Xela Rose

still peekin' ?

2011-05-11T21:28:00.000-07:00

I'm still here!

SNOW DAY!

2011-01-12T10:39:00.001-08:00

School today? No way - not with 18 inches of new snow. It fell all night, dropping wet and heavy as celestial cement, taking down trees, power lines, and a few unfortunate souls... but oh! what perfect snowballs!

Our street had several big tree limbs down, crashing onto
cars and fences. Luckily, the Bumble was spared

this is a BIG boo-boo
I made a few extra bucks shoveling out cars
why build a snowman when you can create a snow-princess?

She looks a bit chilly in her low-cut gown...

Time to warm up with muffins and coffee... yum!

mixin' up the batter...
Do you know the muffin man?
I think we've got his heart and brain...
Want one?

xoxo xela (mysteriously nursing a 103 stealth fever - but still smiling)

we love snow!

2010-12-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

First big storm of the winter and we're loving it!

new hat? yep!

still having some issues with gloves...

but not for long - too many flakes to resist!

sledding with Skyler on the grassy hill... whee!

More fun in the snow today - we're gonna build a snow princess!
xoxox xela

Chanukah

2010-12-04T02:15:00.000-08:00

Can you believe... it's my FOURTH Chanukah. But this is the first year I have a clue about the concept, which makes everything much more fun. Not that I really understand the Chanukah story. I think it's about fighting in the middle east, and an oil shortage - no, wait, that's current events. But I know something about dreidels. And latkes. I'm in charge of picking the colors of the candles for the menorah. And - my favorite part! - if I leave a slipper outside my bedroom door at night, I might find a little surprise tucked inside by morning. Now that's what I call miraculous.

Wishing you a magical season of lights and miracles.
xoxo xela

Hanging with Hazel

2010-11-23T20:47:00.001-08:00

Sunday we drove out with Ellen for a reunion with our old friend Hazel, plus her silly older brothers, Simon and Elliott. It's too bad Hazel doesn't live closer, because we always have fun together. Hazel's got mad playground skillz: she swings, she climbs, she chases, she giggles till she drops... what more could you want in a play-date?

3/09: Hazel and I have a long history as swingers

now: we've graduated to Big Girl swings
Hazel's motto: ignore the casualties and keep swinging.

Hazel makes awesome silly faces

Hazel high
running from the Wolf-Man
that Wolf-Man will never catch us

c'mon, Wolf-man, I dare you...

group photo - WOOPS, that's not the one!

ahhh, here it is - the whole crazy gang!

fall faves

2010-10-25T08:56:00.000-07:00

We spent a sweet October Sunday in farm country. The apples were early this year, and the farm we'd picked was all picked out... Luckily, we were directed to a nearby family orchard with plenty of red Empires and tart Goldrush apples hanging lush and heavy on the trees. After filling our bags (and scoring Phil's fresh-pressing cider) we headed back to the original farm for pumpkins, scarecrows, and cider donuts... yum.

so many apples, so little time...

picking is serious business

yum!

our first time making a scarecrow
(with flag waving - gotta love it)

Introducing "Billie" the scarecrow. Not too shabby!
(such a coincidence - she loves pink, too!)

teaching Billie some dance moves

she's got talent!

MY pumpkin

poor Tata squeezed between huge mountain men on the pumpkin wagon

a PERFECT day... thanks, Tata, for sharing it with us.

xoxo xela

things I love

2010-06-03T19:28:00.001-07:00

BUBBLES!

hey

2010-05-30T21:12:00.000-07:00

just peekin in, between runs to the park...

where have all the xelas gone???

2010-05-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

Here!

... and here!

...and HERE!

Hmmmm...
what's our little monkey up to?

One for you!

Awwww...
Happy Spring! xoxo xela

d'OH!

2010-03-28T05:47:00.000-07:00

We keep forgetting to blog!

I'm blaming it on the scary, scary bell tower...

scared but brave

hasta la bell tower, baby

dancin fool

2010-03-14T04:53:00.000-07:00

my new BoomBox is a hit at the park... thanks, Auntie Robin!
(video coming!)

'FREE' at last

2010-02-28T10:45:00.000-08:00

Growing up is all about transformation. Here I am on Saturday night, a mere two year old:

Sunday morning, I woke up and turned... into a cake!

so... I'm three! aka "free" aka "a big preschool girl." I just wish Mama remembered to take more party pictures. It's fine to enjoy the moment. But I'd love a few photos of my preschool friends Skyler and Manuela (and their families)...and what about Theresa and Mary Lee, who brought Clair-Bear & "the silly boy," Owen? Stella came, too, and Tias Lynn, Kitty, and Tata, plus we finally met Breanne's boyfriend from Nebraska, Isaac. Sodenland was hopping! But you'll have to take my word for it; these are the only photos we could scrounge up:

make a wish...

and BLOW!

did it all by myself!

OUCH!

Abby, Sam, the birthday girl, & Tata (thrilled, hypoxic or both)

cousins - gotta love 'em!

btw, that's Manuela & Macarena in the background

more soon, if I find any more pix...

xo xelacakes

happy val-day!

2010-02-15T12:25:00.000-08:00

Hey there... remember me?

I'm so busy, I keep forgetting to blog. D'oh! Maybe if they paid me better, I'd be more motivated. Mama says I'm lucky to have a job at all, in this economy. But what does she know? Which kinda says a lot about where I'm at these days, on the cusp of three. Mother Knows Best? No way, José! That's one of my favorite things to say lately, along with Sticky Butt. The era of toilet humor has begun.

Anyhoo, on with the show. Here are some answers to the perennial question, What's Xela up to?

I'm not thrilled with winter. Gloves? don't get me started. I have an obsessive fascination/dread about mittens and gloves. But I'm an out'n'about kind of girl. Cold weather can't stop me. Especially when there are coffee shops along the way.

