Trimming the Tree

New Ideas for your Tree this Year

The Tree Tradition

Who goes to see the Christmas tree in Rockefeller Center on a cold weekday night with a 2 year old? We do. Why? Tradition.

Bryan is very into keeping up traditions and for us, seeing the tree in Rockefeller Center is one of them. We've gone to see the tree every year up until Sylvie was born. This year we decided to share the tradition with her. It was crazy, chaotic and annoying, but Sylvie had fun for the whole 10 minutes we were there. Alas, another family tradition is born.

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all our friends and family that we won't see this year, Happy Thanksgiving!

Cutie Pie

I realized we needed an updated photo of Sylvie for some preschool applications. I was taking some photos of her and while she was talking away, I captured this sweet moment. I'm totally loving her curls these days.

On the Eve before Election Day

It's the night before we can finally cast our votes. Many of us have been working very hard to help get out the vote and soon we will finally know who our next President will be! I don't think I will sleep tonight. I'm full of nervous energy and although all signs point to victory, I can't feel completely at ease. The road ahead will be a long and difficult one, but I still feel a great sense of hope for the future.

All the political talk around our house has definitely rubbed off on Sylvie. Some of it comes from hearing about it 24/7. She now recognizes Barak Obama's voice when she hears it on the radio or tv. She has a genuine excitement about Barak Obama, which no doubt comes from us. She also has a very cute response which we've encouraged along the way. When asked if she likes McCain or Palin, she responds, "Not so much." Here's a little Saturday morning political discussion...

Halloween

Prospect Park in the fall is beautiful. Although we haven't done any traveling this fall, we are lucky be able to experience the changing leaves right here. Sylvie's enjoyed it too!























Sylvie's favorite word this Halloween has been "spooky". Everything is spooky. In fact, my mom was talking to her on the phone the other day and she asked her if our decorations were scary and she said, "no, spooky". There is a difference.
Other funny Sylvieisms I want to mention are:
"I'm sad because I'm crying".
Followed by "See my tears?"

When asked who she would vote for, we get an enthusiastic "Brock Obama!"
When asked do you like John McCain or Sarah Palin, she responds, "Not so much". (with no influence from her parents of course).

We had a great Halloween. It feels like we did a lot since there were so many activities in our neighborhood the weekend before. The carnival in Prospect Park had a real small town feel to it. They had all your traditional games like throw the ball at the milk bottles, spin the wheel, throw the sandbag in the animals mouth, etc. It was perfect for toddlers. Sylvie was so happy walking around with her tickets, deciding which game she would try next. Of course, they always gave her a prize which made it even sweeter.

The next day we went to the Prospect Park Zoo and Carousel. They also had a spooky Halloween theme, all of which she loved. On Friday, hootenanny had a Halloween disco party which was so packed, we left after about 15 min. And on Halloween, Sylvie got to be a butterfly. We hosted a party for our friends. Missed the parade again, but it was worth it.

Just Plain Fall Fun

Our friends Ifor and Kirsty were in town this weekend visiting from London. We hosted a nice brunch for them and celebrated Kirsty's 30th B-day. I must have been busy, because we don't seem to have any pictures from that day. If anyone has some, please send my way!

We also had a nice day at the park yesterday. Bought some delicious tomatoes, apples and pears at the farmers' market on 5th ave. Its nice to have some family time after working on the apartment for so many weeks. The leaves are changing and it's starting to feel like autumn is here!

Climbing

Sylvie has been really into climbing lately. For a child who was a bit challenged in the mobility department early on (we think mainly due to her lovely big belly), she's really come a long way. Her latest achievement is climbing up the biggest ladder at 9th Street that leads to the spiral slide. This ladder is particularly challenging because it goes from climbing straight up to a curve where you walk as though you are just holding on to a handrail. It's high and I got a little nervous the first few times she did it. Now that she's got that ladder down, I've noticed she wants to practice her climbing skills everywhere, including places she really shouldn't.

Here she is getting busted climbing on the couch. I guess by her expression, she thought it was worth getting caught.

Nana & Papa Come to Brooklyn

My parents, Sylvie's Nana and Papa stayed with us this past weekend. It was a big deal since they are the first to stay with us with our new place pretty much done. It finally feels like our place and it was nice to share it with them.

Sylvie had an amazing time with her grandparents. It was as if no time had really passed since she last saw them, even though it has been about 3 months. I could see the excitement in her eyes when they arrived. For weeks she has been talking about showing them her new room!

Friday morning we went to the playground and grabbed some pizza for lunch. I often go to the playground and see other grandparents playing with their grandchildren and long for Sylvie to have that. There is a special pride I can't describe when you see your parents interacting with your child and discovering all the things you think are so special about them. It is so much better than just telling them about it. I could tell Sylvie was proud to show them how she can climb the chain ladder and go down the spiral slide all by herself.

Bryan met us after work at Cafe Steinoff for dinner. We were all in the mood for some serious comfort food with the autumn chill in the air. Later that night, Bryan and I took advantage of the available babysitters and went to IKEA for a late night date.

