Dominic's Homecoming Countdown

It's me, Dominic! I've been pretty busy lately but I thought I would take a few minutes to tell everyone about what I've been up to. I'm getting really fast with this crawling thing but I would much rather be walking. I spend most of my time standing up; I'm not fan of sitting down. I spent Memorial Day weekend down the shore patrolling the beaches. It was a tough job, but luckily I had my Daddy around to help me. I got my first real taste of the sand and it didn't bother me too much. The water was really cold but I put my feet in so that my Dad would know that I am tough.

When I got home on Tuesday I spent some time working out in my new pool. Mommy put it on the deck for me. It's pretty hot here already but that's pretty typical for where we live. I like to splash and I have a nice frog kick. I'm feeling some pressure from the 'rents because they were both swimmers at Bloomsburg. They met there. My Daddy says that if I don't learn how to swim, I might not meet a nice girl like my Mommy. Needless to say, I've been practicing. I have also been practicing climbing out of the pool and I am REALLY good at that. I don't think my Mommy likes that very much.

At the end of the day, I just like to sit back on my pillow and watch my Baby Einstein videos. I find them completely captivating, especially when my tummy is full and sticking out like it is in this picture. Mommy tried to get me to look up but I can't take my eyes off the tv. Those videos are good stuff! I have about 6 of them but I can't really tell the difference between them yet. I am learning lots of things about animals and colors and music and art.

Other than those few things, I have been keeping my Mommy very busy because I have more teeth coming in. I whine and complain quite a bit. Hey, she should be thankful because I am helping her forget that she is turning 30 tomorrow. I'll just cry through her birthday and it will seem like it never happened! That's it for now! More later!

Well, we have had a very busy week around our house! Dominic got his first tooth, learned how to crawl and learned how to pull himself all at once! It is a pretty funny combination. One minute he is crying because his little gums hurt and the next minute he is racing all over the place. Between baby proofing, distributing infant ibuprofen and chasing after him, we haven't had much time to relax. Last night, we took him to his greatgrandmom's for pasta. He loved it! We are enjoying the nice weather and, of course, enjoying our little boy! More soon :)

Dominic had a very, very busy weekend! Last Thursday, he and I left for our first road trip to the beach. We stayed with my parents for three nights and Dominic was SUCH a good baby! He did very well sleeping at the shore; he slept in the crib that I used as a baby! He actually slept through the night on Thursday. Frank came down Friday night and my brother followed on Saturday. Dominic LOVED the beach. He is going to be a total sand-eater this summer! We went to "taco night" with Nana and Grandpa. He didn't eat any tacos (0r drink any beer) but he demonstrated his ENTIRE collection of new-found monster noises at the restaurant. We went out for breakfast, walked on the boardwalk, and took lots of pictures. Don't let the "serene" dune picture fool you . . . he was face down and screaming in the sand right after I took the picture! We also celebrated Nana and Uncle Steve's birthdays. On Sunday, we came home and went to Grandmom and PopPop's where we celebrated Mother's Day. On Mother's Day, Dominic was able to see all of his grandparents, aunts and uncles!He even had the chance to visit with his Great-grandmom and his Great-aunt Linda. Mother's Day was wonderful for me this year. I am so happy to finally be a mommy :)

On Monday, we had to put the little guy through some serious torture. He had to have 10 vials of blood drawn to make sure that his vaccinations are up to par. This was not a pleasant experience by any means. It was actually pretty horrible for Frank and me. The technicians could not find his tiny little veins. They tied up and pounded on his arms until they found something. We are really hoping that his shots in Guatemala were OK and that we won't have to have them done again. The rest of Monday was very nice. Amy brought little Alyssa Rose to visit. We took the kids (doesn't that make you feel old, Burkel?) to the mall. We were actually able to eat and do a little shopping. Dominic and Alyssa were very, very cute together . . . not that we are pushing anything :)

Cousin Maureen finally had her little girl! Her name is Kiera and she was 9 1/2 lbs! Mommy and baby are doing great. We can't wait to see them! Lani sent me some new pictures of Maggie and Carrie. They are getting so big and so cute :) Luke is home from the hospital and doing great with his Mommy and Daddy. Aimee, Dominic and I went to visit their family today . . . we had a very nice time! We also received some adorable little outfits and a hard-to-find book in the mail today from Stacie; it was so nice!

So I wonder . . . how did I ever teach full time? Maybe the better question is . . . how will I start again in September? I really love being at home and soaking up every second with this beautiful little boy. I am really looking forward to the summer when Frank can be home with us, too. Unfortunately, being at home has given me time to peruse Ebay once again. This is not a good thing! I finally have over 100 stars though! Erin, maybe I will find one of your yard-sale specials!

I guess that is about it from now. Note to all my blog-buddies: I LOVE all the pictures and stories! All of them! Savanna is adorable. Gabe is getting so big! The Tots are AMAZING and partially mobile! Kiley is so sweet and Miss M is on the move. I am so glad that all of these babies are home and happy! Enjoy the rest of the week :)

Thirdly, Dominic went to a park and on the swings for the first time! You can clearly see that he is hanging on for dear life in the picture, but trust me, he LOVED it! He is obviously a little too small for the swings but he had lots of fun! We went to the park with my friend Marcy and her adorable baby Nate.

That's all for now! Many exciting firsts are on their way! Enjoy the weekend :)

As you can see, Dominic is doing really great! He is a very, very happy little guy! He is not a fan of sitting still, though! We don't have a cuddlebug . . . he is a mover and shaker! Scooching around the floor is probably his favorite things to do. Once he gets his act together and can move his arms and legs at the same time, he will be unstoppable! He made a nice weight gain and his last doctor's appointment and he is starting to eat more foods. He is such a blessing and we are so lucky and happy to have him in our lives!

Dominic has a new friend now, too! Our great friends Chrissy and Perry had their little (well, not exactly LITTLE at almost 9 lbs!) boy yesterday. He is beautiful! Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers. Now we just need cousin Maureen to have her baby, too . . . we hope that it happens any day now!

We are learning that Dominic isn't afraid of too many things. He is totally nosy and loves exploring! He isn't even afraid of really big dogs! He met Pat and Aimee's Ozzie and he wasn't even a little scared . . . Ozzie is a BIG dog! His cousin dog Maddie licked his face too, but that didn't scare him either! He is a brave little boy.

Not much else to report here . . . the weather is really nice and we have been outside a lot. I am happy to report that Kylie IS finally home with Dennise and Brad. I can't wait to see pictures! More later :)