Kirsten Tackles Italy with Spartacus

Just 3 short days after returning to Italy with Jason from Virginia, my girlfriend from high school, Kirsten, flew across the globe to spend time with us. She flew into Rome on Saturday morning, and since Matt was off work all weekend I went to Rome alone and left Jason with his daddy for the weekend. This mama had her first night without baby, and I must admit, I did surprisingly well!

Once I picked up Kirsten in Rome, we took the train to Venice, checked into our hotel and made our way to the Rialto Bridge to watch the sun set on the Grand Canal. It was stunning! We walked around and found a restaurant to dine at, Kirsten got her first taste of Italian pasta and she loved it. We walked the streets of Venice, browsing through the many stores selling beautiful hand made Venetian masks, handmade lace cloth, and so many other beautiful items displayed in these tiny storefronts. Walking through Venice had me in such a happy place. Stopped here and there for a cappuccino, sitting along the canal taking in the beauty of this city and purchasing beautiful Murano glass pieces and masks. We were in no hurry and starting off Kirsten's vacation in Venice was just the best start.

 

We made our way back to Naples, where I was able to cover Jason in kisses (I did miss my baby boy!) The next trip on our agenda was to go to the Amalfi Coast. We drove to the town of Vietri and shopped for all sorts of ceramics. Kirsten bought a gorgeous vase that makes me wish I bought one! After spending two hours walking in and out of shops we make our way to our last shop in Vietri. The store owner asked me if I was cold and put Jason's hood up on his head. It was a nice Spring day but to the Italians it is still cold and are still wearing heavy winter jackets. Speaking my very lose Italian I tell her that it is nice weather to us, and she some how asks if I'm breastfeeding. She takes one look at Kirsten and make comments about her low cut shirt to her friend (both women are probably in their 70's) and the next thing we know Kirsten has these women poking at her boobs. It was hilarious. Italian women, especially grandmothers, are all about feeding you, making sure you are warm, and covering up! Jason definitely got some love from them before we left that store.

Driving along the coast we stop in the town of Amalfi. We grab a pizza for lunch, and I tear pieces off for Jason to eat. He gobbled up my pizza! I tried to give him some baby finger foods after a few pieces of pizza and he was not having it. Give me back my pizza! By the time we had gotten to the town of Amalfi, shops were starting to close up for riposa (1-4pm "nap" time). We did manage to find a store open who let us sample different types of cellos. We tried Watermeloncello, Limoncello Cream, and he was offering us a third cello, but we declined. As much as I love free samples, I feel guilty if I don't buy from them. Back to the car we went and finished our drive down the coast.

The next couple days we shopped the local market, and explored Downtown. I had intentions to stop for lunch at Da Michelle Pizza (where Julia Roberts ate pizza in the movie Eat Pray Love) but by the time we managed to get Downtown the placed was packed with no less than 30 people waiting outside trying to find a seat. The pizza is good, I mean delicious, but I couldn't even find a parking spot let alone the patience to deal with the mob at the front door. So we kept on driving trying to find a local pizza place to go to, of which we found many but no where to park within a short walking distance.  It was starting to get late and we had to go pick Matt up from work soon so we reluctantly went to base to get lunch.

 

Kirsten did get the chance to try pizza at a favorite among the military crowd at a restaurant called Savaris after Jason and I took her to Capua. Capua is a town that houses and awesome amphitheater that is the second largest in Europe (I believe) after the Coliseum in Rome. On our way there we drive past farm land and the road is lined with old bottles waiting for pick up. As I look out the window I see something out of the corner of my eye, slam on my brakes and put the car in park. Kirsten is caught completely off guard she thought I had hit something. Nope! Just picking up a small demijohn off the side of the road. Demijohns are glass containers that Italians use to make wine. There is an abundance of demijohns in Italy, but in the States they can be puchased from Pottery Barn for around $200. I happily put my piece of treasure in the back of the Rav4 and continue on to the arena. I personally love going to this amphitheater because it is cheap and you can walk freely through it, and under it in the underground tunnels. We were bummed to find out that the underground was blocked off for some reason- flooding? But we had the place pretty much to ourselves (you won't ever get the Coliseum to yourself) so it was like we owned the place. This amphitheater is the home of the gladiator Spartacus, so it is only fitting that Jason has pictures taken in "his arena." I just snapped a few pictures with my iPhone and I love how they turned out.

