Christmas Day 2011

Well, what should have been one great day with opening presents from Santa and enjoying Matthew's first Christmas started with mom getting sick at 6:15 AM.  I caught the virus that Annalese had the week before.  Fun.  Matthew was up early so I broght him to our bed to feed him and then he crawled around for a bit on the bed with dad and me.  Boy was he cute and in the best mood.  His little baby coos made me smile!  It took awhile for Annalese and Robert to wake up, but they were excited to see what Santa brought.  I was able to enjoy the excitement for about 10 minutes, but then I had to go to be because I was so sick.  So the family finished opening gifts while I rested.  I opened my presents in bed.  We ended up staying home for the rest of the day.  The kids were able to play with their toys  for the day.  It was not what I thought, but I was glad to have my family around for Christmas day. 

Merry Christmas

What an exciting time of year!  To start our holiday, we joined Uncle Pino and Aunt Linda for a Chrsitmas Eve dinner.  Robert ate two bowls of pasta, Annalese enjoyed her smelts, and Matthew devoured a couple of small meatballs, carrots, and some pasta.  Then we were off to church so Annalese could participate in the Christmas story.  She was an angel in the Children's Choir and wow was she cute.  I enjoyed seeing her smile.  After church, we came home and changed for bed.  We all wanted to Santa to come so we read some stories and crawled into bed for a good nights sleep!  Can't wait to celebrate with Matthew on his first Christmas morning!

Happy Ten Month Birthday, Matthew

Yesterday, Matthew turned ten months.  He has grown so much over the last four weeks.  He has been talking more and more.  His word list consists of "da da," "ba ba," "pap pap," and sort of "ma ma."  He waved last week to himself in the mirror and did the sign for "more." (12/16/11)  His favorite game is peek-a-boo.  Bath time is great fun at this age since Matthew loves to splash in the water.  He loves to throw his toys quite vehemently I might add.  It is so funny to watch.  When he is sitting and now standing, he loves to do this bounce motion.  When we say "ya ya ya," he does it more--so cute!  Matthew is everywhere and into everything.  He has figured out how to open the cabinet doors in the kitchen and has begun to pull items out to the floor.  Fun!  He likes to climb on things so I need to be extra careful.  I think he is going to be another very social child.  In Kindermusick, he is so comfortable that he leaves me and crawls around to see all of the other babies.  He still continues to smile at everyone.  He is such a Happy Baby!

We Have a Talker!

Tonight at dinner, it very much sounded like Matthew said "da da."  Barto was even here to hear it!  It said it a few times so that was how we were pretty sure he got the sounds out.  How adorable!  I can't believe he is starting to "talk!"  (Of course he now needs to say Ma ma.  It is only fair since I spend all day talking with him!)  Way to go Matthew Man.  So proud of you!

Thanksgiving 2011

Well we had another fabulous Thanksgiving here at the house.  It was very special this year because it was Matthew's first Thanksgiving, and he had such a great time meeting new family.  I must admit that I was surprised in a way that he did so well.  Lately, he has been a bit stranger shy.  He looked so adorable in his new outfit, too.  So glad to share these special days with you Matthew.

The meal was so wonderful!  I brined the turkey this year and even roasted it on a rack!  My cooking skills are improving.  (Today I made gravy from the pan drippings.)  I unfortunately had the heat too high for the green bean casserole and the soup spilled over which then set off the fire alarm!  Took a bit to cancel that!  We had 19 people here for dinner.  Here was the guest list:  Robert, Kim, Annalese, Robert, Matthew, Grandma and Pap Pap Lese, Kacki Lese, Fred and Ann, Aunt Margaret and Uncle Sam, David and Sharon, Nunu, Uncle Pino, Joey, Cristina, and Michael Kraft.  It was a fun filled dinner. 

Didn't do our Turkey Bowl--maybe next year.  I would like to start that tradition.  Maybe I need to have it in the morning.

