It’s A Bird…It’s A Plane…It’s Super Daddy!

As seen in New York Family Magazine: http://www.newyorkfamily.com/its-a-bird-its-a-plane-its-super-daddy/

Our resident toddler reflects on the many reasons she loves her dad

Dream: It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s … Super Daddy! It’s Father’s Day, and I am flying through the sky with my daddy. He is wearing his superhero uniform (which is already stained from playing with me) and I am his little sidekick. As we fly, he holds me up with only his pinky finger. Whee! Together, we can do anything!

Reality: Daddy is the most fun person in the world. He comes up with the best games and is always inventive, wild, and crazy. From the early baby days when he would carry me around in one arm and the puppy in the other, he has always known how to make me giggle. Daddy is so strong that he can throw me high in the sky and still catch me: I fly just like a birdie! He twists and twirls me and makes me giggle so hard it hurts. Daddy also bounces me better than anyone–even my ride-on zebra. And Daddy can hut, hut, hike me up like a football or spin me around upside down. Yahoo! Daddy always has terrific tricks up his sleeves that even he didn’t know he could think of.

When the week day is winding down and I hear the door open, I immediately drop everything (literally) and run to greet Daddy. I scream, “Daddy, Daddy!” with my most enthusiastic soprano voice and run directly into his arms for a big, daddy hug. Now I need to figure out how to top this sensational display of affection on this special day coming up called Father’s Day (I wonder why they don’t just call it Daddy’s Day?).

To get ready for the big day, I practice with my baby doll. Usually, when I am with Mommy, I feed baby some food, share my milk, get her dressed, comb her hair, and give her play time and a bath. But with Daddy, baby likes to roughhouse. So I throw baby up in the air again and again (I only drop her a couple of times–not bad for a beginner!). Next, I feed her and make her say “Yum, yum!” in a pirate voice. Then, right after she eats, I spin her as fast as I can until we both fall down!

My energy level is so high and so is baby’s. Mommy says to calm down, so I do what Daddy would do and run and snatch baby up for a great big hug and just as our arms embrace she flies up into the air. Baby is having the best time! I pull her in for another hug and a kiss right on top of her head–her favorite spot. Daddy always knows just the right spot to kiss and hug and tickle. Daddy does things different than Mommy and I love that about him.

Daddy reads me books in hilarious voices (you should hear his Fluffy voice), makes napkins resemble pouring rain at restaurants when I get bored, tells me funny stories based on our favorite books (like A Bad Case of Stripes), bounces balls over my entire body… the list goes on and on! And when we are not wearing our silly pants, Daddy is the best person for me to cuddle with (and sometimes even fall asleep on) after our adventures. Daddy wouldn’t tell you, but he is a big mush. I had him wrapped around my finger from the moment I was born when I grasped his pinky with my newborn reflex. Even then, I knew a good thing when I saw it–I knew to hold on tight to Daddy and never let him go.

Father’s Day will be extra special this year since I can take Daddy out to eat and actually share his meal (his food always tastes better even when he says it’s the same). I will do all the fun things he likes to do (after the mostly successful practice rounds with my baby doll). It’s going to be an incredible day and I cannot wait to honor and love my daddy. We should all give our daddies a great big daddy hug and sweet baby kiss on Father’s Day. And I will tell Mommy to let Daddy throw me up in the air higher than ever!

Guess Who Turned One?

As Seen in New York Family Magazine: http://www.newyorkfamily.com/guess-who-turned-one/

Happy birthday to you,
Happy birthday to you,
Happy first birthday dear Elle Belle,
Happy birthday to you!

What I dreamed for my birthday: Today is no ordinary day. I wake up and Mommy and Daddy are right there beside my crib, singing “Happy Birthday” to me. I am immediately showered with lots of big hugs and kisses and then sandwiched in one big squeeze. Mommy makes some sick joke about reenacting my birth but then does a one-eighty, getting all sentimental on me and telling me how I am the best thing that ever happened to her and she cannot believe that her little cupcake is one year old already.

Wow. I cannot believe that I am one year old. It has been the most amazing year. I will have to save my reflections and newfound wisdom for another column, but let’s just say that I came into this world as a newbie and now I am full of sage advice. Today’s bit of wisdom: every day should be your birthday.

