The Adventures of a Brooklyn Babe...

SpooKy & KooKy

2009-10-31T08:58:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!

Today is Halloween in the Big Apple & we are certainly off to a great start weather wise. Our neighborhood has so much going on today. There's storytime @ the Brownstone Bookstore, and theyre having a costume contest. Pumpkin Carvings at the Flower Shop, a Costume Party at the local Elementary School & alas a Trick or Treating Tour thats going on Tonight. We were so torn on what to do....so we decided to take up a friends invitation. We will be attending a kiddie costume house party, followed by a group trick or treating tour. Manolo will be missing out on Halloween this year, so Nohli will be sure to have enuff fun for 2! We are a lil sad to be missing out on the Portsmouth Halloween Parade, but because of Manolo we cant be doing too much straying from home. He is considered a full term baby, so his arrival can come at any time these days. Tho his official due date isnt until 11/17/09. Well here are some pictures from last night's pumpkin carving adventure. We will be sure to post some costume party ones a lil later. Enjoy, and please be safe!.....

FALL in2 AUTUMN

2009-10-25T11:13:00.000-07:00

Finding new best friends @ IKEA

Loving the RAIN on Christie St.

Like Hef she stays in her loungewear

Guitar Styles

With such crazy weather u gotta be prepared

Happy 10 years Brooklyn Birthing Center

Nohli & Papa @ the BBC

"I think I'll use this balloon as a weapon"

Sharing is Caring

Always a cheerful & pleasant young lady

Nohli & Noah (yumna & Moe's son)

Making an instrument out of blocks

Whirlwind THRU Cities

2009-10-01T19:39:00.000-07:00

Been a while
I let the pics speak
Nolo coming so so soon!

LABOR DAY WEEK-END

2009-09-16T13:42:00.000-07:00

It was an interesting summer. In a lot of ways it didn't even feel like summer. There was a small stretch in August were it actually got HOT, but it seamed like clouds andd rain dominated most of this summer. Still Nohli makes everything FUN, so we still enjoyed it

Here's the whole clique

Nohli found a stick that she loved.

Nohli getting crazy with her cuz

Lots of kisses

Beautiful & Haunted

The Sun sets In The West

The Golden Lady on the Golden Sand

Framed Beauty

Sand Castles

Ocean Dreams

Sea Weed Finds w Tia JenJen

On the Ferry feeling Merry

Beach Bum'n w Dad

Horizon Ahead

Free Rides to the Beach w Mama n Pucci

"Look Babi, I see pretty Flowers in your garden"

NOHLI's FIRST BORN DAY

2009-08-31T19:27:00.000-07:00

August 29th...

It will forever be one of the MOST important dates for us. Nohli's Birthday.

I can't believe we have shared 365 days with HER.

To celebrate her FIRST B-Day we headed up north to her Grandparent's house.

We packed the car. Grandma Clara and her cousin Noelya came with us. We actually ran out of gas on the way there, just a few miles from our destination.

Papa thought we could make it, but not QUITE. A very nice lady got us some gas, and we made it there (a few minutes later than expected).

There was lots of work to do to get ready for the PARTY. The weather said it would rain, but we remained positive.

We cleaned the pool, made gift bags, picked out balloons, Grandma made her famous Dominican style cake, we even made a huge fake cake complete with her favorite animal: THE DUCK!

Nohli in her B-Day dress with Mama.

Grandma Clara brought her dress from DR. They both looked Beautiful

The Day before her B-Day, we enjoyed a great beach day at Pirates Cove.

Here's Nohli playing with her shadow.

Nohli at the front door, waiting for guests to arrive.

Hola!

Nohli isn't scared to the waves at the beach anymore.

She walks right in, and the NH water ain't warm!

Papa gives Nohli a ride in the front yard

Clara & Mama worked hard baking, and decorating the cake

Mama cafefully frosts the "fake cake". She is an artist with frosting. HA

Nohli loved her balloons. Here she play with them the day after the party.

Olive and Sarah came to PARTY

Holt-Dog, Mama, Triple B with the SPECIAL girl

Jen Jen & Nohli at Rye Harbor

Clariza and Indira decorating the living room. The place looked GREAT!

A little B-Day wrestling with Tia Jen Jen

1 YEAR! Throw up your 1's.

Saying good bye to our NH fam before we headed back to NY

The girlie with Mama and Brad

Another Beautiful beach picture of my LOVES

Nohli about to blow her candle out. Check out that CAKE!

SOOO pretty!

Nohli checking out her B-Day poster. She later gave it a kiss.

Even with the rain, it was a great birthday party. Thank you to every one who helped make it possible. Thanks to everyone who made the trip from NY. Nohli had a great time.

Adios!

NOHLI as seen in the ONION

2009-08-16T18:38:00.000-07:00

Here is the finished product of the LASSO photo shoot.

It's in this week's ONION news paper.

Check it out.

Check out LASSO PIZZA as well. BEST thin traditional slice in NYC.

Plus they got sick speciality PIZZAS as well.

Lassonyc.com

It's on the corner of Kenmare and Mott in NoLita.

Tell em NOHLI sent YOU.

Shout out to Greg and Rob and the whole Lasso staff.

They got a great happy hour too!

They JUST get BIGGER n SMARTER

2009-08-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

We are very excited at the Simo VON Ritter's.

Tomorrow Grandma Clara comes back to NYC from DR.

She will be staying up here for an undisclosed time.

We CAN'T wait.

Here some pics...

Nohli's HAND, Papa's FACE

No tears, just the KIDDY POOL

Naked BUTT

Cuzzy Cairo

Nohli & Pucci

Shadow SWIMMING

NOHLI's FIRST BORN DAY

2009-08-16T17:58:00.000-07:00

TO Friends and Family in the NH seacoast area

Nohli's 1st B-day party will be at her Grandparent's house

Saturday August 29th

2pm - 7pm

Bring something to GRILL or a SIDE DISH and BEER!!!

Hopefully see you there.

Summer Slipping AWAY

2009-08-06T07:05:00.000-07:00

TIME GOES BY SOO QUICK...

1 YEAR Birthday coming up QUICK

AUGUST 29th (Michael Jackson's BDAY as well)

Nohli loves flower. Roses and Daisy's are her favorites

Nohli waiting for mom on the chess board

Nohli got a BIG appetite. She like to eat paper, leather, plastic, shoes, keys, wood, some rocks, and see eats lot of fruit too

Attack of the PASTA

It hasn't been a REAL hot summer. Thank GOD, we don't have AC.

Sometimes on hot days, Nohli like to play in the sprinkler in the back yard.

Another 1 of Nohli's favorite places is the frig. She just cools out, and chills.

She also tries to eat things.

And sometime she puts things in there too. We find them weeks later.

We finally went to target and got her a kiddy pool. This was her 1st time in it.

We threw some rose pedals in.

Nohli and Mia dance in the kitchen.

Nohli loves music.

Her favorite songs are probably TV commercial jiggles. Baskin Robbins ICE CREAM & CAKE and Optium CABLE top the list

Nohli in the POOL

She loves her duckie's too.

QUACK, QUACK

HAPPY 11 MONTHS, NOHLI RIO

2009-07-29T12:14:00.000-07:00

Nohli wants a pool for her B-Day!

Her tub in the back yard ain't cutting it.

Please HURRY PaPa, summer almost over!

Comments & Feedback

2009-07-15T17:14:00.000-07:00

I wanna take the time to thank all you readers for keeping up with Nohli's blog. Its always nice to hear you say that you read about Nohli's adventures. One of the reasons we started this blog 10 months ago was to let our friends and family see what Nohli was up to. Especially those of you that are not able to keep in close touch. One of the nice things that has come up when talking to some of you about the blog, is how nice it will be for Nohli to see the pictures and to read the words written on here. Well, yes....its true! I know i would have loved to have read about my 1st year. Whats nice is that she will get to read about what she has done thru our entries but she will also get to read what YOU GUYS have written in the COMMENT section. Both Noah and I have gotten alot of feedback from you guys (personally) BUT it would be great if you can leave comments on HERE also so that NOHLI can read these at a later date....You dont have to sign up to anything, there is an annonymous title you can use if you dont have an existing google account. Thats perfectly ok to do bc you can just add your name to the end of your comment (or not, lol!) I hope its not too much to ask. Your words are GREATLY APPRECIATED by OUR FAMILY! Thank you guys again for being a part of Nohli's life. XXO!!!

LASSO PHOTO SHOOT

2009-07-10T23:04:00.000-07:00

One of Clariza's biggest cravings when she was pregnant was pizza,

especially Lasso pizza (one of ur favorite pizza spots).

She ate a lot of slices during those 9 months, so Nohli has been eating Lasso since Day 1.

For Lasso's up-coming national ad campaign

(just kidding, it's just a small spot in the Onion Mag)

they asked Nohli and her fam to come by the studio and ham it up. Here's some of the pics.

All pics shot by Keith Majors

EASIEST WORK WE EVER DONE!

We will work for PIZZA

From the Bed-Stuy to the BEACH

2009-07-10T22:07:00.000-07:00

We headed up to NH for the Holiday week-end.

It had rained almost 3 weeks straight in NH, but we were lucky enough to get a beautiful sunny weekend.

Clariza & Nohli @ Portsmouth Fire Works

Nohli Stayed up LATE

Triple B the God Fatha w/ Nohli

Me & Nohli @ Pirate's Cove

Eating Watermelon @ The Harding-Chase House

Nohli always BRINGS the SUNSHINE

West 4th St Waiting on the A Train to UTICA

Nohli & Olive

That Hand in the BREEZE

Nohli and Papa playing on the Beach

The 10th Month!

