LUKE THE BOY

Ahoy! Happy 4th Birthday, Luke!

2012-02-05T13:28:00.000-08:00

We're not quite sure how Luke went and got to be 4, but get to 4 he did. After suggesting myriad party ideas (soccer?), themes (astronauts?), and activities (Stew Leonard's?), he stopped us cold with "I want a PIRATE PARTY at OUR HOUSE with JACOB AND RONAN. And that's it."

And so...

Paul made another theme cake - a pirate flag

Luke was properly outfitted - complete with a "moosetasche"

And bling

Ronan modeled the eye patch and sword selection

SWORD FIGHT!

SWORD AND BALLOON FIGHT!

Among the happiest days of his 4 years on Earth

Harper donned an outfit of Luke's choosing. Well, mom didn't pair the dress with the overalls Luke originally selected...

Harper LOVED watching the big kids

Luke and Ronan licking their chops in anticipation

Black icing makes for ZOMBIE MOUTH

Luke enjoying the spoils of his plundering

Harper made quick work of her cake, then worked the room

The boys then took a Phineaus and Ferb break (which Luke TiVo'd for them ahead of the party - he was the host with the most)

Someone was pooped

Happy Holiday Photo Shoot

2011-12-27T18:55:00.000-08:00

In an effort to capture a decent family photo some time before we're paying college tuition, we implored our friend and fantastic professional photographer, Sean Sime, to take some pictures of us this past fall. While we never managed to get both kids happy (or non-goofy) at the same time, we're in love with the results. Paige's favorites are below.

Happy Birthday, Harper!

2011-12-18T07:47:00.000-08:00

Maybe we should find a new name for the blog, seeing as Baby Harps has been around for A WHOLE YEAR now? (How did that happen?)

As her birthday fell on a Saturday, we held a little party on the very day - with lots of Aunties (and Uncle Charlie) and friends coming to visit and play and see the new digs in Ossining.

A great evening was had by all...she's such a lucky lady to have so many great people in her life.

Luke had a great time, too.

CLICK HERE to see all of the pictures!

Halloween 2011

2011-10-31T18:07:00.000-07:00

Just when you thought we went away, we are back, in time for Halloween '11.

After a viewing of Toy Story, Luke declared that despite his oft-stated desire to be a fireman again for Halloween, he now wanted to be Buzz Lightyear. Dad managed to talk him into being a "real" astronaut, and a costume was procured.

When it arrived a few weeks ago, one fitting was allowed to help build anticipation. And then he promptly informed all and sundry that his costume "had arrived."

Finally, despite questioning why "there were no bats outside," Luke went off to school with his costume and got to wear it for most of the day. Mom and Dad surprised him early at school, and took him and Harper for some quality trick-or-treating, Westchester style.

What was Harper? Glad you asked.

Are you familiar with space monkeys?

The dynamic duo

Solo Astronaut

Things that are scary:
Freddy Kruger (AKA "The guy with poky hands")
Spy vs Spy (Mom's vote for most awesome costume by 2 pre-teens)
Big Spiders

Things that were not scary:
Spider-man
Buzz Lightyear
"That kid with the sword"
Heads on pikes

Working hard for his candy

Coming soon: We step back in history and look at pumpkins in the snow, "punchy" face, and pajama day, among other things.

The Red (and white) Bicycle

2011-08-20T12:52:00.000-07:00

We are moving next weekend - leaving Hoboken and settling down in Ossining, NY. Grandpap Rosella promised Luke a new bike - a RED bike with a BELL - for the new house. We told Luke we'd go pick out his bike (that we had scouted for him in advance) this weekend. He started asking when the bike store would open at, oh, 7am. "Does it open in, like, 5 minutes?"

So he spent some time in his "club house" (aka a packing box)

And then we went to our favorite sushi place one last time and Luke and Harper entertained each other. Oh, but first! We went to Stan's Sporting Goods to buy Luke a proper Hoboken t-shirt. That he insisted on putting on at lunch.
(Check out Harper rocking the high chair!)

CHUBS

Finally! The bike store. Luke was so excited, he couldn't even smile properly or react to anything.

We got it out on the open road. Er, sidewalk. It took him some time to sort out the pedaling & breaking.

But progress was made.

Thumbs up for the new bike!

Trying to smile, but just wants to stare at his BELL

Ringing his bell

Yelling THANK YOU, GRANDPAP

On the Day He Went to Sea...

2011-08-05T10:42:00.000-07:00

It was talent show day at school today, and Luke's class workshopped a little ditty about life a-plundering on the high seas. Arrrrr!

Waving & Hanging Out

2011-07-31T18:25:00.000-07:00

Mommy's parenting win for the week was dumping all of the "Harper-safe" toys into a bin and plunking it down next to Harper. This is her new favorite activity - sitting next to it taking things out, putting them back in, being surprised all over again when a favorite reappears...

Luke and Daddy were decamping to Home Depot to look at grills (!) for our soon-to-be-new-home. Watch Harper's face light up when Luke approaches, and again when Daddy enters the room. This isn't her first could be wave, but the first caught on tape - what do you think?

(please note that her hair is OUT OF CONTROL despite the most valiant attempts to tame it)

The Little Yogini

2011-07-29T08:23:00.000-07:00

Like the dainty little princess she is, Harper attempted to hit a milestone wearing a diaper with sweet potatoes up her nose and in her hair (while her brother showers...spiritedly...in the next room).

You may recall that her brother took an uncoventional route to crawling (at 11 mos). Mommy & Daddy are enjoying the novelty of a more standard approach (at 7 mos).

In her attempts to crawl, she has executed some textbook cobra, plank pose, sphinx, and downward dog. Sometimes she even tries in clothes.

Spend Their Weekends on the Jersey Shore

2011-06-26T06:22:00.000-07:00

Mama had to return to work on the 20th, so an invitation to pretend Monday wouldn't come by joining the Scotts down the shore in Cape May for Father's Day weekend was too good to pass up. We packed a bunch of sandwiches and snacks and our bathing suits and LOTS AND LOTS of sunscreen and headed south on the Garden State Parkway!

Upon our arrival, Luke and Jacob got down to hole-digging business. Daddy and Harper supervised

Daddy tried to get a nice picture with Harper "Wigglesworth" Casey

Paul admits defeat
When not digging holes, Luke ran up and back and up and back from the ocean to "the shore" all afternoon

Daddy and Harper try to pose again...
Hmm...what's Lukey up to over there?

Hey, where'd Lukey go?

