Christmas Village in the Gables...

 ...Giraldo family in front of City Hall

Mommy's little Eskimo!  Lucas and I visited the Christmas Village a couple of times per week during the time it is open for the holidays.  There are treats, play area, picture with Santa Claus and even a show with Santa!  Lots of fun. :-)

Besos for the sweet beeear!  Lucas has a special affection for bears, especially his blue bear lovey that has been with him in his crib since before he was aware of its presence.

Family shot that we used for the Gables Neighbors holiday cards this year. 

Thomas the Train at Barnes and Nobles...

...Lucas learns to share the trains and even started a chain reaction of goodness when he shared a train with another child and caused the "bully" of the group to also extend a train in friendship. :-)

Second Annual Christmas Tree Decorating party...

...I decided that I will do this every year as it was such a hit last year!  We decorate the tree and each child brings a present for a "Secret Santa"

Christmas in New York...

...love from Uncle Derek.

 

opening presents with Grandpa.

 

in front of the Christmas tree.

Waiting for St. Nick...

Snow Day at Pineview Preschool...

...a mountain of snow was created for the children to enjoy - in 80 degree weather! ;-)

Ready to conquer the slope...

 

...not quite convinced!

Lukey learns to brush his teeth...

....by himself!  Although most nights entail pinning Lucas down as if he were criminal while he screams and yelps as if we are torturing him!  Chiara told me that it took Sofia a week of being "pinned down" to accept the process.  It took Lucas six months!!

Thanksgiving celebration at Pineview Preschool...

...this little Indian looooves the feast that the Pilgrims have served for lunch!  His favorite was the cranberries.

Fun with Grandpa...

...wheeling around!

  

fun times on the swing going higher and HIGHER!

Bathtime fun at Gramma and Grandpa's house...

...Lucas has always loved bath time and learned all of his ABCs while splashing around!

Newest proud owner of real estate in Coral Gables...

...Lucas has his own house!  Lucas loves ringing the doorbell and sitting in his chair inside to make phone calls with his play phone. :-)  I love the fact that Mama and Papa fit in it too!

Ring, RING!

Lucas resembles his Uncle Derek as a baby...

...so much so that I have actually called Lucas, Derek on several occasions.  These school pictures are hanging up on my Grandmother's fridge.  Derek is probably in kindergarten here and Lucas is in his first year of preschool.

Halloween fun on Miracle Mile and Pineview Preschool...

...Halloween was, and still is, one of my favorite holidays - so excited to be sharing it with my adorable son!

Mastering the art of walking while in Nicaragua...

"I can do this..............."

Hands outstretched for balance.

"enough with the paparazzi already!"

focus on Papa!

First international flight to Nicaragua...

 

...Lucas snuggled in with his little monkey and actually slept for a good portion of the flight!

Enjoying the infinity pool with Mama, Gramma and Grandpa!

First fishing adventure with Grandpa.

"The sand feels good on my toes."

Star gazing with Grandpa!

"Bathing in a big blue tub is FUN!"

Hand, foot and mouth disease...

...looks a lot like chicken pox when it first starts manifesting!  Good news is that it only lasted about three days total - although we kept Lukey out of school for an entire week. Since Lucas started school it seems that he is sick way more often than he is healthy....between coughing, and MORE coughing and the very occasional fever...and green buggers....and now THIS! 

BAD NEWS is that Mama caught it as well!! Apparently it is very rare for anyone over the age of five to catch this disease as most people were already exposed...and then there was me!  I couldn't walk for most of a day because the pox on my feet hurt so badly.  Thank god it was only on my hands and feet so that it wasn't glaringly obvious.  The school sent out a letter right away alerting all the parents of the outbreak. 

Lukey takes his first steps...

...with Papa holding his hands.  Lucas starts walking unaided at fourteen and a half months. :-)

Lukey gets tested by Gramma!

First haircut...

...at a shop called Kidz Kuts in Kendall that specializes in little tikes!  It is set up with cars to sit in instead of chairs, movies and toys.  I can't say that Lucas loved it, but he wasn't upset by it either.  I saved his hair and received a little certificate. :-)

Lots of toys to play with!  Not a big fan of movies as he never watches TV at home.

 

The barber said that this was the first time ever that a child FELL ASLEEP as they were getting their haircut. ;-)

No more curls in the back... :-(  Little did I know that they never come back!

First day of Preschool...

...at Pineview Preschool with his teacher Ms. Lidia.  He attends Monday through Friday and can arrive as early as 7am, although he usually arrives at 9ish, and stays for half a day until 12 noon.  When I go to pick him up he is usually sitting waiting patiently at the table with his friend Mia while the others are sleeping. 

...every day Lukey needs to bring two sippy cups - one for water and another for milk.  I also bring lunch and a snack for him, although he can be part of the meal program.

Lukey's new little friends - Oly, Mia, Dani, Leonora!

 

School project with pictures of Lucas' friends and family to show him we are close by..

Loves nibbling on fresh tomatoes...

...from Grandpa's garden!  Lucas developed a rash after eating it which he outgrew as he got older.  Lucas also loves avocado and all kinds of fruits!