I apologize for the long lag between posts. Something strange seems to happen between October and January where time puts on its seat belt and decides to take a ride on the Autobon. Or, maybe it's something about time flying when your having fun. To do a quick recap, we had a very nice Thanksgiving at home and made a feast for the whole 2.5 of us. Then preparations began for our trip to California for Christmas. Just before we left we had our own mini-Christmas at home. Mateo got to pull things from his stocking for the first time (from Santa, of course).
Santa left him things he might enjoy on an airplane: Play-Doh, a book, a puzzle, and some new Hot Wheels, one of which was an airplane. We then headed to the airport and I think Mateo's favorite part of the entire trip (including Christmas and all) was getting to ride on the bus that takes you from the economy lot to the airport terminal. No kidding. This kid loves buses, trucks, and trains like no tomorrow, and boarding this bus was a dream come true. Too bad it's only a 5 minute ride. Now, as a mom, I was anxious about going on a plane ride with a toddler who isn't quite known for sitting still...well, I don't know many that do at this point. But when Mateo saw the plane pull up to the gate, we might as well have been boarding the bus again. He couldn't wait! And to our surprise, he was great on plane. I think all the distractions I brought as well as a portable DVD player (thanks, mom!) helped a little. Our stay at grandma Karen and grandpa Robert's house was truly appreciated. I always feel like royalty there. Karen must have been a gourmet chef in her past life and every meal was a treat. Here are more pics of our stay.
Daddy and Mateo on the dock. Ducks would swim our way in hopes of some of bread and I think Mateo could spend his whole day feeding them and be happy.
Matt's dad and step mom live near San Diego but happened to be on their way to Sacramento for Christmas so we were able to see them for lunch. We went for Chinese food and Mateo had the best time using chop sticks to eat his noodles. I have to say, he was not bad at it!
We got to meet Mateo's newest cousin, Mia, who was already 6-months old. I have to say, I think she was the mellowist, most easy-going baby I've ever met. Oh, and of course really cute.
My mom and cousins also made their way up from LA, so we really got to see everyone this year (minus uncle Oren who decided to stay home with his new puppy). I think my mom got into her new role as grandma and did a good job spoiling Mateo (no complaints from anyone!). And more pics...
Matt dressed up (as he does annually) as Santa. He does a great job as St. Nick and some of the kids were excited to see him, and some terrified (Mateo included). Maybe next year we'll get him on his lap.
It was a treat for Mateo to run around with his cousins. There were 5 kids ages 3 and under this year. Oh my! I think I'm going to call this Christmas "The Year of the Truck" as I think Mateo got around 8 trucks...so many I couldn't fit them all in my suitcase for the trip home.
Matt and Karen also took Mateo to see his great grandma, below, and stopped in San Mateo to visit his cousin Nolan. It was another great Christmas and I want to thank everyone who made it as special as it was. Our trip home was long and tiresome, but it was good to see ol' Bebe again.
On February 14th, we had a lot to celebrate. It was Chinese New Year - Year of the Tiger - Valentine's Day, and my dear friend Anne's birthday (which was on the 9th), so my pal Alicia and I co-hosted a Chinese New Year/Valentine's/Birthday party! But before I get to that, I'll fill you in on Valentine's Day at home. We started off the day with mini pancakes, shaped like hearts of course...
And I also baked a giant cookie for Matt & Mateo - my Valentines. Matt got me a fancy pedicure (my toes really need it!) and I got him a massage. As you could probably tell, we like pampering. And gosh darn it, we need it! Mateo got chocolate, stickers, and a toy airplane. It was a sweet way to start the day!
I have to share a cute story here. Mateo has recently really gotten into Dora the Explorer and Go, Diego, Go. On one episode of Dora that is about trains (yes, Dora AND trains - a WINNING combo), there's a scene where 2 trains almost collide. Mateo always covers his eyes. It's so funny and cute! You can almost here a sigh of relief when everything turns out okay!
And some cute pics here of mom's lil' romeo...
I just love this scrunchy face!
Okay, onto the party. We had it at Alicia's and let me tell you, she cooked up a storm! Actually, let me back up, she and Nick decorated their house with Chinese scrolls, lanterns, and other lucky Chinese decorations which looked fantastic. Now onto the food! They spent the day before making meat and vegetarian turnip cake (one of my absolute favorites!), "glutenous" rice wrapped in banana leafs (one of my absolute favorites!), and had a yummy spread of edamame, crackers, and Chinese candies. I made a pork mixture for dumplings and Matt made fried rice. And Anne brought a savory potato/cheese/onion filling for some vegetarian dumplings. YUMM-O! We set up a dumpling making station and had guests take their turn at assembling them. Then I fried them all up and we gobbled them down!
Bianca, Anne (b-day girl), and Jenn (all the way from Silverton!)
"The Spread"
Mateo took a liking to the lobster chips.
Mmmmm...
I also made a red velvet cake for the occasion. It was suffice to say we didn't go home hungry. It was really nice to eat such good food with our friends. Erik and Jess brought their 4-year old son Finn so him and Mateo had fun running around the house and causing trouble. Mateo loves older kids and wants to do everything they do. Oh, and there were 3 dogs there too. So much excitement. But it was a great time. Gong Hei Fard Choy - 恭喜发财
The next day was President's Day so it was a treat to have Matt and I have TWO consecutive days off together (a very rare occasion). We relaxed at home and walked over to the duck park (see pics below). Matt made some of his yummy ribs and I even got to go to a yoga class that evening (ANOTHER rare treat!).
I just love the way he was holding his hands behind his back here. What a little gentleman!
And, I've said this before and I'll say it again: poor poor Bebe.
