First foods for Mario

So we gave rice cereal a try for a couple weeks and it's going just ok. He doesn't miss it if he skips a night so we're going to lay low for awhile and try again in another week or so. But that first night was great with the faces he made. I think he was expecting what we were eating and not mushy, gross rice cereal.

Love that face. He's totally thinking "what's this? I want some pasta!"

Birthday Fun!

Olivia's birthday fun also included several celebrations. At home with us, in her classroom, with both sets of extended families and out with the girls from her class. Whew. One tired mama. But it was all fun and my big 5-year-old had a great time.

Early risers no matter what the day, but especially on a birthday...

With Daddy's family in the evening. Check out the cake my girl picked out from the bakery. Simply chocolate. 

At the ice cream shop with the girls from her class. Koffmeyer's was a big hit this year with both girls and a great location for a simple but fun birthday party. And their ice cream is delicious too!

Look who made it all the way from Maryland for the party too! Yay!

After a big week, my five year old simply beautiful, inside and out.

Happy 5th Birthday Olivia!!!

My little Olivia Maria turns 5 today and it's just incredible seeing how much she's grown and turned into a most amazing girl. She's so funny, thoughtful and loving. She is Sofia and Mario's biggest fan! Even when her big sister and her fight (as siblings can do), at the end of the day, she's always her cheerleader and looking out for her.

I can't imagine our family without her contagious laugh and smile, her little feet dancing around the house and that tiny, sweet voice singing all day, every day. My sweet baby girl is growing so big, so fast. We love you Olivia bella!

Happy Mother's Day to me!

We spent Mother's Day weekend in Maryland. We also celebrated Zia Chaela and Olivia's birthday with my family during the weekend as well so two great celebrations during one trip down. Made for some fun times and tired kids. And tired mommies. A funny face picture was just what was needed after a busy, fun weekend!

Love my kids!

My babies

April came and went and I'm still having a hard time catching my breath. This Spring is flying by so fast and while I'd like to say it's because I have kids, I can't put all the blame on them. We're just busy and however much I like to schedule in chill time for the family, the calendar fills up and before you know it, minutes turn into mornings flown by, hours turn into the week gone and days turn into a month past.

But some really fun things going on in the Spring so we should follow Mario Luca's cues and schedule in nap time.

Sofia was involved with her whole 1st grade class in the May 1st Mary's procession at school. All the kids got to contribute to the class and Sofia was so proud of herself for memorizing all her words even though they didn't have to. She's also in the process of losing another tooth, I'm sure you can spot which one from the picture below.

Olivia is nearing the end of her preschool years and I can't believe it. My little baby!!! We celebrated Mother's Tea with her preschool class last week and she was so excited for me to be there while they recited poems, sang songs and of course, had sweets. Check out my fabulous new bracelet!

A few more Easter pictures!

Nonno Nicky and Nonna Lisa with the Palumbi grandkids

All the cugini, minus Mario who was napping peacefully in the next room. Never wake a sleeping baby!

Easter egg hunt in the backyard and so much fun was had by all!

My little blessings.

Sofia brought Flat Stanley from school to join in on the Easter fun!

Chase relaxing while the adults eat their Easter dinner

Zio and Sofia doing what they do best, being silly.