Cheerio Vegas....

Las Vegas airport...hot hot hot on the tarmac..

great view from Starbucks
Bling-tastic items in the gift shop...wowzers...who would were this?

of course...pokies at the gate...

We're now waiting at Las Vegas airport for our flight to LA on route to Sydney.

I'm actually looking foward to getting back...I need a holiday from our holiday! Its tough travelling with a young one but we've had some great and memorable moments.

Luca is sleeping soundly in his stroller as I'm writing this...he's had an amazing 4 weeks. 2 Teeth, 2 words (mamma, dadda), 1,000's of admirers and hundreds of new tastes, sounds and sights.

Perhaps Claudio should give up his day job?!

The Venetian

Luca warms up the crowd...

and then hits the high notes "Nessun DORMAAAAAAAAAAAAA"


CHEESE!! well lets stay in theme here...FORMAGGI!!

Luca's getting excited for the Gondola ride...

Hang on a sec....what's Humpty Dumpty doing in Las Vegas? We caught him drunk at a bar...no wonder he's always having big falls!!

We caught a cab down the Strip to the Venetian and had breakfast at an illy cafe...oh bliss...proper coffee.

The Venetian is another over-the-top casino decked out in gold plated statues and murals on the ceiling...the centre of the casino is set up like Piazza di San Marco with replica bridges, canals and buildings - right down to the Gondola rides. Not to mention, people walking around singing opera in costumes from the Shakespearean era.

We decided that a Gondola ride was definitely on the cards..and Luca loved it...didn't make a sound until right at the end when we were about to get off.

The relaxing ride made Luca tired and he went to sleep soundly in his stroller...taking advantage of this we walked across the street to Fashion Show mall, which much to my disappointment, had all my favourite stores...including Zara. And low and behold...this Zara was cheaper than New York and more like the store I was missing from Europe...BUGGER.

Nevermind, Dave bought his brother a little something and once Luca woke up we caught at taxi back to the hotel.

Late in the afternoon the 3 of us put on our cozies and hit the pool. The wave pool was great...Luca loved it..and he even went on the lazy river with Dave.

I cant tell you how many people came up to chat with Luca...its heart warming everytime someone mentions how handsome and cute he is...I'm such a proud parent. Luca knows exactly when to smile and wins even the young Gucci yuppies that have taken kids out of their equation. One even telling us we need to put him on TV. Hmm..might look into that.

We let Luca have an afternoon nap before going downstairs to The Pub for dinner. It was a fitting end to our American adventure when we both ordered Burgers...and they didn't disappoint. The best burgers we've ever had with a mountain of fries...and even tho we didn't have a gallon of coke to wash it down with...we felt like we'd given our final salute to the stars and stripes.

Tomorrow...homeward bound.

Luca says Dadda for the camera...but said Mamma first!

Outlet Shopping...too many bags

Oh dear not again...yep...more outlet shopping. Might have to start going to DFO when we get back...saves suffering from withdrawals.

A few good shops, Converse, Calvin Klein, Samsonite, Vans, Tommy Hilfiger, DKNY, Bose and a tonne of others. We spent the whole day there...poor Luca must have been so BORED...imagine yourself being dragged around a mall all day..when you have no shopping power... Thankfully he napped and was a good boy all day...the shop assistants loved him...wanting to pinch his cheeks.

At lunch, Dave had a heart attack smorgasbord....a hot dog with a pretzel outer crust...he drowned it with ketchup and mustard...and followed it up with a greek Gyros caked with sour cream...well done honey...did I menti0n the gallon of coke that it came with?

What I've noticed is..American food is like the food that you get from the Easter show. Its fatty, greasy and you always leave feeling guilty, bloated and fat. The funny thing is....healthy food is a rareity....you have to request it seperately.....you ask f0r a green salad and they serve it with Ranch Sauce and fries... it defeats the purpose. The serving sizes are just ridiculous...such a waste of food..1 slice of pizza from a food court store...is the size of a family pizza in Australia.

Looking forward to getting back to a normal diet...I'm also looking forward to fitting into some jeans..Ive put on a bit of weight....DAM YOU FRIES.....DAM YOU DUNKIN DONUTS...DAM YOU HOT DOGS....DAM YOU BUCKET OF VANILLA FLAVOURED COFFEE....why do you have to taste so good??

Off to the Venetian tomorrow for a gondola ride....last full day of holidays before heading back to OZ. Kinda sad, Kinda happy.

Big Fish, Little Fish

Floating pink blobs

Holding Luca tight when the big sharks swim past.

