Bath time, then and now

What were my parents doing to me here?

Oooh yeah. This is more like it!

Spain is different

It is really hard finding something to write about that isn't just about how cute Z is or his latest development. What was my life like before motherhood? Man, it must have been boring!!

So, let me share a bit about Spain and what things strike most Americans who visit here.

Today's comment is about personal space or rather the lack thereof. It just does not exist! People walk down the sidewalk right towards you and see right through you. There is no stepping aside, no "excuse me." They just keep right on going. And Spaniards are big strollers, taking their time going from Point A to B which frustrates me to no end. I acknowledge that coming from NYC most recently, I walk fast and with purpose, but man, it drives me crazy to get stuck behind three ladies linked arm in arm! And, how about total strangers coming up to your kid and putting their hands right in his face! Luckily I'm not super high-maintenance or anything, but I do find it quite strange. Now, with this pig flu I am more likely to speak up next time it happens! However, I suppose it would do me good to look at the flip side of this and learn to slow down, take my time and appreciate how baby-friendly everyone is. No one gets uptight with a baby in a restaurant (or bar, for that matter.) Aaahhhh! Spain! It is pretty cool to live here, despite my occasional gripes.

Z with Meaghan on St. Patty's Day

Getting there!

OK, so followed some of your suggestions and a week later, this is what we've got so far. A new coat of paint, curtains to cover the wardrobe, cuter curtains for the window that looks out to ugly air shaft, moved the rocking chair in, got rid of my old bed (Zach and Phoebe took one last nap there yesterday to give it a proper send-off), hung up the fish mobile from the museum and put down a comfy rug. Still need something for storage. We still have his clothes in our room, but since it's a small apt., it's not really a big deal. Comments? I love feedback!

Sesame Street Rocks!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-c3fvqNlFvc

Hurray for Youtube! Wow! What fun we are having discovering classics like "C is for Cookie," and "The Elmo Song." But even more fun (for me anyway) are the special guests like James Blunt and Norah Jones ("I don't know why Y didn't come." I always knew SS was really meant for adults. Enjoy!

make zach happy

Calling on all you creative decorators!

I'm sure Z won't even notice, but now that I find myself spending a lot of time in his room, I am thinking of a few changes to make it a bit cozier. Seems like everyone in my family has caught the decorating bug this month. So, here are my ideas. First, find some way to cover the Ikea Pax wardrobe. Probably heavy, dressing-room like curtains. Then, take down these shelves which scream safety hazard to me and since they hold toys and books, these things ought to be within the boy's reach, right? Then, I will paint some shade of cool green (cool, as opposed to warm) which Omi Willet will supply. I'll get a feel-good-under-bare feet rug big enough to cover most of the floor and finally, I guess I will part with my single days bed. As comfy as it is, I suppose we won't have any guests sharing the room with Zach so if you haven't made it to visit yet, sorry! We still have the pull-out couch. Not very comfy though. Air mattress? For this room, maybe I'll get a small couch or chaise. Any other ideas? Em, now is your chance!

Presenting Jacques and Harley!

Babies, babies, everywhere! 2008 was a very exciting year in our family! First, after much effort and a lot of patience Cesc and I got pregnant and delivered, in my opinion, the best baby in the whole world. (I can say that today, because he had his bath, ate dinner and went right to sleep! Crossing my fingers, crossing my fingers!) HOWEVER, not only did we get to welcome Baby Zach to the world, we also learned that my baby sister Emily was pregnant AND my sister, "My Mary" was pregnant with number two. (Actually, she was being all slick and sly about it, but my keen detective skills guessed early. Not that hard really. She turned down beer. Dead giveaway!) ANYHOO, so we have two pregnant sisters here, Mary is having a boy (so much for all those cute hand-me-downs, but I'm ok with it) and of course, Emily is having a girl. She HAD to! That said, neither is divulging their names although I believe they have both been picked out. So, for now, unless I can put my detective skills to work again, allow me to introduce Jacques and Harley. This summer, Cesc, Baby Z and I wil travel to Natick and Wilmington to meet the new cousins and we are TRES excited!! Whoohoo! Of course, Christmas will be CRAZY, but one thing at a time.