tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-354086172011-09-22T12:58:18.177-07:00Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.comBlogger2081100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-76687569192932251942011-03-13T10:39:00.000-07:002011-03-13T14:04:20.396-07:00

Lola turned 1 year old on February 13. We had a little celebration for her complete with not one but two pairs of matching sister dresses! She got the birthday song and a cupcuke, what more could a little one year old ask for! We have definitely noticed big changes in Lola in the past month or two. She is starting to play with toys (like Nina's tea set below) a bit more that just putting them in

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-41550021421218244642011-02-21T16:24:00.000-08:002011-02-21T16:33:10.945-08:00

In honor of Washington's Birthday, we'll post pictures from another holiday ... Christmas! Here are just a few lovely highlights from our bigger-than-life Texan Christmas.Santa and Mrs. Claus drop in at the DeLuca's on Christmas Eve with presents and candy canes for all!Bruno goes present diving.Thelma and Louise on Christmas morning.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-28783078688896818112011-02-09T19:46:00.000-08:002011-02-09T20:41:59.008-08:00

A few weeks back, Nina was Child of the Week at her school. The main event is creating and sharing a poster with pictures of your family. Nina and I picked some photos from her Beach Birthday Vacation, and we painted up a poster board and glued on the pictures. Nina was soooo proud to bring it to school to share with all her friends. On Tuesday of that week, she made a special presentation,

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-3429848688666583822011-02-01T16:33:00.000-08:002011-02-01T16:42:16.761-08:00

Lola took her first steps over the weekend! We weren't sure if she was going to make it before her first birthday, but she snuck it in at 11 1/2 months. She is still rather nervous about the whole thing but is getting more comfortable with free standing. Of course with her being a second child, there are, as of yet, no pictures or videos of this event. You will have to settle for this shot taken

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-32708462370570060222010-12-25T06:00:00.000-08:002010-12-25T06:00:03.771-08:00

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-78277625851235613322010-12-17T07:56:00.001-08:002010-12-17T08:12:09.466-08:00

The Friday after Thanksgiving we headed up north to Santa Rosa. A little wine tasting, a little Peanuts - fun for the whole family.First, a stop in San Francisco for lunch at Fort Mason.Break dancing?When we arrived at our hotel, look who was there to greet us!There are statues of the Peanuts all over town in Santa Rosa - the home of Charles M. Schulz. Nina's favorite activity was looking for "

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-61854034991825359642010-11-20T15:09:00.000-08:002010-11-20T15:33:34.392-08:00

Lola turned 9 months last week, and she is just the cutest thing imaginable! She is busy crawling around, pulling up on things, cruising around tables and standing and bouncing. She loves to shake maracas and generally bang things together. She is an expert at picking up cheerios with her little index finger and thumb, and even more fun is expertly picking them up and watching them drop over the

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-41067135171110888212010-10-30T11:11:00.001-07:002010-10-30T15:10:55.842-07:00

Watch out bad guys. Spidergirl is going to "fight" you!Lola says, Don't forget about me, I have a costume too!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-46842160771428123602010-10-23T10:52:00.000-07:002010-10-23T15:01:32.506-07:00

Aunt Romana popped in for a short visit the other weekend. Nina and Lola both loved getting reacquainted with her, and we packed a lot of fun into a little weekend.Lola got to go on her very first merry-go-round (but I picked the giant chicken!)With another photographer around, we actually got a picture of Mirko.Evening fun!And yet another photographer!It was wonderful to see you, Romana! We are

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-20582702749586987462010-10-12T20:49:00.000-07:002010-10-12T20:51:56.639-07:00

Here comes trouble.....oh my goodness, make that double.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-73684006777644019322010-09-21T20:36:00.001-07:002010-09-21T21:21:54.519-07:00

I am not even going to attempt to get caught up on pictures... sooo, here is where we are now.....A month is, of course, nothing for Nina, but hoo-wee, it has been an eternity for Lola. Let's see.... in the past month, Lola has started crawling (6 months 1 week, which is one week earlier than Nina for those of you keeping score at home) and then moved immediately onto pulling up to standing.....

