Maine: The Way Life Should Be

Ok, so I'm quoting a highway sign, but it is no less appropriate! The Mothers Goose have returned from a glorious 7 days at our Maine "camp." For those not in the know, camp is where we've rented a lakehouse for the past few years. Needless to say, it was a bit different this time having a 9 month old scurrying around the place but Lucia only enhanced the experience. We were lucky enough to have Aunt Alison and Uncle Brendan along for the ride, as well as a revolving door of family and friends. Lucia did very well for being in a new environment and sleeping in a closet (hey, camp is not that big). She didn't nap all that much, but I think she was too excited to sleep - and who can blame her? What with all the food, games and fun around it's a wonder any of us slept! Well, we didn't really either... but that's beside the point. We tried to take lots of pictures and videos, so feel free to take an hour out of your day and watch the slideshow. I know I sound like a broken record, but pictures don't do camp justice - there's something about being on Upper Range Pond (pronouced Rang - Maine, go figure) that just soothes the soul. God, I've turned into Chicken Noodle Soup for the Fran. Enough outta me, go look at my daughter.

Where It's Fun To Find Out...

Last Sunday Lucia had a big day out with Uncle Tony, Aunt Tammie and cousins Anthony and Brianna. The Maine Infantines came down and we all headed out to the Boston Children's Museum on the waterfront. It was our first visit to the newly remodled space and wow, what a place! Lucia was a little overwhelmed at first, but we soon found an area designated "for crawlers only" which she LOVED. Lots of padding, mirrors and new toys on which to slobber. We didn't even see the entire museum (have to save something for the next visit!) when we left for a walk down to the Aquarium. We watched the seals play outside (read: free!) and snapped a few pictures. This is my favorite because Anthony's hair is perfectly shapped like a seal's tail - how funny is that?!? So the Mothers Goose will be off on vacation next week and the packing has yet to start. Naturally, updating the blog was a top priority. Please keep your fingers crossed for nice Maine weather!!

Don't Think Me Unkind. Words Are Hard To Find...

It has now been 7 days since the concert of the century, and I feel like I'm finally in a good place to sit back, reflect and share the experience. In case you've been living under a rock (or just haven't spoken to me in awhile), I went to see The Police play at Fenway Park with a motley crew of friends and family. Chez Leary Infantine hosted a pre-concert BBQ which proved to be an excellent launching pad for all night revelry. With guests spanning the globe (Canada, LA, Maine, Rhode Island, etc.) we enjoyed a great afternoon of food, drink(sssss) and music. Portland High School was well represented with 6 graduates (Tony did graduate, right?) in attendance, ranging from the class of '84 to '91. It was just silly how much fun was had reliving our youth. Lucia certainly enjoyed herself as you can see in the pictures. Yes, that is an unopened can, and the cold felt good against her teeth - please don't report us. In fact, due to her early exposure to The Police, Lucia has starting saying "da da da da." I'm working on the "di do do do" part, but she hasn't quite gotten that yet. Perhaps Uncle Tony and his friend Mike can help her? Um, on second thought maybe not.

Yeah, I'm Wearing Legwarmers - Jealous?!

Quick blog post today as I'm still recovering from last night's concert of the century (more on that later). Anyway, with all of Lucia's moving and shaking these lil legwarmer things come in very handy (thanks Eleni!). They also help fuel my Flashdance obsession and since I can't pull off the legwarmer look Lucy will have to do it for me. Speaking of my youth, my sisters requested photos of the pillows they had made for Lucy's room - so here you go, sorry it's taken me so long! These were truly a labor of love in that the orange pillow was a batik that I (or perhaps Tony) made when we were kids. My Aunt Joyce had saved it all these years and gave it to Maria to do something with... hence the custom made pillows. Of course, they both match the nursery perfectly. Ok, I need to go put my head down now.

Sunday In the Park With George

Today was the kind of day that makes you want to burst into song. OK, so I often do that regardless of the weather, but today was an exceptionally nice day - the perfect day for a family picnic at the Pond. Maybe it's the Mainer in me, or perhaps the Mainer mom (egads) in me, but I've determined that picnics are an entirely underrated form of entertainment. A couple of PB&Js for moms + yogurt and rice cakes for Luce = good times. I tried to capture the day in a few pictures, but again a song would do a much better job. Pity I can't figure out how to include sound clips (or maybe you should consider yourselves lucky). All in all, I think this video clip sums up the happy happy joy joy of our picnic quite nicely.

Yeah, I'd Make That Face Too Lucia...

I think I've said this before, but if not it should come as no surprise - 8 months into this whole parenting endeavor I'm finally beginning to understand my role as co-parent - which is resident clown. I've accepted my role, and embraced it in fact because as every parent knows, there is no shame when it comes to pleasing your child. None. See? Ok, I'm done embarrassing myself (for now). On to Lucia's latest achievements. At 8 months and 1 day old, Lucia is on the verge of crawling. She can get up on all fours and do the rocking/shimmy thing, but hasn't quite figured out how to coordinate those movements for forward progress. She does well in reverse though. Here she is with her babysitter du jour Aunt Ashlee. I believe Ashlee was talking to me on the phone during this recording, or she was just an enthusiastic narrator. Either way, she managed to capture Lucia in motion. This afternoon Mama Mer and I have to head to Home Depot for baby proofing stuff, because it won't be long before Lucia is mobile for good!

I'm A Yankee Doodle Girl...

I'm sure there will come a day when we stop purchasing holiday themed clothing for our child, but we're not quite there yet. Lucia spent her first 4th "up country" in Mama Mer's old stomping ground - Lake Winnipesaukee. Lucy had a great visit with Uncle Boobie and loved riding in the car with Mimi in the backseat. There was no shortage of big toothy grins all day (for everyone really). On the way home, Mama Fran couldn't resist stopping at a renowned local institution to pick up a little something for Lucia. Let it be known however, that this is as close as we'd like her to get to a hog.