Jump Jump Jump

I've been stranded on land due to the vacances scolaires in France, there's always something!, but Mommy's keeping me active (aka out of her hair while she attends to the needs of her client and the house) by introduciing me to a bouncy chair which was kindly offered by our friend Jen. I am lovin' it, at first I was afraid I was petrified not knowing if this chair would actually hold me but now I'm turning about and bouncing up and down and having the time of my life. So much for the pool I'm now convinced that the bouncy chair is where it's at. And if mom can ever figure out how to upload the video you'll see for yourselves what a star I am.

Here's to all of you who could use a bouncy chair and a smile...

Bebe Nageur

Basically mom's already gearing me to overtake Michael Phelp's record... as we're off to bebe nageur class this weekend. A moment of pure bonheur in the pool with mom and dad. Effectively we babies are quite adept in water so this will be easy as pie. And in light of this latest adventure, one must gear up with the appropriate water wear which means a baby bathingsuit and as there is a high probability that I will pee in the pool, there are specific water adapted diapers made for this type of torture, did I say that??? What I really meant to say is that my mother is assuring that my motor skills are on par with all the other flailing infants that will be joining me on Saturday for a little H20 (up the nose).

But back to my point, my mom has searched high and low in the department stores for these famous diapers and no go, but on the Internet where you can find everything your little heart desires she indeed found the perfect pair - complete in color, wait for it..... BRAZILIAN!!!!....I'm going to be breaking some hearts in my multi colored wonders.... will add photos once they arrive.

California Dreamin'

Arrival at SFO was an emotional one with my grandfather waiting for us, as we exited the passenger zone and entered into the light we noticed a few tears welling up in his eyes. Little did he know how excited I was to see him! Looking up to see my mom, she too was unable to hold back the tears that she knew would well in light of this extraordinary encounter. We headed out to the car, as we had a little drive ahead of us, and grandad commented in a joiking way that he saw for the first time someone else with our heinously bright green luggage....only to have minutes later a phone call on my father's cell from my mother that some girl had called the house in a panic that we had her luggage. And sure enough we did, or should I say she mistakenly took ours. What a surprise she would have had as most the luggage was dedicated to my wardrobe and blankets and formula (just in case) and other key items that my parents brought in from Paris to ensure my wellbeing.

We eventually made it home to Sacramento where we were greeted by my very enthusiastic grandmother who took me immediately out of mom's arms to coo and to kiss me ALL OVER. All this attention will never get old, never!

It seems that I've arrived in Nirvana for the days that have passed I've been cuddled, kissed, coo'd, rubbed, warmed, hugged, walked, read to, told stories, shuttled, wined and dined, cared for, shuttled in Swedish autos all around town all by my lovely family which only keeps growing - and the accents keep changing which makes it a tad difficult to figure out what they are trying to say, but they all have big smiles when I laugh and even bigger smiles when I cry as they are trying to get me to mimick them - silly people don't they know that crying is part of my charm.

Highlights from my trip:
- Meeting my grandfather and grandmother and seeing my Auntie again
- Being held by my grandfather, grandmother and Auntie
- Being tickled and talked to by grandfather, grandmother and Auntie
- Sleeping in my mother's baby bed (the one she slept in at my age)
- Discovering the garden thanks to some sunny California days
- Walks with mom and Grandfather
- Shopping with mom and grandmother
- Smiling at my Auntie
- Long discussions with my grandmother
- Meeting mom's friends
- Our night out at the Starlight room in SF and dinner at the Burger Bar
- Receiving beautiful gifts from friends and family (espeically my cow from Auntie Marie)
- And last but not least, bringing a smile to the faces of the people that love me most.





Only three months and I've already travelled to 2 continents and 2 capital cities, not bad for a young lad...in about a month I'm headed to London and then to Prague to meet more of the family with the big smiles.

My first laugh...

Today Daddy and Mommy's heart melted as I laughed and laughed (Smile plus sound +Laugh). It all started out while sitting on Daddy's lap in the position we often refer to as the CaCa position - needless to say it's my favorite position from which I can see right into Daddy's and Mommy's eyes and feel relaxed enough to a) go to the toilet in my diapers or b) enjoy a round of smiles with my parents while they make silly noises at me. Daddy's noises sound a bit different than mommy's - Brazilian Portugese and French and then Mommy offers a little American English and French...I suppose they are hoping that one of these days I'll be able to figure it all out and respond accordingly. I suppose with my three passports it's the least I can do. I've included a video for you to enjoy! This is dedicated to my family in Brazil, France, United States and the Czech Republic - as it's my universal way of communicating to you that I'm having a great time!

Two Months old and a day

Yesterday January 20th, I celebrated my 2nd month here on earth. It's been grand, mom and dad dote on me daily. I have my good days and my bad days. I'm slowly growing out of my onesies and PJs every week which is truly freaking mommy out and she can't believe how fast I'm growing and on top of it every time she puts aside the outgrown clothes - they happen to mysteriously find there way back into the drawer. Is it Daddy? Or is mom suffering from anal retentive short term memory syndrome - everything in it's place and if it's sitting outside we must put in back in ... even if we left it outside for a reason!!!

Dad thinks I'm going through baby puberty - he keeps telling mommy that my voice is changing - could be, I can't really tell all I know is that I currently laugh and smile in silence and although every once in a while a gurgle will accompany a laugh or smile which floats mommy's boat to no end. Mommy and I spend LOTS of time together. She feeds me, changes me and puts me to sleep in her arms. Daddy is working alot these days which he loves but every free minute he has he's all mine and I'm all his. He can't get enough of me and I can't blame him because I'm cute.

