It's A ...........Boy

 

The original plan for our gender reveal was to go to Disney and open a box of balloons in front of Cinderella's castle.   Well the only problem was our doctors appointment was on a Monday and Disney was not until Saturday.  6 whole days we were going to have to wait!  Once the envelope was in hand below I knew that we had to come up with a back up plan and fast! 

 

Within an hour of leaving of the doctors our impromptu dual gender reveal party with the Midkiff's was under way!  By the end of the day a special gender reveal cake had been ordered for us and the balloons were reserved for the Midkiff's.

 

The big event was to take place the next night at 7:00PM.  Thank goodness for work being crazy to distract me for 36 hours. And so the night went like this......

 

 

It’s a boy!  I am past the moment of shock and on to thorough excitement about having another little boy to add to the Semeraro clan.  If you asked me last Monday what I thought I was having it was a girl without a doubt.  This pregnancy has been similar yet different then Jack, especially when it comes to food cravings!  So I was positive we were about to diversify the genders in this household.  But god proved us wrong and has blessed us again with a little man.  I am so excited for Jack to have a brother and to have them be best friends. They will be the perfect distance apart that my hope is they will be very close.  John is happy because he has almost a complete foursome for golf, I on the other hand still would like to get a spa partner at some point…time will only tell.  Every time I peek into Jacks room when he is playing I smile to think his little brother will be by his side soon.  We are so excited to meet you little guy, you are joining a super fun family and life is sure to be a wonderful ride.  Now in the mean time we have to figure out a name for you!

 

 

Happy Birthday My Sweet Baby Boy!

 

 

Happy Birthday My Beautiful Boy

 Jack you are 2! Time is flying by faster than I could have ever imagined.  It seems like yesterday that I was holding you in my arms for the first time after 17 hours of labor.  I fell in love with you the second I laid eyes on you, and continue to fall more in love with you every day.

The past two years have been a whirlwind and I find myself fighting to embrace every moment with every part of me because it truly is going by too fast.  You amaze me with your enthusiasm, spirit, energy, and just plain awesomeness.  I could not be prouder of the little boy that you are becoming.  I find myself admiring your soft skin, sweet little hands and feet when you are still in my arms before bed after a long day of you going, going, and going.  I can’t help but stare at you in your crib and the way you lie in your happy baby pose to sleep with your little bum raised in the air.  Your little toddler squat is adorable and I can’t get enough of watching you explore the world.  You learn something new everyday, and with every new word, or action that you master my heart swells with pride.  Your sweet innocence and the way you tackle life is something I hope never changes.  The sounds of your laughter, and the sweetness of your little baby voice make me smile and laugh.  The way you see please, and thank you, and I love you melts my heart. 

 

 

 

Thank you for being amazing Jack, and making life that much sweeter.  You are my love, my baby boy, and your dad and I thank god every day for giving us the opportunity to be your parents.

 

Happy 2^nd Birthday Baby Boy

A Memorable Birthday Weekend

This birthday weekend was awesome. Seriously one of my favorites ever and I think we have decided that rather than parties we need to just plan fun Disney getaway weekends for our kids birthday.  At least until they are old enough to choose party or vacation that is.  It was so fun, simple, and stress free.  Being a Florida resident definitely has its perks, especially when you get to live so close to the mouth and enter the park for virtually nothing compared out of state residents.  We had to take advantage. 

 Friday night started out at Mickeys Not So Scary Halloween Party. Let me tell you that was the way to do Disney.  The shows were fabulous, and there were no lines for rides so within an hour we hit all the spots we could in Fantasyland before the parade.  The only frustration I had was with the lady at the little roller coaster that would not let Jack on.  I mean height requirement of 36 inches is fine and all but when you are 35 ½ inches and it is your birthday wouldn’t you make an exception.  The cuteness thing was that Jack kept standing on his tippy toes like he knew he needed that other half.  Regardless he was the cutest little Woody ever and was in awe of all that was happening around him.  Some of the things scared him a little as he would cling to John and I but would not take his eyes off whatever it was that was happening. Jack finally got to meet Mickey in person and he was so incredibly excited.  I mean giddy with excitement, and tried cutting half the line to get to him.  It was the cutest thing in the world to watch him meet the mouse for the first time.   It was a late night and Jack fought hard to keep those eyes open after 10 but failed and John and I smiled as we watched him slowly nod off.  I would say the consensus was a great 2^nd birthday for the little guy.

