Where Has The Time Gone?!

Wow! I really don't know where the time has gone ... tomorrow is Rocco's 6 month birthday! It seems like just yesterday Erik and I were sitting on the couch watching the snow pile up outside of our windows as we asked each other the questions ... "so, when do you think he will come? ... "can you believe that we could be sitting here with our baby by this weekend?". Honestly, it seems like just yesterday ... I cannot believe that it was 6 months ago tonight when we walked into labor and delivery, nervous, but definitely ready to begin the amazing journey that would follow. The past 6 months have been the best 6 months of my life! One of my favorite parts of the day is that moment when I go into Rocco's room after he has woke up and he looks at me with his big, sparkling eyes and gives me the biggest smile. It is truly the best!

In the past 6 months, we have all learned alot of new things! We learned that newborns love closeness and that it was unrealistic to think that our new bundle of joy would sleep peacefully in the cradle next to our bed on the first, second, or third night home ... or for weeks! We learned that Rocco's favorite spot was cuddled up on mommy or daddy's chest. We learned that we weren't the only ones who had a baby who screamed from 11:30 pm until 5:30 am that second night home from the hospital ... and that it wasn't colic, just the "newborn way". We learned to nap when he napped and to go to bed when he did ... and to shower whenever you got the chance! We learned that sometimes "mommy's milk" just isn't enough and we ... well, I am still trying to accept that it is okay! We learned to not turn down home cooked meals from family and friends, to merely accept and say "thank you"! ... and we learned that home cooked meals are definitely the best gifts that one can receive after bringing home a baby! We learned that since we both got 6 weeks of maternity/paternity leave, that being home together all day/everyday for 6 weeks is a long time, especially when it is too cold to take a newborn out ... and that being home all day meant that we would watch the news at 6am, noon, 5:00 pm, 5:30pm, 6:00pm and 11pm ... and that we would look forward to Wheel of Fortune! ... we even bought the game for the Play Station! We learned that routines and schedules are vital ... but that infants under 8 weeks really can't follow schedules very well! We learned that traveling now requires much more STUFF! We learned that going to the grocery store, restaurants, or shopping is now much different ... but that it has gotten much easier! We learned that Rocco loves taking evening walks, Sophie the Giraffe, sweet potatoes, silly songs, his big sister, the jumperoo and that he loves to talk! We learned the hard way that little boys will "get you" everytime if you're not quick enough! We have learned that time goes way too fast and that before you know it your hours old infant is 6 months old! We learned to enjoy every moment and have truly learned the meaning of unconditional love.

It still amazes me how much can change in 6 months! Rocco is now rolling from belly to back and from back to belly ... and now rolls from one side of the family room to the other. He is sitting up without support and is even sitting up in the bathtub without his baby tub! He scoots himself on his belly and is starting to pull his knees underneath of him when he is on his belly. Have I mentioned how much this little guy loves to talk! He may be a clone of his daddy, but when it comes to talking, he definitely takes after his mama!

We are all so thankful for the beautiful, healthy baby boy that God has given us. He has changed our lives in so many wonderful ways. "Every good and perfect gift comes from above" ... James 1:17.

FINALLY!

Okay ... so it has been months and months since I last posted! I'm not even sure if anybody looks on here, but I have decided that it is time to resume blogging. Lots has changed here in the Baratie house since I have last posted. Needless to say, life has DEFINITELY changed, but it has changed in such a wonderful way! Jenna has completely embraced her role as a "big sis" and let me just say, she is a FANTASTIC big sister! ... and Rocco is completely in love with her! Seeing the way that his little eyes light up when he sees her is completely amazing! ... and she is such a big help!

Life is once again about to change in our household ... only one more week of summer vacation

:( Jenna will be in the 5th grade this year, so hard to believe! ... and Rocco will be going to the sitter's house everyday while mommy and daddy go to work. I haven't quite figured out how I'm going to manage leaving him! I honestly think that it is going to be harder to leave him now than it was when I went back to work after maternity leave ... only b/c I knew that I only had to go back for 4 weeks and then it would be summer vacation. I'm not sure who it will be more difficult for ... me or Rocco! He has become very attached to me ... he will still go to other people, but he won't take his eyes off of me. I have to be honest, it is kinda cute ... but I worry about how he is going to take this huge adjustment. The part of me that works with preschoolers knows that him going to a sitter and being around other kids will be a great advantage for him ... it is just going to be so hard to leave his sweet little face everyday! It will be nice to get into a routine again ... although I must say that I am lovin' our summer routine! My little man is such a GREAT sleeper ... somedays he lets his mama sleep in until 8:30 or 9:00 ... and he is in bed everynight by 8pm! Summer break has been fantastic! Erik will say ... so, what are your plans for tomorrow ... to which my response is usually "oh, just playing ... maybe we will take a walk or go to the park or zoo, but nothing major!" It is GREAT!

Getting into a routine will be a good thing ... but the start of the school year always brings with it lots to do and lots of busy weekends! Jenna is still doing competition gymnastics, but we still have a few more months until her meet season starts. And of course, Autumn brings with it football ... Buckeye Football and Steelers Football ... and High School Football! Domenic will be a Freshman this year (hard to believe!) and he is playing football, so we are hoping to make it to most of his games. And let's not forget the ever-so-popular Fantasy Football! ... I can already envision what my Sundays are going to look like ... Erik sitting on the couch, remote in one hand while using his other hand to hit the "refresh" button on the laptop ... oh, I can hardly wait! :) Hopefully he'll win big this year!

Stay tuned for more ...