Marco's Musical Influence

I realize that this post isn't for everybody, but I had to show these pictures side by side. There was always something about the "faux hawk" picture on the right that seemed very familar to me. I had to do some digging but I think I came up with it. This is the cover of a CD from a singer/songwriter that has been in a couple bands that I've liked since college. I know a few people who check the blog have this album.
I'm sure Marco is going to have to change his hair before his first job interview, but for now I think it's pretty cool.

Smiley boy.

We're loving all the smiles we're getting.

Jeff asked how I get Marco to smile, if I really do 'goo goo ga ga'. I said, "No, he likes sarcasm."

Thank you! Good night! Tip your waitresses.

See what I did there? I used "sarcasm" as sarcasm. Get it? See? Clever huh?

Bigger than a golden statue.

Later that night, we headed across the street to Brad & Ali's for sake and the Oscars. Their daughter Avery is ten days older than Marco.

She is a very good eater (some advanced non-Andreotti GLEC society) and outweighs Marco by a couple pounds. And Marco's rockin' at least a few ounces in hair. Avery is not cheating on that count. You can't tell that Marco is smaller too much here because I made Jeff put Marco closer to the camera. Ha!

Is this what they mean by co-sleeping?

Bros before Hos & Outstanding Contributor

Once again, Marco is happy to meet boy (pause) friends! My co-workers Kristin and Nduta came to visit last Sunday and Nduta brought her son T.K. His style nearly put Marco's to shame because he's rockin' the fro-hawk. So, the hawk brothers (faux and fro) took some shots.

Kristin ("Boss Lady") gave Marco a review. A month old and already an outstanding contributor! That means that he's eligible for a 10% raise. He was so happy. And tired... judging from this photo.

Kristin and Nduta came with gossip and food in tow. A very nice visit.

Zzzzzzzzzzzzzz...........

It's Marco's one month birthday and to show his appreciation for a month well done, as a gift to us , he decided to sleep through the night!

It was a fabulous surprise and we couldn't have asked for anything better. We put him down around 8pm last night and he didn't wake up until 6am! I must confess that he probably would have slept longer except that Jeff and I were hovering over him and short of poking him in the eye, may have rousted him a little early.

Another great development in the Cecchin household! Cheers Marco!

A shoutout to two new friends for Marco!

Our great friends welcome new babies that we can't wait to meet...

Jen & Gus Villafana welcome boy Nicolas James.

Nate & Christine Barulich welcome girl Riley Michelle.

Smilin' when your friends are watching.

I've been noticing this heart-melting phenomenon for almost a week now, but I didn't want to overreact in case it was my imagination. I almost blogged about it on Tuesday when Rick and Alexis saw it because I felt it was legitimized, but now I feel totally legit. Marco smiled at me! And the camera.


I hope you're not driving because this may cause you to drive off the road with incredible delight. Can you STAND this?

Sorry the pictures are so terrible. It is hard to hold the baby with one hand and the camera with the other while you ga ga goo goo to provoke laughter.

Marco likes worms.

Marco is so grown up! He's four weeks old and has shown his first geniune interest in a toy. It's a hand-me-down from my friend Claire at work and her daughter Elan.

Jeff showed Marco the Gloworm and he was MESMERIZED. Jeff took it away, he cried. Brought it back... MESMERIZED.

So cute!

The M! True Hollywood Story

People have been emailing and asking for more details about how things are going, so here are the in-depth Marco deets, uncensored.

Sleeping. Marco sleeps great at night. He's like me at night. He sleeps in about four hour stretches or more. So usually we feed him at 10 or 11 and put him down. He sleeps until about 3, eats and goes right back down until 7 or 8. All in all, not a bad nights work. And he's been in his own bedroom for about a week now!

I think he's like his Dad during the day. He wants to be the last one at the party. Even when he's so tired that he can barely keep his eyes open, he keeps jolting back to life and wanting to be a part of the day. Jeff and I assure him that we won't do anything fun while he's asleep and we can do lots of things once he wakes up. Sometimes this works. Other times, he screams while Jeff walks up and down the stairs in our house until he falls asleep. He likes stairs. Boy was he born in the right house.

Miracle baby items. Not buyin' it. Maybe he's a little too young yet for all his fabulous gifts and hand-me-downs, but he's not fooled by the swing or the vibrating chair unless you trick him into it and put him into them when he's asleep. We have not given up hope that these will continue to be saviors, but so far, not so good.

As you may know, Marco is a bundle of energy and NEVER stops moving. The miracle blanket is great if you can get him to stop moving long enough to get him into it. I bought the Kiddopotamus velcro version and that has been great. Less effort required to wrestle down his little kicking arms and legs. After he's burritoed (it's a word!) he's happy to settle down... or cry until he suddenly falls asleep.

