Lucky

We had an afternoon of St Patrick's Day celebrations with some friends from my NYU Mom's group. Our host Anna is one heck of a picture taker!

This is what you find at the end of a rainbow!

Baptism

Shortly after her six month birthday, Sloan had another big celebration - her baptism!

I was really nervous because she usually takes her second nap around 11:30 a.m. We took her to church with us the week before to see how she would do, and while she well behaved most of the time, she had a mini meltdown towards the end of the sermon...which is exactly when the baptism ceremony takes place! So of course, being the new mom that I am, I had a whole plan to help make it go off without a hitch: She would take her morning nap already dressed, sleep all the way up until we had to leave for church (later than usual), and then we'd feed her at the service. Well, wouldn't you know...THE PLAN TOTALLY BLEW UP!! She knew something was up - she woke up early, we had to feed her early, and she only took a quick 10 minute nap on the way to church.

Before the service - not so sure what's going on!
If you look closely you can see a small baby ring on Sloan's left wrist. It was from my paternal grandmother - the one who Sloan got her middle name from.

Well, Barry pretty much saved the day. He was so great with her during the service and only had to take her outside a brief moment. By the time we were called to the front, she saw one smiling face...and she lit up the whole church with all sorts of smiles. The  Pastor baptized her and she was so patient and lovely the whole time. He joked that he "wasn't giving her back", and held her as he walked up and down the aisle addressing the congregation about their role in the baptism. It was a really special moment.

A Child of - and from - God

What made the weekend even better is that my parents were able to attend too. They came in town to watch Sloan while Barry and I went to Colorado with friends (post to come shortly!). We left town shortly after the service so we did not have the typical after-service celebration, but we really appreciated those that were able to come join us!

A few more pictures from her special day

Tuckered out before we walked out the door...

New Year's on the Eastern Front...

Possibly one of the most overrated places to be on New Year's Eve, which is already and overrated holiday, is New York City. Anyone in their right mind (who doesn't live in Manhattan) stays as far away as possible and those who do have the privilege of living in Manhattan know it best to repel themselves from midtown like good music from a Creed concert. Forget Times Square and the ball drop. Seriously, forget it. Watch it on TV. The only reason to be out on New Year's Eve is if you are carrying a stolen copy of the frozen orange juice crop report. But I digress.

Two days after arriving back in NYC from The Atlanta Christmas Adventure, we packed up Randy's car (thank you again, Uncle Randy Pants) and headed to the magical place known as Dick's Bridgehampton. Over the past two years we have been lucky enough to join Richard and friends at his Eastern Outpost on summer weekends and the occasional early fall jaunt but this year it was to be a New Year's Fiesta. At least as much of one that can be had with a newborn.

We had our first snow...

It wasn't much snow but a good first exposure.
No chance for a snowman this time.

Deer sightings...

Sloan wonders what we were making her look at

Dick's back yard. There were as many as seven at one time.

Masterfully crafted dinners....

Straight from the Adam Perry Lang collection -
grilled lamb, polenta and asparagus salad

New Year's Even dinner was another APL special -
grilled-on-coals tenterloin, salt and vinegar
duck fat fries (with home made salt),
creamed roast garlic spinach and special salad

Popcorn Sundae for dessert

The Eastern Front Celebrants around the dinner table.

These dishes aren't going to do themselves.

Holiday cocktails...

Hooray for a New Year!

Special cocktail of the night

and even time for an art lesson...

Dad describing the work of elusive street artist Banksy.

At the end of 2012, Kerri and I did our best to reflect, realize and give thanks as to how lucky we are to have the best daughter, the best families and the best friends on Earth. Seasons will come and go, years will tick by and we will get older but every day is better for us than the last and we are truly thankful to be living in this moment. It's our only hope that we can make the absolute best of what we have in front of us. Here's to a great 2013!