Almost frame-worthy! (Ok, frame-worthy for Mommy's desk)
Luke's playin' it coooool
Thank you for seeing into the future and buying us this awesome picnic gear, Minnesota! It ROCKED and was the envy of all who were with usLuke was pleased as punch with himself to join Auntie Sarah on her blanket (if you look closely you can see he has his sunglasses on top of his head a la Mommy & Auntie Sarah)
Luke and Ronan took a stab at hole digging
While Daddy and Harper had it made in the shade
Who's the cutest bathing beauty in her new bathing suit? (Purchased specifically to go with Luke's old lobster hat)
And every trip to Stone Harbor must include a purchase of ice cream from the ice cream guy. Luke chose a Fudgeicle this time....and unlike last year, did NOT drop it in the sand and lose it to a seagull (progress!)

The next morning, Harper was free and breezy at the Jarmer manse
And pancakes and bacon were enjoyed by ALL

After Dinner, Before Bubbles

2011-06-15T19:36:00.000-07:00

Just another Tuesday night on Hudson Street. After a dinner of applesauce & oatmeal, Harper was stripped down to her diaper for laundry purposes; Luke insisted on joining her in her state of undress. Clearly, he is the most entertaining thing Harper has ever seen.

ZOMBIE BABY

2011-06-07T07:13:00.000-07:00

Harper has found her voice. She can do this for HOURS. This is not an exaggeration.

Also, look at the CHUB.

(I expect only grandparents will watch all 3+ minutes)

Put Me in Coach

2011-06-07T06:54:00.000-07:00

Since our trip to the Phillies game last month, Luke has been all about 1) playing baseball, and 2) wearing his U of Scranton t-shirt

His stance needs some work

That's better

His cheering section didn't mind that his form is still coming together
Daddy was the "thrower"

He's already disputing calls

Instead of gum or sunflower seeds, Luke is fueled by goldfish on the field
She is the happiest little babyPIGGIES!

Some more of Luke's handiwork behind the camera

Harpsistreudel?

2011-05-31T07:07:00.000-07:00

A few videos of Luke & Harper enjoying a post-nap lazy Memorial Day afternoon

This first one captures their relationship in less than 3 minutes - Luke entertains, Harper is delighted; Luke eats solid food, Harper is jealous; Harper loves to jump and smile

More of the same...

May Days

2011-05-28T08:28:00.000-07:00

We've been busy since our return from Boston - mostly with hanging out and having fun.

Luke continues to enjoy holding hands with Harper in the mornings and requesting a photograph. When did he get so gangly??

Harper graduated from her cradle swing and bouncy seat to her excersaucer! (kindly on loan from the Tiedemanns)

She has also been giving rice cereal a try...

...with some success...

...SOME success.

It seems jackets are behind us for good now, so we went to the zoo! Breaking out bare feet and sun hats and everything!

Luke was tired after a morning of train rides and "feeding sheeps" and carousel rides and bear spotting and...

Another day, Luke and Mommy decided to declare it Wacky Hair Wednesday for no reason other than it was so nice out and we were all in good moods

Harper declined to participate

"Say cheese, watermelons!"

By evening, the wackiness had worn off and Luke & Daddy took in Hoboken's Memorial Day Parade. Luke was sure to bring along his Grand Old Flag.

We also took in Harper's first (and Luke's first that he remembers) Phillies game! Daddy imparted lots of baseball knowledge. [and no, his beard isn't THAT white (yet) - the sunscreen wouldn't disappear!]

Early on, the 90ish degree humidity wasn't getting us too droopy

But the Phillies store was a welcome AC'd respite

And Luke accomplished his 2 main goals for the day
1) Get a new RED Phillies baseball hat

2) Eat ice cream in a little helmet

By this point, we were all PLENTY droopy

But, even though Chooch didn't play OR Jimmy Rollins (Mommy's favorite), Utley was back in rotation and the Phils won!

Photo Shoot!

2011-05-18T19:02:00.000-07:00

Somewhere, Harper's Great Grandmother Stewart - a woman known to like an animal print or two (thousand) - is loving her in these adorable hand-me-down jams from Carmen & Lucia.

Weekend in New England

2011-05-18T06:53:00.000-07:00

It was time for Harper to meet our bestest Boston friends, the Leary Infantines. And it was definitely time for Luke to hang out with 4 of his favorite ladies - Lucia, Carmen, Auntie Fran, and Auntie Mer. We packed the car and headed north!

Saturday started out with some pancakes and PJs. Mmmmm. Look at how big "Baby Carmen" is now!

And Lucia played peek-a-boo with Harper. She was very good at this game and Harper loved, loved, LOVED it.

Auntie Fran led some story time
And then we went to the Boston Museum of Science (where it's fun to find out)

Here, Luke spins a helicopter engine thing?

Wasp engine!

Not finding out what his voice really sounds lik e...
...or what makes an ocean wave wave

...or what it's really like in space. But Lucia was good at showing Luke all the best stuff!

Meanwhile, Harper chilled out on Mom
Next time, I'm hoping for the dolphin show and starfish and walking like a penguin at the New England Aquarium!

When we got home, the younger siblings plotted their eventual revenge

Look at the mischief in those eyes...TROUBLE!

Carmen, not allowed outside without a sweatshirt, attempts a workaround (TROUBLE)

Sweatshirts donned, Uncle PJ/Daddy helped the kids plant some flowers in the backyard

And Harper hung out showing off her mad tummy-time skillz

More PJ Playtime on Sunday - they all took turns "cooking" each other. Here, they're making "Lucia Stew"

And "Luke Soup"
We're not sure with whom Luke is most enamored - Lucia or Auntie Fran (life of the party)
The three of them opened a "cafe" on the sofa. Again, check out Carmen, keeping her eye on the camera...

Finally, sadly, reluctantly, the car was packed and it was time to go back to Hoboken. I think Luke was tired.
Yay for friends!

Happy Mother's Day 2011

2011-05-11T18:02:00.000-07:00

Luke drew a picture for Mommy this year - Daddy only helped with labeling the 4 family members and the label at the bottom right corner. I guess Ks are hard!

"I'm drawing your short hair, Daddy."

The traditional Mother's Day stroll was taken. Luke & Mommy were hounded by paparazzi.

Please, we're living our LIVES here!

Oh, OK, a few pictures. Think Harper's ready to try some solid food? (though Luke is eating the forbidden fruit....peanut butter)
Awwww
No idea what these two goofballs are doing here...

Harper's First Trip to the Electric City

2011-05-05T18:03:00.000-07:00

We took Harper on her first trip to Scranton last weekend

Luke had a checklist of things he wanted to accomplish. It included:
1) Wear Grandpa's chef's hat
2) Look at Grandpa's tools in the basement

...Meanwhile, Harper spent some time with Grandma
Luke acquired some of his father's old toys
3) Go to the Trolley Museum
He "drove" a trolley
And rang the bell of another
Then it was time for a trolley ride!
Think he was excited?

