Just for Fun

Back in Paris

Well, our trip home wasn't all that we expected it to be...Madison had bad ear infections that kept us home-bound for most of the trip. Luckily we got to visit with most friends and family, no matter how brief. We also realized that Madison has been a bit sheltered for the past few months and is rarely around anyone beside Kevin and I, which made for some very unhappy grandparents/aunts/uncles when Madison wouldn't let anyone hold her :( A major case of separation anxiety on top of ear infections equals a very exhausted Mommy and Daddy! There were a few things we missed out on but we'll be home in 2 months to make up for it!

Now we are gearing up for springtime in Paris. The weather is already starting to break. We need to make sure we accomplish all of our Paris "musts" before we pack up in April.

Greetings From Paris

See everyone in 5 days!

Almost There!

Madison is getting closer and closer to walking. I caught the end of her few steps with her car on video. Hopefully there will be more to come soon and I'll have the camera ready to capture them all :)

On an even happier note, we'll be home for a visit in 1 week and 3 days :)

Madison's First Birthday!!!

Well, we finally officially celebrated Madison's first Birthday this weekend (the whole house was sick last week). Saturday we did some shopping for some birthday presents and had lunch at a local brasserie. At lunch Madison enjoyed Confit de Canard (duck), a sauteed crepe with cheese and, of course, creme brulee.

For birthday dinner this evening, I made cavatelli with broccoli and chicken (which Madison devoured!). For "birthday cake" Madison dug into the best cheesecake we have ever eaten. (Frenchies don't do the whole bday/icing cake thing). She was a little afraid of the candle (or it could have been that she was way up past bedtime) but she quickly got over it and dug in with both hands.

We can't wait to see everyone in about 2 weeks and continue the celebrations!

It's a Girl!

Welcome to the world Mia Elizabeth Conti! Jason and Beth welcomed their first baby into the world this afternoon. Mia weighed in at 7lb 12 oz and was 20 3/4 inches long. No pics just yet but the proud daddy says she has lots of dark hair and is simply gorgeous.

Lots of love to the new mommy and daddy! Mom and baby are doing great-everyone is happy and healthy. Madison is so excited to have another girl to play with :)

Our day on the Champs

Today was a fun day. Early in the day we finished Christmas shopping for Madison. We have yet to buy any presents for each other yet :) Afterwards we headed up to the Champs Elysees and had lunch at Laduree. It is a very pretty, old-fashioned French tea room. Even Madison's high chair was gorgeous. Madison again flirted with all of the waiters and had the entire room's attention the whole time we were there. After a yummy lunch of sandwiches, ice cream and tea, we walked the rest of the Champs to the Christmas village they have set up with Santa's village, shops and food stands.

Madison took her first picture with Santa. When she first sat on his lap, it definitely looked like she was going to start wailing...it was after a long day and she was ready for bed. But in the end she didn't cry and we have a picture of her and Santa and another of the 3 of us with Santa :) I can't post them because we don't have a scanner but they came out pretty cute.

Tomorrow I'm hoping on getting my gear to make Christmas cookies...I need a mixer and measuring cups and spoons. Hopefully I'll find what I need. Then we have to finish Christmas shopping for each other. We're headed to Disney when Kevin has off from work over Christmas week. The tree should be finished tomorrow...no lights on the tree this year b/c the Frenchies don't have stands where you can water the tree, so we just don't feel to safe putting lights on.

I hope everyone enjoyed our "Christmas Cards". Happy Holidays to everyone!!!