 

I couldn't let Kirsten come all the way to Naples, Italy without taking her to Pompeii. I have been to Pompeii quite a few times in the past two and a half years I have been here, so I was pleasantly surprised to see so much newly opened areas of the archeological site. It was a slow day and a tour guide had approached us and started telling us fascinating information about certain areas, like this is where they would make wine, where they would eat dinner, he picked up a piece of rock and said that it is a pebble of pumice from the explosion in 79 AD which the entire city was covered by. He also pointed out a phallic symbol which are located all throughout the city (I've always looked but never seen them before). By the end of the day Kirsten and I found 3 phallic symbols. Here is an interesting link about the brothels in Pompeii. The tour guide after showing us around for a few minutes asked for money, I wasn't sure if he was a tour guide or a bored employee, but we didn't have any coins on us to buy him a café which made us feel bad. He understood, I guess that is what happens when you give unsolicited information and we try to tell you that you don't have to show us around. Again, great information, glad he did give unsolicited knowledge.

 

 

 After a few hours browsing Pompeii, we headed off to Vietri to comb the beach for sea glass. I love the beach, and I was excited to take Kirsten to my little beach where I just feel happy and content. We snagged a bag of sea glass, that hopefully I will make a mosaic of some kind out of. I can tell Kirsten was feeling what I feel when everything in life just feels right. Surrounded by beautiful landscape, listening to the water rush up onto the beach, and picking up pieces of smooth saltwater polished sea glass. Heaven on Earth.

 

For her last full day in Naples, Kirsten went on a wine tour in Benevento. Jason, Matt and I had a birthday party to attend while she was gone sampling wine and dining on fresh Italian cuisine. This girl, let me tell you, came back with 6 bottles of wine and a can of fresh olive oil! She is definitely going to need a larger suit case! Which she did! That night she packed all of her clothes and souvenirs because the next day we were driving to Rome!

 

Due to my lack of research (and common sense) we arrive in Rome on Sunday, head to the Vatican Museum and are excited to see that there is no line, only to find out that it is closed on Sundays. Major bummer! With the museum closed this meant she couldn't see the Sistine Chapel which I know she really wanted to see. We walk over to St. Peters Square and observe the long line that wraps around the Vatican to enter St. Peter's Basilica. It was starting to rain and the line was just too long. We head over to see the Trevi Fountain which we know is being restored by Fendi, but you can still see the fountain and even walk up to it, but for some reason (maybe because it is Sunday?) the walk way was blocked off and you couldn't get close enough to toss a coin into the waterless fountain. How do we make this day better? We start making our way back to my car which is parked by the Coliseum. Yet another long line in the rain to get in, and we are both starving. So we make way to Matt and I's favorite restaurant down the street. There is a shop that I really wanted to take Kirsten to because it makes me think of here every time I pass it. Guess what? It's closed. I feel like this couldn't have been any worse for a last day in Italy, the trip started out so good! We get to our restaurant, get some yummy yummy food in our bellies and call it a day. I drive Kirsten out to a hotel near the airport, help her with her bags and give her a big hug. Jason and I loved being able to spend time with her and showing her our town. We just wished it had been a better day (any day but Sunday!) to spend with her in Rome. We did have a fantastic time with her here though! Can't wait to see you again Kirsten. Thanks for visiting with us!

