Baby's first meat sauce

Papa John and Grandma Linda couldn't wait to meet Marco John, so they hopped in the car to make the trek from Ventura. They arrived (meat sauce in tow) Tuesday and left Wednesday.

Marco made quite the impression being well behaved and charming for the speedy visit. In fact, he was SO charming that Papa John even held him (this is some sort of record, he never does that). Luckily when Linda held him, Papa John was there to provide tips that only a father of four can provide like "Don't drop him" and "Watch his head." ;)Yes, this is a picture of the incredible meal Linda made. I thought this was a normal thing for about 25 years before Jeff told me that other families don't take pictures of a good meal. Ha! Who knew? I thought this was standard. But guess who took this picture? Jeff. That's right. We've converted him.

The trip was very appreciated. Marco can't wait to visit them on the Poseidon.

Babies of the Far East (Bay)

Yesterday, Team Cecchin braved the tunnel and headed out to the Far East Bay. Marco was nagging me to see the new babies out there. He has two new friends who were born within hours of him (crazy huh?), Ashlie was born hours before with her birthday on the 22nd and Willa was born hours after sharing her birthday with our little prince on the 23rd.

We started in Walnut Creek and met Wilhelmina "Willa" Jean Braden who is a tiny little princess. Marco was an incredible gentlemen letting her hit him and push him around. He outweighs her by about three pounds, so she was feeling very petite and feminine. Alexis' Grandma Jean stopped by and said that she had called my Grandma to congratulate her on her new great grandson, which I thought was really sweet.

Jeff calls this the "roller coaster picture." He also wanted to know why I was dressing our son in old man Florida resortwear. I love this outfit! (Thanks cousin Joey!) Look at Willa's hat on her tiny head. Ahhhh...

Next, we headed out to Danville to meet the first girl Mulry (I think since 1898 in Ireland)... Ashlie Grace Mulry. Ashlie is quite the sleeping beauty and didn't give Marco the time of day. Playing hard to get already.

Best Night Ever

The last 12 hours have been so great I had to write a Haiku poem about it. I'm not sure if Haiku poems have titles but mine does...

8pm - 8am (that's the title)

Tri-tip and great wine
Marco sleeps quietly through
Good day family

Jeff

What's up Doc?

We went to the doctor yesterday (again!) and Marco passed with flying colors. The Andreottis will be happy to know that he's officially a member of our secret society - the G.L.E.C.s (The Good Little Eaters Club). Damn, secret's out.He's gained three more ounces which puts him back up to 7 pounds, 5.5 ounces. Nine more ounces and we can "let" him sleep through the night. Ha! He's only been waking up once a night, so it hasn't been too bad.

After finding out Marco is perfect, we headed down to Burlingame for dinner at Christina and Brendan Jacobson's house. We hadn't seen their adorable little bungalow and they hadn't seen Marco. We proceeded to be those annoying people who only talk about babies as we enjoyed dinner (and wine! Wahoo!)

I'm sorry... your name again?

Friends, friends, friends...

It's hard to be born popular. Marco has been treated to MANY visitors over the past few days. He's having a hard time keeping everyone straight! I told him to try to use their name three times after they're introduced.

In an impromptu visit, Jack, Katie and Brooke D'Angelo, Heather, Taki and Nikos Romios, Brad, Ali and Avery Jefferson and Grammy stopped by. Jeff and I had been looking for a reason to pop a 1996 Dom Perignon we'd been holding onto.... and Marco is it! Jeff gave a nice toast and we chased our fabulous (it's true what they say) champagne with apple pie from the famous Bakesale Betty in Oakland. Yum!

Obviously, Marco was flattered and impressed with the wine choice (I mean, sheer size of the bottle alone).

Last night, Chuck, Gina, Makenzie and Sadie Eggert came by with brownies and Gordo's Burritos. I think the visit was just an excuse for them to eat Gordo's. They love that. In fact, I think Sadie's middle name is Gordo. Sadie Gordo.

