A New Year

Before Aiyana gets tightly swaddled and I get nestled in my crib, we want to wish you a new year filled with love, prosperity, and good health. See you in 2012! 

Homecoming

HE'S BAAAAACK!!! After two weeks in Israel, Daddy finally returned home to his three girls on Tuesday morning.

I was more excited to help Daddy open his presents than I was to open my own.

And Daddy was surprised to see how wide-eyed and strong Aiyana had gotten while he was gone.

 He was also glad to see that he and Aiyana still had a lot in common.

Welcome home Daddy! We missed you sooooo much!

xo

Nicastro Estate

We spent the day after Christmas at Uncle Cory and Aunt Kacey's "estate." It was a beautiful, mild, and sunny day and looked more like Spring than Winter. 

It was a great opportunity for me to get some fresh country air. 

And now Uncle Cory knows how it feels to have a beautiful girl on each arm.

I felt the wind in my hair.

And baby Aiyana had a few more firsts. First swing.

First lay in the grass.

And first time getting dirt under her tiny toenails.

Daddy gets home today, so we have a few more days to enjoy VA with him. Then it's back to Brooklyn!

Christmas Recap

'Twas the night before Christmas...

Do I have sauce on my face?

Gingerbread man for dessert.

Daddy's girls.

After dinner music.

And then there was Christmas day...

Pretty tree.

A new sled.

Don't ask.

Holiday dress and bright smile.

Cousins sharing a swing.

The Nicastros and their babies.

And more cookies, of course.

Dear Santa

Dear Santa,

All we want for Christmas is to have our Daddy home with us. But if you can't fit him into your sack, I guess we'll settle for some toys.

And if you need some extra help this season, we have a little elf to help you.

Love,

Zadia and Aiyana

Seven Weeks and Two Chins

Tear Jerker

Warning: This post will bring some people to tears. Especially Daddy.

Saba (that's our Israeli grandfather) is feeling really, really yucky. Daddy went to Israel last week to visit him, and we girls couldn't go because baby Aiyana doesn't have a passport yet. 

Daddy was supposed to come home tonight--in time for Christmas in Virginia. Unfortunately, he has to stay in Israel for a little while longer and he's going to miss Christmas with his girls. Of course, this makes us all soooo sad. And I'm sure Daddy is the saddest of us all. 

Daddy,


Aiyana, Mommy, and I miss you so very much and Christmas won't be the same without you. But, Mommy says you need to be with your Daddy right now, and we understand.

This little melody is for you, Daddy. Come home soon. We love you. xo

Baby Locks

My hair was getting a little unruly, so Mommy took me to the neighborhood toy store for a my first kiddie cut. 

I was pretty good in the chair, mostly because I was focused on a Sesame Street video.

I got a special certificate to show my bravery, and yes, they saved my baby locks!

There's not a huge difference in the before and after, but Mommy says my hair is much more manageable now.

Birthday Boy

Papa (that's Daddy's grandpa) celebrated his 86th birthday with us last weekend. I turned 20 months the day before, so I thought it appropriate to share (a.k.a take over) his celebration. 

I know it's not for me, but Yay!, a blueberry muffin!

Applause for blowing out Papa's candle (and being cute.)

Let me try this first and make sure it's good.

OK, I'll use my (play) knife to cut a piece for Papa. After all, it's HIS birthday, not mine.

Thanks for giving me your half, Papa.

The birthday boy loves me, and I love him right back.

Oh Christmas Tree

We were planning to decorate our tree this week, but when Daddy had to go to Israel unexpectedly, Mommy wondered whether she'd be able to pull it off without him. 

We sure did pull it off! But, we couldn't have done it without the help of Uncle Jude, who showed up at our doorstep with Christmas tree in hand!

Since we couldn't fit a tree in our tiny apartment last year, Aiyana and I get to experience out first tree-decorating experience together this year.

I scattered dozens of bulbs all over the floor, while Aiyana mostly just stared at the lights.

It took a while, but I managed to hang a few all by myself! 

When it was time to clean up, I insisted on taking all the bulbs back off the tree.

Mommy re-decorated it once Aiyana and I were sound asleep.

And then we left three extra special presents under the tree for Daddy!

Lunch With Monkeys

I never paid much attention to my monkey friends, but lately we've been having lunch together at least once a week.