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-82491863821267890102010-09-15T22:05:00.000-07:002010-09-15T22:09:04.065-07:00

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-20502669777937810232010-08-18T06:56:00.000-07:002010-08-18T07:15:59.074-07:00

Here is a series to show off Lola's new tricks. Balance, hand-eye coordination, cute outfit. Go, Lola!Note the little toe pointing out for balance.She has mastered the army crawl, pulling with her arms and pushing with her feet. Now she is popping up onto her hands and knees. She seems to know that this is a better way to go, but still can't quiet get it. When she actually wants to lunge for a

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-70002621773881464762010-08-09T20:56:00.000-07:002010-08-09T21:25:17.389-07:00

We're still here! Getting back into the swing of things now that we are "single parents" once again. Lola is settling in at school, and after two weeks now has a cold. So we can check that off the list.She seems to be chubbing up nicely these days, don't you think? Mirko claims she has my thighs, hehe! Well, it must be the milk because it certainly isn't the solid food. Don't get me wrong, Lola

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-76347533716587430082010-07-29T21:18:00.000-07:002010-07-29T21:20:46.457-07:00

Happy anniversary to us!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-5911160939276301192010-07-26T15:44:00.000-07:002010-07-26T15:48:56.346-07:00

Don't worry Lola. It will be fine .... eventually.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-41832526729938802522010-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:002010-07-23T09:21:43.434-07:00

For the last two weeks of Baka's visit, Djeda Pero came to join her. It was his first time meeting the girls, so you can imagine how happy he was!He brought a fresh batch of goodies for Nina. A loved knitted outfit (made by her great-aunt), necklaces and bracelet. Some of those were probably supposed to be for Lola, but what are ya gonna do?Djeda Pero also brought some of his children's workbooks

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-64488330597242065502010-07-12T13:17:00.000-07:002010-07-12T13:42:28.485-07:00

We have been so much enjoying our pool this year! It is fabulous. The water is heated to a pleasant 86 degrees so even when it isn't too warm out we can still enjoy the water. And on the hot days, well, just nothing beats it! Nina has taken grandly to the water. Her favorite activity is jumping into the deep end with flair!She jumps in and then swims about three or four feet to me. If you can

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-89238643212060167762010-07-03T08:13:00.000-07:002010-07-03T08:31:53.806-07:00

Ok, this is what I was talking about!Now that's a smile. Lola has started to get very excited when she watches Nina. Yesterday, Nina was doing her usual gymnastics (at the dinner table), and Lola just starts laughing and laughing at her and flapping her arms. So adorable!As you can see below, Lola's manual dexterity is improving everyday. Just this morning, she was playing on the bed while I was

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-13961461940314307182010-06-28T13:10:00.000-07:002010-06-28T13:28:22.913-07:00

Grammie made the girls a couple of matching dresses. Nina pulled one out of the closet so of course we had to get Lola dressed up too! They were absolutely adorable. You can also see that Lola is working on her boat pose, strengthening those abs.I am having a hard time getting pictures of Lola smiling. Every time I put the camera in front of my face she immediately stops doing whatever adorable

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-54927373767267158392010-06-21T10:39:00.000-07:002010-06-21T14:18:24.189-07:00

Here are our two lovely girls ready to enjoy a beautiful summer day.As you can see Lola is getting bigger and stronger. She does quite well on her belly and can push up her whole chest. She continues to love to stand, but her new trick is that she is really starting to grab at things. She see something, tries to grab at it and of course pulls it toward her mouth.Since we got out the high chair

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-45509017360405011892010-06-04T08:39:00.000-07:002010-06-04T08:59:32.889-07:00

Thursday, May 27th was Nina's last day in the Little Kids Place (LKP). She is more than ready to move on, but it is always sad to say goodbye to old friends.Adriana is the morning teacher so they spent a lot of time together the first half of the year when Nina was always the early bird.Gamm always with a super big smile.Nancy and Nina had a special relationship, and I know Nina will miss her

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-41031700051069730302010-05-26T16:11:00.000-07:002010-05-26T16:26:28.606-07:00

Lola got a new toy last weekend. She insists on standing whenever you hold her in your lap. Any attempts to make her sit result in her fussing and squawking until she gets what she wants. So we got her a snazzy standing thingy. She still enjoys (and probably prefers) the baby gym and has started to grab onto the hanging toys.And Nina, well, this is what she has been up to...Not much I can

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-65168112022704135532010-05-19T12:33:00.000-07:002010-05-19T12:45:54.404-07:00

No big story this week. Here are just a few shots from around the house.Nina's beauty salon. Lola is getting the very exclusive toothbrush treatment.Lola is starting to chub up nicely as you can see. Nina is continuing her quest to crack her head open - the latest bonk came from slipping in the shower. Ouch!Two favorite activities: standing and the baby gymHeading out for our usual Saturday

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-4784847349630694452010-05-12T17:43:00.000-07:002010-05-12T19:31:33.954-07:00

In the span of one week, Lola learned and the promptly forgot (or completely lost interest in) rolling over. Last week, whenever we put her down on her back, she would instantly lift her legs and roll over to her side. She grunted and squawked trying to get all the way over. Then on Sunday, she finally did it!"Almost there, just have to figure out what to do with this pesky arm.""I did it! ....uh

