Father's Day; Every Day

Last Sunday we celebrated Richie's first Father's Day. Unfortunately, he spent a lot of it on the couch. As many of you know, he plays soccer at least once a week and last weekend while playing outdoor soccer he threw his back out and was unable to stand upright for a couple of days. I keep reminding him he is 31 not 25! LOL! Nonetheless he definitely deserved a day to nap and relax.

From the moment we found out I was pregnant until today, Richie has been an incredible father and husband (both of which I believe go hand in hand). He went to every ob/gyn appointment and made me feel beautiful even when the scale tipped at least 20 lbs. over his own weight! He would smile at me and say "That's good! You are doing what you should be as a pregnant lady!" When I didn't want to eat anything but cereal, he made his own dinner and when I craved something in particular he made sure I got it, even if it was something he did not want. He lifted things for me, switched out the laundry as it got harder and harder to lean over and he didn't roll his eyes when I "nagged" about cleaning or getting things done around the house. He finished Tess' nursery (just in time I might add) and I have to say - it is exactly what I had envisioned in my mind's eye!

Once Richie realized the time had come on that cold Christmas morning he was by my side the entire time. I never felt more in love with him than I did that day. Not only had he created with me the most beautiful little girl I had ever seen, but he proved himself to be my very best friend! When we got home, I was very sore and unable to move very well. He had to do a lot of the work and when I had a difficult time with breast feeding he stood up for me and did all he could to make me feel ok about my decisions. All of these things helped me be a better mother and I know I could not have done it without him.

Tess is 6 months old today! It is hard to believe! The three of us have so much fun together that the time has just flown by. Tess is a happy, sweet soul and I know that it is because she comes from love and laughter and happiness, but most of all because she has got Richie as her father!

Hats and Headbands

This is Tess wearing a headband. She looked adorable!



Tess in Dad's hat. We got a kick out of it and she did too!

More to come.....

This weekend was again filled with firsts for Tess!

She got her first runny nose and cough. This one hasn't been so pleasant. However, once again, she amazes me. Her bright blue eyes, although foggy, shine as she smiles when she wakes up, eats, bathes and plays. Richie and I are more bothered by her discomfort than even she is.

She also sat up on her own. She kind of fell back into Richie after a few moments, but she did it. She sat without any support! Our baby girl is growing up!

She is eating baby food and loves to hold the spoon. It makes me laugh every time I feed her.

She is the highlight of our day! I look forward to all that is to come! She is changing so fast!

God Bless Tess

Richie and I laughed as we ordered Tess' baptism cake; "God Bless Tess" on a 10 inch round cake adorned with pastel flowers and filled with raspberry deliciousness. I am still licking the frosting almost every time I open the fridge!
All giggles aside, we do wish Tess all the blessings of this world. She has already been blessed with two very special godparents, Richie's brother Frank and his sister Janet. We know that even outside the walls of St. Cyril's church, Frank and Janet will love and guide Tess. We couldn't ask for more. They are true examples of what it is to be good, kind and loving people.
Ultimately we want Tess to know that beyond the arms of mom and dad there are other people that love her and want her to be happy and healthy. She is never alone.

God Bless Tess!

A Weekend Filled with Firsts....

Tess' first time going swimming!

Our first Mother's Day together!

Tess' first trip to the zoo combined with her first birthday party.

Pushing Back Tears

I sat up the other night after watching the 10 o'clock news - pushing back tears. The thought of all the horror that is out there scares me more than it ever has before. From pandemics to war to lost children - it is terrifying. How do I protect Tess without smothering her? It seems that after having Tess I have come to realize more and more how fragile people are. I pray every day that humanity can turn itself around - not only for Tess, but for any innocence that is left in this world.

Daddy's Girl

Richie is an amazing dad! I watch him with Tess and can't imagine a more capable and loving father. Sometimes I find myself overwhelmed by how gentle and sweet Richie is with Tess. It seems that so often fathers are overlooked. However, I know from experience, that fathers can have a profound influence on the life of their daughters. Tess already looks at Richie with love and adoration; you can see it in those big blue eyes of hers!

I can't wait to watch them kick the soccer ball around. Maybe she'll be an artist just like him. Whatever she chooses to do - I know that Richie will be supportive and an inspiration to her. She may look like mama but I can already see dad's sense of humor and sparkle.