Harper played it coooool

The "Lukey-sized trolley" was Luke's favorite part of the whole museum

4) Help Grandpa in the garden (they planted lettuce)
Note he's still wearing his sticker from the trolley museum

One of Luke's photographs - Grandpa in his natural habitat
Luke and Grandpa "doing art"
And when it was time to leave, Luke was T I R E D

BONUS HARPER SHOTS!
Mommy & Harper had a lunch date with Auntie Lisa, so Harper wanted to get gussied up in her outfit from Grammy Rosella
CHUBBY HUGS!
Action shot!
Tres jolie, Harper, tres jolie
Seeking piggies...
Piggies: Acquired

Hippity Hoppity

2011-04-27T13:49:00.000-07:00

The Easter Bunny came to Hoboken!

Eggs were dyed

And eggs were eaten

The EB ate his carrots!

And hid Luke's basket in Harper's clothes hamper

So much loot!
And a wee basket for Harper, too!

With bunny ears!
To match her brother's!

Auntie Lisa's matzo brei was eaten

And then a bunny ear photo shoot was in order! With huuuugs
And Luke showing off his recessive gene
And many attempts to find the both of them smiling at the camera...

This one will be their album cover one day
Kind of smiling?

Now Harper in the fancy ears!
Then, Luke FINALLY got to take his flip flops outside! He's been waiting WEEKS.

Luke's friend, Amelia, gave him a belated birthday present the night before - he practically wore this around his neck all day

Harper showed off her best feature, her PIGGIES!

The Courtship of Lukey's Father...
A pitstop at Hoboken's beach was made
Swings!

And then home to close out the day with some love and adoration

BONUS PATRIOTISM!

Catching Up

2011-04-13T06:03:00.000-07:00

While we haven't been posting, we've been out doing here in Hoboken.

First up - we took Luke and Harper to the American Museum of Natural History back in March. We're not sure if the museum was the best part of the trip for Luke, or the many methods of transportation that were involved (ferry, bus, subway, taxi).

I'M ON A BOAT!

Mommy's favorite part of the museum - the elephants!
Luke doing his best RAWR!

There was also time for fooling around at home...

BabyGap labeled these "boy clothes." I REJECT YOUR GENDERED LABELS, GAP!
Future English Major? (thanks to Mommy's intern, Erin, for the cool onesie!)

Mutual Admiration Society, Part 1,000
And Part 1,001

When Daddy returned from a business trip to CA, he took Luke on a special "dude trip" to Home Depot to look at tools & buy some seeds for spring windowsill planting. Luke was excited to purchase a proper "Grand Old Flag"
He wore his "Construction Guy" hat from Grandpa Casey in honor of the occasion

When they got home they planted their seeds - here Luke is doing his best Toad and yelling at his seeds to "GET GROWING!"

We also made our first trip to the zoo for the year and introduced Harper to the train

Lots of other fun on our docket - visits with the Kornbluhs, maybe a model train show, and Easter egg hunts!

Luke and Harper, Harper and Luke

2011-03-06T10:52:00.000-08:00

Just some pictures that don't follow any particular theme, aside from general sibling cuteness - together and solo.

Luke and Harper love to hang out together in the morning before Luke leaves for school. Luke likes to "hold ha-yands" and always requests a photo

Luke and Daddy head outside to play with the remote control MONSTER TRUCK Aunt Sharren & Uncle Charlie got Luke for his birthday

Daddy and Harper have a snuggle - and Harper does her best Luke impression

Luke loves to play with these headphones, whether they're plugged into the computer or not. They are actually plugged in here - he's watching a Sesame Street video on you tube. Next, he'll be asking us to install ProTools

The potential tedium of weekdays can be alleviated with baby photo shoots - usually in Harper's favorite place - the bathroom! Here she models some handsome jams from Lucia & Carmen.

Look at that smile!
Who's coy?

We made a trek to the Scotts' for dinner last weekend - Luke and his bestie, Ronan, had a grand ol' time running each other ragged
And entertaining Harper

Luke "tucking Chooch into my bed. TUCK TUCK TUCK"

"Now Chooch should check me" (she is not sure)

She is DEFINITELY not interested

Dr. Luke prescribed 2 band aids to "make her feel much more better"

Another photo shoot. GO U BEARS!

Luke, who does yoga on Fridays at school, becomes fascinated with Mom's mat (fresh out of mothballs) and shows off his downward dog

While the car's in the shop, Luke's car seat is in the apartment. He moved it next to his "working bench" from Grandpa Casey and has declared this to be his "office"

Consummate Vs - TROGDOR!
(yes, that's a dragon on her jams)

Lazy Sunday

St. Patrick's Day: Hoboken Style

2011-03-06T10:31:00.000-08:00

Hoboken celebrates St. Patrick's day a little early each year - and goes all out with their parade. The weather was perfect and Luke was looking forward to seeing the drums and bagpipes and policemen and firemen alllll week.

On our way to the parade route, we happened upon some bagpipers warming up. This guy was nice enough to let Luke check out his bagpipes

Obligatory Cake Boss shot

Harper celebrated by going face-out in the Bjorn for the first time

She was so excited she spit up (Big thanks to Carmen & Lucia's hand-me-downs for the bib!)

Luke did a good job waving at the marchers

Then we needed a break from standing

Sometimes it was too loud

Sometimes not

"How YOU doin'?"
[this is Mom's favorite pic]

Ultimately, Harper was unimpressed

By both the spectacle and the noise

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Tattooch

2011-02-25T12:10:00.000-08:00

Last weekend was a loooong holiday weekend in multiple ways. It came down to tattooing the baby for entertainment. COME ON, SPRING!

She didn't seem to mind.

Lukey In the Night Kitchen

2011-02-23T05:54:00.000-08:00

Luke and Daddy made Grandma Miller's oatmeal cookies - some with raisins for Luke & Daddy, and with chocolate chips for Mommy. Cousin Ian endorses these at the best cookies going.

Luke's becoming quite the baker's assistant, no? Reports are that when they "bake" in school, he's very eager to pitch in with his expertise. Now if only Mommy & Daddy would let him "play with an egg still in the shellllll..."

Starring Harper Casey as Herself

2011-02-19T09:00:00.000-08:00

With Special Guest Star Luke Casey as the Big Brother

Harper's first "batting at something" activity, with bonus smile

Happy Birthday, Luke: The Party

2011-02-16T11:31:00.000-08:00

Due to a high volume of birthdays (and parties) in Preschool Classroom 3 in January, and also (primarily) due to the fact that Mom & Dad have had a lot on their plate of late, Luke's 3rd birthday (Observed) was set for February 12.

Once again, Daddy went all out on the theme cake - and his cake decorating skills are getting quite good with all of the practice. Much less cursing this year! The cake, per Luke's request, was chocolate

He also made a "groom's cake" for the affair - a white cake with chocolate icing (Mommy's favorite)

On the day of the party, Luke helped Mommy give Harper her bath, and decided that he should "take pictures for Grammy. I think she would like to see pictures of Chooch's bath." Um, OK

Then he decided to take self-portraits

And some still lifes (still lives?)

