Flowers For Mommy

We found that a lot of families traveling with young kids brought the grandparents with them. So smart! It certainly would have been nice to have an extra pair of hands, a babysitter so we could have at least one nice dinner out without the kids (dinner at a restaurant with the kids last night was a total bust), and of course, someone to take priceless pictures of us as a family. But even without the grandparents, we managed a few nice family shots, including one rare one of the four of us. 

Nona and Grandma Marcia, maybe next time we'll throw one of you in our suitcases!

I Look Fine

To everyone's disbelief, I agreed to get braids in my hair, and actually sat still while Rosa parted, tugged, and rubber banded my locks. Since I usually like the idea of things (like painted nails, band aids, and temporary tattoos) more than I like the real thing (and usually demand they be removed immediately), I surprised Mommy and Daddy by getting the braids and leaving them in! Yay me!

Lo Hicimos!

As Dora the Explorer would say, Lo Hicimos! We did it! 

Mommy and Daddy feel very accomplished. We arrived in Puerto Vallarta on Saturday with no delays, no major problems, and most importantly, no meltdowns. Aiyana and and I were patient in the long lines, agreeable on the plane, and excited by the new surroundings.

We hit the beach an hour after we got here, and to Mommy and Daddy's surprise, we're both beach babes! We can't get enough of the sand or the water. And with all the waves we jumped, Aiyana expanded her vocabulary to include the word "Jump!" (in English, not Spanish.)

The pool has also been a hit for both of us. Aiyana especially, has no fear in the water.

And the salt and sand do wonders for my hair. Every day is a good hair day for me in Mexico!

Happy Birthday Dear Nona!

We'll be in Mexico, so we'll miss your birthday, but here's a little birthday wish from the Dorons! We love you Nona!

Bright Eyes

Everyone from our family to the doorman call Aiyana "Bright Eyes." Now I know why.

Lovin' the Lamb

Aiyana is still obsessed with sucking on her little lamb. It's so cute, but soooo gross! Mommy's thinks she might need an intervention.

She's also taken a new interest in the Pillow Pals. Mommy says that's fine, as long as the puppies don't replace her as Aiyana's number one cuddle buddy.

In The Buff

Daddy said we don't let Aiyana run around naked enough. Probably because every time we do, she leaves a puddle behind. Puddle or not, Mommy caught Aiyana enjoying a little free time in the buff.

Sesame Street is better in the nude.

Hindsight is 20/20.

I mean, seriously?

Pre-puddle photo.

Bad Hair Day

Only a really brave Mommy would give a one-year-old a bowl of chili and leave her to her own devices. 

As you can imagine, it was straight in the tub after this delicious dinner! 

(She really did love it, though.)

Ollie and Vivi

Ollie became a big brother last week!

His little baby sister, Vivienne Shae, was born on November 4th 
and was a very tiny, but very healthy, 4 lbs. 13 oz.

I keep asking if I can touch her, and Aiyana says "Bay" (as in Baby) but I'm pretty sure she thinks Vivienne is a toy.

Mommy loves the feeling of holding a newborn, but Daddy says Mommy better not get funny ideas.

Welcome to Brooklyn, baby Vivienne. Aiyana and I are so excited to have a new friend and watch you grow!

You can see more adorable pics of Vivi and her big brother on Ollie's blog.

Little Sister Playdate

Aiyana has playdates too. She made a new friend, Harley, who's just one day older than she is.

They mostly play next to each other.

 And they often fight over the same toys.

But it seems to be the start of a beautiful friendship.

Twinkle Twinkle

Tickling the ivories at Nana and Papa's house. Watch out Alicia Keys.

First Snowfall

Brooklyn had its first snowfall of the season last week. Mommy took us out so we could feel the snowflakes on our tongues. I was a little upset by the snow in my eyes, but Aiyana didn't seem to mind at all.

 

I was more excited about making a miniature snowman on our balcony the the next day.

And here's Aiyana's impression of a snowman.

Rock the Vote

I was so excited to go vote with Mommy today. All day I asked questions like "What does vote mean, Mommy?" And "Who's gonna go vote at the church Mommy?" Followed by comments like, "I'll go down with you Mommy, and then Aiyana will go down." (Not quite sure what I meant by that, but I'm pretty sure my version of voting was much different from what actually happened.) Once we left, I disappointingly said, "But Mommy, Orock Obama wasn't there."

That's okay, Barack, you got our vote anyway! (see video below)

 

And when Mommy told me Barack Obama WON, I said "Oh! Aiyana is ONE too. That's two people that are ONE!"

Trip or Treat?

Trip or Treat. (That's how I say it.) It really was a trip. With Hurricane Sandy, Halloween almost didn't happen in Brooklyn. Lucky for us, our neighborhood wasn't too severely affected, and we were some of the fortunate kids who still had trick or treating. And we were so busy collecting candy, that we only got a few snapshots. 

I was supposed to be Super Princess Zadia, but I didn't like how my cape felt around my neck. And Aiyana was supposed to be a fairy, but the wings didn't stay on very well. So we were just regular princesses, kind of like 90% of the other little girls on the street that night! (Naturally, we were the cutest one.)

(Note: I insisted on wearing one leg warmer upside down.)

But we don't need to wait for Halloween at our house. We dress up for no reason at all.

Of course, Aiyana learns from the very best.