Christmas elf

The Christmas elf visited us at my dad's house tonight as we waited for Santa to come. We celebrated the birth of Christ and the birth of my dad, since it was Papa's birthday, too. Enzo enjoyed all the crinkled wrapping paper and opening his very first presents.

Parents gone wild

When Enzo was about four months old, I celebrated my 10 year college reunion with a night out. I was panicked about pumping breastmilk and calling in to check on Enzo constantly. So, it wasn't exactly the night out I had planned. Now that I'm a pro at parenting (read, "now that I sort of know what I'm doing as a new parent and that not pumping for 6 hours will not dry me up forever - I mean, I haven't had a few glasses of wine in a year and a half!"), Jeff and I hit Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade with our good friends. Parents gone wild.

It started off with a parking garage standoff with a real housewife of the OC, in her convertible VW and a toddler in the backseat. She totally creeped in front of us, as we waited for the valet. If it hadn't been for her illegally talking on her cellphone, her knowingly cutting us off and pretending not to see us, and the fact that our boat was scheduled to leave in exactly 5 minutes, the notion of "the first shall be last and the last shall be first" would have probably won out. Not this time. After several nonverbals about us being in front of her, waiting there for at least 10 minutes before she even rolled up, I asked her to roll down her window. I calmly say, "you are being a terrible example of waiting your turn to your child in the backseat." She poutedly gruffs, "fine! go ahead!! geeez!" Awesome.

We ran to the boat, only to find about half of our friends there. The others rolled up about 30 minutes later. We should have known. Anyway, we really didn't care because we immediately started the party there on the docked boat. Gourmet cheese, chocolate, nuts and wine. I partook. Jeff and I both did. It has been a while. A long while.

Screaming at passing boats, waving to Santa, scoring the decorated homes on the shore, and boogying down to some hip hop tunes (not Yo Gabba Gabba or Baby Einstein) was more fun that we could have hoped for. We topped it off with a nice meal at an Italian restaurant (it was nice before the owner bought us a round of shots.)

And there were cops involved at Parents' Night Out. On the way home, we had to stop at the gas station for a pitstop, so Jeff rolls up into the handicapped spot and I run out to make a deposit. A cop at the gas station yells at me to stop. Oh my gosh. I felt like I was doing something terribly wrong. I am allowed to have a few drinks as a parent, right? "Do you have a handicapped placard?," he says. And I gesture to the red placard juditiously hung in the window by Jeff. Thank God for my two previous broken ankles and my awesome orthopedic surgeon's nurse, who is quite generous with the handicrapper placards.

So, it was a fantastic night. I got home, pumped and dumped. Enzo is too young for merlot.

Enzo's Christmas Photo Shoot

It's probably been 25 years since I've been inside the magical wonderland that is the mall's get-an-overpriced-photo-with-Santa's Workshop. I planned the entire morning around timing Enzo's feeding with an anticipated hour standing in line, waiting to sit on Santa's lap. So, we head to the Brea Mall (all spiffed up in his cool-guy acid wash cargo jeans and his Ralph Lauren dress shirt), trying desperately not to have him spew on his clothes. We get to the designated area and walk into the area marked "Santa's Wonderland". We walked around a corner, not being able to see what awaited us. There we found a red velvet rope with a sign that said "no personal photography." A stoner-looking kid/elf half-heartedly pulled back the rope and there he was. In the flesh. SANTA. Sitting all alone with not a kid in sight. We were his only visitors.

I barely had enough space for my staging area. I was so nervous!! Pulling Enzo out of his stroller, making sure his hair wasn't jacked, pulling off his anti-spew bib, pulling on his "It's my first Christmas" socks that he had pulled off on the way there. After introductory niceties, I carefully set Enzo on Santa's lap, praying we could get a good shot. I started making all kinds of googly faces and noises and, of course, Enzo grins. Snap. Are you serious? My child didn't scream on Santa's lap??

Santa asked what he wanted for Christmas and asked me if he had been a good boy. I told Santa that I'm sure he already knows what a good boy he has been - because Santa knows everything - and that he's already gotten everything he could want. I told Santa that the main thing Enzo was looking forward to about Christmas was the wrapping paper. Eating it and hearing it crinkle.