Jeff tried the Baby Bjorn for the first time this morning. First attempt - success. Fell asleep curled up against Jeff's chest. I'm looking for one in my size.

Walking and driving. Loves it. Jeff says the neighbors about four houses around us in each direction thinks he screams on the entire walk or drive because he hates being put in his bucket. But he loves the motion and is right away happy and contented... or asleep.

Bathing and showering. The first two baths were cryfests. Then Dina told us maybe we weren't making the water warm enough, so we kicked it up a notch. You should have seen the unabashed pleasure he experienced. He stretched out his arms and legs and just floated and cooed. It was probably the cutest thing we've ever seen.

Jeff and I are always very clean and I'm blowdried because Marco loves the sound of the shower and the hair dryer. We sit him in his chair and he just chills in the bathroom while we get ready. He does not love the sound of putting on makeup or getting dressed, so you will still find me "fresh faced" and in sweats. :)

Style. If you couldn't tell, Marco is just about the most stylish baby on the block. He's been rockin the faux hawk the past few days and it's just about the cutest thing you've ever seen (pic at top right), as if he wasn't cute enough before. And he's so urban chic. All the clothes that he fits in now are vintage (thanks Joey and Niko!)

Dunt, dun, na na, dunt, dun, na na (that's the THS theme song, fade to black)

Continental Breakfast

Jackson and Julia came by to meet Marco and have some French Toast. Jackson is 5 now and continues get taller and smarter. We've known Jackson since he was one day old so we wanted him to meet Marco ASAP so they can have the same history together. Today we talked about sports, friends, and building different environments. We counted to 10 in almost four languages (stumped on some Swahili,) named all seven continents and the land that connects or waterways that separate them, and discussed hand eye coordination. We've spent more time with Jackson than any other child so the bar is set pretty high for Marco. After he wakes up, Marco and I are going to work on his 7 times tables.

Hey... I know these ladies.

Grammy and Gr-Grandma came for a visit Saturday, so Marco and I took them down to the Farmer's Market. Grammy drove the stroller. We had a great walk and visit, stopping at Starbucks for cappuccinos on the way there and for burritos on the way home.

My Grandma ordered what I ordered and then came out of the closet. "I've never had a burrito before." What? Now, it would be impolite to advertise my Grandma's age, but let's just say, they definitely invented the burrito in her lifetime. The cappuccino was also a first! I mean, even Marco has been to Starbucks...

Practicing for a third.

Enough said.

Walkin' the dog. Oh crap.

Friday, we met Heather, Niko and Bosco for a long walk. On the way back, we stopped at Andronico's for sandwiches. As we neared home, I said, "Uh, Heather, where's Bosco?" "Oh crap." We left him tied up outside of Andronico's! Don't worry, he seemed perfectly happy when we returned to the scene of the crime.

Here are a couple cute shots of the boys. Marco looks petrified. Is Nikos performing a lice check in the second one? Or looking for a bald spot?

In this corner...

Standing more than 20 inches tall and returning to his birth weight.... the incrediiible... the masterrrful... the handsome... Marcoooooooo John!

That's right fans. Marco has returned to his birth weight. A week late, but what the heck. I've shown up to parties later. Well, I've left parties later?

Jeff says that Marco should appreciate this time to pig out since the doctor will never tell him to gain weight again.

He's eating, he's sleeping, he's an all around great guy. Your friend and mine, Marco J.

Oakheezy fo shizzel.

Being born and raised in Oakland, I thought Marco should get a little hardcore. We've gone for muggin in hoodie sweatshirts. In part to intimidate the other newborns on the block and in part because the head cozy takes off beanies while we're on our walks.

Before you ask, yes, I think that may be a gang sign in the first shot.

Say Cheese..... of the Month Club

John and Linda got us the Cheese of the Month Club for Christmas. Every month we get 3 new cheeses from around the world. It's a great gift but there is only one way that I know of to use that much cheese...



This is crushed tomato with basil and gorganzola...

Mozzarella and White Cheddar with cubed pancetta..

And last but not least, classic Margarita...

Thanks to the Romios Family for taste testing. Oh yeah, here's a picture of Marco sleeping so that this post is not all about pizza. If anyone you know needs a furnace, please call. I shouldn't have time to blog in the middle of the day.

Pretty nice little Saturday...

Saturday, we headed down to Gilroy for Marco to meet Jeff's family. It was a very overwhelming day since he got to meet his Great Grandma, cousins, aunts and uncles, but of course, he was fabulous. Here he is charming his Nonna in the four generations photo. Everyone is smiling, so he must've been saying something really sweet. Or maybe telling a joke.