Stylin'? Always.

rare "mittens-on" momenthow to eat a cupcake... no messy hands!

warming up with ice cream... trust me, it works.

Did I mention that I have a killer sweet tooth?

At home, I love playing "teacher":

reading ABCs to Monkey

reading Danny and the Dinosaur to Mama

By the way, see the bell tower in the window? One evening, I glanced up and spied a scary person way up high on the tippy-top. Mama said, it's just the spire lit up against the night sky, blah blah blah. But... it was a ghost. Mama explained (many times) that it's just part of the architecture, a design, it's not alive, it can't hurt us, blah blah blah. But... what does she know? I'm TERRIFIED of the bell tower. I HATE the bell tower. So whenever we see it - which is often, since this 158-foot tall landmark sits two blocks from our home - we scream at it: Aaaiiiiii, Bell Tower! Go away, Bell Tower! I'm gonna flush you down the toilet, Bell Tower! The era of screaming and shrieking has begun.

reading bedtime stories to my babies

I'm a good "Mommy" to my babies. But they can be naughty.
Discipline is required.

Turtle gets a time-out

Reina gets her nose pinched off

KIDDING!

(hey, what's Monkey reading back there?)

I love making art:

Monkey needs help with his valentines

Tia Lisa will be pleased to learn I've become a jigsaw puzzle fiend:

hmmm, where does this piece go?
NO HELPING! I can do it myself.

My #1 favorite thing to do? hanging with friends. I'm a party-girl. You should see my social calendar! Good thing I have a full-time secretary and chauffeur...

piano with ClaireBear

preschool pals

Klezmer dancing with Skyler

trampoline party

party at the gym...

Speaking of parties - we're having one here, in two weeks. Because someone is turning 3! If you'd like to join us, please do. The more, the merrier - but don't even think about blowing out my candles. And I get the biggest piece of cake. Capiche? Meanwhile, I'll try to keep up with the blog a little more diligently.

That's all for now. xoxoxo xela

snow (but not THAT much...)

2009-12-20T19:48:00.001-08:00

Since when do New Englanders freak over a foot of snow? I understand that in DC and Virginia, this storm broke records, but we've got six or eight inches, max. Plenty for a toddler, but c'mon, folks! Do we really need to close schools the day after a minor storm?

Okay, off the soapbox and into my snowboots. Weekend snowstorms are the best! We had a blast today. Check it out.

knee deep and still smiling

Catching snowflakes on my tongue: got one!

got another!

this is much more efficient!

Shhh, I get paid under the table

Mom as sled-dog: Mush!

Better than sledding? après-sled chai

Warm winter wishes to all!
xoxox xela

(belated) Happy Hannukah

2009-12-19T06:19:00.001-08:00

Hanukkah - over already? Seems like just yesterday, I was being told not to grab the matches, not to bump the menorah, not to make the flames dance by waving a napkin over them... the holiday is certainly a miracle of survival.

It was sad, putting the menorah away till next year. But we have our memories. And our presents. Not to mention all our pictures!

1st night: if I'm extra cute, do I get extra presents?

more candles, with color scheme by yours truly

Warning: this photo violates Chanukah tradition:
we're also celebrating Advent

(our religion is chocolate)

As long as we're fessing up, we're into Santa Claus, too.
Actually, it's Mrs. Claus; Xela is terrified of Santa (no joke)

Look, eight candles (and we haven't burnt the house down!)

are we done?

xoxox xela

ps: oh yeah, presents! here's some of my loot

new books

matchbox cars and a crashing rig

uh-oh!

magnet blocks
do not disturb: (future) architect at work

yoga mat - just my size!

doggie, get down!

this is less painful than it looks

new jammies and cherry 'lipstick'

don't mess with my lipstick!

Ruby

2009-12-09T21:34:00.000-08:00

We lost a friend today. Sweet, soulful Ruby... she was never exactly sturdy. You wouldn't pick her in a dogfight. As a watchdog, she wasn't the quickest to warn when a visitor climbed the back stairs. Her delicate stomach barely tolerated food; she subsisted on a rarefied diet of wild game and fruit. She lived through a lot - with the scars to show it. She survived bites and bloat and trauma, with far too frequent trips to the vet. It's astonishing that she lived to twelve - a testament to Tina and Kitty's years of tender, devoted care. But Ruby did much more than survive. She was a lover, a nuzzler, a sharer of kisses and watermelon. She was beautiful, with an elegance that transcended nibbled ear or shopworn coat. More feline than doggish, she'd cuddle and purr on the couch, curled up like a silky comma. She was goofy and playful and stubborn. She also revealed impressive restraint: however uneasy she felt around kids, she never snapped or raised a paw towards the newest, youngest addition to her tribe. Somehow she found room in her old dog's heart for this baby. At her frailest, she always carried herself with grace. Gentle Ruby, you will be missed fiercely.

Ready for the holiday!

2009-11-25T09:23:00.001-08:00

-- I'm so excited! Tomorrow we light candles and get presents
and eat special delicious food with family and friends!!

-- umm, Xela, Chanukah is next month. Tomorrow is Thanksgiving.

-- we light candles?

-- Nope, not yet.

-- but we get presents.

-- Sorry, no presents either. It's a day to say Thanks for what we have.

-- what about delicious food with family?

-- YES!

-- well, that's the best one, anyway. I'm thankful that I have so
many people to love: Abby & Sam, Abuela & Abuelo, and Maggie!
and there's Aunt Gillian, Uncle Jon and Auntie Robin, and...

-- Now you've got the hang of it...

-- But I get to blow out the candles on the cake - right?

--Happy Thanksgiving Eve, everyone!

Then and Now

2009-11-23T08:49:00.000-08:00

Remember Cyrus, my first best friend, who shared Nirmala with me back in the day? We've been friends for sooo long. When we met, we didn't walk or talk. We didn't eat real food - we barely had teeth! We shared first steps, first birthdays, first bites... Confession time: Cyrus is the also the first - and only! - person I ever bit. Sorry, dude, I didn't know any better. Hey, I was a baby. We were both such babies!