2009-07-02T04:38:00.000-07:00

Hello readers! I know you guys have prolly been wondering where has the mama been? Well, ive been very occupied. As you all may or may not know, A Mother's work is never done! Being a stay at home mom is the hardest job i have ever had. Luckily for me, i have such a great partner and a wonderful support system. Our caring and loving N.H family is a great help aswell. Well so far we are in early July although most of us still feel like its April or May. The rain has taken over our summer! We have not let that stop us !!! We have continued with our travels and Nohli even attended her 1st wedding. Congrats to Michela & Tyler. We are planning another trip up to Rye, NH this weekend to celebrate the 4th of July. This will be Nohli's first time watching the fireworks outside the belly. I know theyll be loud so I hope she doesnt freak out. Now...for the progress report. She is now 10 months old! At the beginning of her 9th month she started using her pointers. She uses them to grab things and to point to things. She has been standing up and getting around by using furniture n people as her crutch. She has also stood up for seconds at a time w.o holding on. Progress! Aside from the two bottom teeth she has had, she is also getting her 4 top teeth. She has been eating all sorts of food. Most recently for bkfst she has began to eat Yogurt w berries. She loves her some berries!!! She also had home made strawberry/banana pancakes n tia jen jen shared her french toast w her on our visit to "Noah's" Restaurant in the beautiful Borough of Stonington, CT.

As of right now, it seems as tho everyday is filled with a new achievement and a new adventure. It never slows down around here! The end of next month will be NOHLI's 1st BIRTHDAY, so plans are in the works for that.....well Im sure ive missed lots but its all i have time for right now. As always thanks for reading, and please dont forget to COMMENT! xxo!!! CNN

WOOOW... Where the TIME GO?

2009-06-24T17:39:00.000-07:00

NOHLI and the family been busy, busy, busy, so far this summer.

More to come soon

Sorry no words, just pics this post.

The things-to-do list is crazy, right now.

SUMMER IS HERE

2009-06-01T20:47:00.000-07:00

This is gonna be a quick post...

Sharing 1 of Papa's Birf Day Cup Cakes

More, Please!

Purple Lips

It's gotta the follow thru

We planted a tree for Nohli in Rye

The Grand Parents Helped

Nohli's first home

It's been in the freezer for 9 months

I almost grilled it a few times. Ha

We went to Martha's 60th BDay in Boston.

Nohli didn't want to leave the party

Never to early to start looking at colleges, right?

Guacamole definitely 1 of her favorite foods

Naked in the Back yard

Pops set up the blow up pool

She LOVED it

Nohli takes a bite out of her tree before it was planted.

BEACH BABIES

2009-04-29T21:49:00.000-07:00

Nohli's First Trip to Miami

We were all getting sick of the crazy weather in New York,

so we decided to head South. Jet-Blue hooked us up with some cheap tickets and Christy opened up her house for us.

We flew down to West Palm Beach.

Lil Mikey Harding picked us up at the airport. We went straight to JOHN G's for some lunch.

Then we headed south on 95 to South Beach.

We were lucky enough to stay at Christy's Belle Island apartment. Nohli got to meet her Tia Christy for the first time. They are now best friends.

We BBQed some steaks and watched the sunset.

The next day on got breakfast on Lincoln Rd. Christy left for a party on the west coast. Nolhi, Mike, Clariza, and me hit the beach.

We spent the next we days for chilling out and relaxing.

Hanging on at the new Jet Blue terminal

Nohli chewing on a domino on South Beach

We had some trouble finding a pool for Nohli.

It seems South Beach is more of a playground for adults than kids. Ha.

The pool we usually sneak into at The Standard doesn't allow babies near the pool.

We tried some hotel pools on the strip and we were denied every time. Thank God for my homey Noel, he let Nohli come splash around his pool at The Flamingo. The water was so perfect Mama even took a dip.

Nohli and the downtown Miami skyline

More swimming

And more

Nohli loved the playground especially the swing

Tia Christy eating Nohli

Nohli hangin with the boys

West Palm Beach

2 Beautiful ladies

The Fam at John G's

Nohli on Christy balcony

Nana and Papa on Belle Island

Nohli w/ the HUG LIFE crew

One of my favorite pics!

On the way to the beach

Passed out! Nohli sleeping good.

It was a nice trip.

Now we ready to enjoy some real spring in NYC

The GOD FATHA

2009-04-28T20:35:00.001-07:00

Nohli's First SPRING

Nohli's God Father, Bradley (He's a school teacher.) was on spring vacation,

so he made the trip down to Brooklyn to see Nohli.

Brad stayed for a few nights. The weather was a little rainy, cold, miserable, but we still had a few nice days in the city.

A little shopping on Broadway. Lunch at MeKong and LASSO. BBQed and Fish Fried.

Nohli repping the Celts with Brad, Pucci, (and Tini too)

Nohli has been trying lots of new food.

She likes most of it.

Grilled Corn at Habana Outpost

Still the Bread Monster!

Nohli and Brad had a lot of fun.

Thanks for coming thru, Triple B!

COMING UP: NOHLI HEADS TO SOUTH BEACH

Grandma BuBuB's FIRST Post

2009-04-16T09:04:00.001-07:00

Easter weekend at the Simo von Ritters'

Noah and Clariza invited their NH country family for a weekend in the big city. It is always difficult to get Pops to drive in the traffic of the city, but little Nohli and her wonderful parents make the trip more than worth it. We decided to drive in on Saturday instead of our usual Friday night. It was a much better trip (even in the rain) and we did not get lost once! Noah even had a parking place right in front of the apartment!!

It is alway so exciting to see Nohli after a couple weeks of her growing. She was sitting up in her high chair, but when we got there, she began to smile and clap her hands. I think she is beginning to know us. She is such a happy good natured little girl. We are lucky to get to spend the weekend with Nohli and her Fam.

As soon as the rain stopped, Nohli took a walk with her loving grandparents and even stayed awake to share the sights of Bed Stuy with us. Tia JenJen was joining us after her job interview in Boston. We decided to wait for her for dinner, but little Nohli needed her bath and bed. Now she sits in the little tub by herself. Her motor skills are improving as she plays with her toys, esp her BOBO. She still loves to have her mama put her to sleep but i know there will be a day soon when I can do it.

As always there was tasty meal prepared by the duo Chefs, Noah and Clariza. On Easter morning the sun shone brightly. Nohli got dressed up to go the church with her Grandma. Pops and Tia Jen decided to come too. After a short walk we found a beautiful church that looked like a cathedral in Europe. Nohli quickly made friends with everyone around her, and when the music started she clapped her hands and almost tried to dance. She must have her Mom's moves! After we all sang "This little light of mine" and all that clapping and singing, she fell fast asleep in her Pops arms. When we looked over at her, sleeping like a little angel, there was a tear in her Pop's eye.

She woke up for the walk home and took another little nap to get ready for the next event. Noyela and Greg came for easter dinner, another feast prepared by our awesome hosts. After dinner there was a walk to the park to play a little hoop and baseball. I think Nohli can't wait til she gets to play too. A busy day, books, and a bath and back to bed.

The next morning we wanted to try out a new place for breakfast--Food for Thought, but it was closed, so we went to everyone's favorite, Tom's. Nohli sat right up in her little booster eyeing all the food. She tasted a little waffle and hash browns. Ummm, good! As always , she flirted with those around her. One lady even thought she should be the new Gerber baby!! It's always hard to say Good bye, but we needed to get back. Until their next NH visit, we will have to keep checking the blog to see and hear all the Adventures of a Brooklyn Babe. We are so happy to be a part of her adventures.

THANKS for the words, BuBuB!

The Final Act: Monte Cristi

2009-04-10T19:56:00.000-07:00

PART 4

With the trip in its last leg, there was still one last get-away: Monte Cristi, the birthplace of Clariza, the HomeLand, where it all started (Thanks, Monte Cristi).

We filled the car, strapped in the baby to our DR car seat (hope she gets some use since we left), and headed west on the #1. It was 2 drive to Monte Cristi through some rowdy towns.

We got to MC safely.

First thing we did was meet Clariza's cousin, Ivan, and then head to our Hostel.

We were staying at the Hostel San Fernando at the foot of El Morro. The minute we got to our room, Nohli had to be changed, she had a monster Dominican poop. Soo Stinky! It took 3 people to clean it. We didn't love our rooms. So we changed rooms. Then we drank and ate. And passed out (well, actually we played dominos and drank Brugal. DomiNoah!).

The next day, Clara and Ivan were going to see the fam in Los Conucos. We were hitting the beach.

Nohli decided to go with Grandma.

It was her first trip without Mom & Dad. She behaved beautiful for Grandma. The beach was great too. The waves were mucho powerful.

We all went to Los Conucos, the next day. We had lunch at Tia Eva's house.

Lots of people came to meet Nohli.

Then we walked down a few houses to Nohli's Great-Grand Nana.

Nana was very happy to see her.

Nohli on a motorcyle. She left Mom and Dad for a day trip with Clara & Ivan

Nohli is officially the best baby traveler I've seen.

3 hour Flight JFK to Santiago (and back): PERFECT!

2 hour Bus to the the capital : An angel!

7 hour Bus to Punta Cana: She the life of the party!

And numerous 2 to 3 hours drive in the car seating: Just QUIETLY takin it all in!

I think she is ready for her first WEST COAST trip sooon!

(LA & SF + Napa, See U Soon)

Nohli and her Great-Grandma

Nohli and BoBo in BoBo's back yard

The best lil co-pilot and NASCAR's finest CEOah

In the Back Yard with Tio Juan

Donde esta Faustino?

The Greenest block in Los Conucos

Clap your hands. Clap your hands.

Nohli at the B-Ball courts with Ivan

JenJen and Nohli checking out the back yard for great-grandmas.

The Best Cock Fighting Club in town was right next door.

If you there on Sunday, there like 50 motorcylces out front.

3 Generations

Cabarete & Sosua

2009-04-08T17:27:00.000-07:00

PART 3

As usual after our trip to Las Terrenas, we returned to Santiago to relax a bit, recoup, and then head out again. We were all excited about out next destinations. Unfortunately, Clara would not be accompanying us of this part on the trip. But she did give us her car, which made things much easier (especially considering what was in our future).

