Author: Jessica Pellegrini

My Dad and his wife Chris are in town visiting for the weekend out from Iowa. We haven’t actually met up yet but I’m sure its going to be a great time. They landed last night and had some hotel difficulties so we decided to wait to meet up this morning. They are going to come over to the house and hang out for a while and then decide what the day holds. Of course, in true Northwest style it’s supposed to rain for the next several days. We haven’t had great weather the past week but it’s been dry. It figures that as soon as we have people in town visiting the weather would turn. We’ll do our best not to let it slow us down. We don’t have much planned for the time they are here other than dinner out on Friday night. We got a babysitter for Ava for the evening so that the adults and Elise could go out for a few hours.

This is the first time that my Dad has been here since our move so there is no doubt that we will have plenty to catch up on. I am looking forward to some good family time and a little father/ daughter fix it time. We have quite a few “little” house projects that we plan to work on together. Its set to be a great weekend.

Elise and I had our final, 6 week, appointment with our midwives (we have 3) yesterday. They have been an amazing group of women to work with. I truly can not say enough good things about our experience there. I am elated to be done with all of the doctor’s appointments but I will miss them. Should we decide to have any more children, I would want them to take care of us again.

As far as my appointment goes, I am still waiting to get back some test results about my blood work (they are checking iron, vitamin D and other such levels) but pending any bad news we are doing great. I am feeling really good and have started exercising. I feel like my entire torso is made of jello so it’s a slow start but I’m putting in a little time everyday. It was much easier to get “back on my feet” so to speak last time which is completely discouraging and frustrating but I know that if I put the time in I will see results.

Elise is doing really well. She is gaining weight at a steady pace, she’s more active and slowly she is spending more time awake and interacting with me during the day.

It’s been a fun week so far. Monday we spent a couple of hours at the neighborhood park and had it all to ourselves for the majority of the time. Ava loves the slide these days. Tuesday we headed to the beach in Kirkland for a kids concert. Ava wasn’t all that interested in the band after she discovered the water. We had a fun time splashing around in the shallow area and listening to live music. Wednesday we had a good friend, Penny, over in the morning for a visit. We have barely seen each other since the move back so there was a lot to catch up on. Michael worked from home most of the day so he got to see Penny as well. The 5 of us took a nice little walk around the neighborhood before naptime. It was great to get some quality time in with an old friend and fun to introduce her to the girls. Today we are justing hanging out at home. It was a little bit of a rough night with Elise last night so I am happy that we don’t have anything scheduled, just some nice quiet time with my girls.

It’s a busy weekend for all of us filled with soccer matches, picnics in the park, Seattle outing, the shooting range and more.

Last night was a fun night out for us all! Ava got to hang out at Auntie Dana and Uncle Brad’s house. They went to the park and walk around the neighborhood and played all night. Michael, Elise and I went to a reggae concert in Marymoor park. We took a picnic dinner with a beach chair and blankets and Elise was bundled up in her car seat. It was of course a rainy, grey evening. We all toughed it out and enjoyed Matisyahu and Rebelution with another few openers. It was fun to get out and take advantage of the summer and mix up our week nights a bit.

Today Elise had her first pediatrician appointment with our new Doctor, Dr. Davis. She was given a full physical, with pokes and prods all over her tiny body. She took it like a champ and did not fuss one bit. She looked around the bright room and stared at the table side mirror while the doctor jostled her around. She weighed in at 9lbs 13oz and 21.5 inches; thats more than a 2lbs increase!

She received one shot for Hepatitis B, and took that with just a bit of a whimper and then snuggled in my arms as we checked out with the everyone. She is doing great now while we lay low at home.

Here are a few pictures that I took at home to start our monthly photo project.

Family photo from the summer picnic

Today is Elise’s 4 week birthday! We are all doing really well, some days are harder than others but overall we are great. Elise is changing and growing everyday. She has outgrown most of her new born clothes already and seems to be on the tall (long) side just like Ava. Her personality comes through a bit more each day. So far she is an overall mellow little girl with bursts of moodiness and a little bit of drama. She is fairly easy to calm down, loves to be held (sometimes all day long), eats with enthusiasm and very frequently, and cries like a baby Pterodactyl when she’s angry. She’s still working on getting her days and nights straight as far as sleeping goes but I’m sure we’ll get there soon.

Wednesday marks our 1 month mark and I plan to continue my monthly photo tradition for the first year. I’ll make sure to post them each month around the 14th. We have our first official doctor’s appointment this week.  At this point she has only been seen by our midwife. She will unfortunately be receiving her first round of immunizations.  Those are never fun, I am not looking forward to it.

