Geoff and Lauren

On Monday we rented a car and drove out to Westchester to visit Andrew's best friend Geoff and his new wife Lauren. Crazy as it sounds- this was the first time we met Lauren and they met Connor. Geoff has been living in London for the past couple years while we were in living in Tokyo. Just as we've moved back to the USA, Geoff and Lauren are about to begin another adventure by moving to South Africa. They were briefly passing through NY this past weekend to visit Geoff's parents and we were so glad we were able to catch up with them while they were here! We were SO HAPPY to be able to (finally) meet Lauren- who we've been hearing such great things about for so long now. And I think they enjoyed meeting Connor too!
Andrew and Geoff's mothers have been known to show up to the same event wearing the same dress so it was no surprise that Andrew and Geoff had on the same navy blue sweater and button down shirt. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree!

Geoff introducing Connor to his (very old) kitty cat.

The gang.

Thank you SO MUCH to the Gursels (all four of you!) for hosting us- we always have such a great time with you!!

Connor the Artist

There's a paint your own pottery place across the street from our apartment. Last week Connor asked me if I would take him in to paint his Dad a coffee mug for Valentine's Day. It was a little difficult keeping Connor "on task" and from eating the paint but I think he really enjoyed it! Andrew absolutely loved his gift too!
Connor in his "work shirt"- a gift from my Mom.

I noticed that he was more comfortable painting with his right hand (also the hand he prefers to hold a spoon in)- sorry Andrew and Grandad- looks like we have a righty!!


The finished product!

Admiring his handiwork.

Testing it out.

I dig it!

Great Age

I know that I've said this about a few different stages of Connor's life but Andrew and I decided that this is our favorite age yet! Connor is 13 1/2 months now and he just couldn't be more fun. He really understands us now and is good at following basic instructions, like moving from one room to another or handing us something, etc. Our favorite is when we ask him for a hug or a kiss- of course we ask him for them constantly. Now he'll wrap his arms around you and squeeze tightly which is just about the greatest feeling in the world. It makes me laugh at how much he mimics us. Either with the remote, or a phone, or the other day I couldn't find him for a minute and finally discovered him in the bathroom giving Puppy a bath (he was bent over the tub washing Puppy with a washcloth)- unfortunately I couldn't get to my camera fast enough. He loves to read- either for you to read to him while he sits in your lap or he'll page through his books on his own. I never thought I'd see the day where Connor spends some quiet time on his own! One of his favorite activities is putting his toys away- is that awesome or what? Being a typical city kid- he loves to point out taxis. He's also very good at hailing one for us. He sees a taxi and automatically puts his hand in the air. It's very helpful when my arms are full holding him, a diaper bag and a stroller! And most importantly (haha) he's still a really good sleeper. As of about a week ago, when I tuck him in at night he says "night night!" - I just get such a kick out of it. I know it won't always be this great- at some point soon he'll enter the terrible twos when the tantrums and major limit testing will begin. In the meantime, I'm loving every minute (well almost) spent with him!

Editors Note: The above picture was taken just after we opened Connor's Valentine's Day gift from his Nana and Grandad. Connor is modeling the new jacket he received (thank you so much again!) - hence why it looks like our apartment has exploded behind us. It's not usually that messy!

Stars- they're just like US!

Thursdays are always one of my favorite days of the week. We go to Gymboree in the morning (which Connor loves more than life itself!) followed by a lunch date. Connor has excellent restaurant skills- I almost always get comments from other patrons about how well behaved he is so its always fun. On our way to the restaurant today I stopped by this indoor play space that I have been meaning to check out. There's a bounce/ball house, etc. As I was inquiring about pricing, hours, etc I noticed the place was practically dead- there was only one other family in there (compared with Gymoboree which is almost always jam packed). Then I noticed that the family was Kelly Rutherford (an actress, best known for TV shows Melrose Place and now Gossip Girl) and her husband and son who's around Connor's age. I knew she lived in the neighborhood because I've seen her in the grocery store before. She's been in the news lately because she's in the midst of a very messy and very public divorce and custody battle over their son Hermes (yes- that's really his name). Ok so I still get excited by a good celeb sighting (some things never change) so even though Connor and I were both hungry and he had already exhausted himself at Gymboree, I paid the entrance fee and went in! Connor made a bee line for Hermes, as I knew he would- he just loves to play with other kids. And there they played together on some wooden board puzzles for all of 30 seconds before Connor was on to the next activity. No I didn't speak to them- just smiled (I always play it cool!) Kelly only stayed for a few minutes, but the husband and son stayed for a while. He was a really attentive and sweet Dad and although he looks skinny and kinda nerdy in pictures he's actually very good looking in person. Their pairing makes a little more sense to me now, ha. The excitement of my day!

So thats what that was...

My Tokyo friends will probably appreciate this the most. This little gem of a store is in my neighborhood. It has all the types and brands of food that we saw in Tokyo but with English labels. EVERYTHING is translated to English. Perfectly. I've walked the aisles of this store several times now just laughing out loud. The people who work there probably think I'm nuts. I just would have given anything to have known what this stuff was 6 months ago! Melanie- I can buy all the stuff to make the gyozas at home! AND I can still get my chocolate covered almonds (these were a staple during my pregnancy)!

New Pics

Just some random recent pics of C that I thought I'd post!





Catching up with his BFF Elmo on the day's planned activities.

Puppy and his thumb- his two favorite things!


We bought our first pair of "big boy" shoes this month- he really loves them!

Central Park stroll

It was so nice outside today so Connor and I took a stroll through Central Park. I was hoping he would be able to hang out on the grass but the ground was still covered with snow. So we took a walk around the lake instead (which was still completely frozen over) and later hit the playground. I definitely can't wait for spring!!



This happens to be the same spot where Andrew proposed to me :)