Finally! It was PARTY TIME.
Luke and his friend, Sophie-Anne, mingled over JBs, salt dough shapes, and markers

Luke and Zoe's mom had a chat, too

And a few of the kids had fun being firefighters

Some riff raff wandered in

A rousing game of "stick the helmet on the fire dog" was enjoyed

And the kids made their own fun

Look out, Max!

Cake time!

Candle blowing outing high 5!
Luke and his besties eat cake

Harper made a brief appearance between naps

The art table was popular, too

And finally, after it was all over, Luke was pooped! This was after his post-party meltdown because the party was over wherein we had to trick him into NOT going to bed at 6pm per his tearful demands.

It's going to be hard to top this when he turns 4!

Not Old Enough to Be Creepy

2011-02-15T06:03:00.000-08:00

Harper and Luke remain mutually enthralled with each other. They are still young enough where this is not yet creepy, but just downright adorable.

First, Luke decided the Valentine he made at school was not for Daddy nor Mommy

And then he showed her his Prized Possession of the Day, the dinosaur hatching out of its egg

Happy (Day After) Valentine's!

A Super Weekend

2011-02-08T12:51:00.000-08:00

I think everyone knows that Daddy is a Green Bay Packers shareholder - so obviously the run up to the Super Bowl was very important in our house.

Luke brought in a seasoned vet, Nitschke, to practice with Donald Driver. With shirt...

And without...

Sibling snuggle break!

Paul hurt his foot recently and has had a wrap on it - Luke wanted one, too. He was practicing being on the Injured Reserve list, I guess. It's a canny impression, no?
(all of his impressions begin with the gruff announcement of who he is - and they all sound exactly like this)

And no Super Bowl is complete at the Casey household without the Ceremonial BIG SANDWICHES from Hoboken's own Lisa's Deli. It should be noted that Luke is rocking the smaller of the big sandwiches

And he watched a little of the game before bed - you can see here that the game was at the sweet spot in the 1st half where the Pack were ahead. Daddy didn't look this mellow for long

And Harper spent some time in her favorite spot in the apartment. Bouncy seat? Nope. Cradle swing? NO WAY! Play mat? Nuh uh. BATHROOM FLOOR? AWESOME! Cooo, cooo (ahchoo)

Happy Birthday, Luke!

2011-01-31T07:34:00.000-08:00

I'M THREE!

Pretzels! Starring Luke & Paul Casey

2011-01-29T18:09:00.001-08:00

....with a special guest appearance by Harper Casey*

*Harper asks that you please excuse the spit up on the pillow and the baby acne - her partying lifestyle is obviously taking its toll...

Another Morning in Hoboken

2011-01-24T19:00:00.000-08:00

Daddy's been experimenting with his commute of late and some mornings he leaves VERY EARLY, leaving Harper and Mommy to get Luke ready & to school (meaning Luke can show off his baby sister to the morning crew instead of the usual pick up staff - he's a proud big brother!).

The other morning, Mommy asked Luke to "entertain" Harper while she ran about like a crazy woman. She stopped to snap this picture - if you look closely, you can see that he's saying "Chooooooch." Harper seems to find him to be nothing short of mesmerizing.

A few minutes later, Luke called out, "MOMMY! Look! Chooch and I are holding ha-yands!" When asked if he wanted a picture taken he said "yeah!"

Awwwwwww.

We Went on Vacation...5 months ago

2011-01-19T08:24:00.000-08:00

Remember back in August when we went on that vacation to ME/NH? We barely do (well, Mom & Dad barely do, anyway). Herewith, some more pictures!

On the one overcast/rainy day of our week, we took a trip up to the Seashore Trolley Museum in Kennebunkport, ME. A really cool morning/afternoon excursion for any of you visiting ME with wee ones (or old men who love trains as much as the wee ones). It's staffed by volunteers, and real life "trainspotters" give tours and rides on retired trolleys along a restored swath of the Biddeford-Saco line! (you can read more about the mission of the museum - and its importance in history of rail transportation - here)

Upon our arrival, we boarded the first trolley we could. Luke was so excited he could barely speak (thanks for the cool t-shirt, Uncle Joe!)

After the trolley ride, we toured the extensive collection of trolleys throughout the site - this one, from Chicago's North Shore Line, goes out to Grandma Casey!

This one is for the Leary Infantines - it's a car from Boston's aborted attempt to have "rail cars of the fuuuuuuture"....back in the 60s. It's like Luke's in Tron, no?

He enjoyed climbing on and off & sitting in/on the various cars...

Inside the museum, he acted the part of conductor (and would not allow Daddy to share the controls with him)

Later that day, Daddy introduced him to one of the "luxuries" of hotel stays - the weird, oddly-lit, poorly-temperature-controlled, too-small-for-laps indoor pool. Being a Casey, he LOVED the pool and didn't want to get out despite chattering teeth. A kiss from Mom only made it LAMER

That night we went out to dinner at the Gaslight - a place where Mommy may have spent a good portion of her wild & crazy nights out in her younger days...cough cough. Anyone else see Grandpap's "Yeah, and...?" face here?

The infamous "poop toilet" at Macro Polo. This was without question Luke's favorite part of the vacation - more than the beach, more than daily ice cream, more than the indoor pool or the hotel breakfast. We had to stop & behold its beauty each & every day of our trip - but he would not pose for a picture with it, so this is the best we could do

(Whew, a long day!) On our walk back to the hotel from getting ice cream and genuflecting at the poop toilet altar, we took in the fancy, new (new to Mommy, anyway) Portsmouth sign. Mommy is caught making the face that Luke's long, rambling stories often evoke from his parents.

And in this next series, Luke is giving a long, detailed explanation of who lives in each of the letters - Mommy, Daddy and Lukey live in one, and Grammy and Grandpap live RIGHT NEXT to Uncle Joe

Still to come from this vacation, sometime before Luke's in kindergarten, pictures from our days at THE BEACH! [Dad just needs to move the pics from his computer first...]

Harper's 1 Month Old Today!

2011-01-17T12:08:00.001-08:00

To celebrate turning 1-month old, Harper quickly outgrew her size: NB clothes and has moved on to 0-3 mos and 3 mos options. We (ok, Mom) broke out the fancy Danish onesie that Uncle Lenny gave to Baby Luke, and matched it up with the fancy sweater & cashmere booties he bought just for Harper. Ooh la la!

As you can see, she is very suspicious of the camera.

Luke and Harper Have the Rhythm in Them

2011-01-09T13:37:00.000-08:00

We hereby lobby Jimmy Fallon to make this "Neil Young's" next Pants on the Ground.