Enzo looked up at Santa with a look of amazement and wonder with his enormous brown eyes as he petted his REAL beard. I desperately look over to the stoner kid/elf begging for him to take a freaking picture, but he was popping a zit instead. Dammit. The moment passed. Never to be experienced again. I'll have to burn it into my memory. Then Enzo takes hold of Santa's beard and p u l l s. "Ouch" says Santa. I told Santa not to take it personally; Enzo does that to me, too. My head, not my beard.

So, for $26.95 I splurged on the CD of a picture on Santa's lap (instead of spending $24.95 for 8 wallets). Now, I get to make my own copies of however many I want.

Merry Christmas!!

Hurray I am 7 months old

Can you believe it..... I am 7 months old. I celebrate by sitting up without falling over.

Enzo hits his first partay

Enzo made an appearance at his first birthday partay, for his girlfriend (friend who's a girl, not a girl-friend like that!), Brigid, who turned one. Why is he bigger than her, and he's not even 7 months old? Must be because she's a petite little princess, I guess.

He went in for a closer look.

Then, he split when she gave him a little attention! Look at that devious look in his eye. Happy birthday, Brigid!

My first "activity center"

Someone at Church insisted we take this gently used Fisher Price activity center for Enzo. After a thorough cleaning and online check for any safety recalls (aka good parent due diligence), we plopped Enzo in the seat and let him have at it. I know he was thinking something like, "what am I doing not laying or sitting?" or "are my feet really supposed to be flat so I can't curl my toes anymore?"


After about 2 1/2 minutes of uncertainty, he found every single toy and noise maker on the activity center and was loving it! Stomping and kinda running in place. Seriously.

As it turns out (after a 3 hour circuitry overhaul on the electric control panel of the unit carried out by his father), we learned that the electric brain of the activity center is shot. So, the foot "piano" pedals don't make any music, nor do the lights. So much for a step and play piano that neither plays nor is a piano. I guess we got what we paid for. Nothing.

Except for several ear to ear grins. Ahhh....

I need a new dry cleaner

So, this morning I was able to grab a yogurt for breakfast while Enzo was entertained for four minutes by his Pooh Bear Spinning Top. Then I hung about 50' of lighted, pine-coney garland on our banisters while he napped for 30 minutes. I was able to read and reply to about 15 work emails and four personal emails and play catch up with my Facebook profile and friend requests just moments before he woke up. After feeding him (while I worked on my FY09 work budget) and burped him and kept him upright for 20 minutes to reduce his acid reflux, I stole an express shower (no time for conditioner) before practicing his sitting up. The hair went into a pony, I managed to smear moisturizer on my face and brush my teeth, and threw on my elastic wastebanded yoga pants (I mean, it was like a chilly 60 degrees) before I realized that I had exactly 15 minutes to hit the post office, bank, and dry cleaners before Enzo would deliver the dreaded-in-public wail, demanding a feeding.

So, I schlep him into the post office to buy one measly stamp, to find out the stupid stamp machine was broken which forced me into the long line. He starts screaming and Mr. Post Office greeter guy runs to the back and returns with a USPS squeezie soccer ball for Enzo. Sweet. Then, to the bank where the "automatic check reader" won't read the freaking check I have to deposit and I'll be sent over the edge if I have to park the car, put him in the stroller, and wait in another line. It's only a $10 reimbursement check from gratuities on my last business trip. I stuff it in my purse.

I decide to make my last stop at the dry cleaner. The ladies in the shop go crazy for Enzo, poking him and talking Korean baby talk. The woman counting my pieces says "how many you have?"

"Five," I say.
She seems surprised, so I clarify that I have five pieces, not kids.

"He is my first," I then declare.

"Oh, really?" She looks me up and down (as I try to hold Enzo, not drop Jeff's suit on the floor, and fill out the order slip). "You marry very late, huh?"

Shut up, lady, alright? I was only 29 when I got married, and I'm only 32 with my first baby, okay? Geez, and I would have brushed and blow dried my hair and put on a face of make-up if I was going anywhere important -- oh, and had an extra 40 minutes to invest in ME!! And no, I haven't lost my baby weight, or the 50 extra pounds I started the pregnancy out with.

