Happy New Year!

New Year's Eve was very quiet. We went to our neighbor's house, Daniel, and I played with him and his friends, Eli and Gus. I was in bed by 7:30 and Mommy and Daddy followed not too much later!

I think they like me!

Either that, or they are trying to tell me that this is "their space"

Corn on the Cob, Rib Eating Elmo Watching Dancer....

Today, my friend Isabel (and her Mommy and Daddy) came to visit. I was in a little bit of a cranky mood since I was up at 4:45 and napped from 8:15 - 9:45 without another nap until I went to sleep at 7 pm. Even with my slight crankiness, I still had fun with Isabel and hope to see more of her (she is having her 2nd birthday party in a few weeks).

Who knew I would still love sitting in my bumbo at 15 months? In the evening, Zoe (and her Mommy and Daddy) came by for some of Daddy's YUMMY smoked meats (ribs and chicken). I tried corn (on the cob) for the first time and really enjoyed it. I also liked dancing with my rib.

Walking Camille and Beach Pictures

Family Day at the Hair Salon

In the early morning, we went for our weekly Farmers Market visit by "bice". The only problem was that when we got there, the coffee clatch was not there -- on vacation. So, we bought my favorite cheese and rode over to the Cow's End coffee shop through the canals. I ate almost an entire orange while Mommy and Daddy had their coffee...

Then, we had a 10 am appointment to get our hair cut/colored and beautified. Mommy was first....I was napping. As you can tell, when it was my turn, things weren't going so well....

....until my very smart hair guy suggested ELMO!! (by video)

After a little beautification, we went furniture shopping. Just like mattress shopping, I had a blast. First, I hopped up on a white leather chair with my "lunchopolis" (bag I carry around with snacks) and then I was caught on this bed and Mommy had her camera in hand. After our hard work shopping, we went to a great little French cafe for steak frites (I only had steak and beans; Mommy thinks I have been reading about how bad French Fries are for my figure).

Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh....(be my, be my, be my little baby)

I KNOW I am not supposed to go upstairs without Mommy or Daddy, but I am caught A LOT sneaking around the corner and wait to see if anyone follows. And if so, I giggle, giggle, giggle.

For a long time, I have been listening to the "Be My Baby" song while I am on the changing table. Mema and Pepa bought me a bear that sings and dances to this song. Mommy sings to me. Well, at the end, I say "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh"....and Mama finally got it on video.

A Rainy Day but so Much To Do....Growth Spurt?

While it was raining, we decided to go to the grocery store to pick up some items. I was munching on a banana and tomatoes while there. I ended up eating the whole thing of tomatoes (between the store and at home later), 3/4 of a banana, probably at least 2 or 3 oz of lox, a LOT of tortellini, many peas and more before the day was out (not to mention a lot of milk). Mommy thinks I am going through a growth spurt. I had to retire 2 pairs of pants today....too short.

Brushing one of my babies' teeth...

Helping Daddy put my new tricycle (I call it a bice) together. Seems that the seat could double function as a hat.

My inner "artiste" at work...

Christmas Day Laughter....and Napping

My First Hanukkah Party

Last night, our neighbor, Dawn, invited us to her Hanukkah party. We lit the menorah and sang and danced. Those Israelis really know how to have a good time. Dawn made delicious salmon. I didn't have much because it was already close to my bedtime. I rallied until 8:15 and then we went home and I was asleep in a minute.

Happy Hanukkah!

My New Train Set....

My train set from Mema and Pepa arrived today and Mommy furiously put it together so I could play with it. We didn't have much time because we had another party to go to!! (my party outfit is courtesy of Mary, my neighbor - thank you!)

Here I am trying to call Mema and Pepa...

Happy Birthday LeeAnn

This afternoon, we walked to LeeAnn's friend's house for a birthday party for LEEANN! LeeAnn used to live here in Los Angeles, but she turned 4-0 and came back to visit her Los Angeles friends to celebrate. We walked over and spent a few hours there. It was really great to meet LeeAnn and to celebrate with her!

Oh, and play with Cherry's puppy!

Pictures from my new home...

Here I am taking a bath in Mommy and Daddy's new bathtub. I am the first one!

Mommy and Daddy borrowed our neighbor's learning tower while they are away and I love it! We are going to hopefully borrow one from another friend who isn't using it or if not, get one! I can bake cakes and make breakfast for Mommy and Daddy with my new pots and pans.

Pictures from Daddy's Camera

Our family at Thanksgiving...

Sometimes there are BIG feet going across the sand at the beach...

Hanging out with one of my several boyfriends

New Words -- Over 50 now!

Over the last few weeks, I have added these words to my repertoire:

Dance
Nyla
Bay (Bagel)
Open
Horse (pronounced "orse")
Purse (love Mommy's purse)
Ears
Grace
Outside
Bread

And, this week, both Mommy and Nanny G noticed that when I listen to my Gabrielle CD (Grandma and Grandpa got it for me in May), I say "Duck" and "Apple" before the CD says it. The words go something like "I walk and I waddle and I say Quack, Quack....can you guess what I am?" And, before they say "That's right, Gabrielle, I am a duck", I say "DUCK!" And, the same with a story about an apple. Mommy was amazed.....I am actually paying attention :) and not just passively listening.

We moved in!! and Happy Hanukkah

But, unfortunately, I have no pictures to show you our new home....Our camera seems to be missing, so I also don't have any pictures from my last week. I really love our new home. So much more room and my bedroom is great. I helped Mommy and Daddy with the move by keeping myself occupied....taking bath products in and out of the cabinet, a little Elmo and reading books. Daddy made my crib into a toddler bed which is a perfect reading spot. More news over the long weekend and hopefully, we will have pictures by then :)

Last night was the first night of Hanukkah. I still don't really know what this holiday is, but I have a very cool menorah (from Grandma and Grandpa) that we "lit" last night. We didn't actually light it because the flame is wooden and already there. When we were shopping for a shower curtain at Target, Mommy bought me a tricycle. It is awesome. I wouldn't get off it in the store, but we haven't taken mine out of the box yet. Mary brought me over a beautiful new outfit for Hanukkah....I can't wait to wear it and show you all. Last week, I received some great new books from Aunt Donna and Uncle Tommy in the mail. Mommy says that I have a few more gifts coming in the mail. She is hoping they arrive soon so that I will be occupied for some additional unpacking over the next week or so.

The Venice Paparazzi took my picture with Daddy...

http://venicepaparazzi.smugmug.com/gallery/6753157_eXBqu#431718999_JeoJB

Part of my week in pictures

Monday night while Mommy was at a business dinner...Daddy took me over to Zoe's

Tuesday morning trying to put my purse in the mailbox...

Wednesday night, a visit from Vicki!

Thursday playing with Nyla....who needs a doll stroller? I can push Nyla.

And, Nyla pushing me

And, this morning, sunset at the beach...

And, then today, we went to the park with Zoe in the morning and we went bed shopping which was SO much fun ... they had toys for me and I loved lying and jumping on a bunch of beds. We also had Himalayan cuisine at Tara's on Venice Blvd....yummy and fun!