Tavo's New Tricks

Just in the short time we were away in Michigan, Tavo learned so many new things. He began to vocalize more, often conversing with us for minutes at a time. He also can focus more intensely on things, and follows the action going on around him. He is really interested in his feet, and often manages to get both big toes in his mouth at the same time. Tavo is starting to move...he can roll over and also scoot back on his bottom by pushing away with his feet.

We had a great, quick trip to Chicago (Thanks to Karyn and Jill!) before heading back to New Orleans. We played tourists and here we are at the Hancock Center Building, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Chicago.

In Honor of Cecilia Rose

Michigan was a sad trip for us, but Tavo had a great time playing with his cousins and escaping the New Orleans heat. His parents loved putting hats on his bald head and booties on his little feet. (see photo of him with his Aunt Dedra). He enjoyed seeing his grandparents and taking walks around his aunt and uncle's new house. They live off of a dirt road surrounded by trees and across from a beautiful cemetary where Cecilia Rose rests. The services for her were heart-breaking, but at the same time it was heart-warming to see all the support from the family, church and community. It was an honor for Jana to serve as a pall bearer, along with Brad's brother Kevin.

We hope to visit the Birzer family for a happier occasion...and introduce both baby Nino and big Nino to snow!

The Fabulous Four

We had Tavo's friends and their parents over for dinner the other night. Here are Evi, Tiba, Jackson and Tavo. It has been so fun watching all of them grow. Tavo is the youngest of the group (by 4 days), and everyone was impressed at how well he holds his himself up and his head up. He was described as "athletic."

We are sad to share the news that Tavo's cousin (prima hermana) passed away. Cecilia Rose Birzer turned and got the umbulical cord wrapped around her neck and chest. Our hearts are heavy as we travel to Michigan for the funeral. We are sure Tavo's smiles will help cheer up everyone, especially his adoring cousins.

Smiles

We wanted to share with you some of Nino Octavio's beautiful smiles. He is constantly making us laugh and smile ourselves, with his huge smiles and cooing noises. I'm sure you'll smile too, it's contagious!

Diamond FEMA Park, Plaquemines Parish

Nino and I are both working at Diamond and brought Tavo out yesterday to meet the residents (as I was working out there throughout my pregnancy). Nino and his colleagues conducted a hurricane preparedness workshop with the kids. In the photo, you can see the travel trailers behind us...there are 450 in this park and it is still 80% occupied, almost two years after Katrina.

Tavo also met some Diamond folks last week when the summer camp (supported by Save the Children) went on a field trip to the amusement park at City Park in New Orleans. I love this photo!