LIFE!

One of my all time favorite movies is Forest Gump! In the movie Forest coins a quote that goes like this...

"Life Is like a Box of Chocolates... You Never Know What You're Gonna Get!"

Over the past month, this quote seems to fit "our" life. We've had some amazing DARK chocolates and then a few milk chocolates with some type of mystery goo inside. Do you get where I'm going? Yes, life can be amazing some days and pretty challenging the next. But then again, what would we do if it was so perfect all the time?

The biggest update is Nick's recovering. I thought I would include a picture I always dreamed of taking; Daddy WALKING with his son! This picture was taken a week ago on our "daily" walk to the bluff, where Nick gets to loosen his muscles and clear his mind. Although he's up and about walking, the recovery pain has been severe to his left leg. We are praying the nerve pain will ease up soon so he can come home to NJ with us for Christmas!


This past month, we also had a very special visit from Nana Juju! I was especially excited to have my mom around... between work, co-chairing the Pacific Palisades Home Tour, and taking care of two needy boys, my mind and body needed a mini break. After about 24 hours of her being here, we all came down with a fever (minus Juju) and we needed "our mommy" to move out of the Riv and stay full time at the Leone's! Poor Juju, what she thought was going to be a relaxing vacation turned into a weekend of chicken soup and running up and down the stairs.

We Love You Juju and thank you so much for your TLC!!!


So, what's next? Thanksgiving in LA! We're looking forward to spending time with friends and taking care of Nick so we can spend Christmas as a FAMILY!! I'm hoping Santa brings some extra extra dark chocolate....

Enjoy these recent pictures of Massi at the park!
http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsayvh/ADayAtThePark#

JOY!

This morning Massimo and I hustled through our morning routine; diaper change, bottle, oatmeal, skinny latte... in preparation to pick up Nick from the hospital.

Yes, you heard me correctly, daddy is HOME!

If you missed my update last week, Nick's surgery went phenomenly well and we've been waiting patiently for him to recover in the hospital.

I had the chance to visit Nick over the last few days and was so impressed with his spirit and positive attitude. In fact, on the day of surgery he was wheeled into the recovery room, where I was waiting, and asked for a cocktail! We all know Nick loves cocktail hour, so I took this as a good sign!

Although he's still very uncomfortable and has a month or two of full recovery, we are so excited that everything went well and that we have daddy back home. Personally, I am full of JOY thinking back to the pain Nick was in and how we have a future of health & happiness now!

So, what did Massi and I do all week?!?

For starters, I learned a few things while Nick was in the hospital...

1. Being a single parent is hard work!
2. Nick is so hands on with Massimo & I need to appreciate everything he does!
3. Massi really knew what he could get away with while Daddy was out of sight (climbing on everything, not taking naps, sneaking in bed with me)!

Overall, our week/end was lonely because we missed Nick but Massi and I had a great time together. We ate healthy meals, went for long runs, and enjoyed cuddling. We even had a special date night last night; pizza and veggies at our favorite outdoor joint, along with an ice cream cone.

I love my boys and am so thankful for our health and the JOY we have as a family!

GOD IS GOOD.

~Lindsay

Enjoy these fun pics of Massimo and Mommy out and about + a few pics of Daddy coming home!

http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsayvh/MassiMommyWeek#

Week of Preparation!

Most of you know that Nick is having major back surgery this coming Tuesday, October 20th. As a family, we are prepared and trusting that God will watch over his surgery and recovery.

In preparation, we've been spending time with close friends and thinking ahead to all the "active" things Nick will be able to do in the near future; walk with me & Massi, run Temescal (again), play tennis pain free, and most importantly stand on line at Starbucks!

We Love You Daddy and will be there with you every step of the way...

(sneak peek of our recent "holiday card" shoot on the beach - this is not the picture we chose!)

Speaking of LOVE, Nick and I shared our 3 year anniversary last weekend. I surprised him with this video... http://www.youtube.com/user/massimoleone18#p/u/5/nxa-WfLVBPk

Now, on to our little rascal. MASSIMO IS WALKING!

He starting taking his first few steps last weekend, and is now cruisin' around the house. There are a bunch of new videos posted on his YouTube Channel, so check em out! We are all so excited...

I also captured a few cute shots of Massi throughout the week, including our weekend at the Bush's for Billy & Lillie's birthday party!

http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsayvh/TheBushSBirthdayCelebrations#

Love to you all!
Lindsay

Oktoberfest!!!

Fall is officially here in LA!

To me, fall means...
...putting on an extra layer when we head for our morning starbucks
...checking the temp. outside as soon as I wake up (I love to see it in the 50's!)
...bringing a blankie along for Massi on our early morning runs
...cooking warm hearty meals for Sunday dinner
and my favorite...
...bringing out my sweaters & boots (come on I'm from the east coast)

This weekend, I started a tradition for The Leone's where we visited the Palisades Pumpkin Patch!

Massi and I actually took a trip while Daddy watched the Patriots WIN. We'll be sure to go back next weekend when the entire family can take part in the fun.

