Slappy Dances

This video is a bit older, taken from Mateo's Birthday - July 21 (Jess couldn't put this video up on Fire Island, what with her internet connetions being on the DL). Maddie got to dance again, this time with Bee Grandma (Borrowed Grandma). As you can tell, she loved it.

Slappy Says Happy Birthday

As she celebrated Mateo turning 2!
It was a day full of balloons, rides, dancing, and a cupcake. It was the cupcake that gave Mateo this look - apparently cupcake frosting can be very confusing and slightly intimidating when you're 2.

Luckily, Mama can make anything better.

We ventured out to the Saint Anne's festival in the streets of Hoboken, where Mateo was lucky enough to have both his Grandma and Abuelo with him on his big day.

He also got to suck on a lemon from Papi's lemonade, a past time Jess remembers from the last time she visited when Slappy was still in utero.

The excitement was a little overwhelming for Maddie, who snuggled in for a nap.

And in a picture rarely seen these days, Eddie, Francoise and Jess, sans munchkins (they were both in bed).

Slappy Has A Full Day

She danced with her madrina.
Although really, the fullness of the day is best expressed through this shot.

Slappy Meets Her (Possible) Betrothed

Mr. Mateo Vielot Gonzalez, who solidified his place in her heart by sliding down the highest slide in the entire playground.

Now, it must be noted, that we say possible, since our official stance is that we do not support arranged marriage for our children.

She watched the Yankees with her (possible) father-in-law, Eddie - having a fine understanding of the game, what with having watched both the Indians with Great Grandma and the Red Sox with Smooth Andre's Dad.

She snuggled with her madrina, Francoise.

Again, was impressed by Mateo's zest for life during a tickle-fest with his Papi.

And got some borrowed Grandma time with Ms. V.

Slappy Likes Humming

Maddie was lucky enough to get a visit from Rodney and Laura.

And Rodney was lucky enough to get a chance to hum tunes on her head. Maddie loved it, and smiled to each hum. Rodney also commented that he remembered visiting Jess in Pittsburgh when she was 18 months old, and carrying her the same way.

Slappy Loves the Theatre

After an Italian lunch, Maddie, Jess and Leon, Jess' theatre mentor, went back to where her career all began. Her high school stage.

Maddie and Uncle Leon got to sit in the front row.

But really, backstage is where it's at. There they found Greased Lighting from Dwight Englewood's latest production.

Now, we'll just have to wait a few years to see if she's been bitten like Mom and Dad.

Slappy Has a Mature Uncle

Happy Birthday Uncle Wills!
Jess' baby brother turned 17 today.

Dr. Kerry came by for the occasion, after all Uncle Wills will now be driving...

But instead of driving, we all went on a walk through Leonia, where Jess was raised. Then came Chinese food followed by Dunkin Donuts coffee.

Slappy Prefers Air Travel

During her last hours in Rhode Island, Maddie had her first dip in a lake. She seemed unaffected, as she did not appear to realize that her feet belonged to the rest of her body.

She then said fond goodbyes to the other little dude in her life.

And began her first train trip from Providence to Newark. Don't let the picture fool you - Maddie made it clear that train travel has no interest for her by use of fine-tuned shrieks that continued for two 20 minute periods. And no - I don't mean crying - it only began that way. Actually it began with complaining, then crying, then shrieking. Her complaints were registered - by all.

But the trip was all worth it, as she finally got to meet Pippin.

Actually - for the first time she got to meet her Uncle Ant and Aunt Tara, who dressed up special for the occasion (or maybe just came from work).

They took Maddie out for a walk, where Uncle Ant caught and showed her, her first firefly.

Slappy Hangs with Someone Her Own Size

Why did Maddie go to Rhode Island, when everyone knows her grandparents are in Texas with her new cousin? She went to spend time with the new family - Kerri, Derek, and baby Andre.

Maddie had been desperate to finally interact with someone her own age. Please note the high level of excitement as they watched Time-Saver Traffic together.They also rode in the car together.
They got held by the same Mom together.They experienced their highs and lows together.
Problem. Solution.

Problem solved. Good times.

Slappy Meets Smooth Andre

At only 5 weeks old, Andre makes a move, perhaps a little unsure of how it will be received.

Andre's Mom, Kerri, was impressed with her son's moxie, as was Maddie, who then gained the confidence to make a move of her own.

Slappy Has a Sink Bath

Under the watchful eye of Great Grandma before her flight to Rhode Island.

Slappy Meets the Kenders

After meeting Great Grandma the previous evening, Maddie knew she had a lot to look forward to.Hanging with Great Aunt Marian, Great Grandma and cousin Kristin.Getting one-on-one time with Great Aunt Marian.

Cuddling with Great Aunt Carole.Meeting Great Uncle Rick.Meeting Great Uncle Rick's kidney stone (actual size).Convincing Great Uncle Bob to be her bodyguard.
Changing her mind after she saw he only had a finger gun. Or maybe that was a Detroit Red Wings victory finger. Either way - unimpressive.Playing with teddy bears, and Great Aunt Ann and cousins Mitchell and Mary (the previous titleholder of the youngest Kender).Hearing Donald Duck come from Great Uncle Ed's mouth.
Learning about how to professionally use protective rubber gloves from veterinarian, cousin Kristin.
Discussing wedding menus with cousin Jeannie and very-soon-to-be husband, Rollie. It was a very Kendered two days.

Slappy Flies the Friendly Skies

At 9:40am, Maddie boarded her first airplane, heading cross-country to Cleveland. Her expression clearly conveyed the emotions of her mother.

Thankfully, the fear was put aside, as Maddie flew to Cleveland with a layover in Vegas with no shrieking and 2 twenty minute naps.

While making our connection in Vegas - Maddie planned on hitting up the slots, however a security guard informed us that Nevada law dictated that it was illegal to have a baby within 10 feet of a slot machine. Huh.

On flight 2, our first mile high club was attempted. No, not that kind - the diaper changing kind - the diaper changing, kneeling on the bathroom floor, baby on toilet, kind.

One clean, cramped baby.

Finally - after 7 hours of traveling, Maddie and Great Grandma meet for the first time. It was love at first sight.