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-30004263624764660592010-05-09T08:37:00.001-07:002010-05-09T08:43:45.270-07:00

We were at the park last week and someone asked Nina what her name was, and she responded, "Nina. N-I-N-A". Here is the first time I saw it write it all. Funny thing is she started with the A and worked backwards.Another attempt.She can recognize a few other letters as well but hasn't tried to make them herself: O, M, B, S, and L.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-51803609940747708062010-05-08T07:32:00.000-07:002010-05-08T08:48:33.456-07:00

And here she is ... getting stronger and droolier by the day. These days she has been busy being generally adorable and stuffing her entire hand into her mouth. She loves standing up and has already made her first stabs at rolling over (she can easy roll from her back to her side, but can't yet figure what to do with the bottom arm). Lola's hair is a patchwork. The back is completely bald from

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-14787936337936803222010-04-30T06:52:00.000-07:002010-04-30T07:09:13.686-07:00

We are thrilled to have Baka Dragica visiting us for a while. She has already been busy getting our household in order, getting caught up on our laundry, cooking for us, and keeping the house neat and tidy. It is a wonderful help!The language barrier is still a bit difficult for Nina although the situation is way better than when Baka visited a year and a half ago and Nina had a really hard time

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-89161463208168499702010-04-27T15:00:00.000-07:002010-04-28T15:19:47.344-07:00

We had a wonderful visit from Andrea and Lucia a couple of weeks ago. It is hard to believe that when we last saw Lucia when she was younger that Nina is now. She seems all grown up now!I was pleasantly surprised at how nicely the two girls played together. Granted, they did get into an occasional spat - there was one memorable incident of breaking up a major tug-of-war over a small broom on the

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-68744420286359217912010-04-26T15:23:00.000-07:002010-04-26T15:34:11.263-07:00

I have some lovely pictures to post from Andrea and Lucia's visit, but in the meantime here is something to tide us over.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-30433739767939010682010-04-13T14:05:00.000-07:002010-04-14T09:57:48.572-07:00

It turns out that Lola is quite the conversationalist. She loves nothing better than a stimulating interaction, sharing her thoughts like "ahhh goo!", "ha-ooo" and "ugle". She is always polite and pauses waiting for your response. This is somewhat in contrast to her sister, who has been known to natter on endless regardless of an audience.Already getting some use out of the good old Bumbo chair.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-63861579948376496282010-04-13T14:04:00.001-07:002010-04-13T15:59:21.710-07:00

Last year when asked what we should get Daddy for his birthday, Nina said, "A teddy bear!" Now a year older and wiser, she smartly responded, "Wine!"

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-51277794446588473962010-04-07T14:21:00.000-07:002010-04-07T14:32:36.524-07:00

Smiles. So precious! Lola now has lovely awake times filled with smiles and coos and vigorous arm and leg action.This next one is just wonderful. It really captures how she looks a lot of the time - quizzical with her little tongue thrusting out.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-91409201054739542512010-04-07T13:32:00.000-07:002010-04-07T14:39:39.745-07:00

We had a lot of fun over Easter with Nina. We colored eggs, and she was excited to wake up to find that the Easter bunny had hid them and left her a basket of other goodies.Here's one!Where could they be?! I know there is more!That last one was tricky!She even insisted that she eat breakfast before she had any treats. What a girl!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-39512978868695894522010-04-02T06:56:00.001-07:002010-04-02T07:19:05.114-07:00

When Nina wanted to bring the doll stroller up from the garage, I knew it was just a matter of time. It was practically inevitable....Fortunately (and amazingly), her victim was a very good sport.The accompanying video is hilarious (although CPS probably wouldn't think so). Imagine Nina racing the stroller around the house, poor Lola bobbling inside, and Nina stopping only occasionally to do a

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-70281609602110501502010-03-29T07:27:00.001-07:002010-03-29T07:42:12.936-07:00

Grampa joined in the fun as well! Nina was very excited to have a new playmate (although he was summarily dismissed as a swing pusher when he wouldn't push her high enough!).Luck of the IrishMore hands to hold me - Lola was gameStroll on Stanford campusMore bath time fun

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-77418385781217132462010-03-23T13:20:00.000-07:002010-03-23T13:38:58.263-07:00

At one month, Lola is starting to do her first tricks.She can hold up her head for a few minutes.And she is starting to focus better and to track things with her eyes.You can also notice that (just like Nina did) she is starting to lose her newborn hair. We are curious to see what her real hair is going to look like, but we'll probably have to wait quiet a while!At her 1 month doctors check up (4

