Maria Luisa's First Week!

Maria Luisa Day Belli arrived one week ago today.  She was born at 8:41 AM (via c-section) on Wednesday, August 7th weighing in at 4.01 kg, which was EXACTLY Gio's birth weight!  I cannot say enough about the hospital or the wonderful staff that cared for me during the 4 nights I spent there.  The first two nights were a bit tough as I was in a room with two other mothers but I was then moved to a single where I was able to get at least a bit of sleep!  My recovery has been quick; the pain from the incision only lasted for 4 days, so I have been very lucky. Maria Luisa is a hungry little girl so this last week has been spent primarily feeding her day and night.  Gio has been amazing; full of love for "my little sister" and without a hint of jealousy.  Paolo has been very busy caring for us and taking on most of the duties around the house and with Gio.  Enzo is very curious and greets Maria Luisa each morning with a big lick on the head.  Figaro, in true cat fashion, is ignoring her.  Below are some photos (and a little video) from this last week or so....

August 6th- I entered the hospital that afternoon, but first got in a final swim with Gio!

Hard to believe we will meet her in less than 24 hours!

Figs has taken up residence in Maria Luisa's car seat.  Most cat naps occur here.

Entering the hospital as a family of 3.....

And the next morning!!!  This was my first minute with her once I returned from the OR. 

Yep, LOTS of hair.  Just like Gio!  One of my first memories after Gio was born in India was seeing his massive mop of black hair and saying to the doctor, "This is not my baby!" and the doctor replying, "But ma'am, you are the only white woman at this hospital.  Of course he is yours!"

Maria Luisa is named for 3 beloved women in our families:  my maternal grandmother Mary Louise Day, my maternal aunt Mary Louise (aka "Molly") Day and Paolo's maternal aunt (pictured above) Luisa Reggioni.  

I came home on Saturday to this wonderful sign and a party complete with cake and balloons.  Gio was so excited about his big secret!  He and Paolo had a great time getting this all ready for Maria Luisa and me!

When not nursing ML is asleep.  She loves especially to snooze on our chests.

This weekend we called the fire department to remove a giant wasp nest under our roof.  I am deathly allergic to bees and wasps so it seemed time to get rid of the hazard.  Gio was thrilled with the excitement of it all. 

After a relaxed weekend at home greeting vistors we headed off on Monday morning down the mountain to Reggio to apply for Maria Luisa's Italian passport.  This was her first big car ride and she took it all in stride, remaining fast asleep for the entire 4 hours it took to travel, register and return home.  And passport will be ready on Friday!  

Here we are at the passport office.

We quickly have resumed our daily swims at the town pool.  Well, I cannot swim myself yet due to my incision but it is nice to be able to sit under the umbrella with Maria Luisa and watch the boys frolic in the water!

Meanwhile, back at home, Figaro continues to dominate our sweet Enzo. Here he is getting first dibs on Enzo's dinner.  

And finally, some sleeping shots of Maria Luisa during her first few days at home....

A boy, his baby sister....and a snake!