Fast-forward two years: look at us now - big kids!

Today, after too many months, we met up at a park. Cyrus is more gorgeous than ever, with his brown doe eyes and sweet grin. He's a bit shy with no shortage of energy, running in happy little bursts, kicking a soccer ball around the park with impressive power and accuracy. He's also a gentle, sensitive kid who stops to admire a fallen leaf, and quickly comes running to help a crying friend. Despite demanding jobs and a new baby coming, Cyrus's cool parents somehow make it look easy. Must be a west coast thing. They plan to return to California sometime next spring. We'll miss them!

botanist at work

On the roundabout with Cyrus, with Madhulika behind us,
carrying something large and round. She's also holding a soccer ball.

Ben pushing the roundabout: Faster, Ben!

Ben taking much-deserved break on the roundabout

Time-out: mango break!

We love hanging out with these guys - and soon, there will be more of them to love! Hope we reconnect again before too long.
xoxox xela

tired

2009-11-18T22:11:00.001-08:00

Nuf said.
xoxo
xela (dreaming and snoring)

old skool rules!

2009-11-07T04:40:00.001-08:00

We are digging the vinyl with a "new" vintage-1983 Big Bird record player. After 26 years, it still cranks the tunes; they just don't make plastic the way they used to. And it's so simple, even a toddler can operate it. Our library is a bit meager, only three records so far. What Mama would give for the collection she bought at Woolworth's and Grant's with babysitting money! But we're on the prowl for more. Once you've experienced the scratchy, skippy goodness of genuine 45's, CD's seem so... sterile.

Uh oh. Not yet three and already a vinyl snob.

Ready

Set

ROCK!

Groovin'

Shake it

movin'

even Tita's doin' it

xoxoxela

Extreme Make-Over, Bumble-Style

2009-11-07T04:14:00.000-08:00

At last - after 3 weeks in the shop and thousands of dollars - the stupid of crashing through a curb disguised as a snowbank has been repaired. Just in time for more snowbanks.

We're going to be very, very careful this winter.

She sure looks purty though, doesn't she, in her glistening new bumper?

BEFORE

AFTER!

Welcome back, Bumble!

Now please excuse me, I'd love to chat,
but I've got places to go...

xoxox
xela (just a tiny bit nostalgic for roughing it via feet, bike, trains and buses)

fall stories

2009-11-04T18:25:00.001-08:00

xoxoxela

Halloween Bums

2009-11-01T07:31:00.000-08:00

Hey, LOOK!
do I spy the Bumble, finally back from the repair shop?

Wait a sec - did someone switch the plates?

OH, snap! it's Xela, decked out for Halloween!

Friday, we had a Halloween party @ school

Dalmation nation

Then Saturday, I marched in the Halloween parade with Tata

walking through the magic portal

resting on the hill and taking in the scene

Nirmala's house: the best treats!
I.Want.Candy.

finally! sharing the spoils

Happy Halloween, all!

xoxoxox
xela

Xela's 4 Laws of Physics (apologies to Newton)

2009-10-25T13:09:00.000-07:00

I. A marzipan pumpkin cannot be created or destroyed, it can only change forms.

II. an isolated pumpkin's enjoyment increases when shared

III. What goes up...

...must come down

IV. Space-time continuum is constant... except when Tata discovers the iPhone doodle-app

ho hum...

didja forget about ME?

Corollary Q: the bond between a Xela and her Tata is indestructible!

uh-oh

all better!

Thanks, Tata, for helping me advance scientific knowledge! Now, if we could just bottle the magic of Indian summer afternoons....
xoxox
xela

hole lotta xela

2009-10-22T19:19:00.000-07:00

Shhhh, I'm hiding out from my fever

don't I look like the picture of SICK?

nope!

(Like the outfit? I got dressed all by myself!)

xoxox
your favorite feverish fashionista,
xela

I'm sick

2009-10-22T10:39:00.001-07:00

boo hoo

But it's not keeping me down. We're still biking:

And smiling:

And creating:

And smiling:
And playing musical chairs with Tita:

And smiling:

So, I'm febrile - but I've always been a hottie! I can't go to school - but Mommy and I are having fun at home. Add tasty grape Tylenol and Motrin every few hours - life is good. Before long, I'll be my cool self again.

with love & germy kisses,
xela

OKtoberfest is OK

2009-10-11T13:19:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again, time for sandwiches stuffed with sizzling sausage and onions, washed down with a capacious mug of brew... oh wait, I don't eat that stuff. But Oktoberfest in the Square is more than meat and beer. For the toddler set, the highlight is an ever-smiling, royal blue celebrity cult-engine known as Thomas. Yes, celebrating a festival of German culture with a little train ride... what could be more apt?

Herr Thomas

I think I'm having fun

the carny race track was less fraught with symbolism
(but probably rigged)

oh dear! life is so complicated.

two days, two posts...
we're back on track - err, so to speak.
(just don't talk to me about the Red Sox...)

xela

Saturday in Xelaland

2009-10-10T20:42:00.001-07:00

We've been under self-imposed quarantine for a week while some virus kicked Mama's butt. Today, we emerged.

It looked stormy in the morning, so we checked out a free kids' concert based on the classic children's book, Ferdinand the Bull. It was my first "real" concert - we weren't sure how I'd like classical music. Turns out, you can dance and clap to most anything - who knew? And when the music paused and the room got real quiet, and someone shouted at the top of their lungs, "IS IT DONE?!" Yeah, that was me.

Afterwards, we went on stage and "met" the instruments. If you're keeping score at home: bassoon - taller than Xela; alto clarinet - taller than Xela; Xela - taller than oboe!

No good pictures, it was early and Mama needed coffee:

We're outta here...

Driving back, we stumbled on a "Touch a Truck" petting zoo.

Did you know the Postal Service uses child labor to clean its trucks?

