TURKEY DAY 2008

Dear Baby,

The whole Leonardo family can't wait to meet you...especially your two sweet nieces Josephine and Eleanor. We had so much fun cooking, eating, playing at the park, eating some more :), and being with our wonderful family on Thanksgiving! Mommy can't hide you under her apron anymore :) and I know you smelled those artichoke hearts!

Daddy did a great job cutting his first turkey! We can't wait to celebrate one of our favorite holidays with our own little one this time next year. So much fun to show you and so many wonderful people to love you!!

Grandma Messmer is Comin' to Town!

Little one,

As if you didn't already know by the smells of Christmas cookies and spaghetti....Grandma Messmer is here to visit and make lots of yummy food for Mommy, Daddy, and Baby too. She is helping us get ready for all the fun we're going to have on Christmas. She can't wait to meet you!!

And thank you to Grandma for helping Mommy wash ALL of Baby's clothes and blankets and get even more done for the nursery. Those little socks were out favorites :)

Creating Baby's Nursery

Time to put all of our baby nursery imaginations to work! Daddy spent a LOT of time making the nursery just PERFECT for Baby! He painted, put up a chair railing, and hung curtains for Mommy - all under the watchful eye of Stanford. Daddy sure is wonderful!! Mommy tried to help with the curtains but Stanford was more interested in cuddling. Oh Stanford!

We'll show you the final product of Daddy's hard work a little later, little one. We know you'll love it! It is GORGEOUS and just waiting for our little sweet pea!

Halloween in the Leonardo Clan

Dear Baby,

Just think...next year Mommy and Daddy will be as excited to dress you up as we are to dress up your big brother Stanford! :) He was not only an Ewok for Halloween this year but then decided he would also spend half the night as a Notre Dame quarterback. Daddy was very proud!

Elephant Ears and Corndogs

Well...not for Mommy, but Daddy sure did enjoy them! The North Carolina State Fair was in town so we wanted to introduce you to all the noise, flashing lights, and favorite foods we wait for all year :).

I think the animals will be your favorites, especially the cows! Or maybe the piglets?!

Daddy can't wait to introduce you to HIS favorite...the corn on the cob!

Daddy's First Project

Dear Sweet Pea,

I thought you would enjoy seeing your Daddy's success in his very first "Baby Building" project. We received your high chair from a very sweet friend of Mommy's and Daddy was so excited that he decided to put it together that evening.

Your high chair now stands proudly in wait for you in the corner of our breakfast nook. And your big brother Stanford anxiously awaits your use of the chair (and NOT the tray...all "extra" food can be tossed to the floor for cleaning purposes :)).

Great job Daddy! Just wait til you see the magic he's creating in your nursery! :) We can't wait for you to be here!!!

The Most Gorgeous Baby Shower

Never before has Baby Leonardo (and Mommy) been surrounded by so much love and so many amazing women all in one space at one time!

Adelle and Stephanie hosted the most gorgeous baby shower I have ever attended and helped make the most wonderful memories for Mom-to-be and for our Sweet Pea (who kicked nearly the entire shower out of sheer joy! :)) Thank you to Adelle, Stephie, Grandma Munchkin, Bing, AM, and Jess for making Saturday such a special day. I love you all so very much! From the baby cupcakes to the precious wood baby hangers decorated and signed with love by all of the ladies, to the sage green and light brown favor cradle and (Adelle you are amazing!) every detail was breathtaking and perfect!

Thank you also to all who traveled from near and far. Your love, friendship, encouragement, and support throughout my entire life has led me through so many amazing life adventures and this next step was not complete without sharing the excitement with you all!

With the amazing gifts we received Mommy and Daddy are ready more now then ever for the arrival of our little Sweet Pea. Thank you once again to everyone for all of your advice, support and LOVE!