Happy Halloween!

Halloween came and went too quickly today. The girls were so cute in their costumes! Sofia went trick-or-treating to a few of the neighbors' homes and I think she really enjoyed it. Especially after she realized that "treats" were candies!

Smiley cow


Olivia-bug - Sofia's first Halloween costume


my little girls all dressed up


Ready to go trick-or-treating


Off with Daddy to the neighbors'


At my in-laws later in the evening with Simon - they are too cute!

if the hat fits...

Anthony's cousin in Italy got Sofia this hat on her first trip over at 3 months old. Of course, she started wearing it as soon as it got chilly outside because it was SO adorable. The temps have gotten cooler on our morning walks and so I decided to pull it out for Olivia but wanted to see if it still fit Sofia. Lo and behold it does!

Sofia at 9 months old



Sofia at 2 and a half years old

time to eat

We started Olivia on cereals about a month ago and so far, so good. The girl LOVES to eat! We had her sitting comfortably in the Bumbo Seat for her meals - Sofia likes to call it the Dumbo. Anyway, we noticed Olivia was getting a little big for the Bumbo and so we decided to move her this past week into the high chair. Even though she looks like a little peanut in the high chair, she is much more comfortable!

happy little girls

our little adventure

For the past few Friday mornings, Sofia and I have been able to get out together while Olivia stays at the house with either Nonno Mario or Nonna Maria. Whether it's just been to run an errand, buy groceries, go for a walk or go to the library, it's time for just her and I to hang out. We call this time our little adventure and I love it.

This past Friday I decided to take my little camera with us to sneak in some pictures on our time together. We went to a new playground that is attached to a walking trail and then to a local produce market for veggies and a pumpkin. It was, honestly, two hours of pure fun for both her and I.

Happy 6 years to us!

Just 6 years ago today I said "I do" to the love of my life and best friend. We've had a very incredible 6 years and have been blessed with our wonderful family, friends and of course, our two beautiful girls. To many, many more happy and healthy years ahead for us all. Happy Anniversary Amore!

fun with blocks

Happy Birthday Dad!

perfect fall morning

The past week has been extremely cold for October which unfortunately limited our time outdoors. Not this morning though! The minute I opened the door to check the temps, I knew we were going outside. We went for a walk to the playground and then for a looooong walk in the neighborhood. The time spent in the fresh air was good for all of us too...we all took a nice long afternoon nap!

Top Chef

How cool is this?! Anthony got to meet AND get his picture taken with Top Chef contestant, Fabio Viviani. Anthony was passing through 30th Street Station on his way home from work when he saw a stand set up with a sign advertising pizza and our favorite Top Chef contestant. He stopped and spoke to him for a few minutes and his co-worker was able to get a picture.

our little pumpkins

Just a little fun with a pumpkin and two sweet girls! The middle picture is hysterical - Sofia is not even paying attention to the camera (or me) and Olivia is so concerned with Sofia's hand on her pumpkin.

Sofia and her zios

Lots of love for her Zio Scott and Zio Antonio

Nonna Lisa and Olivia

We went down to Maryland for a quick one-night trip this weekend and although it was a short visit, we had a great time. Just some good ol' relaxing around the house for Anthony and I and some extra special loving attention for the girls. And they enjoyed every second of it!

can they be any cuter?

Olivia's face in the third picture is hysterical! She's either wondering why I'm taking yet ANOTHER picture or hoping that Sofia doesn't knock her off the chair.

"Hurry Mommy!"

All we were going to do was play in the backyard just Sofia and I and obviously I wasn't walking fast enough for her. I love the little determined look on her face and of course, her hand wrapped around my fingers.

happy 5 month Olivia!!!

I can't believe we're at 5 months old already! Olivia is rolling from belly to back and back to belly, although she does it when she wants to and not to show off to family and friends. Only 5 months and she's already a little miss stinker in that department. She started with some cereal in the past couple weeks and seems to really enjoy it, so pretty soon we're going to up the ante and give her a nice plate of pasta. Just kidding, I knew that would make my mom smile! We have Olivia's 5 month well-baby visit this evening so we shall see how much she's grown in a month.

Some of Olivia's favorite pastimes include watching Sofia play with her books and toys, watching Sofia eat and watching Sofia run around. Basically, she's a fan of Sofia! But seriously, she loves long walks, romantic movies and people that make her laugh! :-)

Future soccer player

all smiles

heading south for the winter

Boonton Bound

Yesterday the four of us and my mother-in-law took a drive north to visit cousins in Boonton, New Jersey. Great weather for driving and even greater company for eating and sharing in some family time. A really great visit with Zia Rosina and all the cugini!

Olivia and Juliet were the flower girls in our wedding, 6 years ago this month. They are incredible young ladies and enjoyed spending time with Sofia and Olivia - if only they lived closer, they would make the PERFECT babysitters!

Cousin Joe and Sofia playing around


Cousins Juliet and Olivia with Sofia and Olivia


Zia Rosina and Gina snuggling with Olivia


Gina and Joe getting some Olivia time


The whole gang


One more time now with my mother-in-law and I swapped out


Olivia and Olivia


Sound asleep on the drive home...and clutching tight to her lollipop