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!

Happy Birthday!

Dylan is now an official two year old. One year ago, he took his first independent steps between Jay and I. This year he rode the subway, walked to the MTA Museum in Brooklyn, "drove" a city bus and ran in and out of subway cars. What more could a toddler ask for? Oh yeah, pizza. We indulged in plain cheese slices and Dylan did not save one bite of his for me. His reaction to his red velvet cupcake was also more appropriate than last year. After blowing out his candles, he dug right into that rich, cream cheese frosting (as did Mommy and Daddy, yum!). Look at the tears over his chocolate cake on his first birthday. He has learned the important lessons this year. Yuck to the veggies and bring on the sweets!

Cape Cod Vacation

Dylan was a beach bum during our vacation in Chatham. Cockle Cove was the perfect spot for him to dig in the sand, throw rocks in Nantucket Sound and wade out into the gently rolling waves. It was a mile walk from our bungalow in the woods and on a few rare mornings we busted our butts to get some free parking before 9 am (we're on a house budget now, sigh!).



We did venture on two day trips with our friends, Evelyn and Miguel, and their daughter, Isabella. The daddies were very excited about the beach in Wellfleet. The views were spectacular but we learned the ocean water was not fun for toddlers. Dylan was pummelled by the waves that were very cold (Jay can attest to that!) and steered clear of Daddy for the rest of the afternoon.

Provincetown was gorgeous albeit cheesy with the touristy stores. We found a restaurant off the beaten path for lunch with great views (The Red Inn) and Dylan was a big fan of french fries loaded with ketchup. The whole day I tried to capture the kids playing in some beachy setting. Of course, they had the most fun goofing around a pole in front of an ice cream shop. Although Dylan boycotted his nap that day, he was soon revived by the kiddie pool. He got a big kick out of Isabella's reaction when he poured water on her face. Isabella took it all in stride and laughed at Dylan during the whole week.

How 2 Year Olds Eat

Cheese! Dylan's new word for when the camera comes out.

I always doubt that a mealtime can be more messy than the last. Leave it to Dylan to surprise me.

Guess Who...

We have seen it for ourselves. It looks like I will be outnumbered by the men in my family. Jay and I were amazed at how clear that little penis was for my 19 1/2 week sonogram. There was no doubt that it could be mistaken for a pinkie or a toe. It was the real thing. I remember finding out Dylan's sex and I felt like I had no idea how to mother a boy. Dylan has been great training and I am getting excited at the thought that not only will the boys be close in age but I also hope close friends. Of course, one of my dad friends was filling me in on all the fighting, wrestling and mud flinging that might also accompany this relationship. I will just have to count down until the weekend when Jay can take those boys out to play ball or watch the Jets and I'll just have get manicure all by myself. That will be a luxury!