Big Fish, Little Fish

We started the day at Mandalay Bay, had a big hearty breakfast and a bowl of coffee before heading into Shark Bay Aquarium.

Luca was fascinated by all the exhibits and we had a great time showing him the different fish. Dave and I even got to pat a sting ray....ewwie gooie.

Afterwards we took a walk through the linked casinos...The Luxor and Excalibur. Stopped briefly for another coffee and a very disgusting Krispy Kreme donut. Oh boy, It was good tho.

We took Luca back to the hotel for an afternoon nap and once he woke up we took the cityrail monorail to the Bellagio to view the fountain spectacular and across the road to Cesar's Palace for Dinner at Planet Hollywood.

On the way home, we stole Brad Garrett's cab. The guy that plays Robert on Everybody Loves Raymond. His girlfriend was a quarter of his age...why do Hollywood actors do that?? so gross!!

We had a great day.

Off to the outlets tomorrow.

Luca the Piranha meets his match..

Las Vegas is hot

Today we tried to stay out of the heat as much as possible. We ventured across to Aria, Crystal and the Bellagio via the monorail that joins all the buildings together.

Luca was amazed at all the lights and sounds as we walked through each of the casino areas. He was such a good boy today. I'm very glad he likes his stroller and that he's happy sitting in it for long periods of time.

The Bellagio is so beautiful. They have a display in the lobby foyer which is like a scene from Alice in Wonderland. Massive suspended Bees that are made with yellow daisies and brown and black flowers...all real.


There was one of those long stream water features that make the water look like its leaping around the place.


We saw 2 brides having their photos taken...what an amazing place to get married in..perhaps a little tacky but still...the photos would be brilliant.

For lunch we ventured back to the hotel and to a Chinese restaurant called Dragon Noodle Company. They were serving Fresh...made in front of you....Dim Sims. The steamed pork buns were to die for..so fluffy and fresh. YUMMO.


We also ordered "Chicken Mince in lettuce leaves" and when we told the waitress we'd like San Choi Bow...she said.''"do you speak Chinese?" ...um...No. It was funny how the menus over here for Asian food are all Americanized..no Chinese wording in them at all.

I got locked out of our room briefly as my card didn't work and had to be checked by security in case I was a thief....and once we were finally in our room... all 3 of us had a long afternoon nap on the big King size bed (which is the softest, comfiest bed EVER).

We woke up late and ventured to New York New York which is my favourite casino yet. I love how there are little buildings made up to the ceiling to look like Soho and Greenwich. With Hot Dog stands and New York Yankee merchandise. We had our best Italian meal since leaving Connecticult at Il Fornaio. We had Beef Carpaccio with lemon, capers and Parmesan cheese, and Italian sausage pasta and Caprese (tomatoes basil and bocconcini). The first time I haven't felt bloated.

Luca had his bath and fell asleep straight away...we followed suit....We're off to the aquarium tomorrow at The Mandalay Bay to see the big fish. We've been calling Luca the little Piranha because he has two big bottom teeth and likes to bite our fingers...HARD. They have some on display...looking forward to showing our little Pirahna the real Piranha. Hopefully they don't see him as lunch.

Toys R Us, Time Square

Luca...The Wonder Kid...

We had our last breakfast in New York across from the hotel at Aroma Espresso Bar (http://www.aroma.us/index.php) and had the most fattening ice coffee I've ever had in my life...with sugar syrup poured almost half to the top....but my god it was good. Thick and delicious! I might not have any teeth and be the size of a house when I get back..but it could almost be worth it. Luca did get to have some of my blueberry muffin...which will match his muffin top that he is starting show above his diaper. But I can't complain..he is happy, healthy and he loves his food...a lot to be thankful for.

We checked out at 1pm and while Dave was with front desk..I was keeping Luca entertained in the posh lobby bar area. Seated on very nice satin material booth style seating with a lot of business people and guests around. Luca just had his breakfast and was jumping around on my lap doing his normal 'Peg Leg' dance where all he wants to be is standing...and then...oh boy...Luca throws up all over the satin seat and on the floor. He wasnt feeling unwell or anything bad like that...he was just shaken not stirred...like a Manhatten martini.

I dont think anyone noticed.(yet)..but you could definitely smell it...I had to get out of here QUICK.

Luckily, Dave had finished finalising the bill and was walking back casually to where I was sitting..."DAVE!! Hurry the hell Up!! We need to get outta here!" Before he could ask why... he saw the large stain on the chair, a bit of chunder reminence on Luca's chin and me getting in a flustered panic with Luca being held in one arm, Pushing the stroller with the other, and trying to put the backpack on at the same time.