Robert and I went to Pino's for a quick visit later in the eveing.  Matthew went to bed and Annalese and Robert played with Aunt Kacki and Grandma and Pap Pap.  Everyone was tired and ready for bed by the time all our our guests left.  It was a great day.  So thankful that I am able to care for my family, that I have a house that is warm, and that we are all pretty healthy!  How lucky we are!  Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Nine Month Birthday, Matthew!

My little baby is nine months today!  What a joy.  He is still very much Happy Baby as he smiles at everyone.  Matthew and I have a game that we play now.  I give him a great big kiss and jump in the air.  As soon as I am done kissing him, I say "kisses!"  Then I will ask him who wants another kiss.  Matthew then leans into and puts his check really close to me so that I can give him another kiss!  It is the most adorable thing!  Matthew is very good at crawling and is everywhere now.  He likes to get into the paper near the computer and eat it.  This child has eaten more paper!  He like to fling his toys around, and his favorite ones are the ones that make noise.  He enjoys eating all kinds of fruit and vegetables, and soon we will start him on Cheerios and some meats.  Finally, Matthew is sleeping through the night.  The Bartolacci household is so thankful for that!  Matthew had a great first Halloween and is getting ready for his first Thanksgiving.  He will be able to eat his meal with everyon else!  Matthew Man is doing so well and we all love having him here.  We are so thankful to have such a health and wonderful family!  Happy Birthday, Matthew!

Happy 5th Birthday, Robert!

Five years ago, a wonderful little man came into our lives.  And boy have the last five years been a time full of excitment! 

Robert's Tae Kwon Do Party was a Success!

Robert had his 5th birthday party at Tae Kwon Do with sixteen of his school friends.  Master Norris had Robert help lead the class through punches and kicks and other exercises.  Everyone then decorated a breaking board and then tried to jump to safety through the Shark Attack obstacle course.  Kids did a nice job singing Happy Birthday and eating cupcakes that were decorated with a green belt, and then it was time for board breaking!  Every last child was successful breaking his or her board!  The last highlight of the party was when Mr. Master Norris jumped over another black belt and broke a board that Mrs. Master Norris was holding.  Parents were then ready to collect their children.  Robert again helped to call each classmate to the door and give them his or her board along with a white party bag decorated with a colored belt that contained a Tae Kwon Do water bottle along with other goodies.  Robert had a great time at his party!

No More Toothless Smile!

Guess what Mommy found in Matthew's mouth when he was biting on her finger?  Yes, a tooth has popped through the gums in the front on the lower right.  I am so excited for him, yet I just love the toothless smile.  Now I know why he has been getting up two times during the middle of the night.  Way to go Matthew Man.  Growing up so quickly.

Happy Halloween!

This is Robert's holiday!

Happy Eighth Month Birthday, Matthew!

Matthew is eight months today, and he is already a mover and a shaker!  He is able to pull himself up to a standing position.  On Monday, I went into his room after one of his naps and he was Standing Man!  So we now need to lower the mattress so that he doesn't fall out.  He crawls everywhere and loves to explore.  His likes to grab objects, shake them to see if they make noise, and then throw them.  This is a game that he likes to play for several minutes at a time.  He likes just about every food that I have given him.  Yesterday, I gave him prunes which he greatly enjoyed.  He is also eating broccoli with carrots and loves butternut squash, pumpkin, bananas, and apples.  I tried giving him an avocado, but he wasn't so sure about that one. With being dragged to soccer practices and Tae Kwon Do classes, he is always on the go with his older siblings and such a good sport about it all.  He truly is Happy Baby.  Happy Birthday Matthew Man.  Mommy loves you all she can!  Little, Little Matthew Man.

Crawler on the Loose!

Matthew is crawling now the traditional way--on hands and knees.  And is he ever excited about it!  He loves exploring and getting into new and interesting things.  Way to go Matthew Man.

Happy Seventh Month Birthday!

