growing

Lottie is growing!
Right now she seems to understand SOOOO much! Friday evening I was getting ready so we could go out, I was in the bedroom getting dressed and for a final touch put on a necklace. I stepped into another room to do something else and called Lottie so I could load her up to go- out she came walking with a pearl necklace on!!! Then she walked back in the bedroom and the next thing I knew she had on the matching bracelet! She is so very observant! When she is about to do something she knows she shouldn't she looks at me shakes her head "NO" then does it anyway... a mind of her own, that is for sure! I love her so very much! She has started to say "daddy", "mommy", "milk" "meahn" (amen), and other little noises. She reminds us MANY times during the day to pray- she is so sweet!

around the house

Here are a few pictures from my phone the past few weeks- Lottie helping me unpack, sweep, canning apples, and she found the washing machine.
It is pretty funny to watch her when it is on. She stays at the door way and watches it turn- not so sure what it is or if she should get closer, she does the same with the vacuum.
Little Lottie is really growing! She is standing more on her own and is so funny! I love her laugh! She claps her hands and has recently stared to shake them like crazy- also she is shaking her head "no, no" I am pretty sure she does not know what it means, but it is funny that she does it! Lottie loves to dance and move her legs around- she is really so fun to be around! She lights up any room!

across the ocean once more

Little Lottie and I arrived this morning back in Milano. We are trying to adjust quickly to the time, but it is not so easy. Traveling was smooth and many people helped me along my way! Thank you Strangers!
I left many unfinished projects (sorry mom) and missed seeing many friends- it just seems that no matter how long I stay it is not long enough!!!
Lottie continues to learn new things, she cruises around on all fours, sometimes using her toes instead of knees and stands up on the furniture, I know she will really miss playing with her cousins! She loves to babble and pick little things up, not to eat them just to pack them around. She loves to rake the sand or run her fingers through hair (hers or anyone else- but watch out, she pulls too)! She is pretty much on a 9month level- really good for only 7 1/2 months!
Now that I am back to my "normal" you will see more updates!
Ciao!

look what happened on July 3rd

Time for Sleep

There is a saying in Italian about April- April is for sweet sleeping, and since Charlotte and I have been back in Milan for 2 full days now(the last few days of the month)- we have not done much other then sleep.
Over the past few weeks it has been so fun to watch Charlotte learn and develop new skills as well as try her hand or feet at many "firsts"! On Easter she rolled over for the first time (from tummy to back), her smiles are getting bigger for longer! She is now blowing her tongue to make funny noises and she is really starting to giggle and squeal! If you talk to her she is a captive audience! What more could we ask for?!?!?!

After hanging out in NYC for nearly a week we went on to Utah where we played with family nearly everyday! Giovanni only had a few days with us before he flew back to Italy and we made the most of his time. Ping-pong games, a joint birthday celebration (Gio in March, Dad 10 April and Jennine 20 April), going to movies and dining out to satisfy our cravings for all the foods we cant get in Italy.
When Gio left us we spent a few days sewing kids stuff and planning for Rebekah's baby shower. There was a great turn out and Bex really got showered with gifts for the little motor baby boy that will be arriving in July!

Into the Woods (Dad and JR) were working on a house in La Jolla, CA so mom, Kristi, Emerson, Lottie and I drove out to visit them. Stopping in Vegas to sleep and dip in the pool. What fun we had!!! Shopping, hanging out on the beach, seeing cousins, going to the aquarium and swap meet- of course we hit Costco at every opportunity and just being with family was all GREAT! Before we knew it we were in the car driving back to Utah and packing for the return to Italy!

Our trip was exciting and fun! Charlotte met so many of our friends and family for the first time! We missed many of you and look forward to seeing you in a few months when we plan to come out again.

Charlotte in the BIG APPLE

The past week has been full of Travel, fun, friends, fun, wacky weather, fun and FUN!
Charlotte has met many of our friends in NYC and even a few stars! She has been a great traveler and is starting to discover her hands and is more and more interactive! Everywhere we go people fall in love with her- who wouldn't??? here are a few pictures to share the firsts with you! more to come about utah and more!!!

new things to share

So Sorry about the drought of news from us- I have just been learning to balance being a mommy with all the other things to do here around the house! All is going well here and we are not slowing down much- in fact next week we are headed state side!!! Charlotte's passport has arrived, she got her immunizations today and we are getting REALLY excited to show her off!!! April 2nd is the day for take off, we will be spending 5 days in NYC before heading to Utah, Gio will be with us a few days before heading back to Milan- while west side we will take advantage of Into the Woods (my dad and bro's business) to visit them in San Diego, CA and finally leave to come back home (Italy home) on April 28th.
Back to the days happenings: poor little Charlotte tensed up right before the needle went in and I am sure felt worse. I can see she does not feel well- who would after being injected with 2 needles full invisible pain!
It was sad to hold her pinned down with her teary eyes looking up at me- :(
On a happier note, Charlotte is growing and is a happy little girl. She LOVES her little kick gym (see the video in post below) and enjoys to smile and blow bubbles! She is progressing in holding her head up and we get many comments about how straight she holds herself! It is such a joy to watch her each day!
Here are a few pictures to share more of her with you, there are a few from Gio's 35th birthday a few weeks back and some of Charlotte meeting new friends!