CaNoodling with Tia Lynn

Today, Tia Lynn trekked down from the far north to spend the afternoon with yours truly. We shared a huge plate of noodles for lunch, then visited a spectacular exhibit of glass marine creatures (sea slugs are beautiful!) at the natural history museum. Finally, we strolled back to Sodenland in the warm evening sun - though details are hazy; after all the fun and carbs, I think I napped out. It's a rough life... not!

Lynn gives good hugs

and she looks hot in a tight top

NOODLES!

Happiness = a red crayon, a hug, and a full belly

several noodles didn't find the belly

(Close-up)

and for all the noodles in my hair,
behind my neck and under my shirt...

Xela's beauty secrets

Since Mama isn't big on cosmetics, I took matters into my own hands....

Desitin diaper rash ointment makes genius foundation!

blue tape obsession

I got fantastic presents for my birthday: a big truck I can push and ride, a xylophone, a doll that sings in spanish, two stuffed dogs, a wooden duck that quacks when I pull it, a big orange stuffed turtle (named Jupiter!) And more. In fact, it's impossible to walk through Sodenland without stumbling on one of my toys.

But sometimes, the best toy isn't a toy at all.

to sleep, perchance to dream...

Oh sleep! it is a gentle thing,

Beloved from pole to pole.
-- Coleridge

Being a baby is hard work. Playing, eating, pooping, babbling - it all takes a toll. I try to resist. But sooner or later, sleep's siren song proves too seductive.

What you may not know: "sleeping like a baby" isn't all it's cracked up to be. Compared with adults, babies spend more time in REM sleep (lighter dream sleep) - in fact, REM sleep is the first to develop prenatally. Which means Freud was right: dreams are important! But because babies spend so much time cycling in and out of dreams, we sleep less deeply, and our sleep is more interrupted. We wake up more often than adults.


But when we're snoozing... is there anything more delicious?

zzzzzzzz...

xela

fun with Uncle Jon

Everyone needs a funny, goofy uncle... especially one who's amazingly adept with electrical outlets, safety gates and all the handy stuff Mama finds bewildering. That's cool.

But I just like it when he lets me fly.

Meet Mikayel

My friend Mikayel is 9 months old. Here's Mikayel with his Daddy:



Mama went to "shrink school" with Mikayel's Daddy, Fuad. I guess they're both crazy shrinks. Except Fuad is a little crazier. Or maybe, living in a place like Peshawer, Pakistan, will make anyone a little cuckoo. In any case, here in the U.S., we can't get a machine gun license until kindergarden.

1st birthday, 3rd birthday cake

Today was my 1st birthday party. Actually, it was my THIRD 1st birthday party...

...Flashback...
Cake #1: at Tina and Kitty's

Cake #2: with Abuela & Abuelo in Florida

... But who's counting? Today was the best party yet!

Cake #3: strawberries, whipped cream, flowers... and another wish.

I'm getting good at this

the cake was a hit

Sodenland was buzzing with family and friends

Cyrus with his folks, Ben and Madhulika

sharing a moment with Nirmala

playing with Cyrus at my house for a change

Teju playing baby in my high chair
(since I'm a big girl now)

Check out the pile o' presents!

Speaking of presents... I love them all.
Thanks so much, everyone!

so when's the next party?
xoxox xela

One Year Check-Up

Dr. Gordon called me a butterball!

The latest stats (for those of you keeping score):

height: 28 inches
head cc: 44 cm
weight: 21 pounds!

Apparently, I'm thriving.

Birthday Weekend Getaway

We love Abuela and Abuelo... especially when they fly us to Florida.
I woke in shivery 10 degree New England winter. Four hours later, I was basking in the warmth of sunny Jupiter, Florida and Abuela's smile.

Abuela made guacamole in this volcanic 'molcajete'

I took a dip the backyard pool... well, my feet did.
























Every fashionista needs at least TWO bikinis.

























I have a new best friend (don't tell Athena)



























Birthday presents were a hit







and while everyone raves about the beach



personally, I prefer raspberry key lime pie at The Food Shack





All in all, an amazing weekend.
Te quiero, Abuelo! Te amo, Abuela!

xoxoxela