The Cobblestone Method

We've discovered a new and effective burping technique:  stroll Luke over the bumpy cobblestones.  This video shows the method (not the result).  The only trouble with this technique is its portability (i.e., it is fairly dependent on living in an antique Italian city or its equivalent). 

The nice side benefit is that Luke really enjoys it!

Sunday Lunch with i Nonni

Luke is learning the importance of Sunday lunch in the Italian culture -- and he is enjoying his lessons.

This Sunday Nonna and Nonno hosted Grandma Linda for a wonderful 5 course Italian meal.  Luke charmed everyone by opening his eyes (finally!).

Nonna trains Luke on properly holding his wine glass.  Despite his appearance, he wasn't allowed to have any sips yet:

Luke Loves his Chicco Buzz Chair!

Luke is so happy in his Chicco Buzz Chair from Nonna Annamaria and Nonno Giuliano!  The buzzing calms him down from any mood and it even plays lullabies from the iPod.

You can tell from the happy sound that Luke makes:

Message for Papa

Luke may not be able to speak, but he cleverly can communicate very effectively through his bibs.

This one is a warning for Papa:

Another Tough Day of Being Cute

Separated at Birth?

Luke, channeling Slim Shady:

Let's Go Strolling...

...all around Vicenza.

We broke the stroller out for the first time this weekend.  Luke did not seem too impressed and slept through his outing.  Papa, on the other hand, happily tested the stroller on every available terrain:  cobblestones, flagstones, dirt, and marble. 

Gratuitous Cute Shots

With open eyes:

In stylish RL sweater:

Thank you, Mr. Chase G, for the Zzzzs

Grandma Linda brought the sure-fire Chase G. method for falling asleep as a gift for Luke.  It is a 'white noise' lamb from Pottery Barn.  We played it a few nights ago to get Luke accustomed to his new bed and it is now part of his routine.  It works like a charm and is really adorable too.  

How Long Can it Possibly Take?

Today, with the sun shining, we decided to take Luke on his inaugural stroller trip.  So, we brought out the newly arrived stroller seat from the US to assemble it.  Problem.   The sun visor wouldn’t snap into the seat.  We went back to the manual.  We looked at the website.  We called customer support in the U.S.  Nothing helped.  Finally, we realized that attachment pieces on the visor rotated and had turned the opposite direction in the flight! 

Once we got the visor attached, Luke was hungry AGAIN.  We fed him.  Then, we changed his diaper.  At this point, we discovered the need for an impromptu bath and resulting complete outfit change.

Two hours later, the sun was gone and we were exhausted.  So Mommy and Papa took a walk instead while Grandma watched Luke. 

Really, how long can it possibly take to prepare your baby for a stroll?

Open Eyes

It seems that every time Nonna and Nonno see Luke, his eyes are closed.  We tried every way we could to wake him up before they arrived tonight, but Luke had his eyes tightly closed during their whole visit.

Of course, after they left he opened his eyes and had a long episode of cuteness where he was looking around.  It seemed like he was focusing on us, but that is just wishful thinking.

Grandma Linda Arrives

Grandma Linda arrived with kisses for her first grandson and a big suitcase full of gifts.  Luke was so touched to be remembered so thoughtfully by all of his family and friends back in the U.S.  

High Maintenance Guy

At first Luke was not happy at all about getting his sharp nails filed.  Then, he REALLY  liked it.  Well, he is not getting a pedicure no matter how cute he is!

Facing the Big World

Mommy & Papa realized what novices they were as they struggled to figure out all of Luke’s new equipment. 

It took about three tries to figure out the buckles to the baby carrier and then we couldn’t really find Luke in it!  

 

 

Then, he appeared totally swallowed by the car seat.

 

 

On the way home Papa drove more slowly than Mommy has ever seen him drive before.  

Luke - the 6th Floor Favorite

Luke (and Mommy) was completely spoiled by the hospital carers.  

 

We stayed on the private 6th floor at San Bortolo instead of the maternity ward so Luke was the only baby amidst the other “boring” patients.  In addition to being continually called “Bellisimo” he had carers running in unbidden offering to change him and give him a cuddle. This is probably the only time in his life that he will have people fighting to change his dirty diaper. 

The Secret is in the Swaddle

Luke was keeping us up all night until we remembered “The Happiest Baby on the Block” advice and pulled out our swaddle cloth.  

Wrapped up like a burrito, he couldn’t scratch his little face and wake himself up.  Everyone was happier with some sleep!

Lots of Friends

On his first day of life, Luke had 10 visitors!  They were a demographically diverse group, including a nonagenarian, a traveler from Monaco, and a Balkan diplomat.  He already fits into just about every crowd.

  

 We understand this.  He is pretty darn cute.

 

Bathing Revelations

Luke was pretty traumatized by his 2nd ever official bath

until he realized how swish he could look with freshly washed and styled hair.

And all of a sudden his eyes opened for the camera.

Giving Birth is Exhausting

Women just have no idea...

Luke Says Hi

Luke arrived at 11:13 am on Tuesday March 8th via C-section.  He weighed 3.7 kg or 8lbs 2oz and had a length of 50 cm or 18". 

He was immediately held by his very proud papa.

After a short recovery he was also held by his proud Mommy.

Heading In

Finally!  

The Little Guy is about to experience his moment. 

The Countdown Rebooted - March 8th

We decided to let the Little Guy 'bake' a little bit longer...tough to do after we were all psyched up for his arrival...

So now we are looking at his cute stuff while we wait for him to be delivered on Tuesday.