No, we have no idea where he came up with this song, nor what it inspired it. (Actually, it was because after falling, he had a Spiderman ice pack stuck in the back of his pants to make his back bruise feel better.)

And here is how we rocked New Year's Eve. Harper likes to dance, too - even with her brother streaking & shrieking through the background.

Here Came Santa Claus Right Down Hudson Street

2010-12-30T13:26:00.000-08:00

So in the midst of Harper's arrival, we prepared for and celebrated Christmas. This was the first year that Luke grasped the build-up to the holiday and enjoyed learning about Santa, the reindeer, the Christmas tree and PRESENTS.

A few weeks before Christmas, we got our first real tree for 1333 Hudson, and let Luke go through our "cornaments." [and disabused him of the notion, much to his distress, that they were not to be eaten]

Football Team Guys were a favorite

As was "Nut Guy"

Luke helped Daddy with the lights

And Daddy placed our robot tree topper just so

This Christmas spirit, it is strong with this one

Finally it was Christmas morning! Luke promptly took all of the presents from under the tree where Santa had left them and arranged them on the sofa (or the "delivery truck")

And Luke the Delivery Guy drove the truck to Luke's house (sadly, he does not observe 10 and 2 hand placement on his steering wheel)

After some pajama collateral damage, Luke changed into pajamas of his own design - including "Grandpap's sweatshirt." He also enjoyed some peppermint tea

He used his new doctor kit to check and run tests on all of us

Paging Dr. Luke

He loved his fireman puppet from Grandma & Grandpa Casey

And took a cinnamon roll break!

Busting out his Legos from Grammy & Grandpap required that he roll up his sleeves

"I'm building a ROAD!"

In the background, the fire station (with animal statues) he and Daddy built for the firetruck ornament from Grammy & Grandpap - in the foreground, the fireman puppet reports for duty

Dr. Luke "checks" baby sister

Dr. Luke declares her to be "just fine." Phew!

What We've Been Up To...

2010-12-26T07:37:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to introduce Luke's new baby sister, Harper Rosella Casey (aka "Chooch"). Born on Friday, December 17, 2010 at 8:53 am, weighing in at 9lbs .04oz and measuring 20.5"

Luke came to visit Mommy, Daddy, & Harper in the hospital. He gave her a snuggle and the "Baby Bear" he had picked out for her during a shopping trip with Daddy a few weeks before she was born. Baby Bear has helped break in Harper's cradle swing, bouncy seat, and bassinet in anticipation of her arrival

Upon closer inspection, he also declared her to be "stinky"

The next day, we suited Harper up in the outfit Luke picked out for her to wear home from the hospital (declaring "I think this will be very cute")

We were ALL glad to be home

And once she was cleaned up, Luke found her to be quite cuddly

Grandma Casey got in on the snuggle action before heading back to Scranton after 3 days with Luke (THANK YOU, Grandma & Grandpa!)

And Grandpa Casey, too, of course

And in the last week, Harper has seen a lot of this....

And heard a lot of "Old MacDonald" and "Itsy Bitsy Spider" and "People on the Bus." [Luke is especially proud of his own lyric, "The Chooches on the bus go wah wah wah, wah wah wah"]

Luke has proven himself to be a great big brother, giving his baby sister gentle hugs and kisses, singing songs, and declaring her "little hands," "little ears," and "CHEEEEEKS" to be his favorite things about her

Welcome, Harper!

Thanksgiving

2010-12-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

Luke enjoyed the Macy's parade for the first time this year. The combination of U2's "Beautiful Day" and "guys" singing & dancing in a preview for Sing-Off made him get up and move his butt around.

Spooky Lukey 2010

2010-11-07T06:48:00.000-08:00

So we knew that his costume (or, in his parlance, "cos-t-yoooom") fit "jussst right," and we and school had spent the last week in October talking up all of the fun of Halloween in Hoboken. School "Fall Festival!" Hoboken Ragamuffin Parade! Trick or treating! Pumpkin carving! He was prepped & ready for the big weekend. (and Dad was hoping to catch a glimpse of NBC's Natalie Morales)

On Friday AM, Luke was dressed and ready for school in record time. Just before leaving the apartment, he decided that he needed his "Dalmatian Dog" to complete his ensemble. It was his last dash of whimsy, I guess

On Saturday he took his costume for a brief spin, driving the "fire truck" (our sofa), and then running a quick errand with Daddy. He then put his costume away "to keep it nice and neat" for Sunday

On Sunday afternoon, we headed out for Hoboken's Ragamuffin Parade - think he was excited? While there were several firemen to be seen, no others had their trusty dog, Dalmatian Dog, with them

After weeks of talking about going to see the fire house in his costume and showing them his jacket, and his boots, and his hat, and his pa-yants, when we got there he was so excited he could barely react....

...let alone interact with this kind, patient fireman who took the time to try to coax a smile from Sphinxy (note the matching jackets)

"He didn't like parades just passing by him...." so he busted a move to the music from one of the floats

Mom introduced him to her favorite candy, Reese's peanut butter cups, being sure to teach him to smell it before eating it (because the smell is MAGICAL)

Dalmatian Dog held his hat

On Sunday night, Daddy took Luke out trick or treating to HoBOOken's spookiest 4 square blocks - check out the giant spiderweb! Luke came home and told Mommy, "I was a little scared, but it was just pretend"

After trick or treating, Luke & Daddy got down to pumpkin carving (Luke had requested a "happy pumpkin"). [the hat was his newborn hospital cap that was uncovered in the cleaning efforts for new baby sister that are underway. He looks Amish, no?]

This time it's Daddy making him smell something. The yardstick, you ask? Why it's his guitar slung on his back (or tucked into his pants' waistband)

Behold! The happy pumpkin!

Even Later than Ever: Summer Vacation Part Dos

2010-10-28T18:45:00.000-07:00

On our first full day of vacation, we went to see John and Cathy Marr, and Avery. As you can see, Luke and Avery hit it off famously, thanks to her patience and willingness to run around the backyard like a nut.

There was a lot of jumproping

And even more.

Plus some wagon/flashlight playing

Luke also took very quickly to hotel breakfast, and enjoyed his new favorite cereal, oatmeal with lots of raisins (plus bagel, plus fruit, plus some of Mom's bacon and eggs.)

He also enjoyed "coffee" in the morning.

soon to come... two days at the beach

The Cutest Firefighter in Hoboken

2010-10-20T17:53:00.000-07:00

Somebody's Halloween costume finally arrived!

We think he likes it.

TEAM LISA Races for the Cure Again in 2010!

