The "SiouxX"

Nathan has been cooing and babbling for a few weeks now. His favorite things to say back/forth with us are "A-reu A-geu A-gligli" and the ubiquitous "raspberries."

It turns out he is a good story-teller, as well. After a night feeding he'll burp, and then begin telling Alex a bedtime story. Softly his voice (more a hummmm) rises in falls as if he's recounting a fabulous tale that ultimately puts him to sleep on mommy's shoulder.

Sometimes we're actually not involved at all in the conversations, as this video shows.

Lately, however, Nathan has discovered screaming. And he loves it. Is quite talented at it.

In fact, upon hearing the screaming, Robert began calling Nathan "the Sioux" because of all the war-whoops he was prone to let loose at various times during the day, for no apparent reason.

An election in France

While on vacation, we had the good luck of being in France during their presidential elections. It was really neat to see so many people (84%+) come out to vote to help shape their future. France is struggling to both become a bit more market-driven, while at the same time maintain their high-level of social benefits. I am disappointed that my French passport won't be ready until September as I would have really liked to participate (go Sarko!!)

Nathan meets les Z.

It just so happens that Alex's good friend from school, Alexandra ("Zozo") was visiting her parents in Paris while we were in town so we took the opportunity to introduce her to Nathan! Zozo's parents welcomed us into their home (and invited us back for a delicious dinner, to boot!) and had a nice time hanging out with Nathan.

Having had a little experience, Francoise seemed more comfortable holding a baby -- but Zozo still managed to get a few smiles out of Nathan as well.

Oh what MORE people we'll meet!

After a full day of meeting new people, Nathan slept like a baby (of course) only to wake up and meet even MORE people. First we met his first cousins once-removed Jordan and Ruben while taking a walk sur Ave Victor Hugo.

Later, Ruben's Dad, Phillipe, came to pick Ruben up for dinner and had a chance to toast to Nathan's health along with my sister, my brother-in-law David, and their daughter Elena. Elena and Karyn had met Nathan once before (at the brit) but David was another new acquaintance! My sister and family had been vacationing in France the weeks before, and we managed to overlap long enough to see each other while both in Paris! Mamie Linda was gracious enough to invite everyone over for dinner at her house and make it a very enjoyable evening.

Oh the people you meet!

After arriving in France, the first thing Nathan did (after a nice night's sleep) is go meet more of his family!! On Saturday we all went first to Style to meet Alex's aunt Diana. Linda and Diana chased each other around the shop offering to "help hold Nathan" so that the other one could see him better. Apparently neither one wanted to let Nathan go!

After that, we drove to the George Pompidou hospital to visit Grande Mamie Sylvia for a short "hello" (Nathan remembered her and she got a BIG smile!) before driving across town to meet Grand Papi Louis Miguel. Papi was very happy to meet Nathan and spend some time with Nathan and his granddaugther, Alexandra.

The only way to fly...

So after our horrendous experience with USAirways on our way to/from Mexico (it's no surprise to me that they had been in bankruptcy... ugh!) we had an amazingly pleasant 10-hour flight with Air France. Nathan was given a "bassinet" to sleep in the entire length of the flight, and instead of being tired and cranky when we landed he was well rested and ready to rock n' roll!

A bas USAirways! Vive Air France!

Vacaciones en México

And in other news...

In other news (that Alex might not want people to know about, so I'll just post it here in the secluded privacy of the INTERNET!) ...

Q: What do you get when you cross a Pink Motorola RAZR and a white washing machine?

A: A waterlogged (and totally non-functional) Motorola RAZR. (At least it didn't dye all our socks pink, as well!)

Wow...people ARE reading the blog!

Our good friend Kimmy from Seattle sent me an email today wishing us a "bon voyage" to Puerto Vallarta. Which is strange, beacuase I hadn't said anything to her about it...

I had forgotten that I blogged about it a few days ago and was totally amazed (and a little freaked out) that she knew not only that we were taking a vacation, but even where we were going! I guess if you publish your life to the internet, people are bound to read about (especially your good friends from Seattle!) This one's for you, Kimmy Bubbles!!

Grandpa Joe and Karen come a-calling

My dad and step-mom stopped by for a few hours on their way down to LA from Oregon to meet Nathan. Grandpa Joe took us all out for lunch at Park Chow, and Nathan had a great time laughing and playing!

Passover with the Hartog's

Alex's new friend from Day One, Deborah, thoughtfully invited our family to join her husband Steve and their daughter Lila for a seder at her parent's house. We were delighted to participate, and met many friends and members of her family. Nathan sat on my knees through most of the seder, intently watching all the festivities... until he practically fell asleep sitting on my lap!

Jamie and Kay come for a visit

Jamie and Kay, our neighbors from down the street, came by today to meet Nathan. Kay seemed very comfortable with Nathan -- and Nathan was happy to see some more new faces!

While they were here, the two world-travellers gave us some ideas on where to go eat when we get to Puerto Vallarta on our vacation!

Thanks guys!