Let the Sunshine In...

The clouds finally parted in Boston, just in time for a visit from the cousins. It was a real treat since they decided to stay in a hotel (not that we mind housing them AT ALL) but the kids had great fun splashing in the lap pool. Not sure the other patrons doing actual laps appreciated the frolicking, but we certainly did. After peeling the kids out of the pool we managed to fit in visits to the children's museum and the zoo... and not a drop of rain in sight! The past week also ushered in a new milestone for Carmen - solid(ish) food! She has shown interest in whatever we're eating, so we thought she'd like to try some of her own. Turns out, she's definitely one of us - she loves food. First step rice cereal, next step eggrolls and meatballs.

See This? It's Mine Now.

Ok, so technically she's ours now. Yesterday was Carmen's big adoption day and for any readers out there wondering why gay marriage is necessary - this is one big reason why. In order for me to become one of Carmen's "official" parents Meredith had to surrender her parental rights, process an ungodly amount of paperwork, let it work it's way through the system and then boom, 4 months later hooray I'm a mom. Please forgive my lack of elloquence here but, "NO DUH." The whole thing is ludicrous and waste of money and time for all. Seriously people, you're just delaying the inevitable. Get over it already. (Fran steps off of soap box and resumes lighthearted tone).
It was a lovely ceremony and Carmen really appreciated the attendance of her Mimi, Nonne and Papa (who woke up at the crack of dawn to drive down from Maine in the pouring rain). Lucia played a key role in the adoption, expertly wielding the judge's gavel (or hammer as she called it) and signing her name to the decree. Being the high rollers that we are, we then celebrated with breakfast at iHOP proving once again that my family of four females has just as bad taste as a family of four in any given red state.

Several Very Cute Reasons for the Delay...

Carmen of course being one of the major reasons (4 months, still not sleeping through the night - COME ON KID). We keep reminding Carmen that it's a good thing she's so cute - even in the middle of the night when she has a death grip on Mama Mer's shirt. We really do need to find her a better pacifier. Another reason for the lack of blog updates - trying to keep up with this one. And then of course our various activities and engagements not the least of which included the semi-annual Maine lobster and beerfest - a.k.a. family reunion. Despite the deluge that has been June, we have had a very fun filled month. I know I have a lot of catching up to do, but right now my battery is dying - figuratively and literally. Good night kids, good night Mer, good night bloggers everywhere...

Happy Birthday Papa Stu - Luce Went Poo!

That's almost how tonight's phone conversation went... almost. Since the girls came down with their 245th cold of the year, we did not go to Maine for the long weekend and so we missed out on BBQs and birthday cake but we made the most of our quarantine. We decided to kick Luce's diaper habit once and for all! Luce was really interested in the potty about 3 months ago, but the Mothers Goose was slightly distracted at the time. So we missed the window then, but decided to smash it back open this weekend and so far so good! Lucia was so excited about her potty usage tonight she had to call Nonne and Papa right away. In her haste to tell Papa Stu her news, she buried the headline which was supposed to be "Happy Birthday Papa Stu!" instead she just told him about her potty productivity. At least Lucia can be sure no one else wished him a happy birthday in quite the same way. Ok, enough with the scatological humor, it's beneath me (HA!)...
Despite being a little snotty, Luce and Carmen had a full calendar of activities including visits from gift bearing friends, receiving gentleman callers and taking a spin on some new wheels. It was a banner weekend to be sure.

Thank You Enablers, Really...

In case any of you were wondering, the glow of the Emerald City (no Uncle B, not Seattle) is still shining over here in Brookline. Thanks in part to our extended family network who, much like crack dealers, continue to supply her with the goods. Exhibit A: this picture. Uncle B and Auntie Alison provided the authentic Dorothy dress and our dear friends Merrily and Don, grandparents to Hoboken's own Luke the Boy, were kind enough to think of Lucia whilst purging their attic library. They came across a book once owned by their daughter Paige (yes, that Paige) and thought Lucia would appreciate it. Well, needless to say Luce did... big time. Our other dear friends (?) Cathy and Kelby really kicked things off 3 months ago when they thought big sister Lucia would like a "hey your moms have a new baby and you may not see them for 5 days" gift. Not only was this an exact replica of her favorite character, but she sings too. Grrrrreat. And finally, last weekend we went up to Maine so Nonne could take Lucia and the crew to see a middle school production of Oz - or a "retelling" as it was billed. There were no musical numbers, Dorothy didn't wear a blue dress, Glinda was more of a hippie love child with a flowered mumu and the flying monkeys had black wings, but Lucia could not take her eyes off that stage. After the play, Mama Mer took her up to meet Glinda... and then Lucia's head exploded. The look on her face was priceless. It's moments like that, and like this that really makes it all worth it in the end (please excuse my Mama Rose-esque coaching in the background).
And just because I haven't mentioned her at all, Carmen was there too!

Happy Mother's Day Squared...

Just a quick post tonight to say "Happy Mother's Day" to all the mothers out there - you know who you are (I hope). Our day started off a little shaky since Luce was up a bunch during the night. She has developed a fear of bees (don't look at me) and now wakes up thinking there are bees in her bed. We sent her to bed with a special bee banishing wand (a.k.a. flashlight) so we're hoping that works. So with not much sleep under her belt, Lucia was a bit of a crank this morning but after a nice long nap she turned things around this afternoon. Carmen on the other hand had a great day and is getting bigger by the minute. Both girls took a brief moment to send Mother's Day wishes to their Mimi and Nonne. And now, it's time for Mama Mer and I to enjoy our Mother's Day - she just handed me a beer. Ahhhh :-)

Yes, Veronica, There Really Is a Baby Carmen...

Although you wouldn't know it from the dearth of photographic evidence seen here. Carmen, I swear we're trying but somehow your older sister and cousin grabbed most of the spotlight (I suppose by the time you can read this you'll be well used to it). So yes, the Seattle contingent of the Leary Reeves clan braved their way to Brookline to see if in fact this "baby Carmen" was the real deal. Well, it didn't take long for Carmen to christen their clothing before they were believers. In addition to surviving a torrent of baby vomit, our guests were also kind enough to cook and clean and launder for us. It was simply wonderful. Please come back.
While the visit from Auntie Alison, Uncle B and Baby Veronica was certainly the highlight of the past few weeks, we have enjoyed some other fun events as well. Such as co-ed bath time pajama parties, the annual Ellen's House Egg Hunt and of course, a true rite of Spring - - breaking out the sandbox.