Baby Boy Needs Airline Miles

Jason has flown across the Atlantic Ocean 6 times now (3 round trips). At ages 3 months, 5 months and again at 9 months, Jason has gotten on 10+ hour long flights, some with layover and others as a straight shot. This last trip wasn't one we had been planning on, but the timing worked out just great. Matt had a big project he was working on and needed to spend more time at work, and my brother in law had a very important career milestone at the same time that I wanted to attend.

 

The weather was not in our favor, my flight was delayed 36 hours because there was snow in Norfolk the day my plane was suppose to take off and head over to Europe. Jason and I had to be checked in by noon on Saturday, but our flight wasn't until 7PM. We arrive early hoping to get checked in early, unfortunately we weren't called to get our tickets and drop off our baggage until 1:30 PM. The joys of flying Space A on a military flight is that you don't know if you have a seat on the plane until hours before the flight. Already antsy and hungry, I ask what time is boarding because I was going to leave base to get lunch. The agent told me that they want to send the plane off early so be back by 330 for a 5 PM departure. That was exciting news! Matt and I go get lunch, snag a box of Girl Scout cookies and head back. We see our plane land but the refueling tank is turned around. Matt knows something is up, and a few guys he knows on the tarmac tell him there is engine troubles. Long story short I send Matt home around 6:30 PM to go enjoy his guys night out, and we finally take off at 8:30 to head to Spain to pick up more people before going home to Norfolk. Being at the airport for 7 hours (plus two hours for lunch) was exhausting. There is nothing entertaining about the Naples Terminal on base.

 

I was just happy to have my ticket in hand, Jason had his own seat, and we were making our way to Va. We should be there around midnight. We land in Rota, get off the plane for refueling and are expected to take off in 2 hours. One thirty in the morning comes, our two hours is up and no one has heard any announcements about getting back on. I ask an agent about when we will be boarding and the response was, "Oh, no one is boarding for another 2 hours." that's 3:30 in the morning! The crew on board announced that we would only be on the ground for 2 hours and then to hear that we will be grounded for 4 hours was heart wrenching. We've been at the airport all day prior to this stop. The flight to Spain from Italy is only 2 1/2 hours, we just want to go home. A couple reasons why we couldn't take off sooner is because the original delay, followed by the engine delay had us coming in when the Norfolk terminal wasn't open (midnight to 4 am), we also had pilots change out that we were waiting on. Finally we took off at 3:30 am, Jason slept through the trip and we landed in Va. just in time for breakfast.  

 

 

 

Vacation days go by so fast, next thing you know it is the end of the week and we are at the Seal Center watching Liam go from an Enlisted Chief to becoming an Officer! My sister, niece and nephews put on his new shoulder boards, my grandfather placed his new Office cover on Liam's head, and my cousin Monica, who is also an officer in the Navy, read his oath to him. The ceremony brought tears to everyone's eyes. We are all proud of Liam and his accomplishments. Matt wishes he could have been there to show support for such a special occasion.

 

Liam's Commissioning brought family from across the world (literally, Mom was in Hong Kong!) together. My side of the family got together for dinner and Jason got to be the star of the show. Everyone was taking pictures with him and playing pass the baby. He was loving every minute of it! During the time in Virginia Jason was able to meet some cousins he hadn't yet met, and a very special Great Grandpa for the first time. Needless to say, Jason is very much loved. Not to mention, Matt's best friend Aaron and Rachel drove all the way to Va. from Illinois to see Liam get commissioned and spend time with us for the weekend.

 

 

 

 

As quick as our week came, it also went. The airport gave us our tickets and took our luggage fairly early in the night, I had time to go back to dads house to pick up an item I had left behind and still made it back before boarding. Unfortunately once Jason and I had boarded the plane I went to make a bottle for take off and I could not find his formula!! My gut just got in a very tight knot, and I went into mommy panic mode. I politely informed a stewardess of my situation, and asked if I could pull out a checked bag because I KNEW I had extra packed under the belly of the plane. For whatever reason, they would not pull out my luggage or let me point out which bag is mine. They asked the USO if they happened to have any formula, to which they did not. In a last attempt the flight attendant made an announcement over the plane asking if anyone had extra formula. Jason currently is happy and doesn't need any but it was a 12 hour flight with a layover ahead of us. He was GOING to NEED some. I had bottles of water and snacks, but I could not find his Ziplock of formula. Did I take it out at dads house? Did I leave it on the kitchen table? How could I have missed this? I felt like the biggest failure and worse mom ever. If no one had formula they could part with, I wasn't going to make this flight. They could send my bags to Italy, but I would be making my way to Walmart to feed my hungry kid.