That evil lady probably had her five kids by the time she was 32. And she probably has the time to exercise, wash all the dishes, and daily dust and vacuum her house.

I need a new dry cleaner.

Weebles wobble but they don't fall down

On Enzo's first solo sit-up, he proves the theory wrong.

No, that's no a yettie. Just Jeff's leg.

Whoah...

Sticks the landing. And holds for like 3 minutes, I swear!

He gets distracted. And excited. And lurches back.

I guess Weebles DO fall down. And ESPN Sports Center catches his eye while he's down there.

Santa Came to Town!

...and I'm not sure who was more excited. Jeff or Enzo? Santa came on the Holiday Toy Express on the Metrolink train that I take each day to work. The train was decorated with lots of lights and music, and SANTA!

We had to wake Enzo up when Santa arrived, since he didn't budge when the train arrived at the station with horn blowing!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Today was a wonderful day of giving thanks for all our blessings. We have LOTS to be thankful for -- good health (Josie celebrated her 5 year cancer-free anniversary last month), lots of loving family and friends (and Uncle Johnny surprised us all for a Thanksgiving miracle!), and lots of good food prepared by loving hands. And, as the youngest in the family, Enzo got to chomp on the turkey leg, which he liked way too much. Happy Thanksgiving!

Mr. Bumbo

We have the bumbo baby chair for Enzo, but for some reason he still likes the good old boppy breastfeeding pillow. I figured out why... It smells like mommy. Coincidence? I think not.

Mommy has been away on her first business trip since Enzo was born, and I think he misses her. Fortunately, she's only been away since yesterday morning, and is on her way home on the Super Shuttle. We both are counting the minutes...

I am Baby Enzo and I am six months old!!!

He is half way to his first birthday. Yes, Enzo is six months old. We celebrated by working late (booo) and feeding him rice cereal with extra carrots. Mmmmmm good.

The other exciting thing is that now we've rotated in the 6-9 month old clothing that has been hanging in his closet as if it'd never be worn. And now, finally -- his clothes are big instead of the crop tops in size 3-6 months we've been making him wear.

Jeff Rides a Metric Century

Jeff decided about a week ago that he was going to ride a metric century -- yes, that's 100 km or 65 mi. Tour de Foothills. No training. No carb loading. No riding his bike as practice. And here, at about mile 55, he started losing his legs.

We were there with hand-painted signs, whistles, lawn chairs and a whole lotta love to support him.

And Enzo got to tell his dad that he was proud of him.



Fortunately, it was a gorgeous day, so we hung out by the side of the road and cheered on other riders as well. And Mema was checking out the middle aged men in spandex, but that's another story.














SUCCESS!!! We are proud of you, Daddy!!

Barack the Vote!

Enzo wanted to wear his Election Day outfit to hit the polls and exercise his right to vote. Fortunately, he told me what his wishes were and so I carried out his vote for Obama.
















He seems to know something that I don't. Perhaps he knows that history will be made today.



















We all celebrated with balloons, cupcakes and cheers of victory. And the fact that I'll have to worry a little less about the kind of world my son will grow up in.















The headline of the day. Congratulations, America, for getting it right. Finally.

Happy Halloween from the Lizard Monster

When Mema (now she wants to be called Mema instead of Nonna -- I have a feeling Enzo will decide...) bought this lizard costume, it looked waaay big, but tonight Enzo was busting it at the seams. It's a good thing he didn't have any candy!

I pretty much missed the festivities. And by festivities I mean helping Jeff hand out treats with Enzo all dressed up. A few neighbors stopped by, wanting to see Enzo in his first Halloween costume. With the biggest alumni event of the year tomorrow, I was at the office later than expected, and didn't get to dress up my little monster. He didn't seem to mind.

The five groups of kids who came by really liked the play-dough we gave out instead of candy. And, we didn't even get our house t.p.'d. I have a feeling next year's Halloween will be much different.

Visit from the Luna-Rau's

Although they only live about 2 miles away, we haven't seen as much of Aunt Briana and Uncle Jared as we would like. It was a treat when they came over today to tell us about their vacation to Germany. Fresh from Europe, they had lots of exciting adventures to share with Enzo. I don't know, but Uncle Jared looks pretty good with a baby!! Thanks for the souvenirs, you guys!!

