Hugo! Making Our Day!

Expressive language is a challenge for Hugo so it is heartening to see him identify words, objects, and numbers, and place them in the right order!  What a bright little boy you are, Hugo! Your parents are so proud of you!

A few recent images

Another friend having a baby

Hadas is due on Valentine's Day. In Philly for her shower. Good times!

Taking the celebration to class

Last Friday, Mommy had a great idea!  Let's bring the party to Hugo (his birthday is always over the holiday break so he never gets a special day in class)!  So, we did. Thanks also to teachers and friends who made Hugo's afternoon special.

An addition to the Grande Family

Lifelong friends Samirah and Carmen had their second son Tuesday, January 1st, 2013!  We are so excited to welcome Zinedine Giovanni Grande!  He and Hugo (12/31) will shared birthdays close together, just like lil' Carmen(7/9) and Dash(7/7).  Make that FOUR BOYS to also be longtime friends.

Happy 4th Birthday to Hugo!

This year we learned that our little man really enjoys a quiet gathering best.  He doesn't ask for much, just a small group of the people he loves and chocolate cake, which he can ask for as clear as day!  As parents this year we saw Hugo go from toddler to boy.  And while he still may not say much, he can deliver one powerful "I LOVE YOU!" at the end of a long day.  Hugo works hard and is learning how to pronounce the letters of the alphabet and continues to practice writing his name.  He makes us hopeful and so very proud.

Merry Christmas from the Browns!

Mommy and Daddy were both home from work Christmas week which made for great playtime. We also spent quality time with our friends Jocelyn, Gene and their son Justus. Many of our amazing friends shipped gifts to our boys. It was wonderful to see Dash and Hugo understanding the joys of Christmas. The giving and receiving, the holiday cards, the sweet treats and all the carols, even Hugo was singing "Jingle Bells."

Trouble viewing this slideshow? View album here.

 

This winter we've been hitting up different McDonald's Playlands to pass the time.  
French fries seem to be unavoidable.

Saturday Afternoon in December

Our Little Elves

Unpacking the Christmas decoration boxes...the boys were loving the elf hats.

Thanksgiving Weekend 2012

A very Happy Thanksgiving in the Brown house with Grandpa and Nana's visit.  As you can see, Dash got very comfortable IN THE BUFF.  At the end of their stay even Hugo was saying "Bye grandpa.  Bye grandma."  Trouble viewing slideshow? Click here for album

The Canadians are coming!

Maple Leafs touque in honour of Nana and Grandpa coming to visit tomorrow!

Little Leafs Fan

On our way back from Mrs. Michelle's this afternoon.

Recent Images - November 2012

Can't see the slide show, view images in this album.

Our New School Bus...

At least for the moment. 

So when our school bus didn't show up today (as the city schools opened up for the first time since the storm hit), and the prospects for gasoline are still slim in the city, we had to outfit my bike to truck Hugo across the East River into Manhattan for school.  He was such a good sport and he seemed to really enjoy the ride; it only took one kitty and two suckers.  

We were updated that our bus company had all their vehicles flooded from the storm; that they were, literally, "under water!"  So, here we are, back to square-one with buses.  Tomorrow is election day so no school, but Wednesday, weather permitting, me and Hugo may be two-wheeling again. 

One of those mornings...

Every now and then I get one of those mornings.  This event proceeded Dashiel's explosive poopy event in the living room.

:)

Thought you'd like to know that...

No public transit for some time; trees and power lines down everywhere in the neighborhood

The Browns are OK, but WOW, this city is a wreck.

Riding the Storm Out

NASA/Getty Images - Holy Crap!

Not much else we can do here in East Elmhurst, Queens.  At this time Sandy's winds are picking up, but we have the fortune of being significantly up from the shore line, and three flights up on top of that.  Flooding in NYC is already reaching unheard of levels and the worst is yet to come we're told.  But in the meantime, while we have power, we're watching Thomas the Tank Engine.  To all our friends riding the storm out, stay safe.  To Mommy, who's working the news desk in the city, we miss you.

New Bike!

Apple Pickin'

More photos from our afternoon at the orchard...(if you can't view the slide show, click here).

A two-fisted Hugo