The Gilroy Crew gave Marco a couple pairs of John Deere socks, so he would remember his farming roots. Hee!

Marco got a lesson from his older cousins in bullying. Tommy is shaping up to be quite the playground bully, taking every opportunity to put the smack down on poor Marco. I didn't post the entire portfolio of photos here, but here are just two of the incriminating ones.
Trying to eat Marco. Et tu Clara?
He slept on the drive home and continued to sleep in the bucket. It was such a nice day, Jeff and I decided to make a fabulous dinner. So, he made homemade fettucine pasta and I made an amatriciana sauce and a salad. We got everything prepared waiting for Marco to wake up, so that dinner would be a cinch to put together.

Here's Jeff's fab pasta. Yes, Linda, he used the superfino zero zero flour.

Here's my prep work, which was a well-executed plan.Marco awoke and was very cooperative, sitting quietly in his bouncy chair through dinner. We continue to be very lucky with our little prince!

posted by Sarah

The Positive Place for Kids

A couple of the Boys and Girls Club crew stopped by Friday afternoon for a "Sip and See", that is, cocktails and visiting with Marco. Kristy, Roz and Roz's beautiful daughter Stella enjoyed the deck and the sunshine. Beautiful day!
Roz is due with her second baby at the beginning of June. They are finding out the sex tomorrow with the whole family while they celebrate Chinese New Year! So fun!

Gr-Grandma Alice

Thursday, we headed out to Stockton in the Central Valley (yes Chuck, that's past the tunnel) to meet Marco's Great-Grandma Alice, who called herself "Gr-Grandma." I loved that name. Thought it was very Beastie Boys... Spinderella cut it up one time...

Marco really liked her. In a family full of girls, he really stands out. And plus, we're really bringing the brunette count up among the Kroecks. So hair you go!

On the way out, we ran into her neighbor in the hall. Afterwards, Grandma said, "At least I got to show him off to somebody." Whoops. "Too bad she can barely see. You never know what ails the people around here."

Three strikes and a field goooooooal!

Sunday, we headed to the D'Angelos for Super Bowl. With a name like Marco, I think he probably prefers "futbol" but we decked him out in baseball gear anyway. He's very confused with sports so far. It was a big day with friends and his first spit up... I know, we live the life.

Big Jack D'Angelo upheld the tradition of his father and presented Marco with a vintage baseball. Judging by the look on Marco's face, it was the highlight of his day.

(from left) Marco, Reese Grochol, Nikos Romios & Brooke D'Angelo

Rub-a-Dub Dub...

Marco's in the tub!

We got the go ahead, so baby hit the showers. I don't know who's going to be more mad at me for posting this picture. Marco for making him look like a sissy? Or Jeff for getting so close to him with the camera? Moving on...

When we wet Marco's hair, it became curly! I brushed it out so you can't really tell here. You'll just have to trust me.

Marco was less than pleased with this thing called "bathing." For a moment he seemed to enjoy the warm water and then "BLAH!" Less than enjoyable after that. He was happy to be wrapped up in the warm towel and will consider revisiting cleanliness at a later date.

Marco's Zagat Guide

Marco visited his third restaurant this weekend. His reviews...

1. Juan's Place, Berkeley - This down home Mexican stop boasts carnitas on Fridays, booster seats for the bucket and enjoyable Mariachi music to sleep through.
2. Pyramid Brewery, Berkeley - Nestled among the industrial area of North Berkeley, this local favorite has lots of beers for tasting, a great reason to get out of the house and mediocre service to sleep through. Skip the hefenweizen.
3. The Coffee Mill, Oakland - The "Oldest Coffee House in Oakland" offers locals a warm spot for fresh pastries and coffee. Try the chorizo for a fan favorite. Not a good place to sleep, may cause fussiness in babies.

A Pair of Jacks

More visitors!

Thursday, Mark, Liz, Madison and Jack Farrell treated us to sushi and company. The sushi was a treat for me since I haven't been able to enjoy that for nine months and the company was great too. It'd been awhile since we'd seen "baby" Jack, so we were surprised to see how big he's gotten! Three months, fifteen pounds and is "eating [them] out of house and home." What a cutie.

Here are the boys with the boys...

Friday, Gina and Jack Woods came from Sacramento for a visit. Marco was confused about the pair of "Jacks" but quickly caught up. He's already trying to be just like his friend Jack, copying his every move.Marco was happy to see that he had some friends his age that are boys. He was starting to worry that his future was filled with ruffles and tea parties.

Contrary to my thinking while pregnant, boys are not, in fact, gross. Boys are great!