Vincent around town

This week Vincent is 6 weeks old and we are starting to get out on the streets of Milan every day now. He loves the noise of the city and it puts him right to sleep. It must remind him of the days when I was pregnant walking around town. He's also starting to stay awake more during the day which is fun. We play with his monkey toy, and he is starting to get better at tummy time. He lifts both legs off the floor when he's on his tummy- it's like he's practicing pilates! He can almost hold his head up by himself now, and he's starting to talk more and even gives me a smile every now and then :) His baby acne is also clearing up too.

Playing with his favorite toy- his Monkey from
cousin Abby.

Last week he had his one month check up and he is one healthy, growing boy! At his two week appointment he weighted 3.6 kg (7 lbs 15 oz), and at five weeks he weighed in at 5.05 kg (11 lbs 2 oz)! He also grew from 51 cm (20.75 in) to 59 cm (23.25 in). So, apparently mama's milk is doing him good :) So good that he is now wearing 3 month clothes and we've put away his newborn outfits already.




Napping with Grandpa- I love how they are
laying the same way

My dad and his wife Deb arrived last weekend to visit the little man, and he has been bonding with them. It's nice to have my dad around. He moved to Iowa for a job four years ago (more or less) and since then I haven't been able to see him very often. We've been enjoying Milan and they've toured around a bit seeing the sights. We were even able to enjoy the beautiful fall weather and spend the day in the Parco Sempione two days ago. This morning they took off for Rome and will be exploring on their own for a few days before returning to Milan. Hopefully they do ok!

Shopping, Deb bought an awesome Furla bag. I'm a little jeaous!

While we were out and about, I was able to get some fun pictures of Vincent. Enjoy!



At the Duomo

At Parco Sempione, looking at the Arco della Pace

In the Castello Sforzesco

Family Time, More Family, and Preggo update

 Weeks 17 and 18 brought a lot of family time and some interesting new pregnancy experiences. It's interesting how each week things change during pregnancy. But first, the past two weeks have given Josh and I lots of time with our familes. The weekend after Easter we headed up to northern MN to spend time with Josh's family. His brother Casey married his high school sweetheart Leslie, and it was a great time to catch up with everyone and have some fun. In Milan before we flew to MN we found a chocolate egg for Easter with Pooh on it and we had to buy it for Josh's cousin Amy. She is in LOVE with Pooh. She was so excited because inside the egg was a coin purse with all of the characters pictured. These eggs are the typical candy given to kids in Italy on Easter.

Cousin Amy and her Pooh Bear coin purse

 After our trip to MN, we flew back to Milan just in time for the arrival of my Uncle Ted and his wife Alice. They have been on a two and a half month (or maybe longer?) road trip of Europe. They started in Paris, drove down to Spain, then across the coastline of the Mediterranean to Italy. We were able to spend some time with them for a few days in Milan and show them all of our favorite spots. Including the city center with the Duomo, Galleria, Castello Sforzesco, and Pizzeria Spontini. We were also able to get tickets to see DaVinci's "Last Supper" after many months of trying. We also brought them up to Lake Como to Bellagio and Villa Carlotta (more on that and "The Last Supper" later). Overall, we had a great time with them and it was great to see more family in Milan.

Bellagio, Lake Como

Outside Castello Sforzesco

In addition to the family fun, weeks 17 and 18 of pregnancy have been pretty good. The flight back to Milan was a little uncomfortable (mainly because my back was sore from the uncomfortable seat), and my feet seriously swelled!! After being in heels all day on Saturday for Casey and Leslie's wedding, then getting on a plane the next day, my ankles balooned. I had some serious kankles for a few days. But thankfully they have gone back to normal!! Now I understand when people say how good it feels to put their feet up! I could almost feel the swelling go down instantly!

This morning I had an ultrasound and it was so much fun!! Everything looks good and I was able to see little Bambino moving up a storm! I could see the heart beating, the stomach, and the legs and arms moving. I could also see the bones that have formed in the arms/legs. He/she was even nodding his head! It was pretty amazing. I'm not able to feel the movement yet, but hopefully soon!

