The New Necklace

Nico made it himself. The boy knows how to accessorize his forest green pajamas.

Ladybug Boy

Today was extra special for Nico because he was invited to his friend Colleen's second birthday. The party took place in an indoor playground and featured the little mermaid, a jumper and Elmo cupcakes.


When it came time for face-painting, Nico wanted a ladybug right in the middle of his forehead. I suggested he might prefer the painting on his cheek but he would not be dissuaded so forehead it was.


Nico entertained the birthday girl with his blowout ability. He was pretty pleased with himself.

Dancing into Spring

What better way to celebrate the last day of school before spring break than with a festive party featuring bluegrass music, dancing and cupcakes! Some of our very talented parents played instruments and sang some tunes while the children clapped and grooved along.


Spencer shows off his moves.


Nico and a friend crouched down like tigers and then...


pounced into the air, much to their amusement.


The highlight for the boys was the chance to frost and put sprinkles on their own cupcakes. Nico very carefully applied his toppings before proceeding to devour the whole thing. Spencer slathered his on and then took his finger to scoop out the remaining frosting from his individual container. Their bellies full of cupcake goodness, they were ready for spring break to commence.

Lemonade Stand

Spencer and his classmates came up with the idea of creating a lemonade stand at school. With parents contributing lemons, sugar, juicers, mashers, pitchers and cups, the children went to work. Spencer, in the photo above, showed off the fruit of his labor.

Two Year Check Up

This morning we dashed through the raindrops to the doctor's office where the nurse weighed (27 lb, 10 oz) and measured (almost 35 inches) Nico. His height and weight are in the 50th percentile but when it comes to head size, he's in the 90th percentile. No wonder none of his hats fit! After the doctor examined him and declared him very healthy, the nurse came to administer two shots, one in each leg. Nico did not even flinch! Being a little brother has turned Nico into one tough toddler.

A Birthday Song

Look Who's Two

Spencer and I made Nico's birthday cake while he napped. Spreading the frosting was Spencer's favorite part.



Mike came home from work early so that he could join in Nico's special birthday dinner.



Nico opened gifts with the help of big brother.



It's hard to tell who loved the miracle pounding ball set more: Nico or Spencer. Let's just say that there's been a lot of pounding in our house the last couple of days and that we hope the wooden mallet is used for good.

First Day of Preschool

While Nico has considered himself a member of Spencer's preschool for quite a while, his second birthday was his first official day there. I barely saw him through out the morning as he took off to play as soon as we arrived. He stayed on his mat the entire time during yoga class, gobbled up his snack with the exception of the carrots which he chewed and spit out and played in the backyard. Nico was excited to ride the tricycle although he hasn't quite mastered pedaling. He also enjoyed the slide. One of the children slid down on her belly which Nico promptly copied. I was so glad that I was able to experience Nico's first day of preschool!

Mother, Son and Nana Too

During Nana's recent visit, we snapped a photo of three generations together.

New Skills

The boys are developing new skills all the time. Spencer recently discovered that he could climb our plum tree. Down below, Nico delighted in his discovery that he could balance on the bricks bordering the tree.

Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star

Hello Oscar!

One of the perks of Mike's job is attending the Academy Awards. We saw Natalie Portman, Mark Wahlberg, Christian Bale, Javier Bardem and Mark Ruffalo on the red carpet before heading to our seats. After "The King's Speech" was announced Best Picture, we ascended the escalators to the Governor's Ball where the theme seemed to be 40s supper club complete with waiters carrying trays of champagne and women in cigarette-girl attire offering appetizers. Our Wolfgang Puck-catered meal was esuperb, especially the dessert bar featuring the chocolate fountain shown above. The highlight of our evening though was our elevator rides at the end of the night, first with Christopher Nolan and his wife, Emma, followed by a ride with Anne Hathway and her entourage. Our brush with celebrity complete, we went off into the night happy and ready to return to home to our boys who were in the loving care of their grandparents.

Grandma & Grandpa Snuggles

There's nothing quite like snuggles with Grandma and Grandpa! Spencer is transitioning from taking a daily nap; somedays he makes it through the afternoon and other days he dozes. This must have been a napping day because Spencer fell right asleep next to Grandpa like a cub lying next to Papa Bear.

Nico is a growing boy who still needs his rest. He loves to nuzzle right after naptime before he's ready to play again. It's moments like these that I treasure.

Mischevious Monkeys

One of Nico's favorite stories at the moment is Caps for Sale, a story of a peddler and some mischevious monkeys. It came as no surprise then that Nico chose this book for Great Aunt Grace to read during her recent visit to our house with Great Uncle Paul. Nico was mesmerized by the way she told the tale, acting out the parts where the peddler shakes his hands and stamps his feet in anger. Nico was disappointed that Grace could not extend her California vacation to read the story again to him the next day. He will have to wait until this summer when we visit Wisconsin for a repeat performance.

The Fort

For many weeks now, the boys have been looking forward to Grandma and Grandpa's visit. One of the many reasons for their excitement is due to the fun games that Grandma and Grandpa play. For instance, one afternoon shortly after the grandparents arrival, I returned home from running errands to find our living room transformed. The house dark save for a flashlight shining from underneath a comforter. A telltale giggle directed me to this fort where Nico was busy grilling beef and shrimp kabobs while Spencer roasted marshmellows. Camping has never been so fun!