 

No one responded to the first announcement, or the second announcement. "Great," I thought. "This will that flight where every mom onboard breastfeeds, and Jason can't wet nurse." After the third announcement asking for spare formula, a lovely couple with twin toddlers and a newborn brought up 4 single serve packets- enough to last me. THANK YOU LORD! I ran back to my seat, made Jason a bottle for take off and called Dad to double check I didn't leave the bag of formula behind. He didn't see any. Hmmmm. After take off, Jason was sleeping and I went through his entire diaper bag. Lo and behold, his bag of formula was hiding underneath everything at the bottom. A rush of relief overcame me. I felt like the Angels were looking over me, and that guilt of being a horrible mommy faded away. I returned the extra packets of single serve to the couple who donated them, thanked them immensely and was able to catch a few hours of sleep.

 

During our time in Virginia, Jason went through a very, very, cranky phase. We weren't sure if it was teething, or if he was just sick. A few days back home and back on a schedule and he was back to normal. But just a few shorts days after returning from Virginia, we had a visitor. Jason was a trooper for the duration of her stay and all of the traveling we did while she was in town.

Savage side of the family out to dinner

Jason hanging with mommy while she gets her hair cut and colored.

Jason Gets His Chompers!

Someone call the Tooth Fairy and tell her to start saving!

A few days ago Jason started to get a little bit more irritable than we are used to. He has been drooling for the past 3 months, so we fully expect teeth in the near future. Well the other night we lay Jason down for bed and he just won't calm down. Matt figures if he isn't hungry, maybe he has gas or his teeth are bothering him. Matt goes to massage Jason's gum and feels something unusual. "Casey. is that a tooth I feel?" So I go and inspect his gums and sure enough, Jason's first tooth has pushed through!

To celebrate this big milestone, we let Jason gnaw on a piece of steak the next night. He LOVED it!

The next couple of days he was still kinda cranky. Again, Matt went to massage his gums and felt another bump. Could he possibly have his second tooth already? Sure enough tooth number two is shining through! We have been letting Jason eat "real food." He prefers it in a mesh bag, where he can feed himself and I don't have to worry about him choking on pieces.

Just the other morning I cut up a bunch of strawberries and gave them to Jason- he wouldn't take them off of a spoon, nor does he like to bite the strawberry itself. So in the mesh bag they went. He absolutely loves strawberries. So much, I had to give him seconds. The first time I gave Jason strawberries I was a nervous wreck, because there is a high rate for allergies with them. But He has not shown any signs of food related allergies. 

He loves lima beans, steak, bread (which he was chewing on at a restaurant the other night- making a slobbery mess out of the bread), strawberries, bananas, and even cheddar brats.

Matt and I had brats for dinner last night, and out of curiosity I put a chunk of bratwurst in his bag. Jason started to devour it. When I took it away (because it isn't the best food choice for a baby) he pitched the biggest fit I have witnessed from him. Lesson learned... Jason likes yummy food too!

6 Month Dr Visit

Baby Spartacus had his 6 month wellness appointment the other day. Every appointment I fill out a questionnaire that tallies up on a scale to see how well he has developed in different categories such as: Problem Solving, Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Communication etc.  Jason scored in all categories to be on schedule. He grabs both of his feet, he tries to sit up- in fact he pretty much can hold a crunch position for several seconds (I should be copying him to get a good core workout in). When he is in a sitting position he can stay there with a little bit of a wobble. He loves to bounce in his doorway Jumpy Seat.

