Memorial Day Party, Part I

We had a fabulous housewarming/Memorial Day BBQ to kick off the summer. And I know these are a bunch of people most of my readers don't know, but suffice it to say that it was a HUGE turnout - much more than any party I have ever hosted - and it was a real blast. Hooray for the wonderful backyard that was able to accommodate everyone there. It was a gorgeous day and we all had an awesome time. And so did Boba, who everyone commented was a cutie patootie in her bathing suit and bunny robe!

"Otter Pops are da BOMB on a hot summer day!!"

Why we left New York

Things for kids have gotten way out of hand in New York City.

Read this and you will be floored at what people will do to get their kids into the "right" pre-school.

Can't we just go back to simpler times when enrolling in pre-school wasn't an application circus?? When the term "admissions" had something to do with college or graduate school??

It is just MIND-BOGGLING.

Taking a breath

I've missed mentioning a lot of important days so far....my second Mother's Day, Jason's birthday...life has been a bit of a whirlwind lately so I apologize for my absence. Boba is on her second illness of the month - the first was the another strain of the Coxsackie virus, and now it's a bad cold - so sleep has come in fits and starts at the Boba-household for all involved. My other focus this month has been getting the house together before the man-of-the-house leaves me this summer - that's right, he's LEAVING me (okay, okay, it's for a acting gig and it's a good opportunity so it's totally forgiveable but it still SUCKS) - so forgive me if I haven't been too inspired to write about all the chaos. I think by next week all will have calmed down a bit (plus I should have some great pictures of the house in all its decorated glory!) so perhaps I'll be able to talk more freely and positively about everything. For now, though, I am just CRAZED.

We visited Black Angus again this year for Mother's Day...I'm beginning to wonder if we've begun a tradition. It wasn't intentional; it was just the only place that had reservations open! Plus we like steak! Boba wasn't as interested in sitting in her high chair this time around - but then again, she hadn't learned to walk yet last year at this time. Little did we know how lucky we were back then; we could all actually eat at the same time. No "shifts" or shoveling down your food so you can free your hands to catch her as she flings herself off the table. But hey, she's even cuter now than she was then, because she can actually say "Mommy" now, so, you know, you just go with the flow and it's all good. At least, that's what I keep telling myself as I ram my forkfuls of steak down my throat at record speed while hearing Boba screaming from across the restaurant. Yeah. Good times.

Daddy's birthday was pretty good too...mainly because we had the night off! Thank you Lolo and Lola! Jason was all, "What do you want to do?", and I replied, "Honey, it's YOUR birthday, YOU decide." He settled on watching "Shrek 3" and eating at Forever Fondue. Not a bad evening actually, although I would have liked to see a movie geared for a slightly older audience, I was perfectly happy seeing "Shrek." And our fondue was AWESOME! Oh, and Daddy - how about the 9 hours of STRAIGHT SLEEP you got after that, huh??? Best birthday gift EVER!!

Anyway, despite our crazy schedules, we're all doing pretty good over here, and even though I could do with less viral illnesses, Boba's just a joy. Here she is chilling in her car seat from one place to another. She's just a real trooper.

More cousins!!

On one of the hotter days, we decided to make a little pool for the kids in my parents backyard. The only problem? No pool. So we took this kiddie-floater thing, filled it up with water, and stuck all the kids in. It was cozy, but they didn't seem to mind, and BOY did it keep them busy! I'm talking at least a half hour! Any parent would say that was GOLDEN.

Aren't they sweet, all three of them cooperating like that? (Yeah, not really. I mean, there were no huge fights, but there was the occasional "Mine!" and "NO!" and the like. They are all toddlers, after all.)

Boba LOVES Joaquin. Have I mentioned that? Here she is mauling him with kisses.

She was pretty crazy about Fli, too, but she was less demonstrative about it. Actually, they were much more like girlfriends, just hanging out and kickin' it.

Ain't she cute? I tell you, this family has got some MAD cute-genes!

And here were all are, my brother & his beautiful kids, and me with my lovely little one. I know it's not the best shot, with all the kids looking kinda bored, but it was the only one with my face somewhat obscured, so, THERE! (I maintain this site, so I get to choose my photo content!)

Boy, do I miss my brother and his family! We had such a wonderful time with them. We are so excited for them to be back in the States!

Boba's favorite things!

BOBA'S FAVORITE --
Food: Broccoli (I kid you not!)
Drink: Milk
Snack: Cheddar rainbow Goldfish crackers
Color: Green
TV Show: Tie between "Little Einsteins" and "Teletubbies" (and Mommy's favorite, "The Wonder Pets")
Saying: "Thank you!"
Song: "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and "Row Row Row Your Boat"
Shoes: Her white patent leather Mary Janes
Animal: The "Elleh-PANT"
Toys: Baby dolls Suri & Shiloh (named by Lola Doe)
Book: "Snuggle Puppy" by Sandra Boynton (a.k.a., the "Oooo-oooo Book")
Pasttime: Talking on the phone
Place: Anywhere outdoors, ESPECIALLY the park
Thing: Her pacifier

Other Things She Loves --

• Sitting in the front seat of the car and pretending to drive
• Snuggling
• Dogs
• Chocolate
• Pushing strollers
• Other children
• Swiffering the floor
• Bathtime

Things She Absolutely Cannot Stand --

• Eating in a high chair
• Getting her hair done
• Diaper changes
• Anything medicinal, like Tylenol or eye drops
• Time-outs
• People saying goodbye

Things Mommy & Daddy Love About Boba --

All of the above, and so much more.