2010-09-29T17:19:00.000-07:00

Thursday, September 30th is FIGHT BREAST CANCER DAY. In celebration of that day, a recap of Team Lisa's 2010 Race for the Cure! Huge, gigantic thanks are due to all of you who donated and got us past our $2000 goal - and allowed us to go for $2500. Luke and Mommy are very lucky to have such amazing friends and family who support us every year. This year, however, marked the first year we had a limited time "matching grant" from the best friends ever!

It's not too late to support us - donations are accepted until October 31, 2010 - click here & make a secure, tax deductible donation!
www.komennyc.org/goto/paigeandluke

As loyal readers know, Luke and Mommy spend the second Sunday of every September doing the Susan G. Komen Greater NYC Race for the Cure with TEAM LISA. So on September 12, 2010 we suited up (phew! Mom fit into her size L t-shirt!), grabbed Daddy, and headed for Central Park with tens of thousands of supporters, activists, and SURVIVORS (look at all of those pink t-shirts!)!

Team Lisa 2010 - ready to go! Luke was joined this year by Edward - who kindly loaned him a clean, dry t-shirt after an unfortunate juice box incident. Thanks, Edward!

Luke made sure to carbo load before his ride

Photo by Auntie Lisa

And because we're awesome parents, we gave him scissors to play with in the stroller
(NB: we had just gotten them the day before...and they couldn't cut butter)

...Aaaaaand for the third straight year, Luke failed to make it through all 5k awake

But Edward did!

Priorities in order, Luke woke up in plenty of time for our delicious TEAM LISA brunch. Hmmmm...what to order, what to order....

Photo by Auntie Lisa

Yay!! Daddy joined us!

Photo by Auntie Lisa

Look at him making eyes at Auntie Lisa

The first family portrait to include "Chooch"

Photo by Auntie Lisa

BONUS!
Auntie Lisa is far more indulgent than Mommy & Daddy and she showed Luke how to use her camera and set him loose on the brunch table

The Young Artist's Work

Stay tuned for pictures from the Kids for Komen Race at Luke's school - Friday, October 8th!

The Feast of the Madonna!

2010-09-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

For the first year ever, Luke was old enough to enjoy the real pleasures of Hoboken's annual Italian Festival. Note his ill-fitting shirt. For just a $5 donation, Luke was given an Italian American Police of Northern NJ t-shirt. You know what old Italian cops like? Little boys freaking out about getting a "policeman shirt." He was also loaded up with a bumper sticker, a key chain, a measuring tape, a pen....

He boogied down to the music

Check out those moves!

He saluted the flags

He enjoyed some street fair lemonade

He got to know zeppole - for you New Englanders, they're like fried dough balls.

It only counts if you're coated in powdered sugar

Viva La Madonna!

Luke at the zoo

2010-09-27T06:29:00.000-07:00

Luke loves the Zoo, and he loves dancing to the Zoo Songs.

Enjoy.

Happy Birthday, Grandpap!

2010-09-26T06:07:00.000-07:00

Luke & Mommy Race for Cure Again in 2010!

2010-09-08T16:52:00.000-07:00

In less than one week from today, on September 12, 2010, Luke and Mommy will join TEAM LISA and thousands of others for the annual Komen New York City Race for the Cure® for the third time. As the world’s leading breast cancer organization, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® is committed to ending breast cancer forever. By making a donation on our behalf, you are supporting local breast cancer screening, treatment, education and outreach along with national peer-reviewed research programs that will lead us to a world without breast cancer.

WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY GO?

Komen Greater NYC has a multi-pronged approach to fighting breast cancer:

It addresses the community breast health needs of underserved populations in metropolitan New York
It supports essential local education, screening and treatment programs
It invests in crucial peer-reviewed research programs being conducted locally and nationally
UP TO 75% of the net revenue is used to support local breast health programs and at least 25 percent funds peer-reviewed national and local clinical research

Last year, Luke & I raised over $2000 for Team Lisa thanks to so many of you. Team Lisa raised over $12,000. This year, we want to match last year, and our goal is $2000 once again. Please help us reach that number with your financial support. Online donations are simple, and the site is secure. Please go to www.komennyc.org/goto/paigeandluke and click on the "SUPPORT PAIGE" button above the thermometer and make a tax-deductible donation today!

Luke and Auntie Lisa on Race Day in 2009

Feel free to wager and donate based on the following: Will Luke stay awake for even 1 of the 5 K – for the first time in Race history? Will a very pregnant Paige make it through all 5K, or will she bail & take a taxi? WIll she even fit in the t-shirt?!? Will Luke fill up on the bread basket at post-race brunch?

WHY DO WE RACE?

Because the greatest risk factors for getting breast cancer are being female and getting older
Because breast cancer knows no boundary be it age, gender, socioeconomic status, or geographic location
Because one in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime
We race because it makes a real difference - just look at all of those pink survivor shirts on our team in that picture to the right - they are a testament to our success.

Most of all, Luke and I race because we love Auntie Lisa and are grateful to have her in our lives.

Thank you everyone for your support!

Love,

Paige & Luke

www.komennyc.org/goto/paigeandluke

Better Late Than Never: Summer Vacation 2010 Part 1

2010-09-02T18:12:00.000-07:00

Mom, Dad, and Luke went to Portsmouth at the beginning of August, and enjoyed 5 days of Poop Toilets, Ice Cream, Beaches, Ox-Cart Man discussions, more Ice Cream, Trollies, and some more Poop Toilet.

After settling in at the hotel, Luke set about discovering Portsmouth, and enjoyed some dinner at the Portsmouth Brewery.

Luke had lots of fun looking at the boats, and generally running around the waterfront.

The electric tea lights at the Portsmouth Brewery were fascinating and promoted a few rounds of "Happy Birthday."

This was about the point we told Luke that we would go for ice cream after dinner.

On Monday, Luke got ready for a big day sightseeing, equipped with his hat and "camera". All he needs are some tall socks to complete the outfit.

He tried to wrap his head around the fact that Mom and Dad got their wedding photos taken on these steps, and willingly posed for a photo with his best "cheese."

After breakfast we got down to learning, and went to the site of Portsmouth Market, immortalized in the book The Oxcart Man.

Here is Luke and Dad checking it out close up, near the "ice cream street."

Coming up... playing with friends, playing in sand, playing with lobsters

Mommy's Wallet

2010-08-08T22:00:00.000-07:00

We're just back from a week's vacation in New England and are still sorting through our pictures. In the meantime, here's a video from about a month ago to tide his fans over....

One of Luke's new favorite things is to find Mommy's wallet, disassemble it, and then parcel out the "tickets" and "monies" to Mom and Dad. (interestingly, all paper products, including dollar bills of all denominations, are "tickets," only coins are "money").

On this particular morning, he set up a picnic blanket in the living room (and only he was allowed on his blanket), and went about his work.

