Father's Day fiasco

I don't typically use social media to vent, but today I break tradition. In the weeks leading up to the twins first flight, there was a lot of talk about getting on an "arrow plane." It takes a brave man to fly solo across the country with two-year-old twins. Carrying luggage, car seats, stroller, diapers for days, books, snacks, toys & more. When they arrived with plenty of time at the American Airlines ticket counter in Dulles to check-in to their flight, the careless customer service rep behind the counter sent my husband and twins to their partner company U.S. airways to wait in line. Once Paul and our very impatient twins got to the front of that line, they were told to go back to American Airlines and wait again. At that point, there was only 30 minutes left before take off. They told my husband it was too late to check-in to the flight and they were not going to hold the plane for him and his sons. They informed him he could fly stand-by and perhaps make a flight in the next two or three days, OR he could pay for a discounted ticket at a different airport later that day. He did as I would have done, bought the tickets to ensure a flight out of DC. When I called American Airlines, I spoke to Laurine Nobrega to make a formal complaint. I was told that my husband admitted fault by purchasing the discounted tickets, therefore, "there was nothing they could do." Forget the level of disappointment that Paul and I felt that we would not be together for Father's Day. The real heartbreak was felt much deeper in those sweet boys who desperately wanted to get on that "arrow plane." They were the ones that didn't understand why they had to drive an hour back home and take a nap. Paul reports that the decibel of their screams was at an all time high. To make a long story longer, the award for Father of the Year goes out to my hubby. As the photo says, he is a funny, patient, strong, hero, reliable, provider and so much more.

First laugh

Our number four has turned our world upside down in the best way possible. Before Nico, I used to think that getting out of the house everyday was a must. Now I'm satisfied to get everyone dressed and fed. We save the going out for when I have helping hands. This little man smiles spontaneously, enjoys tummy time for short intervals, watches faces closely with big wide eyes, and brings his hands to his mouth to self soothe. My most favorite new milestones is hearing this little peanut laugh. He weighs 14 lbs and is 24 inches long.

 

School's out for summer

I asked him what he wanted to wear on his last day of preschool. He said, "what I wore the first day of school of course!" Of course! How could I have been so silly. 

Nico's baby blessing

Today was the baby blessing for our last little baby boy. Having his blessing be on Mother's Day made it even more special. We decided to prepare most everything Saturday evening, so that the spirit of Nico's special day would be positive and uplifting. All the boys were well behaved throughout the morning, even when Paul brought me breakfast in bed. When it was time to get Nico dressed in all white, I took him up to his room and we just sat there in silence looking at each other's faces. His eyes lit up every time mine caught his. He grinned from ear to ear as I dressed him slowly in his heavenly clothes. He looked like a perfect little angel. I felt so grateful holding him in my arms, wondering how I got so lucky.

We arrived at the chapel forty minutes early, which is unheard of for our family. I nursed Nico while we waited for the services to begin. When it came time for his dad to carry him to the front of the chapel for his blessing, my nerves got the better of me. I was hopeful that he wouldn't cry and that we could all hear his blessing aloud. Ironically, I cried because he didn't. Beautiful words were said and the spirit was felt.

Following church services, we had a hand full of our dearest friends over to our home for delicious Cafe Rio style food. We enjoyed the rest of our Mother's Day with friends that we love, but most importantly, with baby Nico.

my breakfast in bed; nutella stuffed french toast = yum

Second Chin

Our little peanut is twelve weeks old. Even though he's the smallest of the bunch, Nico has managed to win over almost everyone in the family. Matteo is still a skeptic. Baby Nico spends his days and nights in mommy's arms. However, he has discovered that he likes to look at bright lights ans shapes. That being said, snuggles remain his favorite hobby. Nico weighs 12 lbs and is sporting proudly his second chin. We think he's pretty darn perfect.