Ava is continuing to adjust to having a sibling. She is showing more interest in what Elise is doing and likes to keep her eye on her while staying busy doing her own thing. She is talking all the time and seems to be learning at least 1 new word everyday. We’ve been continuing to spend as much time as possible outside enjoying the summer. Most days we just play in our own yard but have had a few fun outing since Elise arrived.

I am feeling very good as well. Although I don’t quite feel back to 100% I’m about at an 85%. We have started to get back into a family walking routine and Michael and I hope to start some type of work out regime, yet to be determined. Life with two kids is more than twice as hard as with one but I can’t imagine it any other way.

Ava strolling at the picnic

Face to face with Dad

Big stretch

What a great day for us all. Michael went back to work after a 3 day weekend with his Mom. We had a great time hanging out at home all weekend. The girls and I are off to a good start being solo. Ava woke up a little later than normal in a great mood. We all ate breakfast together then played in our playroom till nap time. Both girls took 2 hour naps which allowed me to get some much needed house work done and still get a little time to relax.

After naps, Ava and I did a little chalk shout out to Daddy. She helped me write “Happy B-day Daddy. We “heart” you” on our front steps.  We both got pretty messy but had a great time. Then the 3 of us, Ava, Elise and I sat outside together and enjoyed the next hour or so and waited for Michael to join us. Ava is starting to pay more attention to Elise now that its just us in the house. It won’t be long before they are actually playing together.

Michael came home and hung out and played with Ava for a bit while we chatted about the day. He made sure to have a clear schedule for the night, no work or school. Its always nice to have a night with no agenda.  After being fully caught up on each others day, Michael headed out to run and get groceries for dinner. After stops to both the meat market (we are quickly becoming regulars here) and the grocery store we went on a nice family walk. We packed in a little art time with Ava on her letter project after the walk. She is almost done with her letter V. I am hoping to finish the entire alphabet project and get pics up this month. It’s turned into a much bigger project than I expected it to be but I know it will all be worth it in the end.

After a little art time we started dinner for Ava while Michael cooked all of his new goods.  We put Ava to bed and enjoyed a feast of Veal Piccata with mushrooms and artichokes finished with a side of sautéed broccoli and roasted potatoes. It was delicious. I do love how he cooks, the best part is we have left overs so I get a nice lunch tomorrow with no effort.

I know we will always remember this birthday fondly. Although it was very simple in celebration, it was our first as a “4” and I can say that for everyone it was a good day. We are very lucky, and are doing our best to enjoy each moment. Happy Birthday, Honey. We all love you so much.

It was an intense end to our weekend, bringing Elise into the world early on Sunday morning in what is easily the hardest physical act I’ve ever committed. Just as the sun was rising, she was entering the world to the sounds of a little Elliott Smith in the background. It was amazing!  I never imagined I’d give birth in a tub, now I couldn’t imagine having done it any other way. It was a beautiful experience.

Since our return home Sunday morning we’ve been doing our best to figure out a routine and finish a few projects around the house.  We are really enjoying all of our family time together and don’t want it to end when Michael has to return to work on Monday. It’s a lot of work taking care of two little ones, and all 3 of us adults (mom, Michael and I) are keeping busy in our own way. Thankfully my Mom still has one more week here to help us adjust. We really couldn’t have done it without her.

Ava is adjusting pretty well.  Grandma and Michael have been keeping her busy with her normal daily activities like walks around the neighborhood and trips to the park. She is very aware of Elise, she even cries when Elise cries, but for the most part she is keeping her distance for now. Elise is proving to be a good eater and sleeper just like her big sister which has helped make things a bit easier. You forget how much work such a little creature can be with constant feeding and diapering. We are all keeping busy and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Today we are planning to take our first family outing; a little trip to the Bellevue Farmer’s Market. Sounds simple enough but I wouldn’t be surprised if it turned into a big production. We will likely spend as much, if not more time getting ready to leave the house as we will at the actual market. Even so, I am looking forward to it. I have not left the house, or more accurately the yard since Saturday. My mid-wife advised me not to do anything for the first week beside hold the baby and feed myself. Technically I’m breaking the rules but I’m feeling good and ready to venture out for at least a little bit.

Now that Elise is here our family feels complete.  I have everything I ever wanted, a loving husband and two beautiful children. Life is amazing!

Summer is officially here and it was a lovely weekend, a little on the hot side coming in at about 95 degrees on Sunday but a lovely day none the less! It has been really nice this past week getting some quality family time in since Michael has a two week break from classes. We have been taking full advantage of it and spending lots of time playing outside.