Spartacus weighs 17 lbs 13 oz and is 26.75 inches tall- he is in the 52% for both measurements. The Dr. says he looks great and has no concerns with him.

Matt was able to get out of work and come to this baby appointment and meet Jason's doctor. Matt is very eager and hands on with Jason. He comes to help with his shots which takes away some pressure from me. Jason had 4 shots, 2 in each leg. He definitely does not like being poked. He cried hard for 30 seconds, but as soon as the 4th shot was done, Matt picked him up and he calmed down immediately. The last set of shots he didn't calm so quickly, so this was a major relief.

Baby Spartacus was back to a happy baby right away and stayed his normal self all day. When we went to put him in bed I brushed my cheek across his forehead and noticed that he felt much warmer than he did a few minutes ago. We took Jason's temperature I swear at least 10 times between an ear thermometer and a pacifier thermometer. The first reading was 102.2 with a others reading around 101.6. I had baby Motrin and baby Tylenol on hand, but I called the ER to make sure he didn't need to be seen. They ER couldn't give me medical advice over the phone so I called the nurse hotline. Since his temperature wasn't over 103.9 and he was in his normal happy mood, not lethargic, or anything out of the norm an ER visit wasn't necessary. We gave him some Motrin and waited until his temperature dropped down to 99 before going to sleep that night.

Let me tell you, baby having a fever is a tad bit terrifying. I know fevers mean that his vaccines are working properly, but he was toeing the line of a high grade fever and that is just scary! Jason fortunately was back to normal in about an hour and haven't had any problems since.

Jason's Halloween

Halloween was a very busy day for us. A good friend of ours retired, and Matt was a part of the ceremony as a Side Boy. Our friend Rob, who was retiring, is a Heilo Pilot and a dear friend. Jason and I dressed up and headed out the door to watch not only his beautiful retirement, but a surprise vow renewal! Very happy we could be there for Rob and his beautiful wife Lesley.

After the retirement, Matt and I donned our surgical attire and went to the base Spooktacular as Dr. Matson. The idea of Matt and I being YOUR doctor is a scary thought! We had gone to a birthday party back in August that was themed Star Wars, so we already had a costume for Jason. Even though we danced around the idea of changing his costume when we were at Party City in Virginia, we stuck with our original idea. Jason went as baby Chewbacca! I entered him in a costume contest, some little boy dressed as Chucky won.

We didn't go trick or treating- even though one house on base was giving out Sangria to the parents! After Spooktacular we headed out to the Agora Hotel to celebrate Robs retirement. The day was long and full of joy and we look forward to the many Halloweens to come.

Jason Goes Back to America

After a very successful trip to the States in August, Matt and I already had plans in the works to come back home in October. We were getting word that a handful of people were wanting to come out to Italy in September to visit with us. Matt, who was already homesick for America, knew he wouldn't be able to take the time off to accommodate 3 visits in one month. We decided early on that we will make the trip home, this way everyone who hasn't met Jason and can't make it across the pond will be able to love on him.

The morning came to drive to Rome, park the car and get our tickets. We had booked Jason as a Lap seat but prayed for an empty seat between Matt and I so we could bring Jason's car seat on board and free up our laps. The gate agent was kind enough to block the empty seat between us so no one could book that seat last minute, thankfully there were plenty of open seats. We flew the 10 hour flight to Charlotte, NC had a layover and then off to Norfolk. Jason did great! he got antsy the last flight, but can you blame him?

Dad picked us up, took us home and then back to the airport the following morning. We flew into Chicago and were pleasantly pleased with a warm welcome from my Aunt Julie who happened to be in town. She covered Jason in kisses while Matt and I grabbed our luggage. Jason was happy as can be to meet his Aunt Julie! Matt's dad, Bumpa, picked us up and got to meet his grandbaby for the first time. We stopped for lunch and Bumpa couldn't stop staring and smiling at baby boy.

