b l o g o r e l l i

On the Horn

As The Boys and I are left to our own devices with The Prof traveling for business, we joined the ChoBos and Barbarian Baby/Boy Kings on a walk around Horn Pond in Woburn. Blessedly, most of the snow is melted...and although there was a chill in the air, the rain held off until our walk concluded...

Just a boy and a swan...see the swan? Ok, here goes:

We made it almost the entire way around the Pond before we saw an unfortunate sign near the water's edge "Raw sewage." Huh. The scene nearby...

And that ended our stroll.

They grow up so fast

Nothing brings the room up like photos! of! babies! Here's the current crop, including a *newbie* and some seasoned veterans...

How about more sunshine with photos! of! pups!

As The Prof reminded me after my housing market post, this is our year of positivity and making. things. happen. I'm on board.

Project 365: Day 307

Some joyous news upon our return from Spain -- The Nachos are prego! The nicknaming possibilities for this child using my newly acquired tapas vocabulary have my head spinning.

CONGRATS FRANKIE, TRACEY, and MONKEY!

Project 365: Day 299

Never fear, citizens of Stoneham -- Bat Linc is on duty!

Project 365: Day 281

Jiminy Cricket = magnificently pregnant (and looking amazing, as evidenced by the photo among her "Fallscaping.") The little man is due on October 24, but might come sooner, and should be a strong addition to the Babes of Blogorelli 2010 crop...just another reason why this visit to Cinti is perfectly timed.

Project 365: Day 261

Presenting Miss Niamh with her amazing new 5th birthday acquisition, a piano that's also -- wait for it -- a makeup vanity. (I'll let you decide on whether the black and white format is either a blessing or a curse, as it disguises the total pinkness plastic-ness of the entire assemblage, although I think the turrets speak for themselves.)

Project 365: Day 241

Day 2 of "Baby Bonanza" weekend held a delightful brunch with the H4. The Prof and I finally got to meet Miss Margot, and Ms. Greta was her usual spunky self. (I didn't get a photo of Greta, so I'm using one from the family blog.)

We even got to bring The Boys, who loved the giant yard!

Extra credit: Those girls...

Project 365: Day 240

My self-themed "Baby Bonanza" weekend kicked off today -- here is Josie, the one half of famous duo Marlowe + Josephine who was awake when I arrived.

Extra credit: Mom and Dad with the twinnies. Everyone looked amazing (esp considering the sleep deprivation) and HAPPY...

Project 365: Day 233

Finally had the chance to meet Di and Bruce's babycake Evan...I loved his intensity (and bubbles.)

Extra credit:

   

Baby Barbarian King is now Boy Barbarian King, long may he rule

I've been chronologically reading old posts lately, trying to figure out where things went off the rail with my actual writing of this blog. I guess the little diagnostic exercise could also be titled "Where I went" or "Where 'IT' went" (not sure what "IT" is, but pretty sure I'm in the negative commodity currently)...

In retrospect -- and I'm not done with analysis yet, as The Prof is out of town until Saturday early evening and I'm only through year 1 of Blogorelli, -- I guess that I'm sad to have lost a bit of everyday wonder for everyday rundown...and lamely let the number of my years dull the sparkle in my eye.

But tonight (at 11:46 pm,) and admittedly after a few, I really feel like old times. See, Intern-et, today is Lincoln Olav's FOURTH birthday. Now, don't groan about "another kids post," trust me, as I told Cho and Bobby, a recently contemplated title has been "Attending Baby Showers Make Me Want to Put 100% Polyester Underpants (not panties, never panties) on my Head and Set Them Afire!"

BUT.

Looking back, I realize that the BBK's birth was actually quite an event in my life...

- He was my first. First child of a close friend. First time I held an infant since Fat Hairy Worm (which I don't remember, really.) First experience with seeing someone my age have a baby and deal. First realization that, if I ever had one of "these Pinkies," I would be highly neurotic and nervous all the time. First opportunity to buy clothes for a baby (not cat) that made it look like an animal. The last one, especially = highly satisfying.

- I met The Prof a few weeks before His Royal Highness was set to arrive, never thinking that in four years from then I'd be a WIFEY (oh christ, I can't believe it still) and measure our time together by BBK's birthdays.

But most of all, when I look at that suave little guy, I find it AMAZiNG that he, in four years, has developed into such a little person, who

- laughs like a chipmunk
- asked Mark, "Why you got CHICKEN HEAD?" after he shaved all his hair off (which I loved, actually)
- surprises me literally every time that I see him

And even though I am very fond of Linc's little brother Cab, I must admit that there is a special compartment in my heart for the first BBK. Or, as Mark succinctly lays it down, "You got to be the favorite of the first -- the second is mine."