Kidding!
Peligro! Danger! low-fly zone!

when I grow up, I'm gonna drive a garbage truck,
Mama will be so proud!

After lunch and nap, one more adventure: We heard rumors of a nearby farm, tucked inside a nearby subdivision of ranch homes, and went to investigate... sure enough, it's a real working farm just 10 minutes away, whittled down from a once-much-larger parcel but still plenty big for us city folk. We met chickens, ate apples, tiptoed through cut flower gardens, and picked pumpkins from the patch.

doin' the punkin dance

see the house right across the field? worlds collide...

by the way, here's my new 'I'm so scared!' look

and here's my 'I resemble Xela but I'm really a zombie-doll' look

Finally, this little monkey was ready for bed... but not before some books!

this is the book I got yesterday at the doctor's office...

it's called Busy Toes - really, that's the title.

LOL!

May all your toes be busy, happy and not too stinky!
xoxox
xela

...ʞǝǝʍ sıɥʇ ʇnoqɐ ƃuıɥʇǝɯos

2009-10-03T22:47:00.000-07:00

You know those days? the babysitter is sick, and the car is in the shop, and the rental car ordered online has the wrong (too small) car seat, so you're scrambling to daycare drop-off and pick-up by bike -- and then (of course) you get a flat. And then, you get sick. And the car still isn't fixed. Welcome to our week. Maybe it's karmic retribution. Maybe it's a cosmic F.U. from the universe. Or maybe, it's simply a reminder that all efforts at control are futile.

Control? What control? Might as well dance.

Ties that bind...

2009-09-28T12:45:00.000-07:00

Labor Day marks the the end of summer, and with it, the end of my time with Nirmala, my nanny since I was ten months old. For a year and a half, she has massaged and bathed me, sung me to sleep, fed me khichiri and homemade meals, danced with me, watched me crawl, then walk, then run. I've learned so much from her calm, mindful care. We've grown to love her entire family: husband Ramesh (my boyfriend!) and sons, Ishan, and Yayati (the gentlest boys on the planet.) In her warm home, redolent with Nepalese spice, I'm showered with attention and kisses. We'll still visit, of course! Still, there's sadness in ending this chapter of such an intimate bond. Nirmala is my nanny no longer - but we'll forever be friends.

In thanks, we made special shirts: tie-dyed, then Xela-stamped, crafted with love. Nirmala, however far apart our journeys take us, you can put on this shirt and feel my (messy) hands reaching out in a hug. xoxox

Smoosh! lots of love poured in these prints

yes, I'm wearing a garbage bag,
you got a problem with that?

I can't believe Mama's letting me do this in the house

piggies and paint drying

feel the love?

one more cuddle with Ramesh
love my Nirmala

Peekaboo!

2009-09-21T13:42:00.000-07:00

yep, it's a new year, fall has been falling for weeks, and finally... we're back!

Not that life in Sodenland feels remotely under control: the Bumble is in the shop. Our brand new babysitter who was starting today instead is getting IV fluids in the hospital (gracias, Tata, for the last-minute rescue!) Childcare for tomorrow? who knows?! We're winging it, stumbling along one day at a time. Somehow, we'll figure things out. Or not.

But nothing's gonna stop this blog. Stay tuned for my latest milestones and (mis)adventures, plus flash-backs and catch-ups so you won't miss a thing.

big kisses
xoxo xela

out'n'about

2009-07-17T10:42:00.000-07:00

Random recent two-year-old moments:

look at that smirk!

future's so bright, I gotta wear shades

taking the "T"

baby Nubian goats at the farmers' market... so cute!

hoopin' it up

little drummer girl
feelin' the soul

first time on a 'big kid swing'

Xela on top!

pizza just tastes better outside (and upside down)

with Sarah, sometimes you're up...
other times, upside down!

Okay, back to the sweatshop...
you don't think I have fun all the time, do you?

xoxox
xela

hey Emek...

2009-07-16T20:49:00.000-07:00

it was fun meeting you tonight, too! While your swing-pushing technique needs work, you make up for it with off-the-chart goofy points. Come back for another visit soon, and bring Ubi... but NO elephant!

I'm not joking about the elephant.
xoxox xela

if you happen to be On Cape...

2009-07-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

my talented Abuela's exhibit of original
watercolors, pastels and oils opens this weekend!

Opening reception July 19, 5 - 6:30 pm: free wine and nibbles,
plus a chance to share a bit of Abuela's world, where the fruit is ripe,
the flowers bright, and every day is a beach day.

Check it out... you never know who you might run into.

July 4th at Sheep Island

2009-07-13T13:29:00.001-07:00

4th of July weekend at Max's place was a blast - literally: watching fireworks from the boat was awesome. We also loved swimming, boating, playing in and around the water, eating - and bug bites, don't forget the bug bites. Yep, it's finally feeling like summer... love it!

fireworks on the lake... you kinda had to be there

cozy

'swimming' by the dock - wheeee!!!

Captain Max and 1st Officer Anakin

the rookie takes a turn at the bridge
call me Captain Xela

watching for Somali pirates?

sharing a laugh with Catha

boating is exhausting

time to re-fuel

please DO feed the turtles

puppy love

bedtime for boaters

a special obrigada to Catha for several of these great shots.
and thanks, Tia Max, for a super visit.

xoxox xela

happy 4th of July!

2009-07-04T08:07:00.000-07:00

better late than never... that's our motto!
xoxo xela

Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...

2009-07-03T12:10:00.000-07:00

After a slippery spill in the tub last week, bath-time has taken a terrifying turn. No, we are not afraid of falling. The trouble is far worse....

A plague has descended upon Sodenland.

A plague of scary, scary ducks.

Bath-time will never be the same.

(cue the scary music)

They are watching you

with unshuttable evil eyes

clones of a master race of water-fowl

they have violent tendencies

and non-stick surfaces

NEVER turn your back on the killer ducks!

