Little Brown Baby

My mom had been looking at pics of DJ on the blog and was reminded of Paul Laurance Dunbar's Poem, "Little Brown Baby"...here's an excerpt and pictures of her own little brown baby wif sparkling eyes!

Little brown baby wif spak'lin' eyes,
Come to yo' pappy an set on his knee.
what you been doin' suh -- makin' san' pies?
Look at dat bib -- you's ez du'ty ez me.
Look at dat mouf -- dat's merlasses, I bet;
Come hyeah, Maria, an' wipe off his han's.
Bees gwine to ketch you an' eat you up yit,
Bein' so stick an sweet -- goodness lan's!

Family Cook-Out

My aunt was visiting with her Grands during the same week that my mom was in town...making for the perfect opportunity for a family get-together. Hastily thrown together but fun nonetheless, Barry and I hosted everyone for a cook-out. Here you see Barry and my cousin Ervin relaxing after the meal...we gradually added the rest of the folks to the picture (first all the boys, then all the kids, and finally, the grandma's). Yeah, I know, I wasn't in the pictures - well, somebody had to actually take the photos! I'll have to look into getting a tripod...

The Shades

My dear friend Diann came over a few weeks ago bearing many gifts - cute summer outfits and these too cool shades for DJ... It took a little working through but he sported them for a little while during our park outing with Granny...

Granny's Visit

My mom was on the first thing flying East when she got the word that I had been hospitalized early and the baby was going to be delivered. She stayed for 10 days then, first watching over me & DJ in the hospital, then taking care of Barry and me at home. When she left, we had a refridgerator and freezer full of food, a clean house and were steady on our feet... then she came back and she and my sister Courtney threw us the best baby shower in the world. Unfortunately, DJ wasn't out of the hospital until after they left...and her commitments in LA and Long Beach (see the link to our B&B, Beachrunners Inn on this blog) kept her from seeing DJ in the flesh again until recently..much to her consternation. Her recent visit re-established that important "Granny to Grandbaby" bond as Barry and I went to work, gave Ericca the week off and let my mom do her thing...

Mom taught me some great infant massage techniques to help alleviate gas and get movements "moving"... She also came bearing prose, DJ now has his own copy of "Little Brown Baby", Paul Laurence Dunbar, Poems for Young People. My mom shared memories of her father reciting to her and my aunt verses from In The Morning. She also brought with her "Tales From Uncle Remus" and my son will grow up knowing of his rich Southern heritage as well as Baby Einstein and other more current baby books.

Not only did mom bring with her literary culture, she made sure we ate well too! Soon after she arrived, a cooler full to the brim with the best Omaha Steaks seafood selection arrived as a Father's Day present for Barry. What a treat! Above, you see DJ and mom reviewing the memorabilia on the walls at Red, Hot and Blue - our favorite DC area rib joint.

Mom brought the delightfully humidity-free weather with her...and she and DJ enjoyed lots of outside time while she was here. On the left, they are relaxing on our 2nd floor balcony. Below, we took a stroll to nearby Lincoln Park.














Of course, mom's visit included gifts to all..Barry received the generous Father's Day package, I received a complete wardrobe overhaul - 3 summer suits, a dress and a pair of trousers - and for DJ, in addition to the new collections for his library, there was the new fancy swing as well as a new Baby Einsteing play mat (thanks to Dr. Willie and Michael who gave DJ a generous gift certificate to Baby's R Us!).

Mom wasted no time assembling the play mat then the swing - he really enjoys them both (as do his parents).

Memorial Day Weekend

The Sunday of Memorial Day Weekend we took the opportunity to spend some family time - we started by going to church, then to brunch then off to Baltimore to enjoy the Inner Harbor.

DJ started the day checking out his "fancy schmancy" Baby Einstein rocker (thanks Chantel!) which he is enjoying (despite the look on his face in this photo...). He hung out while we got dressed for church...Barry had me change his clothes as it was a scorcher.

Later, at the Inner Harbor, we saw this guy making a tree out of copper. We saw lots of other things to but of course, we saved most of the photos for ourselves... :)





We visited the Harbor with Baltimore "transplant" Roxane. Here she's mugging it with my two handsome men.



Here Barry shows off his "standing on the edge of the dock" look.

A family photo!

Here's Roxane doing her impression of a statue (notice her inspiration in the background).

Dedicated to Kelly and Family…..

My dear friend Natalie sent us this poem...she said she wanted to post it on the blog but didn't know how. I think it is a lovely poem that reflects how deeply a mother loves - something Natalie understands well. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do...

The bond you and DJ share was formed the first time your eyes met.
You knew at that momentyou’d begun a path to never regret!



Through days and long nights together,
filled with tender moments, laughter, and tears,
your bond has grown stronger and stronger,
one that will last beyond the years.







DJ is Mama's little angel,
a piece of heaven to hold and touch

You cherish each smile and laugh,
each gurgle, bubble, and grin.
DJ’s light shines so brightly,
illuminating from within….







And now as you watch him sleeping,
His contented sighs bring a smile to my face.
As you listen to him breathe,
You bask in his grace.



So many adventures await Baby DJ….
Your dear, sweet little baby boy….





Like an angel with wings so wide
He’ll give life it’s all—holding mommy’s heart his pride!!!
-Natalie Del-Villar-your friend who is with you all always…..

DJ and his "novia"

"Buenos Dias, DJ! Como esta mi precioso?" That's how Ericca greets DJ every morning... how could he not be completely enamored of her? She sends me wonderful pics from her camera phone when they are at the park, or having tummy time...they chatter together endlessly, Ericca in her Peruvian accented Spanish, DJ in his baby babble. It's simply wonderful to see that he's so happy - even when he isn't with me. :)