SAD SAD NEWS

Wednesday evening Kathy Pearson, Amy's mother, had a massive heart attack. She went into a coma almost immediately. Please pray for Kathy, her husband, Mike and all the family standing by her side at the hospital. Please pray for Amy, Alice and Anthony.

RICK'S BIRTHDAY

Today was Rick's 35th birthday. If he wasn't working on his paying job he was busy with his pleasure one. Rick is still the official supplemental feeder. This means, of course, that he is present at each and every feeding. Due to Nico's earlier weight loss, we have to wake him to eat every three hours. No problem in the day time. However at night Nico, like all the rest of us, wants to sleep longer.

One of the most difficult things I do is wake everyone. I am the alarm clock. So I am constantly arousing the whole group for the night feedings. I really don't mind getting up myself. Rick and May do all the work. (Well maybe I change a diaper or two while everyone opens their eyes.) I just dislike waking sleeping people. It has always been a challenge for me. My own Nana would say, "If someone is sleeping they must need their sleep." I guess I really took that to heart. When my kids were young I bought them alarm clocks very early on. I let the clocks do the dirty work.

Oops! I digressed some. Last evening, for the birthday boy, we went out to Artisan pizza and had the best pizza anywhere outside of Italy. It was so very yummy. We also had grilled veggies (very Italian). This was Nico's first outing and he was quite good until we were nearly done eating, so we made the quick exit. When we came home we had a delicious apple pie from Fleur de Lis bakery. Rick prefers apple pie over cake for his birthday treat. Nico complained a bit when Dad went to blow out the candles, but that's OK.

May gave Rick money towards his latest desired surfboard along with the extra special gift of his Sissyfish artwork made into a book. It is beautiful. I have included a snapshot of the book and my favorite drawing. It was difficult to choose from all the great pieces. My photography leaves much to be desired I know.

Most everyone else made contributions for the new board. An unusual birthday for Rick, some of his limelight was stolen by the latest star. The rewards are too great to begin to mention. Anyone with kids knows this. So all is well here at the Albano household.

NICO'S FIRST OFFICIAL BATH

Today Nico received his first submersion bath. Actually he didn't get very submerged. We had a new fangled bathtub that somewhat baffled us all. So although I promised a wonderful pleasant bath, Nico wasn't as thrilled as we had hoped. He kind of cried through the whole experience. Perhaps we will have better luck next time.

RELAXING IN THE EVENING WITH NICO

Tuesday evening was pretty kick back. Rigk and May brought back a chicken from New Seasons, one of their favorite grocery stores. I just made a salad, we poured some wine and sat around enjoying Nico as you can see. Great day! Am I ever loving this!

FIRST WALK---FIRST CHRISTMAS TREE

Today Nico enjoyed a couple of firsts. Poppi and Nana (that's me) took little Nico on a long walk all bundled up in his stroller. He just loved all that fresh air. His mommy got a bit of work done and his daddy took a shower and cleaned up a bit.

In the evening the Christmas tree was put up. As with everything May does, she created a lovely tree and is decorating the house beautifully. Does Nico look bored with the whole thing?

Rick bounced Nico on his yoga ball which is one of his favorite pastimes. See Rick on the bouncing ball. Some photos are included to remember this precious day.

NICO IS EIGHT DAYS OLD

Here in Portland things are going very well. On Nico's sixth and seventh days he did nothing but sleep and eat. On his eighth day he hardly slept at all. As all parents know it is a real roller coaster ride with new babies, especially the first few months.

Aren't genetics a kick. Note the little hammer toe just like great-grandpa Albano. What fun!

Because of the cesarean and May's breast cancer her milk supply has been coming in slower. So Rick has the blessed privilege of finger feeding the supplemental feedings every time May nurses. Little Nico gets double bonding. Neither parent gets much sleep. Both of them are so loving and patient and excellent parents.

Just thought I would put in a little update. I also felt we needed a picture of Poppy with Nico. Go Ron!

THANKSGIVING DAY

Our holiday meal this year was provided by Ron and Amy. Thank you, kids. It was attended by Amy's mom and dad and her brother, Aaron and his wife, Cristina. Rick, May and Nico came over. And of course, Dad and I were here also.

