Sunday

This was our first weekend day that we just stayed home (or close to home) in a while. It was nice. Leo and Tom got haircuts.

Before.

After (with a lollipop from the barber for being a good boy).

I hope I can make it look this good for his pictures with Santa on Wednesday.

Some cuddling with dad.

And here is Tom's project for the day. Christmas lights on the house! It wasn't an easy and he got rained on periodically, but it was a labor of love since he knew how much it would please Leo.

15 months old

Serafina is officially 15 months old (as of yesterday). She had her regular check up yesterday and she's healthy and right on track. She only gained a 1/2 a pound since her 12 month appointment, but she grew 1.5 inches. I think she burned some extra calories lugging that cast around. Speaking of the cast, it's been off for a week and a half but she's been walking like she still had the cast on. I found it concerning, but the doctor (and my friends) assured me it was just going to take some time. Today, she was starting to make some noticeable improvement and walk more normally. When we were in New York, a nosy old lady asked Tom "why is she walking crooked?" Tom gave her a polite, accurate answer. I thought he should of said she was a recently separated Siamese twin who had been connected at the leg and we gave the other twin away.

Here's an attempt to take a picture with Raggedy Ann. She's not very cooperative at times. She's learned she can scream her lungs out and be very bratty. She also can be incredibly sweet. She gives big hugs and kisses and loves to mess with her brother and his stuff.
Here's a sweeter moment.

Advent calendar

I have fond memories of having advent calendars as a kid. I remember cardboard ones with waxy chocolates. I've been searching for a good advent calendar for a while and am happy with the one I got. I get to fill the pockets with a treat of my choosing and I got caramel-filled Hersey Kisses. I guess the waxy chocolate tradition will continue.

New York Thanksgiving

We returned late last night from our trip to New York. We enjoyed our visit, but getting there and back wasn't easy. Our red-eye out of San Jose was delayed almost two hours, which meant we left close to midnight. That's quite a bit past bedtime. Once on board, Leo fell asleep but Serafina wasn't cooperating. This made for some pretty tired people and our first day in New York was rough. Night time sleeping went well during our visit, but napping was a bit tricky and on two occasions, I took the kids on long drives for some car seat sleeping. I got to see a lot of fancy houses in Long Island that way. Our trip back was challenging as well simply because we had two active, but worn-out kids in a confined space for six hours. Everyone was happy to see us and the kids were charming and well behaved, especially considering how tired they were.

On to some pictures.

Leo goes on a walk before our Thanksgiving meal and discovers the fun of fall leaves.
Gathered at the restaurant.
Leo had french fries for Thanksgiving.
Serafina had some puffs.
The kids got bored pretty quickly and spent most of the time wandering around the restaurant. Luckily it was a casual environment, so they didn't bother anyone. There was even an empty section so Leo was able to do some running around.

Our nontraditional dessert was Napoleon cake from an Italian bakery in Staten Island. It was to celebrate Uncle Joe's and Tom's birthdays.
Serafina tries a bite.
Post-dinner relaxing?
Back at Grandma Anne's house, there was more birthday celebration. This time for the kids. Grandma Anne shows Leo her "happy birthday bear." It sings, moves, lights up and totally fascinates the kids.
Leo and cousin Marisa.
Leo and Grandma Anne.
On Friday, we headed out to Long Island to see Uncle Sal and company. Leo was so happy to be reunited with Caitlin. As we were leaving, he sat down next to her, looked into her eyes and said, "I'm going to miss you." It was so cute; I almost cried.
Visiting the Long Island Sound just down the street from Uncle Sal's house.

Playing with Caitlin.
Sitting down to a nice dinner.
Dinner's over. Time for jello. Matt demonstrates how to enjoy it but my kids weren't into it. Leo licked one and tried to put in back on the plate. Serafina just tossed hers to the floor.
Playing Wii.
On Saturday, Tom and Leo had one last quick outing to the park. It was freezing cold.

Is he having fun? Not sure.

Grandma Ruthie was a great host and staying at her house was much better than a hotel. Leo liked her snow globe (he's holding it in this picture), but it was the unfortunate victim of a toddler table smashing. Pure accident but still pretty dramatic.
Can't leave without a final trip to Rosa's Pizzeria.
On the AirTrain to the terminal.
Staying cheerful during our long flight.
As great as it was to see family, it was good to come home. Leo was home sick and both kids were a bit out of sorts. We have a very typical week - preschool, playdates, doctor appointments - and I think going back to our usual routine will help everyone adjust.

Diaper dancing

Oh happy day!

The cast is off! Her skin is a bit of a mess, but I did quite a bit of very gentle exfoliation while she was in the bath tonight.

Here she is charming the patients in the waiting room. I'm glad I don't have to dress my daughter in only shorts and skirts since the weather is getting colder. I might still have her rocking some rad leg warmers, because it's a pretty good look. I definitely won't miss bagging up her leg at the park.
"Holy crap! That's my foot! It's really stinky!"
Clean hair, clean body and footsie pajamas. Wow, it's been a while.

Peggy Peg Leg*

Tomorrow, Serafina's cast comes off. Often when my kids are going through change or moving from one stage to another, I find it to be bittersweet. (I'm sure I've used that word a thousand times on this blog). But this...the removal of the cast...well, that's just sweet. I can't wait to bring home my little girl, put her in the bath and scrub her down. She'll hate it, but it will make me very happy. She's been in a cast for 43 days. She only was a full-time walker for about a month before this happened. Everything I read and was told about how kids adapt was true.

Check out how well she walks on the cast.



She can even do a little dancing.


The cast comes off tomorrow and Tuesday night, we fly to New York for Thanksgiving. I'm trying to keep my anxiety about traveling on a red eye with two kids in check. I don't want it to get the best of me, but I already feel a lump in my throat. I know all the family really appreciates the effort and at this point, Tom and I are a pretty good team when it comes to big adventures.

*This is my little nickname for Serafina when she thumps around on her cast.