It's Super Bowl Sunday, the chili is ready to go, and Justin's homemade ice cream is in the freezer. We'll head over to the Smiths' to watch the game after Alanna's nap. It's been raining off and on all day. We were able to get in our walk to the bagel store this morning, and Alanna enjoyed jumping in the puddles after lunch. Here is a video of Miss. A puddle jumping:

Here are some other recent pictures:

Alanna set up Justin's music stand to play her accordion

Enjoying a rugelach cookie from NY

Silly face

Sampling Daddy's ice cream

I arrived home last Sunday afternoon from New York. The plane ride home was delayed, but uneventful. Justin and Alanna picked me up in San Francisco. It was so wonderful to see their smiling faces! I had a nice time visiting with Grandma Sylvia. The vascular dementia has definitely led to a decline in her memory and cognitive functioning; however, she seems content, and happy to spend time with family and friends. Her face definitely lit up when Nancy and I arrived at her apartment on Friday. We enjoyed looking at family photos together, dating back to the year of her birth in 1920. That evening we had a family Shabbos (Sabbath) dinner at Aunt Mickey's house. On Saturday, after a nice walk in Riverside park, Nancy and I headed back up to the Bronx to visit Gram. That evening, Nancy and I had dinner with my brother and sister-in-law, Bryan and Carol, who just moved to NY. We had a great time chatting and eating together. I think we spent over 3 hours in the restaurant! On Sunday morning, I packed up and Nance drove me to the airport.

The past week has been full of fun and exciting events. Last week, our friends Susan, Brad, and Dax, welcomed their second son/brother into the world. Rand was born via c-section on Thursday, the 17th. I went to visit Susan in the hospital that evening. She looked amazing, especially considering she had surgery that morning. Alanna and I went to visit them at home today, and they're all doing great. Congratulations to the Smith Family!

On Saturday night, Alanna slept in her "big girl" bed for the first time. We were thrilled that the transition went so smoothly. She has been sleeping through the night all week. Unfortunately, naps have been rocky, but I'm assuming that they will improve with time.

On Sunday, I met my friend Kirsten for lunch and shopping in San Mateo. It was great spending time with her. On Monday after our art class, another Davis friend, Jamie came down to have lunch with Alanna and me. Jamie is expecting her first daughter in April. I was happy to share some of the clothes and shoes that Alanna has outgrown with her, especially since they'll be too feminine for our little guy.

Tonight I'm taking the red-eye to NY to visit Grandma Sylvia. She hasn't been doing well for the past few months (dementia), so I'd like to spend some time with her. It's going to be a quick trip, I'm flying back on Sunday morning. I'll definitely be anxious to see Justin and Alanna.