We planned on staying at an all-inclusive in Cabarete. We had booked it, kind of last minute in an internet cafe in Santiago. It was advertised as a super-premium all-inclusive. We had dreams of shots of Patron and bottles of Moet and of course pre-made, fresh formula for Nohli.

We drove the 2 hours and pulled into BREEZE'S SUPER CLUB. We checked in and walked to our room. As we walked thru the resort, we very quickly realized this place wasn't for US. The whole place looked like it was built in the 70's. The pool was full of Canadians sipping beers out of over-sized coffee mugs and the worst tattoos you have ever seen. We got to our room. The air conditioners was dripping water all of the floor. I left to explore the beach. The beach had an odd colored sand, very different than the beaches I had seen in DR thus far. It almost looked like it had been man-made. I noticed that there was not 1 person in the water. I thought that was a little weird. When I got closer I notice a sign that stated, if their was a red flag, the ocean was off limits. WHAT? When I got back to the room, it was clear by the faces of every one in the room, we had to get out of here. We marched up to the front desk (we left Nohli with Jenny). At the front desk, we proceeded to get the run-around. They were sooo surprised we didn't love this place. Finally with the help of a very nice agent, we got the manager and were told (after lots of pressure to stay in a BETTER room) that we would be getting our money back.

It was probably about 5pm when we left the Breeze's.

FYI.

NEVER EVER STAY OR EVEN BOOK A VACATION A BREEZE'S SUPER CLUBS.

SUPER? HA!

Now thanks to the help of the agent, we headed to Casa Marhina in Sosua (about 20mins away). We got there. Checked in. Even got a better price than Breeze's. We walked around the resort. What a difference. The place was landscaped beautifully. And the rooms were small but clean and comfortable.

We stayed 2 wonderful nights at Casa Marhina.

Our lil fish caught in the net (hammock)

2 Surfer girls hanging 10

The Fam Fam in front of DR's biggest breaks

A loving moment between Papa and Nohli

The Bread Monster!

She will take your bread and their ain't nothing you can do!

We drove to downtown Cabarete (The Kite Surfing Capital). We had no reservations, so we keep our eyes pealed for some place nice. Our first 2 choices were booked, so we book a hotel called San Souci. It was right on the water. The hotel looked like it was straight out of a 80's movie set in Miami. Crazy Art Deco. I thought it was cute, Clariza disagreed! We had a nice dinner at a little restaurant downtown. The next morning Jen wanted to try Kite Surfing, but there wasn't enough wind. Next time Jen. You Crazy girl! We left the San Souci with no plans where we were going to stay our last night. On my blackberry (he worked surprisingly well. Thanks buddy!) we found a spot that we actually really wanted to stay at, we called, praying there would be room open. There was!

We pulled into Natura Cabana. This place was incredible and the staff was very helpful. Every cabana is extra eco-friendly. No TVs. No AC. Just smartly designed rooms made with local materials. They had a delicious restaurant. A spa. A gorgeous beach. The whole vibe was just relaxing. The place was pretty much perfect. Definitely our favorite our of trip.

There was a path that followed the coast, about 30 minutes away was another beach with the best surfing in DR. Jen rented a board and hit the waves. The rest of us watched her rip it up. Me and Nohli were going to try to, but we found out that the whole break was covered with sea urchin covered coral. On the way to our cabana, we found a great little pool. Nohli did some more swimming. She got hit by a little wave and cried, but all in all she liked it. She especially loved the sand.

We were sad when we had to leave, but we will be back Natura Cabana.

On the way back, I decided to take a short cut over some tall mountain instead of going all the way around them. There were some great views. We also had some interesting moments as well. The roads were real bad and narrow. There was a few fruit stands and other shops along the way. We got to around the top of 1 mountain, and there was a small crowd of mostly young kids, when we got close, they pulled a rope across the road, and then like 5 kids run up to the car. I was a bit nervous. They wanted money and food and pretty much any thing we had. We gave them a Coke and they let us pass. Then like 100 meters later, the same thing happened. Clariza was like "we have a BABY!" They let us pass free. Ha. We made it back home safely.

Nohli swimming

More swimming. She loved it. We couldn't get her out!

The lil Sharkette and her coaches

The girls in their sun glasses

Nohli took full advantage of the all-you-can-eat buffets

Nohli passed out at dinner, so I sipped to some Prezi drafts

Jen and Clariza walking to the WAVES

Moma and Nana getting ready to hit the strip

Me and Nohli at the San Souci (Clariza's favorite hotel EVER! HA)

Jen, Nohli, & the Beach

Leaving the room, about to hit the beach

Watch OUT for the WAVE!

A few super models on the prowl

Playing in a giant wet sand box

Right after she got hit with a wave.

Standing tall

The beach in Cabarete was so cool. It had all the pools and coral lifts

The LAST DR 2009 POST Coming soon

(We've been home for 3 weeks but we BUSY!)

LAS TERRENAS

2009-04-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

PART 2

After the 2 hour bus ride from Santa Domingo to Santiago, we relaxed and ate chicken. Jenny was due in 8pm. When we checked flights on Jet Blue, we realized there was a big storm dumping on the Northeast. Nooo! We prayed Jen's flight wouldn't be canceled.

Hanging out on the balcony at Granma's house

Joselito and Nohli

Jen Jen somehow made it out of JFK, but she was 2 hours late. We greeted her at the airport. We weren't even that mad at her. Clara, of course, had a nice hot plate of food waiting for her at home. We all fell asleep to the sound of motorcyles and drums.

The next morning, we unpacked and repacked our bags, and headed east in Clara's Honda CR-V. I drove. It took us about 5 hours. We stopped once, and ate by Nagua. The last 45 minutes of the drive we zig-zagged over a good-sized mountain. Nohli was amazing once again. She seems to be adapting well to life on the road. We reached Las Terrenas and checked into our hotel. The place was nice. We were a little disappointed not to be staying at the hotel we stayed at last year (They doubled their prices. Get out of HERE).

Las Terrenas is actually where we first told Granma Clara she was going to be a grandmother again (for the 3rd time).

The weather was a bit cloudy but we took Nohli down to the beach.

When we returned, Clara had cooked a master piece. We ate soo good EVERY night, and we never ate out. It doesn't get any better.

Una cena tipica by Clara

Mama and Nana

Jen Jen and Nohli were best friends the whole trip

Our lil surfer girl hits the beach even on a cloudy day

Put the tongue in the coconut....

Looking into Jenny's mind as she ponders her next move in Dominos

Still eating that $5 coconut. Ha

Our first day in Las Terrenas

Nohli got attacked by some mosquitos. She looked like she got beat-up for a few days.

Still Cute though!

Nohli reading to Papa

The fam in the Mirror

Coffee with the lil turtle

Our Family Adventure Part 1

2009-03-24T14:38:00.000-07:00

PART 1

It's been almost a month since the last post. Funny it feels even longer.
Our Lil Family Vacation, no scratch that Our Lil family Adventure (that's better, I don't believe vacations exist when youre traveling with a 6-month old. True Story. Ha.) was lots of fun. We bounced all over the North shore of Dominican Republic from Copey to Punta Cana and everywhere in between.

Here's how it went down...

We left ice cold New York at 6am via Nohli's favorite airline, JetBlue. The flight was full. Lots of babies too. Nohli behaved great. She spent her time sleeping and staring out the window. We got into sunny Santiago around breakfast time, and were greeted by Grandma Clara.

We spent the next 2 days in Santiago. Shopping... Eating good eats.... Playin Dominos.... Hittin up El Provocon (the best fast food chix ever!) Then we headed east to Punta Cana! We made a pit stop in Santo Domingo. We spent a power-less night there (fightin off mosquitos! Oh and it was pouring rain too! Oh yeah and we fought off baby eating red ants as well!), we left bright n early on the bus to PC. 6 hours later (Nohli was incredible. She made lots of friends and learned to clap her hands on the way.) we arrived at the RIU, just around check-in time. Bring on the all inclusive life and bottom-less beers!!! We ate. We drank. We changed dipers. We swam. We made fun of the Euros. Nohli wasn't really feeling the cool pool-water at first, but after a sloooow dip, she transformed into a petite Daryl Hannah from SPLASH. Her first tropical beach experience started with a few cries. She didn't really didn't like the sand at first. She would scream every time her little toes touched it. But it wasn't long before she was walking (with some assistance) and playing in the sand(She really wanted to eat it too). Punta Cana has this beautiful, almost feathery-soft, white sand as well as lake-like calm crystal clear water. We walked the beach for what felt like miles. And witnessed a few colorful sun sets. We tried to find our friend Jane who was staying at a resort not to far from us. We snuck into her resort, but no luck. Next time JANE! We bought Nohli a KidCo PeaPod Plus (basically a little tent). We used it on the beach and she slept in it at night to avoid the mosquitos. Nohli did 3 huge mosquitos bites in the capital. There were a few days were it looked like she went 10 rounds with We-Man (Still looked cute! ha). Me and Clariza hit the swim-up bar hard one sunny afternoon. After an hour or so at the bar, Grandma brought Nohli to meet us. She was the star of the bar for the rest of the day. Punta Cana was wonderful. The weather was perfect. The RIU was great as usual. I did some snorkeling. Clariza dominated in dominos. She beat me 11 to 4 on 1 night. Ouch. (DomiNoah cried himself to sleep that night). After 3 days in paradise, we headed back to the capital for a quick lay over. Guess what? No POWER again! Then back to Santiago.

Nohli and Clariza checking in at JFK early

Our lil jet-setter on the plane

Nohli half-napping in the cab with Grandma Clara

Me and Nohli walking downtown Santiago

Nohli was a little angry after she got hit by a wave in Punta Cana

2 Beauties in Red

Papa Piff and Nohli

Punta Cana

Nohli's First Swim

TUNE IN NEXT POST for the arrival of Jen-Jen and Las Terrenas

DR, we miss you already!!!

BonVoyage- Its a Baby On a Plane!