Which is fine by me. 

Happy Birthday, Linc. You are the only man in this world who could get me to willingly attend a Nascar race...and be excited about that fact.

Here he comes

There he is

 

Project 365: Day 189

A pre-birthday celebration for Cab's first birthday included the weekly Stoneham concert on the Common

Project 365: Day 167

Guess who's walking?

Welcome and a Happy First!

Two big events these past weeks:

My co-workers twins arrived; welcome to Marlowe + Josephine!
(I'm not sure which is which, they're twins...but both cuties)

Sir Henry turned a whole year old (which I find unbelievable, and also am a little sad that I still haven't been able to travel to Ohio and meet him. Oh well, he'll find me wittier now that he's older, anyway.)

Here is one of his multiple awesome cakes done in a "monsters" theme, by the fabulous Ms. A:

And the babies just keep coming in 2010 -- already I know of a close friend who is expecting in the fall!   

Project 365: Day 150

A perfect three days of water and weather culminated with the first sail, including First Mate Lincoln Olav (here, practicing knots)

Project 365: Day 106

Babysitting for the niece and nephew sailed along until Cian wanted a "candy bagel, Candy Bagel, CANDY BAGEL!!!" He didn't drink his milk, so no dice (not that I had any idea what the hell a candy bagel was at the time. Later on, I found out that, doh, a candy bagel is a Lifesaver.)

Project 365: Day 100

DAY 100! WOO! Seems like a momentous occasion to post a photo in preparation for a momentous occasion -- my cousin in law Diane's baby brunch. I've never been to a baby shower where the menu included mimosas, eggs, french toast and crispy bacon, it was just lovely (and delicious.) Instead of a card, attendess were instructed to bring a children's book and write a little inscription for the Skarin-to-be. Guess the only two women who brought the same book? That's right -- me and my mother-in-law...I will let you connect my mental dots when I realized this fact.

Project 365: Day 84

If you follow my day-to-day, the fact that I love "ladies lunches" is clear. Today, I had the pleasure of being with three gals -- my former co-worker JBC and her bump (in which are cozily residing twin girls!) Of course, I couldn't resist making them the photo of my day.

Project 365: Day 82

Uh-oh (or just "oh.") Cab, aka Barbarian Baby King II, is UP!

Project 365: Day 80

Business meetings are always more fun if you're

1. with a friend

2. at the Border Cafe

3. facing a yogurt-faced baby

Thanks to Amy and Ellery for cheering up a gloomy, rainy Monday

Project 365: Day 76

"TRUUUUUUUUCK!"

Project 365: Day 67

Knowing that I can relate to Generation Z, if only through Play Dough and Mr. Sketch Markers (remember those? well, they still smell just.as.good,) is a comforting thought

Project 365: Day 33

Me: "Your son is a master at balancing things on his noggin. That octopus was up there for three minutes at least."

Cho: "Well, he does have a perfectly pumkin-shaped head."

Project 365: Day 19

Snow (and MLK Jr.) day! I had lunch with Cho and Cab...don't worry, I worked on my portfolio too.

Damn you, The Hype

For all of you parents (or soon-to-be, or planning-to-be) out there, Nameberry.com has published their "Hottest Baby Names of 2010" list. Below, some talking points for the next time you want to impress on the playground:

- Economical names, "shorter and more lighthearted"...Gus, Hal, Max, Hank
- Retro names, "serious and no frills" (how fun for a little girl; I won't even list the boys' names since they are the name equivalent of moth ball smell)...Adele, Edith, Evelyn, Marion
- Boys nicknames for girls (I love this!)...Lou, Charlie, Sam, Frankie
- L names for girls, "most especially those with two L sounds" (what the?)...Lola, Lillian, Lulu

Get procreating, and then check out the "Baby Names of the Future" list. Lavinia or Collum, anyone?

  (image from donthavekids.wordpress.com)

Project 365: Day 12

My goal: hang with as many babes as possible until I am officialy unemployed...tonight, Miss Ellery!

Project 365: Day 10

Here is Cabell, in a vintage knitted shirt that I got him as part of his Christmas gift clothing bounty. "So, I got some junk in the front...whaaa?"

I'm subtitling this shot "Jersey Shore" babe.   

Margot the Great

Welcome Miss Margot, born to A Classic Girl yesterday...

A New Year's Eve baby... I love the special fact that Margot was born on the last day of a decade, talk about good luck and exciting beginnings!

Congrats to the newly expanded family, including Fafa Aaron and Big Sis Greta.