 

 

 

 

Saturday we headed to Animal Kingdom.  First stop Character breakfast where Jack and his mouse Mickey reunited again.  They had a conga line around the restaurant and Jack jumped in with a maraca and danced around with a giant smile on his face.  I was having too much fun myself just watching him independently march around a giant dining room without me by his side that I forgot to grab the video camera. 

 Animal Kingdom was awesome and it has almost made me really want to start selling John on why we should get Disney passes.  The African drummers are my best selling point to get this to happen as I witnessed seriously one of the funniest, happiest, greatness memories I will have with John and Jack watching them dance.  It was awesome.  My little man has some serious moves, and is not afraid to get up and dance. I would say he gets that from both John and I, while neither of us have that much rhythm we don’t care and like to have some fun. 

 The rest of the day was filled with excitement and by 3 Jack had taken a 15 minute nap all day, and John & I were equally as pooped.  We couldn’t leave without going to see the Nemo musical and Jack loved it.  He may have burst out crying when it was over since he is obsessed with Dory but we made it out and he was passed out in the car before we had even started it.  It was a perfect memorable birthday that I will never forget. 

We topped off the weekend with some water slide action.  My fearless little boy had no issues navigating the slide on his own and his smile says it all.  This kid had a blast. 

I found myself thinking on Saturday about how anything was as much fun before we had Jack.  I know it was and that John and I had so much fun together but with kids it just seems like it is multiplied by 100 now.  I mean parenting is a ton of work don’t get me wrong, but having a little boy is so fun and awesome and truly is the epitome of joy in our lives.   Thank you JMS for a perfect 31^st birthday weekend. 

Letters To Jack- 23 Months

 

To My Sweet Jack,

 

The craziness of the past two months has made this letter two months overdue so I will try to overcompensate with details.  The past 65 days since my last note to you has brought change, growth, and self-reflection to our family.  You of course being sweet, innocent, and just Jack has per the norm taken everything in stride and adapted along with us.  The news of your brother or sisters impending arrival came mid-July.  It was a Sunday evening and you were splashing around in the tub when mommy found out she was expecting.  You were actual the first one to know not your dadJ.  I remember looking at the pregnancy test and then glancing over to your sweet little face and my heart and eyes filling with tears of happiness and emotion.  My first reaction was “Jack is going to be the best big brother ever”.  I went over to you and held you in my arms relishing in the moment for a few minutes while it sunk in that our little family of three was too soon be four.  These days the only time you are still is when you are watching a movie or just before bed when I am holding you in my arms.  This moment of stillness sitting with you after learning of such a wonderful blessing is a moment I will hold dear to my heart forever.  While you don’t quite understand that you are going to be a big brother and what that exactly means right now, you do know there is a  baby in mommys belly and you like to give he/she a kiss whenever we remind you of this.

 

 

Your growth has been incredible the past few months.  I say it each month, but you never cease to amaze us.  Your growth in terms of body weight has on the other hand not been that great.  You are a little string bean!  Your 2 Year doctors apt. is in two weeks and I am so curious to get your most recent stats.  You  still wear 12-18 month shorts and 18-24 month shirts are still running a bit big despite you almost being the big “2”.  You continue to get better at counting and your ABC’s every day.  Your colors are a bit choppy,  as  you can pronounce them all but in most instances you think everything is red.  Your vocabulary is excellent.  While you speak in your own Jack language you are extremely articulate.  I love hearing your little voice, it is so sweet and innocent like music to my ears.  We have been working on your manners and you are very good at please and thank you so we are starting to add in sir and ma’am to continue on your path to good manners and respecting others.  Your listening is improving more every day.  We read a book called 1,2, 3 Magic that was recommended to us and it works remarkably well.  I am very pleased and so proud of the little boy you are becoming.