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-3723807816185482582010-03-17T16:28:00.000-07:002010-03-23T13:39:46.530-07:00

Lola changes so quickly, it is tough to keep up with the pictures! . Here is a lovely one from a couple weeks ago...Lola's 2 week portraitLola particularly reminds me of Nina when she is wearing one of her old outfits.3 weeks, 1 dayGrammie arrived on the scene on Mar 6. Nina has enjoyed taking a break from school to spend time with her, and I have enjoyed a clean house, delicious food and good

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-54271242515678232992010-03-12T16:22:00.001-08:002010-03-12T16:23:16.285-08:00

Nothing like a long nap on a rainy afternoon.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-3986917344296389082010-03-09T17:50:00.001-08:002010-03-09T18:03:47.566-08:00

Who is ready for some naked baby pictures?! Lola's first bath (also featuring Big Sister)"What am I getting myself into?!?"Chaos ReignsAll clean!Weren't we just doing this?

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-43845477087157627212010-03-03T12:10:00.000-08:002010-03-23T13:40:16.583-07:00

We've been settling in here at home over the past couple of weeks. On Friday, Feb 19, Lola had her 1-week check up. She weighed in at 7 lbs 15 oz, three ounces over her birth weight and way up from her minimum of 7 lbs 4 oz at the hospital. She is a good eater, sleeper and pooper - what else can you ask from a newborn! Her umbilical cord fell off after about a week and a half, but her little

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-13890856764397649432010-03-03T11:59:00.000-08:002010-03-04T15:48:11.018-08:00

On Saturday, February 20, Nina competed in her first road race! The Juana Run is held each year just blocks away from our house at Juana Briones Elementary school. Mirko competed in the 8k race while Nina went for it in the pre-K girls 200 yard dash.Bib on and stomach filled at the pancake breakfast.Jockeying for position at the start.Go, Nina, go!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-62525915204148977542010-03-01T11:47:00.000-08:002010-03-01T12:26:26.521-08:00

I'll never forget the look on Nina's face when she came through the door. Mirko, Lola and I had come home from the hospital about an hour before. Nina had spent the day with Mirjana and her family, and they all came over to drop Nina off. Nina rushed in very excited, her eyes darting back and forth between my belly and Mirko holding little Lola. "Is she out?!" Nina asked.Nina and Lola, sisters

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-18603507202918436032010-02-23T12:20:00.001-08:002010-02-23T12:47:46.874-08:00

And here she is the next morning in the hospital. Lola and I managed to get a couple of hours of sleep before the three ring circus of check ups began.Lola during the pediatrician's visit.Newborn hearing test. She passed - woohoo!We spend the rest of the day oooing and ahhing over our newest princess.Newborns are so kissableIt was really difficult to get much rest in the hospital with the

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-30966457383148065902010-02-18T14:09:00.000-08:002010-02-18T15:12:07.985-08:00

Lola Louise made her grand debut in the wee hours of February 13, 2010. Arriving at the hospital less than 40 minutes earlier, Lola was born at 1:35 am. She weighed in at 7 lbs 12 oz and 20 inches in length, 2 oz heavier and a 1/2 inch longer than her big sister Nina. Her whole body was covered in super thick vernix. She seemed rather relaxed about the whole being born thing but did manage to

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-4394580298366357352010-02-09T11:42:00.000-08:002010-02-09T11:47:41.671-08:00

Still here with just my one baby.....

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-85604697883367944182010-02-06T16:15:00.000-08:002010-02-08T10:57:13.399-08:00

We attended the annual Ice Skating party held by Nina's daycare. Just like last year, she was ready for the ice!What a pair!Not bad for his first time in skates, practically Brian BoitanoSkating is more fun with your friends.Zooming on the ice with Teacher LenaTaking a break with skating partner, Jakey.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-73131440691336059112010-02-05T16:08:00.001-08:002010-02-05T16:40:29.941-08:00

Nina has started a curious line of hypothetical questioning these days. Probably ten times a day she asks something along the lines of:"If you had one purple eye and one black eye, what would happen?""If daddy spills his dinner, what would happen?""If you don't stop at the stop sign, what would happen?""If you sat in the office and you are not the lady that works here, what would happen?"I have

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-62719610999034129192010-02-01T14:09:00.001-08:002010-02-01T14:16:27.931-08:00

