Rolly-Polly

Big news this week: Ila rolled over from her belly to her back for the first time! She hates tummy-time that much. We caught her third roll on film so you can share in the action. Please disregard our baby talk voices.



After her stunt work, Ila went on to host a sofa party with her friends Mr. Snowman & Stuffy the dog. She wore a pretty pink dress and was a perfect hostess. That Mr. Snowman sure knows how to make her smile!



Later that day, Mary's two friends Joanna & Alyssa came by for a visit. Ila enjoyed their discussion on feeding infants. Equal access to breast milk is currently her favorite topic. Ila keeps hearing about Alyssa's 11 month old daughter, Samira, and can't wait to meet her!



As you can see in this picture, Ila loves to hold her head up high. We continue to be impressed with her strong head control. Despite this, a man at church last week asked us "Is something wrong with your baby? She has a wobbly head." Oh well. At least he didn't offer us advice on how to fix it.

Ila continues to delight in her mobiles. She loves to watch and coo at them then reach for the toys attached. This activity is sure to put a smile on her face. Well, usually. She also spends a great deal of time and effort putting her fist into her mouth.



Over the weekend Ila visited two music shops with us. Chris has decided that he "needs" a new classical guitar and not just any old thing will do. He needs one shaped for him by William Del Pilar, Jr. - a well known luthier who just happens to live & work in our neighborhood. In preparation for our appointment with Mr. Del Pilar, we checked out a rare and vintage instrument shop which is also down the street. With a beer distributor, burrito shop, fromagerie and 2 world renowned guitar shops all within a 5 minute walk of our front door, you can see why Chris never wants to leave.



He got to play some incredible instruments while Ila slept in the Bjorn the whole time. She did wake while we sat on a park bench and ate bagels (another one of Chris' favorite things to do).



The following day we met with Mr. Del Pilar and heard all about his instruments. He seemed to enjoy the baby and played many songs to Ila, including "Row, Row, Row Your Boat" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star". We all agreed they sounded pretty spectacular on his classical guitar. Now that she's heard those simple songs sound that good Chris just has to have one at home so he can meet her expectations, right? He wins. The guitar upgrade fund is now officially open.

Daddy's Girl, the Party Girl

Ila attended her first house party over the weekend. Watch out world, we might have a wild one on our hands! She couldn't take her eyes off Aimee's artwork and seemed to really enjoy the music. Here she is with Aimee (the first car on our meal train, the one we said we'd post a picture of at a later date. Well, here is the picture.)



Ila finally fits into the shirt she and Mary have been hiding from Chris since Ila was just an image on an ultrasound. Chris was delighted with the surprise.



During the day Ila continues to be strolled around Brooklyn. She now enjoys her bouncing seat and on some lucky days she has a photo shoot with Mary. This one didn't go so well but check out that cute cupcake hat made by Jenafer Dunn. There is a matching scarf and mittens but needless to say, Ila was in no sort of mood! We'll try again another time.

The Little Turkey

Ila celebrated her fist Thanksgiving at home in Brooklyn wearing a sweet velour suit from Mary's friend, Kristen Hurst. Grandma & Grandpa Dye and Grandma Vivie & Grandpa Doug all came up from Virginia to spend the weekend with her. She dined on breast milk for the holiday but encouraged mommy to eat lots of collard greens and pumpkin pie. The turkey was twice as big as Ila. She fit perfectly on the platter!



The next few days were spent in the city. We visited Bryant Park and stopped by the holiday windows. Ila's favorites so far are at Bergdorf Goodman. She dreams of one day wearing the Marchesa gown and Christian Louboutin heels featured in the window. So does her mommy.



Ila also spent time with Lily and caught up on her reading over the weekend. Currently her favorite is "Fish & Canoe" from Aunt Ally. She especially loves the page of shiny jacks!





After all that reading Ila was ready for some exercise. She played Annie Oakley on Grandpa Dye's knee and enjoyed it greatly! She also learned the tune of Boomer Sooner. If only grandpa Dye could accept that she is destined to be a Carolina Tarheel!

