The porcelain god

I started the week with a full night's sleep and a peaceful shower. I know, weird, right? Just as I was about to look in the mirror and yell WHO THE HELL ARE YOU AND WHAT HAVE YOU DONE WITH MY LIFE, Michael called to tell me that Gabriella had been puking all morning, in case I had forgotten who I was all the way down there at the Holiday Inn in Raleigh.

I had planned to fly home that evening but returned that afternoon instead to revive Gabriella from her cartoon coma with a bath and bedtime stories.

So then the next night I received a text message from Michael at work telling me in no uncertain terms that he too had the stomach bug. And I wanted to go, seriously? I know I should be sympathetic, but really? THE BABY COULD BE NEXT!

Let me tell you about the next 24 hours where Michael and Dominic perfected a chorus of vomit in between sips of Gatorade and Pedialyte while Gabriella handed out bandaids and Fisher Price Medical Kit injections. 

So I finally get to Friday with the family intact, and I'm trying not to feel cocky because my immune system, I don't know, kicks a lot of ass, when I wake up in the middle of the night with immobilizing nausea. OH YES I DID. 

I don't think I need to tell you how this story ends.

Hey batta batta batta

I've written about Dominic's first fantasy football draft, curse of the bambino and seventh-inning stretch. Now the kid's learned to heckle. And I mean, HECKLE. Like a fan drunk on cheap beer, leaning over the rail and calling the ump Mr. Magoo.

Count down

Courtesy of Polka Dot Design

Cool cat

Michael's Aunt Nancy met Dominic for the second time earlier this month and fawned over him as the women do. As you can see, he seems to take the attention in stride.

The gift of Domi

Sunday afternoon we walked a block and a half for Dominic's baptism at the local Catholic church. The ceremony included my new favorite prayer:

God has brought joy to all mothers, as they see the hope of eternal life shine on in their children. May he bless the mother of this child. She now thanks God for the gift of her child. May she be one with her son in thanking God for ever in heaven.

Then we ate antipasto, bruschetta, chicken salad, mini hotdogs, popcorn and bacon-wrapped scallops at home with family and friends. Oh! And the men stood around admiring the features of our baby monitor as if it were the latest iPod touch and singing Happy Birthday a cappella to Gabriella because she asked them to.

All I want for Christmas

I used to wonder what type of person asks Santa for two front teeth. But now I'm sleep deprived. Beyond sleep deprived. Because I live with a baby who is cutting his two front teeth. So Santa? Can you please bring me two front teeth? Soon, DAMMIT!

Drawing the line

Gabriella got herself into a whole lot of trouble today with her father. The crime: bouncing up and down on her brother. LIKE A KANGAROO she later told me. Dominic usually puts up with his sister's rough ways, I think because he finds her so damn entertaining. But the other night Dominic was rolling around the living room minding his own business when Gabriella lassoed his head with a pink headband. I grabbed the camera and he looked up as if to say, seriously Mom, you too? Where's Dad?

Curse of the Bambino

The year we got married the Boston Red Sox won the World Series after an 86-year drought. When Gabriella was born, the Red Sox won the World Series again. Now that it’s Dominic’s turn the Yankees win the World Series. The NEW YORK FUCKING YANKEES.

We’re stunned. Domi’s pissed.

An Interview with Domi

1. What is your favorite food? Apples and Sweet Potatoes
2. What is your least favorite food? Peas and Green Beans
3. What makes you happy? Drooling, Banging, Jumping
4. What makes you mad? Socks
5. What is your favorite song? Gabriella's cover of MJ's "Thriller"
6. What tickles you? Llama Llama Red Pajama
7. What fascinates you? My hands
8. What is your favorite way to start the day? Lounging around in bed with Mama
9. What is your favorite way to end the day? Splashing in the tub
10. If you had to give all your toys away except one, which one would you keep? My Zebra Clacker

Two Divas and a Sock Monkey

For Halloween Gabriella dressed up as her favorite storybook diva, Fancy Nancy, and I dressed up as my favorite pop diva, Madonna. Obviously neither one of us subscribes to Coco Chanel’s advice on accessories: always take one thing off before leaving the house. And Domi? We dressed him up as an old-fashioned sock monkey. Because we can.

Doodling and Daydreaming

You know on a date when suddenly you realize HE'S THE ONE! Soon you're doodling your new signature and daydreaming about happily every after. DOODLING AND DAYDREAMING. Who has the time? Not me, now that happily ever after is here and kicking my ass with her mountains of laundry and months of sleep deprivation. But, by god, if this shot doesn't make me want to sprinkle glitter down Pacific Coast Highway from the window of my convertible pink Barbie Dream Car.

Bookworm

This shot was taken moments after Gabriella returned her first library book.

What can I say? The kid loves books.

She's trying to turn her brother into a bookworm.

So far it isn't working. Dominic is far more interested in grabbing, banging, even eating books than he is in reading them, with one very adorable exception.

Real Men Wear Pink

Dominic ate his first vegetable today. Pureed carrots.

He's pretty much the man around here, pink bib and all.

Notice anything different?

Nope, not the hair. Nope again, not the outfit. The mouth, people, the mouth. Here is Dominic days after CUTTING HIS FIRST TWO TEETH!

Of course, when I try to take a picture of them, he just looks at me, all, yeah, I wasn't born yesterday.

Or he sticks his tongue out.

Kid, as long as you don't bite me while nursing, we're good.

The Draft

Dominic had his first fantasy football draft today. Here's how it went down.

First round draft pick consultation.
Tom Brady. DONE.

BREAKING NEWS.

Belichick evasive on Tom Brady's SORE THROWING SHOULDER.

No, SERIOUSLY. Dude, is this a joke?

Because I'm new here, guys. Don't I get a DO OVER?

Showdown

I love the look on both faces.

Dominic daring to touch the cat but looking to me for backup. Nola--who tolerates Gabriella's pouncing, squeezing and general roughhousing--deciding if she will extend the same courtesy to the newest member of our brood.

I love my mother's reaction to this photo even more.

From: Nana B.

Sent: Friday, August 28, 2009 9:11 AM

Honest to goodness, Tara. WHEN are you going to get rid of that potoire. I literally gasped when I opened the picture. Shana angel doesn't realize what is lying next to him and just LOOK at how that mangy creature is looking at my precious cherub. WHY do you let that cat so close to the kids?

In my mother's defense, she is not an animal hater. She's simply terrified of cats.

Domi's first night in his crib.

Finally.

We bought a crib last week, from Walmart, to celebrate Dominic's five-month birthday. It converts into a toddler bed, day bed, even full-size bed. We spent less than $200 on it. That includes shipping.

I know. Far cry from Gabriella's designer Bratt Decor crib we purchased months before she was born. But it's a recession. He's a second child. And we're smarter this time around.


The Serena and Lily bedding? Not so recession friendly, but I did buy it on sale. Go, Mom! And it features the most adorable parade of elephants, giraffes and lions in silhouette.

So, good night, baby boy.


Sweet dreams.

Don't make mommy put you in this in the morning.