¡Feliz Año Nuevo!

Adiós 2007.
You were a fantastic year. So much happened.
I was born, for starters. That was big.
Then, I traveled 2500 miles to find a Mama who uncannily resembles me.
I received sweet welcomes in English, Spanish, and Burmese.















Also Tuvan throat-singing:









Welcome 2008.
the Year of the Rat. That sounds promising. I have a soft spot for warm, furry rodents. I've got a good feeling about 2008, too: I can't wait for Isaac to join Joe in DC, and the "other" Xela to fly home to her California nest. What else will the new year bring?

- - Maybe I'll expand my vocal range into the key of G
- - Maybe I'll meet my Swiss auntie
- - Maybe Gabe will give me kisses
- - Maybe I'll travel to Jupiter
- - Maybe the Republicans will be packing their bags

Stick around, it's all gonna happen...

See you next year!
love, xela

What the F?

Omi and Opi are Tia Tina's parents. Both are accomplished physicians and musicians (Opi is a composer of note,) both remarkably spry for octogenarians who (barely) survived WWII as teenagers in Hitler's Germany. What stories they have lived...



I've been vocalizing for months, but I'd never been "tuned" before:
according to Opi, I babble in the key of F:
Who knew? Opi and Omi, Danke schön for a great visit!

A Perfect 10

Months, that is.
Today, I'm ten months old...

... and cute as a bug on a rug.

(actually a whole lot cuter, if you ask Mama.
But don't get her started about bugs,
on rugs or mugs or Uggs or anywhere else)

Let's try again:
Today I'm 10 months old.

WooHoo!

Today is also the birthday
of my friend Renée,
psychoanalyst extraordinaire
and chocolate aficionada:












83 trips around the sun...
Happy Birthday Renée!

news from the 'hood

Who's that Mysterious Hooded Figure,
crawling off into the distance?

Could it be...?

Yes!

It's...

Little Red Xela-Hood!

BFF's

Merry Christmas

From the busy elves of Sodenland!

x o xela x o x

Reunion

TiaTina went to Niendorf, Germany for nearly 2 weeks.



When she came back, I was confused:
Why did you leave me for so long?

She brought me warm slipper-socks... with reindeer!
I remained skeptical:
Are you staying or going?

Over lunch at Cafe Barada,

we shared humus...


and laughs...

Before long, we were on her couch,
deconstructing bi-cultural identity and teething...

I'm so glad she's home!

Te quiero, TiaTina

The Leaning Tower of Xela

Mmmmm, I d Abuela's home-made applesauce for dinner...

Whoa, I'm feeling tipsy... did Abuela spike that stuff?

Help, I'm falling and I can't get up...

Awww, this is kinda fun!

Snow!

Yesterday was the first big snowstorm of winter... my first snowstorm ever!

It started in the afternoon, a brief but intense icy blast that turned rush hour into a messy, miserable stand-still. Luckily, we weren't rushing. From the warmth of our window perch, we watched fat flakes blanket trees, cars, sidewalks and streets.

This morning, the sun lit up a shiny white world!


Everything outlined in white... like a reverse shadow.

Cold, too.

And tomorrow's forecast?

More snow.

I can't wait!

xoxox xela

p.s. - Don't eat yellow snow!

Chappy Chanukah!

Woody Guthrie's mother-in-law, Aliza Greenblatt, was a Yiddish poet who introduced him to Jewish history and culture. Inspired by her, Woody wrote many Jewish-themed songs, including some fantastic Chanukah tunes. Here's one - my holiday gift for all you little latkes - just click to listen:

Woody Guthrie, Hannukah Dance



xoxoxox xela

Forecast: SHOWER!

Last Saturday, Mama's friends threw a fabulous shower for me at Renée's beautiful home in Brookline. I brought my umbrella... but it was a shower of yummy food, presents, and kisses. No rain!

Abuela came and met Mama's shrinky friends.

Renée gives great hugs!

I think I have a crush on Philip the butler!

My spiffy new wheels (thanks, everyone!)

What a special welcome... I feel showered with love.
xoxoxoxoxo xela

9 months in, 9 months out

Guess who's 9 months old today???

Yep... it's my 3/4 birthday!!!

Let's celebrate!

¡Feliz Cumplemeses a mi!

YxelaY

Santa visited Sodenland early

... and her name is Tia Max

(Did you know Max practices phrenology in her spare time?)

Gracias to the Max, Tia Maxcita... you're the best.

¡TE QUIERO MUCHISIMO!