Growing up and stealing hearts all along the way

We are finally getting big full faced smiles! As Ila entered her sixth week of life she began smiling at us, showing her 2 dimples, mimicking our facial expressions and even cooing. The first time she gave Mary a full faced smile Mary cried with happiness. The tears of joy really confused Ila and she ended up crying too. Hysterically. That didn't end so well. It's hard to catch these smiles on film and there is nothing like having her smile right at you but here is a view from a relaxing bath which she seemed to enjoy.



We have continued to have many visitors. Joe Cicero, one of our Costa Rica travel companions, came up from VA and delighted in holding Ila. We spent a day with him, Cory, Emily and his wonderful girlfriend, Renee. Ila took her first stroll across the Brooklyn Bridge with this entourage.



Later in the week Sean & Allison returned as part of the meal train bringing huge burritos and their new puppy, Chewy. Be warned: this picture is overflowing with cuteness.



On Monday we got a phone call from Bing & Stacey - two of our oldest friends - saying that they were coming to the city later in the week. It would be both of their first times in NYC and they were coming with a list of foods to eat! Mary & Ila made it their mission to tour them around and check off the best of every food on their list: pizza, bagels, cheesecake, cookies, gyros, egg creams, milkshakes, pomme frites. The gyro on 53rd and 6th ended up being the item that sent Bing into ecstasy and will keep him coming back to the Big Apple. They went all over Manhattan and spent nearly a day in Central Park. Stacey took some incredible pictures of Ila that will be added here soon. In the mean time we are all on a diet to make up for those 3 days of absolute gluttony.



Another meal train arrived in the name of Claire, Mary's friend and co-worker. She arrived in an adorable outfit and brought lasagna and open arms for cuddling with Ila.



Not only did Ila hang out with our friends this week, she also got to meet some family. Mary's cousins, Christy & Becky, arrived from MA ready to meet their newest family member before going out to party in the big city.





Now were busy getting ready for Thanksgiving and soaking up the gorgeous fall weather.

Team Sweets!

Ila ventured to Park Slope, the Upper East Side & Harlem on Sunday to serve as the youngest member of "Team Sweets" cheering for Sue "Sweets" Capetz in the NYC Marathon. She got to meet two of Mary's closest college friends, Jeanne & Sue, and their husbands Brian & Chris. She also enjoyed being adored by Sue's very large family and watching Mary and Jeanne devour Sue's grandma's ginger cookies that they have dreamt about since their Flagler days.





She helped Sue Carbo-load on Saturday and rooted her to victory on Sunday. Speaking of rooting, never put a hungry baby in a baby wearing device. It will try to peck your chest off. Lesson learned. On a positive note we learned to nurse while wearing the wrap and while standing, walking, and boarding the train. LeLeche League would be proud! Can you tell what's going on in this picture?



Team Sweets had another junior member named Sydney, Sue's beautiful daughter and Ila's new friend.



Walking to the subway after a long day and searching for a place to change our unhappy child, we discovered that empty banks serve as quiet, warm and secure changing areas. Yes, your baby's bum could be on display for all passers-by to see but it's our little way of sticking it to the man for taking over every street corner the city. Next destination: the HSBC in the East Village that took over Max Brenner's restaurant.



Not only did Ila meet friends from Florida, she also met our friends Ben & Sonya for a lunch date. The couple was up from Va Beach enjoying a day in the city. Ila slept through the whole meal but awoke to cry through the pictures.

One Month Old!

One month old and swingin' away!

What did Grandpa Dye wish for on his birthday? Nothing other than another visit with his stunning granddaughter! He & Grandma Dye came up for the weekend just to hold Ila in their arms. They said they came to see us too but we know who the star of this family is now!Together, we explored the Valley of Swings and all the toy shops in the neighborhood. After all, Grandpa Dye needs inspiration for all of the woodworking projects he has already promised to Ila. Not only did Jerry have a birthday over the weekend but Ila turned 1 month old! She is starting to coo, smile and discover the world around her. It is truly a joy to see her grow.



