It's Beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

Although we will be in San Diego for Christmas, this year it is especially chilly for these parts. I know for most, 30's-40's is nothing at this time of year, but for us warm blooded Californians, that means breaking out the scarves and coats... And personally I'm thrilled. I'm very excited to be among family for the holidays - and then off to Oregon for even colder weather for a few days starting the 26th. Best of both worlds. And of course, the best part of all is being with my own family and watching how Colin begins to absorb Christmas and "Sansa"... It's a whole new world with children, and Morg and I are loving every second.

20 months...

Today Colin is 20 months...on the 20th. It reminds me that his second birthday is in our near future which frankly, blows my mind. And yet, this little man is so deeply in our hearts and has so profoundly changed our lives, that in a way it seems like he has never not been here. He daily makes us laugh and smile and often cry- tears of happiness because of his sweetness and pure innocence. He is changing so quickly- especially in the way of his vocabulary, and he continues to make my heart grow and expand in ways I never knew possible. Whether it be his most recent infatuation with blueberries (which he regularly shouts out "bue=rrerries!!" or his silly faces and ways of getting our attention, he brings more joy to our family than I can express. Happy 20 months my "po po pie"... Your papa and I love you so very much!!!!!!

Not a fan...

Last year, our little sweet pea loved Santa. He stared in awe. This year- not so much. He will be the first to point out Santa and calls him "ho, ho, ho Err Masmas" but to get up close, well that was quite a different story...

Happy Birthday Elinor!

We miss you and are wishing you a wonderful birthday in Israel!! Lots of love, Morgan, Gina, and Colin

Christmas Traditions

Each year, Morgan and I enjoy the day in early December when we go pick out our tree, and when home- turn up the christmas music, sip hot chocolate and decorate the tree. Having Colin join in this tradition this year (minus the hot chocolate of course :)), was so much fun. Boy does a child make holidays extra special! It was quite amusing watching Colin hang his two designated ornaments... for a 19 month old, he sure took care and time in making sure his job was done well! So proud!!

Amazing miracles

Yesterday we were able to see a little glimpse of our #2. Although we've been through this before, it still blew us away....12.5 weeks along and yet you could see so much detail.

Now that I'm feeling better and better, I am finally feeling so excited. Another little baby... a baby sister or brother for Colin... life is sweet.

What's in a Name?

As Colin becomes more and more verbal, we can't help but crack up at some of the words he articulates. One of the newest is how he says his own name... it comes out remarkably like KYLE. Yes, every time we or anyone asks what his name is, out comes- clear as day- KYLE. There is no mistaking this... In fact, last week while my mom was visiting, she took Colin on a walk to Whole Foods. Upon her return, she couldn't wait to tell me how while there, they met a woman who was in awe of our little guy. She was playing with Colin while my mom gathered up her groceries. Next thing she knew, the woman turned to my mom and said, so his name is Kyle, huh?

These are the sweet moments that make me smile. I don't correct Colin because I know a day soon, he will get it right and I will miss the cuteness that accompanies his pronunciations...

A special day

Today Colin and I are thanking our lucky stars that Morgan was born 36 years ago. Of any time to be reflective, this couldn't be more appropriate for oh so many reasons. I look at my husband and my heart feels full. He couldn't be more loving, kind and thoughtful to me... but to see him with our little boy, well it takes on a whole new level of love. I always knew that he would be a wonderful father, but his capacity to love, to play, to be a perfectly balanced parent has surpassed my wildest imagination. He is the dad who will wrestle, but also sit for an hour on the floor reading books, stacking blocks...and not 2 minutes does not go by without a hug, kiss or an "I love you Colie". There is nothing more sweet than witnessing this.

And, the big news is now that #2 is on the way, I am excited to see our family's love continue to grow and expand in every way, shape and form. This pregnancy has been rough, battling nausea and weakness I couldn't have imagined. And through it all, Morgan has been my rock and literally my angel. He has cared for me and supported me for the past 5 weeks and continues to do so- all the while juggling all household chores, and caring for Colin full time. Never has he showed frustration or tiredness. He still pops out of bed at 6:30ish to run with a smile to Colin. Then off to make my breakfast and Colin's...and on to the rest of the daily necessities. And oh yeah, still running a business too.

Happy Birthday to my incredible friend and husband...and to the best father a mama could ever ask for. We appreciate and love you and thank the heavens above you are our family.

