I Say: Mom's Back At Work

Last week was a big one for me. Mom went back to work on Monday. She was really brave and didn't cry in front of me, but I know that it was hard for her to leave me. She and I had never been apart for more than a few hours, so it has been a bit of an adjustment for both of us, but we're doing OK. Sometimes I'm a little fussy in the morning when Mom leaves, but once I realize that Dad won't mess things up too bad, I calm down. We actually have a pretty fun time here even without Mom, but I get really excited when she comes home. Mom's pretty excited too.

Dad says that staying home and taking care of me is "challenging". Based on how much he's sleeping, I think that word means "tiring".  But he also says that he's lucky to have a great kid like me, and to be able to stay home with me during the days.

Every night before bed, Mom gives me a bath. I like that little ritual, and I really like the water too. Plus I get to wear my nifty shark bathrobe.

And in case you're worrying about these changes messing up my social schedule - don't. We went out to play with my friends Tessa and Luca yesterday, and I even dressed up for a fancy dinner with my friend Ian last week. (The grownups had fondue. I stuck with dairy products.)

I Say: Florida Was Amazing

As I mentioned last time, Mom, Dad and I went to Florida for the new year. I got to meet a whole bunch of wonderful Aunties. (Mom has a lot of sisters and a lot of cousins). They spoiled me rotten and I loved it. They fought over who got to hold me, and took such good care of me. I was excited to meet them, and I think Mom and Dad really appreciated getting a little break. There were eleven of us in one house and no one seemed to mind because everyone had so much fun with me. (My previous accommodations were pretty cozy too, so it was fine with me.) 

That's a lot of Aunties, plus Mom, Grammy and Grandpa

As much as meeting my aunties was wonderful, the highlight of the trip was meeting my Grammy. I had spoken to her on the phone and even seen her on Skype, but this was the first time we met in person. Mom kept telling me that Grammy was excited to meet me and how much I was going to love her. I'm her sixth grandchild, but the first in 15 years. I must say that meeting her was as great as Mom and Dad said it would be. I miss her already.

I love my Grammy

We were in Florida for ten days. It's warm there so I get to spend some quality time outside. The warm weather did wonders for my skin too. Mom and Dad took me to the pool a couple of times, but most days I stayed back at the house with my Aunties when they went to swim. I got a nice bath every day, so I still got some time in the water. I think that arrangement worked well for everyone.  

When we flew back to New York I was very well behaved on the plane again. That's more than I can say for some of the other kids. That's also more than I can say for by behavior back at home, but I came through when it mattered. 

In March Mom and Dad are taking me to California to meet Dad's family. Meeting Mom's family was pretty special and I know that Dad is really excited for me to get to know his cousins and aunts and uncles. 

I Say: Happy New Year

Last night I took my first plane ride. Mom and Dad were very nervous because they thought that I might make a big fuss. They worried that my ears would hurt and I'd be uncomfortable, and they worried that the other passengers would be mad at me. They had nothing to worry about. In fact - unlike some of the rowdy babies and children on the plane - I slept for most of the 2.5 hour flight to Florida. I used a pacifier for takeoff and then fed off of mom for landing, so my ears really didn't bother me. The other passengers said that I was the best baby ever just because I was so quiet. They don't even know my other qualities. We were on the plane at midnight, and everyone wished one another a happy new year. Everything is new to me, but 2012 is looking pretty promising.

When we landed, Dad got this really sweet minivan and we drove to Auntie Yan's house in Coral Springs. We didn't arrive until 2:30 in the morning, but I knew that Dad was tired, so I stayed calm for the drive. Even though it was late, I got to meet Aunties Yan, Denise and Annette, and I saw Auntie Dianne again. As soon as I woke up this morning everyone was holding me and playing with me. It made me feel very special. But I also understand that everyone is being strategic. They know that Grammy is coming.

Allow me to explain. Ever since I was born, Mom's mom has been calling every day. Sometimes we Skype, and sometimes she just talks to me on the phone. Ever since we made the plans to meet her here she has been counting down the days because she's so excited to meet me. Everyone else knows that once she arrives, they'll have precious little time with me. And that's fine with me. I'm super excited to meet Grammy and Grandpa. I'll let you know how it goes, but I'm sure I'm going to love them.

And I'm sure they're going to love me, but I'm going to wear my chicken towel. Not every guy can look cute in a chicken towel, but I think I pull it off.

Happy New Year to all my friends and family, and everyone who was so nice to me in 2011. I can't wait to see what 2012 brings.