Makenzie was very excited to meet Marco who she already has a pet name for, "Ojo." She exclaimed "Baby! Baby!" trying to grab him before something else caught her eye. "TV! TV!" So there you go. Trumped by the invention of the TV. So much for older women Marco.

And now batting fourth...

Grandpa's lineup came to visit today and Marco was quite impressed. He loved the volume and was happy to meet his cousins Joseph "Joey" Ignatius, Thomas "Tommy" Arthur and Clara Jane.

Grandma and Grandpa were excited to have everyone together (Boy, boy, girl, boy... sound familiar?) and I'm sure just as happy to go home.

Thanks for the visit!

Marco's first 2 days

I changed the video slightly. Sorry if I deleted your comments. Thanks to Animoto.com for making this cheap and easy.

Introducing Mr. Marco John Cecchin...

Jeff and I are home tonight with Marco in tow. Everyone at Kaiser Oakland (whoop whoop) was SO amazing and exceeded our very high expectations. Cheers to them! That said, we were happy to get home after 36 hours there. We've already enjoyed a three-hour family nap, lunch and swing assembly. Home life never felt so good. It's pouring rain and we're happy to cocoon here for awhile.


Tonight I also toast (with a real beer I might add) my fabulous and funny husband, who thankfully, is an incredible Mr. Mom, my Mom (newly named "Grammy") and Dina for being at the birth. Everyone has been so supportive with visits and calls, packages and kisses. We're truly blessed with the best family and friends in the world. Oh, and I would be remiss to not thank the inventor of the epidural and the ipod, the best birth companions.

When my family in Italy met Jeff for the first time, they laughed that from all the Americans, that I would choose one that looks like an Italian. So, now onto the show, I'm sure you'll agree that it's obvious that I'm the least Italian of the three as I look at my new family.

The washing of his flowing locks... And a shout out to Niko... Thanks for the clothes!

Marco!

Today our son, Marco John Cecchin, was born at 1:05 a.m. in Oakland. He was 7 pounds 14 ounces and 20 1/4 inches long. He has a full head of long dark hair. Sarah and Marco are both doing great. I was very impressed with Sarah and never more in love with her. I'm excited about our family and can't wait to see all of you and introduce the new guy. Thanks for all your support.
Jeff

Touchdown!

The "boys" came over Sunday for football. Jeff is excited to have Baby Cecchin join Niko and Tommy soon so they can pass out together after all the football, chicken wings and beer. Niko flaunted his golden locks and Tommy showed off his sitting up.

Tommy and Niko wagered on the game. Stakes were high, bottles and binkies. Sadly, they weren't awake long enough to see who won.

Nursery's all dressed up with nowhere to go.

Day four... and maternity leave suits me quite nicely! I'm feeling accomplished, rested and not at all bored. I'm so efficient. List of accomplishments:

1. Shopping, exchanging, returning...
2. Relaxing.
3. Cooking for Jeff. Chicken Cacciatore is on the menu tonight if I ever figure out this darn blog formatting.
4. Lunch with friends (four this week!) I've already booked a day next week - get on my calendar before this baby comes.
5. Completed nursery. Be very impressed. LOVE how it came out. Well, almost complete. The shutters were back ordered AGAIN, but they knocked off another $50, so it's hard to complain. Eight more delays and they're free!

6. And finally, on your mark, get set, commence blog.

We were able to get the glider using gift cards from family and friends!

Changing table from the Vellutini family and the crib was a gift from my co-workers!

The artwork (including the balloon painting which inspired the whole dot theme) are all from my nursery when I was a baby. Thanks Grandma Pam!

The "M" is a gift from Gina Guerrini Woods (painted and antiqued) who also placed all the dots while Jeff did the picture hanging and furniture assembly and I sat in the glider, entertained baby Jack, ate bon bons and barked out orders.