Central Park

Living next to Central Park couldn't be more amazing. We spend as much time there as we can. Here's a pic of Lucas and Daddy by the sailboat pond today. Lucas was super excited about the ducks (aka wack wack).

Daniel Parker, MBA

I know this blog is all about bragging about Lucas, but I had to take a moment to brag about Daniel. He just graduated from NYU Stern School of Business with his MBA. Not only that, he was also selected as one of the two student speakers at the graduation ceremony - in RADIO CITY MUSIC HALL. Here it is:

His speech was amazing. Seriously, he had that crowd in the palm of his hand! After he sat down, the dean got up and improvised: "Well Daniel, you certainly have been productive." Of course that got a good laugh from the crowd.

I couldn't be prouder of Daniel. He has worked incredibly hard to get the most out of his business school experience possible. Especially over the past year - with a new, more demanding job - this has meant a lot of sacrifice, but he has continued to be a stellar dad and husband.

And now, after two-and-a-half long years of classes and studying after work on weekends, it is great to have my husband around more.What's also great is that for the first time, Lucas will know a dad who isn't also in school.

Mini-Sternies: Lucas & Ender

We had a great time with all those who made it out to celebrate with us and see the graduation: Jan, McKay, Scott & Jann, Hayley & Cameron, my mom & dad, and Hilary. We're so grateful the were able to come. They made this week incredibly special and fun. We should have gotten a big group photo!

That's Dean Henry to the right, with a big smile on his face. And Maria Bartiromo next to the dean, behind Daniel.

McKay, our talented videographer, and Daniel's proud mom

Special thanks to Scott & Jann, who got to RCMH incredibly early to wait in line and make sure we could get a whole row together.

The First Haircut

I delayed it for so long. I knew it needed to happen. I blamed it on laziness, but the truth was, I was dreading cutting off those sweet little baby curls and admitting my baby is, in fact, a little boy.

But now that Lucas has lived in his short hair for a few weeks, I love it. And he looks great (better?).

I made Daniel bring his camera along so we could document Lucas's first haircut (including the walk to the barber). Here are some of my favorite photos:

Cute Lucas telling us about the "birs" in the trees. Me at a not-so-cute 4 months pregnant.

This kid won't look at the camera...

In order to get any expression out of him, we have to tell him to beat his chest like a gorilla.

Or to act like a monkey.

His hair, in full glory.

Side view of the curls.

This was the expression he had pretty much the whole time. Totally suspicious of what was happening to him. (Although we had watched YouTube videos of kids getting their hair cut the day before.)

Still suspicious.

Check out that expression in the mirror.

P.S. Lucas was perfectly behaved. He didn't wiggle out of his chair. He occasionally would turn his head to see what was going on with the other people getting their hair cut. Everyone in the barber shop commented on how good he was. Love this boy!

Anyone Want to Babysit?

In the few seconds it took me to smear concealer under my eyes this morning, Lucas climbed up on the toilet, grabbed the nail polish I thought I had put out of his reach, opened it, and spilled it all over himself (a brand new shirt!), the toilet seat and the floor. All this while I was standing there looking into the mirror!

Then, when I grabbed the nail polish remover (a mere 15 feet away), he pulled the major part of toilet paper off the roll - I guess he was trying to help clean!?

As I reached for more polish remover, he decided to swish his hands in the toilet water to "clean" them off.

I guess I should get used to these disastrous daily little messes. I'm sure I'll be dealing with them for many years to come.  

Chocolate Cake

I made chocolate cake the other day. Lucas loved it. But he let us know when he was done.

Here's the link to the video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN0GBTQ8rN4

Disney World

I was just thinking about the wonderful trip we took to Disney World for Christmas. My family was there (minus my brother) + my mom's sister's family, including my aunt, uncle, their 7 kids + their spouses. It was a blast. Here are a few snaps.

Our first day, right after walking through the gate. You should have seen Lucas's face. He was in awe. His favorite part was the balloons.

First day at the park. Awaiting the arrival of Grandpa, Daniel, Hilary and AJ.

I rocked this ride.

Christmas Day at Epcot! Thanks, Aunt Val, for the Mickey ears.

Love.

Twins!

Sissy.

Since it was so crowded during the day, we went to the park after 9 p.m. one night. This was at the end of our night and Lucas is totally zoned out.

Our Baby Is Big Now!

Lucas is huge.

Between 12 months and 15 months, he went from the 79th percentile in height to the 96th in height. In weight, he went from 65th percentile to 79th.

He talks. He jumps. He dances. He climbs stairs. 

He's enormous.  And grown up.

Especially when I watch this video...

And now I'm going to go cry as I ponder how the last 17 months have gone by so quickly.