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We returned from beautiful Turkey a couple of days ago and I am trying to catch up now. We had a good time and it was wonderful to see my family and spend time with my nephews.

Overseas travel makes me appreciate what we have in New York City.

We are officially off.. back on July 25^th. Photo courtesy of our hotel.

We saw our favorite twins this weekend, Ella and Sophia. While Julia is visiting her family in Poland, Eric is holding down the fort. We spent about an hour at the Central Park Zoo and then went to the Billy Johnson playground nearby. The weather was perfect and we all had a wonderful time. Two weeks until we jet off to Turkey!

From our last trip to the Dominican Republic…

Adam had a great birthday party today. Thanks to all our friends for coming and celebrating with us.

We have the best friends ever. A couple of weeks ago they invited us to their home in Long Island and it was so much fun. We grilled and chilled by the pool. Our preschool boys were brave because the water was still cold, but nothing would stop them from splashing and swimming. It was a great day. We really enjoyed getting out of Manhattan and spending the day in the ‘burbs.

This year we are celebrating Adam’s birthday twice. The first time was with his school buddies and tomorrow we are getting together with our friends. It reminds me of my Mom and the story about her birth certificate. My grandparents were quite busy when she was born. My grandfather was in the military and was getting ready to be deployed to start his long years of military service. My grandmother was to follow him shortly thereafter and because they were so busy they didn’t get a chance to get a copy of my mother’s birth certificate until well after her birth. So, we think she may have been born on January 7th even though the actual certificate was issued on January 21st. Hence we celebrate both dates.

Adam actually might beat this record this year. We will be celebrating his birthday and many other birthdays in July when we finally fly to Antalya, Turkey to see my family and spend ten days soaking up the sunshine and enjoying the warm Mediterranean Sea. We can’t wait!

Each year we have a tradition to take a photo of Adam at 6:54am, the exact time he was born. He is three years old today and we love him more and more every day.

Here he is at 3 hours, one year, two years and a photo taken this morning!

My son keeps saying that he wants to be a firefighter when he grows up - and here he is in his “uniform.”

Today is Mother’s Day. I want to say thank you to my Mom, who is far away, but is always in my heart.  Of course I can’t forget my husband and Adam who make me the happiest woman on this planet every day.

Despite the weather predictions, yesterday turned out to be a beautiful day. We went downtown to check out the Tribeca Film Festival fair. It was raining when we got there. We meandered a bit until Adam found a beautiful playground. We spent nearly four hours there and were able to leave only after promising to our son that we would go to the Museum of Natural History. It felt wonderful to be out all day and enjoy spring.

I love my son’s real smiles, it is such a joy to hear him laughing.

Most of the time he graces me with this expression.

My culinary exploration continues…

Recently we had a play date with Adam’s classmate. This lovely family is from France and within minutes of entering their beautiful home,  we were transformed.  Ever since my visit to Paris, I yearned to go back. It was love at first sight, the same way I fell in love with my wonderful husband. Fond memories rushed back: strolls through quiet cobble streets, intimate setting of sidewalk cafes, art galleries, and Parisians with their fashion sense and flair.  It is there that I spent countless hours watching people while enjoying espresso and mouth-watering pastries. Our friend, with her home made chocolate cake and delicious espresso, brought me back to her wonderful country, even if for a short while.

Inspired by and following her recipe, I made this chocolate cake. It is only a matter of years before we head back again to enjoy Paris at its best.