Meeting the Aunties and cousin Mikaela

Mikaela and Lola

This past weekend we once again made the trip up to Westborough, where the family was gathering to meet its newest members, Lola and Mikaela. Mikaela was born October 9th and is the daughter of Maggie's brother Santi and his wife Bobbie Jo. We'd been looking forward to meeting their new baby and introducing Lola to the extended family.

Our Friday trip north was easier than last time. Lessons learned included: have a pacifier and plenty of clean onsies handy at all times, it's possible to change a diaper just about anywhere, and any food establishment will give you warm water for formula at no charge.

Saturday was spent resting with Lola enjoying time being held by her grandma and grandpa. We have also sorted out our versions of grandma and grandpa - this visit Doug voiced his preference for the French Canadian version of grandfather, Pepe. So like I was saying, grandma and pepe enjoyed holding Lola as much as she reveled in the close contact. Later, we decided to take advantage of the beautiful day and so took out the Baby Bjorn, and bundled Lola up for a walk around the neighborhood. Lola took to the baby carrier very well, shortly after we began walking the motion and fresh air had her snoring on my chest. We ended the day by going out for Chinese at the Shanghai-Tokyo Restaurant in Natick. The food was very good and Lola snoozed through the entire meal.

Lola and Pepe enjoying each others' company

The family began arriving Sunday around noon and after the greetings, everyone got down to the business of cuddling babies. Both Lola and Mikaela seemed to enjoy being held by everyone, they didn't demonstrate any fear of strangers and both were all eyes, trying to absorb each new face as it came into view.

Bea holding Mikaela, Leo holding Lola

Maggie holding Mikaela

Santi with Lola

Meaghan holding Lola, Chris telling a joke

Left to right: Bea holding Lola, Leo, Mama holding Topaz, Pepe,
Meaghan holding Clementine, Maggie and Scott

Mama had cooked several dishes for us all: chicken, calzones, fresh biscuits, sweet potatoes, salad and many others I can't recall. Everything was delicious, I know I indulged in quite a bit of it! It was a very fun afternoon and another great visit overall. CLICK HERE FOR THE PHOTO ALBUM.

No Tricks, Just Treats

Lola & Mommy picking out a pumpkin

We celebrated Lola's first halloween this year, not surprisingly all the cool costumes are for bigger toddlers but we found something that shows off her sweetness for all to see.

The weather was unusually warm, in the 70s, with 30 mph wind gusts. We visited our most favorite East End pie place and farm stand Briermere Farms to find a small pumpkin and buy some tasty pie (blackberry apple, sooo good).

Lola crying out for some delicious pie

Once we got back into the car and escaped the gale force winds Lola settled in for a nap, demonstrating her classic "cactus" pose.

We enjoyed a relatively quiet Halloween at home, passing out Snickers bars, Starbursts, and Skittles to the appreciative, costumed rugrats that came by the house. All in all a fun day.