Sun-Ripened

It's been a lovely weekend: dinner dates, farewell parties, film projects, softball games, wading pools and more. The best part of the more? Berry picking!

My paternal grandmother had a giant, no, GIANT garden that included raspberry bushes and grape vines. I have many fond memories of shoving handfuls of berries into my mouth and consuming grapes unripe and ripe. The unripe grapes were power pills that my cousins and I deemed the source of our superhero power: one must suffer to return to full strength. Raspberries were their own pain-free delight and continue to be so today:

Our generous organic gardening downstairs neighbors mentioned that the raspberries were ripe and needed all-hands attention. We were happy to oblige. Nothing like picking berries in your own backyard...

...especially when you can pop 'em right in your mouth. That's a milestone everyone should achieve, whether in babyhood or adulthood. We picked more after arriving home tonight because they are delicious. Nora is well on her way to understanding the difference between ripe and unripe (or snack and power-recharge).

I cannot wait to arrange a berry-picking outing with other small fry we know (and their parents). Plunk, plunk, plunk!

And now, Nora reads! (Until she notices the camera, that is.)

You want some more photos?

Of course you do! Click on the image below to view the entire album.

Nora at the playground

Many thanks to David for snapping these shots and to the lovely Jen for taking such good care of Nora during this obviously grueling photo shoot.

With regard to my recent job loss and subsequent job search, a friend (a couple of friends, actually) suggested I go into the business of creating cute babies for a living. While the logistical and biological feasibility of this practice would be dubious at best (dare I say "illegitimate"?), not to mention what it would do to my relationship with my wife, not to mention again the violation of the laws of man and nature...

... it sure is nice having a happy kid.

...and "bless you" when you sneeze

We're raising a polite kid. At least, so far. She says "please" and "thank you" and is working on "you're welcome" (though that concept is a little trickier).

And she's always ready to do this:

We love our rooftop deck. And the sweater Uncle Ian knitted.

Plus, she can say taco, tortilla, burrito, taquito, salsa and enchilada.

Yes: we are also raising our kid.

Uh-oh

Someday, I will have to say no to this:














I mean, in theory. Everyone knows I won't have the heart actually go through with it...

Nora and Oueffi Do What Must Be Done

Nora's new thing

She pulls a pair of Gillian's underpants over her head and wears them like a shawl.
We call her...

Underpanzer.

Yes, it is ridiculous and cute.

No, there will be no pictures.

The one with the waggley tail

Perhaps someday this little pup will be as loved and well-worn as Uncle Ian's "goggie."