Nina keeps asking if summer is coming back. She is not a big fan of cold and wet weather we've been having.She's gotten good use of her rain gear though.She is not at all interested in going outside on the weekends, but at least she is fairly good at keeping herself entertained.Knock yourself out kid.... I am not getting up.Well, we can at least still have a summertime refreshment!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-55205432928036946642010-01-25T07:20:00.000-08:002010-02-08T15:43:45.521-08:00

Our little girl turned 3 years old on January 4th! We had our little family celebration the day before, spending the day at the Silliman Family Aquatic Center, an absolutely fabulous indoor activity pool run by the city of Newark. But first, the day started off with presents!The cooking set from Aunt Andrea & Company was a big hit. She almost didn't want to open the rest of them.But she was glad

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-84983450736706701142010-01-13T06:44:00.000-08:002010-01-13T06:47:49.431-08:00

Yesterday was my last official day of work before maternity leave! Woohoo! Now, let's just hope that our little one isn't in too much of a hurry so I can enjoy some time off before she is born.36 WeeksNina's outfit on this glorious day.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-75131224884088079802009-12-29T07:19:00.001-08:002009-12-30T17:40:31.458-08:00

"Santa came!" We waited until Nina was asleep on Christmas Eve to put anything under the tree, so she was quite surprised in the morning.She opened all of her presents and pretty much all of ours as well.The Loot.Since we are all at home together through New Year's, it is great to have some fun new toys to play with!Cheerleading cowgirl!Nina said later that she got a lot of presents from Santa

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-68660412525530015302009-12-29T07:02:00.000-08:002009-12-29T07:18:49.196-08:00

Couple of fun Christmas activities. First, we visited the Christmas light & decoration display on Fulton Ave in Palo Alto, and then on Christmas Eve we saw a performance of the Nutcracker.This one had a full sized Santa's sleigh next to the fireplace and was playing a tape of a reading of The Night Before Christmas. Nina sat quietly for "story time".:::The War Memorial Opera House in San

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-81648353794002244142009-12-25T07:25:00.001-08:002009-12-25T07:25:58.104-08:00

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-13104917533799448582009-12-19T16:04:00.001-08:002009-12-19T16:31:16.108-08:00

Nina is very much in to dress up these days. I never know what she is going to be wearing when I pick her up from school ... flapper dress, kimono, you name it. It continues on at home ... "wedding dresses" and high heels (followed by ceremonies joining her and various dolls in matrimony), bathing suits (the living room becomes a beach, and heaven forbid that you should accidentally put something

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-30769616899408505412009-11-29T06:27:00.000-08:002009-11-29T06:45:17.773-08:00

We had a low-key Thanksgiving this year with just us. A day of cooking and eating, then three more days for adventures - no wonder it is one of my favorite holidays!Making the stuffing first thing in the morning. Whew, then time to rest!Fat Mr. Turkey! These small birds sure do cook up nice.Pilgrim, Turkey, and Chocolate Turkey - far more interesting that actual Mr. Turkey.The spread.Cheer up,

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-30047551345646292562009-11-10T05:46:00.001-08:002009-11-11T17:56:48.192-08:00

Recently overheard:"For Christmas, will the turkey bring me things?""Daddy, you are wasting my money!!!""I want to go back in your belly""Daddy, do you know what I am going to be for Thanksgiving?", "What?", "A clown!!!""When Neo and I get married, I am going to have a cupcake."San Francisco GirlFeeding the piglets.Nina helps out on the nesting activities.Sunning the belly. 26 1/2 weeks.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-13597658741484336322009-11-02T06:46:00.000-08:002009-11-02T07:00:30.487-08:00

This was Nina's first year for Trick or Treat. The businesses on California Ave had a nice event during the afternoon, perfect for the little ones. Over the past month, Nina had shown a lot interest in the Halloween decorations and various "scaries". On day when we were driving to school, out of the blue she asked me slightly nervously, "Is it going to be more scary on Halloween?". She wasn't too

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-22612815861860863232009-10-20T14:19:00.000-07:002009-10-20T16:02:58.862-07:00

Fall is here! A great time to head to our favorite farm and pick up a few pumpkins.A very friendly cow and horse stood right by the fence for easy petting.We also got to pet goats, sheep, and rabbits.The farmer's tractor was a huge hit.Pumpkin Patch!Nina gets an A for effort. That thing was hard to pull in the rocky soil!There! That's more like it.Our loot.And finally .... belly shot! Here I am

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-45431231132041630242009-10-06T17:34:00.000-07:002009-10-06T17:34:00.765-07:00

Last month, we attended Derek and Cecile's Wedding. It was held at the California Academy of Science, a truly fabulous venue for a both children and adults.Wow, another family shot. Miracle of miracles.Nina's favorite person was also there. "Jane, come here! Jane, look at this! Jane! Jane!"Nina and Hannah. Too bad we didn't get this shot from the other side, but still it captures the moment.Biiig