Pizzeria Spontini with the Pizza Nazi, Alessandro

Cannoli for their anniversary

Right now, Josh has the camera (and our pictures from Como) in Belgium. Next weekend we'll be in Amsterdam for Laura Lew's birthday and Queens Day. I'm so excited!!! I'll post more updates with pictures after that. Ci vediamo! Ciao!

Can't you take a gas-x or something??



Baby Carter!



For the past week Josh and I have been in Minnesota visiting family and friends, and also getting ready for his brothers wedding this Saturday. It's been fun seeing everyone but it is seriously exhausting! I was always a little run down just from the emotions of seeing so many people when I wasn't pregnant, but multiply that by about 10, and you have me on this trip. Every night I could go to sleep at 7PM and sleep right through the night! Jet lag may also have something to do with that though... But I was able to see Holly, Brady and their new baby boy Carter- that was so much fun!! He is just absolutely adorable! We also spent Easter with my family which was nice. My mom made a bunny cake that was delicious! But, the poor thing had some frosting troubles... She frosted it on Sat night, and on Sunday morning it looked like he worked out and sweat off his fur! I also had breakfast yesterday with my cousin Jenna (who is also pregnant and due on July 1st) and my uncle Bruce. It's been a fun trip so far!



Me and Holly



The sweating bunny cake

So, at the risk of sounding crude, it's time to talk about some funny things that have been happening in week 17 of pregnancy for me. Well, it's actually something that has been happening since I got pregnant- GAS. Normally this is not an issue for me, but since becoming pregnant I am so gassy! Josh has been traveling almost every week for the past couple of months, so he hasn't really experienced it... until this week. He thinks it's something in the food in MN that's affecting me, but really I think it's little Bambino. Each night the poor guy comes into our bedroom scared that he's going to get a ticking time bomb... Apparently I've woken him up at night because I've dropped a few bombs in my sleep. He keeps telling me that I'm giving him the "dutch oven". I certainly don't mean to!! If I could, I would change that situation! Last night he finally said "can't you take a gas-x or something?!?" It's really embarrassing, but I can't help it!


Me and cousin Jenna- the preggos!




I'm not sure if every woman deals with this during pregnancy, but I know I'm not the only one! I just read Jenny McCarthy's Belly Laughs, and she talks about being in a similar situation. Although, her reason for the gas was a little different... It made me feel better knowing that this was something that others have to deal with. If you haven't read her book, I would highly recommend it! I was laughing the whole way through.

There's a bathroom on the right!

On our final day in Tuscany we planned to meet up with "Uncle" Joe and spend the day with him. It was a great family reunion for Laura and Joe (as well as Bill the Hobo). Joe was Laura's brother in law and they were very close, but haven't seen each other in about 10 years. We met up with Joe in a small Tuscan town called Greve where he was trying to hide from us in the main square. In typical Joe fashion, he snuck up on us when we were waiting outside of wine shop for Josh. Anytime there is a wine shop, we lose Josh. It's like a moth to a flame, he can't resist!

There was a little fair in Greve when we arrived, this guy was
selling his paintings in original frames (IE: door frame, boxes, etc)

This butcher shop is very famous- it was HUGE!
Maccelleria Falorni

the rooster is the symbol of Chianti country

Joe led the way to a restaurant called Locanda Borgo Antico where we had lunch. The weather was perfect that day and the leaves were starting to change, it was a beautiful drive through the winding hills and vineyards. Joe drove with Mike and Laura, and Josh and I followed in the Opel. They introduced me to Bill when we arrived at the restaurant, and I have to admit that I just don't understand the obsession! Bill is a doll smoking a cigar that was a prominent figure in the Stone family when Joe was a part of it. He now resides with Joe in Tuscany and has adjusted to life in Italy very nicely. They treat him like part of the family... what did I marry into!? :)

Bill the Hobo and his new friend Cinghiale



Laura was wearing her new jeans/boots

We enjoyed some great stories from Joe- we learned about how he designed some of Prince and Apollonia's shoes from Purple Rain, and other fun stories about his brushes with fame while working at Ferragamo. We also enjoyed Mike's story about how he was on top of a pyramid in (Mexico?). While he was filming the skyline his camera panned over Bono standing right by him. It was a double take and he ended up talking to Bono on top of a pyramid! Unfortunately Bill wasn't able to share any similar stories; he was left in the car. The only brush with fame I have is selling some shoes to Torii Hunter and his wife when I worked at Steve Madden. Not as exciting as Joe and Mike's stories!