You're the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown

It occurred to me that now that I'm a mom, it is my responsibility to bring my son to the pumpkin patch. Good thing I realized this before the straw, pumpkins and carnival games got packed up and left town. (Did you realize that pumpkin patches are carnival-like affairs, these days??)

Of course, he has a costume made from fleece to keep him warm on Halloween, but today, it was a cool 97 in the shade.

Jeff was dashing hither and yon around with the video camera and still camera as if Enzo was going to spontaneously combust from the heat. He was sweating like a pimp in Church, saying "Enzo, 1,2,3 -- 1,2,3, -- over here 1,2,3," snapping and clicking like a fiend. Again, Enzo didn't seem the least bit bothered by it all. He's used to the heat. And he's used to the paparazzi.

The most tragic part of our visit was watching this stoner kid driving around a gas-powered choo-choo train, while text messaging. Taking the lives of innocent little children into his grimy hands. Being a Metrolink commuter, with the tragedy of the worst Metrolink train disaster still fresh in my memory, I really despise people who text while driving or who continue to talk on the cell phone while driving, even though it's now against the law.

But I digress.

Even though we got our pumpkin at Trader Joe's, it was still fun walking around the Great Pumpkin Patch with our little Charlie Brown.

Happy 40th Birthday, Steve

We had a night out on the town -- at a casino night in celebration of Jeff's cousin, Steve's 40th birthday. It was loads of fun! Enzo got to hang out with his cousin, Nathan, his great-aunt Laura, and cousin Rosalinda.

I think this outfit was his third costume change. Bad idea to feed him carrots during the day of a big party. Especially when baby = spew machine.

Jeff with his big cousin, Steve. (I missed the big kiss Steve landed on Jeff's cheek.)

Nana The Great made Enzo such a special gift -- a gorgeous hand-made blanket that he immediately tested out. Nana was late to the party because she was putting the finishing touches on it. Thank you, Great Grandma Nana! We love you.

Fight On!

Enzo donned all the USC gear given to him by my colleagues at Annenberg, and we headed to Trojan Family Day at Annenberg for a tailgate party. Despite the fact we were seated in the shade (normally a great thing with a baby), it was coooold. We all had a great time, but decided to nix the football game. We almost decided to go to the game, until the memory of being 4 months pregnant, stuffed in a row in the Coliseum after my 2' long legs tried to get me to row 94 only to be seated in front of a guy smoking a cigar and behind drunk and swearing college students dissuaded me from taking Enzo. Instead, we came home and watched the game in our cozy family room, as a family. An adopted Trojan Family.

I'm 5 months old!

Really?? Are we really going to do this every month? Someone finally looks annoyed by our monthly little tradition. Is he showing attitude already??

Mr. Bumbo

This is Enzo's first attempt at sitting up assisted, thanks to the Bumbo seat. Hi-larious!

The next day, he's like "whaaaa???! Wait a minute. Aren't I supposed to be tipping over?"

By the third day, he's a pro, chilling in the kitchen while I make breakfast.

L-M-U-know!!!

So, if visiting USC this week wasn't enough, Enzo had his first visit to Loyola Marymount University! Two universities in one week?? He's getting smarter by the minute!

Enzo attended his very first Alumni BBQ in LMU's Sunken Garden -- the morning after I celebrated my 10-year LMU reunion with lots of friends. Gooood times!

He even had his own nametag -- Enzo Luna, Class of 2030!! I wonder what tuition (and admission standards) will be like when E heads off to college... Notice his Lion Buddy stuffed animal. It looks just like LMU's mascot, Iggy.


Uncle Brent, and Aunties Liz and Mere. Oh yeah, and Enzo and his mother!

Enzo goes to college...

Today Enzo had a great time meeting Mom's co-workers. He met Dean Wilson and a few faculty members. Enzo saw the media lab and met with the folks from admissions. It is never too early to start visiting college campuses.

LA County Fair

Look at the little piggy!! We had tons of fun at the Los Angeles County Fair. Auntie Claire took us and even though it was the hottest day of the year -- about 106 in the shade -- we moved from one air conditioned pavilion to another, trying to keep cool. Enzo was a champ, and even got to see the piggy races! He also saw goats, ponies, chickens, and ducks.