Welcome, Marco Anzaldi!

My sister, LeeAnna had her baby last night and I was so happy that I got to go and see her and the baby (my brother-in-law, too)! He is so cute. He looks like the littlest, old, Italian man (and if my computer was working, I'd be able to insert his adorable scrunchy face right here). I didn't do a birthday post at the time of LeeAnna's birthday so I am going to do a post about her now. In our family, she is #4. I was 5 when she was born and all I remember is that she was mine. She was my baby. It was when she was born that my love for babies and my desire to be a mom was born. She was the most gorgeous baby. She had these enormous dark brown eyes and was so sweet. She is now a beautiful woman that is still so sweet. She is the peacemaker and doesn't ever want to make anyone mad. We (my other sisters and myself) are especially protective over her because she doesn't always stand up for herself so if anyone ever hurts her feelings, we have a tendency to go for the jugular. She never puts herself first and is always the first to offer help. It is always a running joke with my other sisters that even if she was in labor, if we needed a babysitter, she'd try and work having the baby around the time we needed her.

The rest of us sisters are pretty much homebodies and I love to travel but I am not as brave as LeeAnna. She went to Europe by herself. I can't remember if my cousin (who is the MOST adventurous of all our family) went with her or was already living in Ireland. In any case, I would love to go to Europe (this time knowing I was going so I could be better prepared) but not without Leo. It would be a great growing experience to go alone but I'd rather experience it with him. LeeAnna never thought twice about it. She wanted to go to Europe, she went to Europe. She wanted to be a nurse, she became a nurse. She is so smart and though she isn't working right now, our family keeps her busy enough with all of our medical issues. She is always a good sport about us calling her for the 100th time asking her how much Advil we can give our kids.

My kids absolutely adore her and before she was ever "Mommy," she was "Auntie LeeLee." She was the one that babysat my kids so Leo and I could go away for weekends (God, how I miss that!). I never worried for one second when I was away. She is that good. She used to come to my house after working a 12 hour shift, eat and play with the kids and then crash and take a nap or go home and go to bed. I cherish those memories.

One of the best things about having Gia when I did is that Lee and I got to have babies at the same time. Frankie and Gia are only 3 months apart and along with Chrissy's son Vinnie are best buds. To see their little faces get so excited at seeing one another warms my heart. I recently went to a play group at LeeAnna's house and though there were other kids there, Frankie and Gia just played with each other. I love that I get to experience motherhood (again) alongside of her. I'm raising the older three with my sister Gina and my youngest with my younger sisters. What could be better than that? She is a wonderful mother and her boys are lucky to have her! Leo's mom has graciously agreed to babysit Gia so I can go to the hospital and spend some time with LeeAnna and the baby and maybe give Santo a little break or visit with him too.

It's corny but to know LeeAnna really is to love her. I don't know anyone that meets her that doesn't instantly fall in love with her.

So, Lee, when you read this, know that I love you and am happy to be on this part of the roller coaster with you!