May, even with all she has been going through, continued her tradition of giving everyone at Thanksgiving a Christmas ornament. Ron and Amy received a little boy bootie and girl a bootie. I am including a photo of me with my three beautiful grandchildren and gorgeous Amy.

At the end of the evening Ron and Ronnie wanted to pretend they were helping with the dishes as they broke for a moment from the day's football games. Aren't they cute?

We had a delightful Thanksgiving. How could I be happier?

THANKSGIVING--NICO

Nico's first few days. Sorry I must make a quick entry.

Day two are hospitol shots. Proud Mom and Dad.

Day three also. Nico showing off his bracelet.

Day four we go home. Nico in carseat dressed to go home.

Day five arrive home. Nico asleep and awake and home.

Day six at home. Rick demos football hold and finger feeds Nico.

NICO ARTHUR ALBANO

Pure joy has come to the Albano family in the little person of Nico Arthur Albano. He is beautiful and perfect. My heart is filled with Thanksgiving to God whom we all know is great and glorious. Yet, the most magnificent proof of his love and his hope for mankind is shown completely in the birth of a baby. Is there anything more precious?

Anyway we are here in Portland to stand by little Nico and his sweet and loving parents. May is doing very well after an unexpected Cesarean. It all went fast. She is modestly admiring her son. She keeps thanking him for coming into the world so quickly. They are bonding in every way.

May is a real trooper. She has been through so much in her life. She and Rick are thrilled beyond words. I guess for a Nana, that's me, the biggest joy is watching how much your children are moved by their children. What could be more important? This is truly what life is all about. Rick mentioned thinking of Grandma, Grandpee, Grandpa, and Angela during this last 24 hours. New life does seem to tie all generations together is some mysterious way, those who have gone before us and all of us still remaining here.

Oh, oh. There I go rambling on and on. Sorry. I will try to put a few of my own snapshots in here. I am certain more will follow.

FAMILY WEEKEND AT OUTDOOR RESORTS

This past weekend my siblings and I gathered at Outdoor Resorts to install Dad's memorial sundial. We had a great time visiting with each other. Patty, Scott and Steve arrived on Friday. Dave and Olivia came down on Saturday.

We had nice outdoor barbecues on our patio. We settled some of the unfinished business of Dad's. We hung a new flag and made up a shadow box for Dad's flag and medals. Ron and Tessie were here also. We took in the street fair on Sunday morning. Dave and Olivia went home on Sunday afternoon and everyone else stayed until Monday. I just love being with my brothers and sister.

On Monday Aunt Cosie, Uncle Bob and Joanne came for dinner. It is always wonderful to see them also.

A TRIP SOUTH

On Saturday, after my Dominican Laity meeting, Ron and I headed south to set up our place in Palm Springs. Saturday night we stayed at the La Quinta Inn and Suites in Stockton. We had a nice dinner at the Spaghetti Factory, a first for us.

On Sunday we arose early, easy to do because of the time change. We arrived at Patty's and Scott's before noon. The guys watched football and Patty and I took a hike out at Montana de Oro. That would be the family burial place. There are beautiful hiking trails on the bluff above the State Beach. It was a cloudy day yet still stunning on the ocean. Patty made a delicious of Mom's spaghetti.

Melissa was kind enough to bring the kids over for dinner and I loved seeing Angela and Mason of course. They are beyond adorable as you can see.

On Monday morning we went on down to Tessie's. We took her to See's Candy and just loved watching her pick out her favorite pieces. After much coaxing we convinced her to come out to the desert with us. She spends most of the week alone as it is and we figured being with us must be better than being alone. Besides that her daughter, Diane, usually has her stay with her on weekends, but she is moving this weekend. So she is here at Outdoor Resorts now.

This next weekend my siblings are all coming down to do a small memorial for Dad. We are putting his ashes in a special sundial on his lot here. It will be wonderful to all be together again and it is important to gather from time to time. I look forward to this event. It will definitely be a part of my next blog.