Welcome Lucas David Deyell

Congratulations Maria and Andy on your new arrival.

Lucas David Deyell was born this morning, September 29th, at 8:22AM. Lucas weighed in at 9 lbs, 1 oz and was 22 3/4 inches long. Dad, Mom and baby are all doing well!

Lucas - Gianna can't wait to meet you!

Daddy's Little Girl

Learning my vowels with daddy

What a week to remember

The week started out kind of slow (no pun intended) -- Monday we relaxed around the house while Mike and I were urgently waiting a #2 (aka bowel movement) from Gianna, as it was 6 days in counting. Upon calling the doctor we were instructed to do the rectal thermometer trick and if that didn't work, try BabyLax. Lucky us as the thermometer trick did NOT work so off I went to multiple stores to find BabyLax. Tuesday morning, from 8-12, was nothing but changing diapers every, ahhh, 30 minutes as the BabyLax works (FAST). After her system calmed down, we ran some errands in preparation for her Baptism on October 12th. Wednesday, Gianna and I planned an surprise dinner for dad and spent the majority of the day preparing/cooking (homemade Boneless Buffalo Wings and Quesadillas). Thursday we started teaching Gianna how to put her 'binki' back in her mouth, although it is a work in progress, and went out to dinner as a family for the first time (dad's treat). Friday was Cimineri Family Fun Day! Dad took the day off and we went shopping to get Gianna's Baptism dress, went to lunch at the Cheesecake Factory and then met up with Gianna's BFF Livi for dinner.

Gianna has been a great girl all week and is changing every day. Here are some pictures and video's below which highlight the week.

Hanging out with mom and my rings.
I prefer to use an adult pillow when I sleep, it's more comfortable on my developing head
When Mom and I walked to the grocery store it was really sunny so we had to protect my head with my do-rag (and never leave home without my binki).

Just me looking cute sleeping (with my binki attached to me).

I wore this for Cimineri Family Fun Day. It's my track outfit.

One of my favorite onesies that says "Yes I'm cute. It's ok to look".

How long did you think it took for disposable diapers to decompose?

Well the answer is about 500 years!

"Today I feel like posting some interesting facts about some of the most common products we use on a daily basis. I know that in these days, all we hear is recycle this or reuse that, but it all comes at us for a reason. We’re finally realizing that we can make a difference for the future of our Earth, so why not act upon it? Many times we can become blinded from the endless amounts of statistics and numbers being introduced, but maybe this list can help us understand how important it is to watch what we do with these essential daily items. Check out how long each of these products take to decompose in the environment…

Banana Peel: 3-4 weeks
Paper Bag: 1 month
Cotton Rag: 5 months
Wool Sock : 1 year
Lumber : 10-15 years
Tinned Steel Can: 80-100 years
Aluminum Can : 200-500 years (But if recycled, it can be reused within 6 weeks!)
Disposable Diapers: 500 years
Plastic Bags : 1 million years
Glass : Unknown
Styrofoam: Eternity

Just make sure you care as much about the container as you you do about the healthy food within it. "

Some cute pictures

(To see more photos, check our Photoworks sharepage using the Photoworks link to the left)

My first time grabbing something...

...and now I won't let go!




I love my "social bee" onesie



















Forget the way I'm sleeping, does anyone see that thigh?



















So much for tummy time














Thanks VanScott Family!

BPA back in the news

Just when you think there was a final ruling on the effects of BPA to infants and toddlers, a new study released today suggests that there are "some concerns about possible effects on the brain in fetuses, infants and children". For us it was a simple decision to go with BPA free bottles (BornFree), and BPA free pacifiers (MAM).

Link to article: FDA defends plastic linked with health risks

Look who saw our blog

"Dear Gianna Rose
Please thank your Mum for using gDiapers with you. My name is Jason Graham-Nye, one of the founders. When our little one was just your age, we found them back in Australia, where we are from.
Cheers
Jason"

Jason -
Thanks so much for the comment on our blog. As you can tell we love gdiapers and I'm referring them to all of our friends. Thank you for creating something that is environmentally friendly, functional, and cute - while not sacrificing quality.
- Gianna's mom

Time with Great-Grandpa (Great Great)

So many changes...

In just a week we feel like she has changed so much.

Earlier this week we introduced rice cereal into her nightly feeding. I know many of you are thinking "So soon?" but it was based on a recommendation from the doctor because she wasn't gaining as much weight as she should be. Although we had reservations, we have quickly learned to love rice cereal as it also helps her sleep through the night. The past few nights she has been doing 5-6 hour stints through the night, which is a great thing for Mom & Dad. Also, she recently started cooing and trying to communicate with us. We will have long conversations about nothing but she loves it. Lastely, we went to our first restaurant, Ruby Tuesday's, as a family. Gianna was awake the entire time and was such a great girl.

For those of you who have seen Gianna's closet, you know that she doesn't need any more clothes but I just wanted to share an adorable designer that I've recently discovered that also makes me itch for the cooler days of fall. She creates the most adorable crocheted hats for babies, kids and adults!

Follow-up on the gdiapers: We love them! It is safe to say we've seen our share of bodily functions in the gdiapers and they are holding up well. Don't get me wrong, we all have our share of blow ups but all-in-all, no regrets.

Birthday wishes & Family bonding

It has been a great few days of firsts.

Grandma Nader came on Wednesday and has been loving every minute of it. (Rumor has it she is going to try to take Gianna home in her purse). She has been a great help not only with taking care of Gianna but with helping out with things around the house. Also, Friday was Gianna's 1 month birthday which was celebrated by a little birthday dessert (mini-cupcakes) and the arrival of Grandpa Bob and Great Great (Great Grandpa Ralph). Aside from Saturday being a wash out (due to Hannah) we all had a great time!

Labor Day Memories

This was Gianna's first Labor Day which (by default) makes it her best. She was so excited because Aunt Monica & Uncle Brian came down for the weekend to play and experience the late night feedings! We couldn't have asked for better weather, which allowed us to sit out on the deck enjoying coffee, bagels, and breakfast desserts (ELEPHANT EARS) every morning while Gianna slept on someone's lap in the boppy. Some other highlights included:

• Jass Festival on Saturday afternoon (which she slept through)
• Penne a la Brian DeAngelo on Sunday (which was amazing)
• a 4-5:30 AM feeding with groggy Aunt Monica
• her first time in a dress (thanks Aunt Monica)
• her first time in a headband (thanks Aunt Fee)