My little man...

Since Easter is early this year, I went out shopping for outfits for the kids. I have found Geno's dress clothes, but have had trouble finding shoes that will fit his wide, fat feet. Hopefully we will find a pair soon. Here is a couple of pictures of him in his Sunday best! Doesn't he look handsome?

Geno's Clapping!

Geno clapped for the first time two days ago. He was looking at his hands, and the next thing I noticed is that he was smiling and clapping. The whole family turned to him and started clapping saying, "Yeah!" which prodded him to then do it again! Charlie wasn't sure what to make of it and started barking continuously as if he needed to protect us from something. It was the cutest thing ever!

He loves to open and shut the cupboards in the kitchen and pull anything down from a shelf. Next thing we need to work on is putting those things back. He is also standing up every chance he can and walking with minimal support. Here are some pictures of Geno standing on his own.

Geno's first haircut

Today Dad took Geno up to Kids Hair to get Geno's first haircut. He surprisingly sat very well in the chair and seemed to enjoy the experience. They even gave us an envelope to put Geno's baby hair in for his baby book. Dad can finally relax about his son's hair being too long, and Mom can mourn the loss of his curls!
Coretta too decided that she needed a change and got her hair cut as well.

Geno is definitely looking and becoming more little boy than baby now. He can crawl up the stairs, but doesn't know how to get down yet. He can stand without support for a couple of seconds and pulls himself up on everything. My floor, however, is never clean enough. He always finds something to go into his mouth and I scrub them daily! He is also much more open to showing love. He likes to give hugs and open mouthed kisses (even to Charlie which is something we are working on). He loves to eat beans, oatmeal, peanut butter and jelly, yogurt, and corn. I have noticed that most times when he refuses to eat, it means he is thirsty. He is very close to saying the word milk when he wants it. He can say Etta, Mama, Daddy right now, but not routinely enough.

Coretta just had her conferences with her second grade teacher. They went very well. The teacher stated that she couldn't do any better in school and that she was a natural born leader. She is enjoying school, figure skating, first holy communion preparation, and Destination Imagination. Her big competition is on March 1st! She is enrolling in piano lessons at the Saint Joseph's School of Music in March as well as floor hockey. She stated that she has been called a tomboy at school because of her deep love of sports. Guess she is following in her mother's footsteps.

Here are some photos of my beloved kids after their haircuts!

Switzerland Bound...

As many of you know, our family might have the opportunity to live abroad in Zurich, Switzerland for three years. Not only do we think that this will be a great opportunity for ourselves and the kids to experience culture and art, but a way for us to take our children to their ancestors.

Since this idea came up, I have been asking my mother and father specific questions about Italy. My mother and father contacted my Grandma Lucca and stated that our ancestors came from the northern town in Italy called Vincentia. This city is very close to Milan, Italy. We do know that many of our relatives are still living in this region today. Before my ancestors came to America they were sheep herders in this region. My mother has given me my Great Uncle Livio Lucca's phone number (Grandpa Geno's brother) to find out more. My hope is to travel this region and hopefully meet these relatives. It is very exciting! The picture to the right is a panoramic view of the city of my ancestors! Below are some links to websites I have found that give information about this town:

Welcome to Vincentia
Photos of Vincentia
History of Vincentia

Geno's silly faces...

Here are some photos taken of Geno right before he was going to take a nap.



You can tell that he is tired because he keeps pulling on his ear. I then capture a picture of him in mid yawn.

He definitely knows how to entertain himself. From reading his books, playing with his puzzles, or playing music, he definitely marches to his own drummer.

Take a look at the silly faces of Geno.

Geno's World

Geno is loving his freedom of crawling around and pulling himself up on everything. He seems to be much happier now that he can pull himself up and reach for things. Now if I could keep the dog food out of his mouth I would have it made! Here is a short video of Geno standing up!

Coretta and Geno

Here are some pictures taken of Coretta and Geno this past summer. I believe Geno is about 6 months old here. They absolutely love spending time at Grandma and Grandpa Earnest's house and enjoy the swings in the backyard that overlook the river. Coretta loves making a fire in the backyard stripping the birch bark from the tree to get it started, roasting marshmallows, and of course swimming in their pool. She is counting the days until summer comes again.