Ouch!

Today on this very warm, barefoot wearing kind of day we discovered your first "Owww!" It was right smack in the middle of your heel. I cleaned it and you were brave, Brave.

You didn't flinch nor let out a peep of dissatisfaction  Band-Aid, our hero came to your rescue in it's brightly colored packaging catching the attention of all the little eyes and accessorized with antibiotic ointment...fabulous for us both!  Hip yet practical.  .

Water Baby

You are 1.5 years old (well, almost). It's summer and you have discovered and falling in love with water, getting wet and swimming. Being a Brooklyn raised kid the parks seem to be decked with water play equipment.  EVERY SINGLE park has some sort of water contraption that looks like a piece of art when first spotting it.  But, when the weather is hot, the sun beats down and voila the water sprouts.  We got you crocs to go with your new love of water.  Although, I was hesitant in investing in such wear (coming from a fashion background I saw no need) but as you splashed around in the parks and your sneaks were not drying in time for your next romp I knew it was my time to invest and take the plunge into the world of crocdom. I'm glad I did.  They dry in seconds.  You climb well in them and if I do say so myself you actually Rock those crocs.  Kudos~  I think you even get a lot of compliments while sporting them.  Your bestie Isaac wears them too.  You guys certainly look sharp when trolling the park together in your green crocs looking for the next patch of water to dive into. 

While you soak in the sun and the water sprinkles your tan skin you laugh, run real fast and chase kids around.  Always the bigger one and the craziest ones are your absolute favorite.  Yesterday a nice relaxed calm boy wanted to befriend you. You had no interest even though you shared bubbles with him. It wasn't until the kids running and screaming with squirt guns in hand did you decide to take notice and join in on their fun.  You, like your peers, started to scream loud Loud LOUD and then run.  They were bigger.  You were smaller. You were slow but still were able to keep up.  They liked you.  You liked them. Together you laughted.  Then a beauty caught your eye with her straw hat and frilly suit. She ran.  You chased her.  She ran.  You ran after her.  She cried and you said "Muah!" (because you're such a nice boy-ha!)  Regardless you made friends, you had fun and the water this summer has certainly become your thing.  Perhaps swimmer will be in your future of things to become.

LOVE YOU BUG!

Zootopia

Forward Facing

And it's making your days!  We recently moved your car seat to forward facing.  You love watching the cars in front of you and the trucks.  You continously tell us in sign language (more more more) whenever we are stopped at a red light or behind another car.  You keep on signing more until the car moves again. 

Water Play Summer 2012

Growing Up

Look how you kids have grown in just a years time! The only one missing is Ms. Silvia (we love her!)

All Dressed Up and Somewhere to Go

You in your first tux for Aunt Pies and Uncle Nicks Wedding. You were a hit! 

Oh the Things You Say!

You've been talking more and more.  And Dad and I are always delighted to hear all your new words.  Here's what's on your list of new things you are saying:

1.  Ne Ne Ne (No no no, while shaking your hands at us and pushing things away)
2.  Mom: You just started saying this today
3.  De-gully-gully-galll:  You just started saying this. We don't know what it means but you use it when chasing Oliver. You often stomp your feet next to him and clapping their hands.
4. Pop:  You love saying Pop and visiting with Pop. He's one of your best buddies!  Always making you giggle and having fun. You were super proud of yourself to say it. 
5. Tzzzz Tzzzz: translation "Please please please"
6. Tat for cat
7.  Nack for snack
8. Ca for car
9. Diaac for Isaac
10. Doda for Rosa

You still sign quite often and snap your fingers to music you love.  Its very cool!

So. Cal. Beach Bum

We are currently in San Celemente, CA visiting your Nana (Dadda's mom).  Its so beautiful but you have come down with a stomach bug.  However, you are dealing with it like a trooper and still managing some quality beach time. You are loving the ocean but not the sand. You want to sit near the water and watch the waves crash against the beach and witness the surfers "hang ten".  It's cool being in San Clemente with you.  This is where dad and I started "hanging out" and began to fall in love.  It's been almost 14 years since we were last here.  A lot of things have changed (Dad's house that he lived in with Nana was torn down and a new house has been built) and lots of things are the same (like the delicious Mexican drive through where you can get a burrito for $1.39. I kid you not!)  I walk with you in places I walked before you were even a thought and realize that life has come full circle.  It's where our story began and where you are the continuation of this book of love...