2009-02-22T19:41:00.000-08:00

Just a few more hours and we are off! Its been real cold weather...Like the birds we too fly south in the winter! Ok talk about overwhelming! I dont know if it should be like this BUT, packing for 2 even 3 (at times) is HARD work!!! I think after this trip we will be better prepared for what we do and dont need when traveling w a child. So far tho, we have all the bases more than covered. Noah will go into the city tomorrow (our last official day) and get some extra pacis for Nohli, some miscellaneous items and WE ARE DONE! Unfortunately our faithful lil PUCCI wont be joining us on this trip but maybe next time. Nohli will surely miss her puppy. Tia Yna Yna and Prima Noelya will be house/pet sitting for us....There are also some scheduled repairs in our building. Its a bit scary but hopefully our "landlord" doesnt destroy our humble abode. We will be back mid March so u guys be good, hold tight...Pics will be great when we return! Kisses to you all, we will be sure n send some sunshine your way-wherever you are!!! xxo!!!

Not Just A Pretty Face..

2009-02-16T07:24:00.000-08:00

As of lately the past couple of posts have been just pictures. Well let me up update you on some of Nohli's progress. As of now she can take naps for longer than an hour. I gotta say I do my best to keep her on schedule but sometimes its really hard. So I notice she automatically gets sleepy after being up for 2 or more hours. She has a set nightime routine which helped out a great deal. Her bed time is somewhere between 7:30-8:00pm. She can pick things up with both hands. She loves playing w her BoBo (pacifier) by taking it in and out of her mouth. We have started giving her some food too. So far yams, bananas, pear, barley cereal and rice "drink". I know some people say that the eating and sleeping longer connection is a myth but i must say i have noticed a lil change in her since starting solids. All for the best. We are getting ourselves all ready for our trip w only 8 more days to go. I must say I am a bit nervous about traveling w an infant. As we have never done this internationally before...So getting everything we need for Nohli is a bit of a challenge. So far we have most items. We are looking for a travel bed thats lighter than the pack n play. We have baby sunscreen/block a beach tent....needing diapers and a few other knick knacks. Maybe some baby foods...and then we are set! Thats all for now. Nohli is napping as i type and so i must take advantage of the free time to do some of my own packing. For me- a new bikini will do! xxo!!!

Caught on FILM

2009-02-15T12:36:00.000-08:00

Some Pics of Nohli taking on FILM and then uploaded to the DIGI format

reflection in front of our house in Bed Stuy

Nohli admiring herself

Nohli, Indira, & Noemi

Papa leaving for work.

It's got the feel of an old Hitchcock Horror Flick

2009-02-12T19:49:00.000-08:00

Nohli and Jane

Spring Flowers in the back ground

Hope to see some real ones soon!

Nohli stylin' Mom's hair

Baby on my shoulders

She look like a little koala bear

COUNT DOWN TO DR

12 Dayz

WE OUT OF HERE, BABY

2009-02-09T17:23:00.000-08:00

We got Nohli's passport in the mail this weekend.

She is official now.

Her head looks gigantic.

Feb 24th we DR bound! And not a moment too soon.

Nohli's ticket to ride

The sweet potato monster!

Green eyes x Blue/Green/Gray/Silver ones

PRE-NOHLI FLASH BACK

Block Island

Summer 2008

The Coldest Winter

2009-02-05T17:50:00.000-08:00

Those eyes are so so beautiful

Eating banana right off dad's finger

Nohli rocking her new DIESEL jeans (Thanks Papi and Kelly)

It's February and it FEELS like FEBRUARY.

Our DR trip can't come soon enough. It looks like Tia Jen Jen will be coming down for the whole trip. NICE! Nohli has been so much fun lately. She is turning into such a big girl. Since day one, she has always been fascinated by food. Now finally, she get to eat some herself. Her first taste was some mashed banana; which she loved. Next was some sweet potato. She munched the whole bowl. She is a natural. I think she gonna be a big foodie like her mom and dad. We got a nice routine started now. Nohli gets a bath around 7 every night. She gets so excited when she sees us getting the bath ready. After the bath, she gets ready for bed and she usually sleeping by 8. Clariza and I took DJ Jesse Felluss to the Knicks game last night (LeBron James scored 52 pts, 10 rebs, and 11 asts and Cavs won the game. It was my second time seeing LB score 50 at the Garden). Grandmama watched Nohli and she was a VERY good girl. Nohli and Pucci are officially best friends. Pucci loves to cover her with kisses (sometimes she goes a little over board). Pucci gets worried every time Nohli cries. When Pucci coming in the room, Nohli always stares and smiles. We hosted a Super Bowl party. And the Grandparents came down from NH for the party. We had a great time. Nohli stayed up late and watched the whole game.

Nohli and Grandma BuBub reading the only printed copy available of My Family/Mi Familia. Produced by Brackett Rd Publishing

Nohli's first high chair. She loves it. She was so proud when we first sat her in it. It was so cute. Thank you Marilyn!!!!

Nohli and Moms gossipin'

Best Friends Forever!

Pucci and Nohli have been bonding a lot lately. I don't know what they looking at.

Lists

2009-01-27T05:36:00.000-08:00

So tired-she fell asleep on the Mama's head!
hangin w Uncle Jesse
Placing Orders at Tom's Diner
Playing w Food Early
Happy Tuesday friends! Its a whopping 27 degrees here in Brooklyn-woo hoo! Anyways I hope you guys have been keeping warm. Lets get to the updates quick before Nohli catches on and wants to type too...(she loves it). Ok so, we finally got our passports, now all we have to do is get Nohli's taken care of...soon! Nohli has been doing alot more talking. She does this tongue clacking sound too w her mouth. She entertains herself alot w that! She has gotten so much better w her nightime sleep too. We are thinking of moving her bedtime from 9pm to 8pm..she usually gets a bath from her papa then a book reading-then food, and then lights out! She used to get up to eat about 3 times a night but now we are down to 1 feeding about 3 or 4 hours into her sleep. Not too bad...My next challenge is getting her to nap ALONE for more than 1 hour...Hey, they call it baby steps for a reason right?! LOL! One afternoon last week we all went to Tom's for a late breakfast and GUS offered us a booster seat. I instantly thought "no she doesnt need one yet" But before I could say No-My face said MAYBE? And Gus was already installing the seat. To much of our suprise Nohli Luved It! I think she felt like a big girl eating at a table w her parents. It was cute. I guess its time to think about a high chair- boy they really do grow up so fast. In a couple of weeks we will be introducing Nohli to sum baby food. We probably will make our own at first. Im thinking Yams and Banana puree...mmm! Ive noticed Nohli really starring at our food when we eat. She does this funny face where she either pretends to chew or talk, she does it silently so it probably means she's immitating our mouths moving up and down while we chew-amazing right? Well...i think thats all the updates we have for now. We plan to party it up here for SuperBowl Sunday...Uncle Jesse will be over and I think he will be rooting for the Cardinals. I think Noah and I will be screaming STEELERS tho! Sorry Jess! Ok, I must run but we will be back w more SOON! You guys keep warm! xxo!!!

She Likes It, She Really Likes It!

2009-01-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

Nohli sucking on Limes at Barrio Chino NYC

Welcome Baby Boy "EVER LINCOLN"

2009-01-17T10:25:00.000-08:00

So excited for my good friends Aasha and Jesse who welcomed the most beautiful baby boy Ever Lincoln. Ever was born on January 14th @ 8:50pm. He weighed in at 7lbs 4ozs. I want to send a special congratulations to the proud parents. He really is a gorgeous baby boy! We are so excited to see his developments and watch him grow up. He is very lucky to have such wonderfully loving and talented parents. And special shout out to his Godfather Chris Kil. Creating life is beautiful-I luv and miss you guys so much! Cant wait for our babies to meet and play!

Gearing Up

2009-01-07T05:46:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve: The Cry Baby w cousins Noelya & Noemi

Noemi showing the Building Blocks

Veggie Bowl on Grammy's Counter in Rye
About to Blog w Ferris Bueller from www.FLuxuryB.com checkit!

Things are finally starting to settle down here at the Simo Von Ritter household...We are all in DR mode. We have plans to travel to the motherland sometime next month. This will be Nohli's 1st plane ride out of the country. Last year was fun and this year is bound to be even more fun. We will have the Ritter crew with us for a few days, and even tho we are still working on the itinerary, Im sure whatever we do the beautiful island of the Dominican Republic will not disappoint. In preparation for our big trip we have alot of cleaning up to do around here....with that being said let me update you guys on whats been going on in Nohli Rio World. First off we got to hear Nohli actually LAUGH! Not a giggle nor a chuckle but a full on laugh. It was all thanks to Noelya who Nohli finds quite funny. It was prolly one of the cutest things Ive ever seen. And I was happy the whole family was there to experience it. Nohli can also roll over on her own. She is only days away from crawling, I can feel it. She has once again gone up another size in Diapers. She is now a 3! Thank you to Diane and Courtney we are putting your xmas gifts to good use! Also after coming back home to BK from Rye we got a cold. This was Nohli's first real cold. She handled it pretty well actually. I on the other hand suffered much fatigue and headaches! Having a cold and taking care of an infant = SICKER! Thanks to Noah for watching Nohli while I took much needed naps. I always woke up a better person after those. Nohli has gotten alot better with her naps too! I started following her internal clock. And I made some adjustments. For one, she generally wakes up between 6am-7am so I wake up and turn on the lamp next to the bed. I change her diaper and we play for a bit. About an hour into it I can see her start to yawn and get tired again. So, I nurse her in bed, she falls asleep and I either stay with her or sneak out! That usually buys me about an hour and a half. And then she's up again! I notice she can stay up for 2 hours before she gets fussy and wants to nap again. I usually try and repeat the morning step to some degree. I cant always nurse her in bed but I do try n put her in bed as soon as I see she's asleep. Its definately getting better. And Ive been able to start my stretches and sit ups now. All in preparation for our family vacation! I cant wait! We are all so pale! Uhh! We also started a new low fat diet for our dinners. Not a real diet just more veggies and less carbs! Tomorrow we go see In The Heights on Broadway and it will be a date night. Tia Yerania will be babysitting Nohli, should be fun! Ok well I think thats all. Tomorrow is a big day, we will be inheriting some Art Deco furniture pieces for much needed extra storage at our place. Gotta clear some room for that. As it rains right now I can say we will be having a BBQ dinner tonight. BC a lil rain or snow never stopped us from firing up the BAR*B!!! Steaks on the GRILL!!! Cant wait...well I do hope you all are following up w your resolutions and enjoying the new year!