He got the message...oh boy..Luca's timing was perfect. We'd just given him a bath to make him feel 'fresh' for the plane...now he smelt like dirty socks with mashed corn. no time to change him now...so off we jumped into a yellow cab to JFK.

It was pretty much smooth sailing from there on in...it just goes to show that Luca does infact like flying...and that the trip over here was tough because of the teething. That's a fact.

Here's another fact: Always bring a change of baby clothes, cos 9 times out of 10, the day you forget, will be the day he decides to pee all over himself 30,000 feet up. Like I said before, Luca's timing is perfect..Thank goodness for his sleeping sack on hand.

I'm still trying to work out why slept so much and was such a good boy...It could possibly be linked to the exhaustion from toy shopping yesterday..or the fact that he ate well before we got onboard...or the fact we were sitting in window seats...or the fact we now have Coby..the Tiger Pillow...Or its the combination of all.

All I can say is..Luca was a dream. I had a lot of people come up to us on the plane to say what a well behaved and gorgeous boy we have...of course!

We also had our first celebrity spotting on this plane trip...Austin Scarlett, an essentric designer from Project Runway was sitting a few rows up from us...I was mustering all the courage I had to go and talk to him but I was a little star struck.

Once arriving at LAX, we jumped in a shuttle bus to the Four Points by Sheraton close by at the airport for 1 nighter before heading off to Vegas tomorrow by car.

Four Points by Sheraton is a glorified backpackers lodge for adults...infact, I'd go as far as saying Ive stayed in backpackers accommodation 10 times better in Europe.

The room didnt feel clean...and because of our previous experience with bed bugs the last time we were in the US...I was a little paranoid...and I swear the itching was not all in my head, Dave..!

A long day came to a close...crawled up in bed, turned off the light, pitch black...getting all snug...then..ROOOOOOAAAARRRRR....an American Airlines jet decides it needs to land on our doorstep...well not quite but it sounded like it.

Did we walk under a ladder somewhere in New York? surely tomorrow will be a better day

Like kids in a Candy Store....quite literally.

Trish and John arrived at the hotel at around 11am and we walked along 42nd St up to Times Square to the Sanrio Store. Hello Kitty Mecca. I was a little bit dissappointed this time...not as much funky stuff...and more mass produced brightly coloured plastic that was too expensive. Bummer...another long awaited shop thats gone down hill since our last visit.

Following our brief exploration of the Hello Kitty Store we ventured to Toys R Us. Man, this place is amazing. Even Luca was feeding of the excitement of the kids, lots of smiles and giggling.

Dave and I were on a mission to find him something that resembled a TV remote...since Luca has developed an annoying habit of playing with ours and will cry if we take it off him...(there's only so much channel skipping we can handle).
Straight up to the Babies section where they had the widest selection of Fisher Price toys Ive ever seen.

We found a mobile phone that lights up and plays music...that sorta looks like a TV remote...so we got that. And we found Luca's first Tonka truck (only a tiny one).

He did very well...and there was still F.A.O. Schwartz to go.

Hershey store and M&M's came next...and we bought a tacky plastic Hershey Kiss lolly dispenser that plays "Your Kiss is on My list" when you open it. Pretty funny.

Lunch at Planet Hollywood...for a quick recharge...then off to F.A.O Schwartz were we found Luca a Bib and a little racing car.

Dave also managed to venture into the Apple store.

During all this, we got the news that Dave's Nonno had been rushed to hospital with something wrong with his bladder. I remember telling Dave the day we left that he didn't look well..Nonno had been bleeding.

They operated on him and as he was coming out of his operation, one of his kidney's was failing and his heart rate was low.

Trisha and John decided to leave early and head back to the family to be with them. It was really sad to see them go.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Nonno. We have had no more news yet. Will keep you posted.

Rumbles with Dad

HBO store....Time Warner Mall....and....Tiffanys

Time Warner Mall - looking out to Columbus Circle

Artistic Hugo??

Funky Chicken

Busy day today, we kept out of the heat and humidity and went to a Mall all day. First stopping off at the HBO store to get Dave some Sopranos merchandise before going to Time Warner Mall. Luca was happy with that. We shopped and looked around Mall, had lunch in Borders and generally had a great day.

We even managed to head up the road to 5th Avenue to see Tiffanys....yay!

Jumped in a cab back to the hotel, all 3 of us crashing to bed early and ready for a big day tomorrow with Trish and John

Luca's first ride in an NY Yellow Cab

Luca makes a very big Faux Pas!