After songs and hugs, the magic continued with Mommy reading me a new book, “Where Is Baby’s Birthday Cake?” It is my favorite type–the lift-the-flap kind–and this one was extra-special because it was shiny and sparkly. Then Daddy made me something new for breakfast called an omelet. It’s the most fantastic take on eggs ever. And I got a side of turkey bacon. Now I totally get the T-shirts I see people wearing that say, “Everything tastes better with bacon.”

With my tummy full of yummy, I went down for my morning nap. When I woke up, it was like a page out of a story book, but even better. The entire ceiling above my crib was filled with pink and purple balloons. I was so happy that I produced these high-pitched squeals I didn’t even know I was capable of making. I hardly noticed my whole family was there: Mommy, Daddy, grandmas, grandpas, aunts, uncles, cousins, and my best friend, my puppy!

After getting smothered in wet, grown-up kisses, Mommy dressed me in an extraordinary pink birthday dress that my auntie gave me complete with a tutu, matching socks, and my signature hair bow. Then, we got bundled up and headed to one of my favorite places–Kidville!

In true baby celebrity style, there was a whole crew there to greet us upon arrival. I am not sure who leaked it was my birthday, but there were paparazzi cameras flashing from every angle. I tried not to let it phase me. Not that I had time to: when we got off the elevator, the whole third floor was reserved just for me! And guess what? There were more balloons! Plus, a birthday banner, special treats, and all my BFFs. We played in the welcome room and got to make animal masks and then went into the gym—my favorite part.

The gym is a mecca for us little ones. There are oodles of fun things from bouncy balls to trampolines. I did my thing–climbing in tunnels, playing under the giant parachute, and dominating bubble time, of course! At one point, I wanted to swing some more in one of the swings but my friend wouldn’t get out. I cried, “It’s my party and I’ll swing if I want to!” as loud as I could. Still, no swing shift change! But after I started kicking my feet and slamming my hands, his Mommy got the hint and let the birthday girl back in. Sometimes my subtleties are not lost on adults.

Then, it was lunchtime and I assumed my throne at the head of the table. Mommy pimped my high chair with a ginormous cupcake balloon. Rock on! She also tried to bedazzle me with a special birthday hat and a super-size “First Birthday” bib but the hat looked silly and I do not need a bib, so I did my best to pull them off.

The show stealer was the cupcakes–custom made for everyone with glitter (yes, glitter!) frosting in my favorite shade of pink and topped off with a one-of-a-kind cupcake topper—a photo of yours truly (pictured)! Nice touch, Mommy.

But that was not all. Mommy also made me a giant birthday cupcake to match my balloon. I could not believe it was all for me. But it was. (I knew it because no one went near my cupcake!)
Once the singing ended, I claimed my cupcake by going into it head first and licking off as much frosting as possible. I savored each bite, which was fabulous, by the way. It tasted like bananas on steroids. Phenomenal baking, Mommy! Two enthusiastic thumbs up. This cupcake loves cupcakes!
When we got home, the party continued with a pile of presents. There were so many pretty bags with glitter and princesses and animals–it was off the charts. I figured out quickly how to twirl ribbons, fluff crinkle tissue paper, and pull the presents out of the bags–but the wrapping paper was tricky. I had some practice at Christmas and used my nails to rip through some presents, my teeth to unwrap others, and then my puppy was there to help tear into the rest. Honestly, I think the best presents were the boxes the presents came in. I scaled some and climbed into others: it was like a jungle gym.

What really happened: Today, everything I dreamed for my birthday came true! And I had an epiphany: every day is like a birthday because I am so loved all the time. I am the luckiest baby in the universe. And can you believe it? Mommy said that the best present she ever got was one year ago today and that present is me! Happy Birthday to me!

How Baby Elle Belle Spent Her Very First New Year’s Eve

As seen in New York Family magazine: http://www.newyorkfamily.com/how-baby-elle-belle-spent-her-very-first-new-years-eve/

In our family, here’s what the typical dream sequence looks like: It’s my very first New Year’s Eve and a balmy 70 degrees in New York City. Mommy decides to break all the rules and keep me up until midnight. At 11pm we effortlessly hail a cab to Times Square, flying through the traffic-free city streets. We arrive at the square and gasp at the boisterous crowds, but a nice policeman who has a soft spot for babies pushes us to the very front. I rub noses with Ryan Seacrest, countdown with everyone while watching the magical crystal ball drop, and ring in 2013 in style. Happy New Year, everyone!

