Keepin' It Clean

Ezra loves to keep Grandma and Grandpa Laiacona's driveway clean as a whistle while he visits. Now let's see if he's still willing to do this in 10 years...

Visiting the Kings

In August we stopped by Connecticut on our way to Lake George to see our friends Jim and Christi and their family. Ezra was in toddler heaven! Their house is completely childproofed, since they have a little one too, and Christi had brought out many of Thomas's toys from his toddler days. Add to that two fun kids and what's not to love?

Ezra and Daddy

Here are Ezra and Nick in July 2009.

Brushing Teeth

Ezra is slowly learning to brush his teeth, which right now means sucking the toothpaste off the brush. I love this photo because it showcases his beautiful brown eyes.

Driving Lesson

Gift from Venezuela

We knew that Ana would be just right for Ezra when she showed up bearing the gift of wheels! She also gave him a guitar-like instrument which has already lost it's strings. He still "plays" it and sings.

Ana'a Arrival

In July we welcomed our second au pair, Ana from Venezuela. We were able to get to know one another a little bit via e-mail and Skype before she arrived. Ezra loves this first photo because it includes part of a bus! He has also grown very attached to Ana over the past few months. In the morning he sings the Ana song awaiting her appearance downstairs.

Visiting Cousin Sophia in July

This was the first time Ezra and Sophia interacted much while they were with one another. Most of the time they just played side by side, but occasionally they would exchange a toy.

The Day Ezra Discovered Nutella

At The Discovery Museum

Ezra loved this Jeep, as he loves most things with wheels. It has moved on now and another exhibit has taken it's place. We'll always have our memories!

Saying Goodbye to Veronica

Our farewell to Veronica was a tearful one. She returned to Colombia in June after living with us for one year. Since she left we have talked regularly via Skype. She already has a return visit planned in December 2009.

When you read the glossy brochures from the au pair agency they always show families with their au pair and testimonials of just how much they love one another and how they have become members of one family, not two. When Nick and I decided to invite an au pair to stay with us and care for Ezra we hoped for a good experience, but I can't say I ever expected to become one of those families. With Veronica, that is just what happened. She will always be a part of our family, and although we have never even visited Colombia, we now have a home and family there as well.