Riding in a Yellow Cab with Dad

Wow! Look at all those people!!

Grand Central Station

As we were leaving the hotel, the rain was bucketing down, we were prepared for it. Luca looked like Bubble Boy in his raincovered stroller and we felt like we would conquer the day without any hassles. Boy we were wrong!!

We had every intention of having a big shopping day at Century 21 (located across the road from Ground Zero)..but Luca wasn't going to have a bar of it.

5 minutes after we stepped out the door, the sun broke through the clouds and the humidity came with it too. We took a cab down to Century 21 from Grand Central and walked around the department store for about 20 minutes before Luca told us, he'd rather be eating.

We went across the road to McDonald's and fed him his apple mash and a bottle...then the grunting told us we had to find somewhere to change him.

No family rooms in McDonald's...how about the Hyatt down the road? No, not their either...But they had a disabled toilet so we went in there instead

Ok....lets go back and try again...

More grunting...this time...we were further away from the Hyatt...and Luca was screaming.....lets go into this office foyer and change him while he's in the stroller....no problem...unchanged him...lots of screaming.....MASSIVE runny poo....oh fabulous!

Changed and sorted....looked around and realised we were in the office foyer for Vogue magazine.

We decided that we just couldn't go out today, Luca wasn't happy at all. We went back to the hotel and while Luca and Dave were having a well deserved nap...I went to Zara. ....only to be disappointed with the price hike and the range of clothing.

Got home around 4pm and we had Mexican food delivered to the hotel room. Hopefully tomorrow Luca will approve a shopping adventure.

Luca rides his first horse, gets his first taste of icecream and accidentially tries wasabi...

Sal and Gil came to our hotel room early for a day of activities.

We walked 2 blocks up the road to their friends apartment located on 44th and 2nd.

Dino, who is the brother of a friend of Sals shares the apartment with his lovely girlfriend Danielle...and their cute little cat.....Baci (which is italian for kiss).

I have shoe boxes that are bigger than their apartment and their kitchen was the size of postage stamp. Everything was compact...and all their furniture required multiple purposes...e.g. the large Ottoman was used as a coffee table and the lid openned for storage.

Sal tells us that their apartment is actually considered large...and that a studio apartment, which is half the size can be expected to be sold for $600,000. Wowzers.

On the recommendation of Dino we headed to Byrant Park Grill, which is located behind the New York Public Library...and where the New York fashion weeks are held each year in a massive tent.

We had a lovely brunch and Luca loved his little slice of cornbread. The others headed off while Iwent back to the hotel to give Luca his nap.

Sal, Gill and Dave came back at about 2pm and we all went to an icecream parlour called Tasti Treats for some relief from heat. Luca loved his little spoon of French Vanilla icecream...but we holded back on anything else. We do have to get him a little toothbrush now...(I'll do that tomorrow).

After icecream, we went to Sushi for dinner. A lovely restauarant with a huge indoor water feature. The sushi was great and I fed some of the avocado to Luca...little did I know that one of the bits of avocado had a tiny bit of Wasabi...well...Luca didnt like that at all...only briefly he looked at us funny and then cried a little bit before having a little apple juice to wash it away. OMG I'm a bad mummy!

We walked back to the hotel and said our goodbye to Sal and Gil....headed upstairs and into bed.

Carousel Ride in Bryant Park

Some recent snaps

Luca loves his dad

The "Procession"

"Dad, Did you see that guy?!"

Hangin' in the park with my familia

Ciao for now dear Waterbury

We packed up our things in the morning and stayed by the pool until Orsola got home from work. We said a teary farewell to the family...it was a lovely time catching up with them all...a little different than last time with an extra little person in tow but it was a memorable time.

Driving off down the street, we could see Nonno with his walking frame still in the garage waving goodbye ...wiping the tears away.

We'll see him again, I'm sure of that.

2 hour drive North with our hired Dodge Evenger and into the City that never sleeps. The Noise, the mammoth buildings, the number of people and the atmosphere still takes my breath away. I love being here. Theres something very different about this place than any other in the world.



From our room window, we can practically touch the Chrysler building. Wow...can't wait to draw that when Luca is napping tomorrow.

Luca approves....Fried Dough

We stuck around the pool playing with Trish's kids today. The weather has been so humid lately. There is no where else to go but near or around water. We tried to go to a park in Watertown (up the road from Sal's place)...stayed there for 10 minutes, burned our bum on the swing seats and our hands on the monkey bars and decided it wasn't 'fun' anymore. Back to the pool.

