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Monday, December 26, 2005
Ever since I moved to NYC, I've been meaning to go see the New York Botanical Garden's annual holiday train show. And every year, I never got around to it. This year, we finally made it.. now that we're living in Jersey, just a hop, skip and a jump over the GW bridge. All I needed was a good excuse - and what better excuse than your kid? "Hey, let's take Jordan to see the train show, he'll LOVE it!" Thanks, little monkey!  The show features 100 historic NYC landmarks, made entirely of plants, trees, and flowers (yeah I know, sounds lame..but it was totally worth the wait in line..even with a screaming monkey).  All right, I admit it, I got a kick out of seeing the trains whiz by the displays.  We interrupt this blog moment for hugs and cuddles.  The little monkey peers in for a closer look. Most of the displays were set conveniently at little monkey eye level.  NYC's famous bridges tower over us in the background.  The little monkey is amazed by the sights and sounds inside the conservatory. I was amazed the little monkey handled the NYC crowds as well as he did.  Bet you didn't realize trains were this funny.  kickin back at Rocco's pizza in da Bronx for an authentic NY slice...the little monkey is worn out after his big adventure. The monkey's fake Robeez (fo-beez!) show some signs of wear too.
 
Sunday, December 25, 2005
 One of the highlights of the weekend was Dave and Mary's Christmas Eve dinner. In attendance ... the little princess herself - Charlotte! Holly looks on protectively  Here, the little monkey does his best to make a good impression in a casual way. Hence, the untucked shirt, unzipped grandpa sweater, and wrinkley pants. But it's hard to play it cool, and the monkey gazes in awe at Charlotte's aerodynamic ponytail.  Santa's little helper  Like his father, the little monkey is drawn to the gadgets. While the old monkey dreams of a plasma tv, the little one is content to cozy up to the old school version.  Charlotte comes over to see what all the fuss is about.  Christmas morning arrived and Jordan dressed in flannel pj's, hopped on his new bike. It was a big hit. Thanks again, Dave and Mary!  The little monkey was a captive audience, charmed by the sounds of "Hokey Pokey Elmo," a present from Charlotte. The old monkey's running shoes occupy a prominent spot under the coffee table, easily accessible in case the urge to take a morning jog should hit.  Monkey cuddles with his koala bear - a present from Uncle O and Auntie Dallice. We like koalas. Though the little monkey's family is all over the country, he was not forgotten by anyone. From Brooklyn to Buffalo, gifts arrived from near and far.  Our favorite gift of all tries to make his getaway. Oh yeah, and for those of you who missed it, Jordan made the front page of the Daily News . The Post decided to run a different baby story. Interestingly enough, this couple is also from Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. Let the "miracle baby" war begin. Happy Holidays!
Saturday, December 24, 2005
 Jordan discusses his Christmas wishlist with Grandma H.
Thursday, December 22, 2005
 Several days and many, many dollars later..Oscar returns home, apparently none the worse for wear.
Tuesday, December 20, 2005
 Oscar is sick. Really sick. All week long we've been back and forth to the vet's office. And now he's staying there for two days, "hospitalized" and under observation. He's on high dose antibiotics for a pancreatic infection, and problems with his liver. We're worried, and the house seems strangely empty without him. The vet thinks it might have been caused by something he ate. Given his eating habits, I wouldn't doubt it. But until he's home, I feel nervous and upset.
Monday, December 19, 2005
 But the little monkey is determined to try.
Thursday, December 15, 2005
  The contenders. In the left corner, weighing in at approximately 20 pounds, we have "Baby Jack" Dempsey (1/19/05). And on the right, weighing in at 17 pounds, we have the challenger, "Miracle Baby Jordan" Trimarchi (1/18/05).  Getting these two together for a visit, seemed like a good idea at the time. After all, their moms went through pregnancy at the same time, and these guys almost shared the same birth day. It started innocently enough. A friendly grab here...  A reach for some cheek there...  Till suddenly Baby Jack pulls a WWF style smackdown. Like a good wildlife photographer, observing the animals in their natural habits, I did not intervene immediately.  Not to be outdone, Jordan decides he's had enough with the whole "sharing" thing. Nobody messes with the ball, man. The room is full of a hundred different toys, but this ball is serious business.  A short time out results while the two monkeys are given a chance to observe each other across the gate, and think about their behavior.  Peace is restored in baby-land, as Jordan grudgingly shares some Leap Frog table time with his guest.
Monday, December 12, 2005
 It's positive. I checked. Twice. Jordan will be a big brother sometime this summer. And if all goes well, we will be the proud parents of "two under two." In anticipation of the responses, I've prepared these FAQ's and answers to help out. Please review. 1. Are you guys crazy? Why yes...yes we are. That should be obvious by now. 2. When are you due? Sometime late July or August. 3. What are you having? Don't know the sex yet. 4. Will you find out? Yes, we will find out. 5. How old is Jordan going to be? Jordan will be 18 months old, approximately. 6. When are you getting back to work? I'll get back to work at some point. Don't worry. We won't lose the house. 7. Was this planned?Well., let's just say it's a little earlier than we expected, but it's all good. 8. Weren't you guys using protection?Well, protection is a relative term. Yes...in the sense that you assume general celibacy and the exhaustion of new parenthood is contraception enough. I guess my high school health teacher was right after all. It only takes one time. 9. You guys couldn't wait awhile?See #7 and #8 above. 10. How are you guys going to manage this?One day at a time, my friend...and a healthy dose of humor. By the way, I'd personally like to take this opportunity to thank our good friends Justin and Sandrine, who are conveniently out of the country at the moment. We believe we have figured out "when this all happened". And it appears to coincide with that night in October we met for your bon voyage sendoff. Gentle readers, be warned, this is what a pitcher or two will do to you.
Sunday, December 11, 2005
 It's officially cold outside.  Time to bundle up...  and put up the tree and wrap the presents. It's early in the season, but I think we've already gotten the best gift of all.
Friday, December 02, 2005
 The monkey's hair calls to mind the lyrics to that classic hippy loving musical. As much fun as it is to play with this hair, the time has come for an official haircut. Little monkey - welcome to the joys of a "day of beauty" at the kiddie salon.  Like a condemned man, the little monkey is wheeled in. He is oblivious to the distractions like the pile of soccer balls that amuse simpler minded children.  The little monkey scans his surroundings while creepy baby-in-a-box stares on.  Strapped in. No turning back now. The little monkey is not amused, despite the pink plastic barber bib he is forced to wear. Will the humiliation never end?  Shorn of his long locks, the little monkey howls and fights to escape.  We regroup back in the car. Little monkey is battle worn, but calm. He received his certificate of first haircut, balloon and lollipop, and is ready to face the world again - a new man.
 Recognize the really bored looking guy in the second row?  Well, he did well in law school, graduated, got admitted to the bar, has managed to hold down a job, and support his family. Oh..and last night, he won a pretty cool award. Jeff was the recipient of a Legal Aid Society 2005 award for outstanding pro bono service.  Way to go old monkey of mine! Maybe some day you can have your own corner office, as cool as this one!
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