Smile! It's Contagious

Recently, I was showing you how to smile on que. I'd say "You go like this..." then move my hands across my face and create a smile.  When I asked you to try you did the same thing ....moving your hands across your face to create your first on que smile...I love the hands in this shot...it's adorable!

Double Trouble

What a way to start a Saturday morning!  You have finally realized that you can unwind the toilette paper and create a wonderland of fun!  You were quiet this morning while dad was watching you.  And he was saying "Victor Rocco?  Victor Rocco, what are you doing bud?"  Still nothing...complete silence.  He walks over to the bathroom to find you in a heap of toilette paper decking out our whole bathroom and having a ton of fun with Oliver at your side.  By the time we got the picture Oliver had moved on...but he was deft an accomplice.

How Does Your Garden Grow

This Spring Aunt Terri, Cousin Rosa, Alex and Oliver are gardening together!  This is your (and mine actually) first garden.  Aunt Terri got everything together, pots, some herbs, some dirt and we brought some seeds ourselves.  We planted orageno, cilantro (my fave) and chamomile (for tea).  Cant wait to see how our garden grows!  And to make everything we grew together. So much fun!

My How You've Grown

Today, you met Ben Ben and Isaac (D'Iaac-you call him) for a playdate at the Y!  So much fun. It's great to see you excited to see one another. You and Isaac have known each other since you were 12 days old. And every time you see him you both get so happy and excited. Ben Ben too. You and he have been pals since you were about 5 months old.  We are so happy you have such wonderful friends in your life. May this continue for you always!

Brooklyn Parks Rule

We recently discovered a new park in the heart of Dumbo for you to explore.  It's amazing (Huge slides, giant sand box, great climbing area).  And although it is meant for older kids (5yrs +) there is a cool water park I hope to get you into. 

Yesterday morning you, Dad and I went for breakfast in Red Hook, BK and then popped into the new park (while driving Dad to work we made a detour). It was a fabulous way to start the morning!  Trying to get in some well deserved family time these days.  Dads working a lot and you are going to bed earlier (7pm) so it's tough for you and he to have a good catch up.  We are trying to be creative in the ways we can make it happen. 

Up & Down

You've been growing so much and so fast!  As of late it seems like after every nap, or sleep you wake up a little taller, a little heavier and a lot funnier.  This morning, after breakfast, you wanted to play with your tunnel. We usually open it up in the house and you crawl all over in and out, in and out through the tunnel. Today, you wanted to stand up and have the tunnel cover you up (they did this in your music class yesterday and you LOVED it apparently.) I can't believe you remembered that and wanted to repeat it at home. It impresses me every moment when I realize how much you really know.  Anyway, today I was putting the tunnel around you and you were watching yourself in the mirror as I would pull it up and bring it down...all the while saying "Up, Down", "Up, Down",  and then you start repeating "Up, Down", Up, Down"  It was amazing to see you make such a connection and be able to repeat those words after me.  You have to remember Ive know you since the very moment you were born (and before while you were growing in my tummy) so its incredible for a parent to witness such development. It blows your mind and  I hope, if you choose to be a father one day, have the opportunity to watch your little ones grow and enjoy it as much as Dad and I are enjoying watching you grow and become a little boy, teen, man...we are so grateful and full of love for you.

Stopping and Smelling the Flowers

Some great fun in your "backyard" (a la Brooklyn Botanical Gardens) today with Aunt Terri, Rosa, Kaylyn, Blake and baby Reddam. Check It

Everybody Let's Get Comfy

You're "Comfy Spot" has become a part of your daily routine. After waking from a nap you point to the family room from your crib directing me to take you to the "Comfy Spot". We have it all set up before you awake. We have pillows placed on the floor and a cashmere blanket on top. When placing you in the "Spot" you kick your legs with excitement. You pick out a show to watch, eat a snack, have water and cuddle with Luke and Elephant! Such a nice way to wake up and chill before heading out for our day!

A Few Good Reasons to Love Spring

Who could ask for anything more? Friends, joy and love....