Coming soon to a theatre near you

Happy Birthday Tata!

2009-06-28T18:05:00.000-07:00

Dear Tata,

No one could say you've had an easy year. Returning to work (before you'd planned) took a toll. Supporting your dear Mami through surgery and recovery tapped reserves of physical and emotional stamina. Leaping into the lunatic fray of non-profit, near-death resuscitation brought rich rewards, also exhaustion. And then, to find yourself also grappling with near-death at home, too... so hard! Through it all, you handled yourself with enormous grace and generosity of spirit. I don't know how you do it, but I'm so glad you do!

I hope this new year brings you new, exciting challenges - but maybe not quite so many!

super-special xela-sized cake

sharing the sacred limeade

no cavities!

who knew toothbrushing could be so much fun?

much love,
xela and pamcita

p.s. tata-kisses are the best!

just dessert

2009-06-23T09:57:00.000-07:00

On a rare, recent, rain-free afternoon, our travels took us to a local farm. Usually, Xela LOVES animals. But not today: we made the mistake of hitting the farm stand first. So this visit was all about the ice cream.

We saw animals. Lots and lots of animals....
(Xela, turn around, the animals are back there.)

Yo, chicken! keep yer pecker outta my jimmies.

no funny business, Piggie, it's Xela's ice cream.

Goat, that tongue stays on YOUR side of the fence!

speaking of tongues:
could we get a close-up please?

I'm totally loving this farm!

umm, what about me???

More adventures anon!
xela

Ticky-Boo and a Golden Shoe

2009-06-20T01:05:00.000-07:00

After nearly losing a dear friend last month, I'm acutely aware of the fragility and transience of life. Even in the best of times, we lose - constantly. Entering the world, we lose our home, evicted from our cozy, all-inclusive uterine resort. So we learn to nourish ourselves, only to lose breast and bottle to the weaning process. And that's just the beginning: as a teacher once put it, life is a series of weanings. Nannies are relinquished, teachers find new students, grandparents succumb to old age, pets to shortened lifespans, people we love go away. And that's if you're lucky.

Change brings loss. There's no stopping it - though who hasn't tried? Loss and separation are inevitable, accumulating throughout life till life itself is lost. Yes, change is necessary for growth; only by letting go of the old can we embrace the new. Give up the breast, get an ice cream sundae.

But I don't like it. It hurts, being ripped away, again and again and again. Mastering these inevitable, necessary losses is essential, but sometimes, I don't know how anyone manages.

One strategy: Hide-and-Seek. Is there a better way to practice losing someone? Over and over, an agonizing drama is staged: You left me! where are you? But in the game, the tables are turned: what's lost is found. No harm done. Just kidding. Sigmund Freud wrote about a boy who repeatedly threw all his toys into corners and under beds. The thrill, Freud realized, came later, when the abandoned toys were retrieved. The game helped the boy learn to say goodbye to his mother without sobbing.

Here in Sodenland, we take our hide-and-seek seriously. Peek-a-boo (or as Xela says, Ticky-boo) distills the game to its essence: peekaboo, where are you? you're gone? ahh, you're back! Both games, in endless variations, seem to crop up constantly on our daily adventures. Two recent examples:

1. At the playground, climbing and swinging are fun, but the best part?
this cabin, perfect for sudden disappearing acts.

(shhhh, I'm hiding...)

Ticky-Boo!

2. Walking through another park, we spy something shiny... a golden shoe! Turns out, golden shoes are hidden throughout Cambridge each spring, inspiring people to explore the city by foot. As reward for our shoe, we won a bag full of treats and coupons. Hide-and-seek practice is paying off.

our golden shoe

we win!

Time for me to disappear again... but not for long!

xoxo
xela

April showers bring May showers bring June showers...

2009-06-19T08:33:00.000-07:00

what's up with all this rain? It is attracting strange creatures to Sodenland:

"Mama, Xela is scared..."

oh wait, that's me!

It's dispiriting to wake up to yet another dank, dreary day:

rain AGAIN?

but we find ways to make the best of life in the urban rain forest:

puddles are for jumping

yep, it's fun being a Pisces.
just don't ask about the laundry...
xoxox
xela

Mother's Day

2009-05-12T21:45:00.000-07:00

I heard that Mother's Day is a Hallmark creation, harnessing sappy sentimentality to sell greeting cards. Whatever. If it means spending a spring afternoon playing in my cousins' big backyard, meeting alpacas at the farm behind their house, and hanging out with people I love (including Abuela & Abuelo back from Florida) -- I'm all for it.

my first Mother's Day card:

(I'm no cog in the capitalist machine... take that, Hallmark!)

funny faces at the alpaca farm

funny faces at home, too

I love Abby and Sam!

Getting the kids together for a family picture was like herding cats

Sammy coaching the next generation of Red Sox hopefuls

Xela Papelbon fires the ball to Jack...

my motto: I never met a holiday I didn't like!
love, xela

and another... Happy Birthday Athena!

2009-05-10T09:05:00.001-07:00

do I get presents, too?

make a wish, Tita!

mmmmm, turbot birthday cake

Tita loves her new pluma... well, somebody does

Loving our little silver-bellied Burmese baby, Athena,
aka Tita... You're still one hot pussycat!

xoxox xela

another birthday...

2009-04-19T23:57:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-19T12:18:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-04-19T08:23:00.000-07:00

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!

2009-04-18T22:28:00.000-07:00

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...

2009-04-18T07:43:00.000-07:00

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

TRAIN-ing Day

2009-03-21T12:48:00.000-07:00

Too often, days devolve into an endless relay: morning sprint to daycare, hustle to the office, dash to grab a coffee before speeding to a meeting, checking voicemail, and finally a mad dash to daycare for pick-up, home, dinner and bedtime, then repeat... It's absurd, exhausting, lunatic. Who set up such an idiot system?

Certainly not toddlers. They approach life with true 'beginner's mind,' the open, unbiased stance zen masters seek to reclaim.

