Good Students

Mommy and Daddy have always tried to teach new things to Anthony and Ysabella.  This past weekend they decided it was time to Potty Train!  Ysabella did very well with her own "Potty Chart" and she quickly discovered the fastest way to earn prizes.

Silly glasses, bubbles and even books were in the prize bag for when she successfully went on the potty enough times.

Unfortunately, the process involved interesting fashion choices.  This further proved that she really is her mother's daughter.

Anthony wasn't left out, learning that you always dress up for Sunday dinner,

Sucking your thumb isn't bad if you are sweetly sleeping,

And most importantly, for Mommy, always smile for the camera.

 

Say, Cheese!!

The Blustery Day

As you may know, the Nicastro Clan loves to spend time outside.  But what do you do on a beautiful, sunshiny day when the wind blows so hard your ball blows across the yard??  

Try not to blow away with it!!

And smile through each gust that comes.

Anthony learned that staying close to the ground made the blows feel a lot smaller,

And noted this was the first time he actually felt the grass.

Sitting still doesn't help avoid the wind

But what about trying to move with it??

If not, I guess all thats left to do is enjoy the sunshine and carry on.

Oh, and always hold on to that pesky lightweight ball. 

Re-Discovery

Mommy recently rediscovered that she had a fancy camera to take pretty pictures of her favorite babies.  She couldn't believe she had forgotten about this camera and all the precious moments she might have captured.  What does this all mean?  PHOTO SHOOT!! Here are some of Mommy's favorite shots from the past few days.

Say "Cheese", Ysabella!

Playing on the stairs... bad parenting decision or fabulous photo opportunity?

Don't worry, we didn't forget about Anthony! 

Smilles all day!

Now it's time for more serious faces...

Or not...

Funny Face!

Finally, a picture of Ysabella and Anthony together!  

And to think these were all taken without an "all done" uttered once.  

Don't grow up too fast little Nicastros!

Special Visitors

Granma and Granpa are here for a visit, which means we all spend quality time together.  This usually means we read lots of books, sing lots of songs, and do extra silly things.  Granma taught Ysabella how to march and her next lesson is teaching her all of the instruments in the marching band.  Mommy thinks the drums were her favorite.

When the marching band lesson was over it was time to show Granma how high Ysabella can jump.  We almost caught her completely off the ground.  

Next, Ysabella decided she should teach grandma where the doggies live.... over there.

Anthony saw the dogs too, but was underwhelmed. 

So, Ysabella decided to impress him.

"I'm runnin' so fast!" 

Play Date

Mommy had her friend, Vivi, and her daughter, Makayla, come for a play date.   Anthony and Makayla always enjoy their time together even if they barely look in each other's direction.  Anthony seems unhappy to be with Makayla, but really it was time for him to eat!

After both babies were well fed, and the 30 minute digestion period was over, they hit the baby gym.  Who doesn't love a good play mat with lights and music?

Anthony couldn't get enough and kept reaching for all the hanging toys.

Meanwhile, Makayla played hard and slept hard!

But it wouldn't be a true gathering of Mommy and her friends if there wasn't a little "girl talk" or as Daddy might say, "a gripe session".

Who would have thought it would be the babies and not the mommies?

Fitness for Life

As Daddy teaches, "Health is our Greatest Wealth", Ysabella and Anthony try to follow his mantra.    Ysabella has become much more cooperative at The Little Gym. This week she made animal noises while completing a skill.  Here she is doing her best monkey impression, so what if she isn't swinging on the bar.

She also climbed on the "track" for trains and choo choo' ed the whole way through.  Mommy noticed she was much more daring, reaching and stretching across the mats and even playing near other children. 

Anthony hung out with our surprise guest, Poppy!  He continues to work on sitting upright and controlling his tongue.  Good work Anthony, way to keep your tongue in your mouth, even when it threatens to poke out!

He also has been working on his fitness, practicing his three R's... Reading, Rolling, and his newest skill Reaching in his very own little gym.

Even if the kids may not look exactly like Daddy, it is clear his athletic genes were passed on.  With any luck (and in Daddy's dreams) there may be a future basketball star here.

The Giggle Wiggle

Mommy and Daddy found a new way to make Anthony smile.  It may seem like an endless list, but this one usually elicits an attempt at a real laugh.