Yinz Guys

2010-07-22T15:14:00.000-07:00

We all packed up and headed to Pittsburgh last weekend. Our first stop was for breakfast with Uncle Joe at the Hot Metal Diner (where Uncle Joe is a regular) - followed immediately by a pit stop at the Harley Davidson store across the street (where he is also a regular).

Oh no, I think we're in trouble.

So then Uncle Joe had to show Luke HIS bike - and even let him sit on it!

And showed him how things work...

Luke was a quick study

Again, we're in trouble here.

But it wasn't all play, no work. Luke was supposed to be watering plants with Grandpap, but decided that the driveway was dirty

That's more like it

But it soon devolved into this display (to be fair, it was 90+ degrees)

3 generations of Play-Doh

Up bright and early to water Grammy's flowers

And pick weeds

And work the phones

His cousins, Simon & Chloe, came over and were put to work in the call center, too

Can you believe this? The driveway was dirty again! Grandpap helps Luke by pointing out the dirt (or chalk)

Finally, Grandpap gave a tutorial on tools - I guess so Luke can do some repairs on our next visit

Scooter!

2010-05-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

A few weeks back, we visited Luke's bff BEN. Luke got to take a spin on Ben's scooter and has discussed little since, so Mom & Dad hatched a plan, ordering a scooter online and hiding it until this (long, holiday) weekend.

On Saturday AM, Daddy & Luke let Mommy sleep in and went out on a morning "adventure." Daddy took him out to buy a helmet and knee & elbow pads. Apparently, Luke kept telling Daddy how "I need scoooooter! To wear with my helmet and paaaaads." We marveled that he had no clue what was coming.

After his nap, we broke out the scooter - along with some ground rules (never inside, only outside, always with a helmet etc). We think he likes it.

Here he is on the elevator, itching to get on it and "GO FAST IN MY HELMET!"

We got him outside and he took off like a shot (and the circular path around the fountain lends well to the fact that his lists left at all times - still working on the steering part)

He came back by to pose happily with his scooter.

Scootering is apparently thirsty-making work

On Sunday morning, he was naturally raring to get back outside to his scooter training

Still listing left, but covering more ground between stops & adjustments

Apple break!

He cooled down by putting his "piggies in the fountain" with Mama

Catch-All: Goofball Edition

2010-05-21T16:51:00.000-07:00

Some more catch up photos, with highlights from the past few months

Luke enjoys "doing work" on the computer. This particular time, he was enjoying doing work on the computer wearing only a dipe. When asked "what are you doing?" He replied, "I work."

Luke thought it important to show Rawr (his animatronic dinosaur that is more complex than any of the effects in the original Clash of the Titans) his Valentine from Grammy and Grandpap, which also featured dinosaurs.

Star Wars Drum Corps.

Luke enjoys wearing Dad's swim goggles... while in his PJs

Or on the town

Hoboken St Patrick's Day Parade, which, since it featured drums, was the best parade ever.

Don't take my photo while I enjoy the parade!

I like to relax. Also referred to as "I JUST HANGING OUT."

BIrthday!! (part 2)

2010-05-13T19:15:00.000-07:00

Now months later, another glimpse at Luke's second birthday.

Let's not forget Dad made an awesome cake

Luke liked it so much he wanted to eat the candle

He cut the first slice
and ate a lot
The it was time for presents, which quickly went from this

to this

Cookie Break!

Luke rides his new Italian Stallion (thanks Aunt Tanya!) named Lukey.

Its not a party without funny glasses!

and the aftermath... Luke standing alone, yelling, and waving his new broom, after stuffing his face with Grandma's lasagna

Puss in Boots

2010-05-04T16:40:00.000-07:00

Luke received a package from Grammy & Grandpap Rosella today. Mommy & Daddy knew it was coming, so they strongly suggested he open the package toot sweet.

In the 20 minutes between opening the package and bath time, he lobbied (unsuccessfully) to walk to the firehouse to show the firemen his boots and to see their tools, not to take a bath, and he is now, as I type this, trying to convince his father that he should wear them to bed.

I think he likes them.

Pre (Birthday) Party

2010-04-22T09:22:00.000-07:00

Finally some photos from Luke's second birthday, starting with the pre-party.

After talking about his birthday for weeks, Luke woke up in a festive mood. We enjoyed "Cookie's Birthday Party" (again) in bed.

Mom and dad gave him their present first, a mini kitchen. He quickly got to work washing his hands in the sink.

After all his Grandparents came over, he got down to some more present opening

His new bear Mac, from Grandma and Grandpa Casey (bear handmade by Grandpa, suit by Grandma)

A new broom from Grammy and Grandpap Rosella

However, all of these presents may have been trumped by the arrival of BALLOONS, including a Cookie Monster Balloon Bigger than Luke.

Fun Fact: These balloons just got thrown out at the beginning of this week.

Grandpa helps Luke sort out the balloon cords

Next up: The party itself.

Here Comes Lukey Cottontail

2010-04-04T12:56:00.000-07:00

Along with eggs, candy, and baskets, the Easter Bunny brought perfect Spring weather to Hoboken this past weekend. We aimed to make the most of it after days and days and days of rain and soggy shoes and cries of "I NEED DRY PAAAANTS" (by both Luke and Mommy most days) upon arriving home in the evening.

We got up and at them Saturday AM and headed for the park. Luke & Daddy had found some sidewalk chalk the day before, so Luke commissioned some work from Mommy. Here is probably saying "Mommy draw diamond right here." (we aren't sure where he got "diamond")

I like this one because, well, are we related or what with these expressions & our body language?

All of the running around and drawing left us all thirsty and in need of a snack

...After nap time, we headed north on Route 17 to Paramus to visit the Baldonados! (and the Swedloffs!) While Luke was really excited to spend time with young Amelia Swedloff, he made sure to spend some QT with Dr. B

He inspected the pre-egg contents of his Easter basket

Paul & Rick helped Luke & Amelia hunt for eggs

A second hunt was requested by the kids, so Paul & Rick were set to work re-hiding eggs...

...while Ann Marie instructed Luke and Amelia on how to cover their eyes...

...they didn't really listen

How cute are they? Seriously.

All that egg hunting made everyone hungry! So much delicious food!

Luke clutched his basket all the way home

And insisted on it being in his bed when we got home

When he woke up on Sunday, Mommy & Daddy sent him off in search of his basket from the Easter Bunny. He was quite excited

The fine Easter tradition of candy before breakfast was introduced (notice the cheeks)...

And he squealed with delight at the Legos from the Minnesotan contingent. I mean, from THE EASTER BUNNY. (again, the cheeks!)

The Bunny picked out some herbs for Luke and Daddy to grow

Mmmm...chocolate carrot

....and 30 minutes later, this was the scene. SUGAR CRASH!

And what is sure to be a New Easter Tradition was born: The Easter Matzo Brei (many thanks to Auntie Lisa for sharing her dad's recipe!)

