Our Favorites

With our days numbered in Hawaii now, we have been making the most of our weekends and time off and hitting all of our favorites. In the past month we have visited basically every side of the island, taking pictures and going to our favorite spots. We have absolutely LOVED our almost 9 years (10 for Rich) here in Hawaii and have so many great memories to take with us. It is definitely paradise and will always have a very special place in our hearts.

Hanging out at Makapu'u

The boys chillin'

Hanging out at Sandy's

Makapu'u Lighthouse

Happy hour with Mark at Banzai sushi on the North Shore

Waimea Bay

Way Better!

This year's Valentine's Day was a little different than the past...no dressing up or fancy dinners out...instead we celebrated at home with our new little Valentine and it was way better! Mexican food, roses, a glass of wine, Menchies for dessert, and my two favorite guys-couldn't have asked for anything more!

2 Months!

Joseph turned 2 months on February 7, 2011...the past two months have flown by, but it is also crazy to think that just 2 months ago he wasn't even part of our lives. We just can't imagine our lives without him.

At his 2 month appointment the big guy is weighing in at 14 pounds, 14 ounces and is 24.5 inches long. He is in the 75th-90th percentile for both height and weight and as the doctor said, "Definitely a big baby but at least he is proportional!" Everything else checked out great and he is cooing and smiling like crazy and very alert. He has been giving us 5 hour stretches of sleep but that's it for now but we still can't complain since when he does get up in the middle of night, he eats, then we change him and then he is back down without a peep (I say that now and tonight he'll probably be up screaming all night!)

It is so amazing watching him grow and we just feel so blessed.

Superbowl Sunday

Joseph's first Superbowl was pretty exciting-don't think he caught much of the game but he was as happy as can be throughout the game so all was good! We went to the 2nd annual Superbowl party with Rich's MBA group-it was fun to catch up with everyone and of course watch the game and the commercials.

Sydney, Bo and Lisa's daughter, just loved Joseph and was such a helper during the day. She didn't leave his side which was just too cute!

Joseph even got official Superbowl gear from Grandpa so he had to sport that! Hopefully Grandpa didn't freeze in Dallas but the game was a success and we are so proud of his work with the NFL.

Official Superbowl XLV bib! Thanks Grandpa!

Ready to go in his football gear!

Sydney helping change his diaper-I love how he is looking up at her!

My Workout Buddy

Now that I am back working out again I just love my new partner! He is great in the stroller, as long as it is moving, and just stares and smiles at me while I have been doing the P90x weight videos.

This last picture just makes me laugh looking at his chubby thighs...he should be running with me, not just relaxing in the stroller! Growing up in Massachusetts our community had weekly track meets for the kids during the summer and we loved participating in them and coming home with ribbons so hopefully we'll get involved in something like that when he really is old enough to run!

Joseph's little workout-build those strong neck muscles!

"Come on Mama...lift more! I am getting big so you need to be strong!"

"Hmmm, that exercise looks hard!"

"Maybe I'll go to UCLA and be a runner like my Aunt Lindsay!"

"Check out my thighs!"

The Smallest Fan

Thanks to my dad who works for the NFL we have been to the ProBowl every year that it has been here in Hawaii! He always is able to get us awesome seats and tickets to the awesome tailgating party and this year he definitely outdid himself! The tailgating party was fabulous as always (a $230 entrance fee if you wanted to buy one!) but the seats for the game this year were the best we have ever had...10th row, 10 yard line...pretty awesome and Dog the Bounty Hunter and his crew were on seats on the field right in front of us! And, this year Laura and Dave were here to go with us which made the day even more fun! Joseph had a great first sporting event experience and was a perfect little fan! Hung out in the carrier all day and even slept through the fireworks during the pre-game show! With being a part of the Ducote/delaMontaigne family this will definitely be the first of MANY games that he attends.

Sleepy fan!

Fun at the tailgating party

Rich with the mayor of Honolulu

Joseph checking out the tailgating festivities

The newest Catholic

Joseph was baptized this past Saturday, January 29, 2011 at our church, St. Jude's in Makakilo. At St. Jude's they do the baptisms at one of the masses-at first we weren't crazy about the idea because we wanted it to be more intimate with just our family and friends; however, at the baptism class earlier this month they explained to us that they do baptisms at the mass so the entire community can welcome the little ones to the Catholic church. The ceremony was really nice and Deacon John did a great job and had a touching and meaningful homily reminding us parents that it is our job to teach our children about the values and beliefs of the Catholic church and to instill them in our children...something that we are looking forward to doing.

Aunt Laura and Uncle Dave are Joseph's fabulous Godparents and we feel so blessed to have them not only as great family but also as great friends. They will be wonderful examples for Joseph and we look forward to watching our families grow together. It was so nice to have Uncle Mark and Uncle Momo with us to celebrate as well. Of course we wish all of our family could have been there but at least we had both sides represented!

Joseph wore a baptism outfit from Auntie Patti. It was a little hot at the church so we let his legs hang out which made him much happier and he smiled and then slept through the entire mass! We were very touched that she gave Joseph the outfit-thank you!

After mass we went back to our house for a great Italian meal and cake to celebrate our little man! GNSTGBU Joseph...sign of the cross! (Inside joke for my fam ;)