Eye of the Tiger

Today Isabella was playing a game. She put it aside and said:
"I don't want to play anymore. I'm getting angry."
me: "It's best to stop playing if it is making you feel angry."
Isabella: "Yes, I'm turning into a tiger." She had fingers tense like vicious claws.

That explains a lot! Really! Amen for a little insight into my little girl!

Oliver's Photo Shoot

My sister recently said I haven't shared very many photos of Oliver. I was a bit surprised that she was right and I wondered why. The two reasons I can come up with is 1--He's the second child and extreme photo documentation is one of the privileges reserved for the first born and 2--Of the photos I have taken of him, to me, the photos don't really look like him. Is he not photogenic? Is it even possible for a baby to not be photogenic?

Today as Isabella was napping and Oliver was being as charming as ever I decided it was time for a photo shoot. Here are some favorites of my handsome little dude:





And, yes, I think these are an accurate representation of my sweet boy. Did you notice those adorably massive, chunky shoulders?

Oliver: 2 Months!

I really can't believe Oliver is already two months old! He had is 2 month check up this morning (and shots--awful!) and he's a whopping 12 lbs, 8 oz and 24.5 in long...about the size of a pumpkin (or an average 5 month old, depending how you look at it).

Yesterday Isabella and I were tickling him and he started laughing and laughing. LOVED IT! Newborn laughs=one of my all time favorite things in the world. Right up there with mint chocolate chip ice cream, blueberry picking, and kisses from Brian.

I love being a mom even if I feel like I might pass out from complete, utter exhaustion.

Now, I will go take a nap.

Right Now

We are at the Central Park Zoo, watching the polar bear swim. He's
very huge and very graceful.

Right Now

It is too $&"%# hot and humid to play outside right now. (Pardon my
French.). So we are at the library, raising havoc.

And, yes, she is wearing a turtleneck, since she insists on getting
herself dressed--but it matches the bloomers she put on.

Summer Streets

Last year Brian, Isabella, and I really, really loved Summer Streets. Well, it is back! Yesterday was the first of 3 Saturdays where 7 miles of Manhattan avenues are closed to vehicular traffic (from 7am-1pm). Brian's sister, her two kiddos, and his brother came to enjoy the beautiful day riding leisurely down Park Ave. I was a bit bummed I couldn't go, since Oliver is too little to travel via bicycle, but it was really nice to have some quiet time, just him and me.

The Swaddle

Daddy-Daughter-Dinner

On the good days Isabella and I meet Brian after work for dinner out in the city. On the really good days we pack up a picnic and meet in Central Park. Isabella loves going out to meet Daddy...and so do I! Here are some photos of recent outings:

Harkness

Our wonderful friend, Sarah, came with us on our weekend trip to Connecticut last weekend. A year ago she gave into peer pressure to come pick blueberries with us and now she's addicted. So last weekend we spent blueberry picking and at the beach with the Carinis. These photos are from Harkness Memorial State Park.

Brian's Birthday

Last week we celebrated Brian's birthday. I made him breakfast; Eggs Benedict. Then we headed to Connecticut where his mom had a fabulous dinner and a beautiful berry blintz (is that what it's called?).

Right Now

She has been an early riser the last few mornings. Yesterday we were
out running errands before 8am. This morning she ate a large
breakfast, was completely dressed (without any prompting from me), and
ready to go by 8:30. We arrived here so early we got to watch the guys
powerwash the graffiti off the playstructure.

Right Now

Loving lunch at The Shake Shack. Chocolate ice cream a must as far as
Isabella is concerned.

Favorite Weekend Pics

We had a long, fabulous weekend in Connecticut. I'll add more photos and details later, but here are a few favorite photos captured during our adventures.

Oliver's Blessing

On Sunday, while in Connecticut with all the Carini's, we decided to have Oliver blessed. It was fabulous having so many family members able to bless our little boy--especially Brian. Thank you Brian, for being such an amazing husband and father!

Isabella's Eyes

Isabella's eyes tell me stories. They can be so intense, so sad, so excited, and so loving. Sometimes I think I know her and what she is all about, but then I realize there is an amazing little girl, a completely different soul than mine behind those eyes. A friend, a daughter, a sweet, sweet spirit that I'm barely becoming aquanted with. There are times when I look into those eyes and see such joy. And there are other times, on the not-so-good days, when I look into her searching, innocent eyes and know I need to be a better mom.