 

I also love how well rounded you are.  I don’t think there is an activity you don’t like or take interest in these days.  You are obsessed with golf lately which makes your dad extremely happy and you have an excellent natural swing according to your dad.  He is planning on getting you your first real set of golf clubs for your birthday and I am sure you will put them to good use.  Your other favorite thing is play doh.  You know exactly where the craft bin is in the house and every morning and afternoon you want to play with play doh.  The way you say play doh is so cute I have a hard time turning you down, you certainly have us wrapped around you finger.  Well you definitely have your nana wrapped around your finger as she was your play doh partner in crime a few weeks back when she was visiting.  I will say there is something special about sitting across from you at your mini table just enjoying the simple pleasure of playing with something so simple.

 

Other things you are fanatical about include trains, finding Nemo, swimming, your water table, Elmo, Woody and Buzz and being outside. Mimi just bought you another part to your small set of tracks for your birthday and you have been playing with it non-stop.  You are going to be Woody for Halloween and daddy is going to be your best friend Buzz, Palin is probably going to be the dinosaur from toy story to round out the family costume.  Your swimming is amazing for your age.  At least we think so.  The problem with you and the water is that you have no fear.  You just want to dunk under and literally dive heard first off the side of pools which stresses us out.  While I want a pool, at the same time I get a bit nervous about your fearlessness.

 

 

You started with a new school a few weeks back and so far have really been enjoying it.  For the first time in a long time you don’t cry when we drop you off.  It surely makes it a lot easier on us, as any time you cry it breaks our heart.  Your teachers love you and you have been doing great thus far.

 

You are also quite the ham.  You sing, you dance, and you make silly faces constantly and it cracks us up!  You are seriously the greatest ever.

 

 

Jack, you are my sweet lovable little boy and there is nothing I love more than your little arms squeezing around my neck and the sweet kisses you give me on the lips and on the cheek. I love how you say “I love you mama” and how you just mimic your dad and I.  It is funny as you just don’t know what will come out of your mouth.  You are very smart and in tune with your surroundings.  I am so proud of the little boy you are becoming.  Your voice, your laughter, you are full of life and innocence and you make our life so much sweeter by being a part of it.  Happy almost 2^nd birthday my love.

Baby News

This post was written on July 14^th saved for October.  I can’t even begin to describe the last week but will do my best.  Before we left for Europe my first deal at work was set to close when we got back, a few folks had asked for sellers disclosures and an offer was on the horizon to sell our house.  By last Friday everything had seemed to fall apart.  Monday I traveled to Houston and got word that we needed to drop our house another $25k in order to have a chance at selling it.  Tuesday my deal started to unravel due to miscommunication on my part with the group I was working with. A learning experience would be an understatement, I am hoping when I actually publish this that the deal actually does end up closing but you never know (Yay it did! perserverance).  Regardless downhill to Friday where John also underwent a very difficult day at work.  To say the least our emotions were running high and the stress that was filling our minds was putting us over the edge.  Friday night we  joked that we would end up being pregnant.  All this past weekend John and I were consumed with thoughts of questioning the decisions we had made, and wondering what to do next.  Related to so many different parts of our life.  It was seriously one of the hardest weeks ever.  Just when we thought things were turning in our favor to be a little easier.  See we both have over the top positive attitudes and outlook on life and there aren’t many days or weeks mind you that get us to that point.

 

Sunday morning we went to church hoping for some peace and clarity.  Instead we left half way through mass with a screaming baby and just sat in the car with tears in our eyes holding each other’s hands.  Over Jack’s nap John and I continued to analyze our life and all of the pros and cons.  We pride ourselves on the team mentality to our marriage but on this day wished someone else could just tell us what we should do next.

