O Holy Night the STARS are brightly shining...

Well this little star gazed in wonder at his mom and dad when they placed him in this holiday gift. He then proceeded to try and eat his way out.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

From our family to yours...be blessed!

NoBUMBO!



See baby pictured above...about 5 seconds before he was placed in his Bumbo he was happy, playing, cooing at his mommy. Then daddy came and picked him up, insisted he must try his NEW Bumbo for the first time. Mommy grabs camera and prepares for happy baby in Bumbo seat (see advertisement of happy Bumbo baby below).

Needless to say this baby won't be seeing his Bumbo for awhile...it is already packed away in its box.

*(Disclaimer: Daddy used Bumbo before recommended age which was stated in BOLD letters on the box. Mommy tried to encourage him to wait until baby was at recommended age. Mommy will place baby back in Bumbo when age minimum's have been met and baby is happy)

To be Continued...

Reindeer Spotting...



No worries everyone, we spotted a reindeer earlier this week - so glad the recession isn't going to keep Santa from coming this year...YAHOO!
Hope everyone is getting charged up for a great Christmas Day and wonderful celebration of our Lord and Saviors Birth.

2 Months Old

Due to the many many requests I have received for an updated picture of Shayden...here he is at his 2 month picture...technically today he is 2 1/2 months old! He can't wait for Christmas and is starting to love his naps - thank you Lord!

Birthday's Dun Rite...



Chris and I left Shayden with Grandma and Grandpa T last night for a hot night out on the town...well thankfully dressed like this it was only my brothers basement where we celebrated Becky, Jed and Monica's Birthdays in true White Trash style. It was a great night with some amazing costumes and a lot of fun. Needless to say I have only posted the picture of Chris and I as all others would need to approved by those in the shot - and this just couldn't wait.
Happy Birthday Guys - thanks for a great night out!

Christmas Tree Tradition:

Every year we hike out of the city to find that one perfect Christmas tree to grace our home for the holiday season. This year Shayden was in tow for his first Christmas tradition..some people may think we are crazy for taking our 2 month old as the roads looked like this -

it was 23 degrees and windy as ever -



but our little man slept in true comfort and style under his "bundle me" cover -



The start of a new generation making the trek!

First Family Photo:



I know, crazy isn't it...for being the picture people that we are this is our first family photo since Shayden has been born! Yikes...well glad we finally realized it and of course our little guy was hamming it up for the camera. He is all smiles now and starting to laugh if you really get him going.

Experienced Babysitter for Hire!



This is how I found Chris and Shayden yesterday when I came in to check and see how things were going. Now before you call CPS Chris would like to defend himself by saying this couch is very sturdy and he was firmly planted on two feet!!! Oh my goodness, I think after seeing this picture you may want to hire him to watch your child...huh, no takers.
Just teasing you babe, your a great dad and Shayden was really enjoying the view from up there.

Perplexed ...

I walked into our kitchen today to find this display in our "pantry" (if you saw it you would understand the need for the "). Now I asked myself, since we all know who did it (can't blame it on Shayden just yet Chris), what would drive a man to think he is sealing up said bag of cookies when you can clearly see the cookies through the large hole you just created by opening them and diving right in?

I stand perplexed...

Photo Tag:

To keep this tag going - in honor of my sis Kristen - I present to you my 6th album (on this computer mind you) and the 6th picture in that album...

You have got to be kidding me - I think she rigged this thing...well sis here is your time to shine!
This pic was taken during a visit Chris and I made from OH to AZ back in Sept. '06.

5 Week Update

Shayden has reached the 10 lb mark! At our 5 week check up this past week he weighed in at 10 lbs 1 oz and measured in at 22 3/4 inches long. This length placed him in the 95% for growth - which came as a surprise if you know the height of my husband...Chris told him to enjoy it while it lasts as he probably only has another 30" to go...which makes me wonder - what is Chris going to do when Shayden passes him by?

This week's highlight in our new world with Shayden was giving Uncle Scott a diaper changing lesson. For any of you who know Uncle Scott (or Uncle Poosie for those who really know him) you are sure to know how excited and thoroughly invested he is in becoming the best uncle ever! As you will witness above in the pictures he not only completed his first lesson but the results were a very happy Shayden...job well done Uncle Scott - you may be up for uncle of the year.

Daddy Time



Took a few snapshots of Chris and Shayden last night having Daddy Time...had to post them once I saw how cute they turned out. He is getting so big and holding his head up like a champ. To child experts out there - does this count for tummy time?

Oops!

I might, and I mean might (no proof here people), have put some food down the disposal that has led to a clog which we cannot fix. Um, who really needs a kitchen sink right? To top this off our landlords are in Florida and the plumbing company they have specified for us to use can't come until Monday - 3 days with no sink...are you kidding me???
For all of you who know us well don't let Chris tell you he has been inconvenienced by this mistake, he has already been out to get his breakfast using the "sink" as his reasoning...living large people, living large.

Bath Time

We love bath time here...and thankfully so does Shayden. This is one of my favorite recent shots when he is fresh out of the tub. We will save the naked ones for his baby book and the future woman of his dreams (have to have it, black mail is necessary and I fully believe in its benefits).