2009! WE MADE IT!

2009-01-02T22:21:00.000-08:00

WOW.

Talk about a whirlwind tour. The holidays were non-stop. We started in NY. First we dined on some great eats prepared by Grandma Clara for Yerania's BIG B-day bash. Then, the next day, Christmas Eve, we ran it back. Same place. Same crew (pretty much). We eat more great food and opened a bunch of presents. After we cleaned up the mess from back to back parties in the Stuy, we packed up and headed to CT to Uncle Mike and Aunt Diane's. We ate and ate and ate. Watched the Laker's get real LUCKY (no worries, remember Game 6 last year). Shout outs to Courtney, Neal, Fiona, and Brendan as well as Aunt Diane for cooking an amazing meal and Mike for hosting (I bet you still got left overs! ha). Then we headed across the river to RI. We spent the night at Babi's. But Babi wasn't even there. She had to be rushed to the ER late Christmas night. I think she might have been trying to avoid all her house guests. Don't worry Babi, we didn't trash the place. The next day, we drove farther north to NH, where we bearly had time to unpack the cars (we were rolling 3 cars deep) before we headed to Jane and Kordy's house for an important dinner partay. We did it big at J and K's. The next day was the Ritter's famous Christmas party. We crushed it on Brackett Rd (but there was no appearance by my buddy Officer Walsh). LEMONCELLO! Thanks to everyone who came thru. We had a few days in NH kinda of relax. Then we back to Brooklyn. But first we stopped in RI to see Babi again. And it didn't stop there. We hosted a New Year's Eve party. So after all that cooking, cleaning, driving, wrapping, unwrapping, eating, dancing, game playing, packing, and unpacking, we made through alive, and I think Nohli had a pretty great first Christmas. We still got the tree up, but it's losing it's hair quick. We are all very excited about 2009. Nohli continues to amaze us. Watching her developing so quickly into this little person is incredible.

Gifts under the tree at Decatur St

Nohli's first gift of her first Christmas (the first of many, many gifts)

Papa's first gift of Christmas

Moms digging into her stocking

More fam. More gifts

GrandMama gets a beautiful signed Nohli Rio head shot

Live from the Von Ritter Christmas Party 08

Noelya and Nohli all strapped in

Some of Papa's oldest friends.

Carey- Good looks on driving 3 hours

Triple B The GodFather- Hope you liked your Christmas present I gave you at Spinaker PT

Nohli passed out in Jane's arms.

Jane and Kordy know how to throw a partay!

Thanks for the MaMoo!

About to open presents for like the third time.

Noelya played Santa (kind of)

Nohli opening gifts in at her grandparents house.

Nohli like half chef, half Ruski. So Cute!

Nohli meets her other grandpa, Antonio who made the trip up from Monti Cristi, DR

Wish we could go back with him, but we gotta wait til Feb

We made a stop at Babi's on the way back to NY.

Nohli was very happy that Babi was feeling better.

We had a great time hangin out with her

There's even a rumor that Babi is moving to Brooklyn! Ha

See you soon

Clariza taking the EASY way up on Babi's "space ship"

A New Year's Kiss from Mom

Jen Jen came down for the NYE party

Glad she made the trip!

Noelya and Jen Jen shinning before the party started

Bringing the New Year in by sipping on some champagne

We taking it easy this weekend!

Christmas Eve Menu

2008-12-20T11:57:00.000-08:00

We celebrating Christmas Eve on Decatur St this year.

We just worked out the recession menu (we cut back on the meal to save money for beer and Patron, tis the season!).

X-Mas Eve Menu

Cheddar-Jalapeno Corn Muffins

Beet and Artichoke Salad

Dominican Shepard's Pie (One of Clara's specials. MMMMM!)

Veal and Beef Meatballs

Baked Yams with Mexican Creme

BBQ Chicken

Raspberry Oatmeal Squares

And for Nohli

Creme Brulee Breast Milk!

We also planning on celebrating New Year's Eve at our house.

Come thru and bring 09 with you

Papa's Back on the 'Net

2008-12-19T18:16:00.000-08:00

Nohli loves the new couch. I've been impressed with the way spit-up seems to bounce right off the couch. Good looks scotch guard!

Pucci has been acting a little weird lately. I think she is finally starting to get jealous of Nohli. She has also become kind obsessed with Nohli's car seat, every time Pucci gets in the car, she jumps in the back, and right into the car seat.

Nohli and Moms putting the Christmas tree up. We got our tree down on Atlantic and Flatbush. We decorated it with red lights and gold balls. Straight GUCCI, baby.

Me and Nohli watching the basketball game in our PJays

2 Beautiful ladies at Pirate's Cove Beach

The Young CEOs and grand parents

Wearing Moms new scarf

Nohli's first gift of her first Christmas.

Thanks Gillian!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

HOLY DAZE

2008-12-11T19:38:00.000-08:00

Early Morning bonding by the fire w POPs

Happy Holiday everybody! We have been super busy lately. We have so much to do in such a short amount of time. We are already into December and it feels as tho Thanksgiving was just last week-uuuhhhh!!!! So far its been 3 weeks since Nohli got her ears pierced. In another week we will be able to remove her starters and put in her real earrings! WooHoo! They seemed to have healed rather quickly w no problems what so ever. So i would definately recommend getting your baby's ears pierced YOUNG! Today was a rainy and windy day in the big apple. Our lil family cruised around downtown Manhattan running errands w papa and then picking up some things for Nohli at Babies R Us. We have gone up one more size in the seventh generation diapers. Nohli is now a size 2! "They grow up so quick" Yes! They sure do!!! The next couple days will be busy too. We are getting our (long awaited) couch tomorrow, we have to get our Xmas Tree! Not to mention our landlord who is forever renovating EVERYTHING-is having some pipe work done from within OUR apt. Soon our beautiful kitchen will be a construction zone! I just pray all the work is done before Yerania's bday on the 23rd. Which we will be hosting here!!!! OohyVey!!! Well my head os spinning, our baby is sleeping and Im about to have some tea!

List of things to Do

12/23 Host Yerania's Bday Dinner

12/24 Host Christmas Eve Celebration/Dinner

12/25 Go to R.I and see Family

12/26 Go to NH

12/27 Host annual Holiday Party

to be continued...

A LEGEND LEAVES US

2008-12-01T11:20:00.000-08:00

RIP

EDWARD LEO McQUADE

March 12, 1926 - November 26, 2008

Grandpa died in his sleep early Wednesday morning

My mother was at his side when he passed

His impact on our family and those who had the privilege to know him will be felt forever

Our memories of him will never fade

And his love is still strong

THANKS FOR GIVING US ALL SO MUCH!

Nohli's last picture with her Great-Grandpa.

She was very lucky to have meet him 3 times in her short life

One gun. Two shots. A baby. Two diamonds.

2008-11-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

At the Queens Center Mall

Nohli about to get some holes in her ears

It hurts so good

Only a few minutes later Nohli was in good spirits and sporting some new jewery

Check the profile. See that bling

Nohli got some nice light purple diamonds in her ears now.

She has to keep them in for 4 weeks before she can change them. But Ma-ma got her some nice golden ones waiting on deck.

Good Night, Sleep Tight THANK YOU!

2008-11-26T05:15:00.000-08:00

o Simo Von Ritter Family
Tia Vanessa & Primito Cairo
Cousins Noelya & Cairo
The prettiest of all Tali & Nohli
GranMa & The Sleeping Beauty

Hello everybody! The holidays have approached us, and the weather has changed accordingly. It has been cold and rainy in many parts of the North East...Nohli has been laying low, chilling at home and only coming out for special occasions. Alot has happened since our last post. We were up in Rye, NH for a week. Pops needed Papa's help with the leaky roof. Grandma needed her grandbaby fix and Tia Jen Jen needed her #1 fan/cheerleader for support. Back in the big apple things settled down for Nohli quite a bit. While in Rye we began reading some baby books on sleep. There was "Good Night, Sleep Tight" by Kim West aka the Sleeep Lady. " What to expect the First Year" and "Baby Massage". All of these books had similar information when it came to sleep. Sleep is very much needed not just for babies but for EVERYONE! It is very important for growth, development, and overall behavior for a child to get enough sleep throughout the day, and night of course! We were having some serious problems with Nohli's sleep behavior. Because she is a breastfed baby she has more frequent feedings. Which makes her wake up more just to eat. According to the Sleep Lady babies need to be taught how to sleep. Crazy right? Well its true....However teaching them how to sleep is the challenge. I tried several different ways that were recommended. I even tried putting her to sleep in different places. Nothing worked for more than 20 minutes. I even tried letting her Cry It Out (CIO). Nothing seemed to work. The only thing I learned is that our daughter is very strong willed and has a great set of lungs and vocal cords. Another challenge we were faced with, as if sleep deprivation wasnt enough was her love hate relationship with the "BOBO" aka the pacifier/binky. Well heres the thing. When we did get Nohli to sleep it was with her monkey and her bobo. Only problem was that as soon as there was some noise or she'd stop sucking the bobo popped out and instantly she awoke-MAD! Uhhh!!! We were at our wits end. Good Night, Sleep Tight helped us understand how babies sleep and what occurs to them physically in this stage but unfortnately all the scheduling and the charting didnt help one bit!!! So I decided enough with these books! I was overstimulated with information and advice, at my wits end! Not to mention physically exhausted and sleep deprived myself! I left the books alone and started observing our lil one's behavior. Thru out the day I was looking to see what she felt, what she did to show she was tired, hungry, bored etc...I learned a lil bit and I decided to come up with something a method of sorts ON MY OWN...Well I realized that Nohli was sleepy thru out the day, she would attempt to go to sleep and wake up soon after. Even if I carried her and kept her in my arms she would fuss and awaken. But I also noticed (by accident) that she would flail her arms about right before she woke up. So by jerking her arms she would in turn wake HERSELF up!!! Hmm...and so I remembered reading some online advice from a mom with a similar problem who suggested "swaddling"....I was hesitant to try it because her Pops-Wayne doesnt think its a good idea to strap a baby down. He calls it a straight jkt! But when you are sleep deprived (3 months worth) and exhausted you'll try anything once! And so I did! And GUESS WHAT? It worked! Nohli slept about 3hrs while swaddled. It was amazing! I was so happy and relieved. And last night we fell asleep for about 4 hrs. But after waking and not being able to go back to sleep, I swaddled her and off to sleep she went. Another 5 hrs of sleep! My first good nights rest in a looooong time! I will try swaddling her for naps only, in hopes that she learns how to get herself back to sleep. Hopefully she wont have to be swaddled for too long. What I learned from all this is, its important to be informed on all options and methods, so read all the books you can. But all in all its important to pay close attention to YOUR child and his/her own personality and behavior. You as the parents know whats best for YOUR child! Alot of patience works too, lol! Hope this helps.