Yes, Matthew Man is seven months today.  Wow, I can't believe he is that old already.  He is really cute right now.  He smiles at everybody. And hence we call him Happy Baby.  He sits up on his own and can do a three point turn on his knees which is funny to watch.  And so badly, he wants to crawl.  Matthew has figured out how to get up on his knees and rocks back and forth.  Pretty soon he is going to figure it out.  For now he is our Navy Seal and does his commando crawl.  So far no teeth which is fine with me.  I love the toothless smile!  He laughs when I throw him into the air, and his giggle just melts my heart.  There is nothing that can make a mother happier than to hear her baby laugh and giggle.  The past couple of nights, Matthew has been sleeping through the night.  Even if he doesn't, I don't mind much getting up.  He nurses and then goes right back to sleep.  To be honest, I enjoy the quiet, one-on-one time with him.  Our time together.  Now I am looking forward to the holiday season with him.  Kids and holidays, there isn't a better mix to make one happy.  Happy Birthday, Matthew!  Love you very much!

Happy Birthday Annalese

Six years ago today, a beautiful little creature came into our lives. What a joy she has been.  Happy Birthday, Sweet Pea!  So glad that you are here.  Enjoy the day.

9/11 Ten Year Later

Watching all of the news specials this morning and seeing all of those images again makes it seem like yesterday that everything happened.  I can't believe it has been ten years. 

This morning at church, our family was honored by having the priviledge of lighting the Unity Candle.  I wish that our country and the world would unify and fight for living well while here on this planet.  Life is so fragile.  Instead of using our powers for hurtful endeavors, wouldn't it be nice if we all worked together to make life the best that it can possibly be?  Let's see what the next ten years hold.

Soccer Games Begin

Annalese and Robert had their first soccer games today.  Annalese looked so cute in her pigtails and was happy holding hands with her friend, Katie.  She was not much up for aggressive soccer play today, unlike her brother.  Robert got right into the game and was trying for the ball.  He wasn't afraid for getting dirty!  What a great job they both did.  Looking forward to the rest of the games.

Robert the Super Star

Robert had his first day of preschool as a Super Star.  He had fun playing with cars at the road table, and he colored a couple of stars to bring home.  There are some familiar faces from last year, but there are also a number of new kids in class.  He is going to have an awesome year!

Happy Birthday, Ralphie!

Ralphie is celebrating his 8th birthday today!  We are giving him chew bones and some extra treats.  Love you Poomies.

We Have A Crawler!

I just taped Matthew crawling on the kitchen floor!  He is one determined little guy.  Way to go, Matthew Man!

Annalese's First Day of Kindergarten

What a terrific day!  It started early.  I was up at 5:45 to take my shower and was not in the shower more than five minutes when someone came in and said "Mom is it time for me to go to school?"  Yes, Annalese was up and ready for her first day of school.  She was so excited.

The Night Before Kindergarten

We were very busy today preparing for Kindergarten.  First, we picked up Annalese's backpack and lunch box which I had embroidered.  It looks fantastic!  Then we went to the grocery store and bought lunch items.  After that we headed to Fairview to meet her teacher and find her locker.  Annalese is ready.  So many have asked me how I am doing.  I don't really feel sad.  I am so excited for Annalese.  She is ready for school and is going to do so well.  I can't wait to see her grow.  I have accomplished what I set out to do for her while she was home with me.  I need to give her her wings and fly.  She is going to do so well in Kindergarten! 

Annual Kennywood Trip

Yesterday, we went to Kennywood with Aunt Kackie, Grandma, and Pap Pap.  We could not have asked for a better day: warm and sunny with low humidity.  The most exciting part this year was that Annalese and Robert rode the Jack Rabbit for the first time ever and loved it.  They liked it so much, we rode it a second time.  Kiddieland is slowly becoming a thing of the past.  The kids are growing up!

