the strong

Every six months or so, we head to Rochester to see Colden's developmental specialist. We feel really fortunate to have found this doctor, as he used to run the Down Syndrome program at Boston Children's Hospital. It's really nice to see someone versed in DS. Plus he's really good with Colden. So it's worth the drive. After each visit, we always stop and pose with the resident kangaroo, near the elevators on the 6th floor. (There's a collage of all previous photos here).

This trip we thought we'd try something new. After lunch at the Village Bakery, we made a beeline for the Strong Museum of Play, a Rochester favorite. Here are a few photos and videos from our visit.

This mirrored tunnel was a huge hit...

The floors in this little house were slanted, but the illusion of the pattern made it look as thought they weren't. Colden crawled all over it trying to figure it out- he just knew something wasn't right.

The video is pretty funny.

Cool Breeze really enjoyed hunting for fishes...

and this yellow hot rod.

Can you tell me how to get...

Colden now recognizes Sesame Street street characters and signs birdie for Big Bird, and has created his own sign for Murry/Elmo (the red guys). I think this stoop is pretty famous...

The biggest attraction of all was the mini Wegman's with pint-sized carts, aisles, and checkouts made just for little ones. Colden just loved pushing his cart and collecting food. If only it was this easy in a real Wegman's...

Have a look at those walking skills. We're so close!

CURIOUS COLDEN

I suppose your second birthday party isn't as monumental as your first, but it's still pretty big. Especially considering it's only the second one you've ever had. We didn't want to go nearly as big as last year's ballpark fete, but we still wanted to celebrate Colden turning two in style. Given our little monkey's love of Curious George (I just couldn't stomach a Daniel Tiger theme), I turned to my trusty search bar on Pinterest for a few toddler inspired ideas. One secret board, several Etsy purchases, and a few PBS kids free printables later- we were in business for a Curious Colden themed soiree.

Here's a little photo documenting of the day, starting with decorations...

I'm a sucker for party prep. Details are my middle name. Banana split bar, anyone?

A little spin on a guest book...

Favors!

Here lives a monkey...

Thanks to Grammy for sending all of Andrew's old Georges!

I found a seller on Etsy who was willing to cut apart a copy of Curious George and the Birthday Surprise and turn it into bunting for me. It's still up, and my guess is it will remain a permanent fixture of the playroom...

Thank you PBS kids for these images, and thanks to Matt for enlarging them...who doesn't want a monkey mask?

CURIOUS COLDEN!

Guests arrive, and immediately congregate in the kitchen...

It must be all the food. Caprese sliders with pesto and bacon...

Pioneer Woman mac and cheese & buffalo chicken sliders with blue cheese slaw...curious comfort food for hundreds. A special thanks to Auntie Michelle (who flew in from SF) for helping make everything!

Colden's best buddy, Luke. (Cool Breeze wants nothing but that red ball in this photo..)

With a few bellies full, the party moves downstairs and crafting conversation begins.

A sweet mommy-daughter moment. Elisa came decked out in her perfect party dress just for Colden!

There's our Birthday Boy! He sure loves all the attention.

Especially from his God-father, Uncle Charlie.

Soon, chaos ensues.

Trying to wrangle this bunch for an all kiddie photo proved hairy...Jack and Lucy preferred their mamas instead. Alas, this was the best we could do, with all that could fit.

A group shot of all the ladies, plus Colden, was in order.

Time to head upstairs for ice cream sundaes and banana splits. Ohh and to sing Happy Birthday! I think Colden was terrified of the burning candle...

Mmmm, ice cream!

We waited until the next day to open gifts; an activity Colden enjoyed way more this year than last. There's toys inside?!

It was the sweetest thing, in between each gift we would ask him which one he wanted to open next. He would pause each time, put his finger to his mouth and say hmmm? LOVE this kid!

Just the name cool breeze means stylin'- check out his sweet new shades and SF t-shirt.

Colden, I can't believe you're two already! Happy Birthday, baby! These last couple of years have whizzed right by us. Although we both still feel like rookie parents, you've certainly taught us a lot. We wouldn't trade you (or your curiosity) for anything! Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate one lucky two year old! We love you.

He was a good little monkey, and always very curious...

World DS Day

Happy World Down Syndrome Day! Here are a few recent photo faves of our sweet little cool breeze.

My are we lucky.

How big is Colden?!

Attempting to self feed with a spoon...which means we feed the floor. With a smile.

Oh how I love this face!

standing ovation

While I was in Seattle, Colden surprised Matt by starting to stand completely on his own. He's been pulling to stand for over a year, cruising, and pushing his radio flyer wagon since last October. But he had yet to master how to stand up independently in the middle of the room. Naturally, he waited until I was away on a trip to reach this new milestone. Kids. Here's the video Matt sent me capturing his very first attempts to really stand.

Since I've been home, I've managed to catch his new moves on camera a few more times.

We're so proud of you, baby!

seattle

This past weekend I flew to Seattle for an all girls reunion weekend. Despite a little weather related drama getting out (my flight was cancelled due to the storm, and I was forced to fly out of Rochester), I made it to the west coast with adrenaline flowing and a smile on my face. My how I have missed these ladies. Having lived within blocks of each other in the marina district of San Francisco for so many years, it's crazy to think how spread out we all are now. You'd never feel the distance seeing us together now, we haven't skipped a beat.

Krisite and her husband recently moved to Seattle from Philadelphia. She lives in the neighborhood of Magnolia, with picturesque houses, stunning views, and killer hills- all within a 10 minute drive of downtown. Here's the view from her deck. Can you see the space needle? Gorgeous.

Walking around Magnolia. Look at that sunshine!

With her hubs out of town, she hosted all five of us in her sprawling abode for the entire weekend. Thank you, Kristie! We cooked (I watched), shopped, had a few fancy meals out, and played a little tourist. Most of all we spent hours just catching up. Bliss.

We even had time to recreate my surprise Seattle proposal on the rooftop of the Inn at the Market, a chic boutique hotel right in the heart of Pike's Place market.

Here's the outside of the hotel..

The hallway leading to the hotel's private rooftop. Six years ago I had no idea what was about to happen...

Stepping out on this rooftop felt amazing. Matt proposed a week before Christmas, with a foot of snow on the ground, and under a veil of twinkle lights. In a word, this rooftop was magic. 

Locating 'the spot'...

Overlooking the Puget Sound, I said YES all over again!

Thank you ladies, for helping me recreate this special moment. What a fabulous weekend. Miss and love you all.

Time to head home. Some little guy is waiting for me...