eighteen months

This expression says it all. In the past months as I have watched him grow from a baby into a little boy... i have been enveloped in joy. He has been a fantastic partner through my days. Understanding. Kind. Patient. Authentic. Sensitive. Nourishing. and. Oh, so much fun. He is very clear and consistent when it comes to his likes and dislikes. He gives all of himself to those he trusts and loves. He is skeptical of those he doesn't. He adores ernie, elmo, and elephante. (the "e" trifecta) He enjoys music, dancing, and sings along to the elmo's world theme song. Just last night iz and I practiced our coordinated routine to "sexy back" (papu would be proud). It involves spinning in circles, the moon walk, running towards eachother and slapping high five then dropping to the floor in laughter. Crazyfun.
His vocabulary is rapidly developing. "Bubie" is a very popular one right now. All X5, M6, and Ferrari get a "Bubie" shout out from the back seat. "Meow" = cat. "Moo" = cow. "Ssss..." = snake. "Neigh" = horse. "Bow wow" = dog. "Boll" = ball. "Momo" = elmo. "Nananana" (elmo theme song) = elmo. "Nana" = banana "Vroom"= truck
The list is long...
Isaac has been enjoying swimming. He is starting to dunk his head. He had his first shower this week. He hates anyone touching behind his ears, hated his hair being cut, didn't like Dr. Shulman probing him, and wants nobody touching his "tutu" ;)
He loves to give kisses and hugs, he does a fabulous eskimo kiss. Is more than happy to lift your shirt to show you your belly button. And is a little lover.
He is getting more comfortable with separating. Today was the first day at gym day care with no tears, and he is getting along swimmingly with Jill. Blankie is the end all be all, and 3.5 hour naps are the standard.
I feel like each day he is working on something new. And each day I am reminded of all the little things I take for granted.
Isaac, thank you for all you have given me. Never thought I would say this, but hangin' with a 18month old has taught me more about life than anything I have ever done.

ILS:: 18 months:: 23lbs (20%) 33" (75%)

looking up

"A new father quickly learns that his child invariably comes to the bathroom at precisely the times when he's in there, as if he needed company. The only way for this father to be certain of bathroom privacy is to shave at the gas station."
-Bill Cosby

Happy Fathers Day to an absolutely dedicated father. You truly are the man that Isaac looks up to. It is with each Prius that passes, and the little "daddy" i hear from the backseat that I am reminded of your bond to one and other. Every evening at 5pm when Isaac starts chanting your name... and then when the door finally swings open and he bolts towards it... love is everywhere.

You make fatherhood look as simple and natural as it could. Thank you for making my job as a mother easier, and for everything you are to our son and our family.
We love you.

xo.
h+i

taste of the nation

Taste of the Nation is an event that I have wanted to participate in for years. It seems like each year there is a reason why we cant make it, but this year I promised myself that we were going to find a way to make an appearance.
Taste of the Nation brings together the most creative culinary minds across the country in order to support an effort to end childhood hunger. This was the 20th year the event was held on behalf of Share our Strength, and over 70 million dollars has been raised.
The Sorens spent an afternoon enjoying the creations of hundreds of chefs and wine makers in Southern California. Tent after tent suprised and delighted me each with its own perfect amuse bouche.
David's favorite: Joe's Restaurant (on abbot kinney) passion fruit tapioca with shaved coconut granita
Hailey's favorite: Bottlerock's white truffle and cheddar grilled cheese sandwhich
Isaac's favorite: Napa Valley Grill's heirloom tomato salad
Always fun to discover new restaurants in your city, and to meet the chefs that make it all possible. For me, and absolute delight.

SATC the movie.

Friday night my girls arrived one by one to join me in seeing the long awaited SATC the movie. Elaine, Elyse, Jennifer, and Erin stopped by Woodcliff for a cosmopolitan and a lot of laughs (mainly directed at my clumsiness). We quickly headed off to Firefly for dinner, three bottles of wine, and a whole lot of silliness. I was so pleased that all of these women got along with such ease. I always worry when I bring my girlfriends together - seeing that they are from such different walks of my life, but everyone just seemed to gel. The movie wasn't anything to write home about, but the experience is one is one I will never forget. Thank you my beautiful friends for making the night so special, and for treating me with such kindness on this belated birthday celebration.