We Have a Hole

After 2 1/2 days of digging we have a hole for our house. I know a hole doesn't sound all that exciting, but believe me, it is the start of something very exciting! Luca is becoming an expert on all things construction...especially on the excavator way down there in the hole!

Can You Believe It?

Annie and Antonio are PARENTS!!! (Well, Annie I can believe...)

And this is their precious little boy ~ Vincenzo ~ 7lbs. 1oz.

All is well with this new family!

Luca couldn't wait to get his hands all over his cousin Vinny! But gentle hands they were.

Looks like someone is ready for his big brother duties.
Big cousin duties will have to do for now!

Shelf Life

Makes a nice spot to take a rest, doesn't it? Too bad he doesn't stay in his bed for this long!

A Day at the Races

Last Sunday we went to Arlington for family day and had a blast! I think Luca was slightly disappointed when he learned he wasn't going to be the one doing the racing. But at least they had pony rides!
Could this be the last family picture as just the 3 of us???
(just 3 weeks to go!)

*D* is for DEMO (and donuts)!

Say goodbye to the old and hello to the new...well, hello to the new in about 6 months! This Tuesday the work began on our house...starting with demolition!

Luca charmed his way into the bulldozer. But don't worry, it was safe...he had his hard hat on!


The crew is ready to begin. Ummm...can someone drive the bulldozer that can actually see over the gears?

Luca was prepared for any situation he might be called upon for. His interest in the demo lasted until some nice neighbor brought us donuts! That's me sitting in a chair behind him that one of our nice new neighbors brought out for me to sit on. Lots of neighbors came out that morning and introduced themselves. We are surrounded by the nicest people and a ton of kids. Looks like we're moving from one nice neighborhood to another!

She's Arrived!

Finally a little missy to join those adorable boys in the Bala house! Welcome little Elsa Fia making a bold enterance at 8lbs. 13 oz.
All are doing well...Except for the auntie over here in Illinois who won't meet her niece until sometime mid-June! It's killing me that I don't get to squeeze her until then. But we are happy she's finally here and glad that someone is bringing more girls into this world!
Congrats Chris and Carrie (big brothers Levi and Albert too!)

From 5140 to 5401!

Our address that is! This is the sight of our new home set to break ground sometime next week. It's only 6 blocks or so from where we are now so we'll still be nice and close to our current neighbors we've grown to love, and Annie and Antonio too! We really can't believe that this is happening and so excited to start monitoring the progress.
Luca is already checking out his new backyard and plotting where his sandbox is going to go.

Believe me, we'll be doing this house a favor by knocking it down.

It doesn't look like much now, but stay tuned for the updates on our construction!