Like Grains of Sand Thru an Hour Glass (but way way faster!)

2008-11-19T17:36:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since Nohli was last seen on the web.

No worries guys, she didn't forget about you all, but she just been crazy busy.

Her 3 month BDAY is coming up on Friday

WOW. The time goes by fast. I feel like that's the most played out thing parents say

"Enjoy this age, it won't last" or "Just wait until she is crawling" or "I wish they would stay this age forever" or "I remember when (fill it their child's name) was that small, or that cute, or was a girl but everyone thought she was a boy"

Parents are ALWAYS talking about how quickly their children grew up.

But damn, I'm already saying things like "I remember when she fit into that" or "I feel like only yesterday her feet were here, and now they hang all the way down here"

Nohli has officially doubled in weight since her birth.

The holidays is coming up quick.

We out. Nap Time.

Nemi holding her lil doll

Stuntin like her cuzins

Mark (freshly back from Alaska), Mama, Nohli, and George

Nohli at Cairo's house

Jen Jen and some model at the Red Door (Portsmouth, NH)

Jen Jen is soooo HOT right now!

Boy Boy and Boy Dad

She bounce like a ball player

CEOah and lil CEOah

At the Seacoast Science Center

See Thru Windows

Nohli getting ready to hit SoHo

WWF with the new BFFs

Even when she sleeping, she got that cabbage on the mind

(Yes, that's a big big cabbage)

Nohli's first live basketball game

(She was 1 rebound short of a Triple Double)

Nohli and her favorite basketball player

World Wide Baby

2008-11-07T15:36:00.000-08:00

On Thursday (after much discussion and one postponement) Nohli got her first shots; 3 to be exact. Nohli was very brave. Mom ran out the the room, and Papa had to look away. Doctor Max had a very tender touch. Nohli was very tired and hungry after her ordeal, but other than that she suffered no side effects.

The fam got our passport pics today. Dominican Republic here we come!

The Usual Suspects

Halloween Flashback

Some crazies at the Halloween Parade

The Best of Both Worlds

2008-11-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

GUEST WRITER: TIA JEN JEN

Chilling on the Greenest Block in Brooklyn

Leaving Tom's Diner

Supporting the Cause

Downtown Market Square

Portsmouth, NH

Every votes counts (even if you sleep through it)

I have to start off by saying that Nohli is one lucky baby. And i am a very lucky auntie because i just got to spend almost 6 days with her; half in NH and half in NY. The Simo von Ritter family came up to Rye last thursday to help out with the leaky roof, cast a vote in a swing state, and most importantly have quality time with the grandparents. I think nohli really enjoys getting back to her small town roots. She was able to participate in the annual Portsmouth Halloween parade (she wanted me to let everyone know she is very proud of her mom for getting quoted in the Portsmouth Herald), she helped her grandmother rake leaves and prepare the gardens for a long new england winter, she spent time enjoying the beautiful new hampshire coastline with her parents, and her proud papa was able to introduce her to many of his friends from the past. Its hard to beat a weekend in rye. After a delicious and reasonably priced lobster dinner on sunday night, Nohli, her mom and dad, Pucci and myself piled into the passat wagon for the long drive back to brooklyn. We got in late so i wasn't really able to see the neighborhood but i loved the apartment. Monday we ate breakfast at Tom's. The pumpkin walnut waffles with cinnamon butter were amazing. Nohli is pretty popular there, too. Noah went off to the big city to sell some buildings and the girls hung out at home. We took nohli for a walk around the neighborhood. She was very aware and loved looking around at the trees and big buildings. Noah and Clariza cooked a wonderful dinner while i held little nohli. Tuesday was a BIG day; Election Day. Yerania met us and we went to fort greene so clariza could vote. There was so much energy in the city. It was very exciting. We all had our photos taken for an art show and maybe a book documenting voters. After shopping for some stylish clothes for me in williamsburg, we met noah back at the apartment. We watched the map of the US as it turned blue for a little bit and then headed to the city for pizza at lasso. It was a late night, listening to Obama speak as the president elect was pretty amazing. Nohli slept through it but someday she'll realize that she was a part of an historic moment. She sleeps through most things anyways (i included a list below). So for the first time i actually wasn't ready to leave New York City after two days. I'm glad my niece shared her little piece of Brooklyn with me. I'll be back soon. Nohli is lucky to be able to experience the best of both worlds, country life in Rye where she can play in the woods and go to the beach, and big city life where she can walk through diverse neighborhoods and someday eat at really great restaurants. When she's old enough to realize how good she has it, I know she'll appreciate it all . Here's a shout out to Noah and Clariza for being wonderful hosts! Thanks for everything...

things that Nohli slept through over the last few days

1.) the halloween parade
2.) my wedding makeover
3.) a delicious lobster dinner
4.) her mom voting for barack obama
5.) her first model shoot
6.) eating breakfast at toms
7.) eating pizza at lasso
8.) red velvet cake
9.) shopping for me in williamsburg
10.) the first african american being elected as president of the united states!!!!!!

FOUR EYES, ONE BABY

2008-11-03T06:42:00.000-08:00

She so Hollywood!

#1 Stunna

Ms Nohli Rothstein

A Quick Commercial Break Sponsored by Apple Photo Booth

2008-10-29T17:45:00.000-07:00

4 Square w/ Papa and Nohli

Hollywood Squares Starring Nohli

Our sunshine (even on rainy days)

Can you guess who these pics are?

Here's a hint they aren't lil Nohli

The growth of knowledge depends entirely on disagreement. Karl R. Popper (1902-1994)

2008-10-29T12:01:00.000-07:00

Today was Nohli's 3rd visit to the pediatrician. As always I fear the visits. Not bc of a diagnostic fear but bc of the subject of vaccination. We are up in arms about this vaccines business. You read things all the time, on the news, on blogs, in health magazines etc...You just dont know. Our generation has so many more outlets of information than past generations did. Before you did what your doctor said. the medical field was never one you questioned. Research, Testing, and Malpractice suits later- you dont know what to believe. Our pediatrician is a pretty cool doctor. He's a bit old school, but he's hip on new ways of thinking. He suggested we pick up a couple books to help us make a more educated decision on the direction we wanted to go in as far as vaccinating Nohli. Pat got us Dr.Sear's Vaccine book. I read it front to back and found it pretty easy to read and understand. Its pretty basic. Tells you the vaccines that are "required" what they are for, when they should be administered. Why u need them, whats in them and possible side affects. He gives u his opinion about each one. Keep in mind he lets u know early on he agrees with the AAP. So he never actually says "dont give that vaccine" On each visit our DR suggest a scheduled vaccine. So far we have declined each time...I feel like we are running out of time. I think I will try n do a bit more research b4 our next visit. On more pleasant news, we are happy to report that at almost 9weeks of age Nohli came in weighing 12lbs! and 24" She is healthy and growing rapidly!

Tomorrow we leave for NH. We are spending Halloween in Rye. Going to a parade and trick-or-treating on Friday!! This is Nohli's 1st Halloween and already she has a costume ready. I wont tell u what it is, but I will give you a clue ITS GREEN! check back for pix from that.

I would like to say thank you to all the friends and family who have been reading and commenting on the blog. And a very special shout out to our friends Aasha and Jesse in LA who are expecting their first child in just a few weeks! We luv u guys n wish you all the best! xxo!!!

Last night Nohli watched the the Celts (the Champs) play the Cavs in the first game of the season. It was also her first basketball game (many more to follow).

Just a typical night at the Simo Von Ritter's.

Papa CEOah, Nohli, and King James

The Turtle and The Monkey

BFFs for life!

6 DAYS TO THE ELECTION

PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE VOTE!

PiX!!!

2008-10-27T12:26:00.000-07:00

New Baby Gap Jeans from Abuela
Mama's friend Marilyn
Kiara and Noemi aka Memee
The Lovely Cassandra

BBQ Much?...

2008-10-27T06:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday EveryBody! Hope you had a great weekend. As for us lets talk about overstimulation!...Yesterday we hosted yet another autumn BBQ. It was a celebration of Nohli's 2 months on earth, and a reunion of sorts too! The boys who attended were the usual suspects, and the girls were HS friends who had NOT seen each other in years. It was fantastic to catch up! There were some cute kids who attended too! Noemi, Cassandra, Ralphie, and of course Miss Kiara who happened to be the only teenager around. Overall we had a great time. Thanks to Grandma Clara and TiTi Indira for helping out with the cleaning and cooking! Shout out to Jared and his Giants..thanks for keeping the couch warm(EARLY!) and winning a game!

