A vineyard haven

Sorry, this post is SO overdue! We received the news that the Davidson-Rothmans will indeed be jetting over to Paris for a stint while Jeff takes a terrific new job, so things have been a blur! Josie is ON THE MOVE -- crawling, pulling herself to stand, experimenting with standing unsupported. She eats almost everything: mac and cheese, chicken, bread, even a bit of ice cream in Oak Bluffs which she just found much too cold. She has 7.5 teeth, and a new "Social smile", that indicates not merely that she's happy about something, but that she's smiling at you - it's totally hilarious. She says "Ball," "up," and "Da," but "mama" is still a bit slow/questionable.

We had a wonderful vacation in Martha's Vineyard with Gram and Pops, both Jeff and I unplugged from work and played tennis, swam, went to the beach, ate lobsters, read (a bit) and of course watched the Repub convention news with relish. Jeff turned 36 and we celebrated both with a fancy dinner in Edgartown and a lobster dinner at home with everyone. Josie loved spending so much time with Gram and Pops, and it was just a great time. Now, back to work, I'm working through the election writing, and Jeff will start his new job in Paris Oct. 1! Very exciting stuff. LOTS of photos in 2 new galleries!

The Jo Days of August

Josie talks! (first word: ball) Josie crawls! (sort of - more like a scootch) Josie sits up in the crib! (wreaking havoc with naps) And look out Dara Torres - Josie swims!!

Life's a Beach!

So it's been a fun July so far! Started off with a great quick trip to Fire Island - Josie and I solo'd over on the ferry, and spent a great two days with Roger, Jaxi, Manny and Jake. Then it was off to the Berkshires for a fun 4th weekend with Anne, Lew, Hilary and Delila. The weather didn't cooperate much, but we still had a great time.

We held our third annual Summer BBQ (I guess officially Josie's second!) with lots of friends old and new. Josie was quite a trooper and Jeff was as always a terrific grill-master.

Josie has lots of new tricks... repeating sounds, finally boosting up on her knees and scootching backwards, and bouncing thanks to a new jumpy-exersaucer from Jen and Bella. She continues to love Music class, big-girl baths and "swimming" in her little baby pool. She also has a hilarious trick where she pretends to feed us and fakes us out (see video!)

Lots of new pics in the gallery... hope everyone is staying cool!

June boom!

Lots to report this month! Sorry it's been awhile, but it's been a busy June here in the Davidson-Rothman household. We kicked off the month with a great visit with the Roger Rothmans in Lewisburg PA. Sadly, we forgot to take a single photo - but Josie took her first "swim" in the Lewisburg Swim Club baby pool, and less thrilling, her first doody in a swim diaper. Ick. But we had a great time.

The next week Beth (do I always talk about myself in the third person? That's annoying) was off to Washington, on her first work trip for EMILY's List's Conference. She got to see Madeleine Albright speak, say hello to Sen. Stabby and Gov. Jenny G, and meet lots of the great new candidates. Also got to reune with old friends like Britt, Jeanne, Martha, Karen P., Jen Maranzano, etc. Josie did great with Daddy and her new friend Cynthia. Mommy returned tired but very fired up about the election and excited to see Josie's 2nd tooth right next to the first!

Daddy had his first father's day, with a cool new Ipod player and a BBQ with Anne, Lew, Hilary, Todd, Grandma and the girls. We also got out to dinner with Rosemary and Doug and their friends Sally and Steve at the River Club in Nyack. The following weekend it was off to the Berkshires where Anne and Lew graciously lent us their house for the annual Cornell Boys Reunion. The kids all got along fabulously, Josie took a swim in the big kids pool and learned to CLAP, which was very exciting.

What's new with Josie the Posie? She loves music and while she can't crawl, the girl already has dance moves, including an Elvis Pelvis maneuver, swinging arms, and clapping. She loves Music class and often "sings" loudly and imitates the teacher, especially during her favorite song, "Jumping Josie." She is talking up a storm (no words yet, stay tuned) and is generally a pretty funny kid. Lots of new photos both in Josie 6.23 and The Berks!