OK.
I'm skipping ahead by a few months - my out-of-sequence offering is only to give you a Halloween 2011 intro.
After last years costume fiasco (buying & loosing Luella's store bought costume - then making one at the very last minute)...I decided with a little creative thinking and planning, to start the tradition by making Luella's costumes. 
Side note: I have never in my life worn a store bought costume. My mother made ours as a little girl, and in my adult life, my costumes were always thoughtfully crafted...Frankly that is the joy in Halloween (aside from the candy of course!)(and the pumpkin patch)(and the Halloween inspired TV) I love Halloween.
So why would I stray from that concept for Luella?  I can sew (and enjoy it) and have an abundance of left over scrap fabric.
And with that, I introduce you - Luella the Hoot.

Who said toddlers can't form bonds early in life?
I may have believed that at one point - and I stand corrected.

This small clip was taken outside of Luella's old daycare - a happier time (at Betty's), with our favorite caregiver and Lue's friends.
Since Luella's departure / switch from daycare to preschool 4 months ago, Luella still seeks this video from my phone and watches it repeatedly.

Aside from recognition, it's hard to distinguish what's going on while she watches to video.. I know for me it's sadness, as it confirms a time passed.
Good thing we have it recorded.
Good thing more great memories will be formed.

Since we have fallen so behind on updating our site, I've had to fast forward a little and really skim through some memorable moments with Luella.
But of course, we came across some noteworthy photos -- and I just had to share.
This series was taken during a little trip to Tahoe last spring - and I can't get over how much our little peanut has changed.
Madness.

Folks, you've seen little Lucia Piscopo on this site before.

Lucia is officially Luella's first girlfriend.  We've been getting these two together for some R&R while Luella was still in my belly.
It's always a treat seeing Paul & Eulalia, in addition, seeing Lu & Lue play is indescribably adorable. 

During this particular visit- our bench was used as a stage, and they truly were tickled by their performance.
So cute.

Luella was born with the camera in her face.
For the most part, she has been able to ignore the constant paparazzi and go about her business.
Until now. 
I unveil, Luella's first deliberate camera pose. (These just crack me up!)

This year, we decided to take our potted endeavors to a sheltered location.
So glad I came home in time, to capture this.

Shortly after our return from Hemet / Arizona, and with 2010 long gone, Mama was in need of some inspiration and change of scenery. 

Our friend Nicolle had planned a 3 week voyage to Paris, France- and instead of sitting idly in envy, I decided to join her.

I had only experienced one night away from Luella, 9 months previous (for Emma's bacherlorette), so I was of course feeling some trepidation. Even if it was for only a week, the duration, the distance, the time-zone seemed a little daunting. 
With some encouragement, and much deliberation, I decided to embark on my adventure.

After a long, uncomfortable and tearful flight- I finally made it to our super cute flat where a friendly face greeted me at the door. 
Our flat, clean & bright- was everything you could imagine.  A place to comfortably enjoy a morning croissant while gazing at the Parisian cityscape.  (We had a small view, and the weather was bitterly cold- but that's besides the point)
Highly recommended!  http://www.vrbo.com/174027

All things off to a good start.

Amongst the many touristy sites, we toured the Eiffel Tower, l'Orangerie, les Champs Elysée, le Notre Dame, le quartier St Germain...etc  We traveled by metro, ate extremely well, peeked into every shop (cheese, wine, clothes, chocolate ...etc) and walked down as many avenues with curiosity, and without getting lost (for the most part).  I loved every second of my trip to Paris- and one day, can't wait to experience this delicious city with my girl.

Side note:  Nicolle was such a trooper, and I could not have chosen a better travel partner.  For the entire trip, Nicolle was supportive, relaxed and easy going.  We ate, lounged, shopped and discovered Paris -- even found our selves in less desirable situations: ex. Hammam or super tacky tuk-tuk,  without ever skipping a beat. 
Thank you Nicolle for letting me tag along and being so wonderful.

The weekend in Arizona passed much too quickly, with not enough photos taken.  We did our best to make up for this when we went for breakfast on our last day.

Ah, theThe Farm at South Mountain.  We have been trying to go here for at least the last three trips.  From what M&J have been telling us, the food is excellent, and this place has notoriously long waits with Sundays being the worst.

Of course, we rolled right in, front row parking and got a table within 10 minutes for 4 adults and two kids.  Eating alfresco, under the trees in 70 degree weather, with exceptional food was really a treat.  The Farm literally is 'on a farm' with lots of greenhouses, veggie patches and even a chicken coop. 

Afterwards we relaxed in the warm sunshine on the lawn and ran around with the little ones.  It was a perfect leisurely breakfast that stretched all the way to early afternoon.

Little Avery at Breakfast.

January 22, 2011