You saw from the last post that Ila was a starfish for Halloween. Her adorable outfit was knitted by our cousin, Chelsea Dill. We took Ila to the Cobble Hill Halloween parade of kids in costumes and walked the neighborhood with her looking at all the great get-ups. We couldn't have dreamed of a better neighborhood for kids! There must have been a thousand trick or treaters roaming these blocks and all in fabulous costumes. Among our favorites was the family of MTA subway cars; the tiny monkey on his papa monkey's shoulders with a fresh banana; and the bee keeper, flower & tiny bumble bee family. We have to start planning our theme for next year.

In other news this week: Mary & Ila attended their first "new mom and baby group" in the neighborhood. They are meeting nice friends and hearing many great stories of life with a baby and tales of unwanted and unsolicited advice from strangers. Ila keeps loving her baths and we love to take pictures of her bathing. Here is one for you to enjoy!



Mary ventured into Manhattan for the first time in over a month to give her annual lecture to fashion business students. Meanwhile, Chris got to stay home with his baby. It was Mary's first time away from Ila and her first time on the subway without a preggo belly. Luckily it was not rush hour and she easily got a seat. In the month that she has been out of the field little has changed. Students still binge on dry cereal, place their faith in acai berries and believe that carbs will kill them. There is plenty of work yet to be done once she reluctantly returns.

Ila met our friend and fellow Tarheel, Sonya, who was in NYC on business from Ithica. We ordered pizza, heard about Sonya's long day on a farm for a pasture to table lamb roast and how she cooked the offal (pretty much everything but the eyeballs, though she has been known to make them into a mean curry) while she got all of her breastfeeding questions answered. Sonya designs nutrition programs including those to support breastfeeding families. So, all questions were more than welcome as Mary & Ila hope their input will shape future initiatives.



This week also included a book club night at our place where Ila got to meet several of our good friends. Ben was more than delighted to hold her while his FIANCE (so excited to put that in writing!) Erin opted for gazing at the little one.



Robbie & Robbie (yes, they are both named Robbie and get this - both of their last names start with P! It's really too perfect) delighted in Ila's company and she seemed to love them too! Ila is proving to be a great addition to the book club. After all there is yet to be a book that we all attempt to read or finish anyway!



One discovery that has been made this week is that whenever Chris changes Ila's diaper she never returns with her pants. If she was wearing a onsie or footie suit all buttons below the belly are left undone. It's become pretty comical but she might be getting too cold. It seems that Jamie had the solution even before we knew there would be an issue. Baby legs! These really are the greatest invention. It's a full leg warmer that fits nice and snug from the end of the diaper to the ankle. Perhaps they were invented by a dad like Chris who could not deal with pants and snaps? More likely it was by a mom who shakes her head in frustration every time she has to go and cover her babies bottom half! Either way we are loving the Baby Legs! Her she is modeling a pair:

Happy Halloween!

Our little Starfish.
Outfit provided by our cousins, the Dill's – knitted by Chelsea


This was from a recent visit from Matt, Lindsey and baby Georgia.
Regardless of the whole "burnin' a whole in my heart" incident, I think Ila and Georgia will be good friends.

Swings, Strolls, Surf spots and Special Guests

How in the world is Ila already 3 weeks old? Time is flying - except at night when it seems to drag on for days now that she is in the cry all night phase - which all of you assure us will pass. Hope you're right. One thing we know for sure: Ila has a great set of strong, healthy lungs. She is also able to say the word "Mom". Early, we know! Actually she clearly shouts "MMMooouumm!" when her crying has really taken off. She may not actually be calling for Mary, but it does give us a nice bit of humor in the wee hours when we are nearing the ends of our ropes. Speaking of those fraying ropes, Tuesday night when the lack of sleep was testing our limits we found ourselves online ordering the huge Fisher Price infant swing that we swore we'd avoid. Next day shipping? Hell yes! Chris, a.k.a Mr. anti-plastic baby stuff, placed the order. Needless to say we had very high hops for the swing. To our delight it is doing the trick most of the time. It is proving to be the best baby purchase yet.



