Go Huskers!

Having married a Nebraska boy, I quickly learned that our household would cheer for the Huskers. In fact, I think the first gift I got from my sister-in-law was a Nebraska sweatshirt. The message was clear. Now a few years later, I am truly a Huskers fan. I don't mind wearing my red on game days. Auntie Erin also kindly provided not one, but three Nebraska onesies for Mia to wear this football season. (I believe that was the first thing Erin bought for Mia too...and she has bought a LOT of clothes for Mia.) Unfortunately, there aren't that many Husker fans in Virginia. Last weekend, when Nebraska lost to Virginia Tech by one point in a heart breaking game, Nick was so upset that he made us all change our shirts before we went out to pick up a movie at Blockbuster. But that didn't stop me from giving a dirty look to a guy in a Hokies t-shirt who was blocking my way. Just kidding. I didn't smile though.

Skyping with Grandma & Grandpa Inzerello for a little pre-game analysis.

The smiles are evidence that this picture was taken BEFORE the Virginia Tech game.

On A Roll... (Part II)

Mia is officially a pro at rolling from her back to her tummy. She has done it many times for us on the floor. In fact, it is really hard to get her to stay on her back now. However, the other day was the first time she did it in her crib. Sadly, she seems to have forgotten how to roll from her tummy back to her back, so she just ends up eventually getting tired & frustrated she can't crawl yet. Somehow she still manages to move around a lot & we are sure she will be crawling sooner rather than later. We are a little scared... Time to start baby-proofing everything...

How she starts...

How she ends...

My I-talian Husband

Nick loves pizza. I like pizza a lot, but Nick really loves pizza. We have it often. When we visit places, the pizza place we love the most in that city is generally our first meal there. When we visit my parents, we go to Donato's. When we visit Nick's parents, we get La Casa's. When we are in Chicago, we go to Giordano's. In DC, well, let's just say we haven't found anything amazing just yet, so we frequent Papa John's (or Faccia Luna if we want brick oven style). The other day we decided to make our own pizza. Nick was rolling out the pizza dough and he and the rolling pin weren't getting along. At the risk of losing our dinner and having an embarassing encounter with our neighbors (we live three stories up), I suggested he take it out on the patio & toss it like real Italian men do. I was hoping for some entertainment, but I didn't want flour and dough all over the kitchen. Nick was brave & went for it. Although the photos I snapped make it look like a success, it turns out to be a little more difficult than just tossing and catching. There was a nice hole in the middle when Nick finally gave up. I think it is because he wasn't using his fists like the pros. He should probably give it one more try... next time, babe...next time...

The pizza actually turned out really well in the end. We may have found our DC option after all.

On A Roll...

Mia learned to roll from her stomach to her back at about 9 weeks, but going from back to front has been a little more of a challenge. She is soooo close...! She just has trouble lifting her big ol' head at the end to complete the trick. Nick and I hear ourselves talking to her like we are talking to a dog... "Come on, Mia. Roll over. You can do it. Roll over." We are encouraging this now, but when she can actually do it by herself we are going to wonder what on earth we have done.

Ready, set...

Go!

So close... just bring your arm around & lift that noggin!

Mid-diaper change (as you can see)...

We are going to have to start actually using those buckles we have neglected up to this point.

Ok, the way she contorts her body is funny as it is, but the fact that her little dimpled bottom is exposed while she does it was what made us reach for the camera.

Poor Mia.

Snot & Sneezes

Mia is sick for the first time... coughing, sneezing, stuffy nose...the works. The poor thing is pretty miserable. Serves me right for dragging her onto airplanes & to great-grandpa's nursing home all weekend. It was worth it though. I wonder if Mia feels the same way?

I couldn't help myself. I had to snap a photo of one of her sneezes before wiping. Mmmm...taste good, Mia? I'm such a good mom.

Land of 10,000 Lakes

This last weekend Mia and I were able to visit the Twin Cities to spend some time with family. Nick was unable to join us, so I braved the flights alone. Mia was good on 3 out of the 4 legs of the journey, so I really can't complain. We also had the sympathy and help of a lot of nice strangers, which made the logistics a little easier. Even so, I knocked into a lot of innocent people in aisle seats with the diaper bags and carry-ons strapped over my shoulders as I walked by with the car seat. I'm obviously still a novice. Since it was Southwest, there was open seating, which worked to my advantage most of the time. Most people were afraid to sit next to the lady with a baby. : )

The trip was primarily to visit my grandparents, Mia's great-grandparents, but we got to see a lot of other family too. My parents, my sister and her daughter, and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and second cousins were all packed into the weekend. We had a great time & were grateful for everyone's hospitality.

Great-grandma Grace & Mia meeting for the first time

Hanging out with Great-grandpa Walt

It was so fun to see my grandparents and spend some time with them. Although Grandpa Selden doesn't get around quite as easily as he used to, he still has the same old wit. The best part about Grandpa's jokes is that they are instantaneous and he tells them in a monotone voice with not even a hint of a smile. Most of the staff there have no idea he is joking half the time, which makes it even funnier.

Anne: "Grandpa, if you flirt with the nurses, you might get special treatment."

Grandpa: "Well all the nurses here out-weigh me two-to-one."

Grandma: "You need to keep walking and getting stronger so you can come home."

Grandpa: "Why? I do all the same things at home, only it's a different woman bossing me around." (He may have cracked a smile on that one & Grandma just laughed.)

Grandma Selden & I

Grandma and my sister, Amy

It was COLD in Minnesota! We had to break out Mia's fall clothes a little early.

This American Girl doll was about the same size as Mia & even dressed alike. Mia took an instant liking to her.

Several of the Holt cousins at Uncle Tom & Aunt Bonnie's house for brunch.

Proud Grandfathers

My dad & his younger brother, Craig, with some of their grandkids.

Megan (9 months) loved Mia & wanted to hold her hand.

Mia's cousin, Charlotte

(Amy's 4th little girl)

Mia getting acquainted with the cousin closest to her in age.

The beginning of a beautiful friendship, we are sure.