Downward Dog

Currier's been taking yoga for several months now. When I signed him up back in August I told him he was going to be taking yoga lessons and his little eyes lit up, "Yogurt lessons!? Is it the kind with blueberries on the bottom?" I love this child. Namaste.

Aquarium

We went to the aquarium over the weekend and had such a nice, relaxing time. Now that Rya is walking around, it was so cool to see her exploring on her own and oohing and aahing right along with her big brother.

Ice Cream Social Happy Hour

I scream... You scream... We all scream for ice cream! In celebration of Rya's 1st year of life, we hosted an ice cream social happy hour last night. The adults enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and cocktails while the kids made their own sundaes... a fun time for all!

Dear One-Year-Old Rya D.,

I attempted to start a little growth project similar to your brother's and it so didn't work out. I've been thinking about it for weeks now and couldn't decide what to do. I thought maybe a picture of you in a bathing suit every year? Or your grandmother's fur coat? Or a t-shirt? Your dad wanted a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt and I wanted a Patriots t-shirt. Luckily, I couldn't find a Dallas Cowboys t-shirt so we went with a Patriots t-shirt picture. You refused to cooperate and you just cried and cried. Your father loved every second of it and claimed it proved that you're a Cowboys fan. Whatever, I don't care.

After putting you to bed it hit me. I want you to have your grandmother's diamond and sapphire ring. It's incredibly special. It's an heirloom. It has a story. And it's yours when you turn 18. Until then, I'll always take a picture of you wearing it on your birthday. Sure beats a stupid t-shirt don't it!?

Happy birthday Rya Diane.

All my love,
Mama

Primo Taglio di Capelli

Although Rya has needed a haircut for months, we waited until after Rya's first birthday to get it cut because of the Italian superstition that cutting a child's hair before her first birthday will cut her life short. Okay, I'm not even remotely Italian (God Bless the Irish!) but living in Sicily for five years left its mark on me and I'm not superstitious but I am sortastitious so I wasn't taking any chances. Bina would be so proud that we followed her advice and Rya is thankful we didn't kill her with a haircut.

Rya's First Birthday!

Happy 1st Birthday Sweet Baby Girl!

THE STATS=

Birth Weight= 9lbs 4ozs / Today's Weight= 23lbs 13 ozs

Birth Height= 20 1/2 inches / Today's Height= 30 inches

100% Lovable

Sleepover

This weekend we took my friend Stacey's kids for a night so she and her husband could go to a South Carolina Gamecock Game in Columbia. Currier had so much fun hosting a sleepover. They played cars and trains, caught a lizard, ate pizza, watched two movies, played lots of games, ate donuts, did crafts, helped pick up leaves (for a prize), climbed trees and had a few fights. We love the Aukamp boys and can't wait to host another sleepover.

Bruco and Paolo Sitting In A Tree

Occasionally I'll catch my dogs snuggling in my bed and Bruco always jumps up quickly as if to say, "Dude, I'm not gay!"

Friday Favorites—Buttercream Yankee Candle

Stop stressing out about what to get me for Christmas because everyone knows that you can't go wrong with Buttercream Yankee Candle. Who doesn't love the smell of frosting?! Happy Friday.

Dirty Rya D.

This is Rya's third outfit today and it's only noon!

Handmade Thank You Cards

Today we made these little cuties as thank you cards. Currier and I really enjoyed doing this project together. I'm thinking we might make some more and use them as place cards for Thanksgiving dinner. I know, I really need to get a job!

Damn Yankees

Amy, who I graduated high school with, was in Charleston for the weekend visiting her brother and wife who just moved here (and are now my new buddies!) so we all got together at my house with another Newburyporter turned Charlestonian, Stacey, and her family and had a wicked fun night full of spaghetti and meatballs, wine and beer, brownies and tiramisu and lots of laughs.

Giorno dei Morti

Today is "Giorno dei Morti" or "Day of the Dead". In keeping with several Italian traditions, today we celebrated the lives of loved ones who are no longer with us. This tradition is a way of keeping the memory of the dead alive.

Lately, I've become obsessed with Day of the Dead Mexican style stuff on Etsy. I've found some wicked cute stuff like this and this and this.

Buon Giorno dei Morti!

Bruco's Birthday

Bruco turned 6 years old today. That's equivalent to 42 in human years but honestly I don't think he looks a day over 40. Happy birthday Bruco. We love you.