You + Me = Lola

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As Lola grows Maggie and I try to see who's features she's inherited, at times I see hints of myself but mostly I think Lola takes after Maggie. We put together a couple of baby pictures to see what everyone else thinks. Please feel free to leave a comment.

Princess Party!!!

Our little princess

My niece Alissa was thoughtful enough to extend an invitation to Lola to attend her princess themed sixth birthday party this past Saturday. Guests were encouraged to dress up as their favorite princess and they did just that - Alissa was stunning in her Ariel costume with her flowing red wig and mermaid dress; in addition, there was a Cinderella, a Snow White, two other Ariels and a Belle. In keeping with the theme, Maggie got Lola a costume for the party from The Tutu Shack, a pretty princess tutu in fall colors that fit Lola's small size.

We arrived in White Plains around noon and were greeted by the birthday girl and her parents - my brother Brett, his wife Sue. Sue's brother Frankie, his wife Mary and their daughters were also there. The house was filling fast and the party getting ramped up.

Mommy and Lola

In short order, there were twenty excited six year old girls tearing around the house on sugar highs when the big surprise came - a visit from THE ONE AND ONLY "Ariel" herself! She led the girls in several songs and dances, passed out party favors, and helped wish Alissa a happy birthday when she blew out the candles on her cake. Our hosts provided a super party spread of chips, soda, punch, pizza and cake - there was even a delicious fruit plate.

Ariel watching Alissa get ready to blow out the candle on her cake

Lola looked beautiful in her tutu and stared in amazement at all the activity. She got to look at lots of new faces and we were so happy to see her do well in the midst of the party chaos and being passed to many hands.

Uncle Brett

Aunt Sue and Lola

Frankie and Lola

Mary getting ready to run off with the baby!

Daddy and Lola wearing their Elton John glasses

So, we all ate our annual allowance of sugar [Maggie ate fruit, can you believe it?!?], had lots of fun, and look forward to next week for the big Thanksgiving gathering back at Brett and Sue's place with more friends and family.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THE PARTY.

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.

Apres bath with Lola

Just recently Lola began smiling at Maggie and I when she recognizes our faces and voices. She's also learning how to coordinate her hands and feet, reaching out to grab noses, fingers, anything close by.

Here's a short video of her enjoying a post bath massage from mommy, smiling and cooing...

Oh no! Come on Phillies!

Talk about a house of horrors... Scott takes the baby up for a seemingly innocent diaper change and what happens???!!!

I look up and this is the sight that greets me from the couch. Ouch!

The evil [Empire] indoctrination begins all too early. World Series, Game 3.

Boppypalooza

Lola spends most of her time: in our arms, on the boppy being fed, coming in for scheduled maintenance on the changing table, and in her bassinet napping. Here are a few of her better moments on the boppy:

Click here for the entire boppy lounging series.