Big Day Race Fans

In the state of Indiana, today is the most important day of the entire year.  Yes, more important the Christmas, Easter, Kwanzaa and Hanukkah combined.  It is the day of the Indy 500, the greatest spectacle in racing.  Today is the 93rd consecutive running on the Indiana Motor Speedway and it is sure to be an amazing race.  There was only a difference of three minutes in the qualifying rounds, leading me to believe that today's race will have everyone on the edge of their seat.

Unfortunately, Mom said it is too loud, so I had to stay home today.  I am looking forward to going someday. We can't watch it on TV because it isn't aired live here in Indiana, so today we'll go to Trader Joe's and get fixings for dinner and listen to it on the radio with Grandma Mimi.  I must say I am pretty excited about having Grandma Mimi all to myself today.

Since I couldn't be there to experience it, Mom told me all about race day.  She says that the race is all about tradition.  During the opening ceremony there are fighter jets that fly overhead, Florence Henderson sings "God Bless America" and Jim Nabors sings "Back Home Again in Indiana." And of course, the words everyone waits for, "Ladies and Gentlemen, start your engines."  It gives me chills just thinking about it.  The winner of the race always drinks milk in the winners circle and receives the winner's wreath.  

Mom also says that in my family we have lots of traditions on race weekend.  We always have a big picnic the night before the race for family and friends. This weekend it was extra special because it was the first time everyone got to meet me!   We eat lots of food, drink beer, swim in the pool and Dad always gets his tush beat in tennis by Kishan and Ravi.  

After everyone leaves Uncle Ben and Grandad begin arguing about what time to leave the house the morning of the race.  The race starts at 1pm and Grandad thinks it is best to cross the Marion County line before 9am.  He would leave at 6am if anyone would agree to that, and in fact, Mom seems to think that one year they actually did. Well, Uncle Ben prefers to leave around 11am and my poor Dad gets stuck in the middle.  This is bad for him because anything that has to do with time or traffic REALLY stresses him out. This doesn't get resolved until everyone actually gets in the car so you never really know what time you'll leave.  The good news is that they always make it!

While driving to the race Grandad hands out picks for the family pool.  The person who picks the race winner gets a prize picked out by Grandad, but if you pay attention you'll notice that everyone ends up with a race souvenir.  Everyone is a winner in Grandad's eyes.  I have Helio so I am pretty sure that I am going to be the real winner and end up with the best prize.

Once everyone arrives in Speedway it is time to look for parking.  The people who live in the homes in the neighborhood surrounding the track sell parking spots on their lawns.  Grandad tries to park at the same house every year because they always let everyone use their bathroom before they get in the car to go home.  And, like I said, it is all about tradition.

Then it is time to take the long walk in the crowd to the stands.  There are lots of interesting people to observe.  Once you get past the gates the first thing you must do is find a Pork Tenderloin Sandwich and a Fosters Oil Can.  This is very important and it must be the very first thing you do or the PT Sandwiches will be sold out and the day will be ruined.  This is the breakfast of champions.

Once you've had breakfast it is time to get comfortable, and I use this word loosely, in your seats.  You'll be sitting there for a long time so it is best to bring a seat cushion.  It is time to put in your ear plugs, hope you see some wrecks up close and watch the cars speed by.

Since I can't go today and Grandad feels really bad, he got me my own Indy Car.  I think this might be better than going to the race.

Don't forget to stay within the speed limit...

Gotta go, I have some driving to do!

P.S. - Go Penguins!

Pretty for Indy

"Indiana, our Indiana!! Indiana, we're all for you!"

I've been practicing the IU fight song. That's my Dad's Alma Mata. I am just getting psyched up for tomorrow! We are going to Indianapolis, Indiana - the Hoosier State - for some family time! I can't wait. We will be visiting with Grandma Mimi, Grandad, Auntie Jenny and Uncle Casey, Uncle Ben and Aunt Sara and a bunch of friends. I am looking forward to some time in the pool house, on the tennis court and in Grandma and Grandad's arms!

And of course, we'll be cheering on the Penguins to a Stanley Cup victory. Why am I so confident? I brought the Steeler's a Superbowl ya know!

We've been busy getting ready - today Mom and I went to get our hair done! We want to look our best.


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Off to sleep, we have a big day ahead of us tomorrow.

P.S. Go Kris! Boo Adam!

My Vote Counts Too, Right?

If you live in California, you know today is a special election day. Notice my sticker - if you speak English, Spanish or Chinese, you will know that I voted today.

In California we vote a lot. It is very democratic here. Of course, in order to make an educated vote, you must read and research in order to make sense of it all. I think it is important to get out and Rock the Vote, no matter how old you are.