In Xela-Land, wrapping paper may prove more exciting than the enclosed gift. A favorite possession of late is the small illustrated instruction booklet that came with a new toy. The child on the cover resembles a friend; Xela loves carrying her "Adam book" around in a pocket.

Same for travel. It's become cliché: life is a journey, not a destination. Toddlers get it. They live it. Who defines which is journey, which is destination? Who needs a destination anyway? Let's just ride the train!

fun, noun: riding the Red Line with Tata and snacks

Look, another train!

I see water!

can we ride trains every day?

enjoying the moment...
xoxoxela

Sunday Funday

2009-03-15T12:17:00.000-07:00

After spending all last week fighting a fever, it's fantastic to be well again. We spent the day enjoying gorgeous spring weather at a new park and on our own city block. When it's sunny inside and out, everything feels like fun... even (especially) a big ol' tree:

bark is RUFF!

look Ma, one hand

c'mon, let's go to the park

Wheeee!

hmmm...

it's HIGH up here

adios for now, amigos, I'm going down

xoxox xela

mi amigo Pablito

2009-03-14T11:11:00.001-07:00

Meet Pablo. He lives in Cambridge and was adopted from Guatemala...
just like me!

Today we met up in Harvard Square for story hour, then pizza at Veggie Planet. He's three and a half - a big kid! He's also very strong: when I got tired, he pushed me in the stroller.

I think we're going to be great friends.

Age 2, Week 1

2009-03-08T13:21:00.001-07:00

I'm getting a taste of fickle New England spring. Just as the last birthday guests lit out of town, a snowstorm moved in. Boom! another foot of snow. All week, my cries for "no coat!" were ignored. Icy winds and below-zero temperatures prevailed...

till Friday: huge snowbanks shuddered, slumped, then swallowed themselves in sloppy puddles of slush. Glorious warm air invited outdoor play, evening walks, no hats or boots necessary. All weekend, winter was gone, finished, done...

till this morning: another snowstorm. Winter can't last forever, can it?

back in boots, hat, snowsuit - but no mittens (I have limits)

snow is melting...hats off to Spring!

the first snowdrops!

my Guatemalan chaquete: ready for Carnaval

could that be Xela, outside with NO COAT?
YES!

and again: out and about, coat-free!

oh nooooo! more snow :-(

Mother Nature is such a tease.
xox xela

TWO!!!!!!!!!!

2009-02-28T23:12:00.000-08:00

Strange, how time works.

While collecting the fat stack of notarized, certified and apostille-ed documents required for international adoption, then waiting for the arcane, corruption-riddled Guatemalan adoption machine to give its (literal) stamp of approval - those months dragged like years, each week of waiting an eternity. At times, I feared Xela would never come home. (And I had a relatively quick process - especially compared to the poor families still trying to bring children home now that Guatemalan adoptions have shut down.)

Now, it's hard to remember the days Before X. It's like she's been here forever, yet forever has passed in an eye-blink: where have the weeks and months gone? who stole the baby bottles, replaced the toothless giggler with a non-stop talking-singing-chatterbox? when did my chubby patojita become a little girl? Is Xela Rose really two years old?

YES!!!!

I also find myself thinking about Maria C. M., Xela's first mother: is she remembering the moment, two years ago today, when she pushed a new life out into the world? Is she wondering what became of her brown-haired infant daughter? Perhaps one day, we will be able to talk together about our amazing girl.

Happy Birthday, Xela Rose!

Mama made the cake, a red red red firetruck:
one, two, three - BLOW!

Tia Kitty lights her candles at both ends

looks good, but is it edible?

Yep!

Alas, it was not a good day for photos, but trust me: the party ROCKED.
Nearly all my far-flung Tias came to celebrate ...

Friends old & new, and family...

my Nepalese family, too!

'Dah' the lion is always sneaking into the pictures

I'm starting my 3rd year with flowers in my hair,
a runny nose, and a grin... life is good.

Much love to all in my life, present and past...
xela

big birthday bash...

2009-02-27T11:03:00.000-08:00

...the best birthday ever!

more pictures on the way.
xox Xelita
(your favorite terrible two-year-old)

gone tomorrow

2009-02-15T09:57:00.000-08:00

Hair today...

2009-02-14T11:59:00.000-08:00

I've got a secret.

Can you guess what's behind my back?

NO, I'm not gonna tell...

okay, just a peek...

Yes, a pony tail! (baby got back, too)

But don't blink: this pony's hitting the road by nightfall.
(Mama's running with scissors again.)
stay tuned...

xoxox xela

Xela's 6 stages of Tantrum

2009-02-09T20:09:00.000-08:00

1. Defiance:
I will NOT get ready for school

2. Fury:
leave me alone, I said NO NO NO!!!

3. Sadness:
Just go away. I will weep forever & ever...

4. Confusion:
Ummm, why was I so mad?

5. Ambivalence:
tantrums are kinda funny

6. Irony:
you're the boss of me? yeah, right.

and please, stop with the @#*! camera...

Don't mess with the toddler.
xox xela

someone hates bed-time

2009-02-08T19:25:00.001-08:00

do I really have to sleep after my bath?

Let's pretend it's morning and play more

(note strategically placed Chuck-the-chicken-duck)

if I keep on brushing, bed-time will never come

X's bedtime monologue:
no bed....
wake, Mama. wake.
No! Bed!
sleepy music off.
more book!
Pee, Mama.
Poop?
Water.
Applesauce!
Head down Xela.
Head down, monkey.
(giggle)

xox xela

fun with Tata

2009-02-07T12:08:00.000-08:00

After much too long apart, Tata and I finally got together this week - twice:
First, she visited at my house despite allergies to Gabe & Athena's prodigious dander... she must have really missed me!

silly Tata!

no, Tata, I will NOT put a sushi bandaid on my head

let's look at family pictures...

there's Papa, and Abuela...

my first Bampy face?

funny faces everywhere

Today, it finally warmed up. We walked into Harvard Square and met Tata at the Coop for Saturday morning story hour:

Tata loved the book about Zen pandas

i'm high on reading

books are fine, but my favorite part?
... the escalator!

