

Ava was looking for Dads approval on one that she found

Finally... the perfect one!

Jeanne and Jeff's Wedding

2008-10-05T21:01:00.003-04:00

On October 3rd, Jeanne and Jeff became Mr and Mrs Jeff Albanese. What a wonderful wedding in Hoboken and the reception was at the Chart House over looking the New York City skyline. It was gorgeous!

Jeanne and Thomas dancing to "Lean on Me"

The Family Dance

the view from the Chart House

Daddy joins us at gym class

2008-10-05T19:28:00.003-04:00

Friday Jon and I both were off because we had a wedding at night, so we both went with Ava to her gym class at KIDS CLUBHOUSE. As always, she loves running around, sliding down the slide, playing in the ball pit and popping the bubbles!

My 30th Birthday continued....

2008-10-05T19:18:00.003-04:00

On the 28th, Jon and my parents threw me a surprise 30th at my favorite, Rocca http://roccaitalianrestaurant.com/
Thank you so much! It was so nice to have everyone there! Unfortunately my brother slacked on the camera duty so there aren't too many pictures to show of it... lots of memories though!

Mom assured me at the end of the party... the month of celebrating was finally over! What a great month it was!

hanging with daddy

2008-10-05T19:01:00.003-04:00

Here are a couple of shots from an afternoon of Jon and Ava...

Ava loves to sit in her rocker and read... her favorite book right now ELMO loves animals! Actually, she loves any book that has ELMO in it!

The newest member of our family

2008-10-05T18:54:00.002-04:00

Shawn and Ellen got Willow, a golden-doodle (part golden retriever, part poodle). She is the sweetest thing ever. Ava actually let her lick her hand, but wouldn't get close enough for a picture. Maybe next time!

2008-10-05T12:31:00.002-04:00

Ok, so I have no room to talk about people updating their blogs since I have just become the worst at it! I can't even believe that I haven't done a post since September 19th! So much has been going on since then, I just have to upload our thousands of pictures so you all can see....
Hang in there and I promise there will be some new postings!

another trip to gym class

2008-09-19T11:44:00.002-04:00

Woah!!! Big girl!

Ava on the Nemo rocker

and of course there is always bubbles!

Ava and Miss Kyle were twins today but Ava didn't want to pose for the picture.

which one to use???

2008-09-18T11:07:00.002-04:00

At the early hour of 7am this morning, Ava was having a hard time trying to figure out which pocketbook she wanted to use for the day. What a tough decision!

We just got home from her 15 month checkup and she is doing great. She is a heavy 28 1/2 pounds and 32 inches long! She is learning a many new words and the Dr. seemed very pleased!
Yesterday's word of the day was "Spoon" (gamma tracy is taking credit for teaching her that one!)

wounded photo shoot

2008-09-16T10:08:00.002-04:00

Yesterday at Gamma's, Ava thought that she was a magician and could pull the tablecloth off of the table leaving everything that was on the table in its place. Well it didn't quite work out to Ava's plan and at 15 months she didn't know that she wasn't supposed to pick up the glass that broke. She ended up slicing a small piece off of her thumb and with the uncontrollable bleeding we headed straight to the ER. They weren't able to stitch it because really, there was nothing to stitch. She was a champ though and let the doctors wrap her little finger up and we were on our way. After a long 2 hour nap, Ava woke up and she had bled through the gauze so we headed back to the hospital for another clean up and wrapping. She definitely was not her cheerful, energetic self but I think today she is a little better. We had to take some shots of her little hand all wrapped up for you all to see. Only a couple more days like this and then we can use a band aid.

her little thumb all wrapped up

Ava loves the ipod wires and thinks that the music comes out of them. This is her dancing in the kitchen to no music.

Happy Birthday to me.....

2008-09-16T09:58:00.003-04:00

Sunday night we went out for dinner for my birthday and had cake at moms house.. here are just a couple of shots from the night that I loved!

Jon and I... out for the night

2008-09-14T12:10:00.003-04:00

Saturday night Jon and I headed out for a little while and got to celebrate some September birthdays including mine.

Toni Ann, Jeanne and Me

Toni Ann and the Birthday girl Danielle

Not quite sure if these guys were the beer pong winners or if it was Toni and I....

okay okay Thomas, we know you are going to the gun show!

Several games of beer pong later..... Jon and I headed home because getting up in the morning with a baby and a hangover...not so fun!!!

I couldn't resist......

2008-09-12T11:32:00.001-04:00

trying to get back in the swing of things....

2008-09-12T11:21:00.002-04:00

Today was our first day back at gym class at Kids Clubhouse! Ava was so excited that this year she can run around and do everything that she wanted to do last year. Climbing, Sliding, and Walking all over.

I think we need to have a "bubbles" class for Ava. All she wanted all day was for the bubbles to come on!

What we have been up to....

2008-09-12T10:38:00.002-04:00

Summer is over and life is crazy in the Parisi house! Ava is now 15months, getting bigger and bigger each day and she is amazing Jon and I every minute.

Here are just some of the things that she is up to now:

Ava loves pocketbooks. She obviously got that from me, her Aunt Toni and Grandma Parisi. She loves to put things in her pocketbook, she loves to say pocketbook and she loves to swing it over her shoulder and prance around the house with her pocketbook.

Ava loves to be read to. She obviously did NOT get that from me. Must be her Grandma Tracy and Great Aunt Barbara. Whenever she has the chance she will pick up a good book and hand it to you so you can read it, or she will just sit and flip through the pages on her own.

