Makai & Drew's 7th Birthday

Mateo had a great time with his cousins at Makai and Drew's 7th birthday which took place in Narda's backyard. There was the awesome bouncy house, lots of cake, Jamaican food, two pinatas and a clown who made balloon animals. All in all a really fun day.

Mateo and Papi take a big leap!

Mateo trying to put a wrestling move on Papi

Cousin Tuere helping with the Pinata

Cousins Drew and Makai blowing out the candles on their Spiderman birthday cake

Mateo scarfing down a large piece of birthday cake

Mateo playing toss-the-balloon with cousin Kimani

Fun Fest 2009

Now that unofficial summer has begun Hoboken has a lot of activities starting for kids of all ages. Mateo has been enjoying all of what summer brings.

Luca and Mateo playing on the playground at Funfest in Church Square Park (Will, another classmate is also playing in the background)

Mateo enjoying a cherry italian icee with Papi at a political block party for mayor-to-be Peter Cammarano

Mateo at Liam's 5th B-Day

Mateo enjoyed a sunny Saturday in June (which has been rare) in NYC. The plan was to go to Liam's 5th birthday at Victoria Gardens (in Central Park) and make a quick stop at FAO to visit Tio Cesar.

Mateo takes a pass on the big piano at FAO. The first time he did this (about a year ago) he was afraid to stay on the piano, but this time he didn't want to get off.

Papi and Mateo on a rollercoaster ride at the party

"WEEEEE!!!"

Going down the Big Slide

Spinning around in the balloon ride

Papi and Mateo on the airplane ride which he rode at least 5 more times after this picture was taken

Mateo's Early B-day Celebration

Because Mateo's birthday is in the summer, his school let him celebrate early with his classmate pals. I came early and brought vanilla cupcakes with chocolate frosting and rainbow sprinkles. It was a big hit with the students and teachers and Mateo was just happy to have mommy in his class for the day.

Mateo waits to blow out the candle

Meghan serves cupcakes to Will, Maggie, Logan and Jack

Mateo, Keira, Pearl and Kelly enjoy cupcakes at their table

Everyone sings happy birthday and Mateo blows out the candles

Steven Sing-a-Long

The 2s and 3s at Mateo's school got together for a sing-a-long to share the songs they have learned throughout the year with their parents.

Mateo sitting in the middle of the group taking it all in

Jessica, Greg and other teachers help to carry the tunes

Mateo running and playing with his best friend Luca

The boys refuel with some snacks at the end of the evening

Mother's Day 2009

Mother's Day was pretty relaxed. We had lots of brunches and dinners with the family. Although I look dreadful in this picture I like it because it looks very maternal. Mateo is not a cuddler, so the fact that he is lying here with me is unusual. He is also hugging on my belly which is his baby sister (in utero). Enough said.

Joe Joe & Julia's Wedding 2009

At the beginning of May we went to a marvelously glamorous wedding for cousins Joe Joe and Julia. Because we probably won't be traveling for a while we decided to splurge and stay at the Four Seasons in Atlanta. The accommodations and service were wonderful and Mateo definitely had a great time. The wedding was beautiful and it was great to see the family.

This was the first thing we saw as we entered the hotel bathroom. Clearly the hotel knows who they need to please.

They also left a couple of cupcakes and a plate of jelly beans for him as a welcome treat

Judging by this chocolate face he was very satisfied

After a dip in the hotel's indoor pool, Mateo took a nice warm bath and walked around in an over-sized plush robe.

The next morning we had breakfast at the hotel restaurant where Mateo enjoyed a plate full of seasonal berries. To continue with the royal treatment, the restaurant staff decided to make him a chef's hat which he enjoyed for the rest of the weekend.

Mateo's first shoulder ride. We decided to take a walk around downtown Atlanta to enjoy the sites before the wedding.

Cousins Alexis and Suzette enjoying the wedding food (Suzette is also expecting...just 3 days before me)

Mateo playing his "flute" which most people refer to as a straw

Auntie Babs gives Mateo a hug

Papi, Mateo and Mommy pose on the dance floor

Parents-of-the-groom (Auntie Tibs and Uncle John) chat with "El Presidente" on the dance floor

Mommy, Mateo and Grandma having a ball

Papi and Mateo pose with the beautiful newlyweds Joe Joe and Julia

Mateo getting down to the live band music and dancing with his cousin PJ