Mike telling the story of Bono

After lunch we drove by the house that Joe and Laura's sister Barb used to live in, then it was time for some Gelato at a fantastic place!! This shop was packed with a line out the door, and there were about 50 flavors of Gelato. The name of the place is Badiani and we ended the day with the best Gelato in Florence. Joe was a little teary eyed when we had to say goodbye, it was a fantastic reunion for him and he really enjoyed the chance to catch up with Laura and meet Mike.

We started to head back to Milan after saying goodbye to Joe. The car ride was really fun! One song that came on was "Bad Moon Rising" by CCR. Laura mentioned that every time they heard this song in the past, they thought that the lyrics were "there's a bathroom on the right!" Now every time I hear it, I think of that!! It really does sound like they say "there's a bathroom on the right!" Here's a link in case you don't know what I'm talking about:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BmEGm-mraE

They have really good spicey olive oil- it's sooooo good!!

A wonderful trip is coming to a close! Laura and Mike flew back to the US the next morning after some late night pizza from Pizzeria Spontini and the Pizza Nazi. They had to have it one more time. It was so great to have them visit Italy and we can't wait to see them again at the holidays! I have to admit, seeing them made me a little homesick because I miss all my friends and family so much!! I'm definitely looking forward to getting back to MN for the holidays!!! A little more than three weeks and I'll get to see my family again! :)

Good times with old friends

A little history for you- When Josh was 14 he came to live in Italy for a month with the Salvatori family. His then Uncle, Joe (he was married into Laura's family), knew the family and coordinated an "exchange program" for the kids. Josh lived in Tuscany with the Salvatoris for a month, and Mateo (one of the Salvatori sons) lived in MN for a month with Josh's family. It has been 19 years since Laura has seen the family and about 10 since Josh has seen them (even though he stays in contact with Mateo).

On Saturday, Mateo and Siliano (his dad) invited us to their home for lunch, and we couldn't decline. We drove to their amazing property north west of Florence to meet up with the family and of course... we got a little lost on the way. Tutti doesn't always understand the difference between a road and a driveway in Tuscany. It was my first time meeting them, even though I've heard all about them for a very long time. They were the nicest people and very welcoming! They were gracious hosts and it was really fun to see where Josh lived for a month in his teen years.

From left to right: Josh, Manuela (Mateo's mom), Mateo, Clarice (Mateo's wife),
Siliano (Mateo's dad), Me. In Front: Nicolo (Mateo's son), Mike, Laura.

Their home is on an old vineyard that used to produce red wine and Vin Santo. They no longer make the Vin Santo (although they had a few bottles in the cellar that they generously gave to us), and they also make Olive Oil. The property is huge and they have orange trees, lemon trees, chestnut trees, and pomegranate trees. They don't eat the pomegranates, so they wouldn't let us leave until I accepted a bag full of them! There must have been 20 pomegranates in the bag! They served us an excellent Italian BBQ complete with steak, pork ribs, and sausages. Of course there were lots of side dishes and homemade cookies for desert. They even poured the homemade Vin Santo for us and it was delicious! After lunch, we headed back to the "party room" of the house (a large game room off of the outdoor patio) for spumante and nuts from their property. A tradition in the fall here in Italy is roasting chestnuts- they are tasty!!! My first time trying them was that day. They also had a large bowl full of almonds, walnuts, and hazelnuts.

The family is so nice and they told us that when we go to Tuscany, we are welcome at their home anytime. It really felt like we were a part of the family that day. After all, they are like Josh's Italian family.