More soon...
xoxox
xela

save the penguins!

2009-01-23T20:38:00.000-08:00

Can we talk?

A new study published Thursday in the journal Nature revealed
that Antarctica is not cooling, as previously believed.
Scientists hoped Antarctica could slow global warming
by acting as a "cool pack," due to a hole in the ozone layer.

But no! Massive ice sheets are melting. It's heating up...

That's bad news if you live on coastal Australia; bye bye, house.
But it's devastating news if you're a penguin, born with feathers that
don't become 'waterproof' for 40 days, when penguins begin to swim.
Baby penguins are being decimated, freezing to death
in recent,unprecedented rains.

So please, use less energy.
A penguin will thank you.

That's all, folks.
xox
xela

sunshine from the sunshine state

2009-01-22T10:53:00.001-08:00

Gracias, Abuela y Abuelo!
xo xela

yep, I'm a Pisces

2009-01-21T19:04:00.000-08:00

the only bummer about baths is...

they never last long enough:

bye bye, boats
bye bye, duck
bye bye, water

Hey, could I have a little privacy?

keepin' it clean,
xela

drum roll please...

2009-01-19T14:09:00.000-08:00

How to celebrate the inauguration from afar?
We're making some BIG NOISE!!!

Feels good, doesn't it?
Let freedom ring, clang, boom and bang... the louder, the better.
(after all, starting tomorrow, it's president o-BAM-a)

Bam BAm BAM
xo xela

my Nepali family

2009-01-18T12:03:00.000-08:00

They say it takes a village to raise a child. In my case, it takes the world: I'll always have my "first family" in Guatemala. I can't imagine life without my "forever family" here in Sodenland, including all my special tias, hailing from the US, Colombia, Germany, Brasil and Canada.

Then there's my Nepali family. Nirmala has taken care of me for over a year. Since I've been going to her house while Mama works, I've been embraced as one of the family. I love them all: Nirmala, her husband Ramesh, her sons Ishan and Yayati, and all the extended family sharing treats, cell phones, hugs and kisses.

I'm even learning a little Nepalese: Dhaanya-bad, Nirmala and family!

xoxoxela

the little empress

2009-01-18T11:06:00.000-08:00

more TOE...

2009-01-18T10:08:00.000-08:00

This morning, we woke up to another big storm. we're waiting for the skies to clear before going out to shovel and play. My opinion? Too.Much.Toe!

actual Xela quotes: Go Away Toe!!! Bye Bye Toe!! Oh, nooo! toe.

Meanwhile, here's a picture from yesterday. Why the big smile?Help, I'm being strangled by a penguin!

First, if you know me, you know that I'm always smiling!

Also: I have few preferences when it comes to clothes. I don't like mittens, boots, or coats. I do like blue socks (for some mysterious reason) and "bumblebees" - my favorite shoes! Every day, I ask Mama, can I wear my bumblebees? Too often lately, I have to wear snow boots. Or my 'big shoes'. Yesterday was cold, but the sidewalks were cleared of snow, so it was a bumblebee day. Sweet!

xoxo xela

Bienvenidos, 2009!

2009-01-04T11:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It's been a whirlwind few weeks. Three snowstorms blanketed Sodenland during December's waning days.

A confession: I'm ambivalent about snow. I love looking at it, shiny and bright, on the ground and in the trees. I love gazing up through the moonroof as snow falls. I love shouting, TOE! (aka snow) each time I spy a big snowbank. But mittens, boots, snowsuit, hat? No! Freezing temperatures? No! Can we get warmer snow? Is that asking too much?

Snowstorm #1: this is fun... okay, I've had enough.

Bye bye snow.

cold, but chic

Do I have to wear my mittens?

Enjoying a transient thaw

good thing my truck has snow tires!

New Year's Eve: more TOE

will it ever stop TOE-ing?

New Year's Day: magical new snow... everyone wants a look.

Snow or no, we are excited about 2009. Much love & wishes for a healthy, happy, and bush-free new year.

xoxoxo
xela

early Chanukah celebration

2008-12-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

Abuela and Abuelo decamped in early December for warmer climes, just before the first big snowstorm hit. They're such smartie pants. Before they left, we celebrated an early Chanukah on the Cape, with latkes, homemade applesauce, veggie chili, brownies... all good!

sharing a laugh with cousin Sam

mmmm, Roro's mint brownies

opening presents...

a firetruck - my favorite!!!

wanna see my ladder, baby?

The Abuelos are giving me a bike (woohoo!) - details to be announced later. Back home, the Chanukah elves brought my first computer!

For me? No way...

Way!

...way cool!

Aunt Gillian, we missed you. Let's get together soon.
xoxoxoxela

Happy Chanukah, then and now...

2008-12-22T21:03:00.000-08:00

I love Chanukah. Last year, I was mesmerized by the candles. But this year, I'm bigger. I walk, I talk, and - most important of all - I have teeth.

Which means, this year I can bite and chew and TASTE the holiday. Yumm, potato latkes (thanks, Abuela!) Mmmm, chocolate Chanukah gelt (gracias, Mama!) Chanukah is delicious. The candles are still pretty amazing, too.

One year ago, home barely a month:

and today:

watch out, menorah. this smile can light up a room for 8 days and then some...

Happy holidays!
xoxox xela

everything's coming up ROSEOLA

2008-12-03T08:51:00.000-08:00

Yep, I've got a case of sixth disease aka exanthum subitum aka
roseola infantum

Not especially fun, but it could be a whole lot worse.

We'll spare you the gory details.

Instead, enjoy a flashback to rosier days:

More soon,
xoxox
xela roseola
(an extremely cute viral variant of roseola infantum)

whatever happened to FALL?

