Luke Working Up to a Smile

Luke has started to work his smile muscles, one side of his face at a time. 

Sometimes it's the right side:

And sometimes it's his left:

We can't wait to get the full thing!

Visitors from Sweden

Laila, Christer and some nice friends came to visit Luke all the way from Sweden!

Luke enjoyed the undivided attention and we enjoyed some prosecco in the American, Swedish, and Italian styles ("cheers," "skol," and "brindisi").

Great Grandparents (BisNonni)

The Little Guy is lucky enough to have not just one great grandparent, but two:  a 93 year old Great Grandpa in the U.S. and a 92 year old Bisnonna in Italy. 

Great Grandpa Bob can’t wait to meet Luke in person (here he is looking at Luke’s sonogram picture last fall):

Lucky Bisnonna, on the other hand, got to see Luke on his first day in the hospital and runs over to Nonna’s whenever she can to hold him:

Cousins Meet - in Person

Luke finally met his cousin Harry in person, arrived from Singapore. 

They look like cute little buddies already!

Jedi Luke

Luke, looking like a Jedi trying to summon the Force...except we suspect that this Force will be contained by his diaper

Fans

Luke has developed a strong following in the <6 yr demographic in Vicenza:

 

Adele

 

Aden & Jude

Grandma Linda Left

Grandma Linda was sad to say goodbye to little Luke after a month.  We think Luke was sad too.  For the next few months she and Grandpa will be avidly watching the blog until they can see Luke in person again. 

Colic: A Parent-Limiting Condition

In the last two weeks, Luke started crying a lot for no specific reason.  This is a condition known as colic, which we think means "parents can't get anything done."  The trickiest part is that it seems to disappear when he is with other people, so his parents look like tired slugs for no real reason. 

Photographic evidence below:

They have Malls In Italy

Being from NJ, we had to check out the mall situation in Italy.  We are happy (?) to report that there are malls in Italy.  

And they have their own version of fast food called Giovanni Rani.  But instead of a grease-laden burger, you get fresh-cooked gourmet pasta.  And an incredibly yummy dessert called Chocolate Salami.  Yummmmm….

Punk Luke

Luke already showing his rebellious side.

One Month Today!

Luke is one month old today!  We can't believe how much he has changed already.  He is so much more alert and is looking like a little person. 

Here is Luke reflecting pensively on his one month birthday:

Cousins Meet

Luke met his cousin Harry in Singapore thanks to Nonno and Skype.

At nine months older, Harry seemed slightly more conscious of Luke than vice versa.  At least Harry can focus on the screen.  However, they will probably both appreciate these photos of their first meeting much more in a few years. 

Sleep Aerobics

Luke is already taking after his father by showing a zeal for staying active.  He has started doing aerobics in his sleep!

He is ready to start at Zia Bernardetta's Palestra (gym) after only 1 month of life.

Grandpa Bob Arrives

Grandpa Bob arrived with a suitcase full of jetlag and excitement to see his first grandson. 

 

Even though it had been 27 years since Grandpa had his last Little Guy, apparently it felt like it was yesterday.  His old burping techniques came back to him in no time.