Oh Dear.

Tonight Olivia said to me: "Mom, I love Leo so much. He is going to be the father of my children, and we're not even married yet!"

Side note: Olivia has talked a lot about "true love" (a hangover from various princess stories, no doubt) and must presume that Leo is her true love. At least that's my innocent translation.

First Walk!

Me with my Babes, and Olivia with hers.

I Think The Camera Annoys Him

Growing By The Second

Sweet Miss the Big Sis

What a wonderful helper Olivia has been. She willingly changes diapers "stay still, little baby" she coos as she calms a wiggly Leo. Just yesterday, she thumbed the pages of a Halloween catalogue looking for matching costumes.

The Man of the Hour

As is the norm for all parents of newborns, the early days are hectic and sleep deprived. I would say Leo's first week has been that and then some, with two visits to Hope Children's. But we're all home now, and are on the mend. Here is Leo in his favorite position, snuggled up with the pacifier.

Leo the Lion

Not even a week old, and this poor guy had to go back to the hospital. Thankfully nothing serious - a bit jaundiced, and a bit of a reflux scenario. I started calling Leo the "little lion" and he is certainly earning his nickname, with these past few hectic days. But look at him here - so relaxed, so sweet.

Sweetness

Since Leo's arrival, "Doctor Sophia" has been visiting. She has a wonderful bedside manner.

Three generations!

Leo posing with Dr. Chen

The past few days have been so special, watching Olivia interact with Leo, and Steve smile ear to ear looking at his kids. We're home, and so happy.

Day 2: Bliss

How lucky that Southpaw was at Prentice! Olivia was so thrilled to share her good news with him.

Not too bad of a view!

Our sweet boy is doing so wonderful. And our sweet girl is fantastic. Feeling so blessed.

Oh, Baby!!!!

Leonardo Michael Scarsella entered the world at 10:01 am today, weighing in at 8.4 lbs and 20 inches, he is perfect in every way. Our hearts are bursting with love for our little ones. We feel so blessed.

Grateful

It is no secret that this was not the easiest pregnancy, nor was the road getting here. But we've been so lucky to have fantastic family and friends to lean on. What was especially clear today was that there are many people beyond that who have been sending good thoughts our way. Neighbors, and their extended families. Mrs Durkin. Parents of Liv's friends. Liv's pediatrician's office. Our dentist. Co-workers. The pharmacist who knows me by name, and her co-workers who all came out to wish me good luck as I picked up a prescription today. Her comment: "we made it!" So true. "We" got us through the appointments, the tests, the shots, the bad news, the good news, the questions, and the anxiety when July seemed so far away. And now it's here. We made it. But we couldn't have without any of you.

The Babe's Room

The room is ready. We're more than ready - Olivia included. But at the same time, we are cherishing these last few days of our "just the three of us" family. Special times, indeed.

Inspired By

Kiss. As in the band. That is now who Olivia tries to emulate when putting on her Barbie eyeshadow.

Girlies in The Cool Blue

Zoo + 90 Degrees?

Olivia tries to hoist Emmett.

A look of love between these two!

We made good on a long-overdue promise to take Olivia to the Zoo, and the deal was sweetened with the Bleskins joining us. But oh man was it hot! Olivia did have her dream come true when she got to see a "wolfie" up close and personal.

These Two

Olivia is so lucky that she has Esme in her life, what wonderful practice in being a big sister. The girls had such fun swimming at Medinah together, and the girls demonstrated their fearlessness, well, mostly Esme did.