The nights are one story but in the day she is quite the spectacular little baby. Last weekend we spent our days taking long strolls around Brooklyn.



We explored the new Brooklyn Bridge Park which is full of the coolest playgrounds we have ever seen! "The Valley of Swings" and "Slide Mountain" among others. We are so excited to take Ila there in the spring when she can hold her head up and play!



This past week was Mary and Ila's first week home together with no family in town during the day. You might be wondering what this duo has been up to. Mornings are spent by Ila eating while Mary cooks vicariously through Food Network chefs. Afternoons are spent taking long walks around the neighborhood to such destinations as Macy's and Union Market, strolling the shops on Montague street, dreaming of buying a brownstone in Brooklyn Heights and gazing at beautiful handmade baby dresses at the Brooklyn's Women's Guild. These two are going to make great shopping partners, especially when Ila stops crapping her pants and screaming like a banchee whenever Mary is trying is trying to make a purchase. Needless to say, she is getting good at feeding and changing in dressing rooms, restaurants and parks.



Since cooking is proving quite a challenge with an infant in the mix we have some wonderful friends who have formed a meal train bringing us delicious food and spending time getting to know the baby. First to come was Aimee with great food from our favorite Italian neighborhood spot. We were so delirious from lack of sleep that we forgot to pull out the camera. We promise to post Aimee at a later date. Next was Mike & Joanna with an incredible roasted chicken in tow. We know they were quite pleased with Ila but hope that Mike won't make Joanna move away to the 'burbs to start a family too soon! We need her in the city!



Mid-week we had a very special visitor - Lucy the doula! After an hour of recapping the birth Ila was over it and would not make a pleasant face for the camera. We know she loved seeing Lucy and we did too! We hope that Lucy will always be a part of Ila's life.



The next visitors were our longtime friends Cory & Emily. Emily was shaking with excitement to meet Ila when she arrived! They brought us an exceptional lobster macaroni and cheese and our favorite Jersey Shore ice cream.



Today we were visited by Matt, Lindsay & baby Georgia who brought a meal of meatballs, sauce and fresh salad. Ila was in a fussy mood but we know she and Georgia will grow to be quite a cute pair together!





On Saturday we rented a zip-car and took a day trip to Rockaway beach to check out the surf spots and give Ila her first glimpse at the Atlantic Ocean. She fell sound asleep as soon as we approached the boardwalk likely because she listens to the sound of the ocean through her Dozy Dolphin each night. She's learning young that nothing is better than a good nap on the beach!



We didn't envision Rockaway to be a picturesque beach - and that it was not. It was more like a trip to a coastal version of war-torn Russia. Guess that's why the town offers free ocean front parking? Our family enjoyed the excursion none the less.

More Grandparents to meet!

In preparation for her next set of visitors, Ila had another sink bath. We love them because it's a chance to put her in a hooded towel!



Pop and Candie came to New York to meet Ila this week. They are completely in love with grandchild number 6! After several hours of "She's so cute & tiny!" and holding objects up to her to compare sizes (apples larger than her butt, remote controls to measure height, mini cabbages larger than her head - you get the picture) we took a long stroll around the neighborhood. They cooked us many yummy foods and attended Ila's second well baby appointment where she checked in at 7 pounds even.





Pop and Candie also took Ila to her first museum, the "NYC Transit Museum" - sure to be one of her cousin Eli's favorite places.



They were also in town for Ila's 2 week birthday. We just can't believe we have been blessed with this sweet little person for 2 whole weeks! Pop baked an apple pie with her name on top to celebrate the occasion.



Now Ila has met all of her grandparents and seems quite please with each of them. She is so lucky to have six wonderful, diverse and loving grandparents in her life.