At 6.30pm we drove to the Italian festival of St Carmel at Orsola's local church. Her parents live about 2 minutes up the street so we ventured from their house and walked along the street as a group. One smart ass guy who was getting out of his car said 'hey look, here's comes the procession" (since there was about 6 adults and 12 children walking hand in hand). Italian and American flags were waving in the wind from flag poles on the street lights...it was just how I imagined an Italian neighbourhood in America to be like...including the concrete statues out the front of some of the houses.

Loud Italian cheese ball music welcomed us and the smell of fried dough danced in the humid breeze. Italian American's were all speaking loudly and eating lots of food in a makeshift tent on the ashfelt courtyard of the church.

You have to get tickets first to get your food and drink so we did that. Got the fried dough and headed back to the house to eat.

Luca got his first taste of Fried Dough..and absolutely loved it. Cried when we weren't feeding him it fast enough...a true italian boy.

The kids were going nuts running around the house, high on sugar and Luca was laughing and giggling and getting all hyped up from the atmosphere. Rob and Maria's little girl Francesca was infatuated with Luca and hung around like a bad smell asking 'Why' all the time. 'Why is Luca looking at the grass?", "Why is he looking at me", "Why is he waving his hands like that". OMG stop already. But she was cute...and Luca giggled at her too which made her hang around more.



Around 8.30pm we drove back to the house....tried to put wide-eyed and bushy tailed Luca to bed...but there was no chance in hell...he was still laughing and giggling and rolling over until 11pm.

OH BOY.....last night in Waterbury.

Mall. Swim. Eat. (Practice Daily)

This morning we sat around the table outside and watched Nonna and Zia make Zeppola and Fried Dough on the BBQ. One word: Yummy. Tomorrow is the Festa so there will be plenty of eating. It's customary to make fried dough during the Festival of Saint Carmel..and I'm not complaining.

After a brief swim we headed to.....wait for it........Brass Hill Mall...again.

Somebody please stop us. H&M beckoned us..and for a good reason...we found a cute little pair of sandles for $1 and a rockin' beanie for Luca. So cute. Sandles are bright blue with red crabs on it. Luca loves them. But the general consensus is...NO MORE SHOPPING. At least until we get to New York.

For dinner we bundled Luca along for the journey to Sal and Gils place and had a lovely BBQ Salmon dinner with a terrikayki sauce. Reminded me of home.

Got home at 10.00 - Aunty and Uncle and Nonni all in bed sleeping...got locked out ...had to call the house and get let in...reminded me of old times.

Funny that.

Posted box of clothes....and we're still managing to go to a mall...

This is getting ridiculous...but there isn't much else to do around here when its raining than go to the mall.

This time, we went to Brass Mill Centre which is in downtown Waterbury. All the shops that were in Westfarms are in this mall too...but its only 5 minutes down the road...why didn't we just come here first? Nevermind. Wesfarms Mall is sorta like Chatswood Chase...a bit upper class. While as Brass Mill Centre has shops like 'Afro Beauty' and 'Church Fashions'. Need I say more?

We got in one of the lifts and this Black dude ran in after us as the doors were closing...he was sweating like he was on crack or something...and he asked Dave and I if we wanted to buy a cologne for $5, and then proceeded to show us tiny bottles (like the demo ones you get from the Cosmetic Counter) from his jacket pocket....'Um, No thanks'. Quick! lets get outta here.

We scooted out the lift and past Afro Beauty as quick as you could say 'Big Booty'.

We actually didn't buy anything at Brass Mill Centre...not because of our gracious VIP invitation to purchase rare and exotic colognes..but I don't think either of us brought our shopping Mojo.

It was fun just looking at all the items that Americans love..and Australian's know better..like Shape and Tone shoes that are meant to lift and tone your butt...??

As we wondered, we sipped our Gloria Jeans coffee (Yep, they're here as well...but the coffee is S.H.IT...That's: Shouldn't.Have.It....not the rude word mum and dad)...and passed the time.

Oh and By the way, if I hear one more person say 'You should go home and feed your boy' with a big cheesy grin..I will go Waco Texas on them.

Back home again and we took some photo's of Nononno and Nononna with Luca ..here are some cute snaps...enjoy

Like my Yankee's hat? It makes me look like a truck driver.
..especially when I have stains on my top!

I love my Nononni!

Nononna tells me 'Mangia Mangia Mangia' every day.

Cuddles on the Lounge with mum

Nononno says 'Vene Ca Boo Boo' I wonder what that means?

oh...that's what it means!

