Mamma Mia!

We are back from New Jersey, I am happy to report. A wonderful time was had by all, but I will confess it was nice to come back home to an absolutely gorgeous streak of early fall weather. Crisp, clear, windows open, great sleeping weather. Eliza is not so thrilled about needing to wear socks - actually, she doesn't think she needs to wear them at all and I am slowly coming around to her way of thinking. She doesn't seem cold and they only interfere with her attempts to walk anyway.

Speaking of - we were hoping that milestone would be achieved while we were east, but it was not to be. We will all have to settle for the arrival of the syllable "ma ma ma," which she now babbles all day long. At first I was very excited, but that excitement has been tempered by comments from Gen and Kerri that prove that just knowing how to make the sound does not translate into labeling the person. I think this is because there isn't anyone to constantly reinforce the label. I spend all day saying "Daddy," whether we're looking at his picture or he himself. Same goes for the cats and for every cow, lion, and penguin we see in the books. I can't really reinforce myself; it doesn't make any sense to her. Yet.

More details about the trip itself will be forthcoming, along with some great pictures, taken by her many admirers. For now, this is one of our faves, from first cousin once removed Ben (that's bread all over her face - she made quick work of a crusty piece at the French bistro where we ate brunch in NYC):