Needless to say, we had a ball! Massi was in awe over the hundreds of pumpkins throughout the field and he even met a new friend, Mr. Scarecrow!

We also got a new toy for the house, a basketball hoop! Our little star is not exactly sure how to use it but Daddy's confident he'll be able to dunk by next weekend. :)

Enjoy these pictures!!!

http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsayvh/Massimo13Month#

Also, check out my "own" blog where I talk about my passion for Italian Cooking...

mammaleonesays.blogspot.com

WILD CHILD!

Yes, I said it... Masismo is a WILD CHILD!

This weekend Nick and I sat around laughing at our little man as he learns to use his voice, hands, and legs more and more! You have to watch the new videos to see what I mean :)

A few highlights of the week...

Massi finally stepped up to the plate and started eating like a real man! I must admit, marrying a tall, dark, hansome Italian Man, I definetly would have thought my child, especially my boy, would be an eater. He is loving every bite now...


This week was Fashion Week for Massi, as I took out some new 12-18 months clothes, and came across 2 AMAZING pair of Nike's that were gifts when I was pregnant. I think Nick and I were more tickled over them... you'll see a few different pairs throughout the album below!


Massi and I had a date on Sunday morning...we got all dressed up and went to church together! I had him stay through worship with me and we danced and sang... he even waved his arms up like he was praising Jesus... this is us after we left service!


And last but not least, we ended our weekend at a fun picnic at Will Rogers State Park in our town. It was for the Junior Woman's club, which I'm a member of! Lots of kids and even a horsey! (pics in the album below)

As I sit here writing this post, thinking about all the fun that was had this weekend, I'm in awe over how big and enthusiastic our little boy is. Just last weekend, he didn't know how wave goodbye, walk while holding my hand, and bounce a ball! We're so proud of you Massimo...

Enjoy our pictures from this weekend and make sure to watch all the fun videos:

http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsayvh/MassiAlmost13Months#

http://www.youtube.com/user/massimoleone18

Back to School!

OH, how I love this time of year! The weather starts to change, foliage begins, kids fill up the town and streets after school, and we all get back on schedule from our summer break.

For the Leone's, Fall represents FOOTBALL SEASON! A time when on Saturday night we lay out our Patriots gear in preparation for a day of excitement for what our team's going to bring! This year, we have a new cheerleader in the house...


We've been busy with lots of parties; The Riviera tennis club hosted a "baby day" where Massimo and his pals roamed court 1! This weekend, we had fun at our friend Beth's house, where Massi & Felix played with the big boys!


I can't forget to mention our recent visit to Dr. Davy, where Massi was overjoyed to get a clean bill of health; weighing in at 19 lbs (he's still a little guy) and growing to 29 inches.. YAY!



Massimo should be up and walking very soon... until then he's enjoying cruising around the house, playing with his favorite new tricycle (from Aunt Jeanne & Aunt Brooke), and yelling out "Yeah, Dada"!

Here are some new pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsayvh/MassiBeingONE#

Don't forget to check out his YouTube Channel where I update new videos almost daily!
http://www.youtube.com/user/massimoleone18

Summer Reflections...

Is it really Labor Day weekend? WOW!

As I look back at the past month (sorry I took a blog hiatus), I'm amazed at the amount of "fun" the Leone family has had all summer. This summer was much different than past; we are a FAMILY... we have a little boy we wake up to every morning, a child we want to share with our family & friends, and now a toddler we have to race after! We are truly blessed...

So, what did we do all summer? For starters, we celebrated 3 very special birthdays... Daddy's in July, mine in August, and we can't forget the biggest and most important, Massimo's 1st Birthday in September!


We celebrated Massi's birthday at home in NJ with family and friends! People came near and far to see our little Lion blow out his candles... we had Nana Romaine and the Crowder's / Eder's drive up from Virgina (we love you guys!) and several of our favorite families came in from Brookyln, Manhattan & Long Island! The party wouldn't have been the same without you... thank you!

Our trips to NJ in June & August were filled with backyard bqq's, hot days at Crestwood Lake, long runs with Juju & short haircuts by Chevas! Oh, and we cannot forget the fun we had at Brooke & Josh's wedding... Mazel Tov!


We will never forget this time, as it marked our first summer as a family! As we celebrated old memories and created new ones in NJ, I feel invigorated to bring these memories back to LA. We live in the most beautiful place, Pacific Palisades, filled with sunshine, the great outdoors, and lasting friendships. Here are just a few things we plan to focus on for the fall / winter...

*Tennis and more tennis, church & sunday school for Massi, lots of reading, spending more time with our west coast friends, taking part in community activities, ME & NICK!, focusing on a new home, and lastly the possibility of a new addition. ;)

Here are some pictures of our summer... (there are a ton so pace yourself):

Massi's Birthday Party in NJ:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsayvh/MassimoS1stBirthdayParty#

Summer in NJ:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lindsayvh/SummerInNJ#

XOXO,
Lindsay