Nononno is always tickling me under my chin....

Hanging out in the backyard with Dad...Video

Some recent photo's for your enjoyment

Rocking out in the backyard

Hanging out with Brianna and Jonathan

Swimming in the Pool...just a day at home...finally

You can click on these photo's to make them bigger

Westfield....in Connecticut? Yep...another Mall

Can you see the pattern forming here? I think Dave's Aunty and Uncle think we've gone shopping mad...or...we're trying to visit all the Malls on the East Coast.

We drove West along the 691 highway to Meriden where Westfield have a shopping Mall...Definitely not as grand as Wesfarm but still... some great shops.

We searched high and low for Luca's Christening gown but have given up...they are so plain and boring here. All I want is one with a blue bow...I'm not asking for much.

We did manage to find his change of clothes for the reception. A very cute Nautica suit...no description will be provided here...it's a suprise....but there is a tie. HAHA

We did a bit of shopping, ate a bit of lunch and came back home for a nap.

Zia cooked pork chops and a spinach casserole. It was delicious. They have a tip with keeping the meat moist...and that is to spread Mayonnaise on the meat and then put breadcrumbs on before putting it in the Oven. ...it keeps the meat so tender. Definitely going to try that when I get home.

Luca had a swim in his speedo's...and then it was bedtime. Another day bites the dust...the time is flying.

Luca gets his stripes....adidas stripes that is..

Yep...it was another day..and another mall.

We ventured back to Wesfarms Mall with Trish ands the kids to go to the Disney store were Trish saw swimming costumes for $5.99. All the Disney Princesses with glitter and frills...very cute. Luca managed to get a 'Cars' Movie sippy cup for $2.99. I love the prices here.

Then across the road was a Babies R Us...and well....that's exactly what was there....lots and lots of Baby gear.

Luca got another set of clothes, this time it was an Adidas Tracksuit to match his dad, s Met's baseball onsie and a Yankee's cap. He looks like a truck driver with it on...pretty funny.

The afternoon flew by and we were invited to another relative's house for supper. Pannini's and Coffee...I'm going to be the size of a house by the time I come home. They all bake here and the food is great.

The relo's are lovely ...very welcoming and very geniune. Zia Gianrita gave Luca another baseball adidas onesie that says 'Baby League' very cute.

Back home, put Luca to bed and then went for a swim at 10pm. I haven't swam this much in years. The water is like a bath.

Dinner at Amalfi...and drinks in Hartford

We had a blobbing day today...didn't do much but nap in the afternoon and walk around the backyard when it wasn't raining. I've been drawing daily...have started a bit of a routine. When Luca has his naps, I go and sit on the back porch and overlook the pool and paint with my watercolours the things that happened that day...very relaxing and therapeutic.

Orsola went out shopping and bought some amazing figs and peaches... SO sweet and tasty...perfect specimens, like out of a gardening magazine. We scoffed them on the love seat in the backyard....juice dripping down our arms...we had to go for a swim afterwards...this is like a summer in a 1960's movie.

Around 5.3opm the whole family went to Amalfi's Italian restaurant in Wolcott. As you walked in the entrance, huge woodfire pizza ovens were firing and the decor was huge...infact, everything was massive...including the food portions. We had a long table in the back of the restaurant, entree size was the size of a main...and the main size could feed an Australian family of 5.

Dave and I shared a pizza while others tried to get through their buckets of pasta. Very yummy but just too much food.

We learned a new trick with the car seat. Turn upside down a restaurant high chair and put the car seat in between the legs and you've got your own very comfy high chair...thanks Gill for that tip.

We dropped Luca off at home, got him to bed and then went out with Gil and Sal while Zia monitored Luca.

We went to Max's Oyster Bar. Very American with the mirrored walls and dark mood lighting, ginormous painting on the wall...we had $10 cocktails...my favourite being the Peach Bellini...delicious. Drove home and went to bed to be woken by Luca at 4am. Thanks Luca...payback for not inviting him out.

Rocky Neck Beach....Sunburn City

We travelled North to Rocky Neck Beach today.

The sun was shining, the sand was hot.....and the water was FREEZING! Dam Atlantic Ocean. Got Dave to spray aerosol Sunblock 30+ on my back...the wind must have picked up when he was spraying - I'm as red as a strawberry on my back...I blame Dave...I was sitting under the umbrella with Luca and was completely avoiding the sun. What the?

Luca absolutely HATES the beach...must be the gritty sand or something. Screamed when we put his feet in the sand and cried when the waves crashed close to the shore...so we decided to pack up early and go back to the pool at Zio's.