And here’s the reality: It’s only 3pm but Mommy says it’s time to go celebrate New Year’s Eve. I don’t really understand why this night is so special, but I’m excited to hit the town. Mommy says it’s the last day of 2012—the most special year since I was born in it. And we’re getting dressed to the nines tonight. I am not even one yet so I’m not so sure how I can dress like nine, but I’m rolling with it.

Like a living doll, I wear my winter white dress with balls of snow scattered down the skirt and pretty tights with gold embellished Mary Janes. If I do say so myself, I look like quite the snow princess. As a finishing touch, Mommy puts on my purple fur coat (faux of course!) since it’s a mind-numbing 30 degrees. Here I go! Ready to be the belle of the ball.

I start giggling because I see Daddy take out the Baby Bjorn. Not exactly a limousine, but I’ll make it a stylish ride anyway. Naturally, everyone smiles and says how gorgeous I am as we walk up the street. My eyes glimmer back as I charm them with my flashy four-tooth smile. Let the party begin!

We enter the restaurant and there are balloons everywhere, covering the entire ceiling with strings hanging almost low enough for me to reach. I work very hard to grab them and get so excited that I pee my pants. Please don’t tell anyone? All the cool babies pee their pants anyhow. Feeling lighter and brighter, I’m able to grab myself a bright balloon. Score!

The balloon and I are now inseparable. Next, we arrive at the table and get seated. I take the most special throne perched at the top of the table called the high chair (for her royal highness of course), and I play with my balloon like it’s 1999. I bounce it around, eat the string, and even cuddle with it. Soon, I’m given a special drink with an extra cool flex straw. Mommy already gave me my sippy cup, so now I am double fisting—yea! I drink like a fish but try to pace myself for the long night ahead.

As I look around I notice the other kids wearing hats and tiaras. I reach out to grab the hat off the kiddo next to me. Score! But he starts crying (what a crybaby) and Mommy takes it away from me. So I start crying, too. Before I know it, a grown-up wearing a light up hat (it looks ridiculous on her) gives me two hats to wear. Now this party is getting started.

After digging into a Daddy-sized bowl of pasta, I notice two other big girls dancing and twirling up a storm, so I bounce along with them and everyone starts dancing and smiling like it’s their job. I wish I could dance and twirl like that. That will be one of my New Year’s resolutions!

Pondering my resolutions, I didn’t even see my favorite boyfriend walk in. There he is, looking super handsome in his shirt and bowtie. He waves hello and I smile bashfully in return. Our mommies start chatting and he tries to sneak me a kiss but Daddy sees. Oh goodness. How embarrassing! He had his mouth open so big. Or did he just want some of my pasta? To take away from the attention I start bouncing my balloon and throwing pasta noodles with abandon. This usually does the trick. Everyone looks at me and luckily, they laugh and say what a fun, happy baby I am.

Just as everyone is enjoying my Oscar-worthy performance, another grown-up in a silly hat announces that it’s time to count down to the New Year. I’m just a baby, but even I can tell it’s nowhere close to midnight. I go along with it since everyone else is counting along, but he has it all wrong…the crowd is counting backwards! I don’t even have time to correct them all because suddenly confetti flies everywhere, everyone cheers, and kisses are passed around like pacifiers. Through the confetti, I see Mommy and Daddy kiss, too. Gross! I start to gag but they come at me for a smooch, one on each cheek, and it tickles so I giggle.

Before I know it we’re heading out the door. I wave goodbye to all my new friends better than Miss America on a parade float. Daddy pimps my ride by tying the balloon to the Baby Bjorn and we’re home faster than the ball drops.

What a night of excitement like never before,
With dancing, balloons, and so much more!
And to tell you the truth, I can already tell,
2013 is the year of Baby Elle Belle!

Happy New Year!

Under the Tree

All around the house I go

I hear a loud Ho Ho Ho

I get great presents and toys

Like the good girls and the boys

Some are big; others are small

Bought online or at the mall

Or made up in the North Pole

By Elves on the assembly roll

Some are tall; others are wide

All bigger than me in size
I must have been very good

Since Santa’s here in my hood

Delivering gifts to me here

Most wonderful time of year!