Pellegrini Page

Well we’ve been extremely fortunate these past two years. First we got married in 2010, then had our precious little Ava in 2011. It’s going to be tough to out–do ourselves in 2012 but I’m sure it will be a great year. I start back up in school next week so I’m happy to be enjoying these last few days of the holidays before getting back to business. We’re also very happy to have Jessica’s dad Rick and his wife Chris out visiting us. They’re out here from Cedar Rapids, IA for 5 days and are having a great time exploring San Diego. Chris had her first fish taco, and we’ve generally been eating quite well everyday. We’re making lobster tail, jumbo prawns, king crab and sauteed mini portabello mushrooms tonight for dinner and will be washing it down with some nice bottles of wine and champagne. No going out for new years, just staying in and enjoying time with family. This is the first new years eve that Jessica and I have both not had to work, so we’re loving it. We want to wish a very happy new year to all of our friends and family throughout the country. Wishing you all the best for 2012 and beyond! Here’s a few pics of Rick and Chris’ visit so far.

Grandpa Rick and his little Hawkeye watching the game

Grandma Chris holding Ava for the first time

Jessica opening presents from Rick and Chris

Checking out the arboretum at Balboa Park


Ready for a 3D movie!

Today not only do we celebrate Ava’s first Christmas, but also the one month anniversary of the day she was born. Saying that she has only been here a month doesn’t really do any justice, but it’s an exciting landmark. We’re going to take a picture of her on the 25th of each month wearing a sticker that says how many month’s old she is, so today will be the first one. As for Christmas, Jessica and I opened presents last night with Ava overseeing everything. Today Jessica’s friend Erin is driving down from L.A. to spend the afternoon with us. It’s opening day for the NBA and I’m a big hoops fan, so I’m more than ready for a day full of games.

Here’s a few pics from last night’s present opening. Wishing a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday season to all our family and friends. We feel so fortunate to have all of you in our lives.

Yesterday Amy left for Colorado after spending the first three weeks of Ava’s life with us. She was beyond helpful in getting us going as a family. We were sad to see her go but look forward to her next visit in a month, then our trip to Colorado in March. Last night we went to my company’s holiday party at George’s in La Jolla. Ava wore her holiday dress and slept through the entire event. She was quite popular amongst my co–workers. We had a great night and were even able to enjoy a full nights sleep due to Ava not waking up for over 5 hours. Ava’s third week is complete.

Heading to the company holiday party

My Mom flew home to Vegas today after spending three days with us in San Diego. Having her here is always great but seeing her with Ava for the first time was awesome. Tom was here until Sunday as well so we were all able to have a nice dinner at home on Saturday night. Ava’s birth has already made this the best holiday season of my life, but having all this family time has made it even better. Amy is here with us for a couple more days, then we have Rick and Chris coming out at the end of the month. We couldn’t be more fortunate this year!

Two weeks ago today Ava was born, and part of me thinks "wow I can’t believe she’s already two weeks old." Then the other part thinks "she’s only been here two weeks?" We’ve had a good week, especially since it was Amy’s birthday on Wednesday and Tom flew into town. The five of us went out to a nice dinner at El Agave that night and had a great time. Tonight we’re heading out to dinner at The Melting Pot, which is something I always enjoy, then tomorrow my Mom returns from the Mexico cruise and will be able to stay with us for a few days. Should be a great weekend.

Today was Ava’s official due date, but instead we’ve had the last 11 days with her. Honestly it feels like much longer and we can’t imagine life without her. Friday was the one week anniversary of her birth and so far she’s been perfect. She sleeps up to 5 uninterupted hours per night, which is very uncommon for babies her age. Friday night my Mom was able to come and see her for the first time but didn’t get to stay long because of work. Luckily she’ll be staying with us next week for a few days and will get some much needed quality time with Ava.

Jessica is doing really well and has recovered nicely from the delivery. Having her Mom here with us has been such a big help… We’re not looking forward to her leaving on the 15th. The dogs seem to have adjusted nicely to having a baby in the house and have even surprised Jessica at how well they’re doing. Guess that’s all for now, besides the new pics. Please enjoy!

Ava at 24 hours old – still in the hospital

Grandma Amy and Ava

My Mom holding Ava for the first time

Jessica, Ava, Mom, and me

Family pic from the hospital when she was 24 hours old

Well this has easily been the most exciting holiday weekend of my life, but now it’s time to get back to work tomorrow morning. Here are a couple more pics from yesterday and today.

Home after a day full of errands

Ava and I on our first football Sunday together

Yesterday our baby girl Ava Simone Pellegrini was born at the Sharp Mary Birch hospital in San Diego. It was ‘Black Friday’ and she wasn’t due for another 11 days, but as predicted by that man at Jessica’s restaurant, she came about two weeks early. She was born at 12:18pm, weighed in at 6 pounds 13 ounces, and measured 19 inches. Obviously words cannot describe the instant joy and purpose she brings to our lives. Today she and Jessica were discharged from the hospital and allowed to come home. Amy is staying with us while we get Ava all settled in and helping in every way possible. Expect many, many photos to come on our site and in our galleries, but for now, here’s a few from Ava’s first 28 hours of life.

Jessica holding Ava immediately after giving birth

Swaddled for the first time

Ava being held by Grandma for the first time

First family photo of the three of us

Holding my baby girl for the first time

Ready to come home

I haven’t had any spare time lately to post updates on our site but all is going well. Today is my first day off in over a month and I’m excited to be spending it at home with Jessica and the dogs, watching football and eating lots of food! The new job is going great, just keeping me extremely busy. I finished my first iPad app for G.E. in only two weeks, which brought positive attention from several executives at the company, and got me the position as lead developer on the Fall 2012 Nike Running App, which is the biggest project we have going on in our office. This means I’ve been working 7 days / 70 hours a week. No complaints though; I really like the company and the people I work with, and I’m learning a ton.

Now onto more important stuff… Jessica is now full–term in her pregnancy and could go into labor at any time. We actually thought she was going into labor on Monday night. She was having contractions about 8 minutes apart so we decided to go to bed and see how she was doing in the morning. Unfortunately the contractions were gone when we woke up. The funny thing was that, had she actually gone into labor that night, the prediction made by one of her customers several weeks ago would have come true. She ended up going to her doctor appointment that day and the doc said that she would be very surprised if Jessica made it to her appointment next week without having this baby. At this point we’re on high alert and ready to go at any time.

Recently some of Jessica’s girl friends from work threw her a baby shower and luckily my Mom was able to go with her because she was in town for work. Below are a few pics from that day, or you can click here to see the whole album. Guess that’s all for now but I’ll be sure to post updates once our baby Ava has arrived. Happy Thanksgiving everyone!!!

Tonight was my last night working at the Tractor Room, and ultimately my last night in the restaurant industry. It’s hard to believe that it’s been thirteen years since I first started bussing tables at El Gaucho in Seattle. Johnny, the owner of the Tractor Room, was so gracious in seeing me go. He gave me a nice bottle of champagne for Jessica and I to enjoy once Ava is born, and even ordered pizza for everyone after we got through the rush. It was a fun final night, and coincidentally, turned out to be Joe Paterno’s final day as the head coach of Penn State University. What a mess that whole situation has turned into! Anyway, I feel very fortunate to have had the career I’ve had, but am beyond excited about the new chapter in our lives. I can’t believe Jessica is due in just over three weeks!