Lesson learned. Luca says NO to Beach.

Dave headed to a stag night with the boys at the Ponte Club and Trisha and I went to Michael's Craft Store in Waterbury where I picked up some cake decorating supplies.

Angels sounded from the heavens as we walked in....craft and art supplies MECCA. 2 aisles of Wilton Cake decorating supplies and rows and rows of paper and pens. Oh My Gosh. Why can't I zap these back to Sydney without having to pay shipping? Cheap as chips and things I've never seen before. They love their craft and scrap booking here...that's for sure.

Afterwards we went next door to Barnes and Noble Book store where Brianna and Johnathan played in the kids section...Luca and I read a few pop up books ...and played with the many 'brainy baby' flash cards...Luca loved it but then it started getting late and the kids started crying so it was time to get in the car and head home for bed.

As we were leaving a polite? man opened the door for us and commented when we saw Luca with a very broad American accent...."Oh look at him....Buddha"........hmmm....Americans often comment on Luca's appearance...."You should take him home and feed him....he looks like he doesn't eat much"....or my favourite "what a ham, I could eat him". Luca just smiles and they always say 'God Bless him'. Now I know what mum and dad were talking about with me and my cheeks.

Who needs Westfield...when you have Wesfarm

Did I hear someone say 'Shopping Mecca'?

Trish and John left the kids with a babysitter and took Dave, Luca and I to Wesfarms Mall for a shopping advenure.

Shops galore...all great quality stuff...loved every moment.

Getting a medicine...what a relief.

Luca's cough was getting chesty again, and we had less sleep than the night before...so we headed back to the medical centre in Wolcott.

A chest Xray, oxygen check, ear examination, throat investigation and rectal thermometer later and we finally know what's causing the cough...looks like the little man is developing his old man's condition....asthma. But they don't call it that when they are this young...it's called 'broncospasm' brought on by a viral cold...and possibly change in air quality and the airconiditioned flight from Syd to NY. So they didn't give us antibiotics but a speciality chemist cough syrup.

I can't fault the medical staff here in the US. They are very thorough and caring...and they don't just give out antibiotics without a reason. Which is good and bad...but ultimately its for Luca's betterment.

Once we got home, we gave Luca the syrup and within an hour, we saw some results. He was a happy chappy again...smiling and laughing in his stand up playpen...his cough is still there..but definitely not bothering him as much.

A huge sigh of relief....and everyone is starting to relax more.

He slept through the night - waking up at 3am for a quick drink before going back to sleep...and then slept through till 9.15am. So a massive 14 hours MINUS the 1 hour at 3am.

Definitely on the mend.

Off to the Dr's..

After a night of non sleep and lots of coughing - we took Luca to the walk-in medical centre.

They saw him straight away and did a thorough examination of him....oxygen levels, heart, lungs, chest and ears...but it all came back fine.

It was perhaps a viral thing worsened by the fact he was teething...and they couldn't prescribe any medications for him.

Bugger.

They said perhaps a cough syrup but they didn't recommend it as it has a steriod and is not entirely good for babies under 2 years.

Bugger.

So all we can do is give him plenty of liquids, plenty of rest and be in a room with a humidifier as much as possible.

Its been great that my inlaws are here...they've been venturing out with us everday and were even up at 4am with me - with another set of hands to rock the baby.

They leave tomorrow....what am I going to do?

Prime Location...Prime Outlets :-)

Today we got up early and headed to the Outlets nestled in the hills of Lee, in Western Massachusetts.

It was just over an hours drive to get there from Waterbury. And the scenery on the way North was picturesque...lots of colonial style houses with white picket fences and large 'Old Glory's' out the front proudly flapping in the wind. It was true Americana with all its North Eastern Might!

Gap was so cheap I went nuts and bought the whole store. Tops and Tees for $5 and Dresses were as little as $10. The quality and style were great and it was hard to believe I wasn't in shopping heaven.

We bought plenty of things for Luca and Dave decided that this trip was to be my venture, so while I shopped Luca was being tendered to by Dave. The perfect day until...

Luca started to get sick...his coughing had periodically got worse over the last couple of days...we thought it could be just the teething but for some reason it was getting chesty. At 2pm we met up with the others at the car and ventured back....it was a nightmare journey on the way home as Luca cried the entire time and didn't sleep a wink.

We fed him, gave him a bath and put him to bed...but he didn't sleep much at all....waking up every hour or so with a coughing fit. It wasn't pleasant at all...and there was only so much Nurofen we could give him.