Ava is talking up a storm. That's a tough one... but I will give credit to her dad (although I am sure a little bit of that is me) Some of her new words are, "up," "down," "bluberries"(which isnt too clear but we know what she is saying), "pool," and of course "mama and dadda" we hear a lot!

When she isn't talking, she is eating. That is definitely from Jon and I. She loves everything that we have given her. Thank goodness she isn't a fussy eater. She will eat chinese food if that is what we are eating, she will eat steak, chicken, hot dogs, you name it...chances are.... she'll eat it. Even if she doesn't like it, she will still get it down and swallow it, but she won't ask for more.

Ava loves to come to Pottery Barn Kids and visit me at work. She walks around like she owns the place and loves playing with the stroller, the shopping cart, the kitchen set (can you guess what Santa is going to be bringing her this year?) She might as well be saying "don't you know who I am?"

Raspberries.... well, yeah, she loves to eat them, but even funnier she loves giving them! Anything that she can get her mouth on she will give a raspberry too.

Ava is so lucky to be spending her days, while Jon and I are working, with her grandparents and how lucky are Jon and I that we have such wonderful families for her to be with. Part of the week she is at the Tracy's and then the other part she is at the Parisi's.

Pictures are coming soon.... I promise!

Summer '08 at the Jersey Shore

2008-08-17T21:17:00.006-04:00

This week Jon, Ava and I headed to the Jersey Shore for some relaxing and time in the sun. Ava wasn't too sure of her first trip actually to the beach, but I think after a couple more trips she will be a true Jersey Girl!

It took her a couple of tries, but she finally got the hang of walking in the sand.

Ava and Jon....in deep thought

too much thinking for Ava

Thanks for having us stay Uncle Rusty and Aunt Barb!

Now, the ocean is another story.... it might be a long time before she is used to that. I think she is confused why the water isn't 80 degrees like the pool and tub!

If you can see the disgust on her face.... she definitely needs a couple more times at the beach before we hit the waves!

Just a few more wedding shots....

2008-08-17T21:07:00.000-04:00

Congratulations Shawn and Ellen!

2008-08-12T11:33:00.005-04:00

Saturday night was Shawn and Ellen's Wedding and what and event it was! Everything was absolutely gorgeous! Here are some pictures so you can get a taste for what a great time we had!

Shawn and Ellen's Rehersal Dinner

2008-08-12T11:29:00.002-04:00

Ava with her Uncle Shawn

Here are a few pics.... more to come.....

Store Managers Conference In Az

2008-08-12T11:22:00.003-04:00

Howard Lester CEO

Friday night was Rock and Roll night...Melissa and I know
how to rock!

Oh, but then there is Jodi and Thomas

Lynda with her two operators... Kelly and Melissa

Saturday night is formal night...here is Lynda and I

GO NORTHEAST DISTRICT

So Much going on.....

2008-08-12T11:18:00.002-04:00

Since our last posting, I have gotten promoted at work and now I am the Store Manager of Pottery Barn Kids. I was lucky enough to get to go to Arizona for the Annual Store Managers Conference for Williams Sonoma Inc. Once I got home from that we turned around and headed up to Mass for Shawn and Ellen's Wedding Weekend! What a great weekend that was.
We are getting ready to head down the shore for a couple of days with Aunt Barb and Uncle Rusty-- a Neil Diamond Concert on Thursday, a birthday party and a christening this weekend. Lots of pics to come... hang in there....

A Day at the Lake

2008-07-30T21:47:00.004-04:00

We had a wonderful time up at the lake with everyone! Ava was much more aware this year and loved being in the water as long as I was right there with her.

I decided to take a tube ride and you can see how happy Ava was that I was not right there with her.

An attempt at getting Matthew, Nikolas and Ava together for a photo. How nice that the boys are the ones cooperating. It is amazing how big all of the kids have gotten over the past year.

St.Anne's Feast in Hoboken

2008-07-26T21:27:00.002-04:00

We ended the day on Friday with a trip down to Hoboken to give Ava a little taste of Italy. Every summer they have a festival to fund raise for St. Anne's church, www.st-annchurch.com/default.asp?contentID=71
They have all different vendors, a beer garden, carnival games and lots of yummy food. Ava had her first taste of fried raviolis and a rice ball.... and guess what? She loved them both!!

Playdate with Sarah and Paige

2008-07-25T13:06:00.003-04:00

This morning we had a play date at the Ridgewood Duck Pond with Sarah and Paige. Sarah and I are long time friends and how great it is to have our little girls be friends. Even though Paige is still a little bit younger then Ava, before we know it they are both going to be running around playing. We can't wait for our next get together!

Ava's first fistful of dirt....

Walking and running all over the park

Paige was just relaxing and taking in everything that Ava had to offer

Sarah and Paige

Paige's first play ground swing ride... not too sure if she liked it

Ava and Mommy

2008-07-24T10:31:00.001-04:00

who can resist this face?

Ava and Daddy Photo Shoot

2008-07-24T10:26:00.002-04:00

Mom's Weekend Away

2008-07-14T16:27:00.009-04:00

Since I have been back to work, the blog postings have dwindled, but I promise more pictures of Ava to come soon! This past weekend Jon was away at my brothers Bachelor Party in Montreal and I headed up to Foxwoods Casino (www.foxwoods.com) for Ellen's Bachelorette Party. Typical girls, we have some pictures to share.... I don't think there are any pictures or stories being shared from the trip to Montreal.

The Girls!

Ellen and Briana (Maid of Honor)

Ellen got totally embarrassed when the waitress took her to the front of the bar and made her do a shot in front of everyone!

Megan, Karen and Sonia

Sarah, Karen and Melissa