We spent 3 very short days in Illinois- fortunately we flew which saved us major travel time. Over the three days Jason got to hang out with his Uncle Luke who bought him a very cool Blackhawks Jersey. Matt's mom, Nana came running upstairs to meet Jason and took over his wardrobe change. She was in Nana Heaven! Nana hung out for the night and got in as much cuddle time as possible. She knows very well they don't stay little for long, so she soaked up the little time they had together.

Jason was showered in gifts, ranging from a horse onsie from Mia, Sam, Rachel and Aaron, to a balloon and Blackhawks hat from Uncle Phil, Sue, Maddie and Sam. By the way- he loved his first balloon! He bounced it, swatted it and just loved to stare at it. It was pure entertainment for everyone. Almost everyone from Matt's side of the family was able to come and spend time snuggling and loving on Jason. He finally got to meet his cousins Devin and Skyelar, who adore him.

Much of our time was spent staying low key, enjoying to company of family, snapping pictures. The time in Illinois went by fast and we had to say "see you later" with tears in our eyes. Hopefully we will be flooded with Illinois house guests when we buy a house as soon as we transfer to our next duty station.

Flight number 4 of this entire trip was back to Virginia. Dad picked us up again, and while he waited for us to get our luggage he played with Jason. The one thing I think my dad loves more than being a dad, is being a grand-daddy! He is the happiest person on this planet when he talks to Jason. Matt and I settled in quickly at dad's house. We have a routine down now. My Aunt Mary invited us over for dinner which was nice. We weren't ready to dive into fast food, especially since Matt had his weigh in as soon as we got back to Italy. It was another night of just family, filled with laughter and happiness. While we were back in Virginia Beach, we checked out a couple of neighborhoods that we may have interest in when it comes down to buying a house in the near future.

Dad and his neighbor Susie offered to watch baby J for us one night so we could go on a date. It was much needed to get some "just us" time. I feel I did very well leaving baby boy so I could go on a date with Matt. Neither of us called or texted to see how he was doing, and I didn't feel anxious about the situation at all. I know if they need me, they know how to reach me. As expected Jason was happy and in one piece when we returned home.

Dad had a cookout, and invited a bunch of friends to come over, meet Jason and hang out. It was a very nice turn out. Uncle Chase was holding Jason and having a "brewski" when Jason grabbed hold of his bottle and started to gnaw on it. It was kinda precious and funny.

 As usual, the time flew by and we were boarding our plane to go back to Italy. Again, Jason did exceptionally well and slept the entire flight back. So to the lady who was sitting beside me and got up and moved... Thank you for the elbow room. Hope the people behind you didn't kick your seat too much, because Jason was an angel. As my mom says, if a cranky child is the worse thing on a flight- it's a good day! AMEN

Four Month Check Up

Took Jason in for his 4 month check up this week. He had a small patch of rough skin on his shoulder that didn't bother him for a couple of weeks now. Since it didn't hurt or itch, it wasn't of much concern. Dr Norwood gave us a steroid cream and after two days the rough patch was gone. 

Other than that Jason is very healthy. He weighs 15.73 lbs and is 26 inches tall. He marks in the 80th percentile for height and 64th percentile for weight.

Yesterday Jason received his 4 month immunization shots. Only two shots this time instead of three. Both of them in his right thigh. I placed a soothing machine that vibrates against his thigh before the shot to help "numb" his leg. The corpsman poked him quick and startled Jason very bad. She went pretty deep too. Jason cried pretty hard and loud. Matt couldn't console him this time like he did at the two month appointment. So I took over and was able to bounce and distract him to calm him down. He recovered well and didn't shed a single tear the rest of the day.

I wanted to give him a lollipop for being so good about his shots! We gave him a couple mL of Tylenol just incase. He was in great spirits all through the night. This mommy was loving the extra snuggles! 

Hoping his next round of shots go smooth in a few months!