 

With me headed out on a three day business trip the next day John headed out to the grill to cook for the week and I headed up to give Jack a bath.  While my little peanut splashed around I found a pregnancy test in the closet and decided to see if this day and our life was soon to get any crazier.  And as you know it both lines were red indicating that our joke was actually a reality.  As I looked at Jack splashing around in the tub, my eyes filled with tears and a calmness that I hadn’t felt in a week crept over me.  As well as feelings of shock and disbelief.  Without actually trying again we were being blessed with this amazing gift.  While John had the same feelings as I did when Jack handed him the pregnancy test we could not be more thrilled about this addition to our family. 

As I fly high in the clouds off to a meeting in San Diego my emotions are filled with joy and happiness that we are having another baby.  Yet nervousness as what is to come and how we will handle it all.  I have faith in Team Semmy and know we will be fine but also know we are faced with more decisions on what to do next and what is best for our family.  In the mean time I pray for a healthy baby, and am going to do everything in my power to have the healthiest, happiest pregnancy possible.

 

Letters To Jack 21 Months

 

 

Sweet Baby Jack,

 And then you were 21 months old in a blink of the eye.  You had an exciting month of June spending a few weeks in Nashville with Nonni, Papa, Uncle Ben, and Auntie Mo while mommy and daddy gallivanted around Europe.  You gave everyone a run for their money and proved that you were ready to go at all times. 

 

 

You were spoiled rotten for two whole weeks and between that trip and vacation with mom and dad over the 4^th of July.   It was so hard being away from you and the greeting you gave us when we got home was amazing.  I think we got more hugs and kisses from you in a span of ten minutes then we do in a week.  It baffles me how you are growing like a weed.  I literally believe you grew two inches while we were away. 

You continue to amaze us everyday with the new things you do.  You have taken a new liking to drumming, your kitchen set (actually making food), loading the dishwasher, and are obsessed with applesauce, trains, and Finding Nemo.  You are a little grubber and the second you wake up in the morning you walk down to the pantry to get something eat, and when you get home you make a bee line for it.  You will eat anything, from anyone, at any time.  Yet you are a little string bean that still fits into 12-18 month short with room to still grow. 

One moment that made me tear up this month was when I actually put your mini comforter and duvet over you to cover you up one night.  Your entire life this little comforter has been on the end of your crib as it was too puffy to put in with you.  But now you are a big boy and move around so much you just toss blankets off of you and we decided to give the comforter a whirl so you could move underneath it instead.  It worked, and now you seem to be warm and more comfortable not wrapped in small blankets.    I am just waiting for you to jump out of your crib any second, with how you have been jumping around in there.

 

You have also started making “silly” faces.  You are quite the ham and just crack us up when you start going off on silly face tangents.   You crack yourself up as well as you go into fits of laughter when you see our reaction.  Your teachers have said you continue to jabber away and you are staying to say mini sentences  with our direction.  We have been working on you’re a, b, c’ and counting.  You also have become very good at singing Row, Row, Row Your Boat. 

 

Your relationship with Palin continues to evolve.  The two of you enjoy hiding under the table together, eating each others food, and running around in circles. 

 

 You did although have your first fight with Palin this month.  While it didn’t phase Ms. P you were awfully upset when she snatched the tennis ball out of your hand and would not give it back.  Speaking of balls you call any ball no matter the size a basketball.  You pronounce the word basketball better then any other word in your vocabulary.  We finally got you to say soccer ball but for the sake of saying something everything else will remain a basketball for the time being. 

 

You are definitely a lefty.  Hands down you are.  While I sometimes think you are still stronger with a utensil in your right hand your left handed throw is amazing.  I need to watch closer to see which leg you kick with next time we are playing together.  While I am happy you are a lefty because I am,  I do have a little concern over your fathers ability to teach golf to a lefty being a right handed player himself.  While we have a few years to worry about that.  I want you to know I am already thinking of this.  Today your teacher said you were the best thrower and kicker in your class.  Our little athlete.

