Sunday morning coming down

Ahhhh, Sunday! Sleeping in (until between 6:45 and 7:30 am) and then lolling about, reading the New York Times and drinking coffee or milk at leisure....

My nanny's daughter

My nanny is named Hilda. She is an amazing woman. She takes care of me while mommy works from her home office. Hilda is from Guatemala. Hilda turns 50 July 22. Hilda somehow manages to know how to work all the baby gear and make me stop crying. She teaches my mommy all of her mommy tricks (Hilda has 5 ninos). Since all of my real grandparents aren't close by, I rely on people like Hilda to take care of me. Somedays, Hilda can't come to the house, so she sends her daughter Wendy. Wendy is the only non-legal member of the family. Wendy walked 4 days barefoot across the border to get to Los Angeles. She studies English and computers at the local community college which accepts cash for her learning. Wendy (and Hilda) figure out how to clean the house and take care of the baby. They love Charlie. They buy him treats for Valentines Day and carry pictures of him on their cell phones. Wendy is working on getting legalized. Wendy also likes to go through the wardrobe I have been given and get me dressed up special everyday in fancy outfits. She takes pictures of me dressed up everyday. We are so grateful for Wendy's help and support that we hope this country will permit her to become a citizen. Here are some pictures of me and Wendy.

Charlie meets Aunt Pam!

Auntie Pam came to town! A celebration all around! Aunt Pam was the co-producer of Channel Zero News, the creator of the soap series "The Chandlers", the genius beyond the prime time hit starring "Rosette" as well as the director of many lucrative commercials. Aunt Pam took a break from her radio work to come to Venice to "MEET the BE-BE" (This isn't funny unless you can hear it in Pam's voice). We had a night out on the town at an Irish bar... and a day recovering on the beach. Aunt Pam's friend, Mr. Nate, a fellow Venetian, participated (and organized and brought beer to) the festivities.

Uncle Eric comes to town

Uncle Eric came to town. There was a big convention of scientists and he was one of them. He taught me about "Baby toss" where I get thrown into the air and then I plummet down to earth (although the operator of the game never lets go). I also learned about baby pull-up, which I relish practicing and improve at every day. While Uncle Eric was in town, we went to Joe's restaurant and had brunch with another erudite person, Liz a UCLA professor that is BFF with Aunt Crystal. Liz is my neighbor and she has a black doggie that walks by my house sometimes. Later, we went on a beach walk.

Long, Long. Lonely Winter

Baby cries. We rush to comfort. Universal truth. We would do anything, ANYTHING to assuage, palliate, comfort, or reassure this tiny little creature that commands us beyond every waking moment. What does he need? Is it hunger? Diaper change? hot? cold? change of scene? burp it out? Wants love? What could it be... he's still crying???? We are availing ourselves to every possible whim, trying to discern what he needs. This is the starting ground of parenthood. Absolute subjection. Absolute devotion. We love this little guy. The only thing we hope for is that he is happy (or maybe sleeping...)

The Big "O"

That's O-Ball to the uninitiated. According to the composite of baby books out there, children that are "advanced" at 3 months can "bat" at toys. By 4 months, they are expected to "grasp" toys. Charlie, at 3 months, is exceeding the charts in this category. He exercises what can only be referred to as the death grip nine on his "O" ball and other favorite toys.