Love, G & Colin

Halloween pics- better late than never

Our little Asian prince was a hit in Sherman Oaks!

Hope

Today is a wonderful day. A day we can proudly say we all came together for the chance at a better future for our families. And it's inspiring to live in this historical time... especially when you have little ones at home. My favorite moment last night while watching coverage was to hear Colin babbling about among all the cheering and happiness on the tv set. I had again coached Colin how to say Obama - or how he pronounced it Obaba. About 10 minutes later, unprompted, Colin articulated a sentence. It started the way it always does... "I fuv.... (which is always followed my mama or dada) but tonight it was followed by OBABA! Morgan and I looked at each other in disbelief and couldn't help but break into huge grins and smiles. Colin, I fuv Obaba too! And am so happy you are going to never know a time where anything wasn't possible!

History in the Making

There is no denying the anxious buzz in the air today. Early this morning, the 3 of us walked down the street to the polls to cast our votes (well Morgan and I that is). People all around seemed excited. And no wonder... we are the priviledged and the honored... to be able to vote for what we believe in in this country. I feel so strongly that at the end of the day, every vote counts and this ultraimportant value is being instilled in our youth. It was so refreshing to stand in line for an hour because that showed the wonderful turnout. Men, women, children alike... there to make a difference, regardless of who they were voting for. I was proud that both Morgan and I were there to take Colin and show him that from his early days, his voice counts. And I was even selfishly impressed at just in the short walk over, how well colin learned to say "Obama" (which of course sounded more like "O baba" :)

18 months

Happy 18 month birthday my sweet pea. Your sweetness continues to make life perfect. Thank you for being the light of our life! Kisses and hugs and love, Mama

Lombardi Ranch Fun!

We made our way out to Lombardi Ranch yesterday for a good old fashioned harvest fest. What a difference from last year when we ventured with 6 month old Colin, propping him up to take pictures next to the pumpkins. This year our active 18 month old raced in the pumpkin patch! He also loved attempting to pick up the pumpkins (some of which were as big as he was), visited the petting zoo, rode the "choo choo" and munched happily on corn on the cob. Our little pumpkin was tuckered out by the end of such a fun day!

Fall

October has always been one of my favorite months as the weather starts to shift and we near the holidays. October also reminds me of a couple amazing trips to Boston when we were able to visit during the prettiest time of year! We loved watching the leaves change and the beauty of the city! Thank you Mary for sending a little piece of Boston to Colin too :)

Back in the swing

It's been a harried few weeks, but I'm starting to feel human again and happy to not be on the go after 5 - no, I'm not exaggerating - 5 weekends in a row out of town. And 4 of which with a 17 month old... yikes. But we are home and staying put for a while so I can breathe. In the meantime, our little guy is more verbal than ever which is incredibly fun... our new favorite being his first sentence: "I Fuv _____" (dada or mama)... It's the sweetest, most precious thing in the world.

Now that we are back and settled, we can reflect on a some of our trips which included an afternoon at Sea World which was such a delight. Watching Colin light up at the toys and sea life and his favorite, the penguins, brought tears to my eyes (and yes, papa's too)... A special day which also included Grandpa, Noni and Cici.

Sweet Great Grandpa

Today we remember my sweet Grandpa, Colin's Great Grandpa. He was full of life and was a kind and gentle soul. We feel blessed to have known him and also that we got to spend such wonderful days in Italy only 6 months ago. Grandpa, you will be missed by everyone you touched.

Morning chatter

I love my mornings with Colin. It's a special time when it's still early and we play and then have breakfast. Colin is very consistently a little chatter bug and I am loving how verbal he is becoming. Each day seems to bring more new words and actions!

Ashland visit!

We had an amazing trip to Ashland this past weekend. Colin and I loved our quality time with Grammie and enjoyed every second...

Colin relaxing at Lithia Park... he loved the ducks!!

Our little nature boy was in HEAVEN!
Riding the choo choo trains!

Sweetness with Grammie...

Enjoying the peace and serenity of an Oregon night...

Fake cougher!

Pat, Pat, Pat

I never knew there would be multiple moments in every day that I literally would be near tears or IN tears over something sweet my baby would do... a little look, a cute new word, a new trick... it leaves me a puddle on the floor. Last night, I was carrying Colin into bed after we read stories- he was waving his usual bye bye to daddy and stopping his usual 5 or so times to give repeated kisses to his papa before disappearing into the bedroom. Last night however, amongst the routine, he promptly put his head on my shoulder, gave me a squeeze and then patted my back... of course a flood of tears followed by mama.

