What a busy two weeks!

The past two weeks have been filled with a bunch of visitors and numerous holidays.

I have had both sets of grandparents come down for long weekends: Nator and Poppie came two weekends ago then Grandma Gertz and Grandpa Ralph surprised Mama for her 30th birthday this weekend. The weather was great for everyone, there were walks outside, meals on the deck, a few dinners out and of course, lots of smiles. Also this weekend was my 1st 4th of July, so Mama planned a BBQ with a bunch of friends and family in town (we had a little birthday cake for Mama as well). It was great getting to play with all of my friends - Olivia, Isabella, and Cousin Lucas. The cherry on the top is that today is my 11 month birthday and you know what that means --- Monthly Birthday Picture!

Since Photoworks no longer does the sharepage, I have included a new section to the right called "Photoworks Pictures". That is where you will be able to see (and purchase) all of the pictures that were taken whenever a new post is created.

Enjoy all of the pictures of the past few weeks.

It is official!

GIANNA IS WALKING!

It has been touch and go for about 2 weeks now - 2 or 3 steps here and then she would sit down. About a week ago she did 8 steps (but who is counting) and then I can officially late last week she would just let go and would walk where she wanted. Even today as I was doing things in different rooms instead of crawling to me, she would walk. Unfortunately we got rid of the camera that would take little video's so we worked hard over the weekend to get a few shots of her walking.

Also Aunt Monica was here a few weeks ago so she got to spend some quality time with Gianna...

... walking

... riding her ladybug

... enjoying the deck (we were locked out - long story)

... going to Livi's 1st birthday party

This past weekend was a great one. Friday Mike and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary so Mike took the day off from work. We had another "Cimineri Family Fun Day" which started with taking Gianna to a 'Tumble Tunes' class at the local Romp & Roll, then we went to the pet store, took a walk outside and ended with a great BBQ on the deck. Saturday we got a babysitter to watch Gianna in the evening while we went out to dinner and a movie (The Hangover - it was pretty good). Also, it was no surprise that Gianna was no trouble for the babysitter. Sunday was Mike's first Fathers Day so we had a few gifts and surprised him with a WONDERFUL brunch at The Comus Inn. All in all - a wonderful weekend.

Coming up: Poppie and Nator are coming this weekend which means another date night for Mike & I!!!

**Photoworks Notice: As of June 25th, Photoworks will no longer offer the "Sharepage" feature that we use to post all of the pictures that have been taken (the blog is only a highlight of a few). I'm not sure of the work around yet but I will let you know what I come up with. In the mean time, if you want to see all of the pictures just send me an email and I can email you the photobook.

Pandas, Apes, and Elephants

So much has happened within the past week or so. It seems like it has been months since we went to NYC but it was only 2 weeks ago. The great news is that Aunt Monica and Brian are coming this weekend and we are all looking forward to that!

Mike and I went out to a local Wine Festival with Mike's cousin, Stephanie and her husband. It was our first experience with a non-family member babysitter for Gianna. The weather was great, the wine was delicious, and the babysitter loved Gianna.

Gianna has become quite the little walker. She loves walking around the house from couch to couch or holding on to our hands. She has taken 4 - 5 steps on her own and then very carefully sits down. We can't believe how much balance she has and know it won't be long until she is walking everywhere. Still her fastest mode of transportation is crawling.

This weekend was a big one! Friday we celebrated Gianna's 10 month birthday and on Saturday had a play date with a bunch of the moms that I have been friends with since Gianna was born. We were all in the same Motherhood class. Needless to say, it was great to see all of the children as they are all within 3-4 weeks of Gianna. Unfortunately, for the group picture, guess who was crying...GIANNA! : )

Yesterday was another Cimineri Family Fun Day! Mike took a vacation day so we took Gianna to the Washington Zoo. The highlights were Pandas, Apes (complete with the new addition - a 5 month old baby girl), and Elephants. We were able to enjoy the wonderful weather and Gianna seemed to have a great time. The day ended with dinner at our favorite Mexican Restaurant and some playing in the family room. It was great having Dada home.

Here are some other pictures over the past few days!

(With distant cousin, Isabella)

Weekend in NYC

Mike and I both agree, we just had the best weekend in NYC. It was Gianna's first trip to the big apple and based on some of the pictures below -- she loved it. The weekend was a perfect balance of seeing the sights and enjoying good company. We didn't pack every minute with things to do which made it feel like a mini-vacation.

Gianna's favorite memories:
~ Talking in her pack and play Friday morning from 12 - 2 am (after we got to Hoboken)
~ Seeing her first horse in central park
~ Having a picnic in central park
~ Buying Schwartz (her new panda) at FAO Schwartz
~ Bonding with Aunt Monica in the baby bjorn
~ A BBQ with Uncle Brian's family
~ Trying her first blueberry muffin and pancakes
~ Spending QT time with Dada
~ Playing with Aunt Monica's cats (Billy & Velma)
~ Her first trip to Patsy's Pizza and seeing cousin Sarah

Here are some pictures of the weekend but there are a lot (and I mean 180+) pictures on our photoworks page so these one's are just a few of our favorites.

Thanks again Monica for the wonderful weekend!!