SAN DIEGO

Elmo's world was invaded yesterday by Memere, Nicole & Cooper. Sea World is where Elmo and all his friends spend the summer away from Sesame Street. The trip was a big one for Cooper. He was star struck by the BIG BLUE! COOKIE MONSTER. The smile was the biggest I've seen yet from this happy boy.
Sea World needs some toddler friendly advice however. Preferred parking means you drive around forever trying to find the preferred parking lot. Parking the stroller is just as annoying. Access to the sites are not stroller friendly nor are are they handicapped accessible. Diaper changing stations are very difficult to find. Nicole found one as we were leaving the park.
We had a fun filled day looking at all the fish and birds that live in beautiful San Diego.
On the way home we stopped in to se Grand Nana Marie and Bill. We had a lovely visit and Cooper was an Angel!

WHAT A WEEKEND!

Blue's Clue's and Bubbles. It doesn't get any better. We had a fun time celebrating Cooper's second birthday at the pool in Laguna Beach. With all his favorite people around Cooper was a happy boy.
It doesn't seem possible that it's been two years already since becoming a Memere. I have to admit it's been an amazing time. This event two years ago set into motion a major change. A whole new life started for Cooper and me.





Life is beautiful!

A VISIT FROM NICOLE & COOPER

Since Jakob is in India for a couple of weeks Nicole and Cooper are out and about. They spent Saturday and most of Sunday in Laguna with Memere and Pepere. This picture is of Main Beach in the heart of Laguna. Nicole and I walked from the hotel to this spot where there was a nice restaurant that served refreshing cocktails with this view.
It was great to see them and to have them stay over. Cooper stayed in with us in his own crib. Nicole had a room by herself and was able to sleep in a little in the morning. Something she hasn't done in about two years.


We had a great time keeping up with Cooper. He swam in the pool, played in his sand and water table, played in the waves and sand on Main Beach Laguna. Riding the elevator at the hotel seemed to be Cooper's favorite activity since he could push all the buttons.

TIME TICKIN AWAY

It doesn't seem possible that a year has passed since leaving Massachusetts. When I arrived last May it was just in time for Mother's Day. Well another Mother's Day has just passed and it makes me feel so blessed to have my girls and their guys in my life. Cooper will be turning two in a couple of weeks. Danielle turning twenty seven, Owen is turning the big 30. Birthdays and Holidays mark such milestones and memories. This weekend is Memorial Day. Traditionally the start of the summer season. A Holiday that Joe and I never seem to celebrate properly. My grandmother would always buy geraniums right after Memorial Day because the price went down. She used them all around her little White Island cottage to bring bright red and pink blooms to greet visitors. I recall during one of our jaunts to Boston, with Nana Blanche in tow, we stopped to visit Grampa Joe's grave site where she placed a pot of these geraniums. Memorial Day for me will be greeting and accommodating tourists and visitors to the sea shore. Kind of like the potted geraniums of Nana Blanche's.

TIME IN THE POOL

This is my first attempt at posting video. Nicole and Cooper visited in Laguna Beach on Mother's day and spent some quality time in the pool.

I love this stuff.

FIRST TIME HOLDING JEF

This was taken the morning I arrived in New Jersey at the hospital. Owen made special arrangements with the staff so that I could come right in at 8am since I had flown all the way across the country. This little bundle made me feel as much at peace as he looks at peace. A perfect mix of his parents. Born out of love. Love for family.
Spending two weeks with the Fletcher family was so special. It went by all to fast and left me missing so many special moments. I'm thankful for the ones I was there for.
Joseph's umbilical cord fell of just in time for a first bath. He loved it. He had his first lunch date with his Mom and I at an East Coast Chinese food restaurant. He slept the entire time. Danielle, being an observant Mom, noticed a rash on Joseph a few days after her milk came in. We concluded it was the pepperchinies and salsa from supper the night before.
I cherish the time I spent with The Fletcher's. There is a tightness there that fills my heart with goodness.
This is a more recent picture of JEF Joseph Edward Fletcher. A born politician. Taken two weeks ago.

BEING MEME

It's just Cooper and I.
The best part of the day is when he looks up at me to tell me something he sooo wants me to know. It is amazing how much a young mind can develop so fast. This Meme stuff is a workout for my mind and body too. I sleep like a log. Getting up off the floor takes less effort now since we spend so much time there. An almost two year old is the best motivator I could have to get myself in good physical and mental shape. He's an angel boy.