After much hemming & hawing, Luke chose grape jelly for his topping

I hope we did it justice! We didn't leave a bite!

Sugar crash passed and breakfast eaten, we headed out for Liberty State Park's massive waterfront playground. Luke was sure to bring his "camera"

So maybe there were a few residual effects of the sugar high

Once at the park, Luke got right to work on the closest slide

He was beside himself when he and Daddy discovered they were in the midst of a ladybug picnic!

They carefully carried one back to show Mommy

Daddy managed to get one to transfer to Luke

One for each hand, even!

You can't tell here, but one had landed on his head. He was really proud to show Mommy

Then we broke for lunch (pb&js all around)

How handsome are my guys?

And finally, you can't really see them here, but some older kids had a bubble gun and were blowing thousands of bubbles around the playground. For Luke, this, coupled with the whole ladybug experience, made for an Easter Miracle! He's the goofball to the left of the frame

Next up: the dyeing of the eggs.

Cooking with Luke: Biscuits!

2010-03-28T17:45:00.000-07:00

Daddy's not the only one who cooks with the cutest sous chef in Hoboken. After a loooong Sunday nap (by Luke, not Mommy, alas), Luke helped Mommy make the Stewart family biscuits.

He's become a pro at pouring, dumping, and stirring - and letting everyone have a turn, too! And the granola bar project and his varied experience in mixed media like Play-doh has made him a champ at rolling out/pressing dough. We've also been trying to get his demonstration of strength on film for 2 weeks now - to no avail. This is also the first time we've seen him count in such a long sequence all at once. Sure, he's missing nine...

After the biscuits were safely delivered to the oven, Luke set out on his own baking agenda

Want to guess how much flour was on him vs. the floor? It was a dead heat.

Happy Birthday Grammy

2010-03-27T06:30:00.000-07:00

Luke's Grammy Rosella is celebrating her 39th birthday today.
We failed (again) to get our present in the mail on time, but this should tide her over!

Happy Birthday, Grammy!

Fun on the Equinox with Captain Lobster

2010-03-21T18:20:00.000-07:00

Per the previous post, it was gorgeous in Hoboken yesterday. Dry, sunny, clear and warm. Once Luke finally accepted his shorts-clad fate, we headed out on a morning excursion to see the geese and ducks, who have returned from their southern winters, and to go to a park.

Luke was excited to get to take his new soccer ball out for some real throwing and kicking (last weekend's torrential rains & high winds prevented this from happening)

He climbed all over the jungle gym.

And went down the slide (the observant will note that his scraped up shin may lend credence to his "no shorts" assertions)

He is noted for his dismounts from the slide (action photo courtesy of Daddy)

After his nap, we intended to head out to the light rail for a "choo choo" ride, but Luke decided he'd rather go to another park and for a walk...so we wound our way up to the Stevens Tech campus and their lookout high above the Hudson. Luke was fixated on the canon

His recent carousel experiences had him convinced he was "riding" it

Daddy stopped talking about the physics of canon firings in the 18th century long enough to pose for the Picture of the Week (tm)

All of the crazy fresh air and sunshine had us all ready for dinner, so we tried a new waterfront restaurant - where Luke showed off his barback skills

Ensuring a clean dining surface for his pizza

"I cleeeeean it."

Tidiness and decorum were abandoned, however, upon the arrival of his food. He was telling Mommy that the pizza goes "here"

Then he told Daddy

It wouldn't be The First Warm Day without a frozen treat for dessert! And lucky for us, Rita's was giving out free Italian ice (though Luke called it "ice cream")! We started him out with classic cherry

He tried some of Mommy's black cherry & vanilla custard combo, too

He carried the damn cup all 14 blocks home, refusing to admit defeat - even after we dumped out 1/2 of it). He would not get into his bubble bath until he took another lap

Forcing it

Its watery, cherry-chunked remains, spoon en route to mouth

Finally done with his "ice cream," clean, and snuggled, he fell asleep with his hobo's assortment of treasures. The stuffed friends stay the same (Cisco the dog, big monkey, Daniel the lovey, and Cookie Monster), but the books rotate. The balls are a new addition, as is the blanket, which he has rediscovered just in time for summer

Spring Has Sprung

2010-03-20T11:13:00.000-07:00

It's 70+ degrees in Hoboken, but Luke is not quite ready to give up his winter gear. We have twice had to dissuade him from donning his winter jacket (even Toddler Whisperer Ms Keli had to let him learn the hard way on that one), and he was not a fan of putting on some shorts this morning.

Clearly, we are the meanest parents EVER.

Cooking with Luke: Don't Make A Mess

2010-03-15T17:42:00.000-07:00

After Luke had so much fun making muffins with Daddy, and after he really enjoyed making banana bread at school, Luke and Daddy continued their cooking streak this past (rainy rainy) weekend. Their biggest project was to make granola bars (or, in Luke's parlance, "gro bars") from scratch.

He was really into this project.

I love how he thinks he's getting away with sneaking a taste...again and again.

And finally...pat pat pat

Lukey Gloverhands

2010-03-04T17:31:00.000-08:00

The other night, Luke was "washing dishes" in his kitchen. When it was time for dinner, he insisted on leaving his gloves on. I guess he didn't want dishpan hands?

"I Cook"

2010-02-24T18:30:00.000-08:00

Luke has recently developed an eagerness to help Mommy and Daddy in the kitchen. This past Sunday, Luke got to advance from a mere spectator or occasional stirrer to Daddy's sous chef!

A project was selected

While Daddy prepared the kitchen, Luke was given the task of putting the muffin papers in the pan

He took it very seriously

He was ready to cook!

He whisked the eggs

Check out this action photo

He watched Daddy add the dry ingredients

And took over with the stirring like a pro!

Daddy showed him how to put the batter into the cups...

"Luke do it."

Ready for the oven!

Ding! They're ready!

Yay for muffins!

Luke is ready to eat the muffins

He finally gets one......is it good?

YES! Yes it is!

He even shared with Cookie Monster

The End

Super Sunday Super Traditions Super Cute

2010-02-09T17:21:00.000-08:00

Long before Luke came along, Mom & Dad had some Super Bowl traditions in place. Big Sandwiches are purchased from Lisa's Deli, dip is made, and many snacks and beverages are enjoyed. 2010 was the year that Luke could join us in our revelry.

He mightily enjoyed the pregame shows of patriotism

He REALLY enjoyed kick-off

And he really, really, REALLLLLY enjoyed his very own Big Sandwich!*

*You might be saying, "hey, isnt' that a BIG SANDWICH for a little boy?" To be fair, we requested the smaller, "hard roll" option, but they gave us the full hero in error. No matter, he ate 1/2 of that bad boy, as you can see in the clip above.