Christmas 2008

Dylan "got" Christmas this year. Lorraine's annual Christmas Tree Decorating party was a big hit with the little guy. Although he had a blast eating the cookie ornaments, Dylan was in his element when he had free reign to throw snow on the tree.
Santa was not so scary this year, especially with Jessie to sit next to him. This prepped him for meeting Santa at Daddy's work party. I guess he thought he might score some more trains for good posture.

Santa scored big with this parking garage.

Even with all the presents, Dylan still had a blast making Baby Sam smile!

Nate Can Smile!

Somehow all members of the Branciforte household have survived the first two months with our new addition. It has been a rocky road of poop, colds, snow and crying. Lots of red faced, silent agonizing wails from not just Nate but Dylan too. Thankfully I picked up some tricks from my first high maintenance infant (Ergo, Miracle Blanket, no fears about getting out of the house everyday). Here is the proof that it is all worth it. Nate smiles!!!!

More Pics of The Boys

A Wide Eyed Nate

As the days progress, Nate's eyes keep opening a little wider each day.

Halloween with Bucko

This Halloween was unique for Dylan. He began the day meeting his new baby brother, Nate, and hanging at the hospital. Bucko made his night by taking him trick or treating on our neighboring street. Once he figured out he got goodies after he pressed the doorbell, he was continually requesting, "Next one?".

Baby Nate Is Here!

Nathaniel David Branciforte
October 30,2008
8lbs 8 oz

We're home, happy and ready to eat!

Queens Farm Apple Festival

We went to the Apple Festival to enjoy some apple goodies and to meet up with friends from Brooklyn and the Island (Zoe, Lincoln, Clio, Eleri and Marcus). Dylan had many favorite moments of the day and it's difficult to guess what rocked his world more- feeding sheep or feeding himself popcorn, apples and french fries?

Of course, the biggest smiles that I captured happened during some impromptu racing that resulted in false starts, tumbles and a lot of giggling in the wind.

Am I Ready For Two Boys?

Dylan and Marcus broke me into the reality of what two little boys really like to do. First the boys enjoyed a stimulating Thomas video and then it was a jump fest on the couch with Jay as the ring leader. I just sat on the other side of the room and hid behind the camera.

Tired Summer Wardrobe

The end of the summer season is here and I'm getting bored with Dylan's outfit choices (yes, he is a boy and rarely cares what I put on him). Luckily, he still fits into this hipster hat that Nonna bought for him last year.

I should also point out the addition of Spunky the Dog (it was on the tag and has stuck)to the pictures in the last two posts. At first I thought this was an adorable development. Now I dread the day when the Spunkster is left in an unknown location. First thing on my to do list is to buy multiple Spunkies. Somehow this list never makes into the store.

Park Slope Playdate

Last Friday, we met up with Siena, Sylvie, Will, Sam and their moms in Brooklyn to visit with Scarlett and her mom and dad from Minnesota. These days getting Dylan out of his pjs and diaper is a feat that requires just the right phrase to get him to agree to leave his prized house. When I mentioned we would see Baby Sam, Will's younger brother, he was so happy to hit the road. Dylan is fascinated with Sam and gave him his toy and books while the other toddlers ran around on the grass. Wouldn't you be in love when Sam shoots a smile like these at you?

Dylan's Birthday Party

Dylan's party at the new house was quite a success. Not only did our boy score lots of great toys, Daddy also saved precious moula by having Uncle Mark and Cousin Eric install the dining room ceiling fan. As you can imagine there was a lot of moving and shaking going on as power tools were humming, kids were splashing in the pool that Jay spent three days cleaning and house tours were happening.

Ellen and Dylan

Jessie, Jessie, Jessie

Dylan has a hard time choosing his favorite person of the day. Ellen scored big brownie points by taking him in the pool and providing endless opportunities for Dylan to jump into her arms. Yet I think Jessie might be his favorite person ever. He followed her around all day and was game for whatever Jessie had up her sleeve. Denise and I got a big kick out of Dylan's huge language development when Jessie said, "Dylan told me that he wants to move the toys from the water table into the pool.". One phrase that he still repeats is, "Jessie, home.". He went to bed saying it and woke up thinking about his fabulous older cousin.

Below are some cute couple shots from the day:

Aunt Donna and Uncle Matt

Scott and Sam

Marcus and Kai

Davis Farmland

Dylan and I met up with Amy, Grace and Emma for an adventure at Davis Farmland in Sterling, Ma. The animals roamed around so that the kids could pet them. This produced mixed results from the kiddies.
Dylan thought the goats were super soft to pet but was terrified when the sheep and cows started baaing and mooing for food.
Grace decided to find safety in Amy's arms and was thrilled to exit animal kingdom and run through the sprinklers and playground. Emma, the youngest of the three, was chill with whatever came her way.
So did Dylan get anything out of it? I have definitely heard an increase in moos, baas and neighs and he is totally into his new Little People Farm. Now if he is only as gentle with his new baby brother as he was with this tiny kitten, I'll be thrilled and totally surprised.

While Mommy and Dylan Played, Daddy Worked

Dylan and I took off for greener pastures at Grammy and Grampy's house so Jay could do some much needed yard work and paint both our dining room and the nursery. The tasks seemed ambitious, especially when I left him like this:
but he surprised us with a transformed house. I guess I shouldn't tell him how much I miss the aqua dining room.

Just kidding!

Hello Montclair

455 Grove Street

Our biggest, scariest and I hope most rewarding purchase ever. We officially closed on July 22nd and moved in on the 23rd in the midst of lightning strikes. Jay and I celebrated our fourth anniversary on July 24th. July is the month for milestones in the Branciforte family!

Good-Bye Brooklyn!!!!

Throwing rocks at Dog Beach.

Kisses for Sylvie at JJ Byrne playground on Fifth Ave.

Lunch in the garden at Perch. Was it only a year and a half ago that lunch consisted of a long nursing session while I tried to eat a hummus and veggie sandwich that mostly landed all over Dylan?

The Y. Dylan and I survived winter during the open gym from 9-12 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.

We have memories to treasure from Park Slope. I have learned so much as a parent from the people and places of this unique neighborhood. It really felt like being on the set of Sesame Street.