Yesterday afternoon my Aunt Carol hosted a backyard/ garden baby shower for Elise and I.  Ava and I, along with 12 lovely ladies and 6 kids (4 under the age of 3 months) spent the afternoon catching up with girl friends and family, learning new Mommy tips and tricks and passing all the babies around. It truly was a lovely party. It’s no surprise to me, but Carol really knows how to put together a great event. The backyard was set up with a white party tent for shade, toys for all the kids to play with, a refreshment table, baby girl decorations and more. She didn’t forget a single detail, I felt very special. There were a few games for everyone to play but thankfully not the cheesy type where I was forced to sniff fake diapers or subject myself to having my belly measured. We enjoyed lots of yummy appetizers, sweets and drinks. She asked each guest to write a comment to Elise and is making us a cute keep sake with the notes and pictures of each guest. No detail was forgotten.

We had a really great time. Being surrounded by everyone made me realize how much love and support we have here. I know that having two girls under the age of 2 is not going to be easy but knowing that we have so much support helps put my mind at ease.

A HUGE thank you to my wonderful Auntie Carol. She always goes above and beyond to show her love and support. We are all so lucky to have you close by again, yet another reason I’m thankful to be back home.  Now come on little Elise, we are ready to meet you!

Ava and I before the party started. Its so hard to get her to stay still for even a moment these days and forget about getting her to look the direction you want and smile.

Opening all of the great gifts. Baby girls come with so much cute stuff.

Ava and Drew, the two “big” kids at the party. They pretty much ignored all the babies.

I’m a little late on writing this post. My intentions were good but at this stage of the pregnancy I am finding myself extremely forgetful, increasing tired and not nearly as productive as I’d like to be.

Even though this isn’t the first Father’s Day we’ve celebrated as a family it’s the first that we celebrated just the 3 of us and it will be the last. Last year my Dad was visiting us in San Diego and next year we’ll have another baby girl to spend the day with.

Wow,  it’s hard to even know where to start. The past two weeks have been really busy for all of us here at the Pellegrini house. I’ll focus on some of the high lights.

Two weekends ago we took Ava to the zoo for her first time. It was a very typical Sunday in Seattle, sightly over cast and drizzling on and off all day. We didn’t let it stop us, we just layered up and headed out for a fun family afternoon. Ava seemed to really enjoy the whole experience. She tried to learn many of the names of the animals we saw and laughed and clapped the whole afternoon. I think that her most enthusiastic response was to the giraffes, her eyes lit up and she kept pointing and saying “ooh”.  On our way out of the park we decided to upgrade to a yearly membership so that I can bring the girls back as many times as we want this summer.

The rest of the next week was pretty routine then on Friday, Michael and I left Ava at home with my mom and we headed off on a three day weekend to Vancouver, BC to celebrate my 33rd birthday. I think I have a crush on Vancouver. It is such a cool city. I have visited a handful of times before but this was the first time Michael and I went together. We literally walked all over the city, we estimated that in 3 days we probably walked about 12 miles. On Friday we drove up and down West 4th, North Vancouver and took a quick driving tour of the University of BC. After that we checked into the hotel and headed out to Stanley Park for a few hours. That evening we had dinner at a cute, little modern Italian restaurant called Lupo and did a little bar hopping.

Saturday was spent shopping in the morning, an afternoon movie, UFC 159 that evening and another great dinner at a Gotham Steakhouse. Sunday we slept in a bit and then went out to a local hotspot for brunch. We went back to Stanley Park for one more look and the city and a little fresh air before we started the drive home. It was a great birthday weekend, lots of great eating (we love to eat) a little shopping, people watching, bar hopping, and lots and lots of walking about the city.  We spent most of the drive home talking about all the things we want to see and do on our next trip up.

This week I am planning on getting as much done on Elise’s nursery as possible while I have my Mom here to help. We are in the final stretch, the third trimester, and have  about 10 weeks (if she’s on time) to go!

This afternoon came with a little bit of a scare. Bruno and I took a tumble down our stairs. I can’t say for certain who’s fault it was exactly, but it ended with me laying flat on my back on our hard slate entry way flooring. Bruno was cowering in the bathroom because he knew something was wrong. Meanwhile Ava and Bella are sound asleep. My first thought was of the baby and my first reaction was to call Michael.  Luckily I was holding my cell phone so I dialed Michael up at work and gave him a brief run down of what happened. He, of course, was instantly concerned and rushed home to help. We called our midwife who suggested we head straight in to get an ultrasound to make sure that everything was ok with our littlest girl.

Thankfully we were able to get into Eastside Maternal Medicine instead of having to head to the ER. The staff was very sweet and extremely reassuring. They looked at several different things and everything was exactly as it should be. All in all, myself and baby were very lucky. I will be sore for the next few days but that’s nothing that I can’t handle and I’m so very thankful that things worked out the way they did. Now I have an excuse to sit around and relax while Michael is gone for work the next two days.