Three, Two, One Month

On Wednesday morning, I found a card from The Prof on my desk which, once opened, read "I can't wait to marry you in one month!"

O N E  M O N T H

Realizing that this wedding thang is actually (now less than) thirty days away kind of threw me for a loop. Not because I can't wait for Mark and I to be "officially" Murforelli, but just because there are still a lot of plans to fall into place. So today, I'm at home doing some intense wedding "stuff." The über-talented Tara did my makeup trial last night, which went well, Cho is coming over soon so that we can go to a dress fiting, I found neckwear for the BBK Ring Bearer, AND am about to email the florist.

The boys are both passed out, one on either side of me, on the couch.

So lots has been happening, but not much has made the way over to Blogorelli. I decided to take a few minutes and do a general update, complete with pictures.

IN THE LAST MONTH...

This has been my master and slave:

which led to finally finishing our invites:

After "practicing" my letterpressing skills on our invites, I produced quite a nice batch for The Nachos, AND attended Tracey Nacho's bachelorette (check out the cha cha red boa!)

The FIRST green bean was picked from our backyard+garden= backyarden:

BKP Sophia found a new, higher, and canine-safe perch:

And the Blogorelli babies kept growing!

HENRY

ELLERY

CABELL (and Sophie the Giraffe)

WILL (TURNED ONE! Unfortunately, the flag-bearing squirrels couldn't attend due to weather)

Our old neighbors welcomed their twin girls, Lily and Ruby:

Our "babies" grew too, about two pounds each since they've been home with us!

Ellery Viola!

What a weekend! First off, the most exciting news: our friends Amy + Ashley welcomed their little gal, Ellery Viola, on Saturday (four days early, and even one day earlier than the induction schedule for Sunday.) Check out the cute email birth announcement...

YIPPEE! Murforelli can't wait to meet her, especially since her name sounds like something out of a quirkily illustrated children's book. I also love the look she is giving Mama in this photo, like, "Wh-wh-why am I out HERE?!?"

And with Papa:

 

C O N G R A T S,  A + A + E !

Happy Third Year, Big Boy King

Things have been so hectic that I didn't have the chance to say an online

* * * H A P P Y  D A Y ! * * *

to Linc, who turned three this past week! It's so hard to believe that my waiting with baited breath for that call announcing his arrival was over 1,095 days ago...

You've still got a present coming from Aunt Titi and Uncle Bink, dearness, and you're doing a bang-up job at being the older brother.

Introducing...

Despite his every effort to stay inside Cho (which he did, for more than a week past his due date,) the Bean is  O U T:

Cabell Gunnar
7.11.09
7 lbs, 12.6 oz
20 inches long
2:56 PM

Everyone is doing well, and headed home tomorrow to an eager Barbarian Big Brother. The Prof, Half Pint, and I visited the the new little guy + proud parents today at the hospital...

He's perfect (and sooo little!)

I've worked a lot on my technique since the last time, and the practice paid off -- Cab slept the entire time I held him.

The Baby Whisperer and his newest recruit.

Half Pint, a pro with both the babes and adults (she brought Rancotore's ice cream, YUM.)

Lady in Waiting

Dear Bean (aka Baby ChoBo #2),

Soooo....your due date has come and gone by three days now, and this is your Auntie Titi to tell you that we're all waiting for your arrival with baited breath (especially your über-prego Mama!) This weekend, Uncle Bink and I hung out with your parents old school style -- since your big brother was up at the lakehouse with Nana and Popi -- going to the movies, out to eat burgers, to the beach. Now, I think you've shown yourself to be a more-than-obliging second child, letting your parents have some solo fun before your arrival.

The sun is out, and it's time that you joined, Bean. Trust me, as someone who goes MIA often (online and off,) absence doesn't make the heart grow fonder until there is someone to miss. Also, never fear, I've worked on my newborn greeting technique over the years and promise you (and your forehead) need not be afraid.

See ya soon,
Blogorelli

FRI
Dinner and a movie failed to draw you out...

SAT
This is our friend Syd eating cherries; you could meet her, if you were here...

SUN
Beach and a bbq, but still no you...

A-Z

How many times can I mention baby Henry in a week? At least two for June 22-26, because I wanted to post this really unique idea that The Polish Princess and Mad Hungarian's GTP (Good Time Pals, the Cincinnati Gang) came up with for a baby shower gift. The rules were basic and simple:

- design a 10" x 10" square based on the theme of one letter of the alphabet, with the square being a pictorial expression of the alphabet (think animals, nature scenes, musical instruments, and kid friendly)

- any medium is allowed, but the letter must be at least 2" tall within the square

These specifications might seem fairly loose...until you send them to a group of designers. I got to participate (!) and couldn't wait to see the final result. If you're planning a shower for some mama-to-be, I thought this was a really fresh idea.

