Thanksgiving 2015

Not a great representation of the amazing company and tasty feast but a few good shots.

Tri-Valley Turkey Burn 2015

The start to what we hope will be a new family tradition.

Genie

Four months

11.25.2015




Joseph is such a happy baby! He is becoming more playful and responsive. His limbs all seem to move in different directions when he's excited but also loves to settle into a good snuggle. Love this kid.

More month four highlights:
- 16 pounds (mostly concentrated in the cheek, chin, and thigh areas)
- smiling and laughing a lot, especially right after he wakes up.
- Ticklish around the neck and shoulders
- has rolled over in both directions
- discovered his feet
- coordination getting better. He can more easily grab something and aim it to his mouth (see next bullet point)
- early teething...gnawing on his fingers and anything else he can get his hands on
- getting more accustomed to the car, still with the help of Cows. Also joined millions others in being a fan of Adele's "Hello."
- loves facing out and enjoys quietly observing the world from the carrier

Five

November 21, 2015

Dear Rosie,

Five years ago you came to us and gave us the extraordinary honor of becoming a mother and father. You've brought this world such joy. These last five years have been filled with plenty of laughs and tears, and you've taken it all on with such grace and kindness. You've become quite daring and curious, strong-willed and sassy, compassionate and patient.

You are a true nurturer: running to your brother to sing him a song when he cries, rubbing Mom's back when she's needs a quick power nap, bringing Dad tissues when he's sad.

Thank you for sharing your magical laughter with the world. As you grow more years than you have fingers and toes, we hope our love has armed you with the courage to take risks and live life with integrity and passion.

We love you..."to infinity!"

Tummy time

Baby friend

Went to visit my teacher friend and her new baby. Baby M and Joseph were super chill and even flashed is a smile. Joseph kept wanting to hug her and give kisses (i.e. gnaw on her cheek). So much excitement...he fell asleep as soon as we got in the car.

Car cuddles

Rosie is always so excited to see Joseph at pick up. She runs over and gives kisses. And we've now started a tradition of cuddling in the car before heading out, which involves Rosie squeezing herself into the infant car seat. Always room for one more!

Marsupial

Bonus photo: staring context with giraffe. Giraffe won.

Biscoitos

Vavó came over and we had an impromptu biscoitos-making party. She taught Rosie how to bake these tasty cookies. Laughter was in the air and flour on the floor. Rosie was covered to the elbows in dough! Rosie and Vavó make an awesome and adorable team. So good!

Early bird

Joseph frequents the coffee shop pretty often in the wee hours of the morning, usually strapped to DaddyO. But this morning, I got the pleasure of his wake up call. Joseph didn't get the memo that it's Veterans Day. Starting the day bundled up and cuddling...not a bad start to the day!

Rosie's debut

This morning Rosie performed at the school talent show in front of over 500 people. Very proud of her bravery.

Ps this was from the Pentatonix's Wizard of Ahhhhs mash-up, a current favorite.

Talent show try out

Rosie has been practicing for the school talent show. First step was going to open try outs (everyone gets in). I was impressed at how easily Rosie rolled with the situation. There was a room full of kids waiting to perform and no parents allowed in the room (we didn't find this out until we got there). Luckily, Rosie got to do her song early on since she's the only TKer on the list. Rosie was brave and confident as she did it all by herself...with me creeping at the window along with the other parents! Talent show is Tuesday morning in front of the school. Fun!



* not pictured: about 20 more kids in the room

Sweetness

Proof of rolling

Tummy to back.

Remembering Vavô

This year we celebrated El Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) to honor our dear Vavô. Rosie has been planning this for a couple weeks now, and we spent the day creating an altar, with the help of Vavó, Tío, Ang, and Na. Included on the altar:

❤️ photographs recent and past
️❤️ Vavô's belongings, including his ties, the gold bracelet he gave DaddyO on our wedding day, a U.S. and Portuguese flag pin, a 49ers shirt
❤️ foods he enjoys like pistachios, chocolates, bread, oranges
❤️ paper marigold flowers with messages and poems written on them
❤️ homemade, decorated sugar skulls and cookies
❤️ bowl of water, washcloth, and soap so Vavô can wash up
❤️ candles to help light Vavô's way to us

After the altar was set up, we unwound and watched Book of Life, which has been helpful in talking to Rosie and gives her a comforting image of Vavô in a land of the remembered that is joyful, vibrant, full of peace, and where he is surrounded by loved ones.

Rosie then insisted we picnic by the altar. We played the Frank Sinatra pandora station and shared favorite memories of Vavô.

Vavô is remembered every day in our house. Still, it was good to dedicate the time to remember him together. As Rosie and Joseph get older we will continue to cherish these moments and keep Vavô alive in our hearts.

We miss you, Vavô.

Halloween 2015

Halloween marathon!

Friday's school events. The Tooth Fairy met the perfect partner for the parade:

Back to school in the evening for the Halloween Bash. Waldo joined us and Tigger.

Saturday morning we headed downtown to the Halloween Scavenger Hunt.

The Tooth Fairy retired and "Madame Lovebug" was in full effect.

Superhero pose.

Trick or Treating crew: Madame Lovebug, Batman, a fairy, Agent Peggy Carter, Scarlet Witch, and Quick Silver/Super R

The wonderful thing about Tigger...

We had a really lovely evening that ended by the fire out back and s'mores. Rosie had such a good time with everyone. Toward the end of the evening she rounded everyone up (even led Vavó and Tio by hand to the front room) for a surprise. She announced (shyly, once everyone was watching), "Because you were all so lovely tonight you deserve a treat," then handed out her candy. She even gave a whole gallon ziploc bag away to the exchange students staying with Tio's family. So sweet. Pun intended.