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-47948460599619484042009-10-04T17:33:00.001-07:002009-10-04T17:34:00.664-07:00

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-45615302661535054422009-09-27T08:08:00.000-07:002009-09-27T08:18:58.604-07:00

We made a trip to Gilroy Gardens a couple weeks ago ($10 tickets, what a deal!). Fabulous fun for Nina, and we had even more fun seeing what a blast she was having. And look! One for the record books....an actual family photo! As you can see, Mirko rather enjoyed the skill games.Paddle boats.Strawberry ride.The Apple and the Worm - this one was remembered as the "fast ride".And to make the day

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-56865663434554314882009-09-07T16:41:00.000-07:002009-09-11T09:08:45.641-07:00

Nothing like an evening in the park.Ok, you can take my picture, but I am NOT going to smile.Taking a break.But life isn't all fun and games. Somebody has to make dinner.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-56621590337827733902009-09-03T19:00:00.000-07:002009-09-06T07:55:31.306-07:00

"Thank you, Baka! I really like all the new clothes, especially the strawberry shirt and red skirt."And my cowgirl boots are fitting pretty good these days too.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-2002794877917280122009-08-31T06:40:00.000-07:002009-09-02T19:53:14.237-07:00

Grammie was in town for a visit last week. Nina very much enjoyed skipping school and hanging out with her, but the highlight of the trip for me was Friday when I got to skip school and we all went to the beach!Santa Cruz, where the water is warm enough that you can actually put your feet in without your toes falling off!Surfer girl.Highlight of Santa Cruz is the boardwalk with games, rides, and

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-57145907872649870982009-08-21T05:00:00.000-07:002009-08-21T05:41:34.081-07:00

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-26376440523780439832009-08-18T18:58:00.000-07:002009-08-18T19:07:21.129-07:00

Last weekend, we attended Dan & Rachel's wedding. Nina was very curious about the whole affair and had tons of questions. "Why are they getting married?", "Are you married, mommy?" (Then she insisted that her and I are married), "Why did you and daddy get married?", "Why did we have to be quiet during the ceremony?". She thought Rachel was the grandest person that ever existed, but Dan basically

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-29422001816302857532009-07-26T15:54:00.000-07:002009-07-31T09:38:21.157-07:00

One more from Sea Ranch...

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-19490247117655913212009-07-26T15:44:00.000-07:002009-07-26T15:53:50.953-07:00

Last weekend, Shaolan and Tom invited us to stay with them up in Sea Ranch. Nina and AJ hit it off right away and had a blast hanging out and doing everything together.Best Buds.Monkey see, monkey do.Fun at the beach.The water was cold but still irresistible.Our fabulous hosts.Our fabulous selves. (There was a wedding on the beach behind us)Stick Fight!Story time with Louie.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-5364461296278567362009-07-14T19:30:00.001-07:002009-07-14T19:41:43.140-07:00

Time for the annual installment of our adventures at the Los Altos Fair. This was the first year that Nina was able to truly participate in the Kids Zone Activities.First up was face painting.Next the flying swing. Once was enough for me!The Dizzy DragonWouldn't be summer if we weren't on the bicycles.Finally, some our budding artist's recent creations....This week she is studying Picasso.But

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-32279699828201608892009-07-13T13:57:00.001-07:002009-07-13T14:05:20.750-07:00

I took Nina for her first official beauty salon haircut last week. Before that she had only had a few horrendous knots cut from her bangs, but the rest was the hair that starting growing... oh about two years ago. She was a champion in the chair and sat like a statue the whole time.Not great shot of the haircut, but Nina sure is proud of herself. And her hair is soooo much easier to brush now

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-56818212861200108402009-06-28T17:05:00.001-07:002009-06-28T17:21:57.937-07:00

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-76241988191478862032009-06-09T05:57:00.000-07:002009-06-09T06:16:37.122-07:00

Can we just pop into the ice cream shop for a quick peak?Santa Cruz sun, fun, and merry-go-rounds!Lemos Farm in Half Moon Bay. We finally made it!Nina riding her Sassafras!Memorial Day picnic at Foothills Park.Yep, summer is officially here!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-25351216643486213782009-06-02T18:47:00.000-07:002009-06-05T05:52:26.408-07:00

A couple weeks ago, we went to the Stanford Powwow. Nina picked out a new pink dress and apparently has been wearing it ever since as it is in every single picture for this post.The Stanford Powwow.Lunch at the mall.The San Francisco Zoo.In other news, apparently Nina is just about potty trained. She had been showing occasional interest for a couple of months. Then, the second week in her "big