As for Nohli, she was in a rare mood....overstimulated by all the goings on. Mainly frustrated from lack of naps. Her nightime sleep wasnt much better either as she was fussy all night. This morning we realized why- her tummy! While changing her diaper, we had projectile poop shoot our way! She topped that off with some fresh and warm pee! A change of clothes was in order for baby and adults!!! She instantly felt better and napped with her dad. They looked peaceful and beautiful together. Pucci joined the twins as well. It was cute, Papa, Baby and Puppy. One new thing we have noticed with Nohli is at about 8/9am every morning she wakes up-eats and stays up for about 3ominutes just playing with us...She kicks, screams (with joy) smiles, tries to talk..its all very cute. She has such strong legs! Im thinking SOCCER! Its wonderful to start the morning with a very happy baby cheering you on first thing. Even tho, some people may say that carrying your baby around all day spoils them...and even tho Nohli does not like being by herself awake or asleep...I cant stand to hear our baby cry, and feel

unhappy. If that means she is spoiled then...sorry! For now thats just the way its gotta be. We are first time parents and what that means is ALOT of advice from EVERYONE...but mainly we just learn on our own along the way. If Nohli could speak she would say that aside from her painful gas, she is a very happy baby. She knows the love her parents have for her. And she is thankful and blessed by all the other people in her life that give her kisses, cuddles, and more love! ......Thanks to Clara P, Joselyn, and Marilyn for coming thru yesterday! XXO!!!

2 Months Strong!

2008-10-25T22:59:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest changes that occurs after you have a child is how quickly the time passes. It feels like only yesterday we were living in Crown Heights baby-less. Now we got this big 2month old princess. I'm sure Nohli still looks small to most people, but to me, she is already so big and grown-up. So much has changed in such a short time. Everyday I can see little things in her that weren't there even a few days ago. Her eye lashes seem to be growing the fastest. They are so long and beautiful and already beginning to curl. Her neck is so strong. She is always looking around, checking out her scenery. She loves to stare at the fan in the living room and likes to watch the colors on the TV. She loves the outside and is very curious of the lights of the city. She continues to be a perfect little lady in public (no one believes she ever crys, if they only knew. Ha). She loves the be with her parents especially on trips to the big city. She loves her morning bonding time in bed. She kicks her feet and smiles at her Mom and Dad. Sometimes she even lets out these cute little screams that sound like a mix between monkey and dolphin sounds.

This weekend we will be celebrating her first 2 months of life with a BBQ in Bed Stuy. And thank God the skies have cleared and it looks like we will have a beautiful day.

The BDay Girl about to open her gift from Papa

(a day early Mom couldn't wait to see what it was)

Nohli sporting her new Outfit.

Hard at work in the kitchen. Nohli helped Clariza make some delicious tacos. Hopefully soon, Nohli can be doing the dishes as Mom cooks. Together they can transform

to this crazy 4-armed kitchen robot.

Feliz Cumpleanos LULA!!!

2008-10-25T06:12:00.001-07:00

Asleep @ PEARL OYSTER BAR w papa

Auntie Chantille

Auntie Vanessa, Cairo, Nohli and Papa

PartyTime!

BIRTHDAY GIRL LULA

Friday was Lula's 1st birthday and our last day with Renee's car...so off we went to experience our last day on borrowed wheels. Our 1st stop was the west village. We made a quick stop at Caliente Cab for some apps. Nohli also ate there. Then we headed to Babies R Us for some diapers a new blanky and a couple of trinkets. On our way back to downtown we stopped by Pearl Restaurant. Just in the nick of time we sat at the bar. As soon as we sat down Nohli passed out. We had the best Lobster Rolls EVER!!! Amazing pan seared scallops with beets carrots n potatoes, and some yummy fried oysters. Hands down the best restaurant made seafood i have had in FOREVER! After finishing the pear blackberry pie (a'la mode) we headed to BK. Lula's 1st bday!!! So much fun, Nohli was up and in great spirits. Everyone was impressed at how "well behaved" she was. How grown she looked for a (just turned) 2 month old, and how well she can hold her head..She got to see her lil cousin Cairo and some more grown up friends....Alot to do on your 2month birthday anniversary, but if u dont already know....Thats how we Roll!

Its ANOTHER Girl!

2008-10-23T07:30:00.000-07:00

Ive been meaning to post this announcement...better late than never right?

Well i would like to say WELCOME BABY! to PEYTON ANTONIA DENNIS....she was born on October 14, 2008 @ 5:10pm coming in at 7.5lbs 20"long! A healthy and beautiful baby. We had to post this being that Peyton and Nohli will probably be great friends. Her mom Nicole and I share a birthday (which is coming up soon, shhh!). Shout out to Nicole who did a great job delivering Peyton! Congrats to the whole Dennis family!

Loving Memories.....

2008-10-23T07:04:00.000-07:00

Nohli with GreatGrandma Babi
Bedside w GreatGrandPa Eddie
Tired of partying w Ariana @ White Star
Letting her parents have some fun
With the Birthday Girl and Mama thinkin about SLEEP...

We took a day trip up to Westerly R.I to visit with great grandpapa Eddie and Babi. Eddie isnt doing very well health wise and so we decided to bring him some feel better Nohli Rio medicine. He couldnt stop saying how beautiful she was. According to Papa Eddie she is the most beautiful baby he has ever seen! Babi was very sweet and made her grandson's favorite dish (by her) Chicken and Dumplins. She gave me the recipe a few months back and I have yet to attempt to make it. Maybe for Thanksgiving? Anyways, we got home early evening and got ready for Ariana's bday soiree....Ari looked beautiful as always, after tempting Nohli with her nip slips she finally settled down long enuff to take a few party pix with us. We think she had a great BIRTHDAY!

Life Lessons #1

2008-10-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

Devil Rays 3, Red Sox 1

Last Night Nohli learned a valuable lesson...

You can't win them all, all the time!

It looks like Nohli will have to wait 1 more year

to get her first World Series ring.

Shout out to Dean Guttenplan of the Bronx

aka Mr Mandean and his Third Place Yankees for all the support in our Game 5 comeback.

Keep your head up Boy Boy! You can learn a lot by ch-ch-checkin' our swagga!

Mom and Nohli sporting the 09 Champs Gear

Nohli hard at work.

I told her she needs to have a job by weeks end.

She is exhausted from sending out resumes.

Anyone know any job openings, please hit her on her office line.

Nohli Rio The Turtle: So Fresh So Clean

She used to hate baths, now she love 'em.

Nohli and her parents are breaking up North for a quick day trip to see her Great-Grandpa, Eddie.

He's feeling a little sick so Dr. Nohli going try to breath some more life into him.

Back in Brooklyn tomorrow

See you SOON Great-Grand parents

:::::::REWIND::::::::

2008-10-17T21:20:00.000-07:00

Nohli is not one of these nerdy bloggers that over post.

Here is some pics that slipped thru the cracks over the last 2 weeks

Jamil and Nohli at LOLLI (JR coming soon!)

Moma, Lil Big Bird, and Nohli (Back at the birth center for her 3rd time)

Tia Jen Jen and Nohli

The Bollmeyer Girls (Barbara, Krazy Karen, and Nelly) with Moms and Nohli

Nohli hangin with her new orange friends. They roll deep.

Pucci aka The Black Fox (Still the first child and a great big sis)

SIZE HER UP! HER REP GETS BIGGER!

2008-10-16T22:24:00.000-07:00

This week, a little less than 7 weeks into in life, Nohli has officially made her first power move. Meaning: She is growing TOO quickly. Her diapers formly a size Zero (0) are now a size 1. Nohli rocks the chlorine free "Seventh Generation's". And her size in most clothes has jumped up to 3 to 6 months from New Born. Damn that Milky GOOD! Slow Down Baby, Baby.

Also tonight, Nohli woke up from a dead sleep, just as Big Papi's SMASHED a 3-Run Blast to begin the Red Sox's incredible 7 run comeback to win the game, and stay alive in the American League Championship Series. Big Dominican Thanks to David Ortiz. Probably just a coincidence , but Nohli did already witness a Celtic's Championship from inside the belly. Winning could be in her blood.

Nohli wanted to post this pic as a joke. "Women for McCain" Haha! FYI: All these signs were not ripped off McCain supporters lawns, they were purchased at the Washed Up Politicians Store in Portsmouth, NH.

Overstimulating Rye

2008-10-15T15:43:00.000-07:00

Nohli with her papa and her grandparents
At the Pumpkin Patch with mama and grandmama

Its already Wednesday! This week is just flying by. This weekend was quite eventful for us. And by "us" I mean, Nohli, Noah, Myself, My Mom, Indira, Noelya, Noemi, Alcatraz, Wayne, Patricia, and Jen Jen...oh yeah and lets not forget Pucci, Martini and Bella! We left Friday at about 12:30pm (from BK). Traffic was SO BAD that it took us about 7hrs instead of 4.5hrs to get to Rye, NH. It was the worse traffic we have ever come across in all our New England travels. Nohli and Pucci behaved very well the whole 7hr car ride up there. Noah and I were very impressed with our lil girl! It was so nice to have the grandparents and aunties and cousins together under one very large roof..lol! We had some great dinners again. And since the lobster prices have gone to $3.99 for 1pound lobsters we had to have a lobster dinner! It was yummy. Noah's ROSEMARY BUTTER really gives the lobster an amazing flavor. Noelya felt bad about seeing the lobsters alive and then eating them so she passed on the food. But then after hearing the lip smacking at the table she requested some lobster and LUVED IT!

Nohli went for a few walks with her grandparents Patricia and Wayne...they also watched her one night as us kids went to downtown Portsmouth for some drinks and darts at the Coat of Arms. We met up with Godfather Bradley there too! It was fun. I had forgotten how yummy the Jameson and Gingers are. But only ONE for me! LOL! Anyways- we also visited the outlets in Kittery and the Pumpkin Patch at the church lawn in Portsmouth. It was great seeing Georgeanna and Elsie as always...So much happened-Im gonna have to include another post later on with more pix....

