Another Addiction

I take tons of pictures. 

I think my obsession of taking pictures of everything comes from not having my childhood documented adequately.  At least, to the extent I would have preferred - it may have been documented fine for some else,  just not enough for me.  I think that also comes from having only a dozen or so faint memories of my father who passed away when I was 4.  If there were more pictures, too many pictures perhaps, I could piece together more memories.

So, I take pictures.  Lots of them.

Since I am the primary picture taker, I find that when I review my pictures, that there are not too many with me in them.  Hundreds of Aiven and my husband.  But ones of me and Aiven?  Not so many.

So, once in awhile, I ask Alex to take some pictures - usually when I think Aiven and I are in a picture ready pose.  Alex is more than happy to oblige and he proceeds to take a picture.  Sometimes he takes too many.  Sometimes he doesn't take enough.  And almost always, there is not one in the bunch I like.  However, when he takes he a good picture, he takes an AMAZING picture.  Today, he took an amazing picture.

 

Weekend Picture Update

Cord Blood Follow Up

I have received several questions regarding my previous post on cord blood.  I hope the following information is helpful in answering your questions.  I would also like to mention that my husband, Alex, contributed greatly to this blog.  Thank you, mi Batata Guapo.

Let me begin by saying I am not a medical professional.  I am just a mom who did extensive -- but not exhaustive -- research.

Nothing is guaranteed in life.  Many times we have to make decisions based on probabilities.  To begin with, the probability your child will need stem cells over their lifetime is low.  Furthermore, the likelihood that their own cord blood will provide matching stem cells for themselves is lower than the probability they will find a match from someone else.  To quote a study cited by the Wikipedia article on cord blood : “The likelihood of an autologous transplant using your own stem cells is 1 in 435, the likelihood of an allogeneic transplant from a matched donor (such as a sibling) is 1 in 400, and the net likelihood of any type of stem cell transplant is 1 in 217.”

Green Bike, Orange Bike, Two Bikes, No Bike

This is a story of 2 bicycles. Green Bike and Orange Bike.

Let me begin with Green Bike.

Green Bike belonged to Alex before he became my husband. He paid $20 for it. He drove Green Bike all over New York and never, ever locked it up. Although Green Bike was precious to him, he knew it was a piece a crap and no one would ever bother stealing it. Unlocked in Harlem - check. Unlocked for hours at the Brooklyn Book Festival - check. Unlocked in Central Park - check. When Alex finally decided he wanted to get rid of it, it stood outside my apartment building for 4 days before the Sanitation Department finally hauled it away.

Before I lay the story of the beloved, crappy Green Bike to bed, let me tell you about the one and only time I tried to ride it.

Why I Love New York: #2,596,442

Last night we took Aiven for his first Passover Seder.  We had never been to this synagogue before and at first glance it seemed like senior's bridge night.  We almost turned around and left but are so glad we decided to stay.  The folks seated at our table were fascinating and enjoyable to talk to.  The cast of characters included:

Alex, Aiven and myself:  The redhead trifecta

• Jolly Old Saint Nate:  Occupation is that of Santa at Macy's and an evil claims adjuster on Spanish television
• Bert & Ernie:  A gay ensemble together for over 15 years who profess that although they experience daily doses of doubt have reached the point of tenure
• Debi, Evi & Fabio:  A former army brat who now writes children books for army brats; a southern belle who converted to Judaism before she ever met her Israeli husband of 16 years.  Since she was the mother of a 2 year old daughter, we talked quite a bit.  I sense her journey to motherhood was long, arduous...and miraculous.
  

And the Rabbi -- whom I immediately recognized but could not place -- hailed from L.A. where I lived for a decade and a half.  We played Hollywood Squares to figure out how we crossed paths in our past lives and I will have to stalk him on Facebook to unravel the mystery.

What an enchanting evening.  I <3 NYC.

Big City Mom Event

I went to this event when I was 3 weeks postpartum. It was my first night out since having Aiven and I had so much fun! I took my birth instructor/postpartum doula with me and we were both out of breath by the end of the event from running around trying to see as much as we could.

 The Biggest Baby Shower Ever!

There were samples of every kind, snacks, swag, raffles and product and services experts to talk to. The goodie bag I went home with was incredible. I am still trying some of the items out. And I also won 2 raffles that night: a Boon highchair and a Boppy Newborn Lounger.

I strongly recommend any expecting or new moms to go to the event - you won't regret it!

Husband's Alumni Bulletin Part 3

Alex and Cara regret to inform you that their baby is cuter than yours. He is also smarter, funnier, and more dynamic. His smiles are worth twice as much as gold, and his poop smells of frankincense. His entourage consists of four guardian angels and a personal battalion called the Pacifiers. He has already been accepted into the Ivy League but has deferred admission to focus on his family and writing his memoirs. He is so strong and brave that other babies cry or babble uncontrollably at the mere mention of his name, as does Chuck Norris. Like Houdini, he can break free of any swaddle, and like David Blaine, he can go weeks on end without water, solid food, or sleep. We will soon be interviewing sidekicks for him. Super powers must include mind reading, and they must have experience putting on body suits and be prepared to clean up messes left behind by their boss. Baby Aiven is thinking about relocating his family to Austin, so if you know of any good opportunities or potential playdates, please let him know.

Aiven is Feeling Much Better Today

A good swing session in Central Park would make anyone feel better!

Aiven & Zanahoria

My son has taken to eating solid foods very well.  We started with batata.

Batata means sweet potato in Spanish.  I nicknamed my husband Batata shortly after we met because his coloring is similar to that of a sweet potato.  Now Aiven, with the same coloring, has been nicknamed Batatito, or little sweet potato  [Note:  the URL of this blog is batatito.blogspot.com].  Therefore, we thought it was destiny that his first food would be a sweet potato.

Sorry

No post today. My baby is sick. Be back tomorrow hopefully.