Say Cheese!

Happy Labor Day!

We hope everyone is having a wonderful Labor Day!! We had a very fun pre-Labor Day (and b'day) BBQ/pool party yesterday at our friends' Erin and Jason's house. Between swimming and yummy eats, Colin was in heaven!

Play Date...with a twist!

Today was a very fun day- we had a great play date with new friends John, Megan and baby Leo! We all walked to THE PLAYROOM, a small indoor baby/toddler gym with tons of toys, slides, bouncers, ball pools, and everything a little one could imagine. Several other kids were there to play as well and clearly, we weren't the only fans of this place as in walked Britney Spears and her two sons as well as Gwen Stefani's little boy. That was quite the star siting and kind of cool (except when her younger son kept stealing Colin's toys to the point Brit came and apologized to me)... Only in LA!

The Littlest Democrat!

Tonight, I had the Democratic National Convention on in the background as we got ready for bedtime. I was picking out a few books to read to Colin about the time Joe Biden was welcomed amongst a full crowd cheering and clapping. Evidently Colin was on board with Biden as VP because I turned around to find Colin charging toward the TV, crazily clapping!!
Such a cute and funny sight!

Quinn's Olympic Birthday!

We had a great time helping celebrate Quinn's 1st birthday yesterday! Quinn's mommy and daddy did it up right, Olympic-style, and all the babies (and their parents) came dressed in their country of choice. The kids had an absolute blast as they earned their gold medals in all the kid events and kept busy all afternoon long. What a great day!

Learning...

Amazing how each day our little guy seems to process and learn something new. Grammie got Colin stacking cups for Christmas and he most definitely considers them among his favorite toys. He has continuous stacked them one inside of the next but this week he discovered a new trick all on his own: how to turn them over and stack them up one on top of the other to make a tower!

16 months!

My little sweet pea,

How time flies and you are now 16 months! Amazing! You are practically running and are definitely one curious and active child. But the best thing in the world is that you are constantly smiling and making your mama and daddy laugh... your sweetness is so evident and you are the light of our lives!

DUCK

Colin's vocabulary is growing by leaps and bounds. Tonight we allowed him to watch a few minutes of a baby Einstein video (a rare treat) and the subject matter focused on numbers. At one point 4 ducks marched across the screen and I heard my baby boy say "duck"- pronouncing it perfectly. I was so proud of him and I was reminded what little sponges they are...so very cool!

Rise and Shine!

Every morning, despite being blurry eyed, we find ourselves cracking up as Colin lovingly wakes us up fully! Typical morning: Morgan brings him into bed with us around 6:30 or 7:00 and Colin promptly climbs up onto one of us- usually sitting on our face or neck - and immediately jumps up and down as if riding a pony. He finds it hysterical to do so and so do we!

Feeling blessed...

We are so blessed to have the most wonderful nanny three days a week. There's nothing more peaceful than knowing my little guy is being watched by such a loving, caring and smiley woman! Elinor takes Colin outside for hours at a time, walking, playing, to the park... and I always know he loves her by the way he kisses and hugs her when she leaves.

Reading time

I love how Colin is taken with books. He will patiently sit with a book and turn the pages until he reaches the end of the book, then start over again...and this can easily go on for a good 5 minutes (which for a 15 month old is FOREVER!) I so hope his love for books continues on...and we will continue our nightly ritual of two books per night before bed, to encourage this!

Ready for the weekend!!

Colin and I went on an awesome walk early this morning... Moments like these I cherish so much - - it was quiet and peaceful outside and the only sounds were birds and my little guy singing the whole way to the store and back. Oh and him saying his new word "clock" over and over but comes out clear as day minus the "L" ! :) Happy Friday!

Sweet Child O' Mine!

Watch out Tiger Woods!

Today Colin took to the course -- the Golf Course -- he was amazing!! He shot a 76! (Colin's best score ever)...he shot a 39 on the front 9 and a 37 on the back 9. He finished off the round with a 75 foot putt on the 18th hole and cooled off with a beverage on the 19th. He's looking forward to more days like this! Ironically enough Morgan shot a 76 as well today...his best score ever too!