First Smile

Here's a look at Rocco's First Smile I was able to capture!

Father and Son

Here are a few simply sweet shots from the last couple weeks that I couldn't resist posting:

Here are a few sweet shots from the last couple weeks that I couldn't resist posting:

Rocco Tries a Bottle!

He came.

I pumped.

He conquered.

Sean was very easily able to feed Rocco for the first time from a bottle! He latched immediately and Sean felt so connected to his being able to take part in filling one of his basic needs. This little man surprises me daily how smart he is!

Way to go buddy! This means daddy can feed you whenever I need a break or whenever I make girl's night out plans!

Man, our kid is cool.

TURKEY

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Sean says that Rocco is decked out in perfect Thanksgiving formal wear...a nice button down shirt and sweat pants! Time to be thankful and to feast!

Rocco's First Days

I'm surprised by how alert and curious our little guy is already! Here are a few shots from his first week :)

BABY DILEONARDI HAS ARRIVED!

I went into labor 6 hours after my last post :) With my water breaking at 4:30 Tuesday morning and baby coming around 2:30 Wednesday afternoon, let's just say, labor and delivery was AMAZING, FUN, CHALLENGING, REWARDING, and the MOST EXCEPTIONAL THING I HAVE EVER DONE!

Thank you SEAN

....you're an amazing husband and now...father! You were my strength! Thank you for advocating for me! Thank you for your patience! Thank you thank you thank you for a million things! I LOVE YOU!

Thank you MOM

....your level-headedness is contagious

Thank you ALLY

....your calm, soothing personality and sound, wise advice helped encourage me till the end! You are a wonderful doula and a wonderful friend!

Thank you NATALIE

....you are such an encouragement and could not have done this so light heartedly without you rooting me on!

Thank you DAD

....for all the support and encouragement!

Rocco James DiLeonardi

November 10, 2010

8lbs 6 oz

20.5 in

2:18 PM

Our attempts at Inducing Labor!

Man, I'm still pregnant! 40 weeks have come and gone. I also didn't know I would be waving goodbye to 41 weeks, too!

We tried a variety of things to encourage little Baby DiLeonardi to make an appearance. Outside of the given frisky events that most people know of to try inducing labor, I......

- ate pineapple (thanks Yvette and Randi!)

- went on daily walks

- went into the mountains for lunch

- more physical exercise (those leaves needed a good raking!)

- spicy food (resulted in stronger heartburn and no baby)

- bumpy road

- talking to baby

- relaxing (pedicure)

- pressure points on feet and palms

- fun distractions (farkle, baby quilt, and jelly making)

- prayed

After a long walk tonight, ending in Sean praying that little baby will come soon on it's own time and a great feast of Chicken A'la King, I'm turning in early to bed, with tiredness and a tinge of anxiety :)

At my Dr. Appt today, I was hooked up to a machine that showed baby's heartbeat and contractions :) Baby's doing great, I have 5 times the amniotic fluid than the average woman at 41 weeks, I'm having contractions, but baby? Are you too comfortable in there?

We're just excited to meet you! Goodnight!

While we wait....

We'll Make Jelly!

And PLENTY of it!

Upon arrival to our home in Denver, my mom spotted our Concord grape vines in full bloom and ready to be harvested. I have to admit, you really couldn't escape it's fragrance as you milled around the house! We started our operation small. A meagerly batch of jelly. Pick-Clean-Boil-Juice/Cheesecloth/Reduce and Thicken/Can

We canned 12 cans our first batch.

Tried the jelly.

and fell in LOVE!

In the following days we made 64 Jars of Jelly!

I'll never forget such a sweet memory made with my mom as we waited for baby to arrive. It was fun talking about what we would do if my water broke and we were in mid-process with the jelly. It was fun seeing my mom so excited about teaching my the art of canning.

It was beautiful using a blooming creation to make something new, and tasty!

Can't wait to do it again next year!

Thanks for all the fun, mom!