Saturday we went to Red Hook ball fields at the request of my parents. They heard about the amazing Latin American food vendors there. Totally great discovery. The food is great and inexpensive. I personally loved the pork and cheese Pupusas, fried plantains and the grilled corn on a stick (with everything including chili which is HOT)! If you haven't been you should go, but go soon since I think they are only there through October. Got to watch some soccer too.
http://events.nytimes.com/2006/08/23/dining/reviews/23unde.html

We continued our tour of Brooklyn's finest with a trip to Fairway. That night, Bryan and I tried to go to a movie but they were sold out so we went to Beer Table instead while Nana and Papa put Sylvie to bed.

Sunday we made a great breakfast and home followed by a trip to the Children's Museum. This is the perfect place to go on a rainy day, or any day for that matter. Sylvie was completely overwhelmed in a good way and totally stimulated. There is so much to do there and it is free on the weekends if you get there before 11 am!
http://www.brooklynkids.org/



Sylvie carved a pumpkin, sang some karaoke, and read lots of stories with Nana & Papa. It doesn't get much better than that!

Random pic

I came across this photo from when we were painting the new place. I just love it. It's so soft and serene. It's one of those serious moments that you don't think toddlers typically have.

First day of School

Sylvie had her first day of school last Tuesday. We organized a co-op preschool/playgroup of sorts with some mom's in our neighborhood. Sylvie totally loves it and looks forward to going every week. Here are some photos from her first day, including one with the star she and the other kids received from their teacher. That night, she couldn't wait to show her dad and tell him about her day at school! So cute.

"Get Down!" "No!"

I guess best friends are liable to have a falling out at one point or another. Sylvie climbed into Zoe's fancy new stroller while we were hanging out in the park. Zoe didn't like it and thus began the battle of words. "Get Down!"..."No!" went on for several minutes and luckily we were able to capture a few seconds of it. It ended with a few moments of silence and a "Hi" from Zoe.


Have no fear, the feud was over quickly and the bff's were walking hand and hand once again.

Hawaiian Dress

Jasmine brought back this adorable dress from Hawaii for Sylvie and she got to strut her stuff in it the other night at Kris's birthday party. She was feeling pretty confident in it and was posing like she was America's next top model. Granted, she decided not to nap that day, but her unruly attitude added to the party atmosphere!

The End of Summer

Sylvie resting on Papa & Nana's boat.



Well, looks like our blissful summer is just about over and I have about a bizillion photographs that I have finally downloaded from our cameras. We had a pretty amazing summer spending 2 weeks in Western NY and a week in the Adirondacks with my family. Sylvie got to experience a lot of new things and develop new relationships with friends like Sophie and her cousins Jordan, Olivia, Adam and baby Zachary.

I have to admit, it was nice to be able to drive everywhere enjoy boat rides on the Niagara River. Sylvie got to do a lot of swimming in Uncle Mike's pool, went to the Zoo with Marisa, U. Mike, Jordan and Olivia and had a ball playing with Grandma and Granny. Sylvie loved being on Papa & Nana's boat, so I guess there is a little of me in her afterall. And how she loved picking fresh veggies from Nana's garden!
She also got to visit Castellani Art Museum where I worked all through college. It was fun to share that with her.

Our new house is still a work in progress, but it is finally starting to feel like our place. We are excited about all the good things to come this autumn.

Sylvie has really grown this summer. She is such an amazing person. She's so funny and loving. I love to see her change and grow everyday. Here are some of our favorite moments from summer 2008:

The Big Move & Summer Upstate

sylvie dancing at our old apt. the day we moved out

What a whirlwind the last few weeks have been! We successfully moved from our place on Prospect Park West to our new home. It was a busy time with all the packing, moving and interview by the NY Times.

Last time we saw the new apartment it looked like this.
I am looking forward to getting back to help Bryan sort everything out.

Two days after the move, Sylvie and I headed upstate to Nana & Papa's to stay for a couple weeks while Bryan looked after the renovations at the new place.

Sylvie is having a ball. She loves having so much family around and its nice to see her getting to know everyone. Grandma has taken her for walks, to the library and showed her around Lewiston. Granny took us out to lunch today and bought Sylvie a pretty sweater at the local shop called Brothers & Sisters. Nana and papa have taken us on boat rides, let us relax on the river and pick green beans from their garden! We had a great play date with Sophie. We wished her a happy birthday and played on Papa's new boat.

We also had lots of fun at Uncle Mike and Aunt Brandi's bbq with the entire family. Sylvie was the last kid to leave the swimming pool, despite her shivering body and purple lips. Ah remember those days?

Yesterday we went to the Buffalo Zoo with cousins Jordan, Olivia, Marisa and Uncle Mike. The girls loved the animals, particularly the lions. It was a day we won't forget!

'What A Feeling!'

I know, I know! What has happened to our posts? I have lots coming your way, but no time to post right now. We are packing, painting, and fixing the new place. It has been a major time of transition in so many ways. So to get you through, here is a happy accident of a picture. Enjoy!

Sylvie's Birthday Present