2008-11-22T16:03:00.000-08:00

I was just getting used to sweaters, fleece and cool autumn afternoons:

So when did the wonders of fall turn into THIS:

I.Can't.Move

and THIS:

that's Alison Bechdel behind me with the crewcut,
for you DTWOF fans...

and THIS:

tasty Guatemalan sausage

BRRRRRRRRR!!! I hate coats. I hate mittens. I don't like hats much, either.
when do we go to the beach?

xoxox
xela

southern (Nepali) comfort

2008-11-20T01:49:00.000-08:00

After almost a year with my nanny, Nirmala, I've developed a taste for all things Nepalese. One of my favorites is khichadi, which is spelled many different ways (khichdi, khichree, khichuri) and sounds like "Kittery" spoken aloud. Made from lentils and rice, it is known as a comfort food throughout the Indian subcontinent, and often given to babies as their first food. Nirmala adds sautéed onion, turmeric, ginger and salt... yum!

All gone!

It's easy to make, too: check this out.

A week in Xela-land

2008-11-12T19:58:00.000-08:00

Here's some of the stuff I'm into this week:

Mangos!

my new Highlights High5 subscription (¡gracias, Abuela & Abuelo!)

new-to-me high tops (Mama stole these off ebay)

rockin kicks...

and they work, too

btw, whoever handed me down this outfit... we love it!

running through fall leaves

Swimming at the Y

Music Together class

that's me, shakin' my maracas in the center of the action

my teacher Kelly has a purple guitar... wicked cool

Hide-n-seek...

you found me!

maximum MESSY

I have a gift

Naps

why in the world would I be tired?

O Mama, let's hear it for...

2008-11-04T20:56:00.000-08:00

O-B-A-M-A !

Yep, we did our part. It was a thrill to be part of this historic moment. Let's all take a deep breath... Ahhh. No hanging chads, no dirty tricks. Ahhhhh. No more lipstick pitbulls and Joe the Plumbers. Yesssss! Now we don't have to move to Canada. January 20th cannot come soon enough.

But first, it's time to party! Woohoo!!!

with heartfelt joy and hope for the future,
xoxoxela

Dog Door Afternoon

2008-11-03T11:11:00.000-08:00

Too cute not to share!

to BEE or not to bee...

2008-11-02T16:07:00.000-08:00

Technically, it was my 2nd Halloween... but last year, I had arrived from Guatemala 5 days earlier; everything was strange. Ghosts and goblins? It was all culture shock and awe to me. This year, I got the hang of the holiday.

Okay, it was scary at first...

But then, I realized how freakin cute I looked...

Even the weimeraners gave extra-wet kisses... trick or treat indeed!

Afterwards, Tias Lynn y Claudia provided delicious bee-treats: chinese food and apples

Now if I could just figure out what happened to all the candy...
wasn't Tia Lynn holding the bag? Hmmmmm.

Oh well... I bee going now.
bzzzzzz,
xela

A-MAIZE-ING

2008-10-05T16:49:00.000-07:00

Fall in New England. Leaves, apples, pumpkins, cider... and "maizes" sculpted from cornfields. Today, we decided to get lost (though Mama didn't plan on getting lost on the drive. Extra fun.) Once we finally found the farm, we revived on apple cider donuts, then set out to explore.

1st: FLASHBACK to last October.

Fresh off the boat, I encountered my very first pumpkins:

Who was that BABY?

Check out La Princesa of the Pumpkin Patch now!

Before the punkins, we had to navigate the amazing maize:

uh-oh...

there's food in here!

Theseus had nothin' on me!

is it safe?

awww, this is FUN!

I'll get lost with Tia Lynn any day!

Don't mess with my cob, Mama

Can we do it again?

xoxox
xela

New Skool Girl

2008-10-04T11:42:00.000-07:00

This was a big week: I started my new school on Wednesday. I have two cool new teachers, Nicole and Victoria.

There's a classroom, where I have my own cubby and mat, and a playground with a big sandbox and lots of toys to push around. It's mostly great... except for the part when Mama goes to work and abandons me.
I just don't understand why Mama can't stay at school, too.

The kids are wonderful about sharing: someone generously gave me a cold on my first day.

I have lots of new boyfriends. There are eight kids in my class, and six are boys. No fear about having a 'weird' name: my classmates include Bodhi, Mirai, Rohan, Mica, and Pikou. Down the hall is a boy name Xavi. I'm going to fit right in.

School's okay, but there's no place like my own crib...

topless dancing (Xela-style)

2008-09-20T22:00:00.000-07:00

all FIRED up

2008-09-20T20:21:00.000-07:00

what hot-blooded toddler doesn't love her some fire trucks?

checking out the equipment

we're rugged

sign me up

off to fight some fires...
xoxoxela

grrrl in the hood

2008-09-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

On a not-so-sunny Sunday in the city, we explored a nearby strip-mall...

Sleepy's was closed, so I did sidewalk improv... I'm a method napper

it's... Xela-in-the-box!

when Mama said, let's go to the park,
I didn't think she meant industrial park

it's a bird, it's a plane, it's, umm, is that a rat?

buh-BYE!

a day in the life

2008-09-12T16:52:00.000-07:00

What's Xela up to, you may ask...

I've been a busy girl. Today, for example. We had my 18-month check-up in the morning. Dr. Gordon's on maternity leave, so I saw a new pediatrician: Dr. LaGrega. She looked in my ears, poked my belly button, and listened to mermaids.

It was more fun for her than for me:

Mama let me play with the otoscope when Dr. LaGrega left
(Mama's a baaaad influence)

I almost have it figured out...

Where do you go after seeing the doctor? The PAHK!!!

the wind was fierce

... but the dogs were kissable

Finally, the best part: Cookie!

yep, it's fun being a Xela.

I'm going to check in more often, but for now...
hasta la oatmeal, baby.
xoxoxoxela