Interview with Leo's Mom

Q: When Leowas a baby, did he like to take baths?

A:Yes, bath time was a very exciting time.All his action-figure toys were with him in the bathtub. All hisdinosaurs and every animal that he had had to be lined up aroundthe bathtub.

Q: Did hetake any classes when he was young?

A: Yes, when he was a baby and he wasn'twalking yet, I went to the YMCA and we took classes called "Momsand Tots" swimming classes together. He learned to swimbefore he could walk. He began to walk when he was 9 months old!He was just a tiny baby.

Q: What werehis favorite snacks?

A: Ice cream! Ice cream was always hisfavorite. As far as food goes, he was, and still is, a prettyfussy eater! But he does love Italian food. I would say that it'sbecause when I was pregnant with him, I travelled to Italy andate all the Italian food. So it went right to him and he hasloved it ever since!

Q: Did he crya lot as a baby?

A:Yes! Until he got what he wanted.Whatever his wishes were, he wouldn't give up. He is very, verydetermined.

Q: Has Leoalways been a performer?

A:Yes, yes. He's very muchinto performing. Ever since he was a baby, he liked to performand have people listen to him and look at him. He always likedbeing the center of attention and being on stage. He especiallylikes imitating his family. He loves to imitate me! The way Idance, the way I talk, the way I act. And we would always laughbecause he did it so well.

Q: Aside fromimitating his family members, did Leo have any other hobbies?

A: Hmmm...He was always drawing and doingartwork and clay.

Q: What isone thing that makes you proud of Leo?

A:I think how he cares for other humanbeings and how he takes care of me when I get sick.

Q: What doeshe do for you when you're sick?

A: The policy in the house is that wheneversomebody is sick, whatever they wish they can have! The otherperson would get it for them. If they want ice cream, or hot tea,or if they just want to lie there and not answer the phone-Ithink that's the part I like best.

Q: So he'lltry to stay home when you're sick?

A: Right. And make sure everything's allright.

Q: Does hemake you feel special on Mother's Day?

A: Always. He usually makes his own cardand they're really lovely.

Q: Did youtwo ever argue when Leo was a kid?

A: Many times Leonardo would argue with meabout the way I dressed him. He wanted to wear jeans that hunglow-below his hips-and T-shirts with Spiderman on them.

Q: What doyou wish Leo accomplishes in his life?

A: Oh my! I hope he will be very happy,very healthy, happy and successful in whatever he wishes to do.