TWO BRIDGES

2008-10-09T22:32:00.000-07:00

NOHLI takes the Manhattan Bridge in....
and the Wiburg Bridge Home

Tompkins Square Park

Cheers

Steak at Lucien (Nohli's 3rd Trip to Manhattan)

Up Up & Away!!

2008-10-08T07:44:00.000-07:00

Its Hump Day!! And I have my 6 week postpartum doctor visit!!!! Im super excited..My appointment is at 2pm at the Birthing Center. Noah & Nohli will accompany me. And, hopefully our midwife Yuliya will be there and Nohli can see her! This wont be a long post as I need to take the time to get myself ready...Getting ready takes alot longer these days (for obvious reasons). But I will give you grandparents and friends our there your daily dose of Nohli pix. Oh, and Nohli would like to give a special milk filled shout out to TiTi-Jen-Jen for loaning her the cute blue n yellow striped VINTAGE Petit Bateau footed Jumper. Its cozy!

O Baby Obama

2008-10-07T20:55:00.000-07:00

Me and Nohli watched the Presidential debate on Tuesday night. Nohli didn't last long, Senator McCain's responses put her to sleep quicker than 30 minutes of breast feeding. I wonder what will happen come November. This is the most important election I have ever voted in, and the fact that I now have a daughter adds even more meaning to my vote for change. SPECIAL REMINDER TO THOSE IN SWING STATES (LIKE NEW HAMPSHIRE) PLEASE VOTE OBAMA!

Bless You!

2008-10-07T08:51:00.000-07:00

Sunday was Cairo's Blessing. Noah, Nohli and I didnt make it to the ceremony. But, we did attend the brunch at Flatbush FarmHouse. It was nice seeing all the close friends and family celebrating for Cairo. Luckily we arrived at the restaurant right before everyone else did. I got to kiss and hug all my friends. First thing they all asked was "Where's Nohli?"....It was nice. A very good way to have people meet her too...After a few Cheers we finally got to eat our food. We were starved! We were NOT impressed with our food BUT the FRIES were SLAMIN! LOL! Anyway, Nohli was very well behaved, sleeping most of the time. She received many compliments on her beauty. Many comments on how much she looked like her papa. It was sweet!
Ally Bees had a cute present for Nohli. It was an adorable pink knit HELLO KITTY dress. Cant wait for her to wear it! After the brunch we got a ride home from Ian Vanessa and Cairo. It was a nice family affair.

Hand It Over

2008-10-05T07:35:00.000-07:00

Its been a long weekend it seems like...Its Sunday morning. Noah is asleep in bed and Nohli is in her Amby (www.ambybaby.com) here in the kitchen. My mom is cooking away. Today is Cairo's christening and we are headed over to Brooklyn Heights for the ceremony at 2pm. After we will be having a brunch at Flatbush Farms. It will be Nohli's first FORMAL outing in BROOKLYN. Exciting!!! But what should she wear!?
Last night Noah and I FINALLY tried out Peaches Restaurant. The Turkey Meatloaf was awesome. My Tilapia not so much. The Raspberry Apple Pie a la Mode DEVINE! It was nice to spend time w my best friend. Still we did spend the last moments of our date were spent talking about Nohli and looking at pix of her on Noah's blackberry....I felt like a parent! We had a baseball filled night when we got home. My mom was kind enough to watch Nohli while we dined and its things like that that make me really appreciate MOTHERS. Speaking of mothers and grandmothers, we cant wait for Abuelito Wayne's birthday and our NH trip!

Holy Nohli (Papa's First Post)

2008-10-03T21:15:00.000-07:00

Life has changed a lot since Nohli came swimming into this world. Life as a parent quickly rearranges your priorities. In many ways the birth my daughter washed away all of life's unnecessary details. It magnified my love for Clariza and brought Nohli into my every thought. I love being a father, although it does still sound a little odd to have people refer to me as a father. It's kind of like the first few times you write the date after the New Year, you got to catch yourself from writing last years date. It's the same way being a brand new father, you got to catch yourself doing something you would do pre-fatherhood. I feel like my movements have so much more importance. There's always this fresh, wide-eyed, bundle of baby at home completely helpless and needy. It's motivating in many ways. As she starts to show more emotion, there are few feelings as incredible as seeing her smile or giggle. It's amazing to see her change, almost on the daily. Her eyes seems to continually morph into shades of gray and green. As I writing this post, I had to pause as Nohli awakes to a few quiet crys, but she goes back to sleep at a few minutes of rocking and back pats. She loves to sleep/watch baseball with me. Well she seems to be waking up again. I leave of this note. I have many jobs in my young life but none compare to fatherhood. It is completely encompassing on your life. There are no breaks, only a few fleeting moments to catch your breath and quickly clean up the mess before the next wave of fathering begins. SHOUT OUT TO NOHLI'S MOTHER (who knows this fact too well)

SLEEP IS A WONDERFUL THING

Sling To The Rescue

2008-10-02T07:02:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned in the previous post last night was not very tranquil in our household...Noah stayed up with Nohli most of the night as I still had the killer headache. I ended up taking another 2 tylenol EXTRA STRENGTH early this morning...as of right now I have some ache lingering around my head. Not so bad tho. I got up about an hour and a half ago to feed Nohli. After her morning feedings she "normally" will go back to sleep with her papa and Pucci and I will get up and eat breakfast, check the computer do some chores etc...Today however that was not gonna happen. The babe gets what the babe wants! Our pediatrician Dr.J Gough says at this early stage we must adhere to the baby's demands. He advices to never let a baby cry. You must anticipate a baby's every move, need and want. EASIER SAID THAN DONE!!!!! I have to admit, I hate hate hate to hear a baby cry! If our babe cries I try my hardest to figure out why she's crying and calm her down. But sometimes that just doesnt work. Nohli is a great baby. For the first 2 weeks she didnt cry ONCE! She was sooo laid back (just like Noah) and she slept for ages! Once we moved to our new home, things completely changed. It may be a coincidence because I hear that at this stage (she's 4 1/2 weeks old) babies can show signs of COLIC and grow extremely fussy...Their vocal cords and lungs must get super strong too bc this lil girl can really hit some high notes. Maybe she'll have a great singing voice? Anyway-as I type this she is laying in her sling on me. Im sitting at the glider with the laptop on my LAP, and she is sleeping....I once babysat this adorable lil girl named Paris. She was the adopted daughter of a flight attendant. Paris was just under a year old and her mom didnt have a stroller for her, just a sling. It was the first time I had seen such a thing. I took Paris to the Beverly Center (mall) once and used the sling. It was fabulous! I luved it! From that day on I thought-if I ever have a baby Im getting a sling! I have 2 slings now! I should really say SO FAR....lol! Our very first sling we received at our Rye, N.H babyshower. It was a gift from Nohli's grandparents Patricia and Wayne. I wore that sling to take Nohli on her very first outing after being born. We ventured ONE whole block to our local supermarket. There was the annual West Indian parade going on and she just slept the whole time. I go on www.celebrity-babies.com on a daily basis and there I found a site for slings www.karmababy.com They have awesome slings at reasonable prices. We found a reversible FLEECE sling (for the colder seasons) in lavender/grey that is just a life saver! Nohli is laying in it right now cozy and warm! Since using the sling I have come across many concerns from different people. There are the stroller people who just think that Slings are weird and dangerous. There are the Baby BJorn users who think the baby needs to be upright at all times.....My 79 yr old aunt thinks the baby is uncomfortable and being in such positions will hinder her bone development. Is that really possible? I'll tell you one thing. We own the Bugaboo Frog, The Baby BJorn and a couple of slings....The sling can be used around the house and outside the house. The Bjorn is great for Noah to use, its adjustable in size. The stroller is great to take on walks, especially in rainy weather and under SUNNY weather. Although Nohli (at this stage) really does NOT like lying FLAT on her back...For me the sling is the best option! I highly recommend giving it a try. Besides in your belly, its the 2nd best way to carry your precious lil bundle....

Fussy Daze

2008-10-02T06:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was not a very eventful day...the weather was pretty strange. It was a cool 70 degrees and then it began to rain. Nohli and Pucci did not take their daily walk around the neighborhood. But today is a new day, it seems sunny and clear and although its definately FALL out, it seems like a very pleasant day for a stroll. Nohli was very fussy all day yesterday and last night was even worse! Noah stayed up with her most of the night. For some reason I had the strongest headache yesterday. I was unable to function properly-a fussy baby and a dog in heat did not make things any better. Luckily Noah came home with Tylenol and Water and relieved me of baby duties so I could have a good nap. We had gourmet hamburgers for dinner (that Noah made -from scratch!) with a nice tomato, yellow pepper, and arugula salad. It was delish! We took turns eating and holding "The Babe"....after that I took a shower and hit the sack. OH! speaking of showers...Nohli did have her first bath in her new tub yesterday morning. That was an early highlight. She didnt cry ONCE! Matter of fact I think she really enjoyed the relaxation of a bathtub. She smelled like Tea Tree and Lavender after too!

Welcome Nohli Rio! 8.29.08 7.2lbs 21"

2008-09-30T15:15:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone! With so many friends and family all over the globe, we decided to start this blog on Nohli's behalf in order to keep everyone updated on all things Nohli. This is going to be a Nohli blog but it will also feature friends, family, and fashion-baby fashion that is! We wanted to set up this blog to document things in a jounal type of way...but I also think it would be helpful to add tidbits of Baby related info. There seems to be a major BABYBOOM going on in the world at the moment. Many of our friends are first time parents and have alot of questions! I know we do, so we will do our best to spread any useful info we may come across to help our lil (HUGE) BABYBOOM-ing community out. Please feel free to pass this address along to friends. We welcome all positive comments, and any great info you may have. Thanks so much for reading. Nohli thanks you as well! xxo!!!