38 sure beats 83

Just like we hold on to many things around here that should have been purged long ago, we pathetically hold on to birthday candles, esp the super cool variety hand-picked by my mom. So, Hugo upon re-discovering my '3' and '8' candles today agreed that these would indeed be handy to hang on to so that "we're all set, Mama, for your 83rd birthday celebration." I told him I'd rather hang on to them for his 8th birthday, which, while not quite as horrific to contemplate as my 83rd, is getting there.

Nonstop October

We're kept on our toes this October. Birthdays, birthday parties, Grandparents' Day, a visit from NaiNai. Some footage of our fun-filled month.

Grandparents' Day at Foote








My big 3-0 ... give or preferably take a few
A few of Portia's tributes to Mama








NaiNai is visiting for a few weeks. We enjoyed and Indian summer beach walk this weekend.





Portia's new friend Andra's TaeKwonDo Party








And I can't fail to add...the discovery that Vibram's Fivefinger crazy-looking running/walking/skipping/plodding around the house shoes are all they are cracked up to be. Looks aside, though they're growing on me, they are hands down the greatest. Next to a Chinatown foot reflexology session, my feet have never felt happier.

Happy October!

Happy Birthday, Peanut!

Dear Portia! You've been five for 13 hours and 52 minutes. I know you say you still feel four. Birthdays are funny that way. What a great day we had! So nice that your new school friends were able to come for a celebration- nearly all the girls in your class could come. I think that Danny Magic made everyone laugh, especially when he pulled his bunny out of thin air! His lie detector was also pretty hilarious. You were a great special helper to him. We are very lucky that the sun was shining after a week of non-stop rain! You were able to paint pumpkins, play in the treehouse, and have the magic show outside. A pretty perfect day, but not nearly as perfect as October 9 five years ago. I love you, Lel. Mama. Sweet thing. Angel Baby. Love Muffin. Bun. Peanut.

Still FOUR

My little girl is, but for a few more hours, still four. Five years ago tomorrow, this precious child entered our lives. Incredible birth, one that I, in all honesty, wish I'd be given the chance to relive. Portia, you must have been the happiest, easiest baby there ever was. I think you know that I, confused and alarmed, took you to the pediatrician when you were a mere two weeks old sharing that you slept and slept and slept, half the time needed to be woken to be fed, and when you were awoke pretty much never ever cried. Your pediatrician looked at you, perfect as you were, looked at me, and gently replied: "And the problem is? Be grateful. Enjoy her! This could change." Well, you have remained my sleeping champion never to wake at night, clocking your 12 hours a night; and you have certainly maintained your cheerful disposition. You, my little love, are a kind and gentle soul. What a grown-up little girl you have become over the past five years. Your brother, your daddy and I are so lucky that you are in our lives.

I had fun with you today at your school! Baking with four of your friends in the snack room. I think everyone really enjoyed our carrot cupcakes, don't you? I am so happy I had a chance to see what your days are like in kindergarten. How nice that Daddy and Hugo joined us and the entire class for the celebration after lunch. Here are few pictures from our day together. Tomorrow's a big day- five years old. Love you, Sweet Peanut.

Happy Birthday, Boppa!

We wish you a very happy birthday today, October 5th! A glorious day, a glorious dad, a glorious granddad. For all that you mean to us, for all that you do for us, we thank you. We love you, Boppa!

A bouquet for you


You're our Boppy


Garten in Langen


Bei Heindls


Langener Wald


Eiserner Steg, Frankfurt Maerz 2010


Times of old


Next three from October 2008


Im Opelzoo




Always adored. More and more as the years pass...Xmas 2008



Cheers to you! (Xmas 2009)