Mateo, Clarice, Siliano, Me

After a wonderful afternoon visiting and getting to know the Salvatori Family, we drove down to San Gimignano for the evening. We arrived as the sun was starting to set and Josh was able to get some great shots of the city. There was a little time for some shopping for Cinghiale sausages and ceramic olive oil pourers. It was really cold that day, so we decided to have an early dinner (early here is at 7PM) just to get out of the cold. We grabbed some food and then headed back to the B&B. It was a wonderful day, spent with wonderful people! It was so much fun to meet the Salvatori family and I hope to see them again in the near future!

San Gimignano

The final day in Tuscany we met up with "Uncle" Joe- stay tuned!!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles in Florence

Another windy day in Italy for the McKnights and this time we were in Florence. The buildings gave us a little shelter as we toured this beautiful city, but it was still chilly! As always, we parked up on the hill near the Piazza Michelangelo overlooking the city. It was funny when I talked to Silvia (our B&B hostess) about going into Florence… She wanted us to take the bus because she sold passes, but we have a game plan going into town each time. She couldn’t believe that we were driving into the city- she said “Good Luck!!” We’ve been to Florence so many times that by now we almost don’t need Tutti (our GPS). Well… we still need her, but it feels like we know the city pretty well by now.

Windy? I think so! Mike's hair is all over the place!! :)

We started out walking into the city, over the Ponte Vecchio, past the Ferragamo Museum (so they could see some Ferragamo designs), and our first order of business was to visit the Church of Santa Croce. This is a place Josh and I have wanted to see for a long time, but we never made time for it when we visited Florence in the past. This time around, we made time for it! Galileo, Michelangelo, and Dante are all buried there. It is interesting that all of the supposed “heretics” were buried in a Catholic church. Florence is a liberal city, and I think these burials go to show that Florence has always been a liberal city. The church itself was HUGE with many chapels and beautiful murals on the walls. We were glad we took the time to visit the church.

Santa Croce

The monster doors at Santa Croce

My hair was all over that day! It was so windy

Galileo

Dante

This woman was cleaning one of the grave markers on the floor,
she was using the quivalent of a Q-tip with rubbing alcohol!

Later that day Mike and Laura went to the Accademia Gallery to see Michelangelo’s "David" statue. After we dropped them off there, we walked by the museum exit and if you wait for a few minutes you’ll see David when people walk out. It’s been many years since I saw David in person, and this was a great reminder of how magnificent he is! Josh and I then visited the Palazzo Vecchio which is near the Uffizi Museum. The palace is the old residence of the government of Florence (including the ruling Medici’s). After visiting the Medici Palace earlier this summer, it was fun to then go to the Palazzo Vecchio to see how the Medici family influenced this residence. It was so elaborate and some of the rooms were just over the top!  It was interesting to see the typical murals from that period though- they were so different than the elaborate styles I am used to seeing in palaces. We were also able to see statues made by two of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles- Michelangelo and Donatello :)

Palazzo Vecchio

The grand ballroom- it was a little over the top! But amazing.
The cieling is actually suspended from the roof to keep it from
collapsing.

another view of the grand ballroom

"Genio della Vittoria" statue by Michelangelo

 

the typical murals on the walls- very different than what
we usually see

an amazing piece of furniture with inlaid pearl, jade, and other
beautiful stones

one of the family chapels

"Judith and Holofernes" statue by Donatello in the Hall of Lilies

The map room

While we were in the palace, Mike and Laura went on a hunt for boots. Laura has been eyeing up boots ever since she arrived in Italy, and was determined to buy some here. Well, she found some when we were in the Palace! She was so excited! We even found her a pair of “skinny” jeans that she can wear with them.

Duomo

A hungry horse outside of the Duomo

a three wheeled car?

Time for dinner! Between the churches, museums and shopping, we were all tired and hungry! We had dinner at this great little restaurant that we have eaten at before, Trattoria San Lorenzo. The food is great, and it is reasonably priced. Not to mention, it was warm in the restaurant! I think I’m still used to the warm weather because at this point I felt like a freeze baby!

Food!

The next day we met up with some old friends…  stay tuned!