Antonio's First Week

first day

 

First things first, the sibling bonding has been amazing since before birth.

at first pediatrician visit

 

 

Skyping with Babcia on day one

 

en route to pediatrician. So ridiculous for such a tiny baby to be in that seat. grr

sibs

first walk

Natalia got a Pocahantas doll from her brother as a nice to finally meet you gift

For these next few breastfeeding photos, guard your eyes if you're prudish, lol.

I love this one. For some reason the pants juxtaposed against the bare skin make me think: breastfeeding is hard work.

I adore this shot

Natalia's First Birthday

Natalka's birthday party was held the Saturday before her birthday, at Old Country Buffet in Woodbridge, Virginia. We were 27 people in attendance, including four kids (birthday girl, cousin Jade, buddy Nick, and due-any-day Danielito).

Getting ready to leave for her party.

Thanks for coming, everybody! :)

Babcia, Dziadek, and Auntie Klaudia were there...

Sitting on Tia Dani's lap, next to Tia Rosi (& baby Danielito), Tio Silder, Tia Yoli, cousin Jade, and Abuelo were all there.

With Daddy and both Grandpas!

Checking out her decorated high chair.

Auntie Courtney was there with her new hubby, Uncle Rich. Mr. Erick was there, too.
(We're not sure who she's talking to on the phone! :) )

Nick was there with his parents, Ms. Liz & Mr. Mike.  Uncle Rob was also there.

Ms. Lisa & Mr. Duncan were there.  So was Auntie Yessenia & her mom.

Ms. Alexia was there with her parents.

Birthday girl with parents and godparents.

Tres Leches birthday cake, with pineapple and peach filling. Yum!
Her guests sang "happy birthday" in all three of her languages!

Natalka's actual birthday a few days later, November 25th, was a bit more relaxed. Unfortunately she had her one-year check up at the pediatrician's office, but as usual, she was a good sport.

Getting ready for her vaccines.  :/

Next, the birthday girl Skyped with Babcia & Dziadek and great-grandmother Musti & Ciocia Jolka from Poland. 

 According to Polish tradition, a child on her first birthday is given 3 items to choose from.  The item she goes for first is supposed to indicate something about her future.  The three items are: a prayer book, a shot glass, & cash money. 

"What do they want me to do?"

"I know, I'll hug my mommy.  I pick you, mama!"

Looks like the shot glass caught Natalka's attention!

My interpretation of Natalka's choice? She will be the life of the party like her daddy!

The rest of Natalka's birthday was spent quietly at home. :)

Birthday girl with Mamusia & Tatus on her actual birthday.

American Academy of Pediatrics recommends breastfeeding for at least the first year.  Check :)

Bedtime for the Birthday Girl.

Natalia's October (10 months)

Meeting her Abuelo for the first time :)

Met Sister Helen.

Time with Daddy is different than time with Mommy:

Working on her Word Document.

Leaving for some Daddy-and-Me time.

Only Daddy lets me sit in the cart!

Adjusting the strings.

Observing the fish at PetSmart.

Examining the texture of tree barks on our walk.

Found some kitchen utensils that look like fun.

How not to load the dishwasher.

Natalka's cupboard.

I have nooks and crannies everywhere!

A quiet break in the library.

I've got the leashes, let's take the doggies for a walk!

Speaking of walking...Natalka's first serious steps caught on tape!

I can roll my tongue like mommy!

A different perspective.

Helping mommy with laundry...

...how does velcro work?...

...is this a hat?...

....I know, I'm silly :)

A couple social gatherings this month...

At Tia Rosy's baby shower.

At Auntie Courtney's wedding rehearsal dinner.

 Natalka and her furry sister have lots of fun together....

Mommy let me crawl around at the playground during this La Leche League meeting.

Family walk at the lake.

Finally, Natalka has started to use signs to communicate with us!  Here is a typical morning request from her.  (If you fall on the puritan side of things, you may not want to proceed ;) )

Natalka starts signing for "milk" after 1:30.  She apparently got bored with me trying to get her to do a war cry/ki-up since she had just learned how to do it the day before.

Picking out her first pumpkin!

"They don't call me Pumpkin for nothing!"

We went with this miniature one instead.

My famous crinkled nose!