4th of July Photo Attempt

I had to post this photo because it is just too funny. I bought Scott, Tyler and Roman 4th of July outfits from Old Navy on Sunday. Since I was at my parents that night Heidi said, "Lets try and do a photo tonight." Right before we were ready, Roman got hungry so it delayed the photo a little and I think made everyone ansy. We were aiming for a photo of the 3 boys, but this is the best that we got. Maybe when they are teens we will be able to organize something with a pose.

Lesson Learned

I have learned an important lesson in the past few weeks for new mom's. Not only do I need to bring Roman a change of clothes when we go out, but I need to pack some for myself too.

A week ago, I was getting a pedicure with my mom's group when all of a sudden there was poop everywhere in my lap. And I mean EVERYWHERE! Thank goodness for the other new mom's to the rescue. I ended up rinsing my skirt in the public bathroom and having to put it back on soaking wet. Then yesterday, I was at Dena's house to meet her new little cutie and it happened again. Thankfully both times Roman was sitting on my lap since I would feel horrible if someone else was holding him. I ended up leaving her house wearing a pair of her husband's boxer shorts. Gotta love motherhood! I hope this isn't a trend beginning and yes, his diaper was on very tight.


This is him right before the incident. He looks so innocent. Gotta love this little rascal.

Happy Father's Day

We celebrated Father's Day at my parents house with an Island BBQ. It was a beautiful day and so relaxing to spend time with family and friends outdoors.


I loved being able to honor Jay this year on Father's Day. He has become an amazing Dad and I'm so proud of him. He is always patient, such a natural and helps me so much. I look forward to the many adventures ahead that the two of them will experience together. I wrote Roman a letter the day before he was born and in it I said: "I know that your Dad will teach you to grow up to be just as an amazing man that he is." I know Roman is so blessed to have Jay as his Dad, his friend and someone to look up to.

Thank you to my Dad who always goes above and beyond for his 2 daughters and now 3 grandsons. He is always helping in any way needed, has an endless amount of patience and is so generous. His strong work ethic made me strive to always achieve. Also, I am so lucky to have a Father-In-Law that is so loving and supportive. Bob is so thoughtful and always stopping by to help us out. Just tonight, he spent Father's Day helping us fix our sink.

Roman is one lucky guy to have these 3 men in his life and I know he will be raised with an overwhelming amount of love, support, wisdom and care. Thank you to 3 outstanding Father's.

Itsy Bitsy Group

Roman and I just completed our 5-week Itsy Bitsy Playgroup. It met once a week through the Women's Health Center and they pair you up with 10 new moms that all have babies within a month of each other. Each week the moderator discusses a topic and you get to share 1 brag and 1 complaint/question. They also organize weekly walks and mainly it is a way to meet other new mom's to help get you through the 1st 3 months.

I was so lucky to have been in a group with such wonderful new mom's. It really helped make the transition to motherhood fun since we could socialize, while also discuss different things we were trying and also things that weren't working. It makes you realize that everyone has their own challenges along the way.

Our group has decided to continue to meet once a week, which is great since I really met some nice friends. It will be fun to see these little ones grow up along the way. I would recommend this group to any new mom.

The group included:
(Top) Dana and Caden, Charissa and Devon, Jill and Isabella, Heather and Roman
(Bottom) Bobbi and Payton, Liz and Ava, Breege and Dean, Rhonda and Madelynn
(Not Pictured) Debbie and Ashley, Missy and Katelyn, Jenny and Marley

Aunt Rita Visits

My Godmother, Aunt Rita was in town from Long Island to judge a horse show in the Bay Area and we got to spend the afternoon with her. Aunt Rita is one of my mom's best friends that she met while riding horses in New York. I have so many memories as a kid of visiting Rita in New York at her beautiful ranch home. She has always made me feel so special to be her Godchild and is such an inspirational woman. When you get my mom and her together, it is nothing but laughter and both of them have non-stop energy. The last time that Rita was out here to visit was when I was pregnant with Roman, so it was fun for her to be able to meet him. She couldn't believe how chubby he was and even got the pleasure of experiencing Roman's acid reflux in full effect when she got bathed twice in his spit-up.





Aunt Rita always gives the most thoughtful gifts. She gave Tyler and Scott a golf game for the backyard since she is an avid golfer.



We love you Rita! Can't wait for you to come back again soon.

3 Months

My lil Roman is 3 months today. I can't believe he has been a part of our lives for 3 months. Sometimes it feels like just yesterday that we were bringing him home from the hospital, while it also feels like he has been with us forever. I truly can't imagine my life without him. These past few weeks have been so much fun since he has been feeling much better, is happier and is beginning to smile and react. I have such a blast with him and just can't get enough. Month 1 and 2 felt like I was in such survival mode and now I feel like we can relax and just have fun.

We have our morning ritual that includes a shower for me, a bath for him and a walk with Marley. We also started a weekly playgroup that includes 10 babies that are all within a month of each other. We go on weekly walks and lunches. I feel that I got really lucky with a great group of girls that all like to exercise, socialize and have fun. I also tried Baby Boot Camp and it kicked my booty. I am looking forward to going back and starting to get back in shape...it has been a long time and I miss working out.

I cherish this time I have with Roman since I know how fast it flies by. He loves to cuddle and has the cutest expressions that keep me laughing all day. He gets feisty before bedtime and loves to be rocked to sleep. Every night Jay and I say to him, "How did we get so lucky?"


He is just starting to like toys. Here is one of his favorites. We call him JOE-RAFFE. He also has a GIGI-RAFFE.


He loves the bath and is always happy when he is in water.


Marley adores Roman, but is starting to want to steal his toys. Especially ones that have squeakers. I know this will be a constant battle.


Each day he gets a little stronger. He is almost ready to enjoy the Bumbo. His faces and expressions are too much.


He is one chubby boy. He weighs 14 pounds 4 ounces. The rolls keep coming and the cheeks keep growing.

Congrats Shae

Today I went to the Middle School Graduation for my lil sis, Shae. We were matched together with the Big Sister program almost 3 years ago and have met consistently almost every week. When we first met she was just finishing up 5th grade and I can't believe is now getting ready to enter high school. She has become such a wonderful and beautiful young girl and has truly transformed before my eyes. I'm so proud of her and know that she is going to love being a high school student at College Park. We are looking forward to spending some fun time together this summer and she LOVES babies. She made Roman a beautiful crocheted blanket for my baby shower that he used today. It was fun to hang out with her family and see how proud they were of her.




Roman did great during the 2 hour ceremony. Not even one little peep.

Our Girl

A lot of people warned us that once the baby comes, Marley would be forgotten. Jay and I swore to each other that we wouldn't let that happen. AND I'm happy to say that she is just as spoiled as ever. She still sleeps in our bed, Jay still gets up at 5AM to feed her, she goes on an hour walk with me and the baby almost everyday and when the 4 of us go on a ride she gets the front seat. Betty came over on Friday and told me that she would take care of Roman for a few hours and I could go out and have some time to myself. What did I choose to do...bring Marley to get HER nails done and go to the dog park. I just love this girl. She is such good company for Roman and I throughout the day. I love that Roman is going to grow up being such an animal lover, just like us.


Taking a snooze together


Enjoying the beautiful weather


Saturday mornings I make pancakes and Marley always gets one. This weekend I made her one shaped as a cat. Sorry Serena!


Marley does whatever we do all day long. She loves Roman and sometimes I think she thinks she is the mom.