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-72935706637015148752009-05-30T06:45:00.000-07:002009-05-30T22:36:49.267-07:00

That time of year has come again. Two weeks ago, Nina moved up to the next classroom at her daycare from the Teeny Kids Place to the Little Kids Place or as Nina calls it her "big girl" classroom. Transitions are filled with mixed emotions. She is excited to be with the bigger kids, doing new activities (they get to use scissors - Nina's new favorite!) and having bizarre little conversations with

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-19761303813559720482009-05-15T06:54:00.003-07:002009-05-15T07:02:42.263-07:00

No visit from Grammie would be complete without a trip to the beach, no matter how cold the water is!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-76118176290710594852009-05-15T06:38:00.000-07:002009-05-15T07:01:37.643-07:00

Grammie and Grandpa came for a visit last month for a fun-filled week. First up on the agenda was coloring Easter eggs! Nina was game for an Easter egg hunt the next morning.And with just a little help managed to find them all! Eating them... not so interesting.Easter lunch at our new favorite place in Los Altos.Nina very much enjoyed spending the week at home with her grandparents. She

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-18050726530538557132009-05-06T20:41:00.000-07:002009-05-06T20:42:30.017-07:00

Just to update the official record, on Monday, May 4, Nina rode her bike all the way to the park and all the way back! Wow!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-29169463663053274762009-04-27T15:16:00.000-07:002009-04-27T21:23:36.855-07:00

Coupla pictures from the weekend showing off Nina's new loves.Balloon penguin bracelet made by the ubiquitous Palo Alto balloon animal guy.Dora bike!!! Her feet can reach the pedals (barely), but we've yet to see any unassisted forward motion.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-84401475727147496332009-04-25T14:54:00.000-07:002009-04-25T15:23:30.215-07:00

Between the various cameras snapping away like mad for a week, we have some 800 pictures of various adventures with the cousins, Stanford campus, the farm, the zoo, the park, San Francisco. Of course, only a handful when they are all together, in focus, and with somebody looking vaguely in the direction of the camera.Filip, Nina and Stefan.....already up to no good.Lovely AuntieTrip to the

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-4902915601234823272009-04-05T11:36:00.000-07:002009-04-05T11:38:15.977-07:00

Nina's Canadian cousins have been visiting this week. Here is a sneak preview of their adventures.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-45276607038604422542009-03-25T07:16:00.001-07:002009-03-26T08:35:17.203-07:00

Winter was long and tough for Nina... jackets, boots, no sandals or summer dresses (well maybe occasionally.)so sad.But now spring is in the air!Time to freshen up and enjoy the sun!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-80334401308324366382009-03-14T14:55:00.001-07:002009-03-15T10:15:48.493-07:00

Nina's language abilities has exploded so much in recent months that is it nearly impossible to capture it for the blog. One thing that I just noticed in the past couple of days is that she is experimenting with "because". Sometimes she hits is spot on, for example:"We need to move this because someone will trip.""Put this on my back because I am cold."Other times, she tries but is not quite sure

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-46286067539193520122009-02-26T21:37:00.000-08:002009-02-26T22:07:41.355-08:00

Such a ham....So irrepressible...yet pensive....and seriously infatuated.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-87576344111269831262009-02-06T09:48:00.000-08:002009-02-06T14:06:18.937-08:00

Here are a few recent pictures from my camera phone. Not always great quality, but they capture the moment.....Snack at Starbucks on a "sick" day.Got tutu, got Dora, will travel!This was from last Saturday. Nina's daycare organized an Ice Skating Party Party at the local rink. At first she didn't want to put the skates on, but by the end she didn't want to take them off!From yesterday's daycare

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-30890377679662785522009-01-23T14:40:00.000-08:002010-04-05T10:38:51.626-07:00

We celebrated Nina's Birthday in Tahoe this year. We had a big snow storm on January 2, so we decided that was as good a day as any for a birthday party! Nina was very excited about the birthday cake, candles and birthday song. And the presents weren't too shabby either!Click to watch the movie!Nina picked out the Dora theme herself! "Dooohwa"After Christmas, Nina had become a pro at the present

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-40358496651327205002009-01-15T19:37:00.001-08:002009-01-15T20:21:03.926-08:00

We spent the week in Lake Tahoe for New Year's with Mirjana, Miroslav and the girls. Great fun!Here we are bundled up waiting for the bus to take us to the slopes!Annual family snow shot (last year's)Best Buddies.Nina was very excited to ride up the mountain in the gondola.But for some reason when we got to the top, she decided to stand on top of a small hill of snow and yell at all the skiers.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-46240491401708600542009-01-10T14:59:00.001-08:002009-03-09T18:35:24.537-07:00

