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Enjoying THE only "quiet" corner in the Children's Museum. What was I
thinking? A children's museum during school break and tourist
season?! Crazy!!!

Christmas in the City

Hosting Christmas at our tiny apartment this year was so much fun!  Seven of the Carini clan came and enjoyed the holiday celebrations at our place, making a total of 11 bodies in our 600 sq ft apartment.  (They did sleep at a hotel and I'm only estimating that's how big it is.)  I've never hosted Christmas and the only time we've had that many people in our apartment was with a casual pizza party...not a holiday meal.  It was a big deal for me, I was a little nervous, but it all turned out great.  After they left our small apartment felt surprisingly huge. 

Oh, Christmas Tree!

About two weeks ago we picked up our fist Christmas tree from the deli on W 73rd & Columbus.  It was an exciting moment for me.  I've always loved the tradition of getting a tree and decorating it.  This is the first year we felt comfortable splurging on a tree since we were going to be in town for Christmas.

Since we have never had a tree before we needed some ornaments.  Isabella LOVED making some salt dough ornaments.  We had a lot of fun.  I got the recipe and inspiration from here.

 

And on Christmas day we took some cute photos of the kids in front of the tree.

Let it Snow!

Just over a week ago we had a fantastic winter storm blow in and leave almost a foot of snow on Sunday morning.  Brian attempted to get Isabella to church while I stayed home with sick Oliver.  According to Brian, Isabella was impossible to get to church.  All she wanted to do was jump in the snow and roll around.  Really, who can blame her?!  After church I strapped Oliver on and met Brian and Isabella in Central Park where we played in a winter wonderland.

First Foods

Oliver has started eating solid food recently.  I was so hesitant to start because with Isabella it was more a battle than it was worth.  But Oliver is doing well...as long as it is sweet, but who can blame him?  And Isabella is an excellent helper!

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At ballet class with my very talent friend, Maria, of Maria's Movers.
Three year old girls doing ballet is THE cutest thing ever.

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Putting up our first Christmas tree ever!! You have no idea how
excited I am!

California

After spending a week touring around Washington with Brian, the kids and I headed to my mom's house in California and relaxed for a few more days before heading back to New York.  Isabella adored all her cousins, aunts and uncles, great aunts, and Grandma in Washington and California.  It was nice to rest up.  Which prepared us for the crazy week after returning home: redeye flight to NYC, drive to CT, run in a 8K race, feast on Thanksgiving day, tour Boston for two days, drive back to NYC and then move apartments.

Northwest Trip in photos

We loved visiting family in Seattle.  We were lucky to have a couple sunny days while we traveled around.  Most of these were taken on our Orcas Island trip.  And, regretfully, I neglected to snap many photos of the family.  I guess we'll have to go back again soon.

Citrus

Isabella loves grapefruit!  Delicious citrus uplifts our spirits during these cold winter months.

Oliver: 6 Months

Oh how time flies!  Oliver turned 6 months old last Friday.  His doctor appointment is tomorrow, so I'll update you on his stats soon.  Many people comment on how big he is, but his last doctor visit showed he was in the 48% on all measurements.  We love and adore him.  His constant, contagious grin and deep belly laughter add so much joy to our little home.

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It is insanely cold.

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Having a breakfast picnic in our new apartment.

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Driving back to NYC. These two little ones have been great travelers
this last month.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I actually have a free moment to spare!  So here are some fun photos.

 

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Hunting children in the forest. A Carini Thanksgiving tradition.

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Flying on Virgin America from Seattle to San Fran. Free wi-fi. So cool.

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I was working, she was quiet. Too quiet.

"What are you doing Isabella?"

"I'm not doing something."

That was enough reason to check on her. I found a chunk of her hair
missing, luckily, only to the chin. She said she wanted short hair,
like me. I debated taking her for an expensive NYC kids cut ($30, no
joke!), but instead turned on a movie and grabbed our sharpest
shears. It's horribly crooked, but surprisingly stylish. And
extremely adorable, if I do say so myself.

She said she wants it shorter. I said "It might look funny."

"I want it funny." she replied matter-of-factly.

"Ummm. Let's wait and talk to daddy."

Way Behind

Apple + Pumpking picking in CT.  So beautiful!Isabella's third celebration of her 3rd birthday.Celebrating her birthday--the acutal day--at the Children's Museum of Art in Soho.We met Daddy for pizza at Lombardi's afterward.This really sums up 90% of my time.Just plain cute.She loved pumpkins this season.  Spotting all pumpkins withing seeing distance and shouting, "PUMPKINS!"Beautiful Central Park.This is how we go pumpkin picking in New York City: wait in a REALLY long line in the pouring rain, and then finally pick a little pumpkin off the asphalt.  It was free and I encouraged her to pick the smallest one she could find--because I had to carry it home!  Swedish Cottage Marionette Theater showing Peter Pan.  Isabella loved it and frequently asks "Are we going to see puppets tomorrow?"

 Playing with friends in the Shakespeare Garden in Central Park.

I can't believe I haven't posted so many fun things we've done in the last month.  From Isabella's multiple birthday celebrations to pumpkin picking in NYC.  I'm not exactly sure what's up with blogger, but I don't have time to figure it out right now...I've got a diaper to change!  Hope you enjoyed the photos!