I have yet to learn certain manners, like no passing gas while at the dinner table or in the arms of my parent's friends.. but I'm small it just sneaks up on me what can I do...and if I stare up with my big grey blue eyes I'm usually forgiven.

I've had a number of visitors to the house in the past few weeks, including Dominique and her daughter Laetitia (Dominique grew up around the corner from my Grandmere Anne-Louise, and Laetitia came to stay with mommy and her family when she was young), Sylvain and Virginie (mommy's cousin and his girfriend) took care of me while Mom and Dad went out - I fell asleep on Sylvain which was sooo fun as there was so much space to spread out on. I love having visitors and I hope that I'll be able to meet all of mommy and daddy's friends and family in the next few months. So come on over! I'm waiting.....

The Haricot Vert Variety

It seems that no matter how hard we try to plumpen up our little Lucas he remains very long and very thin...I like to think of him as my haricot vert baby. In comparison to the other babies I meet (and god knows mother's compare) who are more of the sugar plum variety round and rosy, Lucas' features are almost doll like and although he continues to gain the 20g/day as required and seems to replenish his diapers with that and more - I am always wondering is he eating enough?

That being said his structure leads our minds to wonder about what he will become and we imagine him having hands of a pianist, long and lean, which will deliver sultry sounds into the air, as we're all about Jazz and Bossa Nova in this house with a touch of classical to lull him to sleep during the day...Speaking of music, Papa bear Cleber loves to sing to his little one, and its heartwarming to hear him as Lucas just stares intently up at him wondering what on earth he's saying as we have three languages in the house. I try to sing, but tend to avoid singing when anyone else is around as I know my son will love me no matter and frankly I'm having to make songs up as I've forgotten all the songs I should be singing. My dad tended to sing to me in Czech and alas I wouldn't have the slightest clue as to where to begin. Must get lullabye CD in the states in order to replenish my song repetoire.

Actually grandpa Jan will indeed have the chance to sing in Czech as we're headed to the US for three weeks to visit with the Radimsky's and hopefully catch up with some old and dear friends.

We've added a few fun photos of our little guy, including one with James Wecker, my dear friend from LA who used to live in Paris. It was very fashion photo shoot as they were just too handsome for words and their outfits were quite complimentary.

We wish everyone well for the New Year....

Cheers,

Lucie-Anne and Cleber

My Faces

My parents have the chance to view my "faces" on a daily basis, I've put together a few of my favorites in the hope that they bring you happy faces....

Lucas' First Christmas in Burgundy, France

This year was quite special as we had an extra special invitation to join our friend Cynthia at her beautiful mill in Burgundy. We left Thursday morning with Marie, my sister in tow and god love her carrying my feeding cushion formerly known as "My Brest Friend" and the best thing that ever happened to breast feeding. We boarded the train and set ourselves up for the 3 hour ride...and lucy for us there was a darling baby sleeping all the way through. Love this child!!!

We arrived and the limo Passat arrived with Cynthia at the wheel to carry us to our magical mill where we would be spending the next 2 days. We settled in and proceeded to dine on magnificent local fare including gougeres (the ultimate cheesepuff, and specialty of the region) chapon (a castrated chicken), chestnuts, cheese, fabulous Burgundy wines, etc. It would have made Gourmet proud, may that magazine rest in peace...We watched a White Christmas, we laugh, we cried.

Opening presents on Christmas was a joy, we decided upon sticking stuffers for everyone so we each took turns opening up our gifst one by one and of course Cynthia added a few extra surprises for both Lucas and I. We sat by the fire reading and Cleber and Marie took a walk in the dewey countryside in the winter sun - only to come back with Mickey (Cynthia's Corgie) covered in "excrement". But apparently, according to Cleber, "Mickey looked like he was having the time of this life rolling about on the ground..." Needless to say Mickey was sent off to the bath. Christmas dinner we were joined by Pierre and Anne, a lovely couple and fellow Burgundians, who lived in another mill not far away. The topics numerous, the dinner sublime (prepared by Christian), the decor warm and festive and the company devine.

It was a magnificent Christmas, and although my parents weren't able to join us ut was as close to perfect as I've ever come.

Thanks Cynthia for your gracious hospitality and your invitation to join you in your beautiful home. I hope to return the favor someday ( meaning an invitation to large and stunning property owned by yours truly).

Happy holidays to all of you!

Lucie-Anne, Cleber and Lucas

Astro Boy - Is He or Isn't He

You had to have been there.... I was not but here's the background. Cleber asked my sister what she thought Lucas would grow up to be one day. My sister not having a response at that moment - besides a sacrastic comment about if he is still sleeping like he does in another 20 years that he's going to have difficulties holding down a job, or something to that nature....Cleber as well did not have a response although his astrological sign and Saint's Day all point to him being in the medical field. That afternoon, Marie and Cleber headed to the Carousel du Louvre to do a little shopping as well to enjoy the lights of Paris and apparently a bus drove by with an ad for ASTRO BOY a new animated film coming to theatre's near you. It seems that Astro Boy and Lucas have something in common as they love to lead with their fists and thus our little Lucas has been renamed Astro Boy. We even have the picture to prove it... =)

Tante Marie-Louise

Our first visitor from the Family arrived on December 14th. It's been wonderful having an extra set of hands to hold and to feed him. It's so very sweet to see Lucas and his Aunt together as this is his first enounter with the family. It's a little surreal for me to watch the two of them together. Lucas is so calm in her arms, she will make a terrific aunt - and Lucas will enjoy many hours of her scarcasm and her crazy laugh for years to come...