New York Family Gathering

We spent last weekend in New York, and a lot of family came to see Livia. Great Uncle Barry, Cousins Jordana, Lauren, and Mitch, Great-grandpa Sonny and Great-grandma Dotty, Great Aunt Elyse, and Grandma Mari and Grandpa Howie all came to Grandma Marilyn and Grandpa David's house for a BBQ on Saturday.


Cousins Jordana, Lauren, and Mitch (Lauren and Mitch were very excited about their debut on the blog - we even woke up Livia from a nap to take this photo)


Great-grandma Dotty and Great-grandpa Sonny


Four generations


BBQ-ing with the grandpas -- all we need is a Yankee apron

Hanging out with parents and grandparents

Livia, Mommy, and Grandma Marilyn

Hanging out with both Grandma Marilyns for the second time in a few weeks

It is fun to squeeze Cousin Jordana's face

Livia is staring into space, thinking of all the new books she can read from Cousin Lauren

Happy Mother's Day

Professional Photos

A couple of weeks ago, we had some professional photos taken for the first time in honor of Mother's Day. Here are some of our favorites.

Hot off the Presses

Contrary to the "slow post" movement, these couldn't be more timely. I just took them 15 minutes ago. I finally got a picture of Livia sitting up (usually she just doesn't stay still very long-- she grabs for a toy and falls over). I think Cassidy called her from upstairs to let us know that there is a dog outside. It must have been a pretty good conversation because she sat and listened.

Passover

So, I've been reading a book about Slow Food which is essentially a movement dedicated toward taking the time and enjoying the food you eat, thinking about where it came from, and understanding how it connects you with those who live and work around you. I'd like to extend this concept to a new medium, called "Slow Post". In this movement, we learn to appreciate the posts even if they don't come in a timely fashion. After all its not so much about the amount you post, or how often, but taking the time to enjoy what is presented and understanding how these blogs connect us all. In other words, this is my beat around the bush way of saying, sorry for the long time between posts.

Having gotten that out of the way, let's catch you up on Livia and the happenings over the past month. I now call Livia the "Holy Roller". The name stems from a man who made the news a couple of years ago for rolling across the U.S. in the name of peace. Livia can roll just like him - quickest roll in the Southeast I think. In fact by next year she may be rolling down a street near you. Livia's teeth are also breaking through, with a second tooth showing today (Friday). These teeth come just in time for her first couple weeks of "solid" food. Menu items include green beans, carrots, bananas, rice cereal, and the ultimate laxative, pears.

The past month also saw Passover come and go. Sharyn and I hosted it this year for the first time ever. And to break the holiday in at our abode Grandparents Marilyn, Howie, Marilyn, and David came down to visit. We had a great time with everyone, and it meant a ton to us to have family around for the holiday. The food came out good, the Manishevitz was as sweet as I remember, and the company was great - only the asparagus was overcooked. Cassidy even welcomed in Elijah. The only thing that could have made the weekend any better was if there was a Dunkin Donuts nearby for Howie (sorry Howie). Despite the lack of coffee coolatas, we all had a great time!

Hanging out with both Grandma Marilyns


Second night of Passover


First night of Passover

Livia catches up on some Passover reading

Passover weekend

On the Saturday of Passover, we took the fam to Duke Gardens. For those who haven't been, Duke Gardens is almost like the Central Park of North Carolina, except a lot smaller and it's not surrounded by tall buildings. This time of year is amazing in the Gardens. The flowers are all in bloom, the trees are all green, and a random African Drum Band thunders music in the park so loud that you can't hear what you are saying. Mom and Howie had fun walking through the park with us, finding secluded spots to take photos, and spending time with Livia and Cassidy.


The family at Duke Gardens


Enjoying the gardens


Hanging out with Grandma on the porch


Flowers are fascinating


Food that is more fun to wear than to eat