Andrew's Monthly Photo Project: Three Months Old

So here we are.  Three months old.  This kid is growing too fast!

We just returned from our beach vacation in Bethany where Andrew, for the first time, took in the sites and sounds of the ocean, the Rehoboth Boardwalk and lots and lots of Pete the Cat stories courtesy of big brother, James.  

He is gearing up for his first day of school (sad face) as Mom heads back to work next week (bigger sad face).  Andrew is truly a happy baby giving us lots and lots of giggles and smiles.  He LOVES when James gives him attention and when Lucy licks his toes.  He is not rolling over just yet, but is gaining lots of head control and will be ready for his Bumbo in the coming days.  We are all just so in love with this kid - can't wait to see what this month brings!

Happy 3 Month Birthday Andrew!

Andrew's Monthly Photo Project: Two Months Old

The little man is 2 months old today and to celebrate, we are giving everyone the day off!  In all seriousness, Andrew and the rest of us would like to thank all the service men and women for all they did and continue to do to keep this wonderful country free. Happy Memorial Day!

Since it is a 2 month birthday, we wanted to share some milestones:

• The kid is not a fan of tummy time, but it appears to be working because he is really holding his head up like a pro.
• The smiles are coming hard and fast and they make our hearts melt.
• We have a chatty Cathy on our hands.  If he is not smiling or sleeping, he is cooing up a storm.
• He is now solidly wearing 3 month clothing - he certainly is catching up with his big brother!
• The little man is CHILL.  He loves to sit in his bouncy chair, look around and just watch the world.  

HAPPY 2 MONTH BIRTHDAY, BUG - WE LOVE YOU!

Three's Company

Back when James was born, we took this photo:

Now that Andrew is here, we needed an update. 

It took some serious wrangling to get all three of them to sit still, but I think we nailed it. I am torn over which is my favorite.  Above or below?

I kind of love the way James is looking at Andrew in this shot.  Such a proud big brother.  And of course Lucy is in love with both of them.  Happy Mama.

Andrew's Monthly Photo Project: One Month Old

It all started with James' monthly photo project when he was born in 2012.  Now Andrew is here and we are back in action with a slightly different spin on the monthly baby pictures to capture his growth. We didn't want to completely reinvent the wheel so Andrew's photo project has the same core elements: baby + backdrop + photoshopped age.  This time we are adding a little perspective in the form of a stuffed bunny so we can see just how big our Andrew is.

We still can't believe that this little guy has already been with us for a month.  He is such a sweet, mellow kid that has mastered the art of napping, cooing and being adorable.  He has stolen our hearts for a second time and we can't wait to see the person he grows into.

Year 5

Today is our fifth wedding anniversary and life couldn't be sweeter. Sure we are exhausted from having a newborn and 3 year old in what can only be described as the messiest house on the block, but when we look around, all we can do is smile.  Five years ago we made it official and embarked on this crazy ride. There have been ups and there have been downs but through it all, we have grown to love each other more and more each day.  We are partners in crime and couldn't imagine going on this journey with anyone else.

I truly feel like I am the luckiest girl in the world and want to wish my amazing husband a Happy 5th Anniversary!!  I love you Bubs!!

The Money Shot

Well, here it is.  It's been 2 weeks since Andrew joined our little family and we finally got the sibling shot. James looks like a very proud big brother, doesn't he?  It's been a slow road getting to this moment. James has always been an observer and takes his time getting comfortable with change. The first day he visited Andrew and I in the hospital he was very overwhelmed and kept his distance.

On day two, he inched a little bit closer (with the help of Grandma), but still maintained enough space to make sure that he was comfortable and Andrew didn't spit up on him.  The skepticism on his face below is priceless!

By the end of the hospital stay, he was feeling bold enough to sit next to his brother and even kiss him on the head - thanks to lots of prodding from Daddy.

When we left the hospital, the big brother pride started kicking in. So much so, that he helped Daddy carry Andrew to the car.  

In the week and a half that Andrew has been home, he has slowly started to show interest. From petting his hands to full on hugs, he is realizing that this kid is not going anywhere and he might as well embrace it!

So here we sit.  Two weeks in to this new life with two little boys who are on their way to being best buddies.  #AwesomeLife

The Nursery 2.0 and Other Baby Related Things

With only a few days before the newest Mangiaracina joins the world (days?!!??!?  EEK!!!!), we have put the final touches on the nursery.  As we mentioned here, we wanted to make some small updates to the space so that our new little guy felt like it was his own.  So with some new fabric, artwork and stuffies, voila! An updated nursery without any pain and suffering.

In addition to a new changing pad cover, a new teddy bear friend named Ted has joined the room.  James and Ed went to Build a Bear and made this new little guy for the baby.

I do need to thank friend Anna for the beautiful hand made blanket. The monster fabric was a real inspiration for the room.  In fact, we decided to update the artwork over the crib with monster-themed prints!

Another thank you needs to go to Sylvia for the awesome new valence.  Thank goodness for her sewing skills otherwise this would be a blank window. :)

I did once again dabble in the art of "sewing" aka an iron-on, no-sew crib skirt.  Not to shabby for a novice!  And a thank you needs to go to Cloud b for making such amazing products.  In addition to our Sleep Sheep which still hangs from the crib, the new baby is now the proud owner of the Tranquil Turtle (which James may or may not have already staked a claim on) and the Twinkling Firefly Frog.

And the last new addition is the birth announcement on the wall gallery above the changing table.  The only thing left to add is the baby's photo and hospital bracelet and we will be all set.

Other than the nursery, we have been making other areas of our world baby friendly.  The cars are now equipped with 2 car seats each which is totally weird.  James has shifted over and now sits behind the driver seat which did not phase him at all.  He didn't even notice.  He does ask about the infant seat and tells us that he wants to put his baby doll, Henry in it.  We take that as a good sign.

And even though we have what seems like every piece of baby gear on the planet, we made room for one more thanks to Grandma and Grandpa Q.  This puppy will be a great spot for our little man to nap on the main level since we no longer have room for a Pack 'n Play in the living room.

And finally, the bins. We have lots and lots of toy bins in the living room, but we needed to make room for baby bins for all the things babies need like burp cloths and receiving blankets and diapers.  Thank goodness our end tables have shelf space for this stuff!

There is still more to do, but nothing major.  I think the biggest thing is to get this kiddo out of my belly and into our arms.  The pregnancy has been great, but it's safe to say that I'm done.  Let's get this party started!!