An example for us all...

Cancer...it is a horrible word. One that no one wants to ever hear in reference to their own body, or someone that they love so much. We recently found out that my sweet Grandma Fratto has cancer. It is lung cancer - not the kind from smoking, as she has never smoked a day in her life-but another kind and it has spread to her bones. It breaks my heart, as cancer is a horrific beast.

But enough about the beast, I want to talk about her. I want to talk about her because sometimes we wait too long to let people know how we feel about them. And after hearing the news of the cancer, I have thought a lot of my grandma and all of the people in my life who I love and care about, but this post is for her alone.

She is an amazing, strong woman. She has lived a wonderful life, and she has also endured a lot of heartache over the years - from losing her parents, her siblings, her husband, her son (my incredible dad), my cousins Ryan and Joe. With Grandma Fratto, the saying holds true, "What doesn't kill you, only makes you stronger." She is living proof of that.

Over the past weeks/months, she has been in so much pain and has had to have so many tests run. And yet every time we would talk on the phone, she would never focus on how badly she felt but always wanted to know how I was, how the boys were doing and how Peter was. That is exactly the type of person she is. She makes you feel good being around her, and we would all like to think that we are her "favorite" because she makes you feel that way...always.

I have so many memories that I could never write them all down. She is the best cook...the best red sauce, zucchini patties, meatballs, etc. that you could ever have. And she loves to feed you. She is the most welcoming and gracious host, no matter who steps foot in her house. I remember when I was little how it was such a treat to go stay at Grandma Fratto's house. We always knew we would have the best time and be well fed, even if "there wasn't much food in the house," as she has been known to say. What true Italian doesn't have at least some sausage, cheese and bread in the house at all times!

I have posted pictures of both boys first visit with Grandma Fratto (Ryan is the top picture, and Charlie is below). She just adores them. She has always wants a grandbaby to look like a Fratto, and I think she is getting that with Ryan.

Grandma, I know you will not be online reading this, but I hope you know how much you are loved and respected. I always say that you are the one person that Dominic would drop everything for to help, and that is definitely saying a lot, as we know how he can be at times (sorry, Dom!). Your strength, faith and love are admirable. Thank you for loving us all unconditionally...and thank you for loving me the most :)

Happy Two Months, Baby Ryan!

I cannot believe that it has been nine weeks since Ryan was born. The time is going by all too quickly, but I have enjoyed every moment of being home with him and getting to know him. He is a good baby. He loves to stare into your eyes and just smile at you. He also likes to "talk" to me a lot more these days. I am going to miss that when I go back to work in three weeks. It will definitely be a bittersweet moment, as I will hate to leave him, but I also know it will be good to get back to the office and have conversations with adults. I have missed the crew and our silly chatter :)

Ryan had his two month appointment today, and "holy guac," as Charlie would say...he is HUGE!!! Dr. Rachel said that he was about the size of a four month old. He is 13 pounds (78%) and 24.5 Inches (93%). I about fell over! Charlie was always tall and skinny, so I had to laugh when I heard the percentiles. No wonder he is already fitting into his 3-6 month clothes. I just love my chubby baby with his chunky little thighs.

And thanks to Alethia, we now have some great pictures of Ryan. Finally! The second child never has things done as quickly as the first. Now I know what it was like for Dominic :)

Ryan keep on staying healthy, happy and strong! You are an amazing little guy with so much personality already. I promise to enjoy these last few weeks home with you to the fullest.

I ate some steak

Every night since Charlie was a baby I have sung "You are my Sunshine" to him. It is a song that I remember my parents singing to me all the time. In fact, when I first started singing it to Charlie, I could never get through the whole song because I would think of my dad singing it, and I would cry, especially during the second verse.

So, the other night, Charlie told me he wanted to sing it to me, and he did not want me to sing with him. If you heard my voice, you would not blame him for making this request. He began the song, and it was so good that my heart melted. Then he got to the second verse, and this is how it went (minus a few words)..."The other night, dear, while I lay sleeping. I dreamt I held you in mine arms. When I woke up, I ate some steak. Then I hung my head and cried." It took everything in me to not burst out laughing because he was so serious singing to me. So, he heard "I was mistaken" as "I ate some steak." And why not? And I guess that steak was not very good because it made him cry :) Once again, my heart melts when I think of him singing. Grandpa Charlie would have loved that version as well!