Lovin new books

Leon received the sweetest learning gifts from the Toolan's... Thank you so much Trish, Brian and Ava.

Among the three books we got he especially loved "Tails" and kept fiddling with the furry animal tails while I read the book to him.  I've been waiting for the moment when I could begin reading to him and I'm so happy the time has come.  He finally gives me just enough of his attention for us to go through one small book.

first song

Leon's first song from Anna Cherubini on Vimeo.

The musician in Chris was so thrilled to see Leon play the xylophone he got as a Christmas present.  Leon did not give much attention to it yesterday but this morning I sat him down next to it and left him to play while I was in the kitchen- next thing I heard are adorable tones.  I took the long sticks that came with it.  For now we're using a small spoon as a substitute.


Here are my favorite photos from Christmas day...

 

his first Christmas present

... was from his Uncle Dave.  We all enjoyed watching this 'lil baby boy rip the wrapping paper off.  It seems he loved the packaging more than the actual gift!  
Leon got a special treat of opening a Christmas gift before Christmas because Uncle Dave is going to be out of town for the holidays.  

Leon at 8 months and 17 days old

Christmas treats

Yum yum yummy red velvet cupcakes for our dear friends this holiday.


This years' Christmas is a very solemn and peaceful one for us and I'm so glad that it is.  No big parties and no elaborate menus.  Just me, Chris, Leon and Lucy.  So simple in fact, we put up our tree with its pretty twinkling lights and both Chris and I thought, it looks so good without any ornaments.  So there stands our Christmas tree simple and yet festive.  It's beautiful as it is and it accomplishes its job of bringing the Christmas spirit in our home.


We also skipped wrapping presents this year.  We saw the documentary Trash Inc and ever since then we have been making a real conscious effort to limit our consumption of everything.  I worry about what the world is becoming and how most people remain careless.  Not using wrapping paper for our Christmas presents has been a source of lots of laughs actually.  Under the tree is a box from Amazon and another box with a table linen draped over it.  In the garage is another box covered in towels that Chris has been keeping secret.  I'm amused and I'm so proud of our little family.  I am so happy to be able to teach Leon that the world and all its resources deserve the utmost respect.


p.s. the plastic packaging for the cupcakes is recycable

I'm back! Thanksgiving 2010

I missed this blog!  Needless to say I've been super busy beginning Thanksgiving and 'til now.  At the moment baby is napping and so here I am.


Thanksgiving in North Carolina with family was such a joy.  Everyday was spent being with family whether it be cooking, eating, chatting, listening to music... we did it all.  


I'm so grateful for all the incredible people in our lives.  Chris' sister and I'm proud to say- my sister- Nora threw the most amazing Thanksgiving meal.  Thank you for the labor of love.  


Here are some of my favorite photos from our holiday....

 Leon with sweet Bella

 love from two beautiful grandmas

lovely aunt Nora and grandpa

Nora made our bellies happy

'lil dancing in the kitchen

Chris wonderful nieces- Cece and Adie

Nora with all her yummy creations

His favorite place to be

Our family

To view the complete album, click here.