Movie from this morning.....Click to watch the movie

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-16400552109074006832009-01-02T13:58:00.001-08:002009-01-02T13:59:50.366-08:00

Nina hits the slopes in Lake Tahoe.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-72161898806529795612008-12-27T15:15:00.000-08:002008-12-28T14:26:22.690-08:00

We had been talking about Christmas for a couple of weeks. We got a tree. We were reading her The Night Before Christmas. She met Santa and thought he was pretty cool. Then on Christmas Eve, Mirko started telling her that Santa was going to come and leave presents under the tree. She was definitely interested in the idea, but she didn't make a big deal about it. Christmas morning, we didn't say

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-10104387555087343762008-12-25T04:08:00.000-08:002008-12-25T04:08:00.935-08:00

Ho! Ho! Ho!In what I am sure will be a new annual tradition, we took Nina to the lights and decoration display on Fulton Avenue in Palo Alto. She loved it. Lots of other children, and snowmen, and Santy Clauses...Here we are at the annual STAR Lab Christmas party. Unlike last year when the sight of Santa made Nina scream uncontrollably, she was happy to see the jolly old elf especially when she

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-53519133217157487142008-12-24T15:38:00.000-08:002008-12-24T16:04:01.312-08:00

Quick pre-Christmas update. Neat little milestone that Nina has reached here recently is that she seems to get colors. It is amazing how abstract of a concept that is! She has known the words for different colors for quite a while, but if you asked her what color something was the answer was always "green". Now pretty consistently she gets them right... pink, purple, blue, green, yellow! Pretty

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-20960976810703028722008-11-27T14:08:00.000-08:002008-11-27T14:09:28.308-08:00

Step 1. Brine the turkey.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-36224214488626190342008-11-25T10:00:00.000-08:002008-11-25T10:31:32.965-08:00

Over the last several months, Nina has gotten more and more particular about which clothes she will wear. The only way to get her to wear any clothes at all is to let her pick them out. And her fashion sense is .... well .... unique. Here is a sampling of Nina's memorable selections.Cute, matching, very nice ... except that she wants to wear it in November, outside, with no jacket. She loves this

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-54070458123664615372008-11-22T14:36:00.000-08:002008-11-22T15:02:29.209-08:00

But first a funny story to tell.... This week, for the first time, Nina corrected me. We were reading a story about a little chick. She asked, "What's dat ov'r dere?" pointing to what was in the little chicks mouth. I said, "It's an acorn." "Dat's not a acorn," Nina replied. Nina know acorns quite well - the play yard at school is covered with them. And this thing in the picture was most

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-45239809910302785422008-11-16T14:44:00.001-08:002008-11-22T15:04:30.589-08:00

Last month when Baka was visiting, we headed up to San Francisco's Golden Gate Park for some real adventures. It was a beautiful fall day, cool air but fabulously warm sunshine.Nina was gung-ho!!First we hit the Japanese Tea Garden.Scaling the half moon bridgeNina has been super in to tea parties lately, so we took her for a real one.But by far, the biggest hit of the day was the large statue of

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-44765715837664431902008-11-12T21:17:00.000-08:002009-06-28T17:06:08.272-07:00

Zebra butt!!

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-23785879889749344792008-11-12T21:06:00.001-08:002008-11-12T21:15:59.996-08:00

Boy, blink your eyes and the next thing you know it is mid-November! I suppose it is time to post these pumpkin patch pictures. Better late than never.... or as Nina would say "Halloween's over?"The Webb Ranch Pumpkin PatchCarefully searching for the most sincere pumpkin.Found it!Now, let's cover it with rocks!A gripping ride.The loot.

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-41315295633022145642008-10-18T15:38:00.000-07:002008-11-22T15:04:49.858-08:00

For your viewing pleasure:Act I: The AthleteAct II: The ArtistAct III: The Finally Long Enough Legs

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35408617.post-78319695029848387122008-10-17T22:27:00.000-07:002008-10-17T15:03:29.981-07:00

Nina has begun to dip her toe into the realm of questions. Not complex questions, but questions nevertheless."I'm hungry." "You hungry, mama?""I'm tired." "You tired, mama?"Repetition is definitely key here. Everyday we leave the house and she notices that the wooden rail on the stair way is chipped. "Is broken, mama?", "Yes, unfortunately, it is a little broken.", "That one broken?", "Yes, that

Mariahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03969671495070849953noreply@blogger.com0