For Safe Keeping...

Back when Sofia was just a child of 15 months (September) she had a brief period of infatuation with the diaper pail. One evening while we were hanging out in the living room, she kept disappearing into her bedroom. She'd be playing with a toy, then leave, and come back without the toy. I went into her room and looked for the toys and they were nowhere to be found. Finally, it dawned on me. I opened the diaper pail to find 6 toys stuffed in there with the dirty diapers. I quickly figured out there is a lock on the pail!

Caught in the act.

Where else would I keep my pumpkin?

The Cupcake Wears Converse

Keeping with the food Halloween costume tradition (if you can call two years in a row tradition), we decided to go a little sweeter this year. Last year the chili pepper sleeping bag was the costume of choice, but this year I looked for something a little more "girly." I think I succeeded. Next year I may not have a say in the costume, so I'm exerting my authority for as long as possible. Luckily she had many occasions to wear it.

The Halloween season was kicked off with my mom's group (Las Madres Willow Glen '09) party on October 24th. We rented out a space at Emma Prusch Farm Park which is an oasis of preserved farmland at the intersection of highways 280/680/101. I've lived here nearly my entire life and never knew it existed until this year! It was so fun to see all the kids in their costumes and watch them chase after chickens.

Cupcake and Kitty harass the chickens.

Las Madres Halloween chaos.

Another "Mom's Group" that I'm a part of is known to Steve as the "Yoga Girls" because we all met while taking pre-natal yoga. The difference with this group is that our kids rarely see each other, instead we meet every couple months for mom's nights out. It's such a treat to see the little ones, especially all dressed up in their adorable costumes. Thanks to Sara, Manny & Payton for hosting!

Dads and the menagerie.

Dominic and Sofia practicing for adolescence by texting each other while 2 feet apart.

Sofia missed the "animal" memo.

Game 4 of the World Series fell on Halloween, so Auntie Jen and Uncle Nick came over to watch the game and help pass out candy. Jen and I took Sofia for a quick loop of trick or treating, which consisted of dragging Sofia around in the wagon and gently pushing her up to front doors so we could ask the score of the game.

Cutest Cupcake.

Auntie Jen with roadie and cupcake.

While Nono tries to explain the albino pumpkin, Sofia decides that she can get everything she needs at this house. No need to travel further.

VERY skeptical of the whiskers on Mom.

The Gooch is Loose.

This October marked the return of one of our favorite events: the nearly annual Hockey Party/Bring-Your-Own-Wheels pub crawl. Almost every year since 2002 our friend Erin has been organizing this event which begins at her place in downtown San Jose and hits 3-4 bars before ending up in glass seats at the Sharks game. I've been told that once we arrive at the Shark Tank there is, in fact, a professional hockey game taking place. However, I'm unable to even tell you the name of the Sharks opponent this year. Nonetheless, a great time is always had!

Pre-party at Erin's with Mark & Claire. Mark grew a felt mustache just for the day.

E-Rac incognito.

Every year our shirts pay homage to a different up & coming Sharks player.
This year Devin Setoguchi earned the honor: The Gooch is Loose...Hands of the Gooch!

Katie, Claire and me at Teske's Germania. Katie missed the memo.

FLASHBACK: The very first hockey party crawl - January 2002!

Happy Birthday to Mommy

To celebrate my 34th, String and I headed up to one of our favorite spots in the North Bay for lunch and then onto Napa for an overnight at Silverado Resort, wine tasting at Del Dotto Caves and a yummy dinner at Celedon. Gorgeous weather, great food, too many cocktails = a fabulous birthday! Thanks Sucker!

Crossing the bridge on a beautiful day.

Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon. Scene of our wedding post-party debauchery.

Best "Pink Lemonade" around!

Silverado Resort in Napa. Only picture I got of the place. The room was nothing to write home about, but we didn't really care, it was just nice to be away!

Thanks to Grandma Peg, Grammy Marcia, Auntie Jen and Uncle Nick for making our overnight possible. It takes a village!

I got them ALL cut!

We've been talking about taking Sofia to get her first haircut for many months now. My issue was: bangs or no bangs? I decided in the car on the way to Balloon Cuts. No bangs. I just wasn't ready for that yet. I think I'm worried they will make her look like a three year old.

We hopped in the car and Sofia was in a great mood after a super long nap and a snack. I had her bag packed with all things of comfort: paci, baby doll, milk sippy, Cheerios. She appeared vaguely interested in the cute yellow car we sat her in. But as soon as the stylist to the kids appeared with comb and scissors, you would have thought she was cutting off Sofia's fingers and not her hair. In the end, not even the coveted iPhone or car keys would comfort her.

Before: Scraggly haired and very dubious.

During: Pacifier and iPhone are not saving her from the trauma.
Thankfully the stylist was quick. The whole ordeal was over in under 10 minutes.

After: Cuteness!
While we're digging the new 'do, the curly ribbon they tied in her hair kinda makes her look like we just picked her up from the groomer.

Yes, those are locks of her hair. And yes, I find it a little creepy. Too much CSI:?

Tutu much fun

Check out Sofia's latest photo shoot with photog extraordinaire, Andrea Heyfron. Our last session of the "Watch Me Grow" package (a gift from my parents, thanks Peg & Dick!) was supposed to be around Sofia's 1st birthday, but I wanted to wait until she was walking to capture cute shots like this:

We've referred Andrea to lots of friends, like the Imelli Family. Check out their shoot that was the same day as ours at the beach in SF. Too cute.

It doesn't mean she can't enjoy Led Zeppelin too

Well, I think it's obvious. She's inherited my love for hip hop.

Last night while I was showing String the fabulous history of rap performed by Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon and The Roots on Jimmy's show, Sofia got her groove on.

She seems to have a special affinity for Eminem.

For the full video from the Jimmy Fallon show, click here.