Annalese's Beechwood Farms Birthday Party

Annalese had her friend birthday party on Saturday at Beechwood Farms.  She invited her friends from preschool, and everyone was glad to see one another again.  It was a picture perfect day with lots of sun and warm  temperatures.  I made a turtle cake which Annalese called Grass.  He was very yummy!  The kids had a great time.  So happy that it all worked out.  Happy Brithday, Ese

Happy Sixth Month Birthday

Matthew turned six months on Saturday.  He is growing so quickly!  He is sitting up by himself and is even on the verge of crawling.  When he sees something he wants, he digs his elbows into the ground and pulls his body toward the object.  One strong baby.  Matthew is continuing to try new foods.  So far he hasn't rejected the six foods that I have given him: carrots, sweet potatoes, butternut squash, apples, pears, and bananas.  He is full of personality as he loves to smile at everyone.  I call him happy baby.  Some of my favorite moments with him are when I am nursing, holding, or kissing him.  I feel such a connection with him.  My little baby is getting so big though.  I am cherishing every second with him.

Exciting Matthew News

Last night, Matthew slept for 8 hours straight!  I placed him in bed at his regular 7:00 time.  As usual, he awoke around 11:00 for a feeding.  Then he slept until 7:00 AM this morning.  It was so nice getting some uninterrupted sleep. 

This morning for breakfast, Matthew tried bananas for the first time and loved them!

Annalese and Robert

Today was Daddy/Daughter Day and Mommy/Son Day.  Dad took Annalese to see Nana, to lunch at Ritters, and to the park at Country Day.  My thoughtful daughter even brought me flowers from her walk at the park.  Robert, Matthew, and I went to church, and then we headed to the bike track.  This was the first time that I saw Robert do the hill-curvy bends!  He is an amazing bike rider.  I am so happy for my kids.  They are growing and learning and enjoying themselves.  Glad to see them happy.  Their smiles are so precious to me!

Sitting Man

Yes, Matthew is now sitting by himself.  I kept placing him on his back, and of course, he would  roll over.  But the last few days, he was getting angry because he was on his stomach.  To let me know is displeasure, he would grunt!  So funny.  So I started sitting him on his bum and helping him to sit.  By day's end he was sitting by himself and loving it!  Every now and then, he still falls over, but yes, we now have a sitting man.  I can't believe how big he is.  Where have the last six months gone?

Matthew is on the move

He rolls. He spins.  He is on the move.  Yes, Matthew is learning how to move his body to grab toys that are near by.  He is never in the spot where I have placed him.  As exciting as it is, I am not yet ready to have a third little one mobile.  Life is about to get interesting once more!

It's Highchair Time

Yes, Matthew sat in his highchair for the first time today.

Hill-Curvy Bend Man!

Robert went to the bike track today and was able to go on the hill-curvy bends without any help from dad.  Way to go B-Boy!  What a great accomplishment. 

Bike riding wasn't Robert's only accomplishment this weekend.  On Friday, we went swimming at Uncle Alex's pool, and Robert was doing a fantastic job of swimming under water.  He just about has it down.  He had so much fun in the pool, he was too excited to get out and eat lunch, and he wanted to swim until the last possible moment before leaving.  I think we have another fish in the house!

Annalese the Fish

Today we went to Aunt Kacki's house to swim.  This is the first time that I have seen Annalese in the pool this summer, and I was shocked at how good of a swimmer she is!  She was swimming in the deep part, jumping in and touching the floor at the 7 foot depth.  She was a fish!  Way to go Annalese.

Matthew had his first pool experience today.  I placed his feet in the water to see what he thought.  First he didn't really have much of a reaction, but then the started moving his feet a little more, and before I knew it, he was kicking his legs and moving his whole body!  I think he will be a great swimmer in a few more years!

Happy Five Month Birthday Matthew

Matthew has so much personality!  He smiles at everyone.  I really am enjoying Matthew Man right now.  He loves to giggle, and he started playing peek-a-boo!  It is so funny to watch him.  I will cover his face with a blanket, pull it off, and say peek-a-boo, I see you.  And then he laughs with a hearty belly laugh  every time!  I think he knows what the word bathtime means because everytime I say the word he gets so excited, even if he is really tired.  Matthew is in a really good routine right now, especially at night.  By 7:00 he is ready for bed. I can place him in his crib and he will eventually fuss himself to sleep.  What a great baby!  He is still getting up a couple of times at night, but he does go right back to sleep.  For the most part, he is beginning to sleep through the night.  So glad.  I do enjoy getting some rest myself. 