I am not going to get on a political soap box here. That is not what I am all about, not what this blog is all about. But I will say one thing....

No New Taxes!!!

Quality Tme

This is me and my Mom spending time together. She makes me exercise.
Aren't I a little young to be on an exercise regimen?

Here I am with Dad. Of course this magical moment only happened because Mom left us home alone to go swimming. Now this is what I am talking about.

Where's Lucy?

Mom and Dad cleaned out the garage and lost me in the pile of junk.

Can you find me?

Here's a hint - I am not wearing a striped shirt like Waldo and I am safely resting in a place I spend a lot of time.

Be the first to correctly answer and you win of night of babysitting me!

Good Luck!

Mother's Day Re-Cap

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Today was Mother's Day and we started celebrating bright and early! Dad and I made french toast with the bread we got at the farmers market and served it along side fresh strawberries and raspberries. Mom loved having breakfast in bed!

While I took a morning nap, Mom spent some time relaxing in the hot tub...

Then we took Mom out for a special brunch at Moss Beach Distillery. They had a special Mother's Day Brunch with all you can drink mimosas. Mom got me one, but as usual, I prefer my hand.

Here is a picture of me and my Mom outside of the restaurant. The dining room has the same view - it is so pretty.

When we got home all Mom wanted to do was chill. We caught up on Grey's Anatomy online. I can't believe Izzy and Alex got married instead of Derek and Meredith? What a tear-jerker!
And to end this special day, we all went for a walk around the creek with the pups.

Of course Mom and Dad missed their Mom's today, but Mom seems really happy and loved today! She gave me extra kisses at bedtime! A special shout out to Dad for helping me organize.

Farmer's Market

This morning Mom and Dad took me to my first farmer's market. It is a real famous one in San Francisco called the Alemany Farmer's Market and it is really close to my house. We went early for the best selection but we decided that next time we'll go late so we get the close out prices on what is left. Mom bought lots of fresh fruits and veggies but as you can see from the above picture, I prefer to eat my hand.

Here we are buying the bread that Dad and I will use to make Mom french toast on Mother's Day. It is called Cinnamon Crunch is it should be extra yummy. I think Mom is really looking forward to having someone cook for her.

The market has all sorts produce, herbs and flowers. I hope go again next weekend.

Times Flies

Has it been four months already? I can't believe it, seems like just yesterday that I was adjusting to life at CPMC and now here I am feeling very grown up. It has been a while since I've updated you on my stats, so here we go...

1. I now weigh 14 pounds and 14 ounces and I am 24 3/4 inches tall, which means I am growing steadily in the 75th percentile.
2. I am all over the place as far as clothing size, some things I wear are meant for a 9-month-old and other things are for a 3-month-old. I try not to get too caught up on what the tag says. I think as long as I exercise and eat well my weight will work itself out. It can be hard not to judge myself when I see these petite little girls in magazines with their perfect outfits and hair styles. I guess if I had all day long to focus on my appearance, I would look like that too, but come on, this is the real world.
3. Speaking of exercise, my mom and I have been enjoying working out together. Sometimes it is for a long walk and other times we do yoga and pilates. I love this time with her and she says it is way more fun to exercise with me and all alone.
4. When Dad and I spend time together we enjoy watching hockey, singing songs and laughing. No one can make me laugh like my Dad - he is so silly!
5. I am going through a tough patch right now regarding sleep. We went cold turkey and gave up the swaddle blanket. This has been a really hard adjustment for me and I am not falling asleep well or staying asleep. This has been hard on Mom and Dad too - sorry 'rents, it won't last forever!
6. I am accomplished at getting my hand in my mouth, sucking my thumb, holding my head up and getting objects that I am holding in my mouth.
7. I am practicing rolling over when I am on my belly, sitting up and working on those muscles that I will need for crawling.
8. I have inherited the gift of gab from my Mom's side of the family. I can talk to anyone and will often talk to myself. Dad says that I like to hear myself talk, just like Mom and Grandma. Mom hit him when he said that.
9. I am getting pumped for my first trip to the mid-west at the end of the month. I can't believe this, but there are even more people in my family (that means you Uncle Ben and Aunt Sara!) and friends to meet. Dad and Mom are so excited to see everyone and show me off.
10. I hear this Sunday is a special day- Mom's first Mother's Day. I can't wait to have a good excuse to give her extra cuddles!

Its Hockey Time

The Stanley Cup Playoff's are in full gear and Dad is more excited than ever. The Penguins are playing so we have been donning our lucky jersey's while we cheer them on.

Go Guinny's!!!!!!