 Lots of exciting stuff on the horizon in the coming months! We love you baby boy

 

 

 

Inspirational Women....Amazing Friends

 I feel so blessed to have such wonderful woman in my life to call my friends.  Obviously as time passes you get older, life changes the relationships you form with people grow over time.  Through my career and the companies I have worked with I have had the opportunity to make friends with lots of working woman like myself that I truly admire.  Two of these woman I talk to every week, rarely see, but love them like sisters, and are two of my best friends.  They always pick up the phone when I call, offer candid advice as moms and professionals, and are my own little cheering squad.  Some days I wonder how I got so lucky to meet these woman and only hope I am half the friend they are to me to them.  There is a lot of exciting things going on in their lives right now and I wanted to write this post to let them know how much I appreciate  their friendship and how proud I am of them.

 

First there is Jaime.  I met Jaime when I was working for Physicians Endoscopy as my company worked closely with hers.  She was the rep for the Georgia market and we became instant friends the day we met.  I kind of fell in love with Jaime.  She is smart, beautiful, kind, ambitious,  generous, and most importantly super mom.  A few years after we met Jaime had her second baby and decided to leave the corporate world and take the risk of starting her own company. With her fabulous husband Harry they created Naturalmond.  Naturalmond Butter is her grandfathers almond butter recipe and is seriously the most amazing nut butter you will ever eat.  Jaime was wildly successful in her previous positions,  so it was no doubt that Naturalmond would take off.  It has taken off so much that in this months O Magazine she is featured under Oprah’s favorite things. 

 I am beyond happy for the success they are having with Naturalmond, and truly admire Jaime for all that she has accomplished.    With the dream of someday having my own company she is an inspiration to me, and someone I look up to with so much respect for taking risk and going after her dreams.  I am so happy to know you and you deserve every bit of goodness that is coming to you through the hard work you have put in and for being an amazing person that makes this world so much better by being in it.

 

Then there is my friend Amanda.  Amanda and I go back to my days of working at Covidien.  I spent two weeks training with her in Michigan when I started, and she taught me everything I needed to know about selling medical devices.  The woman is a super star sales person with a heart of gold.  She doesn’t blink an eye if you need something, and is always there to listen objectively to whatever I have to say.  About two months ago my boss and I were driving to a business meeting and he said “Nicole I would like to find two other people just like you to fill the Central and West Zone VP jobs.”  Amanda was the first person that came to mind, although I will humbly admit I think she is better then I am J.   I knew the second my boss met Amanda he would want her on our team.  After a month of conversations my wish to work with this amazing woman again is coming true and we will be dominating the outpatient cath lab business as a team starting July 29^th.  I could not be more happy to work with someone I admire professionally, as a mother, friend, and person.  We are going to kick some butt!   

 

I love you both and am so proud of your success, thank you for making a difference in my life and everyones around you!  Cheers!

 

Living In The Moment

This song always make me happy and is a great reminder of what I sometimes forget to do.  Live in the moment. 

 

If this life is one act
Why do we lay all these traps
We put them right in our path
When we just wanna be free

I will not waste my days
Making up all kinds of ways
To worry about some things
That will not happen to me

So I just let go of what I know I don't know
And I know I'll only do this by
Living in the moment
Living our life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
With peace in my heart
Peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home
Living in the moment

I'm letting myself off the hook for things I've done
I let my past go past
And now I'm having more fun
I'm letting go of the thoughts
That do not make me strong
And I believe this way can be the same for everyone

And if I fall asleep
I know you'll be the one who'll always remind me
To live in the moment
To live my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
I got peace in my heart
Got peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home

I can't walk through life facing backwards
I have tried
I tried more than once to just make sure
And I was denied the future I'd been searching for
But I spun around and searched no more
By living in the moment
Living my life
Easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
I got peace in my heart
Got peace in my soul
Wherever I'm going, I'm already home

I'm living in the moment
I'm living my life
Just taking it easy
With peace in my mind
I got peace in my heart
I got peace in my soul
Oh, wherever I'm going, I'm already home
I'm living in the moment
I'm living my life
Oh, easy and breezy
With peace in my mind
I got peace in my heart
I got peace in my soul
Oh, wherever I'm going, I'm already home
I'm living in the moment

European Adventures: Part 2 Greece

Be Greek was our motto throughout our short, whirlwind stay in Athens to celebrate Erin Cecilia's nuptials.  Greece was beautiful, I wish we had more time there and definitely want to go back and do some island hopping at one point.  After 6 days of being in a city we were ready to relax by the ocean and look at this view for four days.