Pure Torture

I am currently sitting at the computer while Chris and I choose to torture ourselves with Shayden's crying. Yes, we are attempting to let him self soothe and go down for his nap smoothly without being rocked until he is totally out. It is AWFUL! We have gone 10 minutes and just went in to calm him - which he does right away - and now is back to crying his little eyes out not understanding how we would not just want to hold him 24/7.

We are sorry little buddy - some day you may thank us but probably not.

Big Adventure Day!

Shayden took his first little road trip today to go and see Great Grandma and Grandpa! He was a total champ on the drive there and back and even had his first ride on Great Grandpa's tractor. Needless to say none of this was possible without Grandma! We had a great time and can't wait until they return from Florida after the winter...I think they have the right idea.

Rock Star Baby!

Okay biased comment already, I know I know, but seriously this kid is awesome. Last night was yet another sweet night of sleep with Shayden only waking up twice to eat - let me remind you he is only 20 days old!!! Today he has continued to cycle through his daytime 3 hour routine like a champ and has napped in his crib this afternoon without being totally out cold before being placed in to sleep (thanks Grandma Costello). This has allowed me some sane time with my sis and her kids this morning, lunch with my hubby and all my summer clothes are packed up and my winter clothes are put away in the closet...what sweet victory. You rock Shayden!

Just Because...

I can't help myself. He is so Cute!

Daddy takes over!
Desperate times call for desperate measures...Chris took over for me while Shayden was having a 'moment' and decided to take him for a little ride on our mobile ottoman...go Daddy go! Needless to say not only was I thrilled but little man loved the ride.

2 Weeks Old!

Oh my goodness, how time fly's ... we can hardly believe Shayden is already 2 weeks old and yet it seems at times like he has been here for longer than that - can I get an Amen from the sleepless parents out there :)

In all seriousness though he is doing awesome and really sleeping like a champ - last night was two 5 hour stretches with a 3 hour to finish, not bad for 14 days old.

Shayden Joseph
Oct. 8th, 2008
7 lbs 6.5 oz
20.5 Inches

link to our web album: http://picasaweb.google.com/rebecca.testa/ShaydenJosephTesta#

40 Weeks !!!

No new mom should ever have to type that date into their journal - isn't this supposed to be over by now and you should be holding your new little bundle of joy??? What - NO - are you kidding me...At this moment I am dressed for work - already 45 minutes late due to a phrase I have coined "baby depression" which really is no depression at all except that you can think of nothing else except having that baby and nothing else in the world matters (well not nothing but you get the point).
We have an appt today at 12:45 just so we can remind ourselves that he still hasn't come and yes we still have prenatal appts to attend. I am praying that our doctor announces "you are 5 cm dilated, looks like today could be the day". Oh Lord please!!!
Well off to work and my waiting bowl of cereal - thanks honey.

39 Week Update...

Well, I wish I had wonderful progress to report but I have a feeling this little guys does not like to plan in advance. We had a good doctors report with heart beat just fine. Still only dilated 1cm, now 75% effaced and baby's head is a -1 station (it's some progress, I know). As any anxious mother can report you couldn't have told me enough today for it to be what I wanted to hear - only my little man crying would have been the perfect news. We go back on Thursday morning for a non-stress test just to be sure he is reacting well and moving around enough. I am praying we are holding him in our arms instead...

Nursery - teaser shot

I promise there will be more to come...this shows the mobile that Chris had as a child over the crib. Mama T saved some very cool things from his childhood that we are excited to pass on to Baby Testa and any future little Testa's to come.

38 week update!

No progress people...wish I had something fun to report but we are now at the same stage for the past 3 weeks. I am comforting myself with the fact that this little guy must need all the time in there he is asking for as I (and Chris) am more than ready for his debut! I guess this only makes labor more appealing if that is possible.

Current status: 1 cm dialated, 50% effaced

9 months!

*Wearing the Number 9 t-shirt that Kristen and Ron loaned me for the special occasion.

8 months!

I realize I don't look too happy here, but the joy is on the inside. This was taken after a very long day at work and well I have no more reason than that.

31 Week Update!

We visited the doctor this morning after Rebecca was up for hours with cramping during the night. Dr. Raymond said all was fine but did an internal exam which revealed that her cervix was already softening and she was effaced a little. This came as a surprise but with some caution to take it easy all should be fine. Doc seems to think that Baby Testa would like to debut around 37-38 weeks instead of staying in for the full 40. Our next appointment should be interesting.

Costello Family Vacation 2008!

The entire family, currently numbered at 19, traveled to Michigan this past week to enjoy a little R&R while getting very close and comfy in one home with only 2.5 baths! It was a great week, wonderful weather and fun times.

This shot deserves a bit of explanation - Chris found these fine hats at the dollar spot and decided every guy on vacation should have one - I could not believe what a hit they were and really how fabulously practical they became. :)

View more photos here: http://picasaweb.google.com/rebecca.testa/FamilyVacation2008

7 months pregnant