Here is the amazing outcome (for full disclosure: I did "Q," don't bash, y'all):

And in the context of Henry's nursery (bunnies are so "in" right now, love it!)

Congrats again to the Eastern European royal family...I hope that first week at home is going smoothly.

I Suck

Just an excuse to show some more photos of the soulful Hank in his clever onesie...and to apologize for being so absent around here as of late. What can I say? Whether I was being showered with The Prof at our "Jack & Jill" party, giving myself a black eye by drinking too much at a picnic with the Irish cousin-in-laws-to-be and then passing out into a wall the next morning, unpacking, working, or trying to organize this "wedding thing," life has been too busy for typed recollections.

Look at this cutie and try to be mad at me for disappearing...

I thought not.

Since Summer "technically" started yesterday but it's been sideways raining in The Bean for the last week, my co-worker and I pretended to toast in the season at Marliave with one of the most sneakily easy-to-drink cocktails I've had in years. Of course, I can't remember the drink's exact name, but through the fog of two rounds, I recall that it was named after Marie Curie and contained a mix of gin, St-Germain elderflower liqueur, grapefruit, prosecco, and maybe lime? Guess I'll have to return for another drinky and try to smuggle out the recipe.

Then last week, Half Pint sent me this article from ohdeedoh about how this Saturday, June 27, is the official Great Backyard Campout...while I simultaneously found this piece about an 11-by-11-foot, one room cottage bought (for $500!) and brought back to life on the shore of Wandawega Lake in Wisconsin. Coincidence? We have a backyard at the new apartment, and nothing says love like buying your new spouse something other than useless jewelry for her wedding present, hmmm?

HAPPY SUMMER -- I AM BACK!

Oh Henry!

Not only was this past Saturday our wedding shower here in MA, but The Polish Princess and Mad Hungarian sent us an extra special prezzie -- in the form of a message that their baby had arrived!

YIPPPEEEEEE! I finally got to see a photo last night, and he is scrumptious!

A big and heartfelt welcome to...

HENRY JOHN MICHAEL
Saturday 06/06/2009
7:51am
6lbs 10oz.
20.25" in length

Mom, Dad, and Babe are all doing well -- congrats, you three!

Love,
Blogorelli

First Monday Back for sure means a case of "The Mondays"

Here is all I have to say about the next 18 days before our office is closed for MLK Jr. Day...

(Cian and Niamh)

(The Barbarian Baby King)

A bunch of random kids' photos that I found on Flickr, apparently children can really NOT like the white stuff!

One more -- Greta -- it's a phenomenon, I tell ya!

Seen One

...but I have yet to see a lovely friend produce TWO babies! So let's step up to the plate, hey possible Blogorelli Babies Mamas of 2009? Otherwise, when will I ever get to buy these matching outfits as prezzies?

Speaking of duos, these two are just too damn cute not to include, COME ON!

Parents Just Don't Understand

Finally, some shots of Will P awake, and even one with Auntie Blogorelli! Have I mentioned how much I love his disinterested looks? I always chase the ones who aren't interested.

Half Pint and Mr. Car managed to avoid giving the little man a hipster baby name, but goddammit if my #1 boy pick didn't make the short list. Grrr.

Onto the New England late fall bébé cuteness...

Used to be a Sweet Boy

What...summer is OVER?!?

Cian the Innocent

Lincoln Olav

 

Why, Will P, I'm Blushing

Once again, I find myself enchanted by a boy...Baby Will, who we met in person for the first time on Sunday.

The little family is calm, collected, and doing wonderfully (Jetta, the cat, included)

You need somethin', lady?

SO PERFECT! I can hardly wait to stop by and see them all again.

Two More Muffins, Fresh Out of the Oven

Seriously, I feel like babies are just bombarding out these days...

My high school chum Shan just gave birth to her second, a boy, last Wednesday evening, and Cho's girlhood pal Tracie had the awesomely named Niko about two weeks ago. Two-Oh-Oh-Eight is looking like a banner year for Blogorelli babies. Say that one five times fast!

KAEDEN
13Aug08 at 7:58 PM
8lbs, 4oz

NIKO

Finally...Will!

Half Pint continues to define "low key," most recently by slyly checking into the hospital Monday afternoon and having the adorable baby pictured below a mere six hours later. We are all SO excited to meet him, since we've technically been hanging out with him from the beginning...also, his moniker is so cool that I don't even feel the need to designate a nickname!

W I L L
10Aug08 at 8:04 PM
8 lbs, 1.5oz, 20.5 in.