Off and Running

Nickolas had a play date this afternoon with his friend Tyger. Tyger and his mom Wendy had us over to their house this rainy afternoon. Tyger is two months older than Nickolas, so Nickolas was inspired today after watching Tyger walk and run all around their home. Tyger has some fun toys to play with, too.

Attached is a video of Nickolas walking. His ability to walk really turned-up a notch today - he took over 25 steps in one stretch down their hallway!

Walker

Ratatouille

In case you've seen the Disney Pixar movie "Ratatouille", we couldn't help but think of Nickolas as we watched the beloved little rat character (I know, that sounds bad) in the movie. He sits atop the main character's head in order to give him direction in the kitchen. It was too funny for us since Nickolas is often on Dan's head or shoulders yanking on his hair or pulling on his ears - perhaps, to give Dan some direction.

Relaxing Weekend

We had a quiet weekend and enjoyed a warm and pleasant Saturday outside and a cool and rainy Sunday inside. Nickolas had a sampling of a vanilla malt in Old Town and was none too pleased when it was all gone. We bought some ice cream today from the grocery store to make some homemade malts for the wee one this week. Nickolas has also been taking all sorts of steps around the house. I think he's up to 9 steps now and then he plops down on his knees. He has a lot of fun with his walker, which I have yet to take photos of, since we were getting the hang of it. He practically runs with it outside, so he's certainly getting the strength to walk.

At the very bottom of this post is an attempt to capture video on the blog. We have yet to figure out how to transfer video from the camcorder, so I instead filmed the camcorder footage from my digital (hence the bluriness) and posted it the only way I know how. If this works, there is a 7 second clip of Nickolas taking a few steps. We promise to get better at this technology for your viewing pleasure.

What, no more malt?

Weeeee, swinging upside down in my robot pajamas is fun!

Thanks, daddy, for getting the ball and fork out of my toy that got stuck. It's so much fun to stick things down the hole, though.

Fuzzy video of Nickolas taking a few steps.

Pope Benedict XVI

We had the opportunity of a life time going to the White House welcome ceremony for Pope Benedict XVI on April 16 (although for Dan, it was the SECOND chance in a life time, since he once saw Pope John Paul with his family at the Pope's summer residence at Castle Gandolfo near Lake Albano in Italy). It was particularly festive with it being the first time since 1979 that a Pope visited the White House AND because it was the Pope's 81st birthday (along with Aimee's 31st)! It was a beautiful sunny morning and Dan's good friend Mark who works at the White House selected us as his guests in a small section roped-off near the Rose Garden. Also in our section to the left of the stage were all of the Cardinals. You can see them in some of the pictures wearing their red hats. We sang "Happy Birthday (to us)" not once, but twice!

Walking to the event was a sight to be seen. People traveled from all over the country to line the streets along Pennsylvania Avenue towards Georgetown to get a glimpse of the Pope. People were singing songs and playing music and holding up signs and banners - it was so peaceful and not a giant protest for once (which is usually the case with large gatherings on the street). Apparently, over 13,000 people were packed on the White House lawn stretching almost as far as you could see. The music was beautiful, especially with the harp, which made it almost heavenly. On our tip toes, we could see the Pope dressed in white with his white hair and we were in awe by his well-spoken English and the words that came from him. He spoke about how great this country is and the event closed with the "Battle Hymn of the Republic." It was truly an honor -- thank you, Mark!

Birthday Trip

Dan sent Aimee away on a little birthday trip to see her twin Brian and friend Mo (Maureen) in New York this past weekend. It was the first time Aimee left the wee one back, so he got to have a fun-filled and exciting weekend with Daddy. They did all sorts of activities outside - they played at the park, went on walks, stuffed themselves silly, and played with Nickolas's new push toy in the courtyard. Daddy took excellent care of the wee one while Aimee enjoyed the sites, sounds, and friends in New York.

Daddy, this is fun - catch me!

Aimee and Mo covering uncharted territory over the Brooklyn Bridge.

Birthday Twins

Brian and Mo - Congrats on the new job, Maureen!

Live, from New York, it's NOT Saturday Night Live, but Geraldo at Fox News.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, all is well as Nickolas happily smiled for Dan's camera phone during their routine updates to Aimee.

Stroll After Work

Last Thursday was a beautiful day, so the three of us took a nice stroll from the office to the mall near the Reflecting Pool. Nickolas took his socks and shoes off and got good and dirty like the wee boy he is. Here are some pictures of Nickolas looking like a monster in front of a few monuments as well as us from the balcony of Dan's office. You can also see his new favorite thing to do - pointing.

Food

Our cousins from afar have practically turned their blog into a cooking blog. Darn Olivia and her creativity and talent in the kitchen. I'm going to have to visit and take some lessons from her. Then, Dan can have the luxury of coming home from work to an ever so delectable meal...

SO, in the meantime, this is my post - one and only - sampling my attempt at cuisine. I baked chicken in olive oil with a touch of saffron. I then made some basmati rice focusing on the ever so tasty tah-dig (or crispy rice from the bottom of the pan that's a real art - http://www.epicurious.com/articlesguides/diningtravel/goingglobal/persian_batmanglij/recipes/food/views/231919 along with some edamame for the veggie since that's what I had on hand.

Even Nickolas enjoyed a little.


Or did he?


Liv - here's my contribution to your cookbook - you know, the one you're going to put together for me that I can understand and follow.