Robert is Bicycle Man

Robert ventured into the world of two wheels today.  Dad took off his training wheels, and Robert was off on two wheels through the grass.  He was an instant pro!  Way to go Robert!

Matthew Peter is Baptized

Today we had Matthew Peter baptized at Fox Chapel Presbyterian Church by Rev. Lee Nichols.  The entire family came to celebrate with us.  The day could not have proceeded any smoother.  Dad, Matthew and I had to arrive at the church early for some instructions.  At 9:30, Matthew fell asleep which was the nap he needed.  He woke up at the start of the service and was a perfect angel for his baptism.  He looked adorable in his outfit. 

After church, we came home for a brunch with the family.

Sleeping babies are precious

Dad took a picture of Matthew last night in his crib.  Matthew was on his tummy sucking his thumb.  His favorite night time position.

(Just in case someone views this and starts to think we are bad parents for having him on his stomach while sleeping, Matthew rolled over onto his tummy himself!)

Weekend Fun

The family took a trip to Keystone Lake on Saturday.  Annalese, Robert, and Dad swam in the lake while Mom and Matthew enjoyed the sunshine.

On Sunday, Annalese went to work with Dad.  What the professional Annalese was in her pink Polo shirt and Kacki pants!  Robert had mommy/son time.  We went to church and then headed to the bike track.  Beautiful day for everyone. 

Carrots are Good!

Matthew Peter tried carrots for the first time on Friday, July 8th.  Wow he really liked them. Didn't make a face when he tried them, and he ate a whole serving!

July 4th Weekend 2011

What an exciting weekend!  Matther Peter tried cereal for the first time on Saturday, July 2nd and seemed to really enjoy it.  He ate the whole bowl of his rice cereal.  We went to two parties that afternoon: a birthday party at Squaw Park for Daddy's cousin's daughter, and a July 4th party at Paul and Kathy's house.  Annalese and Robert played so hard at both places and were definitely ready for bed that night.  Aunt Kacki came up on Sunday to spend time with us.  We were able to make a fire and roast marshmellows for s'mores.  Yum!  On the 4th Annalese, Robert, and Dad played with water balloons, and then later in the afternoon, the entire family went to the bike track for some exercise. 
Annalese and Robert had a great weekend with all of the fun-filled activities.  Matthew Peter also enjoyed his weekend as he cooed and talked all evening on the 4th of July.  It is so wonderful to see one's own children so happy!

Happy Four Month Birthday Matthew

Another month has gone by and Matthew keeps getting cuter and cuter.  He really likes rolling around and is cooing and giggling much more.  I have started reading him bedtime stories.  He seems to like them, but he really enjoys eating  the books more at this point.  I know he will be a reader like his older sister and brother.  Matthew Peter spent the day with mom taking Annalese and Robert to summer camp and then home for a nap.  He went with Annalese to a friend's birthday party, and then it was off with brother and sister to Tae Kwon Do.  Mom walked Matther Peter around Aspinwall while the kids were in class.  He was very busy and went to bed right on time at 7:30.  He is growing so quickly.  Mom wishes she could keep him like this for a bit longer.  Matthew, I am so glad you are part of our family!

Happy Three Month Birthday

Happy three month birthday to Matthew! (I know, I am four days behind)  He is such a fantastic baby and is so cute right now.  He has been smiling and giggling quite a bit.  And oh how he loves his thumbs. I could keep him like this forever!

Rolling Along

Matthew rolled over for the first time today! And he didn't even mind being on his tummy. So proud of him.

It was a busy month. Matthew celebrated his two month birthday and his first Easter. Annalese, Robert, and Matthew all looked their best for Easter Sunday.

Welcome Matthew Peter!

Time really does fly. I checked my last post which I wrote 2 and a 1/2 years ago on Robert's 2nd birthday. So much has happened since then with our family. One of the biggest happenings this year was the arrival of our third child, Matthew Peter on February 20, 2011. Here are Annalese and Robert meeting their new brother for the first time.