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.

Perch Babies Celebrate Two in Prospect Park

Dylan and Luka find some treasures in the sand.

The new additions, Ibi and Eleri, join their big sisters, Zuzu and Cleo, in the fun.

The cupcakes were a big hit! Dylan, Zoe and Abe get down and dirty to enjoy every last bite.

The delay of our move to Montclair meant we were able to join in the birthday festivities for the Perch babies. Hard to believe that these little wriggly, poopy, wide-eyed babies have turned into the energetic and creative little personalities that they are today. This parent group was indispensible to Dylan and I and I hope to be able to meet more amazing families in New Jersey!