another birthday...

He can be grouchy. His eyes run and he barfs a lot. Sometimes I get jealous when Mama lets him sit on her lap, instead of me.

Not to mention all the Tuva singing.

But - he puts up with a lot: I've chased, grabbed, pinched and poked. I used his tail as a handle. I haven't always understood the word gentle. Even now, I sometimes forget. He's not always pleased, but never takes it out on me. He knows I'm learning. When it comes to gentle, he's a Jedi grand master. I couldn't ask for a better teacher. Or friend.

Happy 11th Birthday, sweet Gabe!






xoxo xela


p.s. - You weren't so sure about me in the beginning...
we've come a long way, Gaby!

Happy Birthday Cyrus!

Speaking of friends, my very first best friend Cyrus celebrated his 2nd birthday with an awesome party in the park: kids, dogs, great food, and plenty of room to run.

the birthday boy

Madhulika's chocolate car-cake -- so cute!

'UP' and getting cake - is this heaven?

Nirmala & Ramesh at Cyrus's party,
with a Newfoundland aptly named Romeo

wherefore art thou Romeo?

I know that on my birthday, I turned two.
And Cyrus's birthday means that he's two, too!
So last week, before we called to sing happy birthday,
Mama asked me, "Xela, how old is Aunt Gillian today?"
I smiled proudly and shouted, TWO!!!
(I'm still working out the details of this birthday thing.)

xox xela

I get by with a little help from my...

I love my friends. In 25 months on earth, I've made a lot of friends: some brand new, others going waaay back. A few, I've never met (but I hope to!)

Unlike Mama (a confirmed misanthrope,) I'm happiest when hanging out with others of my species. Here are some friends who make me smile, even in the darkest, dankest April rain:

A friend who shares her coffee is a very special friend
(gracias, Sharon!)

This is Hazel, Auntie Ellen's keen-eyed granddaughter.
At the park, we shared cookies...
and swings
parallel play, anyone?

Here's Renée, 84 years young: she lives in the coolest house in the world
with Alex, her sweetheart of a dog, and Philip, the butler. Don't tell anyone:
I have a little crush on Philip (alas, he was away when we visited.)

Tia Lynn isn't really a friend - she's family -but we spent
a sweet Sunday afternoon, walking 'n' talking around town.

the quickest way to Xela's heart? PICK ME UP!

Brianna at school always picks me up.
Naturally, I adore her.

This is Livvy, one year old this week. We share Nirmala's love and lap on Tuesdays. I adore Livvy, it's great being the big girl... except when I go BALLISTIC with JEALOUSY and RAGE. We're working on this.

I met Sarah and Leah last week: their parents are old friends of Mama's who just moved back east, after years of living out west. We're psyched.
I love hangin' with the big girls. Plus, they have the coolest stuff:

that's a Barbie computer - freakin awesome!

By the time you read this, I'll have even more friends to write about.
Till then, I'm off to the next play date...

xoxoxox xela

Xela's Big Florida Adventure!

Question: how does anyone survive the cold, raw, relentlessly rainy season known as New England spring?

Answer: Visit Abuela & Abuelo in Florida!

We did just that two weekends ago: bye bye, brrrrrrr! Hello, bikini!

Make that bikinis, plural: no fashionable
toddler travels with fewer than 3 bathing suits

a grass hula skirt makes everything more fun

The ocean was scary at first...

but not for long

we searched for shells

played with sand

watched boats cruise along Jupiter Inlet

and chilled on the beach

Turtle and I visited the sea turtle hospital at Loggerhead Marinelife Center

We saw this guy brought in by ambulance:
'Peep' has Barnacle Bill syndrome but should recover

poor sick turtles


With Abuela & Abuelo, we never go hungry


the Food Shack... yummmm!

always save room for dessert

it was sad to go home...
at least I got a window seat

Thanks, Abuela & Abuelo, for a perfect getaway.
Can't wait to see you when you're back.
xoxox xela

YIKES, lots to post about...

How does a month go by so fast? We've been super busy, with so much to share. To get started, here are a few pictures from the weekend, enjoying a gorgeous spring day in the city.

It's spring!

like my boots?

like my boat?

being a city girl is exhausting

dreamy girl

okay, next up: our terrific visit with Abuela & Abuelo.
back soon with more.
xoxox xela