Grace and Hazel

IMG_0254.JPG, originally uploaded by Lincoln Topliff.

Grace would like to propose a toast with her invisible drink (only 20 1/4 years to go) to all her family, friends and fans out there. Have a Happy, Safe and Cute-as-a-button New Year!

IMG_0134.JPG, originally uploaded by Lincoln Topliff.

There is no end to the number of firsts that can be recorded in NYC but the first cab ride seems bigger than most of them…and we had the camera handy for Grace’s.

With all the crazy travel stuff we nearly forgot today’s milestone, (other than toasting with our screwdrivers on the plane). Grace is 3/4 of a year old today! No pictures for this post since I have already posted so many today. I think you have been over-served in this regard.

Grace couldn’t be better on her way to a year. She’s getting bigger, smarter and at some point she will be faster…after she actually moves forward at least once.

She is not far from her first word. I thought I heard her say one today and it was fitting for her parentage but it remains unconfirmed. We will let you know if she manages to ask for “more” again.

Thanks for reading and pestering me for “more”.

Grace stripped down seconds after arriving in the big apple and she couldn’t be happier.  So far life isn’t much different than the little-er city she left.  It’s about 60 degrees, toys taste great and cuteness is practically free.

So far so good…

Her bags (ALL of them) are packed, she’s ready to go….

She easily has twice her weight in baggage for our little trip to the big apple.  That would be like me carrying 6 fully packed suitcases.  Ok…fine…8 fully packed suitcases (I blame those holiday dinners).

Grace had a seat at the big people’s table for her first Christmas Dinner. She didn’t have any of the delicious homemade pasta or prime rib. Instead she opted for her star crackers and string cheese. She nevertheless had a wonderful time and is looking forward to next year when she can say “Santa” and “Gimmee”. (Photo by Poppy)

IMG_1270.JPG, originally uploaded by Lincoln Topliff.

We are trying to teach Grace the real traditions of Christmas. Tomorrow we will spend Christmas morning with the semi-religious and nearly-atheists watching the carnage of gift getting/giving at her cousins’ house. Tomorrow night we will celebrate in Napa with the true Catholics, singing songs and eating homemade pasta (they are so excited they set the table 7 days ago).

Tonight, however, is Jenn’s favorite Christmas Eve tradition for the Jews…Chinese food. Grace is asleep now with visions of Sugar PlumKao Chicken and Mushu Reindeer dancing in her head.

Have a great Christmas, however you spend it!