Dave and I have the guilts for bringing him here now that he's sick...it's been a mega journey...did we do the right thing?

Independence Day should be adopted by Australia

What a day.

It started early with setting up the backyard in preparation for all the relos. Tables and chairs around the pool and umbrella's up to provide shade for the 30+C heat.

Food had been cooking on the stove since the night before..and things didn't change this morning. So much food...and lots of recipe tips flowing. Will have to write them down.

Had my morning staple...which is Coffee with CoffeeMate - a milk alternative that is flavoured with French Vanilla..yummo.

The relo's arrived at 12.30 and then the feasting began. About 30+ people came over....swimming in the pool, chatting around tables and sitting under the tree.

Managed to play a bit of softball with the little kids.....it was a great day. Capped off by a midnight swim with Dave.

Shopping and the like..

Today we stayed around the house for the most part of the morning...we've been getting up during the night with Luca now that he has his first tooth (and it looks like another one is about to come up too)...so chilling at the house is the best option for us right now....Sal and Gill came over for a sunbake and Dave and Luca went for a swim...it was Luca's first swim in a big pool and he absolutely loved it. He loves kicking the water and while we are here we're going to make it a daily routine for him.

We did manage to venture through our first shopping centre and I wasn't able to contain my excitement. Marshall's had everything a girl could want at warehouse prices. Me likes!
Bought 2 dresses and a pair of shoes for under $60. Where can you get that sorta value in Sydney?

Night time came and we headed over to Sal and Gil's place for Sushi and Margareta's. Great night. Great place.

Independence day tomorrow.

Plane travel = nightmare!

Hi everyone,

Well we arrived here safely after a harrowing 24 hours.

Qantas were exceptional with their service and the A380 was brilliant. The seats we had were amazing with plenty of leg room and a bassinet for Luca.

He didn't manage to sleep that much in the bassinet however....but with the sound of the aircraft, the screaming 3 year old 2 seats away and the PA announcements every hour to tell us what food was about to be served..it's no surprise...it just meant Luca was only happy to sleep when cradled by his mummy.

Dave and I are exhausted.

We were Luca's mattress and entertainment system all in one....while he was awake we were trying to keep him amused by walking the length of the plane and juggling him around like a bouncing ball..and then trying to get him off to sleep by rocking and cradling...it was enough to make any one's hairs turn grey. But we made it.

We managed to queue jump a few times (since being with a baby gives you an instant VIP access)...but it was for stupid stuff like getting our passports stamped and our fingers printed. Yes, that's right - we got finger printed as soon as we arrived in LA. Why couldn't we get an upgrade to First Class instead?

We felt like kissing the ground when we arrived in LA.....however, we had to get our bags and go through more security at a different terminal...so we were on the move again...




In the Domestic terminal we passed a Starbucks...and there was no way we were not going in... OMG...I've missed the coffee there and the cup sizes were WELL appreciated (i.e. USA Large = our GIGANTIC!)

I needed every last drop for the energy to cope with the next leg....LA to New York....5 more hours! oh boy!

American Airlines in one word...SUCKS.

We had a long haired hippy serve us (male)..who should've been wearing a hairnet...and an African American gay steward who screamed at people who had their elbows out in the aisle. "Excuse Me, we're coming threeeeew", (whether your alseep or not, we're gonna run you down) and the overly sugar-coated "would you like an orange juice....daaaarling?"

Luca was particularly whingy on this leg.... but still managed a few smiles. He slept like a koala bear on me....arms wrapped around my neck and nuzzling into my shoulder...for at least an hour...

We were seated 3 rows from the back with some Israeli tourists in the last 3 rows all laughing at Luca's big smiles and clicking their fingers to get his attention. One lady even getting a hold...before he started to whinge on her too..and wanted his mummy for more cuddles.

The next bit of travel was enough to make me cry.

We were the last ones to get off the plane...the last ones to get our bags... then discovered our expensive Samsonite bag was broken into by security and damaged...then having to catch an airtrain to a different terminal to get a hire car...and then driving for 1.5 hours to get to Waterbury detouring via the picturesque 'Bronx' district (for taking the wrong exit)....priceless.

We arrived to open arms and big hugs from all The Guerrera's...its good to be here....it was even better to get a solid 7 hour sleep too (Hallelujah!) and a shower...oh bliss!.

In the back of my mind, I'm thinking....we've got to do it all over again in a few weeks time....(I think I shed a little tear)...but we're enjoying every moment.

Photo's to be posted shortly.