Grandparents Arrive at the Hospital

photos:
Elio Tolot
Barrow Davis-Tolot


We couldn't keep them away. Nonna Sonia & Nonno Ermanno came to see their newest grandson. Then my mom came from NY the last day to help us take Luca home.

First Days with Luca

photos:
Elio Tolot
Barrow Davis-Tolot


Time alone with Luca at the Hospital was great. Elio and I will never forget those few days together with our new friend. Luca passed his hearing test and initial blood tests. Luca latched on right away. I almost was forced to start pumping a bottle so they could keep him in the light machine when he got Jaundice, but Dr. Lurvey stopped that. She told the hospital that I could take him in and out to nurse. She new how important nursing was to me and she didn't want to disrupt the natural process that was going on. If you pump too soon or introduce a bottle too soon you can create nursing difficulties for yourself and the baby.

May 17th 2007 - Luca Battista Tolot, arrives on Ascension Day!

photos:
Elio Tolot
Barrow Davis-Tolot


Luca Battista Tolot, arrives after a successful C-Section at California Hospital. After 12 hours of trouble...a water birth was out and a C-Section was in. So glad we had Dr. Lurvey to guide us and get our Luca out. Dr. Lurvey, of California Obstetrics, is an incredible doctor and I would highly recommend her. Not only does she know her stuff, but she has a huge heart.

A Bun in the Oven

photos:
Elio Tolot
Barrow Davis-Tolot

Pregnancy is such a wonderful time. I ate well at home and was feed by Girasole when I didn't have the energy to feed myself. I did tons of research on organic baby items and had a full production book of things I liked. Elio and I took Bradley classes to prepare for a natural water birth. I registered at Our Green House and found RIE classes, which I will be forever grateful for finding. RIE is the best information out there on parenting, with books and classes in Los Angeles and other parts of the US. It is a respectful method of caring for an infant which teaches you to observe and communicate with your child from infancy through the later developmental stages. It was an incredible resource and I urge anyone who is having a child to read "Dear Parent," by Magda Gerber, to ground themselves before their little bundle of joy arrives.

The waiting for our new arrival was a lesson in patience. We wanted him with us and just couldn't wait!

Our Honeymoon in Antigua, Guatemala

photos: Elio Tolot

"Antigua is a city in the central highlands of Guatemala famous for its well-preserved Spanish Mudejar-influenced Baroque architecture, as well as a number of spectacular ruins of colonial churches. It has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site."  wikipedia 

There are many things to do in Antigua.  Take a stroll down the cobblestone streets looking for Spanish art or rent a scooter and explore the local markets.  We stayed at the lovely Panza Verde where the food and entertainment was amazing.  A very romantique spot for a honeymoon.  Their beautiful lap pool is just the thing after the midday shower.  It rains for about 20 minutes each day, very refreshing.  

You will enjoy this quaint city!

Snow Heart - Christmas NYC 2004

photo:  Elio Tolot

Sometimes the greatest gift is your heart...

Elio sent me this photo after a snow storm in NYC when we were apart. When you are dating it's things like a snow heart that make all the difference.

Our Backyard Wedding on the 4th of July 2005

photos:

 Rony's Photobooth

 Ted & Debbie

I loved my wedding.  We planned it in 2 months on a limited budget.  We had the reception in my friend Alex's backyard and the ceremony in his parent's garden just blocks away in Eagle Rock, California.  Aunt Gloria was our amazing wedding planner bringing the whole thing together and Girasole catered our delicious meal!  We had 4th of July fireworks, and our families and friends were there to celebrate with us. I even surprised my mother by wearing her wedding dress that my grandmother made and I altered.  It was so fun!  A day I will never forget!