When we arrived in Athens our adventure begin with a harrowing cab drive to a whole in the wall Souvlaki place that our cab driver assured us was "the best".  He advised us to get a chicken gyro and a cold Heineken.  Which we promptly agreed, and Nico (the driver) also indulged in.  Well a beer at least, I was just hoping he didn't bring all of his customers their and have a beer or this guy would be toasted.  This picture says it all.  JMS and I were in Souvlaki heaven.  I could have ate Souvlaki every meal and I am not kidding.  To be quite frank we actually ate Souvlaki five more times during a 5 day stay it was fantastic.  One time eating at the same restaurant twice in one day.

We arrived at the hotel located on a peninsula with the most breathtaking views.  The sea was amazing, we were and are still confused over what sea it exactly was.  Aegean or Mediterranean I have no idea but I guess it is a running joke between JMS, mom, Jake and I at this point.  They were the best ocean swims of my life.  The water was more crisp and clean then any ocean I have swam in before, I want to go back right now. 

Friday I got to indulge in a beeswax spa treatment with my mom.  I have missed her so much so it was nice to have our special time together.  We were big fans of the wallpaper in the spa, and the tea. 

 

Mom and Jake made the trek for the celebration and it was great to spend time and share these memories together.  We spent the day of the rehearsal dinner lounging by the pool and just enjoying the scenery.

 Our last night in Greece we headed out for some authentic cuisine and more libations.  As I said before the motto of this leg of our trip was "Be Greek" to JMS that meant becoming a huge fan of Mystika a Greek liquor that we somehow managed to carry two large bottles back to the states through duty free.  

Mom and Jake also became fans of Mystika. 

Our time in Greece was busy, too short, and fabulous.  I figured I would separate my wedding post from the other parts of the trip so stay tuned for more!

European Adventures Part 1: Rome

My plan on vacation was to write a short blog post each day documenting our trip.  Well the lack of Internet and trying to do it on the IPAD did not allow that thought to become a reality so here I am two weeks later reminiscing on our fabulous trip!  The last time John and I left Jack with my in laws we spent 5 days on a beach in Mexico thinking about him non-stop.  I have decided European adventures are definitely easier to take as your days are jam packed. While we of course face timed and called everyday to check on our peanut and missed him terribly JMS and I truly had a wonderful time just the two of us. 

After an uneventful flight we landed in Rome and began our 6 day food, drink, and gelato indulgence through this beautiful city.  I will admit the total trip weight gain was around 5lbs yikes!  The last time I was in Rome was with Erin and the Vball girls staying in a $15 per night hostile that we shared with other creepy people.  It was definitely nice to stay in a real hotel, and be able to go out to nice dinners.

While I do like history, JMS and I are more "see the main sights" type of people.  With that said we decided the most logical way to get our barrings on the city would be to put our lives at risk navigating the busy streets of Rome on a Segway.  The moment I got on I realized this potentially was not a good idea, especially considering the fact that people both on Vespa's and Smart Cars are really not afraid to run over or hit tourists even if they are walking.  Never mind an inexperienced Segway driver.  Now I know some people may tease the security guards at the mall that drive around on these babies, I on the other hand have a new found respect for their ability to steer one of these daily.  Marco our guide was a little disturbed by the sudden screams that escaped from my mouth while trying to figure this thing out.  All while my lovely husband took pictures and laughed, and then proceeded to get on the Segway and steer perfectly as though he had been driving a Segway all of his life.  While I make light of this it was seriously awesome and we were able to see all the main sites in a three hour tour and plan the rest of the weeks adventures because of it.  End of tour picture below...can you say natural at this point?

I am obsessed with the Trevi fountain so we went their like five times.  The Coliseum is such a beautiful structure but at the same time when you read about went on their it made me sad.  Society sure has changed from a billion years ago, thank goodness.  Vatican City was magical, and I said lots of prayers for everyone.  Between my Trevi fountain wishes and my prayers at the Vatican I am really hoping we sell our house and I close my first deal at work!

 

Food:  I mean anyone that has been to Italy knows the whole reason you REALLY go is to eat and drink.  We ate at amazing restaurants all week.  Our favorite pizzeria we went to three times, and both JMS and I had thought we uncovered the hidden gem of the best pizza place in Italy.  Then someone told us it was a franchise and we were both completely devastated.  Nonetheless the pizza at Rosso Pomodoro is off the hook.  I wish they could deliver to Florida.

  The first night we went to a Restaurant called Tullo, between the wine, prosseco, lemon cello and jet lag....it didn't mix well with me to say the least.  But hey we had a good time.  We went to an Italian bar, with an Italian Singer named Jerry that played American hits...including Sweet Caroline, and Sweet Home Alabama.  Unfortunately the stage was not big enough for the both of us so I had to stand down here but had a great time!  Our first Roman toast at Tullo, I want to find wine glasses just like these ones!

The guys trying to sell stuff to you in Rome are ruthless.  As in they will walk right up to your table and put something down to sell you.  Every night at dinner this freaky little guy would come and put a dancing dog that sang Shania Twain on our table.  I couldn't help but laugh because the dog sang "That Don't Impress Me Much" which might have been one of my top best karaoke performances in college.  Katy K would have to be the judge of that one.  I so wanted to buy one for Jack but every time the guy was in view JMS said do not make eye contact.  Thank goodness my mom didn't go to Rome she would have been a sucker for these guys.  Sorry mom, but you know I am right.

We learned from the locals to always find a Trattoria, as it was likely family owned, cheap, and authentic. Trattoria Luzzi was my favorite stuck in a little whole in the wall behind the Coliseum.   We ate at a roof top restaurant  at the Hotel Valadier the second to last night.  The food and views were amazing!  I highly recommend this place.

 

 

 Our last night decided to treat ourselves to dinner at La Pergola a 3 Michelin star restaurant.  La Pergola had the most amazing views of the entire city, they were breathtaking!

It was a dining experience like neither John and I have ever experienced before.  Yet at the same time when we both walk out we decided that while nice fancy, gourmet dinners are great once in a while we prefer the inexpensive Trattorias and the house wine. It was an experience we surely will never forget. 9 courses, a bread cart, and a desert presentation to die for.  The second picture below is a little silver tower that was filled with the most amazing little desserts. 

 

 

Croissants and cappuccino, our daily norm. I know that across the world cultures are different.  But I have to say it is crazy that they don't have to go cups for cappuccino in Rome or make Ventes for that matter!  But like many baristas told us it is meant to be a moment you enjoy in your day.  Maybe us fast paced Americans need to learn a bit from the Italians on this one.  These Cappuccinos were way better then any Starbucks I have had before.

 

 

 



Our hotel was great, the best part about it was the roof top pool and the Mojitos.  We would sleep in, see some sites, eat, and then spend the afternoon at the pool. That pretty much summed up our days.  I read three books, drank a Mojito everyday (wild berry was my favorite), and slept. Our room was large for Italy, and I was obsessed with the molding and mirror in our room. 

I loved taking random neighborhood pictures throughout our adventure.  We walked everywhere and found ourselves just exploring the different streets, admiring fountains, and old apartment buildings. I loved some of the color schemes of the buildings and got some great ideas for when we build our dream home.  Below is my favorite, muted teal blue shutters, with cream paint and bright pink flowers. Gorgeous!

It was truly a trip I will never forget.  While the sights, food, and drink were amazing.  My favorite part of the trip were the heart to hearts with my main squeeze about life, our goals, and just being together.  When we got to Europe I realized just how desperately we needed a vacation.  We have been running on autopilot trying to balance everything and all the changes we have had over the past 7 months.  It was nice to just sit, quietly, and be together without any distractions and to only focus on each other.  I love you JMS and thank you for the trip of a lifetime.