Ode to Super Ute

Before the 10 months of baby growing is completed I feel compelled to honor my uterus on this baby blog. If it weren't for this beautiful (and amazing) organ this blog would never have come to exist!
Many of you may (or may not) know about the surgery I had last fall and the extreme trauma that was forced upon my uterus to remove six massive tumors. My uterus and I formed a very special relationship over that ordeal and despite being told I would most likely have a very difficult time conceiving (if at all) my SUPER UTE (as I have lovingly come to call it :)) came through not only the surgery but a painstaking recovery and now more then 7 months of baby growing. The power of a body's resilience leaves me speechless!
My family had previously named my uterus Scar Ute (thank you brothers! :)) but from here forward the amazing organ only deserves the utmost respect. I'm chalking up this incredible journey to lots of long pep talks and an incredible thing called Piciulo genes. For those of you who know the Piciulo line of women from whom I have descended you KNOW that I only speak the truth.
So I raise my glass (of apple cider of course!) to my wonderful uterus and all it has done over the last year. My words of thanks can't truly express my deepest gratitude!

My Own Personal Pumpkin!

PUMPKINS GALORE!! It's that time of year! And I am one of the lucky few to have my own personal "pumpkin" right here with me for the season! :)

As Halloween nears and my belly continues to expand, I wonder if I should consider decorating my personal pumpkin...it's perfectly round, and ideal for a toothy grin...now I'll just have to figure out where to attach a stem?!

FYI...I'm not the size of the pumpkins below just yet!

(Family prepare for Christmas when I very well may be! :))

FALL IS HERE!!

Dear Baby Leonardo,In case it isn't obvious by Mommy's euphoria every time we are outside, welcome to her most FAVORITE time of year! Cool, crisp nights and beautiful sunny days...and although you can't see it yet, I'll describe all of the gorgeous colors for you and can't wait to show you everything this time next year.

We took Baby Leonardo to the Adirondacks to visit with Grandma and Grandpa. You made them VERY happy kicking like crazy whenever they would rub Mommy's tummy! There is no more beautiful place on this earth then our wonderful 4th Lake and Adirondack Mountains...Mommy and Daddy feel like we're in heaven when we're there. And it was our first chance to get cozy by a fire (thanks Grandpa!).

We loved the boat rides on the lake and getting to see Uncle Pauly and Aunt Diane too!!

You were kicking away when we took you down to the lake to play with Brother Stanford so Daddy had to get a picture of you with the mountains in the background. We love you more then anything little one!!!

Baking with "Martha Stewart"

Cousin Jennifer (aka Martha Stewart! :) came to visit Baby Leonardo and taught Mommy and Baby how to bake a real apple pie from scratch. Gotta love early mornings at the Farmer's Market for those perfect apples too! And of course we had to throw in some butter flavored Crisco for the best chocolate chip cookies EVER created! Cousin Jennifer should come and stay with us more often!! Lots of love and full tummies for a very wonderful weekend!!
And Baby says thank you again for his/her first bunny book! :)

Our Very Favorite Evenings

For Mommy and Daddy there is nothing more wonderful then a quiet evening, sitting with big brother-to-be Stanford, and feeling our little one dance around in Mommy's belly. Without a word you bring us true and utter happiness already; our little family of four!
Your Daddy loves you so much sweet pea and is always rubbing Mommy's baby belly, talking to you and telling you all kinds of stories. Your favorite bed time story so far is your new "Notre Dame First Words" book he reads to you at night. :)
We are so excited to meet you in 4.5 months. We love every little kick you send and we send hugs and kisses right back.

First Notre Dame Tailgate

Daddy didn't think it was quite authentic enough to just have you listening to the Notre Dame fight song on cd so he decided to take you to your very first ND football game (and tailgate of course!).

Mommy decked out the Baby Belly in her favorite ND football fashion (shamrock tattoos always :)) and Uncle Michael and Aunt Anne Marie got to share a burger (or two :)) with you while Daddy and Uncle Michael threw the football.

Mommy and Daddy know you're going to be a football fan because you kicked like crazy every time our team scored a touchdown! Or maybe it was Mommy's excitement in being only two feet away from the players on the field (thanks for the field level tickets Daddy! Always doing it up in style! :))

Mommy and Daddy prayed for you little one at the Grotto and got a special hug from Father Thomas who loves you already! We can't wait to show you this very special place someday soon!

Cheers, cheers for old Notre Dame!!!!

Two Weddings and a Hurricane

Baby Leonardo has now attended two weddings and lived through a hurricane :) He/she has loved the cake but not so much the heels (or maybe that's just Mommy talking :))

Uncle Marky's wedding in June when Sweet Pea was only 12 weeks old and Mom's friend Meredith's wedding down in Key West, FL when he/she was 20 weeks old.

Baby Leonardo loved the sounds of the wind and rain from Hurricane Gustav while we were in Key West (even though it was scary for mom and dad!)

Thank goodness we're back on dry land!