Visit From Uncle Joe

Mike's brother paid us a visit from Florida last weekend, as he was up here for one of his many cigar related business outings. Joe works for Thompson Cigar, and anyone who knows Joe..... will have had cigars, or other Thompson paraphernalia, handed to them by him on at least one.... or 20 occasions! Mike's brother is extremely generous and always gives so much to his family. I can say that right now we have cigars tucked away all over the house (big gnarly ones for Mike, small dainty/flavored ones for me), we have a top notch humidor for said cigars.... and even Vince has his own humidor! (and some cigars with his newborn face on them). You can bet that most of Mike's family has similar stories to tell about their households.

Three Silvestros, two old and one new

Anyway, Joe's career in the cigar business has earned him many interesting stories of where he's been and who he's had to deal with.... including getting family members involved, such as during this trip to New England. On Friday Mike left work early to drive up to New Hampshire, as he was invited to a boxing match... of which Joe and many of his cigar business buddies were attending. I was told it was the type of fighting that was 'almost illegal' for people to participate in. After hearing that, I stopped asking any more questions. The only story I got out of them was that there were bikini clad women in the boxing ring holding up announcement cards, and that the night was wrapped up in a Denny's Restaurant at 2am, eating plates of food with some 84 year old Italian cigar king named Sal. Indeed Sal is featured in Cigar Aficionado Magazine's 2007 summer issue. We received a complimentary issue.

We played tour guide for Joe, who had never really explored Boston before. It was so nice having Mike's brother come to visit! We had a good time showing him around, and he spoiled us with italian ice and restaurants! Thank you Joe! We'll have to pay everyone a visit in Florida very soon I think, especially if the weather in Boston stays as it has been the last 2 months.

Visting the public garden to see the Swan Boats

Vince loved his first taste of Italian Ice!

Hanging out near the frog pond

A photo opportunity in front of the old state house, the balcony where the Declaration of Independence was first read

Brino Reunion/Cape Cod 2009

Last week was full of road travel and hanging out with family, as we started out at Mike's mother's family reunion on Lake Sacandaga in New York; and ended with a few days on Cape Cod (wrapping it all up with our first family camping trip as well.... but that's another blog post)! It was super fun to see everyone, and Vince had fun hanging out and playing with his cousins, and his Nonna and Pop-Pop!

Vince, Noelle, and Andrew..... patiently waiting for the Merry-Go-Round

Our trip started out pretty much like National Lampoon's Vacation, as we headed on the road out from Cambridge, we had to stop twice within the first 15 minutes because the beach chairs on top of our car were about to take flight! After a few odd looks from people driving by us on the freeway, we stopped a second time to find the string holding the chairs down was literally about 3 car lengths behind us, trailing along like a streamer! Then of course Vince got car sick and vomited right before we got to the hotel, poor little guy. We put the fear into the whole family (including ourselves), that Vince was sick with another stomach bug.... thinking back on the baptism weekend where he brought down most of the entire family and then some after spreading his little germs (don't forget who let him dig his grubby little hands into the cake!)

Second stop, fixing the chairs again

First, I'll attempt to describe the Brino Family Reunions. Mike's mother is the youngest of eleven children, and once a year all the siblings and their families reunite at their brother's house (Uncle Al's) in New York, bringing together family that is scattered throughout the US. The day is filled with loads of great food, various bottles of home made wine brought by different family members, and there's usually boccie ball being played somewhere on the grounds. My favorite feature at Uncle Al's place is the golf cart painted like the Italian flag, complete with 'Wop Mobile' labeled on the front. No Brino Reunion is complete without a ride in it.

Noelle and Zak decide to drive so Mike could drink..... that lush!

Vince fell in love with Aunt Perina's dog Cocoa, he pretty much falls in love with any dog he sees! The kid laughs hysterically, it's the cutest thing to hear... total music to my ears

Nonna had her work cut out for her during our trip trying to help take care of both Andrew and Vince, here she is trying to get Vince to sleep (thanks Nonna!)

Here she is with both Andrew and Vince, trying to get a picture but both boys were fussing

After the reunion we headed back towards Boston to spend a few nights on Cape Cod. Lot's of time in the car, lots of trying to keep Vince entertained, happy, and car sick free.... we finally made it to our hotel.... and immediately went to the pool.

Noelle, Vince and Andrew cruising around in their floaties

Vince was able to finally use his awesome Baptism gift!! He was the Big Time Operator of the Bulldozer floatie.... it was a hit

Snack Time at the Beach! The boys stuff their faces with pineapple.... definitely a scene worth remembering. Andrew has a *super* appetite, that boy can put it away. Mike really wanted to get him a t-shirt saying "I AM the Brut squad" but Neal and Lisa beat him to it, too cute!!


Vince loved waiting for the waves to tickle his toes!! He didn't mind that the water was totally and completely frigid!



Mike thought it was brilliant for him to bury Vince from the waste up!! That way he couldn't crawl around and get into trouble!


Ok, how do I get outta here!!?


We ended our time on Cape Cod with some fun bike riding along the Cape Cod Rail Trail. Vince loves his bike seat, here's a pic I was able to get while riding along next to my boys.... shouldn't have attempted to do it, almost crashed.

Family Shot along the Trail, we ended up doing about 10 miles.. boy I'm out of shape!!

Click here to see all the photos of our fun trip!!

3rd Anniversary, and the T-Shirt Tradition

Yesterday Mike and I celebrated our third anniversary! It's been an awesome 3 years of marriage with Mike, he's the best thing that's ever happened to me; he's my hero and true love and I can't wait to spend many many more anniversaries with him!! We had a nice evening out at dinner, and then came back home and watched one of our Netflix movies (that has been sitting there for 4 months). I felt giddy about the idea of watching a movie again, and working through our Netflix que! How's that for how long it's been.

When we thought back on what we were doing at this time last year, our memories got fuzzy... as we were totally sleep deprived new parents to a 1 week old little Vince! To see the picture from last year click here; I must say we look a little more held together than I remember being.

Now, on to the t-shirt tradition. When Vince was born we took a picture and posted it of him in his Daddy's t-shirt.... and we plan on taking a picture every year in that same t-shirt until he basically doesn't let us do it anymore! I predict that's how this tradition will end up dying out... when Vince has had enough of it. Until then....

Vince: 2 weeks old

Vince: 12 months old

Vince's First Christmas Part 1: Christmas Eve

Ok, time to recap on our first family Christmas! My motivation comes mainly from the fact that Vince obviously won't remember any of it when he's older and would probably like a description (some day), and also that I got an unexpected day off today..... so I have some time. Although why I decided to forgo sending him to daycare anyway I will never understand. I mean I totally love the boy, and I was thinking I would miss him if he went, but now I wish I would have sent him with Mike this morning so I could have at least a few hours of me time. Lesson learned: it's ok to utilize daycare even if I'm home for a day! Anyway, I've deviated from the Christmas theme so let me get back on track.

I ended up having to work on Christmas Eve day so we didn't leave Boston until 2:30pm, which would still normally be a great time only that it was raining almost the whole way to New York and we hit some heavy traffic for a while. What would usually be a 3 hour drive turned into 4 1/2 hours.... but we rolled in right at 7pm and Mike's family was waiting for us pretty much with knives and forks (and drinks) in hand ready to eat when we got there. Mike's mother is a FANTASTIC cook and had an amazing traditional Italian Christmas spread of appetizers available, while the main course included a Baccala Salad, and Linguini with clams. Italians traditionally have a Feast of the 7 Fishes on Christmas Eve, and Mike's mother outdoes herself every year with amazing recipes. She did announce however, that she's only doing this for another few years and someone else has to take over!

Each year there is a Christmas grab bag that usually is done by Mike's nieces Michelle and Erica-it consists of little presents that everyone gets to pick out of the bag... usually included in these presents are such prizes as tea bags, mints, whistles, etc. This year the Christmas grab bag has been taken over by Amelia and Melina so here's a picture of them going around and letting people pick out presents.

Mike picked out this ornament of Oscar the Grouch, while I picked out a valuable ear plug (only one mind you... the second one was missing), and Vince got some Altoid mints

Vince got pretty good at pulling the wrapping paper off of presents.... I missed the next shot of him putting this all in his mouth

Here's a picture with Pop Pop and his three grandchildren that represent the Swiss and German side of the family, like the United Nations!

Can you find the Swiss, German, and Italian flags in this picture?

Vince sporting his 'My first Christmas' pajamas.. shortly before heading to bed Christmas Eve

We failed to get any sort of Christmas family photo with Vince, maybe I'll try to get one with the cats before we take down the Christmas tree!

Weekend in Schenectady

This weekend was one of Mike's cousin's wedding receptions, so we packed up the car Friday night and headed to Schenectady for the weekend. After this trip I think we've learned that Vince's limit in the car is pretty much 3 hours. We've realized that we need to load him up with milk, change his diaper, stick the pacifier in his mouth, and then immediately get him in the car and shove off for our destination. He's a pretty good little traveler while we're on the freeway. As soon as the car slows down however, or God forbid we have to stop at a light, he'll begin to protest. He makes it very clear that he does not like traffic lights. I've heard this same thing goes on with my other friends babies too.... I have to admit I've done a few California Rolls through some stop signs just to keep Vince satisfied. Does anyone have other ideas that help them get through crying while in the car?

Mike has somewhere around 26 cousins, so I wasn't surprised when I hadn't met the cousin whose celebration it was for. We stayed with his Aunt Perina and Uncle Tony, so Vince got to meet his some of his Schenectady family.....

Aunt Perina gives a warm welcome

Cousin Julie got lots of smiles from Vince

Fun at the wedding reception

Singing some karaoke along with Gino and Paul

Meanwhile Vince's Pop Pop was cutting a rug with Uncle Paul and.... who is that woman?

Pop Pop and Uncle Tony resting after a hard day of partying (probably about 7pm)

Recap From this Week

It's Friday night, and me and Mike are home... and this is ok with both of us! We had a friend over for dinner which was nice, and it's been a mellow night after a busy week.

It started out last weekend with us driving to Connecticut to visit Mike's Uncle Tony and Aunt Nanucci. They were both so excited for the surprise visit, with Aunt Nanucci continuously pinching Vince's cheeks and getting him to smile at her. After the visit we headed back to Boston, with Mike's parents following behind.

Visiting Uncle Tony and Aunt Nanucci

We stopped along the way in Sturbridge to eat at the historic Publick House; where Vince quickly made friends with the group seated next to us. At one point the lady at the table belted out an "I love you, baby!" to Vince and everyone in the restaurant because he was taking all the bait she was dishing out to get him to smile at her.

Then on Tuesday I started back to work. The first day back was like a reunion... being able to see my patients and co-workers again made it an easier transition from staying home with Vince. It was also easier to leave that morning because Vince was still asleep... so I didn't have to leave him while he was awake and being his cute self. I'll be working three days a week: Mon, Wed, and Fri so hopefully it'll be a good balance and still give me time to hang out with my son during the week. I didn't work this Wednesday though so I was able to visit with Mike's parents during the day a little bit.

Wednesday started out with the adventure of riding the subway with Vince for the first time, as we headed over to the hotel where Mike's parents were staying. I took our gargantous stroller with me on the T as well, and it was during rush hour commuting... so I knew it would be a challenge. As the train came, I waited patiently to let everyone else on, and then I politely asked if there was more room as I just pushed the stroller on to the train. People grumbled and gave me dirty looks but sure enough there was adequate room.

Mike's mom and I visited Baby Gap and she bought a cute overalls outfit complete with a cap for Vince to look sharp in... see picture below.

Dinner in the North End

The rest of the week went by pretty quickly as well. I took Vince to his second 'Itsy Bitsy Yoga' class on Thursday. This is where they teach moms poses to put your baby in. Different poses that help with soothing or digestion or whatnot. He smiles through most of the poses but I think it's because of the songs that they teach us to sing while we are doing the poses with them. There was one move where you bounce your baby from knee to knee, and your neighbor does the same with their baby. As a result the babies end up looking at each other... Vince loved this and let out a few giggles whenever he was face to face with the neighbor on his left. I was sitting next to the instructor so when I put him on my right knee he was face to face with a plastic doll... he was pretty perplexed at this and just stared blankly when he saw the doll!! It was pretty funny.

Anyway, that wraps up the week. We plan on having a mellow weekend as well, just enjoying the last days of sunny weather as it gets cooler here in Boston.

Vince is 3 months old

We can hardly believe it's been three months that we have had our little one with us, but when we look at him it's so apparent how much he has changed and grown, showing how much time has gone by! He's smiling so much more, and really starting to laugh as well. He makes cute little squeaks and giggles when he is smiling, and he starts kicking his legs like he's in a Thai kick boxing tournament. If you start to talk to him he really gets going, kicking like champ!

Mike's mother had a conference here in Boston this week so we got to spend some time together, although they left a day early because Mike's sister Lisa had her baby last night! They had a little boy and named him Andrew Joseph, you can see pictures on their blog La Vita è Bella. Vince is excited to meet his new cousin so they can team up and tease Andrew's big sister Noelle.

Here's some recent pictures of Vince, we tried him out on his baby bumbo and he really liked it!

This kid's amazing, already grabbing for toys! He just started realizing he has hands

Lunch at the Oyster House with Nonna and Pop Pop

More pictures of California Visit

Vince got to meet the rest of his family while we were out in California! We had a nice time staying at my brother Eric's house in Highland. They put us up in their cabana so we had the whole place to ourselves.... but I think maybe they did that so they wouldn't hear Vince screaming for food in the middle of the night. They are smart people! We also got to swim in my brother's pool and meet their two German Shepards Karma and Kismet. We didn't put Vince in the pool yet but next time he's at his Uncle's house he'll be the first one in the pool.

Eric and Michael making a gourmet dinner for us

Eric introduces Vince to one of the dogs

Grampa says hello

Auntie PJ helps entertain Vince

Auntie Renee got a hug too!

Summer Vacation cont'd: Hanging out in California

Vince and I stayed at my mom's house in Glendale for a few days and he got to meet everyone in the neighborhood and part of his California family.

Vince and our neighbor Barbara, she got lots of smiles out of him

Sleeping on the couch after a long day of visiting

Getting a bath in Grandma's sink

Jim, his mommy's Godfather

Vince with Grandpa Marshall

Strolling through Descanso Gardens

Old friends from Buster's Coffee Shop