Happy Saint Patrick's Day from MJV

Thanks to Grandma Dude and Great Aunt Hop, 

M had a multitude of costumes for his 6 month photo shoot.

and oh.my.gosh he looks so cute in all of it.

There is lots of green, but he'll probably get pinched anyway.

(because he's so cute!)

He really liked the hat.

Grandfather V came up and helped with pictures!

Such a sweet boy.

Happy six months of life, MJV!

Happy (belated) Valentine's Day! Love, MJV

How could you resist kissing these cheeks?!

 He's FIVE months old!  So big.

15 pounds 4 ounces

26 inches long

assuming the thinking position.
fingers in mouth are very important for concentrating.

look at that belly!

such a gorgeous toothless smile

takin' a break while mommy puts on lipstick

my two valentines
with my kisses
(picture of Ben circa 2006)

With lots of love,

the Philadelphia Vandaveers

New Year's Day, Philadelphia Style

Happy New Year!

Malcolm had a rough NYE.

(not really, he actually slept through the loud and very close 

fireworks, which went off ALL NIGHT in our neighborhood.)

(gratuitous parent brag: and he proceded to sleep TEN HOURS straight the next night! 

good work buddy, let's keep practicing those skills)

If you've never been to the Mummer's parade, well . . .  

you probably won't understand these pictures

from our vantage point on Washington and Broad.

But as it was Malcolm's first parade, 

we did our duty as new parents and documented it well.

 

The wikipedia article is worth skimming to get a general idea of why these groups of burly men spend all year working on their costumes, floats, dancing, and musical routines.  

This year, the Mummers were joined by 

beautifully done-up transvestites in full makeup and fancy outfits:

lookin' good girls.
and mummers - well, I like dem golden slippers

Hot Chocolate

COFFEE

Green Champagne

courtesy of Philadelphia's Police department.

I think Malcolm enjoyed it.

Always fun to enjoy the experiences that only Philadelphia offers.

The three month mark is bittersweet.

I promise that I tried to narrow it down.

His expressions are so fun and getting more meaningful!

He giggles and smiles and really lets you know what he wants.

and doesn't want.

a stranger comes into my house?

in the middle of the night?

oh - he brings presents?

So, I started back to work last week and it is a lot like riding a